26.2
As another training season rises to swallow me whole, I can’t help but doubt that I’d like to do this again. Can I do this again? I went running this evening– up to the top Baranca, to the Garcia trail head. I stopped about 6 times total and barely made it home once I passed Rosedale, the new track house development overlooking the city. I was so down on myself the whole time for my heavy breathing, off kilter rhythm and dehydration. On the sixth stop I berated myself, “didn’t you just run a marathon a couple months ago???” Then I hung my head and felt sorry for myself while I caught my breath at the light. “But it’s really hot…and my ankle… and the air quality…” I tried to reason. When the light turned I bit my lip and began to “sprint” (9 minute mile have you) home in a last ditch effort to preserve my dignity. We can be so hard on ourselves sometimes.
So here I am this May, twenty-four years young, half runner girl, half hard-headed go-getter, bracing myself for The Pain in November. The time will go by so fast, and like that, I’ll be at the starting line with thousands of other Pasadenians with tingling toes of nervousness, ready to embark on a battle known as “twenty miles of hope, six miles of truth.”
Girl, I HEAR you…it was about 95degrees at the 8am start…I wanted to blame the heat, which would have been completely believable..but I knew better, Have I really neglected all that hard work? Does this really feel like starting over. Deep Breathe.
I got the worst 1/2 time I have ever had… which I consoled myself in glasses of reisling at the wine tasting after… muttering belidgerant comments to myself..”
wake up call: time to get busy in the summa’ sun
Lastly, I am fairly certain that this girl in this picture in the glory of her head wrap and cut arms can run Pasadena in under 4.
You’re going to rock the Pasadena Marathon. How do you do your training? Do you have a schedule or something? I gotta start thinking about training for the half… in the heat, ugh.
Thanks A,
I have an intermediate and advanced schedule I will print a copy for you:)
The heat is certainly not inspiring, but its a great trainer because the marathon should be in nice weather…my hope is that it will make me more prepared than not.
Jen
in some weird way, this is encouraging. in the words of gloria esteban, “let the music be your rhythym.” i know youll get it back soon…