A few months ago, I decided I wanted to run a marathon. I’m still kind of freaking out over that decision.
When I first started thinking about it, I was trying to decide if I wanted to run the Space Coast Marathon in December or the Disney World Marathon in January. I’m horribly indecisive so I figured, what’s the worst that could happen, and signed up for both.
I’d been planning to use the “Marathon Finish It” plan from the ladies at Another Mother Runner, so I sat down yesterday and started plugging the runs into my training calendar. The weeks between the two marathons kind of scared me. I took a break from it and started reading first marathon race recaps from some of my favorite running bloggers. Then I got more than a little scared. Nearly every single one of the race recaps say the same thing – respect the distance, it’s not the same as running two half’s, it is brutal on your body.
Is it too much to run my second marathon just six weeks after my first?
Am I going to want to die running my first and second marathon that close together?
I can easily step down to the half for Space Coast and I’m really starting to think that might be for the best. I don’t want to bail just because I’m scared, but I also don’t want to end up hurt and unable to run the Disney Marathon. The problem with me is, I’m stubborn. If I say I’m going to do something (and especially if I put it out here on my blog) then it’s really hard for me to bail on it. I’m learning that sometimes you have to take a step back and re-evaluate, but it is really hard for me.
This picture has nothing to do with this post, but I love it. I need to go download it so you can see Braden’s sweet little face.
I know that if I do the training, I can get it done.. but at what cost? I’m already struggling with an angry achilles tendon. Everything I read says I’m going to be totally beat up after my first marathon. Throw in the fact that we’ll be at Disney for four days following Space Coast, and that my husband wouldn’t be there to see me finish my first marathon (he’s staying home with our kids).. it just seems like maybe it’s not a good idea anymore. Really, it probably never was.
So what do you think.. is it too much, too soon?
Should I stick to my plan and run both or is it smarter to run the half at Space Coast and save the full for Disney?
I would step down and do the half. It’s not worth the injury, and with achilles issues, I’d rather play it safe!
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I know you’re probably right, I don’t know why it’s so hard for me ot just do it.
Hi Kristin, it is absolutely possible to do both!! Speaking from experience. I ran Chicago in October and the St. Jude in December this past year and was fine. I just recommend that you don’t race (meaning push yourself) for both. Pick one to take it easy on and just enjoy it. Disney is not a race that most people go for time, it’s about taking pictures along the route and having fun with it. I’d be happy to talk to you more about it off line if you want ([email protected]). My first, I ran with a friend and took it easy, with only one goal, to finish. The second race I changed training plans to heart rate running, and putting in speed work, and finished strong and much faster than I thought.
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Thanks, Debi!
I’m just worried about the whole unknown thing since it’s my first marathon. How far apart were your first and second?
I’d also say to step down to the Space Coast half and save your first marathon for Disney. If it was my decision I’d be really upset if I couldn’t complete the WDW Marathon. Good luck with whatever you choose!
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That’s a good point, I’d be really upset to have to DNF a race. Maybe it is better to stick with Disney since I can’t just drop down to the half on that one.
I would also step down and do the half. I did two half marathons eight weeks a part and I did it but was exhausted.
You should enjoy both race experiences without being stressed about running them so close together.
Karen @cinderella_runs
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I ran two half’s about a month apart with a 15k in the middle and was okay, but I hear marathons are a totally different monster. That’s a good way to think of it though, I have run two close together and was okay.. hmm..
I would do the half as well. It just seems the safest option and will give you a chance to really savor that first marathon experience.
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I do want to savor.. and have time to hang out with you guys at Space Coast where I can enjoy and not be miserable..
I’d say do the half for Space Coast simply because I think you’re crazy for signing up for two marathons!
But seriously–when do you have to decide when to drop down for Space Coast? If it’s important to you to do both, and you can drop down last minute, maybe train for the full. And judge how your body feels. If its hurting, then don’t do the full race to protect yourself from injury. If you’re feeling good, then maybe do the full but take it easy.
Yeah, I’m no help, am I?
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I am crazy sometimes, haha!
You can drop down to the half the day before.. that was my plan before, to train for the full then drop down if I needed to. It may still be a good plan..
I think I would step down to the half just to be sure you can participate in the full in January. While you are young and this probably would be okay, it would be a shame to get injured and have to give up running while you heal.
Very good point, I don’t want to end up injured or have my achilles tendon get even more angry at me.
Thanks for your input!
Tough call! I like Debi’s advice of running one for fun, if you do decide to go for both.
Personally, I wouldn’t do 2 back-to-back. It’s not just that the marathon itself is hard–the TRAINING is hard. Long and intense. And you might just want a break for awhile afterwards. Space Coast could also be nice timing to fit right into your marathon plan as a long training run.
Good luck with your decision! I know it’s so hard to anticipate how you’re going to feel later!
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I also am very stubborn & when I decide on something (and put it on the blog) then I must do it! I think you could do both full’s. Focus on the December one as your first marathon and train for it. After you’re done (give yourself a good week to recover) decide if you liked it and how your body has recovered. Since you’ll already have base, you should be able to throw in another couple of 15+ LR’s and complete #2 if you feel your body is ready for it. If not just drop down to the 1/2 for #2. Either way have fun!
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That’s the plan, for now! I decided to go ahead and register for both after a friend of mine, who is also a running coach, encouraged me and told me that he thought I could do it. Hopefully my legs agree! Since both races are full, there’s no dropping down to the half. The good thing though, is the second one is at Disney, so I can take my time and have fun with it.