Next week is my last week of Pre-Season Marathon Training and then the real fun begins. I always look forward to formal training because I like following a plan.
But Hanson’s scares me a little.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m very excited to try it because I’m definitely curious as to how the plan might work for me. I do think it’s doable-considering my goals as I don’t think I’m overreaching (i.e. making it impossible). The paces for each run: easy, speed, strength, tempo, long –all are within paces I’ve done many times before.
So why am I nervous?
I think it’s because I’ve always been so conservative in my approach to the marathon. In that regard, I’m a safe player. I’m ready to get out of my comfort zone though, and not be afraid to run a marathon at a faster pace. I think that’s what has held me back from running faster 5Ks, 10Ks, and 1/2s–I was scared to run fast. And then earlier this year I threw caution to the wind and got PRs in all three of those distances. I know I can do it. And I’m confident this training plan will prepare me.
I recently read Fitzgerald’s How Bad Do You Want It (a Helly recap coming soon), and that definitely helped with my mental strength. Because I really think that’s where my marathon struggles come from the most. I just need to believe that I can do it and know that I really do want “it” (a marathon PR).
Anyway, those are my thoughts. I’m nervous and excited to get on the marathon training train!
Have a good weekend everyone! ❤ , helly
You can totally do it! I think you are going to blow away your expectations of yourself this fall. You put in the work and your recent HM and 5K pr’s are proof that you have it in. My first week of marathon training starts next week. Running the marathon at a faster pace than my current PR doesn’t scare me, but the training paces/mileage for it sure does!!
The plan definitely intimidates me, not so much the paces but the overall mileage. I’ll be running more than I’ve ever ran before, lol!
You’ve got this!
Thanks, chica!
Yeah! Get out of your comfort zone! You will rock this. Listen, you’ve made incredible breakthroughs in terms of your race performances, so you’re primed for a great marathon.
I sure hope so, Elle! I really really really just want to run a good one (finally).
If a risk doesn’t scare you a little, it isn’t worth taking. I think it’s awesome that you’re going to go this extra step and really do an intense training for this marathon. Who KNOWS where it could take you?! If Hansons doesn’t work out, you know you’ll be able to work around it and still run a great race; but I have a feeling your heart and mind are in the right place for this!
Thank you so much! You’re right–I have no idea what can happen if I don’t try!
Remember perspective, and only look 2 weeks at a time. The plan will grow, it will evolve, and it will take you with it!
Thank you, Suz! ❤
Well said!