one step at a time
I started running with strictly one goal in mind: to run a marathon. It did not matter which, since any marathon was for me The Marathon. I did not know what I would do afterwards: whether I would put the gear away and stop running, whether I would continue training and racing, or whether I would carry on in maintenance mode, once or twice a week, two or three miles, to keep the muscles toned.
Once, when reading how Lora planned to graduate to ultras, I wondered whether at any point in time I would get contaminated and go the farther distance. And sometime this last Ianuary, when I still thought that I would run my first marathon in autumn, I said to my boyfriend, jokingly, reassuringly, that he does not need to worry, I won't do any ultras or triathlons this year. He looked up at me and I saw his eyes widen in horror at the prospect of a 2008 high-jacked by athletics.
I still don't know what I will do, except for the fact that I won't stop right after Shiprock. One marathon, I think, will not be enough to know what a marathon is.
I will run at least two or three.
posted by runliarun @ 7:24 AM
11 Comments:
I hope you revisit this topic after Shiprock. It would be interesting to see if there is any change in your plans.
Whatever you decide, make sure you go after YOUR goals and not the goals of others. When the time is right, I think you will know what the next step is...
I wonder that too Lia. Since I've kept a minimum base of 20-25 miles a week for 13 years, I know that after the last marathon (whenever that might be) I'll at least keep that going. The question is, how many marathons will be enough? I've got five done, I've got five more on my schedule, and many more on my list. But who knows? One of these times I might finish and say "that's it". Half marathons seem easy now, will I go back to those? I don't know...
I will tell you that after the first marathon, Eric said "never again". A few years later, he started chasing Boston. Then he said, "after Boston, I'll cut back to half marathons". He said that through two Bostons. Now we both wonder what he'll want to do after Western States.
Blogging has introduced you to a new world of endurance runners. When all is said and done we don't really matter, nor should we have any say regarding the posibility of you running multiple marathons. I think it's best to focus on Shiprock. If Shiprocks finish line is the last marathon you do you will always be a marathoner. You will be just as proud of your medal as any of us are. And besides, there is nothing more special than the first time you cross a marathon finish line.
I don't have a single race planned after my 100 mile adventure this summer. I've joked about just heading to a LazyBoy Chair Store and picking out a big cozy chair to go home and die in. But wait, that's what most americans are doing. Nah, I'll probably go back to some nice trail runs in the 50K and Marathon distance.
At least if you decide you would like to try another marathon you know that it can be done and that you won't cripple yourself as most non-runners would have you believe.
Good for you! Do what feels right - that's what I say. I'm not sure I'll ever run a marathon, but if I do, I bet I'd have to run 2 just remember to 1.
I know exactly what you mean!
As for a the guys saying a few weeks after your first will be decision time, I disagree. The only time you won't want to do another marathon is during the current marathon. Otherwise, give it 2-10 hours after, and you'll be back on the train. Just my prediction, but I have confidence in it!
i've only run 1 marathon and i think i'd like to run another sometime - no time frame. when i trained i just trained and expected it to be just another long run and it was fun, had no major expectations or plans for more.
You better not give up running. I'll harass you daily if you do. :) Just kidding! But, seriously, I hope you continue your fitness quest, even if it is toned down a bit (and even if you ramp it up!)
I have quit marathoning for life many times during and right after a marathon and ultra, but always wake up the next day planning what's next.
Looking out onto the horizon is always a good thing and once you get up on that marathon plateau see how you feel, take a well deserved rest and then set a nice goal for yourself marathon/Ultra/????? just remember to enjoy yourself out there.
Congrats on signing up and training for your first marathon! You're doing it! My goal is to run one marathon a year even with all the injuries. My dream goal is to do Boston one day, so I keep running. Yup like you said, one step at a time.
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