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Post by jen on Oct 28, 2009 18:10:41 GMT -5
Ok..so I know many of you know I had high hopes for the Columbus marathon and failed miserably. In a nutshell it just wasn't my day. I've never had this happen before (as far has "having a bad day.") I definitely put in the training-more longer runs and more intensity than when I ran my first marathon 2 years ago in Columbus and ran 3:44.
I ran a 4:10. Now I know that's not horrible but I should be able to go about 3:32 based on my training and half-mary time and wanted to BQ.
Here's what happened:
2.5 miles in calf cramp (which I don't usually have cramping issues) but kept running and it got feeling ok
Took first gel about 45 min in, as I did on my training, but after a bit felt a little nauseous. Tried to wait to take the next one and when I did thought I was going to vomit and couldn't get it down. I knew this was going to be bad. Gatorade was on the course and I thought that might work but no go. Kept pace till about 15 miles in and then slowed, then about 18 miles in REALLY slowed and the last 10K was awful. I've never felt so bad...it took everything to finish. Needless to say I didn't and don't feel good about it. (And I'm injured...hopefully I can get the ok to run Nov 3)
Question is what to do now? I've been fortunate to not really have a "bad race" before this. It's definitely shaken my confidence and now I'm unsure how to proceed...focus on tris? If I get the ok to run go for another mary soon...or wait till spring? Or wait till fall? Or just forget about it all and have fun for now and not be so worried about times/training, etc? What about mentally?
Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated!
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Post by Aussie Rob on Oct 28, 2009 19:47:12 GMT -5
It's fall....drink beer and be merry. Come back strong next year. crappy days happen to everyone. Don't worry, you don't suck because of one race.
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Post by ebanks2 on Oct 28, 2009 20:32:00 GMT -5
x2...let yourself heal up and enjoy a 'random' fall schedule of working out what ever you feel like doing. Think about it: You trained hard all spring and summer, you body is a bit roughed up...training has been limited because of it, you are coming off a tough race, etc etc. if you try to jump right back at it, I think you run a pretty high risk of not having the performance you are looking for...which would not be a very fun way to end the year.
As for blowing up...it happens to everyone at some point. Try to learn from it and figure out why you think it happened. what did you you do differently between the 2 races...more and harder is not always better...it depends on how your body responds. that said, don't read too much into a single race. you had a bad day, you powered thru and finished. That is most important. You have come along way in a short couple of years.
Everyone who has done a bunch of races has the race (or several in my case) where we look back and say...."wow, the wheels really feel off that day." The days you suffer make the races you feel good feel even better! You appreciate them more.
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Post by Brandon on Oct 29, 2009 11:30:43 GMT -5
Jen, bummer you're day didn't go well....nothing you could do about it and we all know that is hard to stomach after all the hard work and knowing that you can perform better. I'd suggest just what the others have....rest up and do whatever sounds fun to stay active and maintain some fitness. When you get back to running again sign up for a local turkey trot or new years race....you'll rock it on very little training and be reminded that there will be more goals (and bq's) to chase after next summer. I feel like I have a vendetta against the marathon myself after posting a 4:3x in Louisville  going for a hike with the dog today. Next year though..... |
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Post by jen on Oct 29, 2009 18:37:41 GMT -5
Thanks guys. That's pretty much what I thought. I realized I trained pretty consistently through last fall/winter/spring and summer and frankly I think I was in my best shape in June! I guess I should enjoy the time. Hopefully I can at least run the Turkey trot and all that!
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Post by Aussie Rob on Oct 29, 2009 19:36:38 GMT -5
You weren't fitter in June, you just peaked then. You're likely over trained Jen.
Few weeks of rest are in order, then you can kill the Turkey Trot.
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Post by MattCollister on Oct 29, 2009 20:11:26 GMT -5
What Rob said.
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Post by MarkD on Oct 31, 2009 9:40:51 GMT -5
Jen - from a personal perspective, I completely fell apart my first 3 half iron races, then finally nailed one properly the 4th time. Just gotta keep adjusting and gettin' back on that horse. Use it as motivation. Ditto everyone's thoughts. Take a rest. You earned it speedy.  |
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Post by Angie on Nov 1, 2009 13:38:39 GMT -5
Jen-
Don't push it. Take some down time to recover physically and mentally.
Also, I believe you took on too many goals at one time. It is difficult to focus on triathlon and a PR marathon at the same time. I did my last triathlon at Vermillion and then I really focused on the marathon... very little swimming and cycling during that time.
Rest, regroup and set new goals for the spring running season and summer triathlon season. Best of luck.
ANGIE
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Post by jen on Nov 7, 2009 17:12:00 GMT -5
Thanks Angie. Question: What's a good way to set goals? I find myself wanting to do everything, now!
Next year I'm doing the HIM at CP and nothing else for sure yet. Although I'm contemplating a spring and/or fall mary...would be nice to do another HIM before CP. There are just so many cool races!
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Post by jimdehner on Nov 8, 2009 12:59:04 GMT -5
Jen - signing up (making the commitment) to HIM next summer is the big first step -
look at the time between now and then and identify the races or events that you can use as a training events that will get you to your HIM goal - and treat them as trainers - Aussie's advice above is good about peaking too early - you want to peak for your HIM and not before - try to have one swim, one bike, and one event during the period prior to your HIM and one Oly distance tri - set a target for each of the individual events that is a litlle better than your HIM split goal - eg if you want to hit 40 min for 1.2 mile swim - maybe you target 30 min for for 1500 at a master swim meet this winter - for the Oly put your self on your target pace for the HIM at test your nutrition and hydration - but don't go crazy and try to PR - your goal for the year this to complete your HIM
good luck
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Post by Angie on Nov 8, 2009 22:33:27 GMT -5
I would suggest only keying in on one half-IM for your 1st season. You can certainly use a few oly distance races as primer workouts for your half IM. I would suggest no more than one oly racing test per month--- June, July, August (since the CP race is so late). You could make these B races and then you will not be expected to peak at these times. Also, a spring half marathon could be a great "test" for your fitness in the early season. You can also use 10K's as speed workouts for your running over the summer. I would not suggest a spring Mary... you do not want to have to prepare for that so early in the season.
Training for a half IM is very time consuming and I would not suggest trying to train for too many things.
You should think about a training plan to help you or of course a coach. I self-coached my first half IM and had a coach for the second one.
You cannot do it all. Pick a few goals and go with it. I think you could attempt a fall marathon after your half-IM but it will need to be late (Late oct, early nov) ... it takes a while to recover from your first half-IM.
My 2cents.
ANGIE
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