I ran my last marathon on November 12, 2011. At the time, I didn’t realize that my marathon career was pretty much over…
I know that I could run another marathon, but seriously, how many do I need to run? I have 40 under my belt and shouldn’t I just be happy with that? I am… sort of.
My goal is to run forever. I could train for another marathon, but what if I were to get a career ending injury in the process since it’s the longer runs that aggravate my spine? What if I could no longer go out for an easy run just for the fun of it? What if… I just err on caution?
I’ve come to realize that it’s not the marathon I miss; it’s the training…
I miss planning to make a point-to-point long-run go off without a hitch.
I miss meeting my friends in the dark so we can be driven by a non-running friend to the far western end of the W&OD Trail and dropped off.
I miss the silliness and inside jokes we created on every long run together.
I miss seeing other running groups that we could predict would be on the trail at a certain time and place; watching for them, saying hello, yet never knowing their names.
I miss the well deserved nap later in the day after a great long training run.
I miss being able to eat anything I wanted for the rest of the day, even though I was usually too exhausted to be very hungry.
I miss the bragging rights of saying that I went on a 22-mile training run like it was no big deal.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m grateful for every 10 or 12-mile run that I go on these days, but they’re just not the same as the 20 or 22-miler where you leave everything behind, and it’s just you against the trail.
Yes, it’s the training that I miss…
- Questions:
- What’s your longest training run ever?
- Do you like racing or training runs better?
- What race are you currently training for?
What a great group of running friends you have! I have never had that exciting of a long run; most of mine have actually been by myself. But I still miss being alone and by myself with nothing but a big loop to complete to be done for the day and ready to veg out on the couch. Oh-and eat.
Amy recently posted…Weekend Adventures in the Mountains
I do feel lucky to have so many running friends! Those long training runs go by much faster when surrounded by chatty, fun people!
Awe! The timing on this post is impeccable and brought a great smile to my face as I sit here waiting to have this baby #3. I miss all of this too and hope to be able to get back into the groove at least somewhat here in the short-term. Thanks for a great post!!
We miss you, Kim, and can’t wait until you’re back on the trail with us again!
Can’t wait to see pictures of your new bundle of joy when he/she arrives!
Great pics! I didn’t know that you had done so many marathons-that’s really impressive. I also love training runs with my running group. I love the sense of accomplishment I have afterwards. I hope you still find lots of pleasure in the long runs you have now.
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…5 Minute Kale Pomegranate Parmesean Salad
Thanks, Deborah! I am having a blast, and I’m so thankful for every time I lace up my running shoes.
I don’t do many races anymore but I still like to do long runs – my longest is 44 but I will do 45 in September!!
Your training runs sound so fun – every time I read your blog I wish I had a group to run with!!!
Kim recently posted…Does Your Heart Need a Rest?
Tell me about your 45-miler in September!
Great post! I love my training runs. My longest has been 20 miles!
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…{Guest Post}–Nicole from My Fit Family: Dream
Thanks! I also love that training runs are so relaxed and pressure free!
40?! That’s impressive! I could never afford that many marathons. That’s a blessing! I’m just trying for number three. Training for the Savanna Rock n Rockk marathon in Nov. I love both the training and races. Great group of running pals you have! I usually long run solo. It’s my alone time with the world. Keep running. 🙂 I’d rather be able to run daily shorter distances than run another marathon and never run again.
Jess@FlyingFeetInFaith recently posted…Boobs. Honestly.
And that’s exactly why I decided to switch over to shorter races and put the marathon behind me. As you said, ” I’d rather be able to run daily shorter distances than run another marathon and never run again.”
I really loved your post, I love running. I started running last year, I have only done a lot of 5/10km. I am currently training for my first ever 21km happening in September! EEK so nervous and excited! lately I have been having issues with my calves, a lot of cramping and causing my feet to go numb. It was all rather scary because I worried most that I wasn’t going to be able to run. It would mean the world for you to check out my blog if you have a minute and offer some advice. Xxx
Megan recently posted…Wanna check out my feet?
Thanks, Megan! My initial thought is to ask if you were well hydrated with a sports drink on your runs? Calf cramps can come from being dehydrated, having a low electrolyte balance, and overly fatigued muscles. Would any of those apply? I’ll pop over to you blog and say hello!
It is very hard to decide when enough is enough when it comes to marathons. Ten – twelve milers are still long runs to be proud of — think of how many people would only dream of that! This was a beautifully illustrated post, Deb.
Anne recently posted…Saturday’s Run Recap: Shout Out to Swim Moms (and Dads)!
Thanks, Anne. I’m thankful for every day that I can go out and run!
It usually is all the other stuff that we miss. Hope you can still get all the fun stuff without the risk of your back. My longest training run was 15 miles. I prefer races over training, I love the adrenaline and the excitement.
The running Schlub recently posted…Casual Trail Run…Wait is that Possible??
I enjoy the races, but usually not until I’m actually running or finished. I’m too antsy (although not nervous), until the start.
Deb, every time I read your running posts it makes me wish I had a group to run with! And I totally know what you mean about missing the training – I love marathon training!
Carly @ Fine Fit Day recently posted…The Run Report – In Which I Provoke an Unplanned Intervals Workout
Have you checked to see if you have an MRTT group near where you live? If not, perhaps you should start one! 🙂
First– 40 marathons?! Holy Cow!
Second– Aw Deb, this seriously made me tear up! I haven’t been running long, but as soon as I finish my first/only half I felt a little lost. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I missed training! I missed having weekly goals and knowing at the end of each week I was going to increase my mileage. I missed mapping out new routes to get all my miles. For 14 weeks running was constantly on the brain… and while I had an awesome time running my half and it was a huge accomplishment, I was kinda let down when it was over.
Since the NC heat is killer, I’ve focused on shorter runs this summer and incorporated some speedwork. I did a 5k in June and have another one planned in August and my goal is to PR. Recently I’ve felt the distance itch again and have looked at a few training plans for full marathons… but maybe I just miss the training!
I loved this post! <3 Have a great weekend, Deb!
Caroline recently posted…A Treat For My Aunt & Uncles [a guest post by C]
Thanks, Caroline! I always felt kind of let-down when my marathon was over, too. I think that’s why I ran so many!
At least you have all of those memories from the training that led to those 40 marathons to think of 🙂 You could have never experienced any of it in the first place if it wasn’t for that first one. One of my favorite things about running is how the entire world melts away when you’re out there on the trail. It’s kind of like time stands still and you can put the rest of your life on hold, if only for a few hours. It may not be for as long, but you still get that with a 10-12 miler 🙂
That’s so true… It’s just you and the trail (and your running friends), and not another care in the world.