Irritable? (not really)

Did you know I'm training for a marathon?

I know, I know. I really don't talk about it much (#eyeroll #sarcasm).

This is not my first marathon...but I may be acting like it is

Like most marathoners-in-training, I probably talk more about it than most people want to hear (runners and non-runners alike). Anyone who has ever trained for a marathon knows how it sort of takes over your life....extra running, increased eating, more blisters, constant weather-stalking, and many earlier-than-desired wake-up calls. Is it any wonder we can get a little irritable?

Surprisingly, I'm not feeling the 26.2-training irritability this go-round.

I remember training for my first marathon (Quad Cities Marathon ), three years ago. I followed a Hal Higdon plan for intermediate runners. Although the training runs went well, it was a whole new ball game for me. I had confidence in my ability, but I still had a great deal of trepidation as to what would happen on race day. Also, I trained entirely on my own. I had lots of support from well-meaning friends and family (and tons of virtual cheerleaders from many online friends who also were embarking on their first marathons as well). Having never run (or trained for) a race of that magnitude was exciting, but a bit unnerving as well.

Quad Cities Marathon...Sept. 22, 2013

For my second marathon (IMT Des Moines Marathon), I basically followed the same training plan but tweaked it as needed (if there were scheduling conflicts). I also ran most of my long runs with a friend, so I had to learn how to run and talk at the same time...which actually enhanced my endurance tremendously. It seemed like I had constant aches and pains (and issues with shoes), especially towards the end of the training cycle (when the mileage was at its highest).

IMT Des Moines Marathon...Oct. 19, 2014

My third marathon...ugh (Grandma's Marathon). The race itself went pretty well, but the training? Not so much. There was a myriad of ongoing obstacles, due mainly to the time of year (prom committee commitments, dance recital stress, our son's high school graduation....just to name a few). Also, there were a few unexpected twists thrown into the mix (my mother-in-law's sudden passing, a spontaneous surprise party for my sister-in-law, and Plantar Fasciitis!).

Grandma's Marathon...June 20, 2015

I also have done two ultra's, both of which had less-than-ideal training as well. The first one (Christmas in July 6-hour Ultra) was a month after Grandma's Marathon, so the training was basically done simultaneously.

Christmas in July 6-Hour....July 18, 2015

The second ultra (Christmas in July 12-hour Ultra) was just a few months ago, also in the midst of another visit from PF (this time in the other foot) and a crazy hamstring/glute/piriformis flare-up (perfect timing, not).

Christmas in July 12-Hour...July 16, 2016

Granted, all of these events had very happy endings. But, there was a little bit of stress and lots of irritability in getting to the start lines.

Fast forward to right now.....I'm less than 6-weeks out from Route 66 Marathon (Nov. 20 in Tulsa, OK). I'm smack dab in the middle of the high-mileage part of the training, with only a few weeks until I hit the taper! And, knock on wood, I have nothing to be irritable about. I'm running the highest mileage I've ever done...weekly and monthly. My aches and pains have been at the absolute minimum. And, I'm doing the most speed work ever attempted...and I'm kind of enjoying the challenge of it. What's happening to me?!?!?!

I think I had solid training plans for all of these previous marathons, but there were a lot of outside forces that did not play to my advantage. There were some missed long runs (due to last-minute travel), scaled-back mileage (to give the aches and pains some down time), and not much speed work (for fear of aggravating the existing aches and pains).

What's different this time? First and foremost, I believe, is the addition of a coach. There are many things I'm doing that I've never done before (extra mileage, consistent speed work, and daily PT)...and I'm surviving! I have been blessed with near-perfect weather for most of my training runs...I've done one run on the 'mill, and it was more as an experiment than necessity. Also, I'm doing most of my runs in the early morning hours....which means they are getting done (and not procrastinated, dreaded, or forgotten). I still need to work on my sleep, but that is a constant work-in-progress (not just during training).

So, should I feel guilty for the lack of irritability? Or just enjoy the ride?

Have you ever had a rough & tough training cycle, and were pleasantly surprised on race day?

I'm linking with Deb for the Wednesday Word link-up....and today's word? Irritability (you probably saw that one coming). Also, I'm linking with Susie, Debbie, Rachel and Lora for the Running Coaches Corner link-up. Lots of great blogs and lots of great reading await you!