To run or not to run, that is the question...

MarieC · 15-07-2009 01:51PM #1

Ok so I have set myself a deadline of the first week of October to submit the 1st draft of my PhD. At this point in time I think that that is a very realistic goal. That would mean that approx a month later I would do my Viva (interview) to decide if my work is to PhD standard.

Anyway, I am not training for DM09 but I would really really like to do it. I was really happy with my training last year and whilst Im not getting out to train regularly at the moment, my core fitness has improved, Im running at least half a min per mile faster than this time last year and Im about a half/three quarter stone lighter. So! the question is, would you think it crazy/ill-advised for me to sign up for DM09. Answers, comments would really be appreciated.

buck65 · 15-07-2009 02:10PM

Maybe do it but only if....you can get in 4 runs of 16-20 miles in the previous 2 months to the race!

christeb · 15-07-2009 02:12PM

Maybe forget about DCM and reward yourself with a nice fast Spring '10 Marathon, Rotterdam maybe?

spaceylou · 15-07-2009 02:13PM

you'll need something to keep you sane writing up the phd...running is the healthy answer, just don't expect to get a very fast time or anything if you are not religiously regular with the training!

jeffontour · 15-07-2009 03:25PM

If you can run it for fun as such then fire away!

But if it's possible your training may not be up to scratch and a poor performance would set back any aims you may have for your running subsequent to getting the PhD out of the way might be best to stay away.

I have a similar dilemma involving DCM 09. A mates stag do is on that weekend. I don't think I can not run my home marathon so reckon I'll be running it with the remnants of a hangover from the Friday & Saturday nights. That said a marathon PB is not one of my aims for the year so I'm happy to just jog round and enjoy the event.

shels4ever · 15-07-2009 03:30PM

If you can fit in the training then there is no reason not to do it, but focus on your Phd, Running will always be there for you, But its nice to run when yoru get stressed to

dna_leri · 15-07-2009 04:45PM

MarieC wrote: »

Ok so I have set myself a deadline of the first week of October to submit the 1st draft of my PhD. At this point in time I think that that is a very realistic goal. That would mean that approx a month later I would do my Viva (interview) to decide if my work is to PhD standard.

Anyway, I am not training for DM09 but I would really really like to do it. I was really happy with my training last year and whilst Im not getting out to train regularly at the moment, my core fitness has improved, Im running at least half a min per mile faster than this time last year and Im about a half/three quarter stone lighter. So! the question is, would you think it crazy/ill-advised for me to sign up for DM09. Answers, comments would really be appreciated.

my 2c:
you will have enough stress in your life in October without adding a marathon. you will probably only do 1 PhD in a lifetime but you have the rest of your life to do marathons. enjoy your running between now and then and use it as a stress relief not to add to the pressure.

TheRoadRunner · 15-07-2009 05:47PM

I trained for a half while writing up. Race was a disaster, just checked the results again. I was beaten by a load of auld ones including one lady who is older than my mother ! So do it if you want but don't target any PBs

MarieC · 15-07-2009 07:35PM

dna_leri wrote: »

my 2c:
you will probably only do 1 PhD in a lifetime

Probably only do one?? How about never ever ever to be repeated??!!! :eek:

To run or not to run, that is the question...

Should I sign up for DM09? 10 votes

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