Marathon Training Week 9 | 5K numero quattro: Rally for Autism 5K
Welcome to week 9 of marathon training! If you click on the activity link after the dates, it will take you to the Garmin connect website for full stats.
Day 57 | Monday, August 10: Rest
I spent Monday pondering whether I wanted to move down to Novice 1 Training or Novice 2 Training. I eventually choose Novice 2, because it had shorter mid-week runs, but in the meantime, I am NOT going to run pace runs until my leg feels better.
Funny side note – a woman saw my print-out of the two programs when she was walking by me to get off the train and said, “Oh! I’ve done those programs a few times!” I should have asked which she recommended!
Day 58 | Tuesday, August 11: Cross-Train
I went to the office gym during lunch and used the elliptical. I kind of worked up a sweat, but didn’t feel like I got much out of it. It just seems so… easy. Of course, I couldn’t pedal (?) backwards because that hurt my shin.
Elliptical Time: 30 mins | Distance: 2.59 miles
Day 59 | Wednesday, August 12: Run 4 miles Rest
I decided to give my shin one more day of rest, which eventually turned into two. I’ve had some pain in my left heal (which started last week, and feels like plantar fasciitis), and it was bothering me on Wednesday. Body, why do you fight me so?
Day 60 | Thursday, August 13: Run 7 miles Rest
While waiting to get off the train, a stranger (who rides the same train to the same stop with me every night) asked how my leg was doing – he noticed my limp last week. He said, “First your arm, now your leg!” I told him my story, and it turns out he is a runner as well. He has run the Chicago Marathon, and ran track in college. He said he has to run shorter distances now, since he has kids, but is signed up for the same 5K I am doing on 9/13. I have a feeling this guy is fast. He also gave me some tips on how to stretch out my shin.
I probably could have run on Thursday, but I got a headache, then I got cranky and… I also felt afraid of what would happen during my run. I was afraid it would hurt a lot and I would have to take more time off, and not be able to run the 5K on Saturday. I guess I wanted to spend one more night in ignorance.
Day 61 | Friday, August 14: Rest Run 4 miles
I decided to try a “new to me” forest preserve – the Rollins Savanna – for my first attempted run. It has a 5.5 mile crushed granite loop on a mostly flat trail. I figured the crushed granite would be better for my crappy shin.
Steven came with me, and walked with me during my warm-up walk, then worked on his computer while I ran.
This was my first run with my new shoes, and I am making SURE to keep track of the mileage I put on them! My left shin and foot felt okay while I was running. There was no sharp pain, but running didn’t feel as easy as it usually does for me – as you can probably tell from my splits! It was really stinking hot on this trail. There was hardly any shade, and I was running around 9:30 am, with no clouds. I felt pretty blah the whole time. But, I liked the new trail and will probably go back.
This run made me realize that I am going to have to add a big chunk of time onto my race pace, and probably all of my training runs, until the weather gets cooler/I heal 100%/I lose 20 pounds.
Look mom, a REAL butterfly, NOT a made-up one!
I iced my shin for 30 minutes or so when I got home, and did a little prayer to the shin gods that it would feel great for Saturday’s 5K!
Distance: 4.00 | Time: 41:10 | 1: 9:43 | 2: 10:18 | 3: 10:22 | 4: 10:45
Day 62 | Saturday, August 15: Run 11 miles Rally for Autism 5K
This 5K totally kicked my butt. BUT, I still had fun, because I got to run it with Erin!
The race started at 9:00. (Side Note: Why would have you a race start at 9:00, in August? Wouldn’t you want it to start earlier, so the racers don’t fry in the sun? You would think… but hey, I picked this race, so I should have known what we were getting in to!) We did a little warm-up jog about 15 minutes before the race started. It felt pretty good, but I was already glistening in sweat when we got back to the start-line. Since it was so hot, and the course was completely open to the sun, we decided to aim for our first mile at 8:40. And hey – we pretty much did that!
But the heat caught up to us. It must have been about 85°, and it was intense. I felt pretty crappy, and I think Erin must have too. We decided to slow it down, but that wasn’t really enough, so we stopped and sped-walked once before the second mile, and twice after that! I am happy we slowed down, because I was struggling with the heat.
We finished with a decent time – 28:20, and placed 7th and 8th in our age group*, out of 41 – but it definitely wasn’t the race we thought it was going to be! We will have to save our 26:00 5K for sometime when it’s not so hot. And we’ll have to do it somewhere close to where Erin lives, since she was a trooper to drive all the way out to this race which was closer to my house.
Erin found that extra enthusiasm at the finish! Gotta love her!
Right after the finish line, they had people spraying down the runners with water. We both went for that… then immediately looked for some shade! I iced my leg for a bit, and we hung around for the awards (which were kind of pointless to listen to, because they weren’t giving the times – some sort of computer issue/human incompetency).
Some post-race shade.
We went out to brunch afterward with our cheerleaders/photographers/husbands. It was fun to chat with Erin and her husband, Jason! I hope the four of us can get together again soon!
Distance: 3.10 | Time: 28:41 | 1: 8:23 | 2: 9:11 | 3: 10:06 | 4: 00:59
* If I would have run this race two weeks ago, when I was 24, I would have placed first in that age group! Ha ha.
