Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Achilles' Pain

Since Sunday's 18 mile run, I have not been able to walk without a limp. My right Achilles' tendon has been in terrible pain.  I've been a little nervous that I may have injured it too badly. It hurt two weeks ago after I ran but when I did a short run on that Tuesday, it seemed to stretch it out again and it was better. This week not so much. I attempted to run yesterday and didn't make it further than 2 miles and had to walk some of that. I was really worried.

Today I took it outside since the temperature was nice. It was windy, but warmer that it has been. I decided to wear my Kinvaras today, rather than the Triumph because my Achilles' has been tender to the touch and I figured the Kinvaras would be a little easier on it. The first 1/2 mile was pretty painful. My gait was off but eventually the pain worked its way out. It wasn't completely gone, but I managed to run the nine miles I had on the schedule today.

We'll see what happens tomorrow, but right now I'm sitting here icing it (as I have been all week) and will be attempting to wear a brace tonight while I sleep. I have a brace for plantar fasciitis that keeps your toe pulled up towards your knee. I'm hoping that will keep my Achilles' tendon stretched enough that it doesn't draw me to tears in the morning, from resting all night.

One month from tomorrow is the marathon!

Saturday, March 23, 2013

March Review

I have been all over the board mentally this month. From not being sure if I should do the full marathon anymore, to considering dropping down to the 1/2 to not running at all anymore, to being proud of myself and excited for the race.

Earlier this month I had a half marathon. It wasn't on the schedule originally, but I knew I wanted to do it. Hubby and I were trying to figure out which one of us would be doing it. Eventually we decided I would be. Unfortunately, I wasn't prepared for it mentally. In the past this has been my A race. I trained for it mentally and physically. This time, I did not prepare mentally. The night before, Hubby mentioned to family that I was doing one in the morning and that's when it hit me.

Race day was fairly warm for March. Last year on this race day, it was 70 degrees. I was 50ish this year, but that's warm for this time of year. Only problem was the wind. Boy was it windy! I realized my first mistake as I was on the starting line. I had forgotten to bring gels. In the past, this race had not had gel support, so I was really nervous. Luckily the new sponsor this year provided some. Unfortunately, they didn't have them until mile 6 and that was it. I took one then, but should have taken one with me for later. I think I bonked because I ended up walking much of the second half of it, although that was going INTO the wind for most of it.

I got myself a pair of new shoes--Saucony Triumph. They are supposed to be their best padding in the forefoot. I've done several long runs in them. The balls of my feet always end up really sore and it's difficult to finish my runs. Today, I did 18 miles in them (my longest run ever!) and managed to finish it all. My feet still hurt but I was able to run most of the first 12 miles (my running partners needed to walk) then the last 6 miles, when I was by myself, I had to run/walk it. Most of the time though when I stop running, I can't start up again. Today, I was able to do that.

I think I've come to the realization that I won't be able to run the full marathon--I'll have to run/walk it. I'd much rather run the whole thing, but at least I'll be doing it.

Well, today was 18 miles. I have 14 next weekend, 20 then following weekend, then I start my taper. I'm looking forward to being done with all this. I don't like how sore I am and unable to move after I'm done running.  I'm pretty sure this will be my only marathon I do... Well, just about a month to go!

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Longest Run Ever!

Literally! This weekend I had 15 miles on the schedule. I've known I had to do this one myself due to scheduling issues so I convinced myself I was excited to do this. Before this weekend, I'd only run 13.1 miles as my furthest run.

It started off pretty well. About 10 miles into it, I started to feel a little winded. Luckily I was getting close to a bathroom on my  route. I decided to stop and use the facilities and catch my breath a little. I knew it was 5.3 miles back to my house so after a couple of minutes I was off again.

The wind was in my face for the next 2 1/2 miles. That was the roughest part. I was really struggling but I kept repeating my new mantra--"no excuses, no regrets." I turned the corner onto my road with 2 miles left to go. My feet really started to bother me at the point. I knew I couldn't stop running because I wouldn't be able to start up again. I just took it really easy and pushed through. 15 miles in 2:52, with a pace of 11:29, right where I want to be for the marathon.

I think my biggest problem right now is my shoes. I wore my Kinvaras but those don't have the proper padding on the balls of my feet. I'm just going to have to go to the running store and talk with someone there to see what would be best for my feet on the long runs.