We have 10 weeks left until the Chicago Marathon start line – that’s scarily close.
This weekend I had 15 miles on my training plan and after a few too many drinks on Friday night (I blame the Jaeger bombs) I woke up feeling pretty ropey on Saturday morning. I put off my run for hours, sitting on the sofa trying to convince myself that I could do the run on Sunday instead.
I text Kerry (my ‘coach’) asking if I could swap my runs around or if I had to buck up my ideas and just run. The response was: ‘Whether or not you buck up your ideas is up to you, I’m not the one who wants to run 3:35 in Chicago. You’ll either do the training or you won’t.’
Right. No-one can do the training for me. If I want to achieve a Boston Qualifying time of 3:35, then I have to do the work.
A few months ago, Jess wrote a great post asking if you’re really willing to give what it takes to reach your running goals, and the after giving myself a stern talking to, I feel like I am. Unlike last year’s busy weekends, this summer I am prioritising my training runs and workouts over boozy nights out (from now on…!).
My long run yesterday was a bit of a slog, however I met my target pace throughout the 15 miles at 9.09 min miles. I had spent the morning feel sorry for myself before reading some Chicago race recaps which was exactly the motivation I needed to put my trainers on and get out on the road.
I still have 10 weeks to go, that’s a lot of hard workouts and sacrifices will have to be made, but I’m ready to make them to crush my goals on the 11th October.
You’ve got this! I love your coaches response! Thanks for the shout out.
Good for you! If you want something badly, you have to go for it, no excuses. Though, confession, I have a similar story from long ago. Too many margaritas the night before a scheduled 20 miler. I did NOT get it done (I was so sick I had a migraine and was vomiting every two minutes), but I did do it the next day, still slightly sick and very dehydrated. It was my slowest run ever, but I did go on to run my PR in that marathon (3:16).
Making it through the tough runs when you don’t want to go is what makes you stronger for race day. Well done for getting the miles in.
Thanks so much 🙂
Well done you! We have all been there-struggling to get out the door or cutting runs short when we know that really we should be doing a few more miles. Whenever I’m struggling for motivation I play through our club ‘Runner of the Year’ videos from the previous year and ending up feeling so inspired by everyone else at my club.
The sacrifices now will all be worth it when you smash your goal in October! 🙂
Thanks Mary! Definitely time to prioritise!
You’re doing so well! Keep it up and I’m sure that 10 weeks will fly by 🙂 Is that Kerry as in Mr McCarthy?
It is yes!!
I totally agree! Right now I really don’t feel like going down and lifting weights. BUT, I know exactly how it will feel when I’m done and I know that a stronger, leaner body will help make these Fall goal races easier!
Way to get your run in despite not feeling it. Keep at your training and you will have a shot at the elusive BQ time. By the way, if you Boston Qualifying is 3:35, you want to get at least 2 minutes under that. Last year, people did not get spots unless they were more than 1:10 (I think that was the exact time) under their qualifying. When I ran my qualifying marathon in 2014, my coach planned for me to run a 4:22:30 since my BQ time was 4:25. She knew I would get a spot if I was that much under. I actually finished at 4:18. Good luck and I hope you reach your goal. PS. I;m so disappointed London does use the “Good for Age” entry for non UK residents. I met the standard but don’t have the right address…..very sad, but will be running Tokyo next year and hopefully London 2017.
PS….This year the standard was a BQ time minus 62 seconds.
Eeek I know. Goal is to run anything under 3:35 and will be aiming to run 8-8.10 min miles!
WOW. I absolutely love your coach’s response. Great job going for that run.
Thanks lovely!
When the going gets tough, the tough go running.
Love this… I need to remind myself that either I want the time I’m training for or I don’t. Thank you for the Monday Motivation!
Hopefully I’ve been commenting enough that you know I’m not a troll…but I have been wondering if you really have your heart set on this goal or not. I just haven’t sensed the fire and drive behind this goal-time that I’ve seen before. I wonder if you’re marathon-ed out or if the goal seems so daunting that you’re intimidated to commit to it. NO judgement at ALL, just questions I’ve had in my head reading your posts recently.
It sounds like you’ve has a lot of other things on your mind so maybe this isn’t the best time to be going for Boston. Woud it be worth aiming for a simple PR at Chicago (a massive goal in itself) and then a BQ in Feb or March?
You have 10 weeks, you have plenty of time to throw yourself into it and I LOVE seeing you try to qualify for Boston (because I will NEVER do that). Just take some time to think about whether or not this big undertaking is what you really want right now.
I feel like your mum here…sorry. xx
Hi Cathryn, no I don’t think you’re a troll!! And up until Saturday I would have actually agreed with you, but a flip switched on Sat and the next 10 weeks are going to be hard work, eating well & dedication to get as close to 3.34-5 as I possibly can. I want to get to the start line knowing that I gave it my all! I read your comment on the way to the track this morning and it was actually just the shove I needed to work even harder!!! Thanks for your comment xxx
Sometimes it is JUST like a flip switches isn’t it. SO glad you’re back on track, thanks for taking my comment in the spirit it was intended and YIPPPEEEE for the sub-7 mile! x