I understand that you are hurt. I know you are broken and need rest. However, it is time for you to start feeling better. It has been six weeks now. That is long enough to cause pain. I have given you several weeks of rest. I have done lots and lots of cross-training to give you more rest.
It is time for you to heal up and make the pain go away. It is time to run 26.2 miles! Do you understand? You can not be selfish anymore. The rest of your body wants to run. Your legs are ready, your mind is ready, but are you ready?
I feel you resisting. You seem to be causing more pain these last few days. I have given you even more rest. I let you relax all day in the boot that the rest of your body does not like.
I will even make a deal with you little foot. If you suck it up and let us run the entire 26.2 miles with little pain, I will give you several weeks more rest when we are done with this thing called the Chicago Marathon.
Thank you,
Your Body
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
Remembering my First Marathon: Monumental Marathon Recap
I ran my first marathon, The Monumental Marathon, last November 2010.
Since I am about to run my second marathon, I thought now would be a good time to remember what went right and wrong.
Recap (from what I remember about a year later):
The night before I did not sleep at all. Somehow I need to fix this problem. Maybe benadryl? Has any ever tried this before a race?
That morning I was a nervous wreck. I was having major GI issues. Ryan drove me down to the start and I think I made him stop at about 10 different restrooms.
It was freezing! Upper 20s/Low 30s at the start. I was so upset at the time. Now I would love running in that weather.
I was kind of in a daze waiting in the start corral. All of the sudden the gun went off. I felt that I wasn't ready.
The first 1-2 miles I felt horrible. My stomach was upset and I felt tired. Was I going to make it?
Then I got in a groove. Miles 5-8 were awesome! I was totally in a runner's high. Just looking around and loving every minute of it.
I thought my family was going to be at mile 10. But didn't see them. That was ok though. There was good crowd support and as you turned one corner there was a very rowdy group that was giving high fives. That was great!
About mile 12, I saw my family. I cannot tell you how much this meant to me. I loved it!
I remember crossing the half marathon mat (13.1) miles and the clock read 1:53 something. I new PR for me. In a marathon. I was feeling great still!
At mile 15 the one and only hill came. I just held strong and made it up just fine.
Mile 16 or 17 the 3:50 pace group passed me. That was ok. My goal was only a sub 4 marathon.
Mile 18 I saw my family again. My legs were feeling really heavy now. When Jackson went to hug me I almost fell over. But seeing them gave me another boost.
Around mile 20, I was tired! Ryan refilled my gatorade bottle and my friend Jacque joined me.
Mile 21, I hit the wall! And I mean it knocked me over! I said time for a walk break. When I tried to run again, I couldn't. It was like someone put 50lb weights on both my legs and said run up this hill. I had never felt that pain before! I thought that if I sat down and stretched I would feel better. As I was sitting down, I realized if I sat down I would not get back up.
So the death march began. Walk a lot, run a little, walk a lot. My friend Jacque was awesome. I really don't remember what she was saying though. I was so tired!
At some point the 4:00 pace group passed me. That pacer was awesome. She was trying to get me to join them. I had nothing left:(
The crowd support was pretty thin the last few miles. Some good things people were saying: Looking good, You are doing it, Nice smile. Some things that didn't help: You are almost there, only 3 more miles. Really 3 miles-that feels like infinity!!!!!!
But really nothing could help me. I was done. I knew I would finish but I didn't care what the time said.
My family was at mile 26 again. That did help!! I gave it a tiny little push and finished my first marathon!
Time: 4:17 (and a few seconds). I honestly thought I had a sub 4 hour marathon in me. But not on that day.
After the race, I was frozen due to the cold temps! I thought I might collapse. I could barely walk to the car. In the car I turned the heat on full blast. In a few minutes, I thawed out and was feeling much better.
Not exactly how I thought the day would go. But I was hooked. I knew I would run another marathon! Now I am going to attempt to run my second marathon in a couple of weeks.
Since I am about to run my second marathon, I thought now would be a good time to remember what went right and wrong.
