2 Steps Forward…
Categories: Hip injury, Hip strengthening, Marathon Training, Marine Corps Marathon
…and yes, one step back.
Last week after Rock n Roll Denver was going so well…
My mile repeats were stellar once I got back to oxygenated air. I ran an unusually strong 10+ miles at marathon pace (whatever that is) on Thursday. On Saturday I set out for my long run. I planned on 15, maybe 18 miles if I felt really good.
I could tell though, that my legs weren’t yet fully recovered from Thursday’s effort. Cardiovascularly I felt great. It was cool and the run felt effortless. If anything I was going too fast (9:25). The miles slipped away. At 4 my right hip (tensor fascia fiasco) started mumbling. I walked to assess. It was so subtle. I continued on but at 5 miles it was clear I needed to shut it down. So I did.
Yesterday I banged out what, in my twisted mind, is the equivalent of 18 miles: 2 hours pool running + 1 hour on the bike. I won’t try to run again until Wednesday. I suspect my whiny hip needed more recovery time after the MP 10. In the meantime I’ve doubled up the strengthening exercises. Sigh.
Part of me entertains staying in the pool until marathon day. Or at least wrapping myself in bubble pack until 10/28. I find myself thinking things like “If I can just run half and run/walk the other…or run 2/3 and walk it in….or run through the pain and royally injure myself and then take a long runbattical.
Ironically yesterday was the last day to defer Marine Corps Marathon registration to next year. I was not tempted because I’m fairly confident I wouldn’t be in any better shape next year. It’s always something lately. My body is finished with marathons.
Despite very ragged training, I still think/hope I can cross the finish line (eventually) in Washington DC on 10/28 though. I’m too stubborn to believe otherwise.
It’s race week in Chicago! So excited for my Chicago Marathon friends. Stay tuned for my spectating plan!
Cant wait for the spectating plan!! Happy Monday :0) spa love!
Stupid stupid hip!
I am happy you were able to get in the pool and on the bike. If that is what it takes for the last few weeks of training, I say, go for it!
And your body may be done with marathons, but you aren’t! You still have to finish the majors! Get with it, body!
I fully understand that stubbornness. I think you are going to do really well at MCM. Just access each step and you’ll know what the right thing to do will be.
6 days ’til I see you!
damn hip. we runners are so stubborn, lol. i think you’ll be fine come 10.28…positive thoughts! might not be a PR but you will finish!
Sorry about your hip. Keep being smart about you training and you will make it across the finish line:) you are doing great!
Injuries suck. Sounds like you’re trying to be smart about ‘em though!
Crazy how run training is 50/50 effort and injury recovery…u can do it girl!
I’m so bummed to hear this! I think it’s smart to go into rest mode for a few days. AND it was smart to stop when you did. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you!
Crazy hip! But it sounds like you are fully trained and a nice taper will probably only help your performance. One of my best races came after a 3.5 week FULL taper – no training of any kind – after a bad injury. Turns out the rest was exactly what I needed. You are going to rock it!
Two hours of pool running! You are so mentally tough. Hope that pesky hip decides to stop acting up… as others said, you were smart to stop when you did.
Heal up! Stupid hip…
You and I are in the same boat my friend! I really hope you make it to the MCM cause it’s a great one!! I loved it last year and it’s my favorite besides my first one! Hang in there!
Book yourself a nice deep tissue massage and have them stretch you too. Do this close to the marathon and your legs will feel as good as new!
Wow! I love your blog. I just found it!!!
You go girl!
I can’t wait to read your upcoming adventures!
I wish I could get myself to spend that much time in the pool. My own hip would be so much happier!
I’m sorry for the one step back….but I do think you’ll come out ahead of that equation. You’re being very smart about the hip and resting. I wouldn’t delay the race, either, in your shoes. I agree with Jill–I think you will surprise yourself.
Oh man, that is definitely rough. Try not to get your mind wrapped up in it right now and take some extra rest. I’m sure you’ll be fine to run. I’d say if nothing else go out with the plan to do what feels good, but adjust your race plan or dial back your pace as need be!
I’m hoping that my long run was a bust this weekend due to also not having enough recovery between some pretty intense sessions…gahh the mental battle of training
You will be able to finish, just keep taking care of yourself! At least you are smart enough to stop before things get worse!
Sorry your hip isn’t being cooperative. Good for you sticking with it and doing pool running instead of giving up. Awesome you get to meet up with Jill again this weekend!
Sorry your hip is still giving you trouble