Oh how I WISH I was referring to the actual lottery.
But I’m not.
A few weeks ago I won the running lottery for the second time. The lottery to run the Marine Corps Marathon in October. The first win was in 2014 for the NYC Marathon. Either I should stop entering lotteries I don’t need to win, or I should take this as a sign that I’m ready for a comeback post-stress fracture. I’m going with the latter.
A funny story before I get into the details….I was sitting around the fire pit with my parents and I said to them “I’ve been thinking about entering the lottery for the Marine Corps Marathon.” Well, my mom didn’t hear the word “marathon” and said “WHAT?! The Marine Corps?!” No, no, mom. I just want to run their marathon, that’s it.
Why another marathon?
A little recap: my injury last year prevented me from running my third marathon. I had already gotten up to 18 miles in training and felt good…minus the foot problem, obviously. I took a long time off to rest and heal (mentally and physically) and I’m now remembering the reasons I enjoy running so much. The main reason for a marathon: I want the challenge. I also genuinely enjoy the structure of the training (for the 16ish weeks…not for the entire year). I think I’m solving a lot of problems, both health and running mechanics-wise, and believe that both will contribute to a more successful training.
Why MCM?
No particular reason, but I would like to run a race in every state so this would be my third marathon in my third state (District, whatever). A few other points: I love D.C., I’ve heard this is a fun race environment and I have family in the area.
What am I going to do differently?
Aside from my new inserts/heel lifts and work to correct mechanical imbalances, I’ve decided to hire a coach. I’m SO excited about this decision. Most of you know Susie from SuzLyfe, but if not, go check her out. She will be my coach :) She has experience returning from injury (personally and with clients) and the best, most encouraging personality in the blogging/running world. We will be starting work in late June to just get the ball rolling with a really slow build-up.
Get excited (?) for more running-related posts when the training begins. The race is Halloween weekend. For now, I need to psyche myself up for training in the Florida summer again. Luckily, it doesn’t bother me too much once I get over the initial adjustment.
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To end on a similar note, I wanted to share a new playlist of running songs. Not necessarily new songs, but a good mix of upbeat tracks that will keep you entertained and motivated during a run or workout.
This is so exciting! I can’t wait to follow your training. I’m hoping to hire a coach as well. Hopefully we can meet up there!
YES! When I saw your tweet that you got in I was so excited (I should have just messaged you then!!).
This is SO awesome Emily! So excited for you. And I’ve always wanted to hire a coach. I basically need someone to help me with my running form because I’m always hurting!
Christina recently posted…Mother’s Day Gift Guide: Gifts Your Stylish Mom Will Love
All of the training plans I’ve followed have been put together by little ol’ me. I guess they turned out ok but I’m curious about things I’m doing right/wrong and just the overall support I’ll receive via a coach.
SO EXCITED TO WORK WITH YOU. It is going to be hashtag amazing lol
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Beyond Words: My Return to New York City Weekend
#totally #thankgodyouspeaklikeme ;)
I’m so excited for you Emily!! It is so inspiring to see and read about how you’ve handled your injury and how you’ve been getting back in the groove. I hope this marathon is the best one yet!!
Ps – I spy the song recommendations! So glad you like them :)
Bailee recently posted…What I Ate Wednesday: Accepting Your Bad Days
YES! I meant to tell you I loved your suggestions :)
I have committed to walking a full marathon soon… Well not soon but it feels soon :-) I need to steal your playlist for training.
Carla recently posted…Praying for what we do not want.
Most of my playlists are usually 45 minutes but I made this one longer so I don’t get sick of the songs :)
I am totally getting the itch to sign up for a half marathon…I think it is the change in season and that I need something to focus on and hey it is always a good excuse to travel as well! CONGRATS on getting in and I cannot wait to follow your training…XOXO
ACKTIVE LIFE recently posted…Grab Your Jump Rope And Let’s Workout
Yes the weather here has been perfect for running that I’m getting the bug! Although I might take that statement back in a month when I’m dying of heat ;)
Oh my gosh — this is so exciting!!! I am so excited to follow your training and see what it’s like to work with a running coach (I’ve never worked with one, but have been considering it…). I have been trying to figure out my fall racing schedule, but it’s difficult when I know that my fall schedule is going to be insane. I have a few races I might sign up for, but I want to hold off for a bit and get through my races I have coming up.
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…How I Manage Stress
It’s all new to me so I’ll be sure to share what I learn as I go! Thanks, Brie!
Congrats on getting into MCM! And that playlist is badass- definitely going to be adding some of those songs to my list :)
I’ve been in need of a new playlist so hopefully this lasts me a few good weeks :)
I have worked with a running coach before and honestly, I didn’t mesh well with her so it wasn’t the greatest experience. Make sure you find one who is willing to be open to many ways of training, not just their preference. Also, I’d suggest that women get either a male coach or a coach not their same age. If they are around your age, get one this is not in the same area as you so it’s online. The problem with my coach was I felt she was competitive with me. I think I would have benefited from a male coach, just to take out that dichotomy.
Good luck!
