Top Ten Lies I Tell Myself About Marathon Training

Do you do this, too?

I’m training for a fall race. I don’t yet know what that will be, but since I help coach a novice marathon training team, I will be trained for a marathon or 50k distance. 

This is my 10th marathon training season. I can’t believe it! I’ve learned a thing or two, and so now I’m sharing with you the lies I’ve told myself during training:

1. The first mile went great. This is going to be an amazing run!

If you learn anything from running big mileage runs, the first mile is a liar. It could totally suck, and then you end up having an amazing run after all. Or your entire run could fall apart for one reason or another.

2. My run only sucked because it’s too hot/cold/rainy/humid.

The weather isn’t the only reason that your run sucked. Could it have anything to do with not getting enough sleep? Or your nutrition? Or the beers you drank last night? Hmm…

3. I’m going to lose so much weight running all these miles!

Except that in order to train at this level, you must consume a copious amount of calories. Your body will not let you starve. You will literally start thinking about all the things you will eat after your run before you are even halfway done with that 16 mile training run!

4. I can squat heavy the day before a run and it will be just fine.

Want to have some idea of what running the last 10k of a marathon feels like? This is how. 

5. I don’t really need to break in these new shoes. They are the same as my last ones, so I should be good to go for my twenty miler today.

I’ve made this mistake once, and only once!

6. I can rely on whatever hydration and nutrition they have on the course of my big race. It will be fine. 

Again, I’ve made this mistake once, and only once. The electrolyte replacement on the course of the Chicago Marathon in 2015, my second marathon ever, did not settle well at all! I now either train with what is on the course or bring my own.

7. If I’m still running this pace when I’m 80, I’ll finally qualify for Boston!

Note to self: I will not be running this same pace when I’m 80, I’m sure. Sigh.

8. My runner’s tan is super sexy…

Just ask my husband! I’ve had permanent tan lines from a racerback tank, bike shorts, and my Garmin running watch for about 10 years. Makes time on the beach really awkward.

9. This little pain that started during my last run will magically go away once I get about three miles into my next run.

Ah, yes. The “I’ll just run it off” theory. Works every time!

10. Three miles on the trail equals five road miles. 

My friends and I all tell ourselves this lie. Although technical trails require more effort and skill, it’s still not THAT much different. 

We tell ourselves these little fibs to make us feel better about our training. 

If you are training for a fall race like me, I hope it’s going well! Just remember to fuel your body nutritiously, sleep enough, and listen to your body. Remember your “why,” and picture yourself crossing that finish line! Cooler temperatures and crisper air are just around the corner.

___________

Lead photo is of some of my marathon medals. Photo by author.

What are some of the lies you tell yourself about your training? I’d love to hear about them!

As always, I hope you all are safe and healthy.