The knee foot thing has taken a toll on my training.
I posted a few weeks ago about returning to running...and I did. But after about 2 weeks of shorter runs, which I tried to do largely to get ready for a relay (which I withdrew from), I realized that I was not letting my knee or foot get better.
I miss running dearly and haven't hit the road in a few weeks. In words, it's hard to explain what a huge drop-off my training has taken. Physically, this is my all-time low since taking running seriously about 4 years ago. Mentally, I'm much more accepting of the situation than I would have been 2 years ago, though. So I am weak in body, but strengthening my mind and heart.
Perhaps it is for the best that I haven't been running. Our family has been making some major adjustments since my husband split the responsibility of caring for his grandmother 24/7 with his dad a few months ago. Sidenote (This presents an enormous challenge to our family, but I am so glad he is doing this. I am proud of his dedication and I wish I had spent more time with my grandparents when they were living.)
So, there hasn't been a lot of running going on over here, but I am hopeful! I have plans to re-qualify for Boston 2014 and am looking at certified courses to do this on.
Today my Dad, (I absolutely can't stress how much I OWE to this man. I love him!), came to visit specifically to move a treadmill from our last place to this one. My treadmill has a lot of charm to it, (you can see it here), but it works. And the main thing is that it offers something all running parents can relate to- a window to train whenever you want to.
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| Just a pretty picture from a favorite route I can't wait to get back to. |
Is it realistic for me to even hope to run a marathon before September 22nd, after such a huge chunk of time off? I have no idea. I just know that I plan to train smarter this time. Most likely I'll be running at somewhere between a 9:30 and 10:00/mile easy pace, about a minute and a half to two minutes a mile slower than I ran in February.
My heart has some say in my training (perhaps too much at times!). If I can hear it over my skeptical mind, it seems to be telling me to remain optimistic, to have faith in things unseen, to trust that God will take care of it all, the running and the non-running.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for,
the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1
I'm sorry you are injured and haven't been able to train, but you are so well conditioned overall that I think you will get your fitness back quickly when you are able to train again. I have no doubt at all that you can be ready for a marathon by Sept!
ReplyDeleteHugs! :) You'll be back!
ReplyDeleteYou'll get back, but don't push it...(said pot to kettle, lol).
ReplyDeleteHave you considered taking up biking while your waiting to recover? It is really easy on the knees.
ReplyDeleteI hope you heal up soon, hang in there
This has to be frustrating, though it sounds like your spirit is strong and you know what's most important is to heal and take care of life in the meantime. Here's to smooth sailing and fast recovery! And how wonderful of your husband and your family to step up and help.
ReplyDeleteInjuries are so incredibility frustrating and no spoken words really help the situation. When I had to take 2 months completely off, it was the hardest time mentally for me... but I honestly believe those two months helped me become a stronger runner. If your body gets all healed up I think a fall marathon is very realistic. (Swim swim swim :):):) in the meantime)
ReplyDeleteYou are a strong runner and strong woman Raina. Sending positive thoughts your way.
I'm sure it won't be long before you are back. My knee is also not 100% after I fell two weeks ago. I can still run and even did 25km on Saturday, but it is not 100% for long distances yet. I need some serious mileage in the next three weeks if I want to do the Comrades marathon. I might be skipping that because of the knee. My main goals are all in the 2nd half of the year so I might have to rather rest up. All the best Raina!
ReplyDeleteUgh, I am so sorry Raina. I had no idea that you were still dealing with this. :/ I think that maybe this time will make you an even stronger and better marathoner. Injuries are no fun, especially when you miss out on races/relays that you were looking forward to running. However, they do make us much stronger people. Although we can't see it that way in the moment. Hang in there, you will get through this!!!! HUGS.
ReplyDeleteWell shoot, I came here to ask if you would be at Eugene this weekend. I know you'll bounce back when you are ready.
ReplyDeleteI think that Sunriver Marathon looks neat. My family loves Sunriver...just running at altitude over there adds a degree of difficulty.
Ugh - I am so sorry you are injured. I thought you were doing better. Big hugs! It sounds like you have a good attitude though (as good as possible). I definitely believe you will be able to come back and BQ. You have heart, faith, and a lot of natural speed. I hope you recover quickly!! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteI think you should continue to listen to your heart, it seems to be pretty powerful. Hang in there and get healed (ha, easier said than done, I'm sure). I have no doubt that despite your time off, you'll be marathon ready in the fall. That Sunriver course looks beautiful... a little hilly, but hills are what keeps it fun. :)
ReplyDeleteAlso, you have the most beautiful route pictures. Thanks for sharing!
Praying for you Raina. Hang in there.
ReplyDeleteYou can absolutely run a marathon in September, just focus on coming back smart and strong. Being on the sidelines is never fun. Boo!
ReplyDeleteAw, sweetie. It is always so hard to get back into it after a long injury layoff - the mental as much as the physical - but you can do it. Just don't get mad at yourself for the necessarily slow pace - of course you're going to have to ease into it - and let your fitness reassert itself. You'll be fine! And I'll see you in Boston!
