Do you think it is possible (and/or wise) to do a marathon "just for fun"?

I already know I will be doing Sugarloaf next year with a time goal, so my intention is to train pretty hard in the winter. However, I really want to do MDI, and my intention is to NOT train that hard as I am taking on more work hours until mid October and starting classes in September.

Part of me feels like I have such a bigger base than last year, that doing it just for fun, no matter how long it took, would be fine. But another part of me knows that 26.2 is to be respected, and I just don't know if that would feel like too much on my plate, even without the stress of a time goal. I've been changing my mind on a daily basis, and feel stuck in indecision.

Advice?? :)

I remember reading an excellent piece of advice for fitness marathoners. To further your marathon "career" only run every 2nd or 3rd marathon as a race or for PR. That would make the one's between as fitness and experience builders or just for fun.

I've taken this advice and have finished 19 marathons now counting Ironman legs. I still feel like I'm learning more each race.

give or take. Took home the bronze at the 10-miler, even with a wrong turn along the way, which probably added 20-30 seconds to my time. As we (the errant runners) corrected our course to get back on track, I was nearly rubbed out by the police cruiser rushing to the unmarked intersection to prevent others from making the same mistake. That ate up a few molecules of adrenaline that would have come in handy at the finish line.

Suzanne, I think it is possible, but you must promise yourself that you won't get caught up in the excitement and competition and end up running faster than you should. Perhaps you can run with someone whose pace is similar to your long training run pace.

no energy, in fact I only ran 9 miles. Bob came back to find me, thanks, Bob. On the bright side, 9 miles is better than none:)

echo lake-lurvey spring loop. Chris congrats on your medal!

WR holder Bolt.

http://www.pumarunning.com/#EN/running/content/side/youVsBOLT

I had lots of good company as part of 3 groups this morning. Got to meet one of our new members, Anna, this a.m. and ran EL with her and Doug. Then I got to run with Amy N and Ginger out to Duck Brook and back. I trotted back to pick up Vanessa and then ran the 5.4 WH loop with Michelle to finish up her 20 miler (she was running well). It couldn't have been prettier out there & it is always more fun with good company. Thanks to my running friends this a.m. for a great time. I am pleased my knee is doing fine too.

Congratulations, Chris, on your bronze medal finish! May you never have another close encounter of the police cruiser kind again.

Life is good in the woods.

outdoor pool :D waterslides after :D

600 w/u
6 x 100
8 x 50 dr/sw
4 x 200 desc
6 x 50 FAST
2 x 400 negative split
4 x 75 kick alt fly flutter by 75
200 c/d

Moderate 41min. Eagle Lake circuit mid-day. Then, later, 4+ mi. out and back along the east side of Eagle Lake with the Emerson XC pre-season runners.

I had a French toast commitment this morning, so I had to do my long run early. I ran from downtown BH up to DBB then around EL and back. 14 miles total, and I got on a roll after a while, running the last 8-10 miles at roughly 7:30s while feeling smooth/relaxed. I saw Doug and Bob and I guess Anna heading out the other way as I was approaching 10 miles.

Starting from Eagle lake went around the west side to the start of Conners Nubble trail, up and over, then up and over North Bubble. Back to Eagle lake on the carry path and around the rest of Eagle lake. Not sure how far it is, but it took me 52 minutes.

Going up these little hills I finally felt like I was doing something that will get me into better shape. I haven't been out of breath like that in a while.

two loops around Valley ave and one around Kenduskeag Ave in Bangor.

Though our softball team was two-and-out (2 quick losses in double-elimination), it was nice to go through the city of Portsmouth, NH and see how beautiful it is today.

and congrats on your race Chris G!

Glad to hear that your knee is cooperating, Bob B.

And how about the two Maine women who won gold medals yesterday as part of the winning Women's eight (rowing shell) ...Go Maine!