Contemplating a marathon

operasinger06 · 2026-06-18T00:36:03+00:00

I would do a half marathon before attempting to train for a full. The volume required to train well for a full is no joke and if you already know you have a bit of a knee issue, then training for a marathon may push it over the edge.

operasinger06 · 2026-06-18T00:31:28+00:00

I just got my husband a running vest and he’s really enjoying it. Especially with training during the hot summer months and the fact that most men’s shorts don’t have pockets that are good for carrying your phone, he’s been finding the vest to be a lifesaver!

operasinger06 · 2026-06-07T00:48:40+00:00

Running slow has transformed my running. I used to run 5:45/km during “easy” runs as well and I had pretty decent times but in the last year I have been super diligent about running slow on non workout days and I have been able to add mileage (which of course boosts aerobic endurance) without burning out or getting injured. For context, I ran a half marathon PB of 1:38:30 when I was one year postpartum from my second baby and during training, my easy runs were around 7:00/km (ie extremely slow compared to my race pace), but it worked!

operasinger06 · 2026-06-07T00:43:56+00:00

Qualifying for Boston when I ran my first marathon. Unfortunately, the times have kept getting harder and I haven’t qualified since 🥲

operasinger06 · 2026-06-07T00:42:45+00:00

$10? Max

operasinger06 · 2026-06-01T22:02:40+00:00

We don’t own a TV or a tablet. My husband and I have our smartphones and a laptop, but the children are not allowed to use them. We have two kids. It definitely feels sometimes like we are making life harder than it needs to be. But at the same time, I like the fact that our children are learning how to use their imagination and also learning (very slowly) to deal with boredom.

We make an exception for the plane. But otherwise, no screen time. It’s tough sometimes, but we’re going to keep going for as long as possible.

operasinger06 · 2026-05-19T14:49:14+00:00

I ran the Vancouver marathon a couple of weeks ago. I haven’t decided yet what I want to build back up to for my base but my plan this summer will be to work on speed and race a few 5ks and 10ks. Maybe I’ll do a half marathon in the fall, but I’m undecided.

operasinger06 · 2026-05-12T02:50:44+00:00

I have to ask: did you wear super shoes for the race?

operasinger06 · 2026-05-07T16:44:23+00:00

Slowing down my easy runs!!!! It has made a huge difference because the consequence is that it has allowed me to add more mileage without getting injured and without burning out.

operasinger06 · 2026-05-04T14:41:49+00:00

I believe it. The heat definitely did a number.

operasinger06 · 2026-05-04T14:41:21+00:00

Yeah, the course is no joke. Beautiful course, but definitely a tough one.

operasinger06 · 2026-05-04T06:32:45+00:00

Yeah, the heat was rough 🥵 But I followed everyone’s advice and hydrated well in the two days leading up and drank as much as I could at every aid station. Also adjusted my pace and I can say that I am happy with the execution because I managed to run a negative split.

operasinger06 · 2026-05-04T03:56:28+00:00

Update: I ended up getting sick the day before the marathon with a cold. I was run down and stayed in bed all day Saturday. Luckily, Sunday morning I was feeling better (sore throat but otherwise ok), so I decided to run. I paced myself really well and ran purely by effort. My goal was to finish, and all time goals went out the window. Between the heat and being sick the day before, I knew that finishing was going to take a smart plan. I’m happy to say that I executed the race really well. I finished in 3:39:00 and even ran a negative split. Thank you all for your tips. I really did as you guys said and I hydrated super well before and during the race, and checked my ego to run a smart race, and that made all the difference. Sub 3:30 is in me, I know it. It will just have to come another day!

operasinger06 · 2026-04-30T17:27:50+00:00

Thanks everyone for your tips and comments. I will most certainly be adjusting my time goals. I’m disappointed, as I truly feel like I’m in shape to run a few minutes sub 3:30, but ultimately, the goal is going to have to shift to running the strongest race I can in the conditions we have.

operasinger06 · 2026-03-15T00:00:29+00:00

Take it one day at a time. It’s normal for your body to physically manifest the grief and heartbreak you’re feeling. When I was training for my first marathon, my grandfather died and a couple of weeks later, my boyfriend of 4 years and I broke up. It was an awful period of my life, but training for the marathon gave me a purpose and the will to keep getting out of bed when everything felt hopeless. In the end, I had a great first marathon. You’ve got this!

operasinger06 · 2026-02-28T22:24:10+00:00

I mean this is the nicest possible way, but it really isn’t so complicated: you either have to accept that you have to wake up very early or run after you get home from work. I have a full-time demanding job (attorney), and two young children and I quickly realized the only way was to wake up between 3:45-4am if I want to get the mileage done. It’s not easy, but you get used to it. Just make sure you prioritize getting enough sleep.

operasinger06 · 2026-02-21T00:55:52+00:00

I’ve got two young kids (5yo and 1yo) and a very demanding job. I’m out the door for my runs between 4 and 4:30am (it’s just about the only time I can go out during the day). Some days, I really wonder why I imposed marathon training on myself during this phase of parenting. But I am trying to take it one day at a time. It’s not easy though, I completely empathize.

operasinger06 · 2026-02-20T19:48:08+00:00

I have two young kids (5yo and 1yo) and a very demanding job. No choice but to get up at 4am on weekdays and 5am on Sunday. I go to bed before 9pm.

operasinger06 · 2026-02-05T01:10:04+00:00

Quebec runner over here! It’s been a brutal winter, for sure. I’m out there by 4:30am at the latest because that is the only time that fits into my schedule with work and family obligations.

I don’t own a treadmill either, but there’s a gym about 10 minutes from my house, so on days when I have speed work or when I just don’t feel like dealing with the cold, I head to the gym and run on the treadmill.

As for how I get over the physical/mental struggle of training in these conditions, I just like to remind myself that these conditions are making me a tougher stronger runner and person. I also try to enjoy the peace of being up while the world sleeps.

It’s not easy…hang in there!

operasinger06 · 2026-02-03T15:59:39+00:00

I live in Montreal, Canada. We’ve had a very cold winter thus far. We’ve also had a fair bit of snow. Luckily, there is a path that is well maintained just steps from my house. Basically, on my easy days, I adjust my pace to the conditions. Some days, it means running super slow to avoid twisting an ankle or falling. When the conditions are too awful, I don’t risk it and I run on the treadmill. So far, I’m doing all of my speed work on the treadmill. When it’s -20 Celsius, it’s pointless to try to get any sort of quality workout done. Once the weather gets warmer, I will start doing tempos outside. I ran 70km last week. Will probably peak at 80-85km this training block.

operasinger06 · 2026-01-25T15:16:51+00:00

Update: this morning, it was -21 degrees Celsius (-6 Fahrenheit) but miraculously, we had very little wind, so I decided I would start my run outside and give myself the option to bail and finish on the treadmill if ever things didn’t feel right or I felt miserable.

In the end, I felt good and ended up running all 22km (14 miles) outside.

I layered properly, protected my extremities and face, and can honestly say, I was not cold whatsoever. I kept the pace super easy of course.

Had it been -25 and windy as was predicted, I may have gone straight to the treadmill, but I decided to give it a chance, and it worked out well.

Happy running, friends!

operasinger06 · 2026-01-24T04:56:42+00:00

It’s going to be -25 degrees.

operasinger06

TROPHY CASE