Finding my confidence.

Even though the last two weeks of my training have not been optimal, and I have been having a rough time physically and mentally , I need to remind myself of this:

I have done everything I can since March to get to the start line healthy on Sunday.  I may not have the optimal weekly mileage, but I did what I could starting from ZERO.  I did 2x16, 2x18 and one 20 mile training runs.  I did some tempo, some marathon paced running and a few speed workouts.  I allowed myself rest and recovery when i needed it, and I didn't race too much.

The two sprint triathlons I did, my run was solid.  The one half marathon I did was only 3 minutes off my PR with minimal effort and a bathroom break.

And now, even if i don't feel 100% come Sunday, I need to be confident in this work.  

I wrote another whiny-woe-is-me post last night and deleted it.  No more negativity.

I have decided to run on Sunday.  I have put too much time and effort into this not to.  But I will be smart and listen to my body.  Aches and pains and mental weakness is one thing- pain is something different.

A few weeks ago I was ready to set some time goals and confident in my ability to achieve them.  The goal now is to have fun and enjoy the journey through a city I love.  Probably without a watch.    And hope for a little race-day magic.

Marine Corps Marathon 2008

I had a blast with my dad watching the race. It was his first marathon experience and it was fun to share my love of running with him, and explaining the ins-and-outs of the marathon (IE he couldn't understand why some people were already walking at mile 12, why the packs had thinned so much at mile 20, etc). I am a bit bummed my family can't join me next weekend, but my sister has the dreaded SAT on Saturday.

My dad has a minor addiction to photography, and these are some photos he snapped during the day. We cheered at mile 12, mile 15 then headed over to mile 20.

The wheelchair leader at mile 12.

The lead pack at mile 12. #1564 was the overall winner.

Supporting our troops! My friend said it was, um, a bit hard to focus at some points in the race :)

Cheering my friend on at Mile 12!!

The masses approaching Mile 20, leaving DC to head back to Virginia for the final 10k.

Full disclosure...

In the interest of full disclosure, there may be another reason my entire body, namely my hip, have been bothering me.

Last Thursday night I went out. 

And fell.  Off a stool.  A low stool, not a BAR stool, don't worry!!

Howevcer, a week later, this is the result:

It keeps getting darker.  And growing across my back and down my ass.

So after a panicky call to the Doc and a online conversation, I am giving it until Monday.  No running.  We will see how it feels then.  Dr. M promised he will do whatever he can to get me on the starting line next weekend.  The pain is NOT the same as before, and the 'hop test' is A-OK.  

Fingers crossed I am just a clumsy idiot and things will heal up in the next few days.  

Off to DC for the Marine Corps Marathon!!

Taper Traps.

From a Runner's World Article, after I googled 'Marathon Taper Pain'.  The three 'traps' below explain how I am feeling TO A TEE:  My hip/hamstring hurts for no apparent reason, my 4 mile run today felt worse than any of my long runs, and all I want to do is curl up in my bed and cry.

On my walk home from the park I had decided I was going to take the rest of the week off, but finding this article is comforting.  This running-taper stuff is crazy.  I am going to keep plugging away some 3-5 mile runs until race day.  

And I will not talk myself out of the marathon again, as I did twice during my run today...

Trap: Phantom Pains

Symptoms: A totally new pain in the foot, knee, hip, back, or insert-any-body-part vhere that strikes for no apparent reason.

Cause: Twinges and passing aches are all part of the body's rejuvenation process. "During a taper, tissue repair on the microscopic level causes muscle twitches and sometimes muscle cramps as the body adapts," says Dr. Smurawa. Also, when we run less, and worry more about our marathon, everyday aches and pains-which would normally be ignored--get exaggerated to the point of lunacy.

Solution: Think of each phantom pain as a signal that the body is healing itself and preparing you for the marathon. Since your workouts are now shorter, spend some extra time on your favorite stretches to help relax your body. And if you like whirlpools or long baths, indulge. Also, if you've had massages during other parts of your training, get one this week. It will further aid the healing process.

Trap: Heavy Legs

Symptoms: A tired, heavy feeling centered in the legs, but affecting your whole body, that you get late in a taper. 

Cause: "Tissue repair in the legs during recovery, coupled with the fact that you are storing more carbohydrate and water late in the taper, will make you feel like you do after eating a big meal," says Dr. Smurawa. In other words, you feel like a slug.

Solution: Remember you're not the only one feeling this way. "Just knowing that this is how tapering marathoners are supposed to feel can help curb your anxiety," says Robert Udewitz, Ph.D., a sports psychologist and the director of Behavior Therapy of New York. Also, try a few strides (100-meter sprints) after some of your easy runs. Strides can help knock off the rust, leaving you feeling fresh and ready without overdoing it.

Trap: That Sinking Feeling

Symptoms: A feeling of malaise, depression, and hopelessness, which often accompanies the physical sluggishness that intensifies at the end of a taper.

Cause: "Generally, running counters feelings of anxiety and depression," says Hays. "So as you run less miles, bad feelings tend to crop back up and increase." 

Solution: Take a short-term approach. "You only have to get through the rest of the taper," says Hays. Do a little low-impact and low-intensity cross-training--like pool running--to generate the good feelings you normally get from running. Also, use your downtime to focus on other things that bring pleasure to your life, such as listening to music, cooking, and being with family and friends. And rent some funny movies or read a few joke books to lighten your mood.

The flu?

I think I'm getting the flu.  Honestly, I HOPE I'm getting the flu.

Both of my entire legs are in pain.  From my ankles to my hips.  It hurts to walk up the subway stairs.  And I got 9 hours of sleep last night.

This can't be normal taper-aches and pains, right?

Ugh, I have to go to sleep now.

So cute.

I got home from my run this morning with the following text from my dad:

9:44am

"It's 45 degrees and windy and I'm about to do a 30 mile ride in Poolesville.  Think I need my head examined or just shoot me."

My response?

"Ha ha- you have the bug! Good Job"

He wrote back:

"Survived, barely- f**cking hills."

(yes, he did use the **s in the text...too cute).

I am SO proud of my dad for picking up biking in the past year.  He has done a few 45+ rides (on a hybrid!) and even mastered clipless pedals!  Depending on the weather, next weekend we are planning on cruising around the Marine Corps Marathon route on our bikes to spectate!

Last long run DONE.

This morning I ran the last 12 miles of the NYC Marathon course as my final 'long' run in preparation for my first marathon (in TWO weeks!!).

After a not so great week mentally and physically, I went into this last run a bit apprehensive.  I was excited to run on the marathon course, especially the second half of the course, which has more hills (read: bridges) than the first half.  But I was worried that my body, being in the mid-taper-I-need-rest mode, was going to not agree with the run and it would freak me out that the 'course' was the problem, not my body.

Well, all and all, it went well.  The pace, which I slowed WAY down from last week, felt comfortable.  The inclines were definitely noticeable, and of course will be worse on race day, but I'm glad I know where they are and what to expect.  And I am now fully aware the miles 20-23 of the course will be the hardest for me.  

It was also COLD this morning- as in 40 degrees and windy at the start of the run.  This is the first run since I hurt my hip that I have done in the cold.  I am glad I got to wear my capris for a longer run, in case I want to wear them for the marathon, but my hip DID NOT agree with the cold weather.  It was tight and achy the entire run.  I am glad to have experienced this NOW, before the race, however I am wondering what I can do to remedy the problem before the marathon.  My doc said my hip will now know when it is rainy, humid, etc, but i didn't realize cold would fall into that category.  

My only hope is that this weather hangs around and the next few weeks of running will help my hip acclimate to the brisker temps.