Tomorrow's Post

How I dealt with not running for almost two weeks (not very well!!), how I am feeling now, and where I go from here...

a LONG and overdue post...

It has been a long time since I last posted. About a month. All due to the fact that I am injured. I have been so upset and frustrated with running that I haven't wanted to post anything. I know that this is not the best approach, but I didn't really feel like getting on here and complaining about how awful my runs have been going. Now that it has been almost a month since my last post - enough is enough! I am ready to write again.

Maybe I need to back up and explain how I got here. About four weeks ago I had a 11 mile long run scheduled. I decided I would do an easy out and back down Peachtree Street. I also planned to use a gel for the first time:

A few days prior I'd picked up these three different gels at Big Peach. I have heard that coffee flavors and chocolates are the best. For my first experience I chose the Hammer chocolate. I decided I would take it at mile 7 when I stopped for water at a CVS. The run was going pretty great and my gel was actually pretty yummy. The consistency is a little weird and I wondered how I would do this while running (I stopped to take it this time), but it tasted just like chocolate icing. Delish!

The first half of the run was at a slight down hill, so I was feeling good. At the turn around I noticed the slight incline, but I was still moving along nicely. It was at about mile 8 when I started feeling my knees throbbing some. Now, I have to say that this is somewhat normal. My knees start to ache after awhile. That is pretty natural to me. Usually during a half marathon my knees get achy around mile 9-10. The aches never really go away, but it never gets too terrible either.

I knew that this was somewhat early for me knees to be acting up, but I wasn't really concerned at first. Then I noticed that the aches were turning into pain, more like a stabbing pain in my knees. I was at mile 9. I was 2 miles away from the car and thought to myself, "what the heck is going on?" I had never felt pain like this before. I thought about stopping at one of the many restaurants or stores I was passing along the way to call David to pick me up. I was battling "pushing through" vs "over doing it." I couldn't tell the difference.

I was also doing this long run in new shoes. I'd given up on the Nike Pegasus 27s after several runs on the treadmill and feeling like they weren't giving me enough fore front cushioning. My toes had even cramped pretty severely after wearing those shoes, so I was ready for a change. For this long run I was wearing Mizunos. I had debated between Brooks and Mizunos because I had heard good things about both. Big Peach was sold out of the Brooks in my size so I opted for the Mizunos. Plus, I liked how they hug your feet, so that they really feel like they apart of your foot. Anyway, so there I was with new shoes and I though that maybe this pain was just from changing shoes and my feet just getting use to them. I also knew I only had 2 more miles to go. How hard could it be?

It was terrible. I grunted out loud several times because the pain was so bad. I stopped and stretched. Nothing was working. I had now made my way down Peachtree where all the shops were gone. There was no where to go in and call David. So I powered through the pain and I finally got to my car. When I got there I basically collapsed on the ground and took off my shoes immediately. My feet were swollen and the shoes felt so tight. My knees were screaming at me. I just wanted to get home.

Once I got home I iced my knees, but I knew that I had pushed too hard. Little did I know, that run would redefine my training. I took the next day completely off and also the day after that. On Tuesday I got back on my weekday schedule and quickly realized that these shoes were not going to cut it. Because I was running so far my feet were expanding and swelling and the Mizunos were becoming uncomfortably tight during my runs. I also noticed my knees felt a little off.

So back to Big Peach I went. It was starting to get ridiculous. At this point I was on my third pair of shoes in three weeks. Luckily I had purchased the shoes from Big Peach who let you wear the shoes for a few runs to test them out. As long as you keep them relatively clean, you can bring them back a few days later.

I asked if they had the Brooks in stock, but they didn't. They said they had a hard time keeping the Brook's Ghost in stock. I immediately thought, "must be a good shoe." So off to Dick's sporting goods I went. Now I typically would never buy my running shoes from there, but now that I knew what I wanted (I had done TONS of research) I was on a mission. Luckily the guy who helped me was actually a runner and knew lots about shoes. He told me that he wasn't surprised that the Pegasus didn't work out - they had significantly changed the dynamics of the shoe. I told him the Mizunos were too tight. I told him I wanted cushion and quality. He suggested the Brooks.

Now I was on my third pair of shoes and praying that they would work out. He convinced me to get a size larger than normal because of the high mileage I was running and the swelling of my feet (which he told me was normal). Most marathon runners have a little extra room in their shoes for this very reason.

