What to do if you're bored of marathons?

--amadeus--

Mr Mojo has left the building. I have lots of excuses but I think the reason is that I'm bored. I've averaged a couple of marathons a year since 2005 and broke a long standing target last year. I can't see myself getting much faster and I have no interest in training just to take part, if I can't PB I don't want to run.

So I need a target that'll get me going again, but what? I'm a dire swimmer so Tri is out. Ultras I don't think would suit what few strengths I have. Adventure races maybe?

Anyway all non HTFU or STFU advice greatly appreciated!

ecoli

--amadeus-- wrote: »

Mr Mojo has left the building. I have lots of excuses but I think the reason is that I'm bored. I've averaged a couple of marathons a year since 2005 and broke a long standing target last year. I can't see myself getting much faster and I have no interest in training just to take part, if I can't PB I don't want to run.

So I need a target that'll get me going again, but what? I'm a dire swimmer so Tri is out. Ultras I don't think would suit what few strengths I have. Adventure races maybe?

Anyway all non HTFU or STFU advice greatly appreciated!

Why not take a year focusing on the shorter stuff? 5-10ks. You will be suprised how much you can bring the times down with specific work (especially with your aerobic base). Could also have a knock on effect in a year or two and you could return to marathon in year or two with improved shorter PBs and genuine ambition of revising the Marathon time (which might not be as far out of reach by then)
Out of interest what are the PBs? (have a vague idea)

gerard65

Try cross-country, 10K's, track, 5k's. How about having a go at your PB's over those distance's. You can get as much challange out of racing shorter distances as marathon's.
There's more to running than the much over-hyped marathon's and resently ultra's.

shels4ever

Maybe stamp collecting or darts could be an option.

Woddle

Track for sure
I've only had 3 races on track but loved them all and it's so different to marathons that it could be exactly what you need and the whole different type of training that goes with it.

tunguska

--amadeus-- wrote: »

I can't see myself getting much faster

I think this is your problem Amadeus. If you're not gonna take lumps out of your previous time then of course your motivation will drop. So the question is: Why do you not see yourself going any faster? Why have you put a limit on the times you can run?

RedB

--amadeus-- wrote: »

I can't see myself getting much faster and I have no interest in training just to take part, if I can't PB I don't want to run.

I'm a dire swimmer so Tri is out.

Sounds like a swim PB is possible then And a cycle one also. No reason why being a dire swimmer should stop you doing Tri's. We all start somewhere (and some of us haven't got very far :rolleyes:)

Come on in, the water's lovely!

QueensGael

You could try a duathlon - no swimming required There's a series on in the Phoenix Park in Dublin this summer that might interest you

http://www.dublintri.com/duathlon/faq/

jaymack75

not sure where you're based, but you won't get bored on the mountains......

http://www.imra.ie/

kennyb3

tunguska wrote: »

I think this is your problem Amadeus. If you're not gonna take lumps out of your previous time then of course your motivation will drop. So the question is: Why do you not see yourself going any faster? Why have you put a limit on the times you can run?

Totally agree, first thing i thought of too.

jeffontour

If you've been running mostly on the roads then I'd second the IMRA recommendation. You could run the same course 4 weeks in a row and all other things being equal the weather conditions on the day and the state of the terrain could leave you feeling you've raced 4 different routes. It's less about chasing a time I find and more about maximising your performance on the day.

--amadeus--

Ahhh so much good advice and not a Tunney inspired motivational message in sight!

PBs are:

5k - c 20mins
10k - 38:xx
10 mile - 67 mins
1/2 - 1:28:xx
Mara - 2:58:07

I see where you're coming from on the shorter stuff but I can't see myself on a track; far too painful! Likewise anything below 10k - I need a few miles just to get the legs moving. Looking at those times though there is room to knock them a bit more into shape, especially since they were all done as part of mara training rather than as an end of specific programs.

Mountains no thanks! I like flat, even kerbs are an issue! Duathlon and the like maybe, the idea of sinking hundreds into a bike and then hating it puts me off a bit but it's worth looking at. Swimming I really don't like (I hate the feel of wet skin )

The questions on why cap my targets is a good one... I kinda cruised to the 2:58 and had less than ideal training for it (a 2 week holiday with minimal running for example). I have been aiming for sub 3 for about 18 months (from running 3:15 basically) but the idea of targeting a 2:45 in a couple of races seems ridiculous. I just can't see myself having that kind of legspeed. Mental block maybe.

(and don't knock darts, my Granny played it!)

TFBubendorfer

--amadeus-- wrote: »

Ultras I don't think would suit what few strengths I have.

