Today is a Free Topic.
When you are training for a marathon, is there anything else to talk about?
When I ran the NYC Marathon in 2019, it was my first marathon.
I said I was ONE and DONE!!
And I meant it (at the time…)
I mean (besides the training miles and the last 6 miles of the race), I really enjoyed the experience. And it was practically perfect.
- I loosely followed a training plan but got those long runs done.
- I got support on those runs from my running friends.
- Due to my job, I had free hotel rooms for race weekend.
- I shared the NYC marathon experience with friends (Lacey, my roommate and Cari, fellow blogger.)
- My tennis friends came down and cheered me on (at mile 18).
- The weather was PERFECT!!
- I met my finish time goal (in daylight and under 5:30).
- I felt fine after the race (zero pain.)
I explained my reasons for repeating this experience in these two posts: https://wp.me/pel7R-i3n and https://wp.me/pel7R-i3Y
Now that I’m halfway through my training, I can reflect on the differences and challenges between my first and second attempt at the marathon distance.
- I am four years older.
Yes, age does matter.
- I haven’t completed as many long races as I used to due to breaking my foot in February.
I’m recovered but will have completed only 3 half marathons this year (as opposed to 9 last year.)
- Most of my local running friends are not running this race until 2024.
Hopefully, I will not be in NYC solo running this race.
- My poor feet!! Since then, I’ve had painful bunion, neuroma and hammertoe issues.
It’s all not doom and gloom.
- I qualified already for 2024.
I can do it again and make amends. lol
- I am much more relaxed regarding the logistics of the race.
IOW, been there, done that.
- I am mostly working from home so am better able to fit in my weekday runs.
I had been traveling during the crucial training weeks last time.
- I have been doing strength training several times a week.
Thanks to my gym membership.
- So far, I am following the Higdon Novice 1 Plan.
so far… not sure if I will be able to continue those mid-week long runs…
- I am more confident in my ability to finish 26.2 miles.
thumbs up!
Happy Running! Have you run more than one marathon? If so, was there anything you did differently? Please share.
There is a link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).
Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with these ladies.
I’m also linking up here:
with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Laura Norris
My First 5K and More... 
I didn’t realize that this is only your second marathon, Darlene! Wow!
I am very confident that you can finish this one – you have so much experience and know your body well.
Do you still have that free hotel room in NYC for the race weekend? That’s a very cool thing to have!
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I do but I won’t for next year. I don’t travel much any more.
Thanks for your vote of confidence
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Confidence is everything and I think even with some of the issues you’ve had (feet and fewer long runs), you may even be stronger than the first-time round! Your consistency over the last four years not to mention increased strength training all counts!
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Let’s hope so.
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I’ve only run one marathon and I always said one and done but now I say you never know. I have no doubt I would do just about everything differently than I did then. I was so young and naive, especially when it came to running, but that was something like 15 years ago.
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I hope you run another… you are still young enough.
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Being more confident and experienced will help tremendously! You got this
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I hope so…
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If you can’t do those mid-week long runs, I really think you would be okay just running consistently during the week and focusing on your weekend long runs. I think Jeff Galloway might have a training plan like that… I’ll have to look it up.
Attitude is everything! Well, attitude and consistency- and you’re one of the most consistent runners I know.
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aww thanks… I doubt I will run more than 5 miles during the work week but we’ll see…
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I think you will do fine in the marathon. It does help to have run a marathon because now you know how it is. I hope you have great weather again!
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Fingers crossed.
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I think you are in the right head space. I have only run one marathon and that was pretty much enough. However, I have a whole list of things I would do differently, starting with telling my brain to stop getting in the way of my good running time!
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It definitely helps to have that confidence going into the race! Knowing you can cover the distance is so helpful. I think for many runners they put more pressure on themselves to hit a time goal in their second marathon which can make it less enjoyable. It sounds like you have the right mindset to make the most of the experience!
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I’m trying. Zero time goal fir this race.
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I think you’ll have a great race. Especially because it will be in New York. That’s a great second marathon. Just get in that distance training then no matter what you can enjoy yourself on your tour of NYC.
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Thanks for your enjoyment. I will not to stress too much.
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