Set yourself up for success!
When 2016 rolled around I set 9 goals...some life, fitness, work and personal related goals all mixed together. One of those goals was to run a marathon.
If you've been subscribed to my blog you have seen my
week 1,
week 2,
week 3&4,
week 5 and
week 6 updates. I was committed to train and run the Calgary marathon at the end of May. I was on an 18 week training program and things were going really well until the beginning of February when I got really sick.
I was off training for a very long time, at first I was so exhausted and sick I couldn't get out of bed. Then when I thought I was better enough to start training again my doctor said no running. Even when my chest infection cleared up I had a really nasty cough that lingered around for a month.
Finally last weekend I was convinced that I was ready to make a comeback! I felt pretty weak but at least I was getting my training done. Then I got a reality check on Saturday when it was time for my long run. In my
week 6 update I mentioned that I was supposed to run 16km but because I had missed so many long run I only made it 5km and my chest was really feeling it.
Taking a look at where I am, where I should be, and how much time I have left to train for my marathon I've had to make a very difficult decision.....I won't be racing in the Calgary marathon as planned.
This was a very tough decision for me to make but it's not worth continuing down a road when I know I'm not going to be ready. I've ran marathons in the past so this isn't new for me. I know it takes hard work and dedication...you really can't miss any of your long runs or it's very tough to get back on track. I've taken a look back at my old training log....yes I keep training logs...I was MUCH further ahead by week 7 than were I am now.
Even though I'm disappointed I've decided the best thing to do is try NOT to dwell on it and move on. I've put together a new training plan (fingers crossed this time I don't sick anymore this year). Another goal of mine is to qualify for Canada's ITU World Duathlon team. I made this team back in 2012 and competed in the 2013 World Duathlon Championships....it was an amazing experience.
The qualifying race will be held here in Edmonton Sept 3/4 weekend.
I've made a new training program that combines interval training, Beachbody programs, road biking and mini races through the summer to get prepared for the qualifying race! I have 25 weeks to train which is more than enough time to get ready.
Even though I'm feel a little discouraged for abandoning my marathon goal this year I'm trying to move forward to get myself pumped up for my new training plan!
I'll continue to post weekly updates here on my blog throughout my training so make and you can also head over to my
"Follow Me" tab to find all my social media accounts.
Happy fitness Friday!