--amadeus-- wrote: »

PBs are:
5k - c 20mins
10k - 38:xx
10 mile - 67 mins
1/2 - 1:28:xx
Mara - 2:58:07

Slightly conflicting information in those two quotes.
You'll probably say that I would say that, but I'd give the ultra a try.

ecoli

--amadeus-- wrote: »

I see where you're coming from on the shorter stuff but I can't see myself on a track; far too painful! Likewise anything below 10k - I need a few miles just to get the legs moving. Looking at those times though there is room to knock them a bit more into shape, especially since they were all done as part of mara training rather than as an end of specific programs.

--amadeus-- wrote: »

Mountains no thanks! I like flat, even kerbs are an issue!

--amadeus-- wrote: »

The questions on why cap my targets is a good one... I kinda cruised to the 2:58 and had less than ideal training for it (a 2 week holiday with minimal running for example). I have been aiming for sub 3 for about 18 months (from running 3:15 basically) but the idea of targeting a 2:45 in a couple of races seems ridiculous. I just can't see myself having that kind of legspeed. Mental block maybe.

And you have just found your limitation there in the very last line. There is not one thing stopping you from progressing to that time over the next few races aside from your head. As you said yourself you "cruised" to 2.58 means that without any other training you already have potential to go faster.

Regarding the shorter distances, of course its painful everything we are weak at is always harder. Much like someone who has only started running trying to cover the distance is in absolute agony in their first race. It gets easier as your body gets more used to it. I the exact same when trying to do speed work after base phase its a shock but in time you get more used to it

As much as i dont agree with it usually I think this is one of the rare times when Tunney's usual advice should be welcomed to a thread:D. No reason why as long as you willing to put in the work that you cant get into the 2.4X times

TheRoadRunner

IMO if you've no mojo for marathons then I'd avoid ultras. Maybe you need to race a marathon instead of running one

If I remember correctly you have raced very sparingly on the roads. Why not just jump into a load of races and see how you get on. Forget about PBs. BHAA races are perfect for this if you can make the Cork ones. Just race for fun. PBs will come down the road if you want.

Hill running is also a good suggestion

TFBubendorfer

TheRoadRunner wrote: »

IMO if you've no mojo for marathons then I'd avoid ultras.

No, that's not necessarily true. You still race at a rather uncomfortable pace in the marathon. I loved the casual ultra pace when I tried it last year.

Maybe you need to race a marathon instead of running one

Ah. Good point.

RayCun

if you were entering races as part of a club, and trying to score points for your team rather than record a personal time, that might help with the motivation?

Brianderunner

Your half time is way too soft for a sub 3 runner. How about targeting a sub 1'25?

RacoonQueen

I'm the same with marathons, though mine is more down to the fact that my curse ruined my marathon attempts.

So you don't want to run marathons at the moment. So what? If you don't want to race at the moment. So what? Mix up your training, enjoy training and what you get out of it. You get in some real quality sessions when you stop worrying about running further for a while.

I'd go with Ray's recommendation to join a club as well.

You've done hardly any races at shorter distances, wasn't Enniscorthy last year your first half marathong? Then you didn't even 'race' that properly? What about aiming towards the National Half marathon in September?

nomadic

Has the Faroes attempt been scrapped? say it isn't so.:)

kennyb3

You dont like running unless its a PB
You dont like anything under 10K
You dont like mountain races
You dont like swimming or wet skin

Are munster playing at home?

Clearlier

How about aiming for a sub-60 10 mile race? I have a friend who is 45 and went from running 2:59:57 at London last year to 60:18 on a flat but very windy course 6 months later.

Joining a club is a good idea. Running for a team can help motivation temporarily.

You could get into coaching.

You could look into setting up a parkrun event in Ireland. They have events in Denmark and Australia now so I don't see why it couldn't happen.

TheRoadRunner

Clearlier wrote: »

Joining a club is a good idea. Running for a team can help motivation temporarily.

I think he has ruled that out previously. Jesus Amadeus I think you may need to take up playstation or something

shotgunmcos

Set a scary goal.

You have been in a rhythm of consistently chipping a few minutes off each marathon, same format, a few more miles a few mins pb, a few more training miles, a few mins pb...

A tried an tested formula for yourself that is clearly a bit stale from meeting you recently.

Heres a thought

The big 8!

Or just quit whining and enter an IM or an Ultra or a 24hr or a beauty peagant...

donothoponpop

+1 on doing the big 8. Set your goal as the sub 5 minute mile, training for this would be a shot in the arm. Or you could listen to this guy, making sense from another recent thread...

--amadeus-- wrote: »

STFU and HTFU to paraphrase someone!

You won't get motivation from a thread on a website, you're either motivated to train and hit your goals or you're not. If you are then training is a habit and you do it without external pressure. If you don't have that internal drive then no amount of feel good rocky style motivational quotes or speeches will work.

The only way to stay motivated in the long term is to pick a goal that really ticks your boxes (running a marathon, doing a tri, hitting a given time, doing an adventure race, learning to ski, whatever). Then work out how you will get there. If it's a goal you believe in and an activity you enjoy (or don't dislike!) then motivation takes care of itself.

