I have a confession…
“When you hit the zone you’ve got flow and rhythm, and you just tick-tack all the way up”, well, two weeks ago my rhythm was interrupted but I’m still caught up in a torrent of momentum and I want to take advantage of this energy, my fitness, and see where it takes me. Yes, I alluded to it, although rather cryptically, a few days ago, but yesterday I signed up for the Ottawa Marathon.
I realize my decision is dangerous, I wouldn’t normally recommend toeing the line to compete in a marathon with your last race only five weeks prior. And to reaffirm conventional wisdom, only yesterday, I could still feel the fatigue in my legs from London’s ill-fated attempt at 2h36. Not only that, I do not want to go to Ottawa to pass through halfway feeling as I did in London; if that were the case I’d be hard pressed to carry on. I realize the next few weeks are going to be a significant uphill battle, fighting to urge to train, but knowing that rest and recovery are paramount, the training complete. This time around, I’ll have two things in my favour, and they’re both significant. One, I’ll have my number one fan in my corner as Ally is coming out. Two, my desire to race is fiery… I want to compete. Where in London I remember feeling numb, looking forward to the race being complete for a few wrong reasons, now, sitting here with a glass of Highland Park, I feel resolute in my decision, scared yes, but I’m willing to risk more then perhaps others think safe.
This afternoon then, I headed out into the park; the amount of flowers there now bordering on ridiculous. I looped through my favourite route, happy to have left behind yesterday’s fatigue. Up for an adventure, and not wanting to push the pace too much, I decided to head down onto the coast path. I should have headed the warning, the “no entry” sign, and “steps under construction”, there were no steps. Regardless, I scurried down and onto the rocks only to stumble at the bottom falling flat onto my face… you’d think I’d lost my mojo, I’ve run here countless times? Up, I continued along the path, perhaps this was a test… I’m still doing Ottawa.
Training: easy 42:28, AHR 133
4 comments:
I'm a bit of a lurker here, really respected the blogs you guys have put together. Your journey was great to read, as well as your spirit of experience. I think you are making a very wise decision with Ottawa. I was going to post and recommend another shot at it, asap. Your body will rebound. Best of succes.
greg
I think you're making a good decision. I actually set my first marathon PR 3.5 weeks after a failed attempt to go under 3hrs. I ran a conservative first half and finished in 2:55 and change. You'll be surprised at the fitness you gain from London. Just take the next few weeks easy. Cheers.
Mike,
We have a reservation at D'Arcy McGee's, as per your recommendation. For 15 Victoria based runners.
I have read a bazillion stories where 3, 4 or 5 weeks after a failed marathon - a solid performance is put in, by said runner.
Plus you know what Lydiard schedules...
Thanks for the comments regarding racing in Ottawa. I definitely feel it’s bit of a gamble, and not something I’d normally recommend, but one I’m willing to take. Had I run 2h45 or 2h50 I doubt I’d be making the same choice. My biggest fear is having a similar race to London, and in that regard I’m going to have to a) ensure I concentrate on recover in the next three weeks, and b) tweak my game plan come race day.
D'Arcy McGee's, ummm, but don’t distract me (I can hardly wait).
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