I know, I know. I just ran a marathon.
Lemme ‘splain.
When I put my name in the Marine Corps Marathon Lottery, I really had NO idea I’d get picked the first time I tried. So I signed up for Phoenix Marathon (Feb. 28) thinking I’d at least have that marathon to train for if I didn’t get in. Yeah, you know what happened..lol
I took an entire full week off post Marine Corps. No running, no cross training, no nothing except for indulging in all things food and soda (and surprising, I didn’t drink that much!). Then the following week I started to ease back in.
But this week starts the first week of official Phoenix Marathon Training!
I’ve decided to go back to Hal on this one and do a modified Higdon plan. I still need to recap Run Less, Run Faster and really stress how my experience with it really shouldn’t be taken with much confidence as I was pretty terrible at following it 😦 but more on that later.
For Phoenix, I’m on a mission. I’m going to lay it out there.
I want a sub 4:30.
I really, really do. Last year, I finished at 4:44 and I really think I got it in me to nail a big PR like that. I was 7 months post pregnancy when I did my first marathon, I have a lot more training under my belt, and I simply have more some okay, two marathons of experience. Plus, this race is in my hometown, so no traveling (I think that’s a big point there) and I can’t neglect to mention the elevation course:
Which leads me to this: I was talking to a girl about how I wanted to get a sub 4:30 and when I said I was hoping to do it at Phoenix she scoffed and said, “Yeah, that’s all downhill so you’re lucky. Should be easy to get it.”
Ummm, I didn’t get it when I ran the marathon the first time, missy (it sure as hell wasn’t easy either!) And neither did thousands of people who ran it that day. Huumpf!!!
I just don’t get how runners can be so negative to other runners. Runners are known for being such nice people and it’s those handful out there, like the girl I was talking to, who are blemishing our reputation. So if I do get my sub 4:30 do I have to put a little asterisk saying I did it at Phoenix, a course known for being fast?? If someone BQs do they have to add a disclaimer that it was done on a downhill course? I mean, really?
Get off my marathon train-ing. Guh-bye!
–What do you guys think? Does someone need to explain their PR or BQ?
I hope you all have a good week! To those in the U.S., Happy Veteran’s Day!!–make sure to tip your hat to those who served 🙂
ZOMG! good for you for getting back on it! I haven’t run since Marine Corps and my next race is actually a half marathon in March where my goal is to sub-2 so I have some time to swing my legs in to it. As for the little missy (haha!) we runners are a strong community – but we’re also competitive. Mainly with ourselves, but secretly – we’re comparing and competing with others. That said, there is no need for that kind of negativity, People who talk in that manner are insecure in some area of life. Keep it moving.
Thanks girl! ❤
Yikes. Not loving that other runner’s attitude. Can we talk about how the marathon is a beast of it’s own creation. You never know what will happen and regardless of who you are it is HARD. I actually had two athletes just sign up for Dallas in December after just finishing Chicago. I put them on a modified version of something similar to Hal. Since you are already marathon fit you can cut down on the days you train and even some of the longer runs. They were happy to hear that 🙂
*I* am very happy to hear that!! 😀
26.2 is 26.2. Plus, I know lots of runners who HATE running downhill. I’m super excited for you, Helly, and can’t wait to see what you accomplish.
Thank you Christen! Downhill huuuurts!! lol!
I’ve heard great things about the Phoenix Marathon! I too am looking for another to do this spring, but I’m so worried about training through the Chicago winter…. But i’m so proud of you (even if it is post marathon psychosis, haha) for signing up for another! Just get proper rest before you start. And give it hell, obvs.
Phoenix Marathon is a great spring race!! just sayin’ 😉
Thank you! I’m def taking the first couple of weeks easy
I can’t believe anyone would assume getting ANY time in a marathon is “easy”, no matter the course. A marathon is freaking HARD!! I’m excited to follow your training for this next one!
Thank you! and I totally agree! There is NOTHING easy about a marathon
PS: I nominated you for the Liebster Award. You can check it out here: http://www.abkruns.com/2014/11/liebster-award.html
Thank you!!!
No Way! 26.2 is 26.2 – regardless – you still put in the same effort training. Running downhill may look easier on the surface, but it’s not exactly easy on your body. Go get it!
Exactly!! Downhill huuuurts!!!
