Marathon Training/2017 Race Schedule
Marathon Training is going well, but it’s REALLY hard. I know, I know: Duh! But, it’s been more mentally challenging than physical. I’m SUPER sore, of course, and I’m constantly hungry (“rungry”), but the mental side has turned out to be more difficult than any of my previous training regimes.
First, I’ve been bad about staying on a consistent plan, I have shirked my long runs in the past when weekends have gotten too busy, etc. I’ve never not completed a race (though I did skip one, but it was 98 degrees outside and a 5K and didn’t sound fun AT. ALL.) but I’ve struggled through to the finish as the result of improper training.
I refuse to do that for my first marathon. I know the marathon will be incredibly challenging and probably painful, but I am dedicated to preparing myself as much as possible so that I can enjoy the experience as much as I can.
Second, long runs are BORING. 2 hours of running is mind-numbing, and my goal time for the marathon is sub-5 hours, so that’s even more boring. I’ve been trying to avoid relying on listening to music but at a certain point you have to do SOMETHING. My most recent long run was fueled entirely by the Hamilton soundtrack. I haven’t seen the show yet (way too expensive) but if you listen to the soundtrack in order and have a little knowledge of American history, it does the trick.
Finally, I’m trying to stay focused on the current task rather than looking ahead. My training schedule consists of three shorter runs during the week, including one speed workout and one track workout with my running group, and then one additional “easy” (read: slow) long run on the weekends. My long runs increase by a mile each week, so I just completed 11 (on New Years Day, that was awesome!) and am looking ahead to 12 this weekend. I’ll run 13 the weekend we’re in Iceland, 14 the next, etc.
I’ve never run more than about 13.5 miles, so I’m looking forward on the calendar with trepidation. I brought this up to a friend earlier the other day, and she pointed out that I’m not supposed to be able to run 14, 15, or 16 miles yet. I should just be adding a single mile per week, and eventually I’ll get there!
My longest training run will be 20 miles, the last weekend in March. I’m running it as a race, called the Eastern State 20 Miler, which should help with the intimidation factor. A number of the ladies from my running group are also doing it.
This brings me to my 2017 race schedule.
3/26: Eastern State 20-Miler (runs through ME, NH and MA)
4/15: Newport Marathon (26.2) (RI)
5/12–13: Ragnar Relay (200-mile relay, I’m running between 11.8 and 22.2, divided into three separate relay legs, and on a team with 12 other runners) (MA)
6/4: Newport 10-Miler (RI)
9/10: Newport Sprint Triathlon (1/4 mile ocean swim, 10.5 mile bike, 3.1 mile run) (RI)
I’m also hoping to complete the Rhode Island Road Runner’s New England Cup, which is awarded to those who run a race in all six New England states in one year (of any distance). With the above, I’ll check off all but Connecticut and Vermont, which I’m working on finding a few races for, so the schedule is subject to additions! I’m going to aim to do Vermont in the summer and Connecticut in the Fall. If anyone wants to join in on any of these, let me know!
