Two months from now I’ll be done with the Hansons Marathon Training method. Two months from now I’ll likely be hobbling around the house after the Marine Corps Marathon.
My running plans stop there. I have nothing on the horizon – no half marathons, no trips for a race, no grand scheme to moon up or run a series or find some new level of crazy.
So today, I’m joining Amanda at Running with Spoons and thinking out loud about the rest of my fall. I have options. I just don’t know which one makes sense.
- Work on my Double Agent status. As a member of both Half Fanatics and Marathon Maniacs, I’m already a Double Agent. But like HF and MM, Double Agents have levels. I’m level 7 in HF (Venus) and level 4 in MM (Iridium). I’m at zero in Double Agents, AKA no name. To get to the first level, I jus need two more marathons in November. Richmond has been on my radar for a while. I’m sure I could find one more…
- Run an Ultra. I’m training using the Hansons Marathon Method, which is high mileage, lots of days training. I’m running 6 half marathons in 6 days soon. I’ve already run two marathons in one weekend. Is it time to make the leap to a longer race? (Just for clarification, I won’t be running any of the crazy trail ultras. I’m looking at a timed ultra with a reasonably newbie friendly course and a goal of finishing 30 miles.)
- Both. Ultras count towards your marathon count in Marathon Maniacs. Just sayin’.
- Nothing. Right now this is my favorite option. I am drained. I’m am over this whole training process. I want nothing more than to be done running 6+ miles 6 days a week. Right now, the thought of not running any miles at all in November sounds like the sweetest thing ever.
My training for Marine Corps Marathon is actually going fairly well. I’m managing most of my runs and about half of my runs are my goal pace (when I don’t hit it, it’s because of the heat.) I have one 15 mile done and 3 more 16 milers to do. The kids go back to school soon and the weather will cool off, so things will get easier. I just need to survive the next couple of weeks of burnout.
How’s your fall training going? Are you loving it or ready to be done training and start racing?
Normally, I would say go for the ultra (although, I say go for trails – so much fun and you can walk a TON)! But, with myself experiencing burn out a little right now, I’d say honestly take a break for a bit. I was going to, then I added a bunch of stuff and now I’m regretting it. You can always pick things up later!
I know, I don’t plan to sign up for anything for a while. Need to survive the trip out west first.
I’m so impressed with your double agent status. You’ve got plenty of time to work on levels. You’ve been a racing machine this year and haven’t even completed your other series. If you want to take a little break, do it! It will be well deserved.
If you’re drained, my vote would be to take a break. I always do after races to let myself recharge and sleep in on the weekends.
Lesley recently posted…Thinking Out Loud 8/27
If you had asked me a week ago, I would have given you a thumbs down. I was ready to be done with the whole works. But today I had one of those speedwork sessions that showed me how well my training has been going. I so needed that! Hopefully you’ll have one of those breakthrough runs that will sustain you to the start line(s)!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Ambitious
Some runs are good, some are not. It’s the “ugh, I have to get up and run 6+ miles again today” that’s getting to me.
How about just run without chasing crazy maniac/fanatic goals? (says a Double Agent who is probably going to score level 1 this fall but not entirely sure about it…)
Sometimes less is more and leads to a more relaxed and happy version of “more is more” in the future!
I’m not sure I remember how to do that LOL.
Funny, I have also been thinking about “and after the marathon, then I will…” I don’t have an answer, so can’t provide too much insight. However, based on your history, I’d say an ultra isn’t unreasonable (and damn impressive)…
I already bailed on my fall training (at least the structured part). I’m still tinkering around with stuff and staying active but I couldn’t keep that focus. I say take a physical/mental break, unless you find you’re itching to extend that fitness into an ultra shortly after you recover. Good luck either way!
Kelli recently posted…Fearless! (Or just plain stupid?)
Yeah, I kind of feel like if I’m ever going to do an ultra, I should take advantage of the training I did this summer.
What about the seashore 50K in December…i hear that’s a great one!
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…The Ultimate Post-Run Recovery Fueling: Recipe Roundup
It’s on my maybe list. I’ll have to see if I feel like continuing to train in November.