There are NO easy marathons! I even find downhill races to be more taxing on my legs than races with many rolling hills. I truly trust the Hal Higdon plans and love how they have a range from beginner to advanced. You can do it!
Thank you!! I totally agree about how downhill can actually be more difficult in a lot of ways. Hoping knowing what to expect helps me this time around
In all politeness to her…she’s wrong 🙂 ha. I don’t know when I’ll do a full marathon, but I’m about 99.9% sure it will be the Phoenix Marathon and not because it’s “easy.” Who even puts 26.2 miles and “easy” in the same same sentence!? That’s crazy. I mean, I probably won’t miss hills if I do that one haha, but I’m pretty sure I will NOT be calling it easy. You should never have to explain your BQ or PR! I’m glad you’re just shaking it off 🙂
Please DO IT!!! And then I can maybe get some Hailey Speed Dust sprinkled on me before the race 🙂
I ran the Phoenix Marathon in March of 2014 and finished with a 4:21. I ran the Hartford Marathon last month and finished with a 4:05. I actually find the downhill harder and my times prove it! In Phoenix, my quads were killing me by mile 18, where on the flatter/light hills course in CT, I felt good and was laughing and joking with my pace group at mile 18 (even though it was 48 and pouring rain!) I think if you put an asterisk next to your time it should say something like “4:29* Despite the hills!”
Haha, you’re nuts, girl! Good luck on your training. And no, a marathon is never easy. Tell that chick that she’s a straight up fool! But say it nicely. Ha, go get it!!
just echoing what everyone else said – and adding that all downhill brings some unique challenges of its own! 26 miles of pounding downhill? nothing easy about that. that said, you’re gonna rock it. kick ass helly!
Yea, you go girl!! You can totally get that PR…and you know what? Haters will always be haters…blech. Stay true to yourself!
I don’t think you have to explain anything…there are many different kinds of courses out there, some with lots of climbs, some flat, some downhills—you run what is best, most fun and convenient for you–simple as that! And as my friend Taylor so eloquently says ” And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate..Baby, I’m just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake, shake it off, I shake it off” 🙂
I smell a PR my friend, I know you can do it!
I love that you quoted T. Swift. 🙂
Yikes, don’t listen to her!! Exciting that you have a goal race you get to start training for!
Girl you are cray! Good for you for pusing yourself! Have fun training!
Yeah for another Marathon! I’m seriously thinking about doing a FULL more and more but not sure about the commitment to training with working full time, kids and my husband away a lot. It’s on my radar at least!
No need to explain any PR, you got it, you deserve it no matter what the course! Enjoy your training..can’t wait to hear about.
Ewww what an attitude! Who says that?! Anyways….good luck with your training! Will get me all pumped up for Fall 2015 haha 😀
No asteriks needed. I still have sore quads from my super hilly marathon (with killer downhills) and I want to hurt that person for saying that. I hope they meant “you are talented so you should get it.” Cause that’s da troof!
Wow – another marathon! That’s awesome! I’ve heard Phoenix is great and gotta love those hometown races. And 26.2 miles is never easy…..
Hahahahahaha yes, getting a 4:30 marathon will be super easy peasy, no big deal. You should practically just stop training and rely on that downhill to help you coast to the finish. I mean, why are you even planning ANY runs between now and the race?! 🙂
Anyone who thinks anything having to do with a marathon is easy lives in Crazy Town!
I ❤ you.
Exciting you have another marathon to train for! You ran a marathon seven months post-pregnancy? Seriously impressive!
I think no matter the race- whether it’s hilly or not, perfect temps or steamy hot or freezing cold- a PR is a PR and a BQ is a BQ. No asterik necessary! And runners should never judge!
Thank you–I think I was also partly crazy for doing that lol!
Omg that elevation chart makes me want to fly to Phoenix to PR myself!!
do it!! 🙂
I think you’ve got this PR all day. You’re a nut…but I LOVE YOU and you are going to KILL THIS MARATHON!!! (I wish it was close enough for me to cheer you on again! Or run it with you. Whatever.)
Bah, downhill races are notorious for being hard on the hips and quads. Sure gravity helps you with speed, but it also increases the force of your foot falls. Which in turn taxes your quads and increases impact in your joints. More runners get injured running down hill than up (And not just from falling down). Tell your runner “friend” to look it up.
You’re going to do great!
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