The psychological side of a marathon.
1 lurker |
7 watchers
Apr 2023
7:18pm, 15 Apr 2023
1,853 posts
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Vixx
Right, so I made a list of reasons that I CAN do this for tomorrow. The one thing I have thought though is that my last 2 half marathon times were really slow, so I am going to see what time I go through 13.1 in, and if it's too slow (over 3:15) then I will consider how I feel and whether I can stay at a steady pace and come in around 6:30 (which I had a reply from the organisers saying that as I am starting in the last but 1 pen I should have around 6:30 to finish in. If I can't then I will drop out and use it as training experience. Chicago is my A race. |
Apr 2023
7:29pm, 15 Apr 2023
1,055 posts
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Shades
Vixx good luck for tomorrow. And enjoy whatever distance you do.
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Apr 2023
7:45pm, 15 Apr 2023
1,854 posts
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Vixx
Thank you Shades 
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Apr 2023
7:46pm, 20 Apr 2023
1,863 posts
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Vixx
OK, so I bottled it. Didn't go. Am disappointed in myself and need to get over this mental block quickly, otherwise Chicago will be an expensive DNS. The wife has suggested that I pay someone's race entry on the basis that they stick with me and get me round. My thoughts are to do some shorter races (psychologically I know I can do a Half) and build up the mileage by doing extra after the race. This is so ironic being as my first ever race (outside of school) was the London Marathon! |
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Apr 2023
6:42am, 21 Apr 2023
1,060 posts
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Shades
Vixx Never mind, that's history now, move on. Why not enter a shorter race, of all abilities, just to get back into the habit of racing again. I think a lot of runners got out of the habit of racing due to the pandemic. |
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Apr 2023
9:21am, 21 Apr 2023
1,864 posts
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Vixx
Would totally agree there Shades! The last race I did pre-Covid was on New Year's Day 2020 when I did a 4 mile run in under 40 mins, which was almost a peak for me! Am generally a hermit these days. I rarely go out except to work or the gym. |
Apr 2023
9:25am, 21 Apr 2023
42,515 posts
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EvilPixie
good advice from shades
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May 2023
9:49pm, 8 May 2023
1,880 posts
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Vixx
So I did a race on Sunday. And even then I bottled the distance - dropped down before the race from Half Mara to 10km. I was sweating like a turkey at Christmas before we even started and I felt a little breathless on a couple of occasions, and my mate suggested I ask if I could drop down and they said Yes, but would have to change my race number. So changed race number and went off to the baggage area and pink pen start (right at the back). I walked over 3 miles before we even started! It was really warm (my head got burned) and I felt like I was on fire for most of the 10km, but was steady with not too big a positive split (First 5km just over a minute faster than the second 5km). I have not yet uploaded my Garmin trace but the first 5km was quite hilly in terms of short, sharp up and down compared to the second part which was gradual incline/decline. Loads of people taking part and loads of spectators, which was really nice to experience for once. Have entered another 10km in 2 weeks to keep up on the race practice. I had a short rest and then walked most of the way home for some added time on feet, so managed nearly 15 miles yesterday all told. It's a start
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May 2023
5:41am, 9 May 2023
1,067 posts
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Shades
Vixx and a very good start and with decent pacing. It doesn't matter that on the day you decided to drop down to the 10km and it sounds like you enjoyed the day. With your pre and post walking that was a decent day's marathon training too. Great news you've entered another race soon |
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May 2023
10:10am, 9 May 2023
1,881 posts
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Vixx
Thank you Shades. I really want to do Chicago justice, so figure that if I enter races and do mileage either side it will help build distance up again. There's a 55km Ultra I would like to do at the end of June, 11hr limit, walkers allowed. Do you think that would be worth a go as a walk-run? |
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