Everything's easy when you know how

Applegirl26

Kellygirl wrote: »

Hi L, just wondering how you are?

Hi k, ah your so sweet.
I'm OK, no running allowed this past week just cross training once nothing hurts. I can try a run later this week to see how I am.
I will update this log hopefully later on today after the St Pats shenanigans.

Applegirl26

It's taken me a week to update this log. I think I thought if I didn't document it, it wasn't happening but that attitude always catches you out in the end.


OK, before I tell you about week 10, I have to back track a little to the previous week. No injuries or niggles, my training was going great (or so I thought). I did however notice my calf muscles seemed quite taut despite my stretching, and I distinctly remember thinking “I'm a sitting duck here for an injury “. Thinking I was being super pro active in avoiding injury, I booked myself in to see my physio the following week just to get him to check it out.

I finished that week with my lsr as planned. What I didn't tell you about in my last entry was that my right leg felt “a little achy” on and off throughout the run. On the final mile home, I got a sharp pain in my shin. Not good. I have a pretty decent pain threshold but this stopped me in my tracks. I stretched it out and it went. I was home a few minutes later. My leg felt a little tender but I couldn't shake the feeling that I was in big trouble here. This was the one and only run in my training that I hadn't enjoyed. The only nice thing about it was the playlist I was listening to.

The next day was a scheduled rest day though I was in work so I don't know if I really did rest at all!

I spent the rest of the weekend minding my leg with RICE when I could and taking ibuprofen. I was conscious not to mask any injury but my right shin was swollen so it was needed.

Week 10:

Mon
I had recently changed my shoes so I wore my old ones and headed out for the 60 mins very easy as planned. This was an early run so there was still a lot of ice and slush around. I slowed down as much as I could and ran on grass as much as possible resulting in 5 miles @ 13:36
My leg felt OK until about halfway in. Then the now familiar ache started to come and go.
My physio apt was today and I thought I'd never get to see him! I gave him my update and he did some work on my leg. OMG I had tears in my eyes. I'm not as tough as I'd like to think… PT, aware that I was running a marathon very soon, said I could run but to stop if it hurt. I wasn't to run through the pain and to continue with the RICE. The plan was now to get through the next 2 weeks until the taper started. All I could think about was the 3 hour lsr I still had to do… And if I was worried about getting through that, I can't tell you how worried I was about the race itself. PT had said “I won't lie to you, this could get very nasty. Any pain and you stop.”

Tues
I ran 60 mins very easy before work. 5 miles @ 12:44. I wore my old shoes and experienced no pain just an ache or two but nothing I felt I should stop for. I started to think maybe all was not lost…


Wed
Plan was 90 mins easy and because yesterday had gone well I thought I'd give it a go.
8 miles @ 12:12, still keeping it slow.
I ran on grass when I could. Ever mindful of my impending marathon I tried my new shoes again. Big mistake as they are for stability not cushioning, but I didn't know it then. Just as I left the PP and hit the pavement my leg gave in. It felt like someone had kicked me full force. I struggled home, not a happy bunny at all.

Thurs
Rest,
Pain++, I wore compression sleeves and RICEed my leg. It was now very painful walking upstairs and driving.

Fri
After having a good night, I tried to keep to the plan and salvage some of my training.
6 miles @ 12:39.
The pain returned after 20 mins or so and I thought I'd never get home

It was now blatantly obvious to even me that I was in big trouble here and that rest, proper rest, was what was needed.


Sat
Rest, RICE


Sun
Rest. No Bohermeen.

________________________________


Mon
I was due to see my PT again today and I wanted to have an accurate up to date report for him. So, I tried 5 miles @ 13:16 hoping and praying that a weekend of rest would have taken some effect.
It didn't. I finished with tears, knowing….it was all over. How could I have let this happen?

It hurt to walk, drive, walk upstairs…
I met with my PT and told him all about it.. His face looked grim while my eyes filled up. No running for a week at least, maybe more. Maybe more, probably more, and when I did get back running, it wouldn't be to do a 3 hr lsr nevermind a 26 mile race. Then to my embarrassment I started to cry hard. He was just amazing though. The plan was now to recover. My PT said he was devastated for me but that he would make a recovery plan with me to get through this. I was still training but I had to move off the road and into the gym. He assured me my training hadn't been for nothing and that when I get through this, I'll come out the other side fitter and more importantly, smarter.