Recap (from what I remember about a year later):
The night before I did not sleep at all. Somehow I need to fix this problem. Maybe benadryl? Has any ever tried this before a race?
 |
| Ryan and the kids made signs. That meant so much. |
 |
| Kaitlyn and her sign. Love it! |
 |
| Jackson getting ready to cheer. |
That morning I was a nervous wreck. I was having major GI issues. Ryan drove me down to the start and I think I made him stop at about 10 different restrooms.
It was freezing! Upper 20s/Low 30s at the start. I was so upset at the time. Now I would love running in that weather.
 |
| Waiting at the start. It was freezing! |
I was kind of in a daze waiting in the start corral. All of the sudden the gun went off. I felt that I wasn't ready.
 |
| At the start. Can you see me? I am in the middle of the picture in the pink shirt. |
The first 1-2 miles I felt horrible. My stomach was upset and I felt tired. Was I going to make it?
Then I got in a groove. Miles 5-8 were awesome! I was totally in a runner's high. Just looking around and loving every minute of it.
I thought my family was going to be at mile 10. But didn't see them. That was ok though. There was good crowd support and as you turned one corner there was a very rowdy group that was giving high fives. That was great!
About mile 12, I saw my family. I cannot tell you how much this meant to me. I loved it!
 |
| Hugs for everybody! |
I remember crossing the half marathon mat (13.1) miles and the clock read 1:53 something. I new PR for me. In a marathon. I was feeling great still!
At mile 15 the one and only hill came. I just held strong and made it up just fine.
Mile 16 or 17 the 3:50 pace group passed me. That was ok. My goal was only a sub 4 marathon.
Mile 18 I saw my family again. My legs were feeling really heavy now. When Jackson went to hug me I almost fell over. But seeing them gave me another boost.
 |
| More hugs:) |
Around mile 20, I was tired! Ryan refilled my gatorade bottle and my friend Jacque joined me.
Mile 21, I hit the wall! And I mean it knocked me over! I said time for a walk break. When I tried to run again, I couldn't. It was like someone put 50lb weights on both my legs and said run up this hill. I had never felt that pain before! I thought that if I sat down and stretched I would feel better. As I was sitting down, I realized if I sat down I would not get back up.
So the death march began. Walk a lot, run a little, walk a lot. My friend Jacque was awesome. I really don't remember what she was saying though. I was so tired!
At some point the 4:00 pace group passed me. That pacer was awesome. She was trying to get me to join them. I had nothing left:(
The crowd support was pretty thin the last few miles. Some good things people were saying: Looking good, You are doing it, Nice smile. Some things that didn't help: You are almost there, only 3 more miles. Really 3 miles-that feels like infinity!!!!!!
But really nothing could help me. I was done. I knew I would finish but I didn't care what the time said.
My family was at mile 26 again. That did help!! I gave it a tiny little push and finished my first marathon!
 |
| Here I come... |
 |
| I look tired. And I was! |
 |
| One final push |
 |
| Getting ready to cross the finish line! |
 |
| I did it! I am a marathoner! |
Time: 4:17 (and a few seconds). I honestly thought I had a sub 4 hour marathon in me. But not on that day.
 |
| So thankful my family was there |
After the race, I was frozen due to the cold temps! I thought I might collapse. I could barely walk to the car. In the car I turned the heat on full blast. In a few minutes, I thawed out and was feeling much better.
 |
| Freezing |
Not exactly how I thought the day would go. But I was hooked. I knew I would run another marathon! Now I am going to attempt to run my second marathon in a couple of weeks.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Weekly Recap: The Taper
Last double digit run before the Chicago Marathon done! On Saturday I started my taper and only ran 12 miles.
The positives: My legs felt fresh and light. Just how they should feel at this point. I also felt pretty good cardiovascular wise. The weather was perfect for a run and the trail was packed with happy runners.
The negatives: My foot, my foot, my foot. I thought since I haven't been running as many miles my foot would start to feel better. Not at all. It is exactly the same. My running form is so awkward the first mile because I am trying to figure how to run and not make it hurt. As time goes on, my foot pain dulls or maybe I am able to adjust my running form and not land on that part of my foot as much.
