Well, I'm struggling here a bit and need some advice/feedback on what I need to do going forward.
My fitness hasn't returned anywhere near as quickly as I would have hoped. Granted, I've taken it somewhat slowly coming back to be safe, but still. I'll get to my run later today in a bit, but if I do my planned 7-8 mile run this morning, I'll be at 25 for this week which was my goal.
Last night's run was awful, both physically and mentally. Worst run I've had in a long, long, long time. I went out for 5 miles in the evening and it was a struggle from start to finish. My legs don't feel quite right. I'm nervous with every step I'm taking to make sure I'm landing right which makes it worse. My ankle is starting to ache a little for trying to overcorrect a bit. It's just not good. On top of that, my HR has been so high lately and last night's heat and humidity (for the first time yet this year) made it all the worse. I wanted to turn around and go home so many times. I just feel like I'm still a bit away from having any level of fitness and even still not even approaching where I was. I should be starting week 7 of 18 for marathon training and I can try and start it this week but I'm not sure how it's going to go.
For the first time ever I thought of bailing on this marathon. I just don't see how I'm going to be ready realistically. Which, as I'm thinking of all this, is just making everything during the run much worse mentally. I have so little interest to get out now because it just doesn't feel good when I do and don't feel like I'm making progress. My HR was stupid high for such a slow pace.
I don't mind the mental grind of getting back into a groove if I think things will end up working out. I have so much motivation to do so. My wife, obviously. Our first marathon, doing it together. Her going for a BQ. She's killing her training right now.
@JShare87 coming out there like he said he would. I mean, I want to get out there and do this so badly. But I'm starting to wonder if it's not the right idea. I see 3 options and I'm not sure what to do:
1) Suck it up, start my week 7 training, work as hard as I can, and toe the line with the idea of doing what I planned on doing. My fitness will catch up soon and it'll work out.
2) Keep running, but take it slowly, get into training when you can, and adjust your goal and just work on trying to complete the marathon but at a slower than intended pace.
3) It's not a good idea and it's time to cut my losses and forget J&J. Get back out there slowly and reset and pick a new first marathon like Monumental in November when I'm adequately trained.
It's a cooler, less humid morning today and I was going to go out for 8 miles. I haven't run over 6 miles in almost 2 months. What was turning into a regular/easy/enjoyable distance feels like a daunting task this morning. If today doesn't go well, it's not going to be good for me moving forward. Sigh......
ETA -- This is even more depressing. 1 1/2 months ago, same route. :(
8:58 pace, HR 143
10:29 pace, HR 151