I went and sat in Starbucks staring at my uneaten brownie. How could I have let this happen? I trained so hard. There wasn't a single run I had dreaded. I gave it all I had. My biggest fear while training for Dublin had been getting injured. How could I have taken my eye off the ball now? I joined a local gym online as I sat there. They didn't open midweek until after 0600 and after 0800 on a weekend! Sheesh, sometimes I really miss the States. Anyway, it was all there was so I joined up. My brother sent me funny memes of Rocky pulling Paulie into the pool to cheer me up. He agreed with my PT and said I was to let Manchester go, recover, and focus on Berlin in September.

I won't lie. I spent most of this day crying and feeling sorry for myself.

Tues
I woke up at my usual early time with nothing to get up for. Gym wasn't open. I got up anyway. Eventually, after finishing the school run I was on my way. The gym was noisy, crowded and the exact environment I tend to avoid. Still it was offering me something to focus on while I recovered. Something to keep my cardio up. I swam for 60 mins. My PT had warned me it would be tough. He didn't lie! At one point I bumped into another swimmer. My leg was starting to ache so I had switched from the front crawl to the back stroke. I apologised to the guy but he just grunted back. Swimmers aren't as friendly as runners, that's for sure. On my way out of the gym I got lost and had to ask someone for directions.
Few more tears that day. It was time to pull up my big girl pants. I told myself the mantra I always do when life is throwing curve balls. “No one is sick and no one has died. I can deal with this”.

Wed
I cycled for 30 mins before my 60 min swim. I put my headphones on while on the bike and listened to a fav play list. It felt good. I didn't find the swim as tough going as the day before. I even braved venturing into a lane so I couldn't annoy anyone.
Leg feeling fine, only hurts now waking up stairs and driving.
My new running shoes arrived this evening. Soon as I took them out of the box I just had to try them on. It was like walking on clouds. As they're black I decided to wear them to work the next day as I'm on my feet a lot at work.

Thurs
This day became a rest day as I was at work. My running buddies at work sympathised with me and I listened to some of them tell me stories of not resting when injured and the consequences of that such as pulling out of races at mile 18 or so. They told me to focus on Berlin and that I'd get through this.
I swear I have the best job for putting things in perspective. Crazy hectic day and I drove home feeling very blessed as I thought of what many families are going through today.
My top and flag for Manchester arrived today and were waiting for me when I got home. I folded them carefully and put them into my closet. Maybe I'll get to wear them for Berlin…


Fri
This became a rest day due to work. I had thought about going for a swim after work but the day had been crazy and I just wanted to go home to my guys and hear how their day was before they went to bed.

Sat
I volunteered again at my fav parkrun. Even if I can't run, I need to be around it. I loved seeing the runners arrive and cheering on the kids. After, I headed to the gym and did a 60 min cycle. No swim today as we had family plans and I needed to get home.
Leg only sore now driving. Have yet to go a day without needing pain killers.

Sun
Gym closed. Give me strength….


So, my homework for this week is a recovery of swimming, cycling and I will try some walking too. I can try a run this week to see how I am before I see my PT again but I've to stop if I have any discomfort at all.
I am reading a book about marathon training by Hal Higdon. I'm only a few pages in and already I've learnt so much. To avoid injury keep your weekly mileage below 25, and increase up by 10% each week. I can't wait until he starts talking about cutback weeks.

So that's it. I knew I'd need to run Manchester with my heart not my head so I tried to train with my heart and not my head if that makes sense. So many things to remember, nutrition, cross training, good weekly mileage, don't forget recovery weeks, core work…. The list is endless and a little overwhelming at times. It's like while I focus on one element and try to get that right, I'm taking my eye off the ball somewhere else. My marathon training took me through the winter which is what I wanted. Still, I never thought I wouldn't make it to the start line. Perhaps my goal race should have been Bohermeen. Anyway, that's a lesson I will taking with me into my 2018 winter training.

