Do I?
I’m not sure if what I’m feeling is just end-of-training-plan exhaustion, but some serious doubts have entered my brain in the last week or two. Do I really love the half marathon as much as I think I do? Or is it just peer or even internal pressure that keeps me signing up and training?
The course preview run for Prairie Fire is tomorrow. Mr. Neon and I have plans to run the whole thing. Last week I put the 13.1 shoe charm back on my necklace. I glance at it every time I pass a mirror. Does it belong there?
After 3.5 years of running, I still prefer racing and even training for 10Ks, 5Ks, and sprint triathlons. There, I said it. I don’t think it’s a lack of effort or laziness that has me leaning towards the shorter distances. Right now I’m simply interested in running faster. Plus, training runs between 3 and 9 miles seem to feel the best. My hip doesn’t hurt. My IT band doesn’t scream at me.
Maybe I need to reevaluate everything. Does putting the half marathon on the back burner make me any less of an endurance athlete? NO, of course not! I’m just temporarily shifting my focus, getting back to basics, and working on my base.
This article by Lauren Fleshman speaks to me. Endurance, strength, and speed…here I come.
Neon Runner Girl 
NOT AT ALL! You have summed up what I am feeling. Sometimes too much is TOO MUCH! Accepting my part time job with USD 261 has meant that I can no longer run any races that I want, and that is a GOOD THING. I trained/raced too much last year and I got injured. Have not raced ONCE in 2016 and haven’t even logged my miles. I have enjoyed volunteering at races. I think you need to race what you love and for you if that means a shorter distance so be it. For me it will mean only 1-2 half marathons a year. 26.2 is overrated in my opinion. Been there, done that!
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You are reasoning things out and you are smart. Run your 5 K’s and have fun.
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I totally understand this! I’m always questioning whether I want to run fast or far. I will say though, that after my marathon, the half is sound pretty nice! You gotta go with what excites you, it’s way too easy to get burned out running if you’re really not enjoying it.
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