I have been going back and forth on this race for the better part of the last month. On one hand, I really wanted to take on the challenge of another half (perhaps the most popular in town). On the other hand, I wasn't convinced it would really be best for me.
Ultimately, I have decided not to run the Dam to Dam Half-Marathon in May.
Here are four reasons that factored into my decision:
ONE: I am terrified by the course.
There are a lot of hills. And in key places. I am not prepared for that in any sense of the word.
TWO: I don't want to burnout on running again.
When I trained for my first half last year, I was so sick of running by the time the race came around that I didn't run again for almost a month. I started running because I enjoyed it and it was a break from stress and worries. I don't want to lose that effect.
THREE: I want more balance in my fitness routine.
When I was training, all I did was run. Four times a week. I didn't have time for the other things I needed -- strength and balance -- and the things I loved -- Zumba. I also got a new bike last year that I didn't have much time to ride. I want to change that this year.
FOUR: I want more balance in my life in general.
I have a lot on my plate with one full-time job, two part-time jobs, and a committee on which I'm very active. I also have some awesome friends with whom I like spending time. And I'd like to get back to writing. Half-marathon training takes a lot of time, and I don't feel like I have that time right now.
One tiny part of me is feeling like a failure for opting out of this race. I'm a little disappointed that I'm not taking on a new challenge. I remember how great it felt to complete my first half, and I wonder if I'll miss that feeling when I see my friends' posts after the race.
But another part of me is really relieved. I feel like my spring is more wide open now. I plan to keep doing races -- remember, I have a goal of completing ten this year -- but I'm going to stick to 10Ks and shorter for this year. Maybe next year, I'll be ready for those hills.
+++++
Last week's workouts
Friday: Off
Saturday: Off
Saturday: Off
Sunday: BodyPump + 1 mile on the treadmill
Monday: 2 miles on the treadmill + abs
Tuesday: Kettlebell workout at home
Wednesday: 10-minutes on the treadmill + arms/back
Thursday: OffTuesday: Kettlebell workout at home
Wednesday: 10-minutes on the treadmill + arms/back
I'm a cardio junkie, but I read recently that too much cardio actually makes you gain weight, so ... I'm trying to mix it up more. It doesn't help my FitBit step goals, but I know I need more balance in my fitness routine.
First of all you are NOT a failure in any sense of the word!!! You have already run a half marathon, something most people cannot do at all, so the fact that you were considering running ANOTHER is just amazing!! I still can't believe I've done that myself, haha. But I think you made a very smart decision, mostly because it sounds like you just aren't prepared for it--frankly, I wouldn't sign up for a race with a million hills, either! I love that you are so into fitness in general that you are still running but incorporating other things into your routine, like Zumba! If (and when!) you feel up for another half marathon, I know you'll be ready for it :)
ReplyDeleteI've read/heard too that overdoing cardio will make you gain weight or last retain it. It's incorporating all aspects of fitness that will help you lose, I believe. I forget what your feelings on yoga are, but I recommend it as a nice break between cardio.
ReplyDeleteAnd running/training can be an all or nothing activity. I don't blame you for wanting some freedom from a training plan.
I think those are all really good reasons not to do this race. If you don't feel like it's absolutely something you want to do, then it's better to skip it.
ReplyDeleteI think knowing your limits is really important. Don't push yourself into something that's going to hurt you or make you dislike running!
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