The minute I crossed the finish line at Space Coast last November, I knew I wanted to run another marathon. Obviously, the following months included time for recovery, a handful of half marathons, time off, and now my streak.
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| I love that my dashboard on Nike+ shows 7 days of runs! |
One of the nice things about the streak is that it allows me to mix things up while forcing me to be consistent. I've been doing easy runs up to four miles and shorter, more intense runs that focus on my form and incorporate some speed work. And obviously, I'm running one-milers at a nice, slow pace on days my legs need it.
The streak has reminded me that I like putting the time and effort into running, that training is fun, and that I can make the time if I really want to. I'm finally starting to flirt with the idea of long runs on weekends again, which is a good thing because...
Last night, I officially signed up for my next full marathon!
There are a few reasons I chose this race for my next full instead of returning to Space Coast. For one, it's way closer to me, which means easier planning and no hotel fees. Another factor was that Space Coast is already $95 and BDR is only $60 at the moment. Finally, the course is totally flat and the marathon is in December instead of November (which means no Thanksgiving weekend madness and cooler weather).
Basically, I feel emotionally connected to Space Coast (and I know I'll return someday), but at this point in time, BDR just seems like the perfect fit.
I am so excited; I'm less nervous this time around and I know what I'll do differently in my training. I have four more days of my streak - including a 5k on Saturday - after which I'll take a day or two off, and then base-building begins!
What factors do you take into account when signing up for a big race?
ABK
ABK
I'm so excited to start watching your training build....2nd time around....you've learnt so much from your first. You marathoners are a crazy bunch...LOL
ReplyDeleteHaha...yeah, I wonder why I want to put myself through this again! But I'm super excited!!
DeleteYay, I love following others who are training for a marathon!!!! :D
ReplyDeleteHopefully this year's training goes really well! I'm very hopeful for this marathon!
DeleteGreat! I am excited you signed up for another one! I look at some of the same factors as you do- price and location. I mean, I would love to be able to travel to new locations to race, but the money, time off work, and stress of traveling are the cons to that. I'm excited to follow your training, and you are doing awesome with your streeeeeeeeeeeeak!
ReplyDeleteI have so many bucketlist races that are in other states or countries, but the cost, time off, travel, etc is just so much to consider! I'm excited for this race!
DeleteI am like you, I look for price, and location. Nothing beats being able to sleep in your own bed beforehand. It is also easier with the kids. I have only done one marathon, but I felt like I gained so much knowledge from both the training and the race. It should make it a bit easier process the second time!
ReplyDeleteYes, I'm hoping everything I learned from last year's race really helps me to make smart choices and nail my training this time around!
DeleteWoo-hoo! I'm so excited for you! I'll be doing Chicago again this year - we can virtually train together (sort of).
ReplyDeleteFor me, it's location, location, location. I don't have funds to travel to races and don't want to be away from the kids, and since I don't drive right now I need to be able to get to races via public transportation. Luckily Chicago is big enough (both in number of races and geography) that I still have lots of choices.
Oh, I'm so excited to follow your training for Chicago!
DeleteYay! I actually realized last night while I was on the women's Sub 30 Club that you had posted about your next marathon :) That sounds like a great deal and a perfect race for timing, elevation, price, etc. Are you using a specific training plan?
ReplyDeleteI'm always so impressed that you and Kristina manage to train for half and full marathons in the Florida heat and humidity! I was in Miami in May last year and I thought I was going to sweat myself to death, haha.
Yeaaah, I knew I recognized your name in the group!! I'll likely use the Runner's World plan again but I'll be editing it to fit my needs.
DeleteI seriously believe training through the summer makes me a stronger runner in the fall, but yeah, it's really killer sometimes.
I'm really glad you're doing this one it'll be awesome to see you again! For distance races location is a big one for me because like you, I try to cut costs on hotel and food if I can. I also now know the importance of planning with the weather- i probably won't do another half in April it's just too damn hot!
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited to be able to catch up!
DeleteYes, choosing races based on season is really important to me. I thought November would be cool enough last year but it really wasn't; I was aiming for a January race but hopefully December will be cool enough! (Sometimes it's not, but I'll just need to keep my fingers crossed.)
Awesome!! I can't believe it's time to start thinking about fall races...eek! I'm glad your streak is still going strong!
ReplyDeleteI know, I mark time by the school year and it's crazy that we have less than 30 days left of school now! Fall is just around the corner!
DeleteCongrats!! Such exciting news! I look forward to following your journey! I'll be doing marathon #3 in November. I also look at location when choosing a race. My first marathon this fall was here in my hometown and being able to sleep in my own bed and run with so many of my friends was an invaluable experience for my first. I don't get a lot of vacation time at my job and I don't make a lot of money so I can't travel much for races either.
ReplyDeleteIf I'm shooting for a big goal, one of the biggest factors for me is the course profile: elevation, route, what the weather is typically like. Will travel for fast flat (or downhill!) and cool courses!!
Oh wow, that sounds like the perfect experience for a first marathon. I'm hoping this being a local marathon will allow for some crowd support and familiar faces!
DeleteHello Ali!!! Congrats on your next marathon! That is SOOOOO exciting! Can't wait to hear all about it! I have been following your blog but just haven't been commenting! You are inspiring me to start my own running streak as well. I need some inspiration so thank you!!!
ReplyDeletePS~ Love the new banner!!!!! :)
DeleteI'm glad to hear you're inspired to take on a streak. I think it will definitely get you motivated again!
DeleteOhhhh! A friend of mine who lives up by you recently asked if I wanted to do the BDR Cape Coral half with her. I was sort of wavering on it, but now I think I'm going to have to sign up. I'd love to be there to cheer you on to your second marathon finish!!
ReplyDeleteOMG it would be so awesome to see you at the race!! Definitely think about it!!
DeleteSooo exciting! You'll def get back to Space Coast one day. I'm already thinking about Spring 2016, but need to figure out some Fall 2015 once I confirm which marathon(s) I'll run :)
ReplyDeleteI'm excited to see which races you end up signing up for!
DeleteHow exciting!! Nothing like that commitment feeling when you hit that confirmation button:) looking forward to reading about your journey this time around!
ReplyDeleteYeaaaah, I love the feeling of having a big race to strive for!
DeleteYay! I am so excited for you! I cannot wait to watch you begin training again. You train really smart. I should learn a thing or two from you!
ReplyDeleteEeeeee, this is so exciting, congrats girl! I just signed up for my second marathon after swearing I'd only do one :). I chose Seattle because I am moving there this summer and can't wait to explore my new city by foot!!!
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