Work Sweat and Pain Among Friends

The only thing peas are good for.

It's been a few weeks since I've had time or energy to write anything.  Since my last post I've run another 14 mile long run, and today, a 16 miler!  As you can see, it's time for the frozen peas. 

I started this run with a pretty negative attitude. I was sure I wasn't going to finish.  Last week I had to run 14 by myself (on my birthday, no less!), and I stupidly failed to keep pace.  While it was cool that I could run 14 miles a little faster, it was uncool that my legs hurt the rest of the week.  I could feel the shin splints starting, and it was making me anxious about my prospects for the marathon.  The last time I had serious shin splints, I was pretty much out for the season. I have worked too hard for that to happen. 

Ahhh - relaxed

After the 14 miles last Friday, I had an absolutely wonderful weekend with my wonderfully awesome husband at the Inn at Cedar Falls in the Hocking Hills.  No cell service, no TVs, no DVDs, sporadic wireless. We napped, ate, drank some wine, had a couples massage, and did things that married people who are celebrating their 17 year wedding anniversary tend to do when they are in a cottage in the woods. With a hot tub. Did I mention the wine?

We had the best time ever.  When we got back, we both went out for runs. Are we nuts or what?

I had big plans for my runs this week.  Three six mile runs in the mornings before work.  That would get me to 34 miles for the week, which I think is the most I've ever run in a week.  But after two of the runs, my shins were really hurting. I reluctantly decided to skip the last six mile run and take it easy until Saturday, when I had 16 miles to run. That morning, my husband confirmed that it was the right decision, but I was terribly upset that 1) I couldn't get the run in and 2) that there might be more problems ahead.

So when I woke up this morning, at 5:30 am, I was really cranky.  I had absolutely NO desire to get out of bed, let alone run, let alone run 16 freakin' miles.   I went through the motions of drinking my coffee and choking down a banana and some toast, and getting all my gear together for the run.  I got to the school where we all meet to run, and I was really grumpy. I didn't want to talk to ANYONE. I stood in line for the bathroom, even though I didn't have to go, because by the time the line moved enough, I was sure I would have to go one last time before the run.

The gang was all there and they were the positive ones this week.  Daryl, the oldest of the group, is also an inspiration for getting out there and sticking with it every week.  He's also great company.  Jeanine, who always has a good story to tell and recovery drinks to share, is the nicest person.  Megan just cracks me up.  The two women who are running the Akron Marathon who did 20 miles today (way to kick ass, girls!) are also an inspiration because every long run we do they've already done and survived.  Richard, who pace hops  so he can be social with everyone (that's what I think, Richard!) is running for a cause. And the rest of the crew whose names I don't know (sorry guys!) are awesome as well and provide encouragement every step of the way.  Our fearless leader Lisa keeps us at a really good pace and even made sure today we didn't have to run up that last hill back to the school.  With this awesome team, I couldn't help but gain strength and positive vibes that enabled me to not only finish the 16 miles today, but also regain hope that I really can finish the marathon in October.

So I had my first ice bath today, and my legs have finally stopped throbbing, but I feel really good about today's run, and the possibilities in the weeks ahead.  Run smarter, not harder!

I'll close with Lisa's words of wisdom today - "It's supposed to hurt."  I think I have that covered.

Thanks everyone and see you next week!

I. Was. Wrong.

Letter to my husband:

I will never say this again. I. Was. Wrong.  Yep. I admit it. After your runs you would say you were tired, and I had no sympathy for you. I was supportive of the time spent running, but didn't think you should get to sit around all day and take naps afterwards, because you CHOSE to run. The exhaustion was self-inflicted.  Maybe a little sympathy after the marathon itself, but training runs? Forget it. Suck it up and walk miles around at COSI, or the zoo. Or whatever.

Well, now I've self-inflicted myself. Dammit, I'm tired. I ran 14 miles today and I'm even too tired to write a full account of the run. (Maybe later, cause 14 is a big deal for me)  I did practically NOTHING today. I couldn't nap, unfortunately, but I didn't do much of anything else.  

I was able to get my tired butt to Graeters for some mocha chip ice cream, but that was medicinal. It had to be done. And the boys made me. Twisted my arm, even. Dragged me up High Street.

Anyhow, I totally get it now, dear. Thank you for not saying "suck it up" to me while I was loafing around the house today. I would have totally deserved it.

Epic Fail

My nine year old keeps saying "Epic Fail!"  And I sort of feel like that today.  The heat dome over us is just oppressive and making training very difficult. I tried to do core exercises on Monday, then I ran on the treadmill on Tuesday because of the heat.

On Wednesday I had a muscle pain in my lower left side of my back.  Sitting was ok, getting up was painful, and walking got better as I went along. Then I'd have to sit and I'd get stiff all over again.

I tried to do yoga yesterday morning, but skipped all the back exercises because of the pain.  Last night, I took lots of ibuprofen and pulled out the heating pad.

This morning I felt better so I ran on the treadmill again.  When I got out of the car at work, my back hurt again. Not as bad as yesterday, but still a little stiff.

I feel old. I've never had this happen before.  At first I thought it was the plank exercises I was doing, but now I wonder if it was the treadmill. I haven't run on a treadmill for a few months, so maybe I adjusted my gait so much I messed up my back. Or maybe it was both.

Saturday I have 12 long miles, in 75 degree heat. I am not looking forward to this run. I am hoping for rain.

This week has felt like an epic fail, just when I thought I had things together.