Day 63 | Sunday, August 16: Cross-Train Umm…
My plan was to run 11 miles. Then after arguing discussing it with Steven, he convinced me to run 3-4, see how I felt, then decide whether or not to keep going. So, I got to the park, started walking and… my shin hurt so much while walking that I decided running shouldn’t even be in the picture. Major FAIL. I just got in my car and drove back home. And iced my shin when I got home, of course.
Week Summary: 8 Miles
Originally, I thought it was no big deal that I had to take off about 2 weeks for my shin to heal, because I am only now halfway through this 18-week training program, and figured the remaining 9 weeks would be smooth sailing.
I don’t think so. I don’t think my body wants me to be a runner right now.
I am not sure if there is a logistical, safe way for me to catch up with any training program since I am running so infrequently right now. I am seriously doubtful that I will be able to run this marathon in October, but I am going to see what my body will let me do.
Themocracy
I am so sorry you feel like your body has let you down lately. It must be extremely disappointing to think about not being able to do the marathon. I will think good healing thoughts for you…maybe it will still be possible?
So jealous that you guys have been getting together for runs and the like!! I really hope the new schedule works out for you better!
I’m sorry the shin is not cooperating. Definitely go see someone and hear what they suggest about training for october. good luck!
I hope the Shin Gods heal you soon!!! I guess I need to start praying to the Calf Gods and the Left-Butt-Cheek Gods to heal my aching muscles from walking around at the stupid Iowa State Fair!!
This shin thing sure seems to be dragging on . . . maybe you should have a sports doc take a look at it?? If the marathon is not meant to be, then set your sights on one for next year. It is very disappointing but it happens a lot when training for one because it is very intensive training. If you have more base mileage under your shoes, your body will be better able to handle the training. Is there a chance you can drop down from the full to a half? I’m not sure if your race has a half or not but if so, it’s an option.
Depending on your recovery, another option might be to throw out all time expectations and do the full with the goal of just finishing it (a wise goal for a first marathon). Depending on where your long run is, you could plan to walk a portion of it in order to cover the distance. Then next year, plan to run one for the whole distance.
Anyway, keep blogging, I do enjoy reading about your training/running. BTW, 9:00 for a starting time?? That is insane!!
Happy healing!!
tori – It is disappointing, BUT understandable. Too much, too soon, I guess!
Lindsay – It’s fun! The three of us should do one together soon! 🙂 I noticed that you are close to me!
Jamie – I think I do need to see someone. Maybe my regular doc can give me a recommendation for a sports doc?
Christina – LOL! You must rest! That is the only cure! Or a butt replacement 😉
Carol – Thank you for your always sound advice! That is what I was thinking – maybe this isn’t my year! There is a half, and perhaps I could transfer my registration to it. Or, do the marathon like you said – walking and running. I think I will decide in a month or so, after I give my body more time to recover, and see a doc!
It’s funny, I was telling E. earlier today that I’ve only known 1 person in my personal life who did not injure themselves training for or running a marathon (out of at least 6 people who’ve attempted it). I think it really is an intense training that’s hard on your body. You are being smart about it, and I don’t think you have to give up your goal entirely! I like the idea of doing a half in October–that is still more than a lot people will do in their lifetime. And after consulting a doc, maybe laying the groundwork for another full.
Also, have you tried adjusting the intensity and elevation on the elliptical? That might make it more challenging for you…
It was so horrible here in IL this weekend. We had a nice cool breeze this afternoon for like, five minutes, but then it started pouring. Yay for the 5k!
diane – Yeah. I was hoping I would be one of those lucky people who doesn’t get injured. Guess I’m not. Hopefully a doctor will be able to tell me what I did wrong. And I will try that on the elliptical! I think you can change the crossramp (or something) on the one I use at work.
Etta – I wanted to be in the water all weekend! Not outside running! Hee hee. Thanks 🙂 Keep the August heat in mind when you do your first running 5k!
It’s so cool when our bodies are like YES! I WANT TO EXERCISE. I guess it was my brain talking too loudly all those years so I couldn’t hear my body talk.
Bummer about your running! I’m really sorry to hear that! I hope all the limping goes away soon!
Good job getting out there for a late-start 5K! That’s definitely something I would have skipped or *maybe* walked. Sweaty 5Ks at 9am? That’s too hardcore for me.
Oh, Kim. I have had this issue before, and many, many other injuries (ask Erin, I’m very injury prone) and I know how upset they must be making you right now. It’s just not fair, you’re following a program, you’re dedicated and not slacking off, and your body is rebelling. I hope whatever decision you make about the marathon, you feel right about it. (May I suggest…healing from this, and then training with Erin for her first marathon next year? :P)
sizzle – I hear ya! Before I never did it, but now I am addicted! I feel weird if I take ONE day off!!!
Mica – Ha! I didn’t feel hardcore! I felt like I was meeeeeeeeeeeelting 😉
Holly – You know exactly how I feel. I am like “why did the program mislead me?!?!” But, if I have to do a half, I will be happy. I just want the pain to go away. And you know I would LOVE to train for a full with Erin!!!
Is your marathon at the end of October? I wouldn’t rule it out completely, but I do like the idea someone had of possibly dropping to the half. It is SO FRUSTRATING when our bodies won’t “let” us do something that, mentally, we can totally do! When people say things like, “I wish I could motivate myself to run,” I am jealous….I just wish my body would LET me run!
Have you been to a doctor yet? They might recommend an orthotic, which are supposed to be life savers. I think right now you’re doing everything right, though – not running if it’s too painful to walk, icing, etc. I’ll say a prayer the shins take a turn for the better SOON. 🙂