On Monday, marathon fun fires up once again. I’ve known this day was coming since, oh since that winter day I sat watching my computer lock up when the Marine Corps Marathon registration opened…and closed.
I am no stranger to this distance. Maybe that’s precisely why I’m anxious. Because I know what I’m in for. My head has been swirling with plans. Should I Run Less Run Faster again? Even though I vowed to change it up this time? Run More Run Slower? Train Like a Mother? Take Walk Breaks the GalloWAY? What do Pfitz and Hal and Mr. McMillan have to say? Maybe a hybrid plan. Even though I’ve done it before countless times, my head is in that ominous place where running more than 13 miles does not compute.
To help me (and you) along with the mental aspects of training I’ve devised some tips:
- Pick a race you REALLY want to do. Check. Marine Corps tops my bucket list.
- Pick a desirable time of year. Check. No guarantees but odds are somewhat good (knock wood) that it won’t be a billion degrees in Wash. DC on 10/28.
- Reflect on past success (even if they’re not running related) and build confidence
I paid a visit to my running shrine, which resides deep in the catacombs of my…um…basement…to help jog my memory of running well.
- Learn from past failures and let them go. Hello not one but 2 marathon DNS’s last fall due to injury. Plus profound fatigue from the Vitamin D fiasco.
- Break it down. Break your plan into months, then weeks, days, workouts, miles, intervals, steps to the next telephone pole, whatever it takes.
- Focus on one workout at a time. Break an intimidating long run into digestible parts: two 10-milers, four 5-milers, a 10 and two 5’s, a half marathon then a couple of 5ks or so.
- Review your workout in advance. I look at what’s coming up at the beginning of the week and mentally get my head around doing runs/paces that I may not think I am capable of.
- When you feel like you can’t, try anyway. You may be amazed at what lives inside you. I think I felt this way every. single. time. 8x800m was on tap. I’d tell myself I could quit after 4 intervals if I was dying. But I never did. For the record, this does not apply to injury.
- Join a group. Nothing like a little camaraderie and peer pressure to keep you going.
- Chart your progress. You may not feel like you’re making progress but numbers don’t lie.
- Visualize success. Every day, before, during and after every workout, visualize crossing that finish line. Smiling, upright, triumphant, feeling strong! What are you wearing? Seeing? Hearing? Smelling? See all of it in your mind’s eye. Imagine achieving a huge goal, no matter how far fetched it may seem. The more you do this, the less far fetched it will become in your mind. Where the mind leads, the body goes.
- Reward and celebrate your accomplishments. Remember those Lulu capris with the irresistibly tiny ruffle I was obsessing over? In my closet. Persistence pays off–in running and in shopping! Now I’d better get my behind in gear and go accomplish something.
How do you prepare mentally for a marathon or any race?
Who’s racing this weekend?
OHHH pick a race you really want to do, seriously that one really matters more than people think. I’ve been talked in to a couple marathons that just weren’t on my list and they were rough
So many great tips! I love the recommendation to break it down, and take it one run at a time. I understand the training plan decisions… I’m not sure what I would do next time around, so many options!
Great tips! I might talk myself into doing another marathon next year. Haven’t done one since 2004 and it has taken me this long to seriously think about another one:) I guess I better pick a good one!
Great post! My training started back up today. You are going to do great. I am excited for you. 🙂
Awesome advice! For me I really want marathon redemption but training through the summer when I am already busy with work and trying to fit in golfing didn’t make sense so it is a summer of short races again and I am good with that.
Its funny you said pick a race you really want to do – i signed for dublin just to solidify my first international trip, but every day i find myself more excited for that race then for Chicago! It’s very motivating!
I’m curious what you would change about Run Less Run Faster. I was thinking of trying it but want to make sure it’s a good plan!
I’m still dragging my feet on Chicago…which basically means that I haven’t put in the required work yet. I’m struggling with that long run, just can’t seem to get there after my foot injury. I would love to run better than Carlsbad but I don’t know…maybe another shitty race time will kick start my mental demons?!?!? I dunno. I did book a hotel for the night before the race last night….I guess that means I’m at least thinking of it :).
I guess my feet dragging is due to the fact I want to start going to bootcamps and crossfits more so I can get more lean. Not sure how I’ll get in the running when I can barely walk. But leaner means faster running so it’s a must-do.
I like your medal racks. I put my medals in a plastic baggie at each year’s end. Maybe I’ll hang them one day. I like yours.
Anyway, I am running a downhill half marathon tomorrow. Woohoo!
Great set of tips. I especially like the very first–I think this is so key. I know I pretty much suck in warm weather, so I always find marathons that don’t offer much chance of it. That’s always priority number one when looking at my choices. I think it also has to fit into a time of year that will work for you and your schedule–if it’s too busy, the training will become a big stressor to you and that’s no fun!
I’m not doing MCM but you’re not going to be that close to me and not meet up! See you then!
I love reading posts like this. I’m running my second half this weekend in the heat, so your advice on breaking down the distance into more manageable pieces mentally and visualizing success are going to get me through. And there is a Brooks skirt I’ve had my eye on for a while, so if I PR maybe I’ll treat myself!
Oh, thank you for posting this- exactly what I needed! I’ve been happily running halves already this year, but seeing a 16 for my long run next weekend has me terrified. I had a minor panic attack. But, we’re running a 15k event that morning, so I guess I’ll just tack on 7 more when I get home.
It may seem silly, but I visualize myself running the race/training workout/etc. well. I think believing you can do it breaks down mental barriers.
This is SUCH a great post. I just did my first full and feel like I learned a lot, but there is still so much more to learn. I can’t wait to train for my 2nd marathon and know I’ll need to visit thoughts and tips like these when that time comes. 🙂
Great tips!! I’ll be referring back to these as I start half training on Monday!
So cool that your training season has begun, Marcia! MCM was my second marathon, and an experience I will never forget! Can’t wait to follow your progress!
I made my Half training schedule for Staten Island Half this week (even though it doesnt start for a couple of months) I am mentally prepared to build my base now and focusing on the end goal. I think I have to follow your advice – and more particularly I need a reward for the end of the road! You’re a rock star with all those medals!!!
It’s a week out from my squad’s biggest race weekend of the year – the Gold Coast marathon. What you said about finding a group is spot on. The camaraderie within those runners this morning was just wonderful to be part of. There are so many first-timers who have supported each other every step of the long weeks of hard slog. You can see their excitement mixed with nervousness. I can’t wait to cheer them on next Sunday.
Great tips! I’m not ready to take the marathon plunge just yet, but these like sound advice.
This is very helpful as I contemplate conquering this distance. Thank you!
Marathon training starts for me tomorrow, too. I should really find a training plan…
I think the Pick a Race You Really want to do is awesome advice. Training for big races is a huge commitment, so you need to really want to do it.
Marcia, I love all these tips and could say the same for all of them! Perfect!
Very good tips but the marathon is a special and, of course, different race. Long and difficult.
I have only a doubt reading your list: join a group. During the marathon training every workout must be perfect and it is important to avoid injures. If you run with a group you risk not to follow your scheduled plan, running faster or on a route different than your usual one. Better to join the group only when you are not in the right spirit for a run alone.
These are great tips! I definitely do the “just get to that telephone pole” trick in my head while running. I also try to break up runs, by telling myself if I can get to 3 miles then all I have is 2 miles more, etc.
MCM is supposed to be fantastic! Everyone I know who has ran it LOVED it!
You’ll be running the weeks after my fall marathon – I love that our training will overlap!!
Here we go again!