Emily's training blog

Rough day. To say I'm disappointed is an understatement. But, I know some weak areas that I can work on.

All I had to do was stay with the pace group. But, I felt fresh and actually pretty amazing, so I started pushing early. A total rookie mistake, and a costly one. I starpushed rowing down low sixes on a rolling course. It cost me big time. I was feeling so great that I thought the gamble was worth it and I was going to pop a big race. Nope. My impatience was quickly punished.

At 7.5 I started getting a little side cramp. A hammer gel and Heed seemed to help. That was the only bottle Iin the first 15 miles that I was able to snag. I took water and Nuun in paper cups, but I could tell that hydration was starting to be an issue.

Mile 12 I started feeling fatigue, but realized that the course got easier in the second half. I pushed through to the half, but was starting to slow. I knew at this point that I had been too agressive. Still, I was under 1:21.

Within the next two miles it all fell apart. My stomach started cramping. My legs were not responding. The pace group caught me around 15. I tried to tuck in, but it was over. I watched helplessly as my goal ran away from me. Completely demoralized and physically hurting, I pushed halfheartedly through two more miles.

I couldn't face plodding slowly to the finish, knowing it was going to feel worse each mile. I called it quits and waited sobbing for the Sag Wagon.

Coulda Shoulda Woulda. Will I ever learn patience early in a race? I struggled fuel and hydration wise, but it was mostly my impatience that cost me.

I realized quickly that St. George Marathon really helps you out, even when you are tired. No such luck on a regular course. I now have complete respect for the marathon. I'm definitely humbled.

Do I think I would have qualified had I stayed tucked in? I don't know. I probably still would have struggled a bit. I think there are still some holes in my training.

Do I want to keep after an OTQ goal? Absolutely. But, I think I needsome longer marathon paced workouts. Ten wasn't enough. The positive is that I have a base to build off of. Plus, it shouldn't take me too long to physically recover. Mentally and emotionally might take a little longer.I was playing with the idea of running a lower key marathon such as Phoenix and just using it to learn the marathon better and practice staying really under control the first half. Thoughts?

Amber and Jen Hughes were amazing running buddies this weekend. It was nice having friends to chase goals with. And I appreciate all the moral support/good vibes from Allie and Jenny. And Rachelle was awesome and came to cheer. She also got to watch me Ugly-cry to my mom on the phone. Awesome!

Persistent, stubborn, or just plain stupid, I'm going to keep after it through 2015.

Dang. :(

PS. I actually have no idea what my abbreviated time was. 1:20:51 through 13.1. I made up the rest.

Taking a bit of a break this week. Plus, I have sick kids. They were nice to wait until after the marathon!

I'm going to write all my thoughts here so I can make some decisions of "What's next?" I absolutely believe I am fit enough to make that OTQ. However, fitness alone doesn't always translate. I need marathon specific training.

I spoke with Paul Pilkington last night ,and I may have him help me out with coaching. I feel like I need someone who can simultaneously rein me in, yet psh me farther . . . if that makes sense. I liked what he was saying about running tempos of 16-18 miles at 12-15 seconds slower than marathon pace to train the body to use its fuel efficiently.

I have been thinking of Grandma's as another shot. Paul suggested I run Chicago. He feels the conditions are more likely to be amenable there. I think weather is always a bit of a crapshoot regardless of where you run. However, I do think that a flat fast course suits my strengths better than a rolling one.

So here's the analysis:

Grandma's:

Pros: It's sooner, which would give me more flexible family time this summer. Plus, I could still have one more shot if it didn't work out. There are usually lots of people going for the OTQ. I would get my own bottles. It's a good course if conditions are good. It's on a Saturday.

Cons: Flying into Duluth is about 800 bucks. It could be hot and humid, which would kill me. Rolling courses don't play to my strengths as much.

Chicago:

Pros: Fast course. It would be easier to train for without worrying about course specific training. I'm a rhythm/track kind of runner. It may suit me better. They give a 2500 dollar time bonus for hitting the standard. I could build mileage and run some shorter spring races. There's lots of races in the summer that can be incorporated into training and provide a little extra money along the way.

Cons: It's expensive. I added up flight, hotel and entry and it was over 1000 dollars. I couldn't use my own bottles. Would I have other OTQ people to pace with? It's on Sunday. Weather might not cooperate. If I didn't get it, that would probably be my last shot.

Then there's other factors. I have to consider my family's sacrifices and my husband's support. It's tough balancing family and trying to get a big running goal. Sometimes I think that chasing this standard is not worth all the investment. But, I'm so close and so capable and this is likely my last competitive Olympic cycle. It's one year of focused training. Then, I would call it good.

So, lots to think about. Thoughts and opinions are appreciated!

Is anyone planning on running Chicago?