It's been a humbling experience.

Anyone that stayed reading until the end, thank you and I'm sorry for the long moan.


Later!

Kellygirl

Awe L, I’m so so sorry you won’t make Manchester. That’s just gutting and so unfair after all your hard work. As usual you attitude is great though. You know yourself the training will stand to you. Has your pool got a deep end? When I was injured before Dublin I went Pool Running. It was brilliant. I remember Lazare found classes to go to in (I think it was) the Mespil.

ReeReeG

Ah jesus, this is really horrible to read and I can only imagine how hard it has been for you. It seems extra cruel as you appear to have done the right thing in terms of booking the PT as soon you thought you might be leading up to an injury. Most of us would have left it a lot later.
Let the tears flow as much as they need, it's therapeutic in its own way and you've been dealt a cruel blow. Hope the recovery is as swift as possible

Applegirl26

Kellygirl wrote: »

Awe L, I’m so so sorry you won’t make Manchester. That’s just gutting and so unfair after all your hard work. As usual you attitude is great though. You know yourself the training will stand to you. Has your pool got a deep end? When I was injured before Dublin I went Pool Running. It was brilliant. I remember Lazare found classes to go to in (I think it was) the Mespil.

Thanks K. The pool is the same depth the whole way around but yup I've been thinking about pool running. When I thought Manchester might be salvageable initially with some rest, I was going to give it a try but then my leg disimproved. It's definitely something I would try.

I tell you the next time I get to run into the PP and up to my beloved acres loop, I'm gonna be like the pope kissing the ground!!

Applegirl26

ReeReeG wrote: »

Ah jesus, this is really horrible to read and I can only imagine how hard it has been for you. It seems extra cruel as you appear to have done the right thing in terms of booking the PT as soon you thought you might be leading up to an injury. Most of us would have left it a lot later.
Let the tears flow as much as they need, it's therapeutic in its own way and you've been dealt a cruel blow. Hope the recovery is as swift as possible

Thanks ReeReeG. Ah its my own fault I guess. I had been warned by experienced runners (who I deeply respect) who after kindly reading my log told me to take it easy. I thought I was though. That's the thing. Marathon training is not supposed to be easy. What did they see that I didn't?

Anyways, I'll get back out there, just need to heal up a little bit first. I'll be fine. X

Mr. Guappa

That's a tough read, and I'm gutted for you that Manchester has bitten the dust. Hopefully you're not out of action for too long.

OOnegative

Very sorry to hear Manchester is off the table, been there worn the T-shirt with missing marathons but there is plenty of others further down the line. It sucks big time to miss it but you come back stronger next time. Chin up, there’s always Berlin!!

Swashbuckler

Don't be too hard on yourself. We all get injured. Sometimes you can be as careful as you should be and it doesn't make a difference. There's no questioning your attitude though. It's pretty staggering to be honest. I'm not sure I've ever seen someone with an attitude as strong as yours. Impressive.

Sorry to hear though. Gutting. You'll be OK though. The commitment you have will get you back in no time.

Huzzah!

I'm really sorry to read you're injured and Manchester is off the table. It's really lousy after all your hard work. Hope you're back to your beloved PP soonest.

juke

L, what a tough couple of weeks you have had. So sorry this has happened to you. The miles are certainly not wasted and you'll come back stronger & wiser.

Applegirl26

Mr. Guappa wrote: »

That's a tough read, and I'm gutted for you that Manchester has bitten the dust. Hopefully you're not out of action for too long.

Thanks A. It took me a week to tell you guys about it.

Applegirl26

OOnegative wrote: »

Very sorry to hear Manchester is off the table, been there worn the T-shirt with missing marathons but there is plenty of others further down the line. It sucks big time to miss it but you come back stronger next time. Chin up, there’s always Berlin!!

Thanks OOnegative. It's a lesson I won't ever forget!

Yeah, TG I got into Berlin....

