I’m taking some time off from marathoning. The last time I took time off, I took an eight year hiatus! Don’t get me wrong, I still ran. Some years I ran races and some years I just ran to run. These are my top 5 reasons why my next race won’t be a marathon.
#1. I want longevity in this sport. I’ve been a runner for 25 years and I want to run for at least the next 25 years. Physical and mental burnout will surely be the end of my love affair if I don’t take a break.
#2. I’m satisfied with my marathon experiences. I’m not sure they can be topped and seeking something even better almost seems greedy. Does that make any sense at all?
#3. I want to set purposeful PRs in other distances. I haven’t raced any distance other than the marathon distance since I went on a quest to qualify for the Boston Marathon. I’ve set a few accidental PRs, but zero of them have been on purpose.
#4. I want to race more often. You can’t race marathons on a regular basis, but you can race 4 mile New York Road Runner Races nearly every time there’s one on the calendar.
#5. Freedom. I need to run when I want to, not run when I don’t want to. Run fast, run slow, run without worry or concern. I need to run just because I want to go for a run, not because I’m following a training plan.
I want to run a tenth marathon and I know which marathon I want to run as a celebratory number ten but, I’m going to wait awhile. How long? I don’t know.
Love reason #1. I have recently had to take a little bit of time off of running and it’s hard to not run after work, run on a beautiful fall weekend day, etc. but I keep going back to this reason (:
What about a half?
Sure! I’m just not going to run 26.2 for awhile! I completed 5 marathons in 16 months, so I need a break!
I totally get this. I haven’t run a marathon since 2007, and, you know what? I haven’t missed them. I run 10+ races a year and now I’m getting into more duathlon and triathlon and my body loves it. Will I run 26.2 again? Absolutely, but it will be on my terms! Long may you run Jess!
That’s great that you are focusing on other distances to prevent burnout. And it keeps things interesting
I totally hear you about #5. I am not a marathoner but when I was training for my half I felt like I HAD to run and stick to my training plan instead of running because I want to.
All of these are great reasons not to run a marathon until you feel ready to. After my first marathon in June, followed by some other racing through the summer, capped off by a half marathon in October, I have to say that #5 resonates with me. I am loving the freedom of no training plan! I am a pretty scheduled person so in the past it has also scared me a little not to have a plan. But now I realize that I DO have a plan – it is to run and to stay healthy.
You’re inspiring us to want to try a marathon!
Xo
The Wanderlustings
http://www.thewanderlustings.com
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