Last year was supposed to be my last marathon for a while and definitely was my last planned Marine Corps Marathon. Yet, here I sit, days away from running MCM again. While I’m still slightly unclear on how I moved from not wanting to run it to signed up, I know that once I signed up, I had a goal. My goal? To run the race with the mental strength I had last year, but the pace I had on my second marathon.
To say I’m nowhere near that pace would be an understatement. I have no one to blame but myself. And I know I’ll have fun at MCM (and in some ways it will be more fun because I won’t be “racing”), but it’s not going to be the race I would have liked for my final (for now) marathon.
I’d love to go back and start my training over. I’d love to find the mojo that I had last year before I go bronchitis and hurt my hip. Prior to that, I was not as fast as I might have liked, but I was strong and I was well trained. While I’ve run and enjoyed lot of races since then, I feel like my training mojo has never returned. And that’s what’s holding me back from being where I want to be.
I know I can train harder. I’ve done it before. I’ve had some amazing training seasons. I ran two marathons in one weekend and was completely trained for that.
I’ve been totally on track for some of the Mainly Marathons series that I’ve done. I know how to write a training plan and I know how to follow it. Now I just need to find the “want” to do it.
Don’t get me wrong – I WILL have fun at MCM. And I don’t blame anyone but myself for my lack of training. Here’s hoping a fun MCM will help me find that mojo and rebuild the mental strength to train hard.
Because I hear the Heartland Series calling my name and I want to hit a series PR at that one.
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Believe me I totally get this. I’ll be running in similar fashion on 11/5. A marathon “fun run”. Isn’t that an oxymoron?
Marcia recently posted…How to Run Your Best Marathon
It is hard, particularly with marathons, to have “do-overs.” The training always teaches us that lesson, if nothing else!
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Rewinding and Reliving Moments
Maybe it’s just that you need a little breakup with running? Just for a little while. It’s amazing how you miss it when you’re not doing it!
As far as, bleh, I’m never where I want to be!
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy recently posted…The 2 that got away
Maybe running MCM without any real goal other than to have fun will be enough to reignite your passion again. It’s ok to not be in love with running sometimes. You may be a little burned out and need some time to fall back in love again. I hope MCM helps with that!! It’s such an inspiring race!
Jenn @ Run With Sole recently posted…Race Day Do Overs
When the running rut hits, it is really hard to get out of it. I’m sure MCM will do the trick – best of luck this weekend!
Sean recently posted…Tuesday on the Run: Looking Back to Akron
I’ve had a really hard time running lately not sure what it is exactly. If anyone is ready for a marathon I would say it was you! I am doing the MCM 10k hope to see you out there and good luck!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…Spaghetti Squash Mac n Cheese Meatless Monday
I look forward to your recap of MCM. I’ve definitely had some races that I wish I could do-over because of making silly mistakes starting out too fast…but then again I really don’t want to relive those moments, lol! I hope you have a great race!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…Philly Marathon Training Week 12 Recap
I’m sorry your training wasn’t what you hoped it would be, and that your motivation hasn’t been up to par. However, your attitude about the whole thing is fantastic, and I know it’s going to be a great race, regardless. Best of luck to you and have a blast!
Jenn recently posted…tuesdays on the run – getting a do-over
After a marathon, my motivation takes a nose dive for a few weeks. I think it’s my body’s way of protecting itself and healing my body before I ramp up the mileage again. Our body’s are so smart! Hopefully that motivation will return after you’re recovered from the full and itching to go again!
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast recently posted…2016 Goals Check in
I hope you have a great race!
Rachel recently posted…Marine Corps Marathon Training: Week 17
Hopefully running MCM without any time goals will be just what you need. Hope you have a blast!
Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted…Weekly Wrap – Just a little tired
Have a great race and enjoy the moment! I’m so impressed you ran two marathons in one weekend!! You’re a machine!!
Sonia recently posted…NYC Marathon Training Week #18
Good luck this weekend at the race! Having fun is the most important thing!
Lacey@fairytalesandfitness recently posted…How does the day run away?
Any time we get to run is special, no? Here’s to a speedy race!
LaChicaRuns recently posted…Tuesdays on the Run: Second chances
Good luck this weekend, relax and enjoy! We all have those times when we just aren’t “into the training” …this may be just the ticket back to falling in love with training again!
Two in one weekend?! That is a big accomplishment 🙂 I hope you have a wonderful MCM! Training can be so consuming, I understand the “want” part feeling hard. i’m not sure if I will a second one after i get this first one done lol
I really understand where you are on this one. My training for the New York City Marathon did not go as I wanted it to. I ran London in April and really wish I had the training for this marathon that I did then. Like you, I’ll have fun running with my dad in NYC, but it just wasn’t what I hoped for (totally my fault). Looking forward to reading about your experience – I’ve heard MCM is AMAZING!
Lindsay Loves Running recently posted…Sunday Runday: So Wrong It’s Right