It was a tough one….
I'm now 6 weeks out from my first marathon and I'm not going to lie, training is not going as anticipated.
I felt like things were on track when I did the Reading Endure 24 event at the beginning of June. I did 30 miles there and felt strong. But since then it has all gone a bit tits up.
Keen to get back to my marathon training after Endure, I overdid it and ended up with an overtraining niggle. I then started to come back more gently, and ended up with another 2 weeks off due to.......well life.
So when I finally tried a long run again yesterday, it was abysmal. At least cardio wise, fun factor was still there!
Why am I telling you all this? I guess in case you've ever felt the same. Had a vision of how things will be, either in training, or at an event, only to find the reality somewhat different.
I entered this event because I wanted to challenge myself with both the distance and speed I could run it. I wanted to see what I could do after a couple of years of knee ops and rehab. I was finally feeling strong with my running again, and I wanted to celebrate that with a new distance to conquer in a time intended to test my new fitness.
What I didn't foresee when I entered this race were the personal circumstances I would find myself in leading up to the event. I won't bore you with the details, but I've been trying to manage a huge amount of personal stress for months now.
Managing stress takes it's toll, both mentally and physically. I'm just not as resilient on either front. I'm certain it compounded the overtraining niggle after Endure 24.
On a day to day basis, I just don't have the headspace to push out of my comfort zone in training. Even for the 20% of my runs that need to be challenging.
I will 100% still do this event, but instead of my original plan aiming for a specific time, I've taken the mental pressure right off and I'll just do what I can on the day.
I'll enjoy the hills (I do love a hill!). I'll admire the great views. I'll stop and enjoy the aid stations. I'll spend precious time alone with the hubby who is now running it with me.
I can't tell you the mental load that released when I made that decision.
Now, I can just focus on doing what I can before the event, rather than worrying about the outcome.
I'll keep up my single leg work out side of running, which I know reaps rewards, and I'll run when I can to get the miles in. Most importantly, I'll enjoy the event on the day.
So, if and when you find yourself in a similar situation in future, I hope you're able to reflect, adjust and do what you need to so that you can still enjoy the event.
Liz x
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