Applegirl26

Swashbuckler wrote: »

Don't be too hard on yourself. We all get injured. Sometimes you can be as careful as you should be and it doesn't make a difference. There's no questioning your attitude though. It's pretty staggering to be honest. I'm not sure I've ever seen someone with an attitude as strong as yours. Impressive.

Sorry to hear though. Gutting. You'll be OK though. The commitment you have will get you back in no time.

Thanks Swashbuckler! That really means a lot to me. Thank you.

Applegirl26

Huzzah! wrote: »

I'm really sorry to read you're injured and Manchester is off the table. It's really lousy after all your hard work. Hope you're back to your beloved PP soonest.

Thanks Huzzah. The day I'm back you'll hear me laugh with joy like a little kid!

Applegirl26

juke wrote: »

L, what a tough couple of weeks you have had. So sorry this has happened to you. The miles are certainly not wasted and you'll come back stronger & wiser.

Thanks J. I sure hope so.

I only realised the other day that you were injured yourself. Hope you are OK x

skyblue46

Applegirl26 wrote: »

Thanks ReeReeG. Ah its my own fault I guess. I had been warned by experienced runners (who I deeply respect) who after kindly reading my log told me to take it easy. I thought I was though. That's the thing. Marathon training is not supposed to be easy. What did they see that I didn't?

Anyways, I'll get back out there, just need to heal up a little bit first. I'll be fine. X

Aw sh1t, this is terrible news. I'm really sorry. I can only add to what others have said. Your dedication and singlemindedness have been staggering to behold. The miles you have done will stand to you. Look forward to Berlin...that should be special.

Applegirl26

skyblue46 wrote: »

Aw sh1t, this is terrible news. I'm really sorry. I can only add to what others have said. Your dedication and singlemindedness have been staggering to behold. The miles you have done will stand to you. Look forward to Berlin...that should be special.

Thanks S. I really appreciate that.

Dealerz2.0

Ah god L, my heart was sinking for you reading your post.

Stay strong and recover well.

yido1882

Sorry to read your news L. Give yourself the time you need to get right and no doubt we'll see you with your mad 5 a.m runs on strava again in no time!

The training you've put in will stand to you and I'm sure you'll run a great marathon in Berlin.

Applegirl26

Dealerz2.0 wrote: »

Ah god L, my heart was sinking for you reading your post.

Stay strong and recover well.

Thanks F.

I love following your training for Belfast. You are flying it.

Applegirl26

yido1882 wrote: »

Sorry to read your news L. Give yourself the time you need to get right and no doubt we'll see you with your mad 5 a.m runs on strava again in no time!

The training you've put in will stand to you and I'm sure you'll run a great marathon in Berlin.

Thanks so much yido1882. 0500.... Best time of the day to go running!! To do anything. Early bird and all that. Ha.

I sure hope so. I will keep up with the cross training even when I go back running.

ariana`

Ah f*** (excuse my language), I'm so sorry to read this. What everyone else has said though L, your training was astounding, so don't beat yourself up there, you were doing so well, running at the right paces consistently, you don't deserve this. BUT your attitude in the face of this is exemplary! You will come back from this and have an amazing marathon in your future - Berlin will be extra sweet! Mind yourself now misses physically and emotionally, it's not an easy hand to deal with x

Applegirl26

ariana` wrote: »

Ah f*** (excuse my language), I'm so sorry to read this. What everyone else has said though L, your training was astounding, so don't beat yourself up there, you were doing so well, running at the right paces consistently, you don't deserve this. BUT your attitude in the face of this is exemplary! You will come back from this and have an amazing marathon in your future - Berlin will be extra sweet! Mind yourself now misses physically and emotionally, it's not an easy hand to deal with x

Aw thanks so much ariana. That means a lot.
I really slowed down my easy runs and everything! Ah well...
It happened for a reason. There's a lesson for me to learn here.
I'm sure I'll feel a little sad when the day comes that I should be flying to Manchester and on the day itself but.... I will run again. In the great scheme of things, this is a temporary problem. It also helps that I'm a week past knowing Manchester is gone. This time last week I was a blubbering mess!

