Marathon training has been going well. I think I’ve finally learned to take it a little easier on long runs in the heat and humidity, so I’m feeling stronger throughout the run.
This Sunday will bring a new milestone for me: a personal record for distance. My training plan calls for 14 miles and to date, the longest I’ve ever run is the 13.1 in May’s Flying Pig Half Marathon. And it only goes up from there. I’m looking forward to pushing myself further and further, but at the same time, I’m nervous about failing.
I have always been terrible about asking for help when I needed it. I believe that stubbornness has an upside: self-reliance. However, I’ve also noticed that I run better and more confidently when I’m with others. So I think I’m going to have to reach out to running friends to see if anyone is crazy enough to run with me for some portion of these hot Sunday long runs.
July 14, 2010 at 11:12 AM
Hey Sean,
Erin told me about your blog when she heard I was doing Chicago as well. Congrats! We have 12 this weekend so your training plan must be a little more aggressive. We’re following the Nike Intermediate plan. I agree that a training partner is a must when you get into the double digits. I’m sure there is a local running group you can find. Good luck!
July 14, 2010 at 11:50 AM
Thanks Sarah, and good luck to you in the Chicago Marathon. Will this be your first marathon? It is for me.
Here’s what my plan looks like: http://bit.ly/debMRk
It’s essentially a Hal Higdon intermediate plan, but slightly modified to include another half marathon (in Columbus) at the end of August.
If you haven’t already, you should take a look at DailyMile (click on the widget to the right). Can’t say enough good things about it.
July 14, 2010 at 12:36 PM
Sean,
Do you know what time and where you will be running? If you are looking for someone to join you, I’m up for meeting you for the last four miles or so. Just let me know.
- Mike
July 14, 2010 at 1:32 PM
Wow, thanks for the offer Mike! I’ll hit you up via email and see what makes sense.