about getting from point A to point B in the most interesting ways possible

If you're a large woman in America, your whole life is an opportunity to feel self-conscious, embarrassed, resentful and way too big. You can hide in the corner or on the couch, you can go to therapy, or you can put on your lycra bike shorts and get out there and move.
—Jayne Williams, Slow Fat Triathlete

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January 9, 2005

30K-not permalink

Ugh. This is painful to write but I have to write it. I DNF my 30K. Mind you, it was the VJ-invitational-Springwater Corridor, with a field of one, but I still did not finish.

I was slowing down around mile 10, and feeling like really quitting around 11. (Stopping at the house to use the washroom probably did not help this). By 13, I was reminding myself that this was all mental, that my body was unhappy but still going, and at 14, I decided to bail.

I had thought about the difference between now and say, November. Hmmm. In November, I was training. I wasn't as religious as I should have been about it, but at least I was out there most weekends. Whereas... did I train at all in December? Oh, I was really good about getting that walk in on weekdays, but no long walks.

So, now I have a decision to make. It's looking impossible to do the full marathon at Austin (okay, if I am being pessimistic, let me know--I just don't think I have the mileage in right now), which breaks my heart. It's our excuse to go to Austin, which both of us, sweetie and I, have had our hearts set on. I've told people at work (because I've had to ask people to move their deadlines), friends, you guys. It makes me so thoroughly upset, and I keep thinking, is there some way I can do this? Could I get personal training with the racewalking coach and have her design a 4 week plan? That seems like insanity!

If there is good news in here, it's that I feel pretty good this morning physically. My right hamstring is bugging me, which is nothing new. Otherwise, I just feel a little achey. So it could be worse.

Posted at January 9, 2005

Comments

I too find myself frustrated with how quickly it seems like gains can be lost again. Months of training go down the tubes in a few weeks of slacking. I do know two things: It does come back, and you can do it. I have faith! - Mia

Posted by: Mia at January 9, 2005 11:47 AM

I don't know, 14 miles sounds pretty damn good to me. If a coach is an option, 4 weeks should be plenty to prepare...if not for the whole 30K, 20 would be respectable...

Posted by: Denise at January 9, 2005 8:54 PM

Sorry things didn't turn out the way you hoped! And I know it feels awful not to finish, but 14 miles is pretty damn good!

I think 4 weeks is doable, especially with a schedule from a coach. But make sure you listen to your body. It's very easy to develop tunnel vision and push through injury when you're focused on a specific goal.

Good luck!

Posted by: Rebecca at January 10, 2005 7:49 AM