Push through some pain?

I wrote most of this post before my 20 mile run but didn't get a chance to finish it.  So, I am posting it now and my 20 mile update and more photos will have to wait until tomorrow.  Stay tuned....

I started receiving a subscription to Runner's World Magazine.  I think it was free with my Chicago Area Runner's Association membership.  I still don't consider myself enough of a runner to subscribe to a running magazine. But since it arrives in my mailbox, I might as well read it.  :)  An article titled "Risk Management" caught my eye.


Many ideas were mentioned but the one that really struck me was....runners always relive a race in their mind and think about where they could have done better.  I haven't done this yet because until the Half Marathon last week, I never really pushed myself.

The article said, during a race expect some discomfort and pain.  If you expect it, you can work through it and push past it.  The point of the story was to push to reach your Personal Record.  Isn't it worth a little temporary pain and discomfort to reach a PR????  Don't take the easy route and look back and regret it later.  Bare the temporary discomfort so you know you did your best and will not have any regrets. 

I read the article in the morning and then headed out for my last run before the 20 miler.  As always...I contemplate life while I run...and sometimes I think about my to do list :)

 

I thought...isn't that true in life too?  Isn't it worth it to push through some temporary pain for some long term gain???  Often we are stuck in EASY and afraid the temporary pain might not be temporary or it is easier not to deal with the pain. 

 

With this in mind, I will expect some discomfort for my 20 mile run on Sunday.  I will push thru some temporary pain to stay with my 11 min pace group.  If I can run 20 miles at an 11 min pace I will be golden for reaching my 4:55 goal.  Unless FATE has another plan :)  I started to write a FATE post but haven't finished yet...stay tuned.

 

 

Coach MA called to give me a pep talk for the 20 Mile run.  She is an awesome coach and I attribute my change in attitude completely to her.  Because of her, I am also confident I can push for a 11 min pace for the Marathon. 


 

She is a good influence on me and I return the favor by being a bad influence on her.  Drinking and having fun at the Bruce Springsteen concert.

 

 

 

 

 

I came across some demos (marathonguide.com) for marathoners.  As I researcher I am fascinated by this info.  I was pleasantly surprised my 4:55 goal will actually be slightly faster than the average time.  Yeah!  I thought I would be at the bottom of the pack :)  But I have to say, I have never been happy with such a LOW goal before... It's like being happy with a  B- :)  I'm more like an A- type person but for a Newbiemarathoner I can definitely be happy with a B-
 

2005 Overall Demographics Percent Avg. Age Avg. Time Men 60.0% 40.5 4:32:08 Women 40.0% 36.1 5:06:08 All Runners 100.0% 38.7 4:45:47

 

 

2005 Age Group Breakdown AgeGroup Avg. Time Percent M0-19 5:04:39 1.17% M20-24 4:22:21 3.10% M25-29 4:24:42 6.03% M30-34 4:25:28 8.14% M35-39 4:22:45 9.72% M40-44 4:21:46 9.83% M45-49 4:26:23 8.37% M50-54 4:37:25 6.22% M55-59 4:49:04 3.82% M60+ 5:13:32 2.96% F0-19 5:46:58 0.86% F20-24 4:52:38 4.12% F25-29 4:54:45 7.49% F30-34 4:58:18 6.82% F35-39 4:55:37 6.59% F40-44 4:59:01 6.13% F45-49 5:11:46 4.20% F50-54 5:31:03 2.58% F55-59 5:48:39 1.17% F60+ 6:08:12 0.68%