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Grandma’s Marathon DNF + What is Next

July 2, 2018 By: Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC15 Comments

Hi friends! As you probably know if you follow me on Instagram (or any other social media), Grandma’s marathon did not go as planned. I am not going to do a mile by mile recap because there is not much to say. I started feeling sick with vertigo-like symptoms around mile 5. By the time I stopped at the mile 7 water stop, I was dizzy and stumbling. I was escorted to medical where I sat for 20 minutes. When I stood up again, the world was still spinning and I knew my race was over. It was an agonizing decision but definitely the right one. I was incredibly sad to have had that happen and while I suspect I know what the cause was, it’s hard to say for sure. 

Grandma's DNF + What's Next

So what’s next? I took a couple weeks to think about my plans going forward. I was already signed up to run the New York City Marathon for Team for Kids (more on that later, but you can support my fundraising efforts here – Team for Kids is an AWESOME organization that runs New York Road Runners programs for youth). I knew that no matter what happened at Grandma’s I was not going to try and run NYC for time. I decided after the Berlin Marathon that I would not run anymore World Majors or international races for time – only for the experience. Which meant that I was going to have to choose a new marathon if I wanted to try and break 4 hours again. Which of course I do. So…after a lot of thought and a chat with my coach, here’s my plan.

I am going to take July off from formal training. This is mostly for mental reasons – I’ve been following a plan since January and run 100+ mile months all year (except for June) – I need a break. I will still be running in July but I will run when I feel like it and most of my runs will be easy paced. Starting August, I will begin a training cycle focused on New York City. This will be an easier training cycle – mostly focused on getting me across the finish line happy and healthy – not tied to time goals. The weekend after NYC, I’m running Richmond – the half marathon. After Richmond, I’ll probably take the rest of November off – maybe a couple of very easy runs and a Thanksgiving Day turkey trot of course. Then I will run the Rehoboth Beach half because I love that race and it’s such a fun weekend. I will then start gearing up for sub-4 attempt number 3…which will take place in March at the Shamrock Marathon! 

You might recall that Shamrock is my only other DNF – it was supposed to be my second marathon but I was very sick and had to drop. I went back in 2016 and ran my first sub-2 half marathon there…so it seems fitting that I should break 4 there as well! I’m excited to now have a plan and to have the next few months mapped out (yep, type A personality here!). 

Thanks again for all the support post Grandma’s! 

Does anyone else plan out as far in advance as I do? Where are my fellow type A crazies? 🙂 


Comments

  1. Melanie says

    July 2, 2018 at 11:27 am

    Your marathon experience sounds a little scary. I’m glad you’re ok. Fellow crazy here – Besides 2 fall fulls, I’m already signed up for Little Rock Half in March and Savannah Half in April. 🙂 Enjoy your races!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      July 2, 2018 at 12:15 pm

      Thank you – it was scary but I’m feeling 100% now! Sounds like you have some great races coming up!!

      Reply
  2. Megs says

    July 2, 2018 at 3:15 pm

    So sorry Grandma’s didn’t go the way you hoped, but thank goodness you are safe and healthy now. I love your plan! Hope you enjoy a fun, relaxing July and can’t wait to see you!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      July 2, 2018 at 8:35 pm

      Thanks friend! See you soooooo soon!!!! 🙂

      Reply
  3. Kim G says

    July 2, 2018 at 4:39 pm

    I’m so excited for you to run Shamrock. I did the marathon there this year and I honestly cannot say enough good things about the race and the organization. A+ for sure!

    Looking forward to cheering you on in NYC too (near mile 18) 🙂

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      July 2, 2018 at 8:47 pm

      Oh I love that you’ll be at nyc! You’ll have to remind me closer to the date which side of the street 🙂

      Reply
  4. Dodie says

    July 2, 2018 at 7:58 pm

    I’m glad you were still able to enjoy the weekend despite not having the race go your way. I think it will be a nice break to not be chasing after a time goal for a few months. Honestly I never hated running as much as I did when I was trying to break four hours in the marathon.
    Dodie recently posted…Wineglass Marathon Training Recap: Week FiveMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      July 2, 2018 at 8:37 pm

      Lol. Your last sentence is so real. I didn’t hate it but I’m happy for a break 🙂

      Reply
  5. lindsey @ livinglovingrunner says

    July 3, 2018 at 11:29 am

    I am glad you are feeling okay and taking a little break from formal training. Onward and upward!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      July 5, 2018 at 7:49 am

      Indeed!!

      Reply
  6. MCM Mama Runs says

    July 4, 2018 at 4:44 am

    Ha! Other than Marine Corps this fall, I have zero plans. Of course, the fact that I can run without pain, but can’t walk without pain is a bit of an issue for me right now…

    Enjoy your fall. I know you will kick ass in the spring when you start dialing it in for Shamrock.
    MCM Mama Runs recently posted…Tuesdays on the Run: Celebrating the 4th of JulyMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      July 5, 2018 at 7:51 am

      Oh no. Yes that is definitely a problem. Also strange that running is okay but walking isn’t…hope your pain dissipates soon!

      Reply
  7. North anon says

    July 7, 2018 at 8:50 pm

    Ug, had no idea the race went so badly for you. Well, that stinks. Glad you’re better now.
    My goals for time and NYC and after are really similar to yours, can’t wait to follow you. And wow, time flies, it’s already time to get started on specific training…
    Okay, off to do that weekly yoga commitment.
    Laundry in, phone off. Here goes,

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      July 8, 2018 at 3:28 pm

      Yes to yoga! Hope we can meet in nyc 🙂

      Reply
  8. Cathy says

    July 11, 2018 at 3:19 pm

    Sometimes things happen beyond our control, right….but you don’t let it get you down. Looks like you have a pretty solid plan to keep going. I think running the majors just for the experience is the best way to go. Enjoy your time off!

    Reply

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