I'm delighted now that I threw my hat in the ring for Berlin. If I get there, we will make a weekend out of it. I've never been to Germany and it will be the first Berlin medal to add to the collection my Dad started! That will be wonderful.

gypsylee

Oh bloody hell. I am so so sorry for you L. Your dedication to your training has been second to none and something I could never aspire too. I feel like crying for you! Your day in Berlin will be all the sweeter for this set back. Focus on your recovery and you will be back stronger and fitter for it. Take care.

ariana`

Applegirl26 wrote: »

Aw thanks so much ariana. That means a lot.
I really slowed down my easy runs and everything! Ah well...
It happened for a reason. There's a lesson for me to learn here.
I'm sure I'll feel a little sad when the day comes that I should be flying to Manchester and on the day itself but.... I will run again. In the great scheme of things, this is a temporary problem. It also helps that I'm a week past knowing Manchester is gone. This time last week I was a blubbering mess!

I'm delighted now that I threw my hat in the ring for Berlin. If I get there, we will make a weekend out of it. I've never been to Germany and it will be the first Berlin medal to add to the collection my Dad started! That will be wonderful.

That's really lovely, following in your dad's footsteps

Applegirl26

gypsylee wrote: »

Oh bloody hell. I am so so sorry for you L. Your dedication to your training has been second to none and something I could never aspire too. I feel like crying for you! Your day in Berlin will be all the sweeter for this set back. Focus on your recovery and you will be back stronger and fitter for it. Take care.

Thanks J. That's very kind though I think you're selling yourself short there! I've seen your runs on strava and I think you're amazing.

Yup, I need to let this leg heal up, then get back out there.

Applegirl26

ariana` wrote: »

That's really lovely, following in your dad's footsteps

And when I'm in the PP, I literally am! I love running the routes I used to hear him talk about. It was his fav place to run.

Thanks ariana.

eyrie

Ah no, I've been wondering about you a lot over the last while and I'm really sorry to hear this news. It will be a distant memory eventually when you've gone on to bigger and better things in your running, but that doesn't mean it isn't really, really crap now.
Don't be afraid to give yourself a total break too, it's emotionally exhausting going through this kind of thing and all the rehab too, and there's nothing at all wrong with a week off and then starting fresh to look towards Berlin. But you'll know what will suit you.
Keep us posted and mind yourself

Applegirl26

eyrie wrote: »

Ah no, I've been wondering about you a lot over the last while and I'm really sorry to hear this news. It will be a distant memory eventually when you've gone on to bigger and better things in your running, but that doesn't mean it isn't really, really crap now.
Don't be afraid to give yourself a total break too, it's emotionally exhausting going through this kind of thing and all the rehab too, and there's nothing at all wrong with a week off and then starting fresh to look towards Berlin. But you'll know what will suit you.
Keep us posted and mind yourself

Thanks eyrie. You're a rock of sense as always.
I will be sensible about getting back to running, I promise. The thoughts of training again over the summer are keeping my spirits up now. I don't want to jeopardise that race too.
Thanks again.

aloooof

I'm way behind on my log-reading, but pretty gutted for you, reading this... you're beyond dedicated so I've no doubt you'll be back in no time, and it'll make Berlin all the more special!

Applegirl26

aloooof wrote: »

I'm way behind on my log-reading, but pretty gutted for you, reading this... you're beyond dedicated so I've no doubt you'll be back in no time, and it'll make Berlin all the more special!

Aw thanks aloooof. That means a lot.

I know what you mean about catching up on reading the logs! It takes me days to catch up.

Strawberry Swan

I am so sorry to hear you are out of action. Not much I can add to what the others have said. Your positive attitude and dedication really are astounding and all the training you've done has not gone to waste. You've been a huge inspiration to the rest of us here and on Strava and all the training will stand to you as your legs will remember those miles and you'll kick even bigger ass in Berlin.
In regards to gyms, there is a chain that have access 24/7 if you want to get back to middle of the night (for me :-P) sessions.

