Monday, May 14, 2012

Seattle RnR Training Week #8

This post could also be called The Time I Barely Ran.  Or The Time I Failed At Marathon Training.  Or The Time I Got Really Paranoid About Injuries.  Or The Time My Legs Felt Like Crap.  You catch my drift.


I was tempted to not even post a marathon training update this week because I failed at everything so much and there's not much running-related things to even talk about.  Last week I was all "Rah-Rah-Rah I ran 20 miles and such" and this week I feel depressed and nervous.  Last week I was all "Oh my gosh what should I do, should I race a half marathon or run an extra 20 miler?" and this week I just want to FINISH a half marathon let alone ask for an extra 20 miler.

In conclusion, I guess I really wish that I was tapering because then not running would be commendable instead of terrifying. 

Monday - I biked 16 miles in the lovely sunshine at Cedar River!  It was wonderful.  I wish I had a trail like that right outside my house so I didn't have to drive so far out of the way to get there.  I want to bike there everyday.  And have it be summer all year round.

 I knew you wanted to see a picture of my helmet and my $1 Dollar Tree sunglasses.

Tuesday - I totally failed at Track Tuesday.  I ran 4 miles at Girls on the Run practice (a new record!  I couldn't believe I had enough time for that) and then went to meet Jordanne at the Track.  She bailed, and I did ONE, I repeat ONE lap around the track.  Total.  My legs were so sluggish and heavy, I knew there was no way I was doing any sort of track workout and if I stayed on the track I would leave asap.  So I took to the neighborhoods close by, so I wouldn't be so close to my car in moments of weakness!  Total running miles = 7.  

Wednesday - Wednesday are too busy, remember?

Thursday - I attempted to run.  And it went badly.  While my legs still felt heavy, this was stomach hurting and side-stitches galore problems.  After 1.6 miles I decided I would try again on Friday. 

Friday - I went out on attempt #2.  And it was horrible.  Again.  Everything hurt.  Nothing hurt seriously, but everything hurt minorly enough to worry me and send me into paranoia hypochondriac spirals.  Do you get those?  No, they're only for psychos?  Okay.  Well it was the outside of my foot, then my ankle, then my shin, then my ITB, then my right ITB (everything else was on my left side), then it cycled through again.  I made it 4 miles and called it a day.  Then I did a million exercises in an attempt to fix things - lunges, jumping jacks, planks, ITB exercises, push-ups, and foam-rolling like a boss. 


Saturday - 60 minutes on the recumbent bike plus 9 holes of golfing

Eventually I'll get you a full set of photos from every hole of the golf course we always play!

Sunday - I went back and forth about attempting a run today.  Before all these running struggles this week my goal would have been 12-15 miles.  But then I really thought about it, and although I fear for my goal times by taking time off, I would SO much rather FINISH the marathon (with or without a PR) than continue to struggle with all these random aches and pains or make things worse.  I don't have anything that seems SERIOUS but it's all a huge confidence buster.

Total miles for the week are a whopping 12.6.  FREAKING TWELVE POINT SIX.  That makes me sad just typing that.  But what can you do but try again tomorrow?

Want to make me feel better about how you came back from terrible weeks like these to PR like a boss?

Comments (15)

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I had phantom shin pains ALL last week- different areas of my shins would twinge and ache, but only if I started thinking about my upcoming half marathon. It was really aggravating, but once I got to the start on Saturday morning, there was no pain. And, despite being undertrained and apparently paranoid, I might have PR'd if the course hadn't been .5 miles too long!
Good luck- you'll be back on track and feeling fine soon!
mego@watchmegorun's avatar

mego@watchmegorun · 673 weeks ago

chin up pretty lady, you are still going to ROCK this marathon. I know it. Remember how I thought my calf was going to fall off and had to cut way back on running? Somehow I've still managed to do all my long runs and my calf feels awesome now (knock on wood). I have no idea how my marathon will go, but I do feel prepared and even scaling back, I feel like my fitness is still there. Rest up, you have time and your body is stronger than you think. You're being smart and still getting in miles and being active which will help you finish more than you think. You've got this, I know you do. And since there are approximately 343248324903843 of us meeting up, no matter what happens at this race, we're all behind you and we're going to celebrate no matter what because either way when you cross that finish line...you'll have just finished another freaking marathon and that's nothing to scoff at.
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1 reply · active 673 weeks ago
Thank you thank you for all the support!� I feel better.� :-)
Everyone has training weeks like this. I think that it is a given when training to have at least a couple of them. Cheer up, you aren't the only one. I go through phases with them. You will do awesome in June! I bet this next week you will have really solid workouts and be running strong.
My recent post Girls Weekend
You are totally allowed a bad week or even two when marathon training. And considering you still got out there and did some sort of exercise is still a WIN in my book! I truly believe that sometimes your body just needs a rest, if that rest if super low mileage, only cross training, or no exercise at all just listen to it...it will make you stronger for the marathon!

P.S. I get to see you on Saturday...make sure to hunt me down at the 5K...I might be running around like a chicken with my head cut off :)
My recent post Three Things Thursday - Vancouver Edition
1 reply · active 673 weeks ago
Ha!� Where about will you be stationed?� Or do you not even know!� I'm so excited for my girls!
Everyone has weeks like these. Depressing but normal. Do something to spoil yourself. Get a pedicure or a massage and just try to relax. This week will be better:)
My recent post 2 A-Days and Bootcamp!
Shake it off. It's just a bad week. Want to start a support group? I might actually being enduring the 'i-word' I haven't run since last tuesday! and it is so nice outside. Killing me.
Ever since being injured I ALWAYS have phantom pains, it is annoying! You still had a great week! I think we have good and bad weeks and you are going to have an amazing week this week :)
My recent post Keuka Lake Tri Training Week 9
Oh girl, I feel you. I've had some really terrible weeks lately. Sick kid, I've been sick, & just generally crappy runs. The good news? I gave myself a break & was able to finish my race. I'll take it. Now I have a time to beat next time I'm out.

I think giving yourself a break is all that you need - you're going to be awesome this week. Guaranteed! :-)
My recent post Kirkland Half Marathon Race Recap
Best picture of Andy Samberg EVER! Umm, I liked how things were not so much "The Time I Got Really Paranoid About Injuries" which was like an entire year. You WILL get back to that. Call me on your next run and maybe I can pump you up!
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1 reply · active 673 weeks ago
No kidding. It was like TWO years. I don't want that paranoia back.�
You will be great no matter what! I think this last week your body was telling you it needed a break :)

You got this marathon thing down pat - it's all good!!
My recent post Being a mom is pretty cool
We love biking Cedar River! Such an awesome trail! Burke Gilman too but its too far. I think everyone just has off weeks...you are totes gonna come back LIKE A BOSS this week...no doubt about it!!
My recent post The Color Run- race recap
Fellow psycho here :) I'm always wondering if pains are real or not. I guess injuries will do that to you.
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