Oisin11178

Bored of marathons, na:-)

--amadeus--

nomadic wrote: »

Has the Faroes attempt been scrapped? say it isn't so.:)

I had totally forgotten about that! Several attractions to that event if I remember rightly...

kennyb3 wrote: »

You dont like running unless its a PB
You dont like anything under 10K
You dont like mountain races
You dont like swimming or wet skin

Are munster playing at home?

Who cares, I don't like rugby!

TheRoadRunner wrote: »

I think he has ruled that out previously. Jesus Amadeus I think you may need to take up playstation or something

I'm fussy. It keeps me endlessly fascinating (or so I tell MrsA when she grumbles about my being picky)

Ok, thanks a million for all of the replies, lots of food for thought in them and some really good ideas. I think big scary goal and genuinely believing
that it's possible along with a sprinkling of just getting on with it and (grumble at the not so subtle dig) mentally toughing it out to race a race rather than just trot round is needed. A club might be worth looking into as well...

Much appreciated, re-mojo'd and ready to run. Tomorrow if not today

(and no point entering a beauty pageant, I like a bit of competition and it would just be too easy...)

AntiVirus

How about an Ultra Mini Marathon?

Oryx

You don't like the feel of wet skin. Well I never.. You seem to have got what you wanted here, but if not, you could always do Tough Guy.

thirstywork2

Ok so you are bored of marathons ???
Look good thing about track is you can do two races in the one week if you like,no race will be the same and you can make a mistake and come back at it again soon to make sure it don't happen again unlike a marathon.

Doing shorter distance doesn't appeal to you cause it takes you out of your comfort zone.
Do you feel like a marathon is something you are good at(sub 3hour is quality running)but in order to improve I think you will have to bring that 5k down under 18 and you will be suprised at how much you will improve.
ok first few races are going to be terrible but look at Woddle,he is going to be addicted to track once he gets going

Other choices are adventure racing,duathlons or race walking :P

ocnoc

I see two options.

www.orienteering.ie

Learn the tricks of the trade. Get a bit of navigation under your belt then head to

www.imra.ie

and run the Championship races.

Forget the Leinster League, thats trail running. Proper, hard core mountain running. You haven't raced until you have raced a championship race. Man V Man with one big dirty mountain in your way.

Don't knock it will ya try it. But be warned. It is highly addictive.


You get a buzz from finishing a race with a PB, the buzz you get from coming off a peak in mist makes the PB seem like nothing

Peterx

--amadeus-- wrote: »

Mr Mojo has left the building. I have lots of excuses but I think the reason is that I'm bored. I've averaged a couple of marathons a year since 2005 and broke a long standing target last year. I can't see myself getting much faster and I have no interest in training just to take part, if I can't PB I don't want to run.

So I need a target that'll get me going again, but what? I'm a dire swimmer so Tri is out. Ultras I don't think would suit what few strengths I have. Adventure races maybe?

Anyway all non HTFU or STFU advice greatly appreciated!

You could try rock climbing - no water involved, improves agility, core strength, suppleness, takes you to some spectacular places and is coming into season right now - much like the new potatoes. They have lists too so you can improve your "pb" all the time.

Pisco Sour

Definetely hit the shorter stuff. Your 5km is insanely slow for a sub 3 marathon runner. Jaysus my PB is almost as fast as that :-)

I'd give the track a go. You'd be surprised how much you may enjoy it. Instead of looking for a PB you get to experience a proper racing environment. The set up in Ireland is pretty awful compared to what they have here in Melbourne but there are a number of graded meets which should be starting soon. Try give them a shot.

You say its painful, but its short term pain, unlike distance running, which I find to be a less intense but very prolonged pain. I prefer the pain to be over quickly :-)

Try for the sub 5 minute mile

Maybe sub 2:20 for 800m

To hell with it, maybe even give sprinting a go. 400 metres is such a fun event. I'm dying for the track season to start down here again so I can try take more off my PB's.

thirtyfoot

You are a child of the boom. Runner children of the boom have a much shorter life expectancy. They reach maturity earlier but quickly die away (you are like some kid who overdosed on ecstasy in the '80s compared to some old guy who did some acid in the '60s, did his E in the '80s and is now doing whatever sh8t is cool now and still telling the tale). This is natural, don't fight it as you want have the traditional support or fallback that a club may offer with support through the ability to coach or fundraise or recruit or whatever.

RoyMcC

04072511 wrote: »

400 metres is such a fun event.

:eek: I was thinking what a good post but then you lost it :pac:

G-Money

I think sometimes it's easy to confuse boredom with laziness in these situations however it does seem like you are genuinely bored with your running at the moment.

