I’m going to come clean – I’m toying with the idea of running the Richmond Marathon. I know. I’ve professed my love for the half marathon and my, umm, not so much love for the marathon. But, I have to run 21.9 miles for Ragnar. What’s another few miles?
Here’s why I’m still on the fence: running is sucking lately. Not just on hot days. Pretty much every day. My legs have no spring and no speed. I ran a tempo run yesterday and my tempo miles were slower than I used to run an easy pace run. My legs had zero interest in going faster and my breathing was ragged. Just for the record, it was a lovely, very un-Virginia-like, cool day. WTH? I just keep hoping that this is residual from not running enough in June and early July and that my body will start to figure things out soon.
But it definitely is running counter to my plan to not run a marathon again until I have a chance at beating 4:30. Good thing Richmond doesn’t usually sell out early. I have some time to follow Hal Higdon’s Intermediate 2 plan (with a double or two for Ragnar) and see what happens…
Since running is so depressing lately, let’s talk food. Or more precisely, food and beer. Last week, Beer Geek and I attended a “Farm to Bay” beer dinner at our favorite brew pub, Mad Fox. The food was AMAZING. The beer was fine, but I’m not a summer beer girl, so the only beer I loved was the Orange Whip.
Summer Corn Veloute paired with English Summer Ale
(That’s crab you see on the top. Yum!)
Asparagus and Mussel Salad with Praha Pils
(I don’t like mussels, but these were really good.)
Potato Filled Agnolotti with Orange Whip IPA
(LOVE! My favorite course for both the food and the beer.)
Skillet-Seared Ribeye with lobster stuffed potato
and creamed spinach with Cask Geordie Brown Ale
(I would have been happy just with a plate of the potatoes!)
Summer Strawberry Napoleon with Diabolik Belgian Strong Ale
(As usual, I forgot to take a dessert pic until I’d eaten most of it. Oops.)
If you are local, I highly recommend you try one of the beer dinners at Mad Fox! The food is always good and they do a nice job of pairing the beers. Even when I’m not a fan of a specific beer, it’s always fun to see how it works with the food!
Have you ever been to a beer or wine paired dinner? What did you think?
I’ve been to both (beer and wine paired) and I think it’s really fun. The restaurant can always do a better job than me at that!
As to Richmond..why don’t you take a couple of weeks of running just easy w/ no pace pressure? Might help you both mentally and physically and it certainly won’t hurt a Nov. marathon, either. And for the record, I love that course and race–you should go for it!
I do love Richmond and I have tons of friends running it… I’m trying to just chill about paces as I rebuild my mileage…
I should not have come to read this when I am starving. That food looks so freaking good!!!
Sorry to hear that the runs are sucking right now. You thinking burnout maybe?
Nah, I think the problem was June. Planning to talk about it on Monday.
I enjoy wine pairing dinners. It pushes me beyond my standard favorite reds.
I say go for it. Treat it like a training run!
Training for what LOL? I don’t think I’m Marathon Maniac material…
richmond was my first full last year and I loved it! i’ve convinced both my husband and coworker to run the full for their first this fall as well. i’ll probably run the half. i think you should do it but that’s just selfish – i just wanna cheer you on! you have time to decide. the course is amazing, for what it’s worth. my race recap is here, just in case: http://eatprayrundc.com/2013/11/18/26-2-2/
I was there last year – it was a great half marathon. Just not sure how I feel about another marathon with how badly my running is sucking.
Man your post just made me hungry!
My running has been a big old hot mess lately too. Struggling to get in three miles, slowest speeds I’ve seen for myself in years; it can be really defeating. I’m planning to use the same HH plan for upcoming halves. I need to get in some speed work pronto!
Sorry to hear your runs are sucking too, but selfishly happy to know I’m not alone. ;o)
My husband is thinking about doing the Richmond half, so I could be at the finish line cheering you both on 😉
Very cool, although he’ll be done and showered before I hit the halfway point. ;o)
Well as you know I’ve managed to take, like a YEAR off and I’m contemplating a marathon now too. Like, why is it always more distance?! My husband’s like, ‘why not run the 8k really fast?!” Hhahahahaha….I’m looking at Bucks County, Baltimore, Philly…may as well check out the Richmond site….hmmmmm…..
So you know you’ll be happy when it’s done!! And you’ll be enjoying more of those mussels!! mmmmmmm
Ha! Come run Richmond with me! We’ll drink beer afterwards!
I’ve had a wine pairing dinner before, but not beer – love the idea of it though! A friend recently went to a beer and cheese pairing – how good does that sound!
Yum! Beer and cheese go surprisingly well together.
I’ve done numerous wine paired dinners-my hubby is a big wine guy. It’s kind of a waste on me though!
Which is a waste? The wine or the food? I’m not much of a wine person, but I do enjoy it when it’s been paired really well with an interesting dish.
Both!!
The food looks like it’s from fine dining! I really love fancy restaurants and pubs–they set a very nice atmosphere.
It was really good. Most of their food is more pub food, but they always have a few specials that are more upscale. And their beer dinners are awesome.
I have been to a dinner that has paired wine with food but never a beer pairing dinner! I am doing the Ragnar in the Adirondacks which I think will be a ton of fun but I am not sure I could ever run a marathon! I can relate to the way you’re feeling right now (sluggish and no pick up) I think maybe I need a running break for a few days then maybe I will get back in the groove!
Ooh, have fun! I’m excited and nervous at the same time.
I am running Richmond!!! It will be my first marathon and I am super nervous but also excited!
Cool! I’ll have to stop by your blog and read about your training…
That food looks amazing! You know I don’t like beer, but I might be willing to try it if it’s paired with some yummy food. Sorry the running isn’t going well, I’m sure you are just burnt out and need a little time to get the mojo back. And wow, a marathon??! I’m surprised to hear that, but you go for it!
Yeah, I know. Still not sure I want to do it, but I have to do the beginning training to get ready for Ragnar, so…
I’ve been having “meh” runs for a few weeks now and it’s driving me crazy. I was thinking about it today and about half my runs each week are blah to so-so, one might be ok, and the remaining actually suck. I did a hill sprint workout today that I ran way better 7 months ago. It’s frustrating.
But like you, I’m hoping my body will sort it out and emerge stronger.
I have to believe it will get better. Otherwise I’m going to have to find a new obsession. I’m tired of hating the run.
I love food and beer — but not marathons. I will have to try Mad Fox one of these days.
I’m happy to meet you there for lunch some weekend! I won’t even make you run with me (but we could if you want…)