With my new shoes in hand I was ready for my next long run of 12 miles. For some reason I thought I would go to Marietta and run my old cross country courses. I had been a little bummed with my shoes dilemma and just feeling "off" running wise, so I needed a change. Plus, David and I were going to spend dinner at my parents house in Marietta that Saturday evening. I would just go up there early and run and then shower at my parents house and have dinner. I thought changing up the scenery would be the motivation I needed. I got myself pumped up and headed to Marietta.

I should have remembered that my knees were still of concern and that these cross country courses had hills!!! Nope, I just totally forgot about all that. I forgot about how many sharp and steep hills there were everywhere. I forgot about how some times you have to run down a hill at about a 90 degree angle. I forgot about the fact that trails are comprised of dirt, gravel and sometimes sand, which is WAY harder to run on (takes more effort, i should say) than concrete. Nope, I just remembered the beautiful scenery and how I needed something to look at if I was going to run 12 miles. I was sick of running through the neighborhoods around my house.

So there I was on a BEAUTIFUL Saturday afternoon in February and it was 70 degrees. WHAT? Crazy! I wasn't super prepared for the heat, but that is another story... So here are some of the awesome scenes from my run:

About 3 miles in.

You can't tell from this pic, but that hill after the bridge was straight up and a steady climb!

I mean, seriously? It was beautiful. BUT like I said, the terrain was fierce and the weather was WARM. I was so glad that I had this new fancy water bottle pack with me during the run because I definitely needed the extra water.

 I just bought it the week before because I knew I would need something during the marathon.  It was awesome because it also has a pouch where you can keep your phone, camera, gels, whatever... I put my phone and gel in there. It took a little getting use to as it added extra weight on me, but I enjoyed having my water with me throughout the run. I refilled about half way through when I found a water fountain (in the woods! pretty cool). 

Anyway, again, about mile 8 my knees were starting to ache. And boy did they scream at me. My pace slowed down as I dealt with the crazy mountain terrain. I felt like I was out of gas. I forgot to mention that about 3 miles in I started getting a headache and now at mile 8 it was pounding.

At about mile 9.5 I saw my car. I thought about just jumping in and being done with this thing, but again I pushed myself through. I thought, "I'll just go to the end of the road and if I feel bad I'll turn around." Once I got there I pushed myself and little farther and a little farther and then I said, just thought, "I'll keep running and run all the way to my parent's house." That way I wouldn't have to turn around and see the same thing twice and maybe it would help motivate me. After about a mile I had to stop and stretch, which is something I had to continually do throughout this run... My garmin says two hours, but it was more like 2.5 with all my stops (when I'd pause my watch). 

I made it to my mom's house finally and knew pretty quickly that this was a more painful run that it should have been and it was slower too!

 

And here I am after the run - how did I brave a smile? I felt like hell.

I took a shower and immediately started icing my knees. Both of them. I think I initially just thought, "oh, it was a bad run day, especially with this heat." I asked my mom, "can i get some ice for my knees and some ibuprofen, like 4 of them, and some Gatorade?" She looked at me bewildered, "is this normal?" she asked. I laughed at first. "Kinda." I said, but then I started thinking as I sat down on the floor icing my knees and nurturing my head ache, this was not normal.  I had run more than this before during my half marathons and I NEVER felt this way. What was going on with me? I took the next day off (this is usually my cross train day) and I also took off Monday (which is a normal no-run day). When I started back on Tuesday my left knee was bothering me pretty badly. Crap, i wayyyy over did it this time and now I was suffering the consequences. I finished my Tuesday run and decided after much advice that I had to take a break with no running to let my knee recover...and that is where I have been for the last two weeks - not running. More on that in my next post-

Sunday Long Run and Mishaps

Me after finishing my long run and looking happier then I really was...

I had so many issues on this run. The first problem is that I have had so much personal stuff going on in my life that my mind has just been totally adrift. Running is far from my mind, but somehow I have managed to stay committed to my training schedule. Today was a "step down week" as Hal calls it. Basically the long runs on the weekend increase in mileage every week for two weeks, then the third week the long run is scaled back. For example, two weeks ago I ran 9, then last week I ran 10, and then this week I only had to run 7.  Because I "only" had to run 7 I felt like I could be flexible about when I ran. I almost always run on Saturday mid-mornings, but this Saturday's weather was only 40 degrees with 16 mile an hour winds. No thanks. Sunday was going to be 51 and Sunny, so I opted to waited for Sunday.

