is it worth it? about a month ago, i made the official committment to train for the Deadwood Half-Marathon in june. my neighbor started running this winter, and i knew she wanted to try for a half but needed a little moral support. or moron support, in my case. see, i've run these things before. i TRY so hard to be a runner. i love the way i feel when i'm done, all sweaty and accomplished. and happy, because after one day of running, i give myself a day off. i love that day off. and i dread the days on. especially those long run days. i know so many people who have become addicted to running, they can't wait to get out there and chug away the miles. i'm not one of them. and after three half-marathon attempts, pretty sure i never will be. after completing my last one, i swore "never again." every mile sucked the life out of me.
at any rate, here i am again. week #4 of training. part of it is, my lower back hurts like crazy. i recently discovered that if i take ibuprofen and then lube my back with ben-gay prior to a run, it kills the pain while i'm running and it's actually not too bad. but i ask the question again: is it worth it?
runners, help me out here. what's it going to take for me to like this?
11 Comments:
you know, i want to say "go for it in spite of the pain" because i am guessing your fellow runner friends will say that to you.
but, as your friend and a person who has watched the struggles you have had with distance running for almost ever, i think i agree that you are NOT really gifted with distance running.
i think you should do other things, and save your joints and back.
there. i know you won't, but that is what i thought the LAST time you ran a half marathon - God does NOT ENDORSE bengay as a training tool, i do not believe.
i'm waiting for the dissenters.
:)
9:19 AM
I'm with Bobbi. I have much the same feelings about the whole deal, despite the post-half high in December. I now have limited my running to a 5K on the treadmill twice a week. It just hurts too much. My knees, probably the only body part I own that didn't hurt, now hurt all the time. Crap, I've got wrinkles and dimples and veins, do I really want to increase the pain I suffer, too??? I think not, my friend. We need to valiantly LET IT GO.
4:38 PM
Well, here's my two-cents...I love those half-marathons but that's just me. I also know people whom I run with that dread the long runs so they opt for the shorter races. Either way, you have to ENJOY it. You have to know your body and what it can take. I will be one to say "go for it" because I love the atmosphere of races, I love the bonding that goes along with them and I love the great friends I've made through running. But honestly, if I didn't enjoy it, I wouldn't be doing it. I'm behind you though through each and every mile!
6:29 AM
see, i've run a half marathon with carey...while some of us putt putt putted the same speed, same way throught the WHOLE thing, she would SPRINT LIKE THE WIND, then walk. the whole way. which got me to thinking she is meant to sprint like the wind, not putt putt putt.
it's hard to sprint an entire marathon, though.
6:44 AM
see. that's my goal. to not have to walk. the last half i did, i ran for 8 miles before walking the first time. that was a record for me. despite the crazy run/walk method, i have kept my time under 10 minute miles SO FAR. for some reason, that's my inner goal. i keep thinking, "man, if i didn't have to walk at all, my time would ROCK." we'll see what happens this time. i have promised myself to go through with this one..."i can do all things through God that strengthens me." right?
7:15 AM
right :)
i guess your inner voice is the one you need to listen to...
9:18 AM
You're my hero.
Uh, maybe, just maybe, it's time to have that back checked out again...
10:15 AM
You're my hero too...maybe we can run together sometime. I would love that. Keep on going, you'll do great. I have heard the scenery on that race is amazing.
1:00 PM
As a person who "gave up" running when I turn 34, I say do it ONLY if you love it. I'm too old to do things that make me unhappy! That's my motto. But I know you, and when you have a goal, you stick to it. So, find your inner strength and go for it. Then do some soul searching to see if distance running really is your thing, or if there is somethibg else you can love more but still be challenged at. Good luck!
11:06 AM
have you ever tried some distance running on a good track? I know it may seem boring to run around in a circle, but I'm always in my own world with my music so I don't pay much attention to the scenery.
Anyways, the 'rubber-like' track is awesome for achey joints, especially the back and knees. I've been training on one at the local high school at nights and instead of half-marathons (which I'm scared of) I prep for a couple 5k races which still give me a huge sense of accomplishment.
Try it for a couple weeks, I bet you'll feel super!
good luck!
7:50 PM
Carey - I am in awe no matter what you decide to do. I was not built for the road and admire anyone who can run (that would be all of you guys)short or long distances.
10:31 AM
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