« Nutrition 101 | Main | SCREECHING HALT…and I’m probably out $65 »
November 04, 2005
The really dumb thing I am about to do
Inspired by Beth’s enthusiasm, I spent a couple of hours this afternoon trying to find a tri training schedule for the Olympic Distance. That was completely unsuccessful. I am also torn b/c I know my friend wants to do a Sprint Distance tri (she can’t run b/c of a knee issue so that’s the best distance for her). I guess the answer is that I will just fit both of them in. But as I was web surfing someone from my running club e-mailed a link advertising the Vermont marathon at the end of May 2006. That’s 6 months from now-two weeks after my last final and one week before we “walk” for graduation. What a way to celebrate!!!! I am pretty sure I am going to sign up tonight. It’s rash and I haven’t exactly researched other marathon options. But that’s how I ended up doing my first marathon-on a whim. This marathon is close by which is cool. It could be my last New England sports scene hurrah. Also, sometimes I get so sick of researching and planning and just want to move forward with some sort of decision.
I definitely don’t have time to build the necessary base if I want to attack a BQ time. However, I just this moment decided I don’t want trying to qualify for Boston to hang over my head any more. What I want MORE than qualifying is to run another marathon. Soon. It’s been since October 2002. It’s time. If I have to take a few days off of scheduled training each month b/c I feel strains or any of my other ailments coming on-so be it. I may not smash a speed barrier, but I will hopefully make it to the starting line. In fact, I think my goal will be to break 4 hours. I will "run" it rather than "race" it. It would be very cool to see a 3 in the hours column. Sooo, to start off my marathon training, I plan to run for 8 minutes on Sunday.
Today’s Exercise, Swimming: 25 minutes of crawl. I alternated a few minutes with the pull buoy and a few minutes without the pull buoy. Then I did 5:30 of 50 yard sprints with 10-15 seconds of rest in between. It felt awesome to get my heart rate up. I also stopped by the gym-solely to use the bathroom and get my parking validated.
[Update, I just called my Dad to check-in and see if he is doing a marathon in 2006. If he was, he and I should probably coordinate that. His answer, “No, I’m pretty sure I’m not. That seems like a lot of work…So, is this going to destroy your body?” My response, “Well, you only live once, right?” My Dad, “Okay, well good luck. I am still debating whether or not I want to do a short triathlon next year. I am going to the pool this weekend to try out the goggles you got me [for his b-day in October].” Me, “Oh great! I totally think you should!” Dad, “I know YOU think I should. I’ll let you know how the swimming goes.” Me, “We’ll have to go swimming at x-mas.” Dad, “Great, we can do synchronized swimming.”]
So…I am signing off to sign up right now for Vermont. This is so dumb. I can’t even run right now. This is really dumb. I don’t care though. Sometimes you just have to move forward. And if this fails b/c I get hurt-then I will commit myself to shorter distances and triathlons for a few years. There, it's in writing.
Posted by Audrey at November 4, 2005 04:19 PM
Comments
I ran Vermont this year for my first marathon. Let me know if you have any questions about it. Happy training!
Posted by: Caitlin at November 4, 2005 05:58 PM
can't wait to following along with the m training. fun times!
Posted by: brent hopkins at November 5, 2005 12:17 AM
Hey - I know how you feel - lets sign up for something we don't even know if we can do!!! But I'm of the opinion that you have to have something to shoot for. If it doesn't work out, so be it, but at least you have some focus and aren't randomly just going to the gym, etc...
I'm excited for you!! Vermont sounds great - I bet it's a beautiful course. And then some triathlons for the summer? Can't wait to hear all about it!! :)
Posted by: Beth at November 5, 2005 07:41 AM
I ran into an old college teammate once who told me that on New Year's Eve, she had drunkenly signed up for the Vermont City Marathon, so that was what she was training for. I have to say there are certainly stupider and far more destructive things one can do while drunk.
Posted by: Alison at November 5, 2005 10:57 AM