After running the half marathon back in September, I learned a lot about preparation and also recovery. In retrospect, I realize I did not train properly. I trained – but I did it only half way.
BIG mistake.
Hurting the ankle wasn’t the worst thing in the world. Day to day it didn’t bother me too much. Only when I tried to run did it remind me it was there.
After 2 weeks I thought it was all better so I did a 11 mile run – only to come away with a heel spur or something. Let me tell you – that has been worse than the ankle 🙂
So I am learning. Since that 11 mile day I have mostly run 3 and 4 milers with an occasional 5 miler thrown in. Each run had its own challenges. Lower back aches, favoring the left enough to cause pain in my right knee… you get the idea.
Like I said – I am learning. I’ve toned down a bit and run less days – 2 to 3 lately instead of 5. It’s helping too. My heel is about 90% now and today I did a six mile run relatively pain free.
I say relatively because I AM 47, have arthritis in both knees and still have MINOR irritation in my left heel.
But today, six miles, no stops, pace of 9:37. And no pain. Here are my split times:
- Mile 1 – 9:36
- Mile 2 – 9:29
- Mile 3 – 9:44
- Mile 4 – 9:46
- Mile 5 – 9:49
- Mile 6 – 9:06 (strong finish)
Tomorrow I might do a 5K. Still undecided.
Ok, so what is this Marathon thing I mentioned in the title?
In my “About Me” page, when I started this blog I challenged myself to run in the NYC Marathon this year. But early on I decided the goal was not realistic for me. In fact, I was not even running regularly at that point. I made this goal so I could run for charity in the name of my niece who died 3 years ago from colon cancer.
I ended up buying a bicycle and was thoroughly enjoying riding. In fact, a friend of mine who rides regularly wanted me to join him in a 50 mile ride. But something happened…
In May I started running. Hitting my first 3 mile run was exhilarating for me. Something achieved… and it pushed me further until after only 4 months I did the half marathon.
Now, injuries aside, the accomplishment made me realize that I COULD achieve my marathon goal. It was no longer something I considered out of reach.
After injuring myself I also realized I would have to properly train. I will find a running coach when the time comes.
So here’s what I want to know. Do you want to run in the marathon with me?
I want to start a running “team” for charity and run in my nieces name. So I am putting the word out almost a year in advance and I want to know… who wants to do this?
There’s a few people out there whose arm I am going to twist… but I truly believe that pretty much anyone can set this goal and achieve it. I know 100% that if I had trained properly for the half I would not have injured myself and I COULD have run in the NYC Marathon. So next year I will.
Comment below if you are interested because I want to start building a team soon.
In the meantime – keep on running.
