I plan on reading Gordo's stuff today but before I do I thought I'd share my experiences as well.
Since 2002 I've been setting goals for myself that push me every single time.
2001 - First half marathon ever in Nov. - only my second race ever
2002 - A couple more halfs, Portland Marthon in Oct.
2003 - Gained a lot of weight so took that year off
2003 - First Half Ironman, various races and a marathon
2004 - Second Half Ironman, marathon and lots of smaller races
2005 - Another marathon, Ironman Lake Placid, another Half Iron, another Half Marthon
2006 - Half Ironman, Ironman Canada, 50k, 50 mile, 12 hour race and almost weekly short races for the season
2007 - Marathon in Feb, 50k, Half Ironman
2008 - Ironman CdA, marathon then nothing
In 2007 I ran out of steam, did a half Iron in July after putting on an extra 10 lbs in the spring, put on another 10lbs in the next two months then got on a weight loss program. Lost those two pounds then hit it hard for a marathon in Feb this year and IM CdA. Loved the training, had a great time, felt strong. Since CdA I haven't done squat. No races exept two 10ks that took over an hour each because a friend and I used them as an opportunity to chat and get a new t-shirt. Other than that, I've been on my bike once for 30 minutes on the trainer, swam a little more regularley because I have a friend that goes with me and was doing pretty well with my running, meaning 2x/week but for the last 3+ weeks, nothing except a weekend run. Work has gotten in the way but ultimately I haven't been motivated to find the time. If I wanted to I could have fit in 30 minutes on the treadmill but nada.
I don't think it is an issue with iron levels with me. I just think I'm burnt out. I have plans for some great stuff next year but I've already bailed out of a Marathon over Thanksgiving and my big goal race next April is in jepordy. Running is always what I've loved to do but I can't even do that.
This is meant as a way to let you know you aren't alone. Sometimes you need to let stuff go for better long term health. Give up the 50k, IMO. It will leave you with energy for the marathon. Since the marathon will be a shared experience with a friend, it will change your perspective and become something fun more than an obligation. Focus on that.
Ultimately I think I'll come out the other side of this as a better runner and a more focused athlete who is able to keep things in better perspective.
I hope I've helped. Reach out to me anytime if you need someone to tell you it's OK to let races go. :-)
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Jen
"In order to keep a true perspective on one's importance, everyone should have a dog that worships him and a cat that will ignore him." - Dereke Bruce
Since 2002 I've been setting goals for myself that push me every single time.
2001 - First half marathon ever in Nov. - only my second race ever
2002 - A couple more halfs, Portland Marthon in Oct.
2003 - Gained a lot of weight so took that year off
2003 - First Half Ironman, various races and a marathon
2004 - Second Half Ironman, marathon and lots of smaller races
2005 - Another marathon, Ironman Lake Placid, another Half Iron, another Half Marthon
2006 - Half Ironman, Ironman Canada, 50k, 50 mile, 12 hour race and almost weekly short races for the season
2007 - Marathon in Feb, 50k, Half Ironman
2008 - Ironman CdA, marathon then nothing
In 2007 I ran out of steam, did a half Iron in July after putting on an extra 10 lbs in the spring, put on another 10lbs in the next two months then got on a weight loss program. Lost those two pounds then hit it hard for a marathon in Feb this year and IM CdA. Loved the training, had a great time, felt strong. Since CdA I haven't done squat. No races exept two 10ks that took over an hour each because a friend and I used them as an opportunity to chat and get a new t-shirt. Other than that, I've been on my bike once for 30 minutes on the trainer, swam a little more regularley because I have a friend that goes with me and was doing pretty well with my running, meaning 2x/week but for the last 3+ weeks, nothing except a weekend run. Work has gotten in the way but ultimately I haven't been motivated to find the time. If I wanted to I could have fit in 30 minutes on the treadmill but nada.
I don't think it is an issue with iron levels with me. I just think I'm burnt out. I have plans for some great stuff next year but I've already bailed out of a Marathon over Thanksgiving and my big goal race next April is in jepordy. Running is always what I've loved to do but I can't even do that.
This is meant as a way to let you know you aren't alone. Sometimes you need to let stuff go for better long term health. Give up the 50k, IMO. It will leave you with energy for the marathon. Since the marathon will be a shared experience with a friend, it will change your perspective and become something fun more than an obligation. Focus on that.
Ultimately I think I'll come out the other side of this as a better runner and a more focused athlete who is able to keep things in better perspective.
I hope I've helped. Reach out to me anytime if you need someone to tell you it's OK to let races go. :-)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Jen
"In order to keep a true perspective on one's importance, everyone should have a dog that worships him and a cat that will ignore him." - Dereke Bruce