A Sunday run was new to me, so I wasn't exactly sure how I was going to plan my day. I knew we had church at 11 and brunch after wards with friends and then I figured I'd wait an hour or so and then go run. Well, we didn't get to brunch till about 12:30 and I was starved. The oatmeal I'd had at 8:30 was long gone. I decided I would get the french toast. I mean, it's carbs, right? ;) And David got this delicious blt breakfast sandwich. Well, for some reason I just dove right in with this french toast and then halfway through switched with David and ate some of his sandwich while he finished off my french toast.

I have no idea what I was thinking. I stuffed myself silly and then immediately felt exhausted. I haven't been sleeping well because of this personal stuff I'm dealing with. Anyhow, I was overcome with exhaustion and came home and crashed. David woke me up about an hour later and I was feeling yuck. I definitely didn't want to run, but he encouraged me to get out the door.

Once I was out there I immediately knew this wasn't going to be the best run. Do you have those days? I was just not feeling it and my mind was somewhere else. To top it off, my trail I love to run was super muddy and I quickly realized I wouldn't be doing multiple loops in this muddy mess. This meant I had to come up with a new route on the fly. This also meant that I ran into a lot of unexpected hills and turnarounds. It was not the most "fluid" run I have ever had. And then I started having some serious cramps, which I rarely get. It had to be all the food I ate for brunch. I was kicking myself. Why had I eaten all of that? Oh well, I pushed through.

About mile 5 I started to feel better and got a second wind although I was already wanting this run to be over. I headed into a new neighborhood I hadn't explored which kept me interested and the run seemed to go by somewhat faster. About mile 6 I started feeling my knees bothering me. I was surprised I was feeling that at mile 6. And then the cramps came back. UGHHH. Let this be over soon. I tried to run a super fast last mile so I could just get it done.

I actually enjoyed that last mile because I just pushed it much as I could and after it was over I felt relieved and happy that I hadn't given up. There was one point in the run where I ran past my car after about 4 miles and thought, "why don't i just go home? today is not my day." I knew I would regret that decision, so I kept running along. I am glad that I did. Lesson learned is that not every day will be  a good running day. It just doesn't work that way. And in times like that, you just have to get through it and make the most of it that you can. It makes you a better runner.

Considering I was kinda miserable during the run, my time was pretty decent and in line with my other longs runs (maybe even a little faster)...

I did manage to enjoy the sunset over the lake after the run. It was a nice way to end things.

My knees were still achy when I got home so it was time for ice. I was kinda bummed with this run, but I tried to remember that every run is a new lesson learned - good and bad.

A little ice and using "the stick" and my legs were feeling much better. I think the reason I was more achy then usual today is because I cross trained yesterday instead of taking a day off like I typically do before a long run. I figured it wouldn't be too big of a deal to just switch my cross and long run days, but I don't think my knees liked that. For cross training I did the bike and the arc trainer. Maybe I pushed to hard yesterdat... 

I think it's best to work your schedule so you have a day off before you do a long run. It gives your legs the rest they need before they endure lots of pounding the next day. Like I said, all lessons to be learned!!

10 mile throwback to high school!

I had an awesome run Saturday. It was amazing. I decided that since I had a hair appointment at 7:45 in Marietta on Saturday morning that I would run up there. I figured the best place to run was my old stomping ground where we use to run in high school.

Cheatham Hill - oh, how I've missed you. It was so good to be reunited. Everything was pretty much the same as it was ten years ago (ahhhh, i can't believe it has been ten years!!). I used the same trail that we ran during practice- the six mile loop. Then I did the "small loop" for another three miles. Then out and back to the main road (our usual warm up run during cross country) and there was my ten miles!

I could barely find a place to park because so many people were out enjoying the awesome weather. When I started my run around 10:45 or so it was about 58 degrees. Amazing January weather! After finding some parking I crossed this little road below and headed out into the woods :)

Ahhhhhh. The woods. It is so quiet there. Even with all of the people out and about, I just felt like my mind was being refreshed and rejuvenated. It's one of my favorite things. I had to remind myself to keep it slow. I always have a tendency to want to run fast when I first get out there. It's just the excitement I'm sure. I told myself to calm down and relax - this was a marathon, not a sprint. Keep it slow and steady.

The trail was wonderful, but I quickly realized that it was definitely time for new shoes. I could feel it on this trail with all the little rocks here and there and pine cones. I just kept pushing along.

