The tagline for the Tucson Marathon is “Come run your first or your fastest marathon in scenic Tucson, Az.” In 48 days, I will be putting my months of training to the test. This will be my fourth marathon since I ran my first in New York in 2011. It’s only been two years but I feel like it has been forever since I ran beyond the half-marathon to become a marathoner.
Life went on. I run now with a little more purpose and understanding. I am chasing a Boston qualifier time. No doubt the day will come and I will realize my dream. Will it be in December? That’s my goal. Is it attainable? Hell yes. Am I ready? Well .. I am not just yet. But I do have roughly seven weeks (minus a few weeks of tapering) to put in the groundwork.
Training for a marathon takes discipline and motivation. Some days are better than others. There are days when the last thing I want to do is put on my sneakers while there are others when I can’t wait to run like the wind. And I am still fighting an injury that does nothing for my motivation or confidence. I know it’s part of the journey. What will be, will be on Dec.8.
I think it was my friend, Karen, who said she enjoys the training more than the actual race. I wouldn’t go that far.
Highs/Lows:
HIGH: Running in the fall. I usually do not run long distances in the fall because my marathon/half-marathon is earlier in the season.
LOW: Trying to balance a busy work period, sleep & training
LOW: Long, slow runs where you need to go really, really bad and there’s no place to go
HIGH: Having friends join you at the track & for portions of your LSD
LOW: Trying to run hard but afraid you’re going to get hurt or aggravate a nagging injury
HIGH: Getting stronger and more confident with every kilometre
HIGH: Eating a little extra and not feeling that guilty
LOW: Nagging right leg/hip injury
HIGH: Being alone on the trail with nothing but you and Mother Nature
HIGH: Tweeting that you just came back from a 20-mile run
LOW: Skipping the extra glass of wine on Saturday because you have to get up at the crack of light on Sunday for your LSD.
Whew! Those are the high and low points off the top of my head. How about you? What are your highs and lows of marathon running?