One of these days I'm going to get around to reading the Runner's World article on Frank Shorter. I've already checked out the pictures - more than once, actually - but I've been warned that the article is pretty heavy and that I should be prepared for it.
In the meantime, I'm doing the Yonkers Half Marathon on Sunday. Right? Right? I am, aren't I? I mean, I'm registered for it... Well, technically I'm registered for the full, but I shouldn't have any problems downgrading to the half, especially since I would be much slower than the 5hr cut-off and it's a two-loop course (just try to force me to run a second loop).
But here's my question: should I even do the race? I'm feeling overwhelmed with work this week and I'm not excited about this race. At all. I have this feeling like something has got to give to preserve my sanity, and this race might be the easiest obligation to walk away from.
Still, I need to run, and I may as well get a t-shirt for it, right? Or not right?
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| Not actually me. Just feels like me most days. |
If you need to do a long run this weekend, then I say do it. You might as well have a fully supported training run. Right? If you can ditch a long run then I say skip it.
ReplyDeleteHaving already opted to walk away from Yonkers, I'm in no position to comment (hilly tuneup half! good! or extra stress obligation! bad!) I did, however, read the Frank Shorter article, and it's rough. But you'll probably love him more when you're done. You know, wounded unattainable hero and all that. I didn't realize he lived so close to the city... we could go stalk him :)
ReplyDeleteWalk kind of marathon these days has a 5-hour cutoff? Maybe in the early '80s, but this is the age of everyman.
ReplyDeleteI still plan on running it...there are some rolling hills to make it more challenging than the typical half but its not that scenic. You aren't missing much. Maybe you could stay local in NYC and do the red dress race. http://www.meetup.com/harriers-40/
ReplyDeleteLet me know if you do Yonkers though..I'd run some/all of it with you.
You should still rock it. It might clear your head and help you feel better.
ReplyDeleteI'd probably run the half, since running a race usually makes me feel better & gives me a sense that I've accomplished something (even if I run it badly). Of course, it depends on how pressing your other tasks are... running a half + traveling to & fro can suck up a lot of time. I might do the Japan-benefit run in Central Park Sunday, very cheap & low key.
ReplyDeleteRunning usually makes me feel better, but racing doesn't always. Could you do a low-stress long run instead (maybe even leave your watch at home)? That way you ditch the stress without incurring workout-skipping guilt...
ReplyDeleteYou need to do a long run anyway, so I would run the race. Run naked - no chip, no Garmin, no watch - and focus on how you feel. Run for the experience.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, you should read the Frank Shorter article. You are prepared and you will love him even more than you do now (but not as much as I love him, of course).
This is far too late to be useful to you, but see how you feel when you get up in the morning. If you'd rather just run from your house than trek out to the race? Do that. If you feel like heading to the race? Do that.
ReplyDeleteThat said, you're far more likely to get your miles in if you go to the race, but if doing that makes you seethe with hatred for the entire world and everyone in it, there's no harm in being a little lazy.
Might be the easiest to walk away from but I bet it's the only obligation that will make you feel better when you are done.
ReplyDeleteDo the race, regardless of your time, regardless of if you get picked up by the pacer...just go out and run.