Lucky you to have gotten this in already. One of these days I'm going to do the same, but I'm still not adjusted to D.S.T. Maybe by June...

almost 2 years ago • Like

Anne, remember how far you've come?

almost 2 years ago • Like

You shouldn't even be embarrassed by this! I can totally relate to a lot of what your saying here...i'm like this too. I ALWAYS feel the need to keep up with what everyone else is doing! Who knew? I'm looking at your workouts wishing I could be doing that, while your doing that with other peoples! I think you really need to focus on what you CAN do...and what you have done! I mean c'mon...look at those big muscles! I KNOW you can do the marathon...but you have to do it for YOU...not other people!

almost 2 years ago • Like

Sorry...novel...hope you start to feel better!

almost 2 years ago • Like

I just went WAAAAY back in your dailymile training to make this point.

On May 30, 2009, you ran 12.79 miles in 2 hrs 23 min. Pace: 11.2
On May 23, 2009, you ran 12 miles in 2hrs 15 min. Pace: 12.1
On May 9, 2009, you ran 10 miles in 1 hr 55 min. Pace: 11.5
On June 20, 2009, you ran 10.36 miles in 2 hrs 13 min. Pace: 12.8
On June 27, 2009, you ran 14.68 miles in 2 hrs 51 min. Pace: 11.6

I guess what I'm trying to say is you should ONLY be comparing yourself to YOURSELF.

almost 2 years ago • Like

Anne you need to be doing this for YOU. Just you. No one else matters. You have come a ridiculously long way. Sure, this pace and this run felt crappy for you, but there are many, many people who can't even run at all, for whatever reason. You are strong and you are motivated and you can run. You CAN run, and you do. That is a blessing. You don't need to keep up with anyone else, you need to keep up with YOU. Listen to your body, it'll tell you what it needs.

almost 2 years ago • Like

Don't compare yourself to others. Do you see how far you've come in the last 9 months? Today you ran 7.3 miles in 75 min. Do you remember how long it used to take you to run that far?

You are doing great. Don't beat yourself up too much, k Anne? I don't know what I'd do with out my COACH!!! :) #lovefest

almost 2 years ago • Like

Thank you thank you everyone. Samantha, I am glad you can relate and I really will try to remember how far I've come Jay. Amy, you make an excellent point. I suppose I should look back to see what I've done... I am faster than I was a year ago. I'm getting faster and stronger every day. Krista, thank you. I am lucky I can run. I need to remember that deep down in my heart. Okay I seriously love you guys. If you ever need anything come find me. Not playing!

almost 2 years ago • Like

Anne - you are doing great!! We all go through highs and lows when training. That's normal. Your body might be telling you to rest a little more though. Are you getting enough sleep? Also, are you eating enough calories to sustain your level of activity? Sometimes I get that bummed out feeling during a run when I skip a meal, or otherwise don't eat right. But keep you chin up!!! You have come a long way! That's something to take great pride in!!

almost 2 years ago • Like

Anne, seriously. Your runs inspire me every day. They are the ones I scroll down to find when I'm feeling like eating a hot dog with cheese. I am in awe at what you've accomplished in one tiny year. When I'm running, I like to think of my 87 year old grandmother who is sick with cancer. It pushes me to make her smile in appreciation of my endeavor.

almost 2 years ago • Like

Anne, my whole season was like that this past fall. And to make it worse it was my own fault. My husband lost a ton of weight and was looking so great and was getting so fast, I felt inferior. Stupid but our brain really can do us in. It will get better though. It always does.

almost 2 years ago • Like

Epicurus (341 BC - 270 BC) said, "Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; but remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for."

and I agree with Amy, be very thankful for the miles you ran today, for they were the miles you only hoped for once! It will get better!

almost 2 years ago • Like

Love that verse, Randy! Anne - we're all here for you. XO.

almost 2 years ago • Like

sounds like you're overtraining. When workouts get tedious, it's time to kick back and get some rest. Take a few days, focus on the good parts, and ease back in. I'm sure you'll feel better in a few days.

