First, thanks to everyone who participated in my Well Fed Weeknights giveaway! I was so happy to see that many of my readers share the Paleo excitement that Melissa Joulwan brings in her soon to be released book! Congrats to Christine on being the lucky winner! I’ll be in touch with her personally, but I’ll be sure to follow up with more Paleo awesomeness for you all as well 🙂
From Paleo to running (two of my favorite things, btw!), here’s a big time issue I’m facing at the moment. I hope you can follow along and give me some reassurance!
Half Marathon Training Check In
I’m two weeks out from the Suffolk County Half Marathon and my training has encountered some slight glitches, and now I’m faced with a decision.
Run, or don’t run.
It seems simple, but for a runner, the decision is loaded on both sides.
I’ve had enough experience to know that distance running can be humbling, and it is not to be takes lightly. Here’s my analysis of both choices.
Although I hope this post is relatable, the following analysis is tailored to me personally. I do not recommend running without the proper training or knowledge. I have a great deal of knowledge that allows me to make an informed decision. I cannot be responsible for making that decision for anyone but myself.
Run
Let’s be honest, if I run this half-marathon I am not trained to do it. That means that if I run, I need to adjust my goals accordingly. I would need to check my ego at the starting line and run it solely for the camaraderie and training. I would have to slow my pace considerably, and possibly even walk if needed to avoid getting injured.
Summary of Reasons to Run
Camaraderie
Training Day
Adjusted Goal: 2 hours
Possible Outcomes
Happiness
Training day
Injury?
Spark to train for the next race
Don’t Run
This is the dreaded decision for any runner. Is not running giving up, or being smart? It’s hard to tell, but just the thought of not running has regret bubbling up inside me. If I choose not to run, it would be because I am untrained and would be unable to push myself to a satisfying pace for my potential. I would also avoid any injuries that could result from a drastic, single day increase in mileage. My long runs have only reached 6 miles, so I’m pretty sure that I’d feel some effects of suddenly running 13.1 miles.
Summary of Reasons to Not Run
Can not reach my goals
Avoid possible injuries
Adjusted Goal: DNS
Possible Outcomes:
Regret
Sadness
Unnecessary rest
Conclusion
I definitely feel like I’ve reached a decision through this analysis. Considering I have zero pre-existing injuries, the race is close to home, and I have been running (albeit inconsistently), I think I am going to run. I have a wealth of experience that will enable me to take it easy, listen to my body, and enjoy a couple of hours out on the road with some friends at a big local event.
I definitely want to know…
Have you ever ran a race even though your training didn’t go as planned?
How did it go?
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I think because of your knowledge and your wisdom to listen to your body you’ve made a good decision! But like you said NOT FOR EVERYONE. I have actually run one half marathon with little/no training to support a friend who wanted me to run beside her. I like you thought through the race, she was a slower pace than me, I knew it would be for ‘fun.’ so I went with it…it turned out to be one of my favorite races!
GOOD LUCK!
Thanks! I’m almost looking forward to running a race for fun! Who knows what I’ll discover!
Always a tough decision but I think you’ll rock this race without a problem as long as you slow down your pace 🙂 Can’t wait to hear how it goes!
Thanks!! I hope you’re right!
As long as you are listening to and know your body, you are making the right choice. I hope it goes well for you.
Thanks so much!
Always. Unless I am injured, I run. Maybe I have to adjust my goals, check my ego, but sometimes finishing is winning. Heck, it’s still 13.1 miles!
Love that! Thanks!!
I think you’re making the right call! Adjusting your time and just taking it all in isn’t failure! Life happens and sometimes you just have to make the best of it. I’ve found that when I know I”m not racing for my time, finding someone to help or inspire (pace them, encourage them, ect,) who is slower is a great way to refocus my energy.
Yay! Thanks for your support! I’m definitely going to try and focus on the positives during this one. Maybe things I wouldn’t notice if I were ‘racing’.
It’s always a tough choice to face. I think whenever injury outweighs the benefits it’s time to say no to the run. But since you’ve been running still I think you’re making the right choice
Thanks Jen! Yes, after my run this past weekend, I was definitely encouraged. They can’t all be PRs, but that doesn’t mean I can’t run!
I think you can do it! You can always implement a run/walk strategy just to make sure you don’t hurt yourself, and if you go in just wanting to enjoy it and run slower than usual, I think you’ll be good.
I’ve DNS-ed two races this year not because of under training but because running them would have stressed me out mentally. Sometimes you just gotta say no, and other times a race is just what you need to get your running mojo back!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…Brooklyn Greenway Half Marathon Race Recap
A few weeks ago, I was totally NOT doing it because I was stressed about it. But now that it’s closer, I’m thinking rationally. Thanks for your support!
I hate having to make that decision! Usually I do what you’re going to do and just run it as a training session, not put any time constraints on myself and just go to have fun.
However, sometimes the whole “race day” thing gets the better of me and I find myself running more, and faster than I should. I signed up for the Seattle Marathon half walk last year, since I was injured and didn’t have much training except long hikes. Anyway, I got caught up and ended up running a bit more than half of it. I paid for it so much over the next few days. I could hardly stand 😉 I let my stupid stubbornness get in the way!
Best of luck for a nice race atmosphere and a great run/walk.
Kat @anaussieinsf recently posted…Australian Communities in San Francisco
Thanks! If it were a marathon, I don’t think I would be making the same decision! The race day atmosphere is definitely tough to ignore!
I’ve definitely been in your same position and it is TOUGH to decide what to do. I think you have to listen to your body first and foremost…sometimes I struggle with taking it easy in the excitement of a race…but it really depends on how you personally feel.
Hopefully you still have a solid race and enjoy yourself!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…Philly Marathon Training Week 11 Recap
I know! Thanks so much for your support!!
I struggled with a lot of these same issues when deciding what to do about Hershey last weekend. I actually opted to run the relay bc I was worried about injuring myself. You never know what might happen. Good luck to you with your race!! Thanks for the link up today
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…Will Run For Chocolate-Hershey Half Recap
That’s a great option! Thanks!!
My first marathon I ran even though my last 6 weeks of training were a catastrophe. There is always the chance to run a race even when it doesn’t go according to plan! Sometimes, you need a bad dress rehearsal. That said, be smart–if you’ve only run a 10 miler, probably shouldn’t do the marathon, you know.
Thanks Coach Suz! I would NOT be making the same decision if it were a full marathon!
That is such a tough decision but I love how you are weighing your options and being rational about your goals for the race! Good luck!!
Lauren recently posted…How Running Changed my Life
Thanks! I needed to write it out and hear the reassurance!
I think it is a tough decision to race or not to race. Going in knowing it is just for fun and with adjusted goals will make it more enjoyable.
I’m not sure that I’ve ever decided against racing, but I came very close this time! Glad I did weigh it out like that. Thanks for your support!
That’s so tough! :/ Before I saw your final answer, I was going to say give it a shot. I think you have enough experience to go slow, or to figure out your pacing during the run, and just treat it as another training run!
For me, I run, but not as much. I was in awesome shape last year as I ran a 10k (HUGE for me!) and trained up to 8+ miles. I planned to race again this year (beginning of Oct), but oddly, since March, I’ve struggled running :/ I finally decided in Sept that it wasn’t my time, and I’d focus on lifting, and ease bask into running just 2-3 miles for a while before I built it up again.
masala girl recently posted…Power Roasted Veggie Bowl with Tofu & Greens
Thanks so much for your support! Everyone has to make the right decision for their levels and goals…sounds like you did too!