The Inevitable Commitment Lecture

So, in the course of making some changes to the schedule, I was trying to maneuver long runs around the holidays, and decided it's time for Tedious But Important Lecture #1.

One of the biggest problems runners face is when the running becomes this onerous obligation. Believe me, I know that feeling, and I'll be honest, I've felt that a lot this summer. The quote in the Austin Fit article about all runners needing breaks? That's what I'm talking about, and in typical hypocrytical coach fashion, I have not taken many breaks in the past few years, largely because I have a hard time watching and not doing, but also because I feel an obligation to do what I'm requiring you all to do.

But with a few exceptions (those of you who just want to keep running, but don't feel that you're compelled to prove just a whole lot) you've all taken on this task of training with a goal of accomplishing a half marathon or marathon. That decision is made, you're in it now. What comes with that is not just a schedule, though. It is commitment. I know you all know that, at some level, but I think it's important to really realize and appreciate the scale of the commitment you need to make.

The half marathon and marathon, 13.1 and 26.2 miles, don't care what happens in your life. They don't care that you're out of town for work or Thanksgiving. They don't care about injuries or very important things that come up that we all have to deal with. They definitely don't care about laziness and hangovers, and neither do I. There's no universal rule of fairness here, that will cut you some slack if you miss workouts for whatever reason.

Now, all that is not to make this task sound onerous. I absolutely do not want running to take over your life. I want us to be well-balanced. So, we'll make choices along the way, and therein lies what is most important and most valuable about the training and running - we've chosen to put ourselves in positions to make choices that are capable of saying a lot about who we are, and who we choose to be.

You've chosen to train. That's a win. That says something about you. Unlike other groups, we don't have stay-at-home moms running because they have nothing better to do. We are all teachers, lawyers, people in the service industry - we all work hard. So, every time you choose to make it to a workout after a really hard day, that's a win. When you are tired, and want to quit and run less, but don't, that's a win. When I say to run five or six repeats, and you choose six, that's a win. When you're away for Thanksgiving and you have to run 10 miles on Saturday, that's a win. When you choose not to have that extra one or five drinks on Friday night, or when you think ahead to arrange your schedule and vacations so that you can get your runs in, those are wins.

Ultimately, those wins are what matter, no matter how fast or slow you are. Running a half marathon or marathon is an impressive stunt. Training for six months is an accomplishment. Make those choices along the way, and your races are going to be easier on you. You'll be faced with more choices in those races - whether to let up or stop, and your ability to make the tough choices then will be built on the choices you make every day in training. And, I believe that in the course of making these choices, we have the very real opportunity to decide who we are going to be, not just as runners, but as individuals.

Again, this is not rah-rah, "110 PERCENT!!!!" B.S. Just appreciate what you've taken on - the seriousness of it, and the potential of it. Deceide what you do and don't want out of it, and then do not sell yourself short on whatever you decide those goals are. Make the hard choices, and this will all be far more rewarding than you could possibly realize.

OK. Enough of that. The practical implications are this...

1. If you have to miss a long run, let's plan for it. Some people have had fun hooking up with running groups when they're in another city, meeting people, seeing a new place, and making a fun experience that we're often jealous of back home.

2. You'll need to run even during the holidays. I'm trying to finagle the schedule so that you're be on "down weeks", with slighthly less mileage. But I'll be here, and the runs will go on as scheduled.

3. Marathoners - you're going to have a choice between running 24 the day before 3M, and skipping 3M, or adding mileage before and after 3M to get at least 22 miles. If there's a lot of grief about that, we can talk about it, but I want you to be as prepared as possible for your goal race. 3M is fun and fast, but it's a scheduling problem for all Austin running groups. I think Amy is really happy with choosing to skip it this year. If you want to run it, that's fine, but adding mileage to it will get you your longest run, and it'll keep you from blowing your legs out three weeks ahead of the marathon.

OK. If there's any questions or concerns, or if I've not come across right and ended up scaring you, let me know.

See you Saturday!

Rob