almost 2 years ago • Like

I went through this a couple of days ago, had a bad race - let some negative thoughts get to me. Like many others have said, it's important to keep things in perspective and appreciate how far you've come. Then, when you're ready, shake off the stink of this "bad" workout and make the best of your next one.

almost 2 years ago • Like

I think a lot of us have been there... I trained for my first marathon in the fall... Hang in there! Trust me, when you cross the finish line, it will be all worth it!! Unlike any other feeling!

almost 2 years ago • Like

Hang in there. It will get better. Maybe take a day or two off or run a couple of 3 milers instead. You are a true inspiration to others, including me.

almost 2 years ago • Like

This is my favorite quote by Amby Burfoot: "Running is the ultimate individual sport. It doesn't matter how fast or slow you are relative to anyone else. You set your own pace and you measure your own progress. You can't lose this race because you're not running against anyone else. You're only running against yourself, and as long as you are running, you are winning." Go get 'em girl.

almost 2 years ago • Like

Anne, I think your awesome and I think your running is awesome. Never compare yourself to other runners. You are a great runner. YOU!!!! Just remember that in your head. And if your not feeling a run just take a day off. No harm in that. Plus you ran 7+ miles today. I only ran 3!!!! :O)

almost 2 years ago • Like

Anne,

We all hit those spots where we feel that we can't make it. Sometimes it is physical, sometimes it is mental. Running a marathon is one of the toughest things you can do. It takes months of preparation, it wears you out, and it hurts. I ran one last year and have absolutely no plans to do another one for a long time.

That said, you can't do things because you want to keep up with others. You have to do it because you want to. You have to find the activities you like and enjoy and do those.

almost 2 years ago • Like

No matter what you choose, no one will think any differently of you. You are a runner. It doesn't matter what distance you choose. Then again, maybe this is just a down cycle for you. Your running may feel so good next week, you might get excited for the marathon again. But whatever happens, you should never feel like you have to do things because you are expected to. You should do them because you want to.

Remember - If running were easy, everyone would do it. We don't do it because it is easy; we do

almost 2 years ago • Like

I have absolutely been there. This week even. I find that those thoughts creep up when I am tired. When I'm tired, everything sucks in my mind. You've been working so hard - I scrolled through your training, and I was like - darn! no wonder she's tired! When I hit a low point, I like to watch videos and movies that remind me of what I love about running - like this one from Matt Hart: http://trailrunningsoul.com/trs/2009/05/13/video-matt-harts-montrail-presentation/ - Hang in there!

almost 2 years ago • Like

Anne I changed the quote slightly - “Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night stays Anne from her the swift completion of her appointed runs”

almost 2 years ago • Like

I am there! My mom runs marathons, so i figured i could do it with work! I have never ran before, I did start running and racking up the miles, but then i got injured, then had unmotivated weeks cuz of some person stuff, and then got sick! The runs seem to suck more and more out of me. Just keep going! Its hard, and after a few weeks of not running enough it feels liek i am starting over, but just think how great you are gunna feel to accomplish your goal! I just try to remember how much my goal means to

almost 2 years ago • Like

Chin up Anne. I'm sure many people have drawn inspiration from your blog posts and your weight loss journey. At times like these, you could do the same. You are gonna rock that marathon!

almost 2 years ago • Like

I would agree- I think this sounds like a serious case of over-training-itis! Fatigue, lack of motivation, and feeling blue are classic signs- I would recommend you take a nice recovery week, just easy short runs with several rest days. Maybe back off on the weight training- that can really take it out of you when you are also endurance training simultaneously. Everyone gets these feelings- trust me! Hang in there- you're awesome and you will do the marathon and be so proud when you finish!

almost 2 years ago • Like

I am pretty sure if I spent all summer training I couldn't do what you just did on a "bad run." You tell me more than anyone we all have bad days, and stop comparing yourself to someone ahead of you. (like not letting me obsess about getting beat by a 60 year old in a 5k).