Ellie recently posted…Week In Review [CTB, Plant Fusion and 24.28]
Sorry to hear you didn’t have a great experience. I’m approaching this as an opportunity to learn and grow in my running while, most importantly, getting to the starting line healthy. I’m not necessarily going for a super fast speed or interested in running crazy high milage. But I can see how it would be important to take other those other things into consideration :)
First off, thanks for some new pump it up music suggestions as I plan for my own marathon training! Second, congrats! And third, I’m joining you as I’m trying out Laura’s coaching for NYCM :) We’ll have to see how it goes!
Wahoo! Will be following along with yours too :)
So excited to watch follow your training! I’ve never worked with a running coach, but if (when) I run a longer race, I would definitely consider it in order to have some guidance and extra running wisdom.
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday recently posted…Five Friday Favorites 04/22/16
I’m most looking forward to the guidance! I feel like I “wing” a lot of things when it comes to running so it will be great to see how some structure influences me.
Yayyyyyy for working with Suz!!!!! I can’t wait to see how this goes for you! I’m sad/happy for you haha sad because if all goes according to plan, I won’t be living in the Baltimore area anymore so I won’t be able to see you, but happy because Marine Corps is supposed to be a fantastic race. One day I may hire a coach but I just enjoy running freely without the structure. I’m interested to see how it works for you!
Sarah @pickyrunner recently posted…Can Competitive Mindsets Harm the Healing Process?
I’m happy for you but selfishly sad for me…but I foresee more races together in our future!
And yes, I’m so curious about the coaching thing. The last times I’ve created my own plan so it will be nice to get a different perspective.
Goooood luck! That’s a great way to start the week :) I’m interested in learning more about your training since I’ll be looking for marathon training plans around the same time frame!
NYC for you, right? Nothing better :)
Yep! So excited :)
Kaitlin @ CA Enless Summer recently posted…April Weekend Shenanigans
MCM was my first choice but I didn’t get in. Chicago isn’t a bad second option, though!! I can’t wait to follow your training!!
Uh bummer! If I didn’t have family in D.C. I would have gone for Chicago. Both are pretty awesome in my mind! Excited for you too!
I have run this race twice and, while I have no other marathon to compare it to, it is an amazing race. The crowds are incredible and running through D.C. is always a spectacle. While it’s not flat, it’s been amazing to train on home territory and then run the course with friends dotted throughout the crowd. I’m running Chicago this year instead of MCM, but I’m excited to finally be a spectator on the course.
Bethany recently posted…An Enduring Hunger
That makes me so happy to hear! I hope to have some family scattered along the course.
That’s so exciting you got into the race! And also exciting about working with a coach. I’ve never worked with one but I’ve considered it in the future. I have goals for certain distances and I feel like if I can’t reach them by myself than working with a coach would really help me. Can’t wait to follow your training :)
Amanda @ ExploringLifeAndThings recently posted…The impact Dance Marathon had on my life
Thanks, Amanda! I’m excited for both the race and the coaching. It’s all well and good now but there’s lots of work to do :)
lol @ your mom. that’s so funny. good luck with your training and using a coach, i have never used one before, sounds interesting!
kristen recently posted…Golden Tote Review
I’m very curious about the coaching process too so I’m excited to see how it goes. Thanks, Kristen!
This is so cool and so exciting and I’m pumped that you’re working with Susie!! I worked with a coach last year and I was in the best shape of my life! You go girl!
Margaret @ youngandrungry recently posted…Blood Orange Paleo Chocolate Mug Cake
Hoping to stay injury free and not hate running at the end of training. I’m exited now!
How awesome that you won the MCM lottery and having a running coach sounds like a great idea! I love your playlist and I think we have very similar running music taste because I think about half of these are on my playlist now! And now I’m adding the other half :)
Liv @ Healthy Liv recently posted…How to (Not) Train for a 10 Miler
I made this playlist long enough so I won’t have to listen to the same songs every run! Hopefully every other run now ;)
YES! I love following along when you train for a race!!
Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me recently posted…Potato Chip Rock San Diego Hike [Weekly Workout Recap]
Hopefully this one will have a better conclusion :) Thanks!
You can not believe how excited I was to see this news. I haven’t done a marathon in a while, because my body was so out of whack for so long, and I’m not sure when I will do a long race again soon. Lord willing, I can do one someday soon with my body in a better state than it was before.
Emily recently posted…The Quest for the Best Nut Butter
I didn’t know you ran marathons! I so hope you are able to again, if that’s what you desire. The marathon is such a beast but it feels pretty amazing to conquer it.
Congrats on getting in! Michael’s aunt has done this race before and loved it. It seems like everyone is getting a running coach now – it is making me really tempted to try it! I’ll be interested to hear about your experience.
Rebecca @ Vitamin OH! recently posted…Coastal Delaware Running Festival Marathon
You’re right, it does seem that way. At least with the runners I follow! I’m more looking to stay healthy than PR but that would be a plus :)
Haha, if only it was that easy to win the real lottery! ;)
I am sure that together with Suz’s help you will do an awesome job! Go girl! xo
Kristy @ Southern In Law recently posted…Recipe: Healthy Taco Quinoa Bake
If only is right! Haha. Thank you!
Awesome playlist!! I love the song “Dangerous woman” by Ariana Grande for running as well :)
Blessings,
Edye // Gracefulcoffee
Edye recently posted…Review: Divina Organics
Very Cool! Good luck! Stopping over from #TBB #FridaySharefest
Thanks, Stacey!