Marathon Training: All in For Number Ten

After running six marathons between November 2012 and October 2014, I needed a break. Having reached my ultimate marathon running goal in 2013, I was satisfied with the marathon.

Qualifying for the Boston Marathon and the entire training season leading up to the Rock’n’roll San Diego Marathon is a time period I’ll remember forever. It taught me that I do not in fact give up and that obstacles are just something to jump over.

I remain satisfied by that marathon finish, but based off the circumstances of the day (80% humidity, hills + a sprained ankle), I believed I was capable of running a faster marathon time.

But, that was three years ago. Since then, I’ve focused my energy on growing my business. I just haven’t cared enough about my own running to be serious about a goal.

Something started to shift this spring. My work life was feeling more manageable and the idea of running 20 mile long runs in the  summer months started to sound appealing again.

I thought about the things that enabled me to be successful in the past. I thought about which workouts I hated and which ones I loved. I thought about all the things I’ve learned that work well for me and how I could replicate those things in a new, but similar fashion.

After taking some time to realize this desire to run a marathon wasn’t a fluke, I knew I didn’t want to train alone. Training with others was a huge part of my previous success. And as nearly everyone knows, having a training partner and friend to get through the miles is so much better than going alone.

After thinking it over for a minute, I knew who I wanted as my Amy (or as my Shalane). How do you decide who is who in these “you are the Amy to my Shalane” relationships? Anyhow, I knew who my perfect running partner was but she just didn’t know it yet. I felt silly and nervous approaching her with the proposal, but I was in luck… she said yes!

With that, I registered for my tenth marathon, booked a hotel room and am 100% committed to working hard towards setting a new marathon PR this fall in Philadelphia.