I'd echo what others say, perhaps go for shorter race distances such as 5k or 10k's for the time being.

I don't know what age you are, but how about entering a Masters competition?

Sosa

Hey amadeus....
I am now running 3.5yrs and only recently finished off the big 8....i have been keeping track of it since reading a post from racing flat back then...it kept me going when i got a bit dissillusioned from time to time,i would recommend trying to knock those off one by one...some will be easy for you,some will be tough,some you have already done.
Also,dont rule anything out until you have given it a go....the track is fantastic and a great relief from running the roads all the time...i love it now and have raced for the first time on it last week and cannot wait to go again...
Intervals are now my session of choice....mileage has come down for me since last years marathon...lucky to get 35m a week in now...and intervals are the sessions that are keeping me within touching distance of my best times and i even set a few new ones this year when i didnt think i would...mileage is not everything...quality is everything.

So...give the track a go...easier in a group i would add...
try out 6*800 for a test run with 90s/2 mins rec...see how you get on.

The-Big-81 mile in 5 min3k in 10 min5k in 20 min5 mile in 30 min10k in 40 min10 mile in 1 hourhalf in 90 minmarathon in 3 hour

best of luck with whatever you chose....as barack said yesterday....yes we can...yes we can....

Clearlier

Just in case there's a novice reading this - quality - in the form of intervals are quite literally the last thing that you do. They are the icing on the cake that help you to peak for a certain event or season. The aerobic miles (at multiple different paces) are what give you your base of fitness and allow you to do intervals and other quality work. The bigger your base of fitness the more quality work you can do and the faster you'll get.

If you get a good base in over a couple of years then you can spend quite a while doing relatively large volumes of quality work but there will come a point where times steadily slow and you will have to go back to your base in order to improve.

I'm not saying that focusing on quality wouldn't be a good move for the original poster - it would probably be a great way to freshen up their training. I'm just concerned that an enthusiastic new runner might take a look and go - Aha! it's the quality that's key to doing my best. I'll skip the miles and get to my peak faster. One of the joys of running is that there are no short cuts. You (largely) get out what you put in.

--amadeus--

Once again a huge thanks!

IMRA keeps coming up and it appeals on some levels. God knows DP and SJ put enough pressure on me once upon a time to get stuck in but I'm fairly sure it's not for me. I really don't get on well with hills (my two favourite races are Amsterdam and Rotterdam for a reason). Orienteering is a good suggestion - something my eldest might be the right age for. Rock climbing is another good idea & one I've been looking into already.

So the plan is to mix it up a bit, I'm committed to running Amsterdam again but I'm going to mix up the training by trying to notch a decent 10 mile and half marathon time; if I do that then I'll have knocked out the "Distance 4" part of the "Big 8" and to do that I'll need to rattle out some quality training on the track. Track racing might follow from that but not being in Dublin I think my options might be limited.

But the biggest thing I think is to aggressively attack my marathon time. I have a few ideas about where I can eke out a few minutes here and there and I can commit now that I will knock between 10 and 15* off my marathon PB come Oct!

*seconds, not minutes

thirtyfoot wrote: »

You are a child of the boom. Runner children of the boom have a much shorter life expectancy. They reach maturity earlier but quickly die away (you are like some kid who overdosed on ecstasy in the '80s compared to some old guy who did some acid in the '60s, did his E in the '80s and is now doing whatever sh8t is cool now and still telling the tale). This is natural, don't fight it as you want have the traditional support or fallback that a club may offer with support through the ability to coach or fundraise or recruit or whatever.

Ahhh but I have burned out rather than fading away, and with 10+ maras under my belt plus assorted short stuff I've clocked up over 300 racing miles so far; unlike the lycra clad luvvies who prance along a tenth of a kilometre at a time and call that a race...

Clum

--amadeus-- wrote: »

Ahhh but I have burned out rather than fading away, and with 10+ maras under my belt plus assorted short stuff I've clocked up over 300 racing miles so far; unlike the lycra clad luvvies who prance along a tenth of a kilometre at a time and call that a race...

Don't do anything! Take a break.

I was in your shoes last autumn. I'd hit targets that were set 3 or 4 years ago and didn't know where to go from there. I was really tired and didn't want to do light training, never mind the heavy stuff. The thoughts of working really hard to knock 1 or 2 minutes off a sub 3 marathon didn't really appeal to me.

After 2 to 3 months of no running whatsoever I was mad to get back in to it. Now I've trained well over the Spring and set a PB for 5k this month. Hopefully I'll do the same over 10k next month. I've regained the hunger so much that I'm looking at training for an autumn marathon to chase a big PB, hopefully by 10 minutes or more.

Spend some time eating tasty foods and staying up late. Go on the beer and stay in bed on Sunday mornings. After a while you'll want to get back in to it and targets will come to mind. When they do you'll get your mojo back and have a whole new drive.