Marathon Weekly Update

2 steps forward, 1 step back

This week has been one of ups and downs for me. My Tuesday maintenance run went well. I decided to keep it to 30 minutes since I would be running 16 miles on Saturday. Thursday was another story. I got on the treadmill eager to run my 30 minutes and be done with it. Little did I know that it would only last 5 short minutes. I walked for another 5 minutes and then moved to the stationary bike, knowing I couldn't forego all activity with my big run coming up.

I finally broke down and went to see Patti on Friday. I knew she would chide me, but also offer helpful suggestions. The problem with having a background in exercise science and athletic training is that I think I can self-diagnose and come up with remedies all on my own. I had to face the fact that I needed more help. Patti & I talked about what I have been doing, including the massage/ice/ibuprofen routine.

I walked for her and she just shook her head. That is when she told me that I have some of the worst biomechanics possible for running. Between my tight Achilles and massive over-pronation I am throwing my whole body out of whack. She did tell me that I was putting added stress on my Flexor Hallicus Longus and all I could think was "Hurray, I finally get to say something cooler than shin splints." Patti took a look at my motion control shoe and orthotic insert and quickly told me that I needed new ones. What? It is has only been 3 months. Shoes are supposed to be good for 500 miles - mine have only logged 200. But, due to my screwy feet I'm going to need new shoes every 2-3 months while I'm training this much. ARGHHHHH.

We talked about my training regimen -both running and off days and came up with a new plan. It includes less weight training and more non-impact cardio than I have been doing. Then we came to the big issue, my weight. Now, I know and have known for some time that I need to get back to paying attention to that aspect of my life. Basically in training for a marathon I have given myself free license to eat whatever the hell I want. Ice cream for dinner and chips and salsa breakfasts are common meals in my world.

Five years ago I joined Weight Watchers and lost 60 pounds over the span of a year. I have maintained that weightloss for four years and have been proud of myself for that. But, it is now time to pick up that ball again and run with it. With the amount of training that I am doing the weight should be melting off of me, and I have to say that I always feel a bit chagrined to admit that it hasn't when people ask. And so I am now saying, out loud, that I am going to join a meeting this week. Now that the thought has left my head and been put out into the world I have no choice but to follow through.

So, now we come to yesterday's run. I added arch and shin splint taping to my weekly regimen of blister bloc and vasaline toes. Everyone had a comment for me when I arrive to the run site with tape 3/4 way to my knees - most of them had to do with waxing/hair removal. Our run took us through North Beach to Telegraph Hill, where we ran up to Coit Tower and back. Then we meandered through my neighborhood and back through the Marina to the Presido. Although we dropped our pace to 12 minute miles and our run/walk ratio to 4:1 I still struggled on all of the hills. I had the choice of walking the hills or sitting down and crying; I chose walking. At about 12 miles we were close to camp and I made the tough decision to head back and skip out on the last 4 miles.

I know that many of you are probably thinking that stopping after 12 miles would not be a hard decision at all and I find it funny that I keep saying, "I only ran 12 miles." I'm proud of myself for making it 12 miles and for recognizing the fact that I needed to stop and take care of my body rather than risking more injuries. I'm disappointed that I didn't finish one of my long runs once again. I was so certain that I would be able to run 16 miles with minimal problems.

I had a talk with Coach Scott when I returned to camp and we came up with a plan that I grudgingly agreed to. Next week during our 8 mile recovery run I will run with the Salazars. They run a 12 minute mile and a 4:1 ratio. Then Scott and I will come up with a plan for the 18 mile run. I may run with a slower group or run a shorter course. I'm disappointed that I won't be running with my group but I also recognize that I need to take care of my body so I make it to the starting line on July 30th.

So, after my run and icing in the Bay I visited Sports Basement once again. I bought 2 more pair of the shoes and several new orthotic inserts. I know that I have given myself complete financial license for the marathon but this is starting to get ridiculous. I never imagined that I would be buying 3 pair of shoes on top of all of the other things that I have "needed". Basically it adds up to $Holy Crap.00.

posted by Heidi @ 7:58 AM