Marathon Commitment

Tuesday, February 07, 2012 · Mike Davis

February 6, 2012

I’m writing this a day late as for some reason last night I went to bed without writing. Maybe it was because I was exhausted! When people ask me about what it takes to run a marathon, I usually say discipline and that it’s like having a part time job. If you struggle with keeping your commitment to training, marathon training will be impossible. Missing a run here and there is okay, but any more than that will pretty much make it impossible. When I trained in Germany, there were days I went to the track for a track workout and it was about 40 degrees, torrential rain and 30 mph winds. Getting me out of my car and on the track took every ounce of discipline and willpower that I had. Training for a marathon must be viewed as a part time job. The time and commitment is pretty much the same as having an extra job. I am very lucky, I am able to run as a part of my work day, but it’s not always easy and often I have to find the time outside of work like most people. Saturday mornings can be tough as I enjoy lounging, but instead I’m usually in my shoes and doing my long run. The other piece of marathon training that can be a challenge is how tired you get. I’m not a night person, but while racking up the miles, I definitely am ready for bed by 9:00 each night. I feel bad as my wife is a night person and she would like for me to show a little more life in the evenings. I think that’s her biggest frustration with me training for a marathon. I understand that.

My run today was an easy 7 miles in Dover. I think my pace was right where I wanted around 9:12. It was beautiful out and I enjoyed listening to some music as I motored around Dover. Uneventful as I focused on leaning, trying to get out on my forefoot more than my heels. That’s a big part of my struggles right now.

I finished, did some pull-ups and bicycle crunches and that was pretty much it. Nothing great to report, besides getting my 7 miles in.

See you tomorrow!

mike