So here it is. An entire post on running. I know you all are thrilled. Since coming back from this fake injury of mine I’ve been trying to take it easy on my runs. This hasn’t been too difficult because running totally sucks my butt right now. Thank goodness my injury decided to be fake right before the hottest few months of the year! *That’s sarcasm in case you missed it.
I’m content with my five milers and short runs but after Sunday’s long run of seven miles, I am feeling a bit nervous about that half mary I’ll need to complete in Augusta. With only 6 weeks to go, I’m wondering how I’m going to get comfortable with 13.1 again. As much as I don’t want to walk during the 70.3, it may just happen.
On Sunday I admit that I was tired from a wedding I attended on Saturday and it was a later start than I like so I’m hopeful those are factors that played into the run feeling like poop. I haven’t checked my Garmin for distance that many times since my first marathon. I was doing the “chicken wing” arm like nobody’s business. (This is what we call it when one repeatedly looks at their watch.)
As I ran I kept saying to myself, “You’ve run six marathons fool! You can run seven damn miles!” That helped for a bit, but man was I struggling. As a huge proponent of positive inner monologue, it’s not always easy to do. I did get a break from my thoughts when some dude driving a have-some-candy-little-kid-van laid on his horn and waved at me while he drove by. Uh, sure dude. I am totally into you based on your car horn. And creepy van. What the hell is the point of that? Why honk at someone while they are running? I just don’t understand it.
Anyway, I gave it my all and when that Garmin hit seven I almost cheered for joy. When I saw my friend Jess coming out to meet me with Nuun and her fantastic boxer doggie, Barney, I definitely cheered. She was like a piece of heaven.
I find it so strange that right now the thing I’m most concerned about is the run. A year ago I would have told you it’d be the bike all the way. Granted, I’m still fairly new on the bike but I have a lot more confidence on it then I did back then. I never imagined I’d be in this spot. Injuries can suck it.
In emailing with my coach I told him I was moving slow and he told me not to worry because it’s summer and it’s hot and I should be running that pace. I know what I need to do and I know being smart is the most important thing I’ve learned through all of this. I’m going to keep at it. And try not to get too crazy with paces and distances and blah blah blah. I’ll be at Augusta, toeing that start line, regardless.
How hard was it for you coming back from injury? Any tips on getting through it?
I remember reading all your posts about your cycling and look at you now!?!! So just like you overcame that I have faith you will overcome this! You've got this!
My pace has been all over the place lately too. Sometimes I feel like I could run all day and sometimes 3 miles feels like 20. It is really really hot right now! You'll do great in Augusta, I have no doubt!
I always honk at runners, makes them think they know me! Don't worry, if you can run seven miles then you can run six……….
Beth,
I can't offer any advice but to be easy on yourself. My worst injury (2 fractures & 7 sprains in my foot) took me out for a full 3 full months. I had just qualified for Boston and come hell or high water I was determined to make it to THAT start line. I cried through every long run since all I could do was 11:30 averages and completely doubted all of my running ability. My mid-distance runs were okay and I was able to make the most of my tempos, but the distance really had my doubting myself. All-in-all, it was my best running year yet. You might be surprised with how the long rest is actually VERY beneficial….you've lost some training, but it will come back quicker than your realize. You're much better off than if you were overtrained and burnt out. Good luck and stick with it, it may be your best year yet!
~Katherine
Beth,
I can't offer any advice but to be easy on yourself. My worst injury (2 fractures & 7 sprains in my foot) took me out for a full 3 full months. I had just qualified for Boston and come hell or high water I was determined to make it to THAT start line. I cried through every long run since all I could do was 11:30 averages and completely doubted all of my running ability. My mid-distance runs were okay and I was able to make the most of my tempos, but the distance really had my doubting myself. All-in-all, it was my best running year yet. You might be surprised with how the long rest is actually VERY beneficial….you've lost some training, but it will come back quicker than your realize. You're much better off than if you were overtrained and burnt out. Good luck and stick with it, it may be your best year yet!
~Katherine
Too bad I can't pace you on the 1/2 – you'd PR. 😉 You'll do fine.
CautiouslyAudacious nailed it; you've overcome obstacles before and you will again. I said all along that the injury was just a blip! Remember when you said you probably wouldn't be able to run with me when I came only a month or so ago? Yeah well, you will. Have faith in yourself Boo! All you need is time and patience and soon enough you'll be blasting out PR's again!
I hate it when I'm honked at. Seriously? You're gonna honk at me when I'm all sweaty and gross and NOT running pretty? lol
It's impossible to run far in this awful heat and humidity. I think you'll do fine!
It tough, and it's different for everybody. You'll know when you're ready to push it harder. Take your time and listen to the body. let it heal.
You're going to nail Augusta!
Injuries can suck it. So can the rain, lightning, humidity, and my hip. haha!
i wonder the same thing about honkers. oh baby, oh baby. hold me back.
well for a marathon you only build up to 20. so for a half that means you only need to build up to 10 which is practically 7. you're good.
Beth you are going to do fantastic. Remember these are training runs and if they're a bit slow….that's ok!
I had adrenal fatigue and it took me 6 months before I could do easy training…the secret I found was…patience!