Indecisiveness

My latest dilemma is whether or not I should do a marathon. I am considering doing the Des Moines Marathon on Oct. 17--it is only about 10 weeks ago but I could be ready as long as I'm not trying to run 3:45 or something like that. I could also wait until next spring/summer/fall and do one.

If I do that, the leading contender is Grandma's Marathon up in Duluth. Everyone says it's a fun race, and I'm not raring to do another huge city marathon after Chicago. I'd like to think getting to Duluth and to the race would be less stressful. I think Grandma's is typically mid-summer, and that would give me plenty of time to get into good shape after the winter. Grandma's also wins awards for its hospitality. I've thought about other marathons as well, particularly those in the Rock & Roll series. I also would actually consider the Fargo Marathon, as crazy as that sounds. It gets great reviews from runners.

Part of me is afraid to do the marathon because it might increase my chance of injury. However, I am sort of needing a new challenge. The half marathon is a race that I love, but I know I can do a half marathon. It may not be fast, but I never doubt that even if I'm not in great shape I can gut out a half. I guess part of me feels like I always have to have some sort of goal in my future. Last year, I did the swimming goal because I was on the running DL. Five or so years ago it was the triathlon. I did walk/run a marathon in Des Moines last October ten weeks after knee surgery. I think the next logical step is to sign up for a marathon. Like I said though, I don't want to push my luck and get hurt. I've been doing so well this year training pain-free.

So, anyway, some stuff to consider...

I taught two aerobics classes yesterday and then ran about 4.5 miles--and I am feeling it today. This is mostly because the aerobics classes involved resistance training, which I don't do a lot of lately. My upper body is feeling it. I should do more strength training, but honestly I have little motivation and just think it's boring. Maybe in the winter when I can't be outside as much...

Tomorrow I would like to get a long run in. Not sure how long is long yet. We'll see. It is supposed to be hot, so I better get my butt out of bed early. Tonight we are meeting one of my favorite former students for dinner, and tomorrow we will go to Cedar Rapids to meet some good friends for pizza. Looking forward to both.