ReplyDeleteAs much as I hate my dreadmill, you're right, it's nice to have it as a backup if options outside don't work out.
ReplyDeleteHang in there. You'll make it.
Have faith!!! I finally had my big breakthrough after 2 months off from running (how I hate being on the injury list).
ReplyDeleteThere some little metronome inside that made me try to run at my 'in shape' pace which I just couldn't do. So I forced my pace on the TM in order to behave and not burn myself out. It worked.
Ran 5 miles at my 'in shape' pace a few nights ago and it felt fabulous. You will be there again!
I feel for you and I know what being off is like -- all too well. Hope things turn around soon.
ReplyDeleteRunning is non-existent here - still. Living on 3 hours sleep each day for weeks on end is tough. I have given up completely on trying to run. I hate giving up.....
post script - I sent you an email that I thought that you and the young-lings might like.
C2Iowa
Big Hugs and good vibes being sent your way! Don't rule out Boston next year, a lot can happen between now and September! And hey, remember Boston didn't sell out right away this year due to new standards so you might have a little longer (a week or 2) this year. You can do it!!!!
ReplyDeleteThat's no fun, but based on your previous pace, you'll probably advance from the pace you're talking about starting out at to "Boston ready pace" before you know it.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't run on the treadmill, unless it was my only option, if I had views like that!
Oh, I can only imagine how you feel. So, so, frustrating. I have followed your training for a long time and have always been impressed by how smart you have been training. You did everything really well. Sucks to get injured when you make no mistakes. I wonder if you could get a gait analyses and see what comes out of that. It just does not make sense to me that you got injured....but then again, running injuries rarely make sense. I am so glad that your mind is strong going through this (mine never is, not running really, really gets to me!). Your body is strong too, and I have no doubt that you will come back quickly. You will have no problem getting a BQ, of course, and I AM SO EXCITED to see you in Boston next year! Lots of love and fingers crossed this injury will soon be a thing of the past.
ReplyDeleteNever bet against someone who can run with a bag on her head in perfect form.
ReplyDeleteYes, you can run a marathon in September. I got 4 really bad stress fractures in the beginning of April 2011, and after being on crutches for over a month and off of work, I ran Chicago in October, after not running at all for a couple of months. Of course, I didn't PR, but my time wasn't that far off.
ReplyDeleteRaina, I have faith in you. I really do think that you will be able to bounce back from this and get a BQ. Have you been upping your strength training? I swear, the more miles I give to the roads, the more my body needs me to give back to itself... in the form of foam rolling, stretching, massage, etc. Right now, I'm suddenly battling plantar fasciitis in both feet. UGH! After only a couple days of AGGRESSIVE treatments (stretching, icing, massage, rolling, taping, etc.), I feel like it's clearing up. Find the blog "Strength Running" and check out his strength/core work for some really helpful tips. And start doing that Body Maintenance Day!
ReplyDeleteOn my run today I had so many aches and pains. Something would start hurting and I'd worry about it until the pain subsided... and then another body part would start acting up. I finally just threw up my hands (literally) and prayed - "God, I have no idea what is going on with my body, so I'm just gonna leave it all with you" and just kept running. Made it through with good time and no more pain than when I started. Who knows... maybe I will be sidelined again. But worrying won't change that, so for now, I'm just going to enjoy each and every run. One day at a time!
ReplyDeleteI totally believe in you! You will come back stronger than ever! Can't wait to hear about your training/come back plan.
ReplyDeleteGood video. Your 'run like a girl' form is perfect for managing to stay on a treadmill.
ReplyDeleteAll you can do is take it one day at a time, one week at a time and see what happens. I wouldn't be setting in stone a long-term programme to run a BQ in September. I imagine getting a start will be hard - the demand will be about 10 times what it normally is. Maybe 2015?
Oh I also thought you were better... What a bummer
ReplyDeleteI can relate as you know
I had the MRI today
I have not ran since last week.
I did pool running...that is hard. If you have access to a pool I would try that.
I have missed hearing from you, I will treasure my runs even more and think of you and your HEALING ails. Focus on the good and the positive, you'll get there. Good things/good people and all that :)
ReplyDeleteLove that verse!! Praying for your body to heal and be able to be as as strong as your WILL.
ReplyDeleteTo train smarter: magic words. I learned too late this important lessons.
ReplyDeleteI am sure you will run that marathon. All the best!
I am very hopeful for you too! I am sorry that this injury has had you down this long. I know you have already learned so much from this experience. I hope you are able to decide on a good qualifying marathon and you can resume training soon. I would love to meet you in Boston 2014!! I should start planning our meet up now because I KNOW you can do this! ;-)
ReplyDeleteOh Raina, I'm so sorry that injury is still nagging. Frustrating for sure. I do think injuries, like it or not, make us sit back and evaluate. Maybe find a way around, maybe change course completely. They are tough lessons, but there for a reason. I know you will find the path that is right for you. I wouldn't rule out any Boston plans at this point. Thinking of you. Gorgeous picture!
ReplyDeleteHope you get back at it soon! Being injured is frustrating, specially when you have such a beautiful place to run.
ReplyDelete