I Am Not a Marathoner
I have finished 3 marathons, I have yet to run one.
I always seem to get hung up sometime after 25k and I walk/run the final 15k. It’s not a nice way to spend a Sunday morning.
After I limped across the finish line of the 2003 Vancouver Marathon in 4:27:19, bawling in frustration and pain, only making it to the end because of the encouragement of my sister, I vowed not to do another marathon until I could get my half marathon time to 100 minutes.
Photo by Reine MithlaSo here I sit, 5 weeks away from a commitment to run the Easter Island Marathon with Team Diabetes and I’ve just completed the 2009 BMO Vancouver Half Marathon in 1:56:20.
That’s 8 minutes slower than my fastest, and nearly 20 minutes slower than the mandated time I had given myself before marathoning again.
But it’s not the time that frustrates me, it’s that I hit the wall at 8 miles today. Just as I hit it during my marathons. My heart rate was pinned, my legs were heavy and I just couldnt run more than a hundred metres at a time. It was beyond frustrating.
My training over the past 2 weeks has been difficult. After nearly setting a personal best in the 2009 Vancouver Sun Run, I’ve been hit with food poisoning and a running effort that has been less than consistent and not felt right. I’m not injured, but I’m not in top form.
So as I gear up for 1 more scheduled long run of 20 miles in 2 weeks before I taper in my training for Easter Island, I’m asking myself a question: “Am I Marathoner?”
I’m starting to think the answer is “No.”
Am I a Half Marathoner?
Yes.
Today was just a blip in how I’ve felt for the past 8 months of training, however it was a red flag for how I could perform over 26 miles.
Now I have to decide if it’s allowable to shorten the distance. 13 months ago I announced I was going to Easter Island to do a Marathon, how would it look if I only made it half way?
The Blog According to Buzz. Spread the word, ya heard?
Buzz, the fact that you are out there, despite the pain, is awesome. Most people don’t attempt ANY distance, let alone a half or a full. You should do the distance that is right for you — It’s a success no matter what you choose.
Team Diabetes is so lucky to have you! You’re doing something great…
Congrats on a *great* time, today… You should be so proud of yourself.
From what I’ve seen you’ve been a fiercely committed fund raiser for this cause and that in itself is terrific. I think you should do what you feel you’re capable of and not feel badly about whatever decision you make. It is a lot easier to fake confidence than to admit to insecurity. Be proud!
Buzz,
Do the marathon. You have to be proud of the training you’ve done, the races you’ve ran, and most importantly…the money you’ve raised for a great cause.
I dare anyone to say that what you’ve done isn’t an inspiration. You have made me think hard about joining Team Diabetes for a run in the future..and I HATE running.
I have been following you, and your passion for this is so amazingly apparent. Do it for yourself…you deserve it, and no one will think any less of you if you walk the final miles..
We’ll all be cheering you on in the final leg…if only in spirit..
I ran my first marathon last year, and I have to say I am a half-marathoner as well. While the half marathons were almost “easy”, the marathon damn near killed me. I haven’t actually run regularly since.
I volunteered for the Vancouver Marathon today and the vibe and running culture hit me again. Perhaps I’ll get the bug again?