Day three of summer break found me making a summer "To Do" list, which included creating a marathon training program. As I ate my way through half a box of Cheez-Its, I scoured the Internet for a suitable training plan. After much frustration, a nap, and several hours of procrastination, I decided to adapt several different training regimens into one master plan that I creatively entitled, "Chicago Marathon Training." Then, despite my hatred of calendars, I devised a simplistic (and colorful) monthly program.
I carelessly typed in workouts such as, "6x800's" and "10 mile race pace" and didn't bat an eye when I penciled in a 22-mile long run on Labor Day Weekend. In fact, I kept right on going until all 14 weeks were filled with some type of numbers that resembled a craptastic marathon training plan.
Then, staring blankly at my beautiful creation, I deleted it with one "click." I've never been one to complete things half-heartedly - except when it comes to marathon training.
Training for the marathon is a commitment, and perhaps I'm a bit of a commitment phobe - but I've got some serious baggage, which explains my tentativeness on many levels, yet is no excuse - I know. In the past, I've made serious training plans, only to watch them unravel mid-way through due to various factors: weather, boredom or a Saturday night out with friends, which leads to one too many vodka sodas and a day-long hangover, which makes a Sunday 20 mile run out of the question.
Although I love schedules, many marathon training programs leave little room for flexibility, let alone, a life outside of running. So instead of penciling in pre-emptive miles, I'll write them in as I go and try to relinquish some control. And maybe even surprise myself in the process.
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