Do you like races or find them stressing?

I enjoy running. My idea of a fun run is 7miles, so I thought it would be nice to finally commit to training for a 1/2 marathon, help keep me motivated & push me more too.

I still have 9 weeks...but for the past month it's been almost impossible to get runs in, & when I do I'm forced to use the treadmill.

Now I feel stressed that I'm not going to be adequately conditioned & it won't be enjoyable.

I'm doing what I can & trying not to feel discouraged by not being able to control life....but how do you fit in training, or is it just not for you, especially with schedules/kids/family?

Do you like races or find them stressing?

First off, remember that you enjoy it, so try not to turn it into something that is a chore. I can't stand treadmils either.

I enjoy running but I'm not that great at it... I signed up for a half marathon about 3 years ago and did not get the training in that I needed to, as the time of the race, I think my longest run was 7 or 8 miles. I was terrified but I didn't want to quit because so many people knew I was running. A fellow runner told me to take scheduled breaks (ie: run 4 miles take a walk even if you're not tired, run another 4 take a walk, or some other interval) and it will help you last. I def took walk breaks but I finished and was happy with my time.

I'm guessing you have young kids, but do you have your spouses support to be able to let you get away? Not all runs need to be long, you can fit in shorter training runs in the time you would have normally taken your fun runs. I get up extra early to be able to work out, by the time I get home from work there is no time or energy to go do something. My husband doesn't work out, so I sacrifice a bit of sleep, and go to bed a littler earlier to make sure I can still spend my time at home together.

What are some of the roadblocks you've been hitting?

Re: Do you like races or find them stressing?

I set this goal, so I do want to complete it, but I'm competitive, so I wanted to do it semi-good Or at least not stop.

I have a 5 & 3yo, so once they are in school I should have 3 days to get in runs, weather permitting.

My husband is extremely supportive & signed up with me, & he's definitely struggling to get in his runs too. He already said this will be the last one, he'll cheer from me & have wine waiting from here on in

I'm a SAHM, but my DH works in the ER, so his shifts vary from leaving at 5am, being gone all day, sometimes home at 10pm, or gone all night & sleeping half the day before going back in.

So, if he's days I'll often wake at 5am, but I'm not going to run outdoors at that hour, so it's on the treadmill for 6miles.

Maybe I'm just too hard on myself? Maybe it just isn't for me...I never did a race in the past, because I didn't like the structured schedule to have to keep.

Re: Do you like races or find them stressing?

The longer the race - the more stressful training is.

Can you get three runs in a week? Schedule a day for an interval workout, a tempo run and a long run. For HM, I would stress having that long run in at the very least.

The other two can be 30-40 min and fit with a treadmill. Speed - 30 sec fast 30 rec jog x 10 or 20 or 30 depending on your fitness (sometimes it feel strange when you are used to running long, to only get 3 miles in, but it helps your fitness regardless.

tempo runs can be 30-50 minutes - depending on what you can fit in.

Re: Do you like races or find them stressing?

That makes sense! So I'll aim for the long, and anything else I'll just try to make the most of it. I'm so afraid to be under-conditioned & ruin the experience.

Re: Do you like races or find them stressing?

i used to really like them...now i don't at all and rarely do them anymore.

too stressful for me and kind of a nuisance.

i decided i didn't like having to get up too early or wait to run until a too late time, or have to travel/drive to a race locale. i started to find the other runners annoying and i swear i always wind up with an injury that puts me out after a race!
so i think i am done for now...6 marathons 3 halfs..a bunch fo 5k's and 10k's i am satisfied and enjoy running solo on my own time or with my sister.
it's totally a personal thing!

ETA good luck with your training-you will be fine, do not worry at all! if you put in the time and the runs you will be able to finish for sure! most likely you'll get the "racing bug" and be propelled to do more! they are great accomplishments!

Message edited 8/7/2013 10:24:14 PM.

Re: Do you like races or find them stressing?

I love races, but I don't put any pressure or expectations on myself. Sometimes you have a good day & something you don't. I just do it for fun & to see what happens.

Re: Do you like races or find them stressing?

Pre kids I would put pressure on myself to so certain times and ton follow a training schedule to a T. But I still wnjoyed it..I love a challenge.

Post babies and back surgery I am just grateful to be able to run. I did a half marathon when my twins were a litle over a year and I just ran when I could . I think my longest run was 9 miles. I went in with an a mind set I just wanted to run the whole thing wven if it was slow. Race day I feel I can always do more.

I think after you do your first and the anxiety of doing something new is gone, it will be more enjoyable for you!

I plan on doing a half in October and my longest run so far has been 6 miles.
Eta: I didn't answer your question! I fit long Ryun in when I can and I don't stress if they are not every week. I will eventually try to do my long runs on the weekend during the kids nap time. Having a treadmill is a great thing! Can you do some training at night after your dd's go to bed? It doesn't have to be a long run you can do a speed workout and just do the long runs when your dh is home.

Message edited 8/8/2013 6:53:30 AM.

Re: Do you like races or find them stressing?

Thank you all!!!

I needed that reminder to put my mindset back at, "being thankful I can just run."....I was in an auto accident in Nov, at a roadstop & rear ended at 50+mph, totaling my jeep.

It was after that & getting PT clearance that I got back into running & deciding to finally to a race.

I do belong to a gym too, so that's been my go to at 5am or the evening/rain. Boring....but I'll do 6 miles.

Do you like races or find them stressing?

Oops repost

Message edited 8/8/2013 10:00:15 AM.

Do you like races or find them stressing?

Yes. The longer the race the more stressful the training can become. I'm training for a full and I want to rip my hair out sometimes. The training is so demanding and I've been having a hard time running in the heat. I hate that part of it.

Like the other girls said though- try not to view it as a chore. Remember it's something you're doing for fun. When I look at it that way it helps. I hate the treadmill with a passion so I totally get it. I will not run more than 4 miles on it. Anything over 4 I always run outside. I can't be on that thing for long periods of time because it becomes tedious, boring and almost chore-like. Running outside is much more enjoyable and I usually perform better as well. So that's part of my advice- run outside as much as you can.

I think what also keeps me going is that feeling of accomplishment after a race. That high you get. That keeps me motivated. I love that feeling so I often think of that when I'm running.

Re: Do you like races or find them stressing?

Re: Do you like races or find them stressing?

Re: Do you like races or find them stressing?

I used to get stressed but then reminded myself that I'm not being sponsored by Gatorade. I'm a fat ass middle aged mom trying to not completely hit the wall, and the only way I can force myself to stay in shape is if I'm signed up for a race. I know for a fact that I will not be PRing in any upcoming race because getting any running in this summer.... Not to mention speed runs, long runs, etc that I was doing when training for PRs in the past, so I decided I will show up, do my run, know I did my best, and remember that I wouldn't have gotten ANY runs in if I were not signed up for races at all. Even with my best training in, I will still be slow. My hips are wide, I'm not built for running, and I'm old. So I'm in the next phase of my life of just not looking older and wider.

Re: Do you like races or find them stressing?

^ ^ ^ Love it!

Yep, no Asics or Runners World sponsors here. Just a Mommy trying to keep active.

Do you like races or find them stressing?

I always think of it this way... No way I am going to win any races NOW , but if I keep at it, maybe I will be the only one in my age category at 60+ or 70+ and then I will win!

Re: Do you like races or find them stressing?

Posted by anskiv

I always think of it this way... No way I am going to win any races NOW , but if I keep at it, maybe I will be the only one in my age category at 60+ or 70+ and then I will win!