First and foremost, thank you to all of you that gave me support. It means a lot to me. I sometimes forget that running is not my job, and that I really have no one to impress in this sport but me. If I’m not feeling like running and find myself too busy, then so be it. (Note: Scroll down for a mom update.)
With that said….I realized I still have 12 weeks until NY. So, what if I can pull a marathon out of my ass? Since I’m not in love with running right now (hey! it happens.) and have a pretty big schedule, perhaps it’s best for me to go with a more mellow plan of action.
After talking with many runners that are better than me (including my coach – I am putting her on hold until next year, though) 12 weeks can get me across the finish line. I know the purists will balk at the idea of not training to run my fastest marathon ever, but I honestly just don’t have that in me right now. I hate the heat and I need to take care of my mom. I also need to study for the GRE and do numerous other things. But, I understand that running New York is a once in a lifetime event. I might not run it fast, but I will be running through one of my favorite cities and plan on giving it the respect it deserves. If I start slacking I’ll pull out (small voice….that’s what he said).
So, the plan is this:
Run when I want to. At least 3-4 times a week. I have set long runs and speed workouts to hit each week. The other 2-3 days a week hit the pool, bike, weights, core, whatever as long as my little ass is sweating. I call it my no plan training plan. It has an 18, 20, and 22 miler so I feel ok with it. There is only a 2 week taper, but there is lots of rest during that time.
I’ll likely go into the race a bit under trained but if I get a 20 and 22 miler under my belt those last 4.2 miles should be gravy. It might be a horrible disaster, but I would hate having 12 weeks and not trying to pull myself together. Judge away.
Update on Mom: She’s been moved to a rehab facility and “hopes” to go home in the next week or 2. She is finally able to walk and feed herself. She still has a REALLY long recovery ahead of her and still needs surgery. We’re looking at her being out of commission for about 3-4 months.
Financially, we’re trying to figure things out. Her “fiance” still has not offered to help and she’s constantly asking how he is doing. The asshole brought his cell phone bill to the hospital for her to pay as well as the $300 cable bill. He’s the only one that watches cable. We’re working so hard to get rid of him, but I don’t think he’s going to go without a fight.
It sucks to know that the mom that made me the awesome independent chick that I am is willing to let some loser use her.
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On to funner stuff.
Today’s Run: 3 miles | 31 minutes
This run was hard, but I haven’t run in a couple of weeks and was honestly just happy to get out the door. Hopefully it gets better. If not, I’ll re-evaluate things. For now, I’ll just keep chugging along.
How’s your fall marathon training going? Am I the only runner that feels “meh” about training right now?
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Um, no, you’re not. Given that my “long” runs have stagnated at about 12-13m, you should probably send a copy of your training plan over to me so I can cram for NYCM, too. Since that’s where I’m at.
You seem like you have enough running under your belt to pull off the no-plan plan. I seem to do better with those. When I lay out something all pretty and color-coded in a spreadsheet, I will inevitably cave under all the pressure of sticking with the plan and/or end up injured.
Sorry to hear about your mom! And that dude — sheesh! Bringing his bills to the hospital??! I can’t imagine how much that must infuriate you. Good luck on getting him out of your lives.