I’m hanging up my half marathon training shoes for the rest of this year. There will be no half for me on December 8.
As you can imagine that is not an easy thing for me to see in print – not an easy decision, but it’s the right choice. While my foot is making progress, my attempt at returning to half marathon training has proven to be one step forward, two steps back. I may be able to kill my track workouts, but maintaining race pace on the unforgiving surface of pavement and roads is proving to be a different story – I can get 4 miles at best…clearly a problem when the goal is 13.1! And as I said to Coach Bennett during our last call, the one thing I am clear about is that I do not want to have to will myself through another race that my body isn’t prepared to handle. I’ve done that and know I don’t have the mental energy, nor desire to do it again.
So I may eye a couple of 5Ks before the year is over – after all I’ve only got 2 races left to complete the #13in2013 Challenge – but there will be no long distance races for me until next year.
Time to start building my 2014 race calendar!
I am sure it was a very hard decision. Good luck with your recovery!! Enjoy the rest of 2013 and your road to recovery. You are going to rock the 2014 race season!!!
Thanks Sally 🙂
I hear you! First, congrats on making and verbalizing a very tough decision. Funny thing is, just this weekend, I decided not to do the Half either. Physically, I’m fine, but I’m mentally done with racing for the winter. Sometimes, it’s harder to say “stop” than to just keep going. See you in 2014!
The mental side of it is such a big piece! We’ll have to pick a 2014 race for a meet-up!
That had to be a very tough decision to make. Good on you for stepping back. I’m sure your foot will thank you. Halves are no fun at all when we are inadequately trained for them. Been there done that. Hugs!
Thanks Marcia 🙂
Hi Michelle,
I just stumbled on your blog and as a new runner over 40, I just am so inspired by you!
Heal thy self…take care.
Allie
Thanks Allie I really appreciate that!
tough decision but you definitely have to listen to your body. Hope you feel better soon!
You have a good outlook, looking forward to your future races. I know it couldn’t have been easy to make that decision, but sounds like it was the right one!
I know this is tough, but it will pay off in 2014! Here’s to a speedy and full recovery
I know that wasn’t an easy decision for you, but it sounds like the right one. It will be worth it to be healthy in 2014!
Those are always tough decisions. I haven’t done a half marathon in several years because of problems with my knee. Not an easy thing to give up!
Right now I really want to see if I can do one if I use Galloway method, so I’m going to give it a shot, but still haven’t decided if a half marathon is in my future ever again or now
Lisa I have friends who swear by the Galloway run/walk method – hopefully you’ll have similar success! Good luck!