My overall pace for 12 miles was 8:36 min/mile. My first mile was 9 min/mile. I basically ran each mile a little faster and my last mile was 8:14 min/mile. I wasn't trying to do a progression run but that is what happened. At first I was feeling really good about this run. Then I did something I shouldn't have done. I looked back through my garmin at my old runs. Back in February, I ran 12 miles at an average pace of 8:12 min/mile. Also most of my short runs 5-7 miles were averaging in the 7:50 range. I have done all this running and am slower. And now my garmin won't work. I guess I did something going through all the old data? It is just a blank screen.
Weekly Recap:
Monday: 3 miles
Tuesday: 5 miles
Wednesday: Rest
Thursday: 6 miles
Friday: Swim 1000 meters
Saturday: 12 miles
When I look at my weekly recap it doesn't seem like enough. But I need to trust my taper plan. Only 2 more weeks!
Thursday, September 22, 2011
The Taper
It is less than 3 weeks until the Chicago Marathon, so that means it is time to taper. Most marathon training plans call for a three week taper. They say it is important to have your legs feeling fresh for the start of the marathon.
I sort of have to laugh about my taper. Basically I have been tapering for the past 6 weeks. So my mileage during the week is not really going down. The only thing that will be a taper will be my long run. This weekend I only have to run 12 miles.
I don't really love taper time. Because I love to run. The more miles I run, the better I feel (well usually when I am not hurt).
Today I ran 6 miles with Alyssa. The first 2 miles I felt great, including my foot. It definitely showed in my pace because the second mile came in at 8:14min/mile. But then this very annoying foot pain came back. Ugh... Overall our average pace was 8:30min/mile. I just need to accept that this is what I am capable of now. I want to be able to run 10 miles at a 8min pace and have it feel easy, but I am not there now. Someday I will get there again.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Running in the Rain
I love running in the rain! I had a great time running today as it poured down rain. I loved splashing in the puddles and listening to the raindrops.
My work out did not go as planned by any means though. I know my little foot injury needs some TLC so I had planned to just run 2 miles on the gym treadmill and then go swimming. But Nathan has croup. His stridor is so bad you can hear him from several rooms away. I knew if I dropped him off at the gym daycare they would say... No Way crazy lady are we watching your son.
I knew Ryan would be home for lunch so after I put Nathan down for a nap, I went for a quick run. My legs and foot were feeling pretty good this morning so I was hopeful for a good run. Not so much. My legs are still heavy from the 20 miler and my foot is not better. You would think after 5 weeks (yes I have been dealing with this injury for 5 weeks:(, my foot would start to improve. Bone injuries take a long time to heal I guess. Anyway I went for a horribly slow 3 mile run.
Good thing it started to pour though. Because I stopped my garmin and tried to shield it from the rain and just enjoyed how wonderful the rain felt.
My work out did not go as planned by any means though. I know my little foot injury needs some TLC so I had planned to just run 2 miles on the gym treadmill and then go swimming. But Nathan has croup. His stridor is so bad you can hear him from several rooms away. I knew if I dropped him off at the gym daycare they would say... No Way crazy lady are we watching your son.
I knew Ryan would be home for lunch so after I put Nathan down for a nap, I went for a quick run. My legs and foot were feeling pretty good this morning so I was hopeful for a good run. Not so much. My legs are still heavy from the 20 miler and my foot is not better. You would think after 5 weeks (yes I have been dealing with this injury for 5 weeks:(, my foot would start to improve. Bone injuries take a long time to heal I guess. Anyway I went for a horribly slow 3 mile run.
Good thing it started to pour though. Because I stopped my garmin and tried to shield it from the rain and just enjoyed how wonderful the rain felt.
 |
| Running in the Rain |
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Weekly Recap: Confidence Booster
On Saturday, I started my run thinking I was going to be a good patient and only run 12 miles and then do 8 miles on the elliptical. But then when it was time for me to break off from the group, I couldn't do it. I had a choice to finish off the run by my myself and then do 8 boring miles on the elliptical. Or I could actually do a 20 mile run with a fun group of runners on the beautiful Monon Trail in the most perfect weather. So of course I choose running. My foot was not hurting worse than the first step I took so I thought I was ok...
