So, D3’s track coach says that skipping a week of running is like starting over. Coach may be right. I skipped three weeks and I’m paying for it. Sure, my knee feels better, though it still hurts after a run, but 5 miles was hard Thursday morning.
 |
| 2012 RR Days 10K finish. This inspires me. I CAN do it! |
And what about the
physical side of the coin? I started with a stretching walk today, on the
advice of a friend. After a couple blocks I started jogging. It felt great. The
feeling continued until about the halfway mark. A little after that point I
slackened my pace to a walk for half a block. I needed the break. Later I stopped dead at a traffic light. No
running in place. Stood still. Then I walked the final block to my door.
So I have questions.
Doubts. Do I need to run 13.1 miles before I actually do a half marathon? Must
I go the distance first? Or can I do a few 8-, 9- and 10-mile runs and figure I’m
ready to push through come race day?
Tonight I expressed
my fears to a running friend, one who has inspired and cheered me for a couple
years now. Here’s how the conversation played out:
Me: I'm getting scared about the
half.
Her: oh come on chicken butt
don't make me lay the smack down on
you!
Me: Took off three weeks to rest my
knee - patellar tendon pain. Feels much better, but I'm way out of training
now. Five miles was killer today.
Need to get my head straight.
Her: I'm in a don't give me no bs
mood, not that your feelings aren't important or valid....but you ARE capable
of this!
You have plenty of time. The race is
not tomorrow
or next week
 |
| Here I am before the start of last year's Run Galesburg Run Half Marathon/5K. This year I'm doing the half. |
Me: OK. Yes, ma'am. God, you're a
great cheerleader. I know I can do it. Just self doubt.
…
Me: Don't do well with training
regimens. Need to do it on my own schedule, own terms.
…
Her: I hate training plans! Queen of
do it yourself training right here
OK. So no excuses. I can and will do
this. Just as I’ve told other friends who expressed doubt about their ability,
I have in turn been bolstered. Belief is at least 50 percent of the recipe to
success. If the ingredients don’t go sour, I’m already halfway there.
Today's Stats
Temp: 54 degrees F
Distance: 5 miles
Weekly Total: 8.29 miles
Treasure: Water, water everywhere…
iPod Playlist (Shuffle):
Put Your Lights On –
Santana Feat. Everlast
Ready to Love Again –
Lady Antebellum
Problem Girl – Rob Thomas
Bad Blood – Neil Sedaka
Memory – The Call
All I Want Is You –
U2
Say – John Mayer
Love Me Do – The Beatles
Stickshifts and
Safetybelts – Cake
Only the Good Die
Young (live) – Billy Joel
Give Me the Night –
George Benson
It’s Still Rock and
Roll to Me – Bill Joel
Max’s Theorem (live
banter) – James McMurtry
Levelland – James McMurtry
Goodbye – Avril Lavigne
Wow, sounds like you have some awesome friends who are so willing to give you a kick in the rear! ;)
ReplyDeleteTo answer your ?'s, no you don't have to run 13.1 before the race. Yes doing some 9-10-11 mile runs is enough. When I reached those distances (13.1, 26.2 & beyond) I never ran those distances before, sometimes not even close, but I had no problem with the actual race distance when it came to the day of race.
Also, don't forget or underestimate the power of actual race day. A course laid out for you, all you have to do is run & follow. People all around you to cheer you on or tell you to keep going, Ponytails to be chasing! Race day is completely different than you, your ipod and a long stretch of miles.
You are going to do amazing at your half marathon!!!!