Hesitant to sign up for another marathon

AngryLips · 10-08-2012 9:17am #1

Hey all, some feedback would be appreciated from fellow members here.

I've done two marathons. The first was no problem, I was always motivated to do it. When it came to doing my second one I was sure, based on my first experience, that I'd be able to do it again. While I completed the second marathon no problem, and I shaved 20 minutes off my time, I found that my motivation for it was zapped and I scraped by with the minimum amount of training.

I think the fact that the second one wasn't going to be an achievement in the same way the first one was killed my enthusiasm for it. Now I want to sign up for a third go but my experience from my second marathon has left me slightly worried that I'll fall flat on the training and fail completely.

Has anyone else had this experience? Thoughts?

RoyMcC · 10-08-2012 9:23am

Why not forget the marathon for a bit. It's a big commitment if your heart really isn't in it. Do some shorter stuff - try to improve your 10k or Half running. The training period is shorter though more intense.

Plenty of years ahead to re-kindle your marathon interest.

Claude Harmon · 10-08-2012 9:24am

I had the same problem. Did the Dublin Marathon two years ago, for the second time. Improved my time by 20 mins also, but did not enjoy it.

I am doing it again this year. I have read up alot on training plans, which has given me a lot of focus and really enjoying the training.

Set yourself a goal and you'll find yourself quickly motivated. I trained poorly for my first two, but having a good structured plan really helps.

best of luck,

average_runner · 10-08-2012 9:26am

Skip the marathon for a year. Concentrate on smaller races and go out and enjoy them. Join a club and enjoy the training there with no marathon pressure

AngryLips · 10-08-2012 9:53am

Thanks. Ya, I decided to skip it for this year so at the moment I'm kinda more thinking in terms of doing one in spring or early summer next year.

I promised myself I would stay half-marathon fit but that hasn't happened so I should probably concentrate on getting there first.

Following a strict training plan might be worth a try as I've never been very regimented. Although, the experience of training for the marathon has definitely brought out the OCD in me I find.

MrCreosote · 10-08-2012 11:01am

The solution to your problem can be found here:

http://tinyurl.com/8hnw8c5

AngryLips · 10-08-2012 1:08pm

LOL. Very true, I haven't ventured there yet...

Hesitant to sign up for another marathon

Comments