Applegirl26

Strawberry Swan wrote: »

I am so sorry to hear you are out of action. Not much I can add to what the others have said. Your positive attitude and dedication really are astounding and all the training you've done has not gone to waste. You've been a huge inspiration to the rest of us here and on Strava and all the training will stand to you as your legs will remember those miles and you'll kick even bigger ass in Berlin.
In regards to gyms, there is a chain that have access 24/7 if you want to get back to middle of the night (for me :-P) sessions.

Thanks Strawberry Swan. That's very kind of you. I'm dying to get back out on the roads again but I'm taking my recovery seriously.
I'm not going through this again.


The 24 hour gym, yeah, I don't live near one unfortunately or I would have signed up. I'm sure I'll get into a rhythm of training later in the day the more I use the gym.

The Black Oil

Sorry to read that. You have a knack for describing it well, despite the outcome. Eyes on the road ahead.

Applegirl26

The Black Oil wrote: »

Sorry to read that. You have a knack for describing it well, despite the outcome. Eyes on the road ahead.

Thanks TBO.
I like to write almost as much as I like to run.
Eyes on the road ahead, yup, for sure.

skyblue46

How did the running go today L?

Applegirl26

skyblue46 wrote: »

How did the running go today L?

Only seeing this now S!
The walk/run went really well. Not an ache or hint of a niggle. I met with my PT later on.

Just a little heads up, if you're looking on Strava today you may see a "misplaced looking" run on my Strava... I haven't lost the plot, I promise. It was a run my PT suggested I try and surprisingly it went very well.

I'll explain all when I update...

effibear

Only catching up here, been avoiding boards so I don’t get jealous of all the running. Sounds like you’ve had a tough few weeks. Injury is hard particularly when it impacts on a goal- been there and the tears are normal!! You’ve put some great work in and it will stand to you. Hopefully on the mend now and Manchester possible.

Applegirl26

effibear wrote: »

Only catching up here, been avoiding boards so I don’t get jealous of all the running. Sounds like you’ve had a tough few weeks. Injury is hard particularly when it impacts on a goal- been there and the tears are normal!! You’ve put some great work in and it will stand to you. Hopefully on the mend now and Manchester possible.

Thanks effibear x

Applegirl26

I'm back…

Mon/BH
Rest day
My PT had suggested I try a short run this morning to see how my shin was but I was terribly afraid that the pain would start again and that I would set my recovery back. So I chickened out. I would have gone for a swim but I was working and the gym wasn't open anyway.


Tues
Rest day.
Working again so another rest day. I could have gone to the gym after work but I had worked two days back to back and I just wanted to go home and see my babydudes while they were awake.


Wed
I had considered trying a run this morning. After two days doing nothing I was chomping at the bit. The pain was completely gone now. I hadn't needed any medication in days. I was wearing my compression sleeves and my new shoes religiously. Everything was good. I didn't want to rock the boat.
But… But….but…..I couldn't do it. I had lost Manchester, what if the pain came back and I set my recovery back two weeks? What if I wasn't back running in time to train for Berlin? No, no I wasn't risking it. Didn't everyone tell me shin splints take weeks to heal. I wasn't going through this again.

I headed out for a 60 min walk at my usual time. Legs felt perfect. I was so tempted to try running even a mile but the fear of getting injured again was greater. I wussed out.

Still, it felt so good being back out on the roads at that time. I saw the sun come up which is always beautiful to watch.

Later on I headed to the gym. The place is growing on me. People seem more friendly now or maybe I'm just in a better mood! I cycle for 60 minutes and it gives me a chance to look around and people watch a while. Everyone here is working hard, doing their thing, and I feel bad for resenting the place when I first came last week. There's probably other injured runners here too. One guy passes and he gives me a friendly nod. The back of his t says born to run. Cool.

Then I head to the pool to swim for 60 mins. The first 15 minutes is always the hardest, after that I'm in a rhythm. It's still very boring though. Just before I finished up my swim, a man swimming in the lane beside me strikes up a conversation. He says he has seen me swimming for a long time now. I tell him I've an hour to do and I'm nearly done. He is very impressed and tells me I'm a very strong girl. He makes my day!

