To run or not to run the Stockholm Marathon on June 1st. That’s what I will have to decide within the next couple of days. I really want to participate and the reason why I am hesitating is due to lack of marathon training the last few months. Two days ago, I ran 30 kilometers on my own and it might have been too much because I’ve been extremely tired for the last couple of days. In other words, not the best marathon preparations…So, should I just run for fun and forget all about performance?

I have run races where the finish time was of no importance. However, I always want to do my best. But doing my best, is that always to run as fast as I can?

Berlin Half Marathon 2014. I’d had an injury in my foot during the winter so I hadn’t been able to run and prepare well for the race. However, before the race, I listened to TED Talks and Diana Nyad who had been swimming from Cuba to Florida. I had been very impressed by her performance so while running in Berlin I just thought ”what is my less than two hours half marathon compared to her 53 hours in the open sea?” This thought made me relax and enjoy the race more and I even did a better time than I had expected.

Amsterdam Marathon 2015. I’d been injured in my left hamstrings and therefore not been able to prepare well. However, the trip to Amsterdam was booked and I didn’t want to miss the race. I divided the race mentally into 5-k’s meaning that I took 5 kilometers at the time. I said to myself, “I will do 5 and if that feels good, I’ll take another 5”. During the race, I could focus on the surroundings and there where many spectators. I saw a lot of fun signs that people held up along the side of the road:

”Run like you’ve stolen something” – that really made me laugh!

”Pain is just the French word for bread”. Since I know French and love the language, this one appealed to me.

It is crucial to have a good mindset and I know by experience that your mood, your attitude, your mental wellness and so on, are playing a big role in your physical performance. Running a marathon is not just about putting one foot in front of the other for 42,2 kilometers (or 26 miles). If it was easy, I wouldn’t do it. And if I decide to run on June 1st, it will be a challenge. My 30 k session was exhausting and that day, I would not have been able to run another 12 kilometers. Will I make on June 1st?

As you see, I am trying make negotiation between my body and my brain…

I will let you know who wins. Meanwhile, please feel free to comment and/or share your experience of a race where you weren’t prepared.