Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Chicago Marathon Training Week #..., whatever

I've been somewhat absent from the internet as I have been having a small meltdown.

When last we spoke I was considering giving the New York Marathon a go, mere weeks after having theoretically completed my first marathon, aka the all consuming fixation I've had for the past six months, aka Chicago Marathon. I really appreciated the feedback that I got and spent a lot of mental energy trying to make a decision.

On Sunday I travelled to San Francisco and did about three hours of walking around the city before I could check in to my hotel. By the time I got to my hotel my left leg (the leg that isn't actually injured but likes to pretend that it is) was very achy. And at that point I pretty much decided that I wasn't prepared to push myself for NY. Plus by not doing the New York Marathon this year, it can remain on my bucket list and that gives me an excuse to come back again some time in the future. I love NYC so I'll take any excuse I can get to visit.

Now, onto the training. Or not.

The past couple of weeks have been disastrous. I didn't run at all while in San Francisco. If you're a San Francisco lover, I suggest you stop reading now.

I did not like San Francisco. The entire time I was there, no matter which part of the city I was in, I felt pretty uncomfortable. My hotel did not have a gym and I did not want to run outside, so I didn't run. I did, however, walk. A lot. And up hills. A lot. I more than covered my planned mileage so I don't feel like the week was a complete wash. But I do. And then I don't. I can't decide on anything at the moment.

I walked here from down town

And I walked here too

I walked up a hill to take this pic.
Because the government shut down I couldn't actually go to Alcatraz and be a proper tourist.

That's the hill I walked up for the previous photo.

View of down town area from the Presidio. No prizes for guessing I walked here.
And this week I am travelling again for work. And I'm tapering. Which means I've got nothing to talk about as far as running is concerned. Unless you want me to talk about how this is all possibly the end of the world because I'm supposed to be running a race this weekend and I've done virtually no running for the past two weeks.

I kind of wish it was Sunday already. I suspect this is not unique to me but I am more than a little anxious about the disruptions to my routine. Plus, I have so many expectations for this race and I just want to experience it all NOW!!

Anyone else going crazy?

10 comments:

  1. Don't worry about taper madness! I have run 35 marathons and I still get the crazies! Good luck!! I will be at the start volunteering and at mile 13 on runner's right. I may snag a number from someone not running to try to help a friend BQ by pacing her 13 - 23 so if I miss you out there - HAVE FUN!! and have confidence. The work is done! You can do it!

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  2. Good luck. I wish the race was here already as well! :)

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    1. Good luck to you too. I know I shouldn't wish time away and probably by Sunday I'll wish it was still days away.

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  3. You're not alone. We're all going crazy. I calm myself by thinking about beyond the marathon and the fun I'm going to have in Vegas next month. BTW... there's a few of us Chicago bloggers who will be there so we're thinking of doing some sort of meet up. Mo from IHeartPikermis suggested a pre-race brunch... I'm open to that or maybe even post race drinks - its Vegas after all!

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    1. Sounds like a plan! I never say no to brunch and once the marathon is over, I can start saying yes to drinks too (why did I come up with my crazy no drinking rule for marathon training?!).

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    2. Do you follow the Chicago Blogger group on FB? I'll probably start a post after the marathon figuring out who's going and get votes on what people want to do.

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    3. Yes, I follow the group. I'll keep an eye out.

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  4. Traveling + Taper? Yikes! i'd take to the drink! when do you get to settle? I hope you are at least able to relax on Saturday!

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    1. Oh, you have no idea how appealing a drink (or ten) has sounded recently. Back in Chicago as of now so thankfully can settle back into my routines.

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