I have to say the first 15 miles flew by. It was really nice running with a big group. So many conversations going on. At mile 17-18, I was done though. My endurance isn't quite where it should be. One of the girls in the group needed to get back quicker so she picked up the pace at the end. I was not feeling great but just wanted to be done so bad. So I stuck with her. I ran mile 19 in 8:35 and mile 20 in 8:20. I have been having a hard time hitting 8:20 in a 5 mile run since my injury and today I ran one after running 19 miles. Where have these legs been?
What a confidence booster to complete a 20 mile run! And I definitely ran negative splits. The saying goes... If you can run 20 miles then you can run 26.2 miles. Unfortunately I know this isn't true though. Well for a lot of people it is, but not for me. I did two 20 mile runs last year before my first marathon. Although I did make it the 26.2 miles, there was more walking then running the last few miles. Even so, I am stilling feeling great that I made it. Maybe I can do this thing?!
Today I am feeling a little more sore than I would like. Still not too bad though. My foot feels the same. So I take that as good news.
Weekly Recap:
Monday: Swim 1000 meters
Tuesday: 5 mile run
Wednesday: Rest
Thursday: 5 mile run, 4.5 Elliptical
Friday: 2 mile run, 3 mile elliptical
Saturday: 20 miles
Sunday: Rest
Let the taper begin...and the healing too.
I have to say the first 15 miles flew by. It was really nice running with a big group. So many conversations going on. At mile 17-18, I was done though. My endurance isn't quite where it should be. One of the girls in the group needed to get back quicker so she picked up the pace at the end. I was not feeling great but just wanted to be done so bad. So I stuck with her. I ran mile 19 in 8:35 and mile 20 in 8:20. I have been having a hard time hitting 8:20 in a 5 mile run since my injury and today I ran one after running 19 miles. Where have these legs been?
What a confidence booster to complete a 20 mile run! And I definitely ran negative splits. The saying goes... If you can run 20 miles then you can run 26.2 miles. Unfortunately I know this isn't true though. Well for a lot of people it is, but not for me. I did two 20 mile runs last year before my first marathon. Although I did make it the 26.2 miles, there was more walking then running the last few miles. Even so, I am stilling feeling great that I made it. Maybe I can do this thing?!
Today I am feeling a little more sore than I would like. Still not too bad though. My foot feels the same. So I take that as good news.
Weekly Recap:
Monday: Swim 1000 meters
Tuesday: 5 mile run
Wednesday: Rest
Thursday: 5 mile run, 4.5 Elliptical
Friday: 2 mile run, 3 mile elliptical
Saturday: 20 miles
Sunday: Rest
Let the taper begin...and the healing too.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Running on a Stress Fracture
Everything about my title seems wrong. I am glad I was given the green light to run though.
Today was my first run since I found out I have a stress fracture. It didn't feel good.
I am having second thoughts about running the Chicago Marathon. Is this really the smart thing to do?
I ran 5 miles today at a 8:49 pace and it was hard. I think why it feels so hard is because I am not running efficiently. The reason, I think, is because I am trying to compensate for my foot pain.
I then went to the gym and did 4.5 miles on the elliptical. I wanted to do 5 but could not make it. It is so boring and I was exhausted. This weekend I am supposed to double this work out (10 running miles, 10 miles on the elliptical).
I am torn on what to do. I really want to run the Chicago Marathon. But I really really want to be able to run MANY more marathons in the future.
I guess I will just keep pushing forward (carefully), listen to my body, and see what happens.
Today was my first run since I found out I have a stress fracture. It didn't feel good.
I am having second thoughts about running the Chicago Marathon. Is this really the smart thing to do?
I ran 5 miles today at a 8:49 pace and it was hard. I think why it feels so hard is because I am not running efficiently. The reason, I think, is because I am trying to compensate for my foot pain.
I then went to the gym and did 4.5 miles on the elliptical. I wanted to do 5 but could not make it. It is so boring and I was exhausted. This weekend I am supposed to double this work out (10 running miles, 10 miles on the elliptical).
I am torn on what to do. I really want to run the Chicago Marathon. But I really really want to be able to run MANY more marathons in the future.
I guess I will just keep pushing forward (carefully), listen to my body, and see what happens.
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