I started training for my fith marathon just over five weeks ago. In those five weeks I have a series of minor ailments (tummy bugs, colds etc) and family disasters which have severly impacted my training plan. I have missed three of my five planning long runs, never going beyond 16 miles. I have managed most of my tempo and speed sessions. My general fitness level is okay (I did a half marathon in 1:43 last week) but I am carrying about half a stone more weight than I had planned to.
I have eleven weeks left. I had promised myself that if I missed yesterday's 20-miler (which I did miss) I would abort then refocus on a spring marathon and keeping myself in decent shape for the rest of the year.
Now I am at the crunch point my resolve in weaking. Looking at my training plan it is a disaster and I dont feel that boost in fitness that I have in previous marathon preparation. On the other hand I am pretty fit and do have eleven weeks to go. I do really really want to do the autumn race and know that if I drop out now it will be a massive physcological blow.
Has anybody else been in a similar position? Should I forget the autumn race or is there still hope? Should I refactor my training plan in any way to make up for the shortfall in distance?
Thanks Jo-bee! I am impressed you have four kids AND find time to run! I have two and another on the way and have trouble fitting kids / running / work into the day.
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Andrew R
