Details = weekly runs
Big Picture = half marathon race this weekend
I've been so focused this month on hitting my goal of 80 miles. I wanted that number so bad. I knew it was going to be close; I would have to be perfect in my training for the rest of the month in order to hit my goal. It seemed tough, but achievable. I had a 5 mile run on Friday (should've been ran on Wednesday but the back pain sidelined me) and then I had an 8 mile run on Saturday.
The 5 mile run went great. My legs felt strong, my heart rate was great, and I could've gone much longer. My right leg wasn't hurting and my back was fine. It was really encouraging!
My legs were heavy starting out, and I was intentionally slowing my pace so that I could practice for the half marathon. I have a hard time not just running at whatever pace feels right and I end up getting burned out before I reach my miles. This run was about practicing the art of pacing. Anyway, it was going well until just before mile 6. I was tired (but not overly so) and was running up this slight incline when all of a sudden I felt a sharp pain in my knee under my kneecap on my left leg. It HURT. I quickly stopped running and tried to walk it off. However, the pain in my other leg (right) that's been bothering me for two weeks was awful while I was walking and in no time at all I realized that I couldn't keep walking on it like that. So, back to running...until the knee pain flared up again. It was a lose/lose situation--I was 2 miles from home and both walking and running hurt. I had no choice but to suck it up and run until it hurt so bad I couldn't, then walk until it hurt so bad I couldn't, and repeat. What a lovely way to end a run. Here's a quick look at it:
Yeah...trouble, trouble from mile 5ish on. I ended up spending the weekend icing the poor knee nonstop. I can say that my right leg isn't bothering me at all anymore because it's been overshadowed by the knee. I will be doing no running this week until the half marathon. I'm hopeful that by then whatever I have done will undo itself and I'll be ready to run strong. I can't believe I let my stupid goal of 80 miles this month get in the way of my actual real goal of running a half marathon. I knew that I was being unwise by running so much when I was having leg issues, but I couldn't give up the goal and it might end up costing me BOTH goals. Not okay with me! I think that the knee is so upset because I changed my running gait unknowingly to compensate for the pain I was feeling in my right leg. Dumb, dumb, dumb.
Anyway, this week will be filled with lots of R.I.C.E. and lots of prayers. What a stupid thing to have happen the week before a race! Wish me luck--I REALLY want to run the half marathon this weekend! My family is coming into town for it, and the tulips are calling me!
big sad face, Becky. I'm really sorry!!! rest, and feel better soon!!!
ReplyDeleteTake care Becky, hope you get everything taken care of by this weekend so you can enjoy your race. I am praying for wisdom and full health - have a good week.
ReplyDeleteJo
I don't know if it will help, but you should get your self a roller for your IT band. I was having trouble with my knee last year and my chiropractor sold me one. I'm not going to lie, it hurts SOOOOO bad to do it! But... it really did make a big difference. Your IT band (the big thick tendon that runs from your hip to your knee on the outside of your leg) gets really tight - especially for new runners. I was told it's really common. If you go to the running store, they should be able to guide you in picking one out. They have hand held ones you just run down side of your leg. These hurt about a 6 or 7 when you start using them. Or you can get the big foam roller. Basically it's a big foam tube. You lay on it on your side starting at your hip and slowly push your self so it rolls to your knee. Kind of like a side push up. This hurts like a 9-10 when you first start. I know, sounds crazy, but it could really help you for your race! Check it out! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteAww I'm sorry to hear about your run :( I'm sending all the luck I can find your way!
ReplyDeleteWe live, and learn - sometimes the hard way!
ReplyDeleteIt's only dumb dumb dumb if we don't learn from it!
Hey Becky! Sorry to be slow getting back to you about Ragnar. Ok, not going to lie... Runner #6 is tough! You can read my full review here from last year
ReplyDeletehttp://seemomrunfar.blogspot.com/2011/01/june-21-2010-ragnar-recap.html
and if you want to look there are pics of the end of leg #2 here
http://seemomrunfar.blogspot.com/2011/01/june-27-2010-hill-revisited.html
Here is my advice -
Don't take off to fast on your first leg. I kept thinking of it as my "downhill" leg, but that first mile plus of uphill is tough stuff. The downhill is no walk in the park... it is steep and last year it was really rocky and rough terrain so I didn't feel comfortable just flying down it. I was SO dusty and dirty at the end of it. It was fun, but not easy.
The second leg is eight miles of mostly uphill (and some is pretty steep). I would do as much hill training as you can before hand. It's tough! I did have to walk some last year (hoping not to this year)
The last leg is easy... short and flat. You will be thoroughly exhausted most likely though so don't discount it.
Since you have already done a ragnar you know what to expect. I say just have fun and do the best you can. :)