The thought crossed my mind in the pool that I was possibly doing too much this morning with the walk, cycle and now the swim. But as I said earlier, I was eager to get going again after 3 days doing nothing. It inevitably caught up with me though. In the shower I went to faint. I crouched down lowering my head to the floor, mentally giving out to myself for being so stupid. I didn't even have a drink with me! It was 15 minutes before I could stand up. Stupid, stupid. I know better.

Still, no pain whatsoever. Yay!

Thurs
Another rest day, after my carry on in the shower the day before.

Fri
Due back to see my PT so I had to try a run. Oh my god was I nervous….
Still not feeling confident, I planned to walk most of the hour and maybe try running the last two hundred metres or so before the inevitable pain returned.
I walked the first mile, my watch beeped. All of a sudden I thought f**k it! Let's get this over with. I started to run. No pain. Not a hint of pain. Half a mile passes, still no pain. I've now ran a full mile, still good. Oh my god, this is brilliant!
The watch beeps again. I slow to a walk not wanting to push my luck. I rub my painless shin. Not even tender. Before my watch sounds out the third mile, I'm running again. This is wonderful! The thought crosses my mind, did I let Manchester go too easily? A few times during the past fortnight, I've gone to cancel the flights and hotel I've booked but each time I came away unable to finalise the cancellation. Now, I'm wondering if all is not lost, after just one walk/run session. I'm getting carried away with myself, I think. I've missed too much training. I can't catch up. It's too late.

I go see my PT. He's delighted with my week and how well my leg is. He asks me about Manchester. I say I've missed too much training, besides I've only ran 2 miles that morning. The longest run I had gotten up to was 2.45 and for me that was just 14 miles. There's no way I'm toeing the start line of any marathon with only a 14 mile lsr done. Besides, I'm still recovering. I'll give myself a stress fracture. I'll be off the road again for 4 months this time! He says he asked his colleague who treats a lot of marathon runners for advice and they feel I should give Manchester a go. My training was very good and I'm rested with no pain.

The training plan called for a max 3 hour run which I was gonna push out to 3.5 hrs (I know, I know!) to bring me up to 18 miles. If I had got that run in before my shin flared up I would consider Manchester but I didn't so…. My PT says I have just enough time to squeeze it in. I've nothing to loose and everything to gain. If I have pain I stop and I'll know for sure that Manchester is gone. It will be easier to let it go. But if I get through it….

I can't believe I'm having this conversation. I feel a weight has been lifted from me as I promise to give the run a try. It will be sore he says but nothing I wouldn't have after running 18 miles. He thinks I can do it. Sitting there pain free, I could only promise to try my best.

I update my husband who for this whole shin splint saga has not offered his opinion and just kindly listened. Now he's telling me with a grin “it ain't over til the bell rings baby, and I haven't heard any bell”.

Oh my god, tomorrow I'm heading out to run 18 miles! How on earth will I explain it on Strava? I won't upload it…

Sat
I head out early convinced I'll be hobbling home defeated within the hour. I stash my lucozade in my usual spot. I carry my jelly babies on me. Off I go. I'm so sure I won't get through this run that I stick to Chesterfield avenue religiously, up and down, so my husband will find me easy when I call him after I've crippled myself with shin splints! I'm running and running… god I've missed this. I don't pass another soul for almost an hour. I have my playlist on standby. Each time I get to one of the main gates in the PP, I stop for a moment to be absolutely certain that yes I have no pain. I stretch out my legs, no pain. My pacing on this run will look a bit disjointed as a result of my stopping but that's ok.
I hit mile 5, 8,10,13, 15. I can't believe it. I have no pain. It seems my shin pain went as quickly as it arrived. I'm running 3 hours now. I should head for home. I won't go past 3.5 hours. I could stop now. I've proven to myself that I can do this. Still, that's not enough. I had wanted to get up to 18 miles and that's what I'm gonna do.

I'm acutely aware that this very run could be my marathon of this training block. I could wake up crippled tomorrow….
I could crash and burn if I do get to Manchester. But right now I'm having the time of my life in a run I thought was lost. I've proven something to myself. I hit mile 17. I'm almost home. That last mile was the hardest. I wasn't sore, a bit tired but nothing I couldn't handle. It was coming close to 3.5 hours and the temptation to stop was powerful. But I thought “I'll be damned, I'll be GODDAMNED if I quit now. I'm finishing this run!”