It's a wise woman who takes her own advice. You wouldn't let me or anyone else here get away with this self-battering, you knock it off too. That's an order.

almost 2 years ago • Like

There's already a lot of love on this page. Take it to heart.

The best advice I can give you is to do it for yourself. Don't do it for others or on others' terms. Set yourself up for success, by having reasonable expectations, and doing the runs in a way that will be easier for you. If you're having a hard time running in the AM, try running later in the day. Run with a group to keep you motivated. Mix it up a little. Take it easier for a week, then come back harder. Best of luck.

almost 2 years ago • Like

Anne, there is not enough room for me to write how amazing & inspirational & strong & determined I think you are. There are so many times when I look at your DM page & think about how I'll never be able to keep up with you! And you do it all with such a positive attitude. Seriously, we were running sub 8 at the end of our 16 mile run last week & I was dying & you just said that you were looking at the ground & didn't notice (after a Sat. 10 miler). You're awesome, girl! P.S. I can't marathon w/o you.

almost 2 years ago • Like

I don't think I need to add anymore......I think your DM friends have said it all! Now get rid of any negativity and enjoy your day!!

almost 2 years ago • Like

Anne, Every runner from the elite to the person who taking their first step has negative thoughts from a 100miler to 50yards dash. You can conquer this mental test. Let a marathon be your personal goal not an obligation to the running community. Listen to yourself. You know when you are ready!

almost 2 years ago • Like

I know exactly how you feel Anne...I'm debating running my first marathon this fall and those long runs are already terrifying me. Take it one day at a time and don't forget to reflect on how much you've accomplished since you began. You know you've always got our love and support! I also agree that every now and then we need a MHD (mental health day!) and it's OK to skip a non important run if you feel worn down.

almost 2 years ago • Like

Think about how running has already changed your life so much. It's helped you overcome obstacles with the physical toxicity in your life. Perhaps now is the time for the battle with the mental toxicity?

Remember that you are loved.
Remember that you are amazing.
Remember that you are an inspiration.

I couldn't imagine running for 8 miles, let alone at a sub-10 minute pace, and I did just that, with YOU! So take it all in stride. You'll win the war, even if you lose a few mental battles.

almost 2 years ago • Like

Take 3 lazy days a week like I do :p

almost 2 years ago • Like

I have read each and every one of these comments slowly, soaking it all in. You are a smart group of amazing friends and I am lucky to have your kind words to back me up. Your support means the world to me. More than I can express right here in this box. I thank you so much. I need to do some thinking, some resting, some searching, on why I really do this. I want to appreciate what I've done so far, what I can do, what I want to do and why I do it. And most of all I want to hug all of you. (((HUG))))

almost 2 years ago • Like

Anne--"Searching on why you want to do this" I think that's exactly what you need to do. If there is absolutely no joy in your training, why keep doing it? I don't think you HAVE to run marathons to be a runner. Not one of us will loose any respect for you if you don't run a marathon.

almost 2 years ago • Like

I look up to you just as many of these other DM'rs do! All of us have bad days and bad runs and bad attitudes for some reason or another. Take a hot bath, curl up in bed with a good book or magazine, and treat yourself to some rest time. You'll feel better in the morning, I hope!

almost 2 years ago • Like

Hi Anne--I've read everything that everyone has written and I have an idea. I wonder if rather than a passive rest, you take an active rest and start to integrate some yoga/meditation. Good and gentle, restorative, chill out, goose bumpy, replenishing yoga works on clearing your heart, head, soul and mind. I'm NOT talking about level 100 hot yoga. You do enough lifting (nice guns btw) and working your muscles. I'm talkng about a mental and physical massage from the inside out. Call, email 4 details, hon

almost 2 years ago • Like

I'm going to be lazy and say that I agree with so many of the other comments that have been posted and have an idea of what you are feeling. Remember how far you have come and make sure to do this for you and not for anybody else!!

almost 2 years ago • Like