I've never been anxious to run a marathon because of the time involved in training. Birch always predicts that someday I'll catch the marathon bug, but I'm not so sure...
Training for this 10-mile race next weekend has reminded me of why I hesitate to think about a marathon. The main reason is being dependant on other people. If I were single or married with no children it would be easier. Even now I try as hard as I can to do my workouts on my own, bringing Trevor with me. He sits happily in the jogging stroller for intervals and easy runs and hills (ha, ha, not in my neighborhood!) But there are several days a week where I can't take him and I have to negotiate with Birch or find a willing friend. He doesn't come on my long runs on Saturday or to the pool for a break from running.
I've also been surprised at how worried I get when I can't do the workout I'd planned on. When I signed up for the race I wrote out a little plan of how much I would run on what days, the type of workout, etc. so that I would be ready on race day. But, of course, having a baby and even if you don't have kids, there are things that come up and sometimes the exercise doesn't happen.
Obviously the purpose of exercise is to relieve stress and not cause it. My problem is when I get an itch to try something new or at least feel that I've accomplished something....then I look on Getsetaz.com and sign up for a race. There has to be a balance between reaching goals and not letting them bring stress to your life.
3 comments:
I can't say if it's worth it or not cause I have no experience with races but I know what you mean about stressing when you have to rely on other people to watch your kid. Also, I do feel pretty guilty about getting you off track last weekend. All that eating and sitting around definitely didn't help you prepare for your big race!
I love looking on that website for races even though I never do them. I'm so impressed that you're motivated enough to train that you take Trevor with you and get up early and do all that stuff you have to do. I can only make myself do it if it's convenient!
Camille, don't stress too much. If you are running regularly, your body will be able to do it in the end. Seriously. If you can run 6 miles, then you can run 11 or 12. If you can run 15 or so, you can run a marathon. So really, don't stress too much and remember to have fun. I was so stressed my first marathon and ran about every run (except when I was sick and had to cut my run short). My second marathon I trained with a group of girls. I was much, much less stressed if I missed a workout or didn't quite go as long. We did no speed work or anything, and I shaved 30 minutes off my time, no sweat. So, your body can do it! Have fun! :) It's hard training with a baby, and hard training alone. I hope you have a buddy.
Have you ever thought about starting a bbsitting co-op? We have one that runs great in our ward/dental school. It runs on tickets (exchanging bbsitting for tickets so it's fair and no one is taken advantage of) and it works great! If you are interested in rules/set up, let me know and i'll email it to you.
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