And I did finish it and just like that, Manchester was back on the table…
18 miles @ 11:34

It took me about 2 hours to decide to upload the run. I couldn't stop giggling. Here I am recovering and I'm uploading an 18 mile run.


Sun
I had gone in for overtime the Saturday night and by the end of my shift the DOMS had set in! No shin pain but my poor quads. After work I headed to the gym for a swim to soothe my hard working legs. The gym wasn't open. I napped in the car for 30 minutes. About 50 of us went in when the door finally opened. Don't know why they don't open earlier.
I swam for 60 minutes. Lovely. Then went home to bed.


So that's my week.
I'm still giggling at it…


Later!

ReeReeG

I think all of us did a double take when we saw the run, and then rejoiced!!!

So happy that Manchester is back on the table, you deserve it after the training!
Hope the tapering is going well

Swashbuckler

I must say I was a little nervous when I saw a walk/run during the week and then when I saw 18 miles I thought you'd lost the plot but context is key! I wasn't as quick to congratulate you on Strava as I felt I would have been the negative person on the thread warning you to be careful! But all sounds good. Delighted you're back on track.

skyblue46

Swashbuckler wrote: »

I must say I was a little nervous when I saw a walk/run during the week and then when I saw 18 miles I thought you'd lost the plot but context is key! I wasn't as quick to congratulate you on Strava as I felt I would have been the negative person on the thread warning you to be careful! But all sounds good. Delighted you're back on track.

Haha...are you typing my thoughts? :pac:

Swashbuckler

skyblue46 wrote:

Haha...are you typing my thoughts?

I'm the new skyblue on Strava

skyblue46

Swashbuckler wrote: »

I'm the new skyblue on Strava

Nah, you're more like the new me...say nada.....ever!

Kellygirl

As always, you write so well. I love reading your log.

I’m delighted for you that Manchester is back on. What’s your plan from now until then? You handled that 18 miles incredibly well by the sounds of things.

Mr. Guappa

I can't help smile from ear to ear reading that update. This log is a real rollercoaster of emotions! Fantastic news, so delighted for you. Maybe avoid any more walk/bike/swim triathlons before Manchester though!

gypsylee

Loved reading your update. I am so happy for you! Can’t believe you ran 18 miles. You will rock Manchester.

Applegirl26

Gypsylee thank you. It wasn't the end to my training that I thought I'd get but at least I did get to finish it.

Mr G yup it sure feels like a rollercoaster! No more triathlons I promise.

Kellygirl thanks for your kind words about my writing. I love to write. I probably go on for much longer than I should here! The plan, the plan... Take it easy this week and even more so next week. I've followed the runs on the plan this week bar the session. I'll see my PT on Monday and we'll make a decision about the marathon once and for all.
My most recent race gave me an expected marathon time of 4:38 which delighted me no end. I didn't get to run Bohermeen to see if that was a fluke or if I could have even snipped some more time off that... Anyways, that was before I got injured so... There are pacers for 4:30 and 4:45. I guess I'll head out with the 4:45 pacers now after the shin splint episode. There's no point in me saying I'll try and speed up in the last few miles. That's not going to happen, not for me. I'll be running on vapours by then! If I hadn't gotten injured I might have tried the 4:30 pacers and done my best to hang on for as long as I can!
It is what it is. All I can do is my best on the day. At this stage, just finishing might be the best I can give.
That's even if I get to go. No pain still but I pushed myself hard on Saturday and I'm on the lookout constantly for signs of my body biting back.

Swashbuckler you are only saying what everyone including me were thinking. I've always appreciated feedback especially negative feedback and that won't ever change. At the end of the day I trusted my PT and went with his plan. At that stage my marathon was already over. I finished the run thinking I might make the start line... Sorry that probably doesn't make much sense outside my head.

ReeReeG the marathon is back on the table but I'll make a final decision to go early next week. It may not appear that way, but I promise I'm trying hard to be as sensible as I can about it.

Thanks everyone.