So… no… I’m not actually running or announcing that I am running a second marathon this spring. I’ll most likely be doing some shorter races again, but I wrote this article for RunHaven because I believe there are lots of good reasons do to a big spring race.
I actually ran the Chicago Marathon in the fall and that meant my hardest training runs where in the hectic summer travel season and in the heat and humidity. This picture was after months of really REALLY hot summer runs.
Winter training brings new challenges, but I think there are a lot of pros to picking spring marathons and signing up now!
5 Reasons Why You Should run a Spring Marathons
Thanksgiving and Christmas is just around the corner and for many this is the busiest time of the year. With all the holiday chaos, a spring race may be the last thing on your mind. However, a solid marathon training plan that allows for some breathing room can be 20+ weeks long. That is five months of training. Want to run a March race? Your training starts now. Committing early to run a spring marathon or even a half marathon can be just what you need to keep your training on track during this hectic time of year!
Here are 5 reasons why you should sign up for a spring marathon!
1. Holiday Motivation
Even if you are running an April or May race, you will want to stay in pre-marathon training shape during the holidays. Talk about some serious motivation to get in your miles before the big parties and meals!
2. Lots of Cookies
Speaking of the parties and meals, if you are already running long during the holidays, that extra cookie (or five) will not be as big of a deal.
3. A Reason to Run in the Cold
Staying motivated to run in the cold and bad weather can be tough. If you have a really good reason to run, like a big exciting race, you are more likely to actually go out and train. Plus running in winter cold is better than training in scorching heat and humidity in the summer.
4. The Post-Holiday Lull
Once the holiday rush calms down, January, February and March are traditionally less busy months. There is typically fewer events going on than during the summer. Use that free time for your training!
5. A New PR!
Spring races mark the end of winter and training in the cold. If you stay focused on your training during the rough months, your speed will most likely improve. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the end of winter than with a new bright and shiny PR!
Training through winter might not be the first thing on your mind right now, but there are plenty of reason now to sign up for a big spring race!
This article is also being shared on RunHaven today!
Halloween Pictures
So... I know it is mid-November and Halloween is long over, but I just realized I never posted our costumes as I promised. The hubs and I went as Maverick and Goose from Top Gun. In the sake of full-disclosure we wore these costumes for the first time a few years ago. We pulled them out again because they were so much fun last time.
"I feel the need! The need for speed!"
We had a lot of fun! I post a lot of fun stuff like this in an actual timely matter on my Instagram account. 🙂
Happy Wednesday, friends! See you tomorrow with my super awesome Crock Pot Mashed Taters.
On Friday I will be linking this post up to Jill Conyers Fitness Friday linkup. Thank you for hosting Jill!
Jaime says
I'm trying to get back to racing mode. My next race is the Resolution Run (5k) on January 1. You should do it too. It benefits Brother Wolf! 🙂
Michelle says
I'm planning on running a marathon next year with my mom. We are looking for one that is pancake flat. 🙂
JulieWunder says
With you Mom? How much fun!!! I looked for a pancake flat marathon too 🙂 Coastal perhaps?
Joanna @Makingmine says
I don't know if I'll ever do a marathon, but I'm considering a half after the baby is born. I like the idea of training for a spring race though - you have lots of great points!
JulieWunder says
A half after the baby is born sounds like a great plan! I don't think a marathon is for everyone 🙂 It takes a lot out of you and the half can be just as fun, you get a medal AND the feeling of accomplishment.
Nicole @ Waterloo, with Love says
girl, you're so amazing. If anythings gonna motivate me to sign up for another half marathon (ran one last year without properly training, and my legs... well... they were in pain for quite a while :p), it's going to be from your inspirational posts! 🙂
JulieWunder says
Thanks Nicole! I love the half marathon distance! Let me know if you sign up for one.
Blane Sherer says
I enjoyed seeing you and your husband in your
halloween outfits.
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
Trying to pic a spring marathon. My worry is that we won't have good enough weather to really train!
JulieWunder says
Yeah, Chicago must be tough for that! Here you can usually find at least one decent weather day a week to get a long run in. I'm curious what you will decide to do! Very exciting!
Teresa says
I just signed up for my first full marathon. It's in April, so I started training this week. I have another half on January 31, which falls almost halfway into the training plan I came up with, so that works out nicely.
JulieWunder says
That works out great! So exciting. Running a marathon is the most empowering thing I have ever done.
Dan Steadman says
next race...the double...this Saturday (yes in the absolute cold) the Tryon Half Marathon...next Saturday the iRecycle Spartanburg Half Marathon...still deciding when and where to do my next marathon
JulieWunder says
Best of luck on your back-to-back races! Curious what full marathon you will do next!
Dan Steadman says
it'll be either 2015 or early 2016...deciding between Thunder Road (Charlotte November), Richmond (yes it's a way but my wife's family is there free lodging), Kiawah Island (December), or Charleston (January 2016) a lot depends on when my wife can get off of work...speaking of, you in for HC 10k?
Tracy says
I recently realized that I think I love winter running so much because I've always had a spring goal race to train for over the winter. Thinking about that finish line really makes the cold months bearable!
JulieWunder says
It does! I've run several late winter/ spring halfs and I love the motivation it gives you during the cold months too.
jill conyers says
I'm still thinking about my next running goal. I think I know but not positive! My husband is a pilot and your photos remind me how much I love seeing him in his flight suit 🙂
JulieWunder says
It's fun to pick a new goal! I'm excited to hear what you have up your sleeve next!
Is he a commercial pilot? GA?
Susanna @Zealous Mom says
You are truly the cutest thing running in a skirt! I have never ran a marathon, only shorter races. My goals in 2015 is to run a half then maybe a full the next year. Thanks for the motivation!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Susanna! A half is a great goal and it doesn't completely take over your life! It's a great option. So excited for you.
Jenny says
Awesome tips, and so true! I'm not planning any races, but I'm loving the "Pile on the Miles" challenge that Monica at runeatrepeat.com is hosting. My goal is to maintain 100 miles this month and next (so far, so good). It's all about making a little room for the delicious FOOOOOD in my near future! 😉
JulieWunder says
That's awesome Jenny! That is a lot of miles! I'm very proud of you. I'll have to check out the challenge.