As I ran I was reminded of old high school times on these trails.  I remembered running this very same 6 mile loop and feeling like it was so hard and so far. Now I was doing it as just a part of my long run. Funny. I spent three years on the cross country team and I have so many great memories. It's funny how I remembered some parts of this trail so well. I'd think to myself, "a hill is coming up here" or "I think there is a bridge around the corner." I had a good time just getting lost in my thoughts and it helped to pass the time.

It was funny at one point I thought, "I'm kinda bored." I laughed and thought that if I was bored now, I better get ready for those 26 miles. Although I think it will be different with all the runner, spectators and bands!

The miles quickly dwindled away and I was keeping a good 9:30-9:45 pace throughout. Trails often have short, but steep hills. Somehow I always forget about these until they appear out of no where. The hills made a difference in my pace sometimes, but it seemed to even out in the end.

After mile 6 it was time to do my 3 mile loop, part of which was on the course that I had already run. More and more people were showing up and so I had a little bit of maneuvering to do. And somehow I'd forgotten about the horses on the trail- yes, there are horses occasionally. We wouldn't run into them during cross country very often because we ran during the week, but on a weekend you'll be sure to find at least one. At one point I was just running along and saw this guy on a horse in front of me. The trail is not very wide, so I was wondering how I was going to get around the horse and not spook him. Can we talk about how big horses are? It is kinda frightening when you are standing next to them. I tried to shuffle my feet and make some noise, so that they knew I was coming. The horse looked back and so did the rider. When it was time to pass I just ran as far wide as I could around them and I ran as fast I could. I was totally scared that the horse was going to go crazy and buck or something. Maybe an unfounded fear, but it was a little freaky! The other thing about the horses that I had somehow forgotten was the POOP. Nasty. It wasn't everywhere, but there was enough to make you bob and weave at times. ha! It kept me paying attention!

Before I knew it I was about done with my 3 mile loop when I saw the hill. Oh the hill - how could I have forgotten you? This is where we frequently did hill work outs. Up and down and up and down. It was brutal. And there was this same hill staring at me at mile 9. Clearly, I had not thought this through. I powered up the thing as hard as I could, but towards the end I was breathing so hard and my legs were screaming at me. Once I was at the top I got that awful sick to your stomach feeling - that feeling when you really push yourself hard. I was so glad to get to the top and grasp for air. My stomach quickly recovered once I was on flat surface and off I went to get that last mile in.

The last mile was on the road you have to drive down to get the trails. Out and back is a mile. Here you can see the road I ran down and also if you look hard you can see the trail in the background near the people. This part of the trail is very open with no real shade which can be ridiculous in the summer, but proved quite nice today. Most of trail however is more wooded with lots of trees.

I pumped up my music and powered through that last mile - finishing it in 8:50 and proving to myself that I had more left to give (even if my knees were starting to get achy). I was ready to be done and before I knew it I was!

A time that Hal would be proud of once again.

Thumbs up because I'm done and finished smiling!

10 miles - DONE! (i know, i'm a dork!)

Next week's long run is a scale back week, so I only have to run 7! Hooray! I am sure my knees will be thanking me :)

                                                                 

10 miles!!

Me after 10 miles of running the trails in Marietta on Saturday. 

Great post all about my 10 miler to come tomorrow!!

5 miles on weekday!

I'm not waving - that's a "Five" for five miles on a weekday. 

I was a little annoyed, I must confess, when I saw that Hal's training plan started calling for 5 miles on weekdays. Nasty. I don't have 50 minutes to commit to the treadmill. Is that sad? All I want to do after a long day of work is go home and hang with David. I don't want to spend an hour at the gym. I hate sacrificing spending time with David so that I can train, but he has been so supportive and awesome about it. I can rarely get home to help with dinner, so most days he is in charge of our meals. He has been so good about everything and never complains. I'm a lucky girl!

So off to the gym I went. I wasn't excited. I jumped on the treadmill and after a mile thought, "ughh...4 more", but before I knew it I was past my typical 3 or 4 and getting closer to 5. I pushed through and I was finished and feeling so accomplished! I really had a great run and was liking the fact these 5 mile runs push me a little harder than I am use to on weekdays.

There is something awesome going on in that picture above. The stick is in the background (which I already raved about in an earlier post- go buy one today!) and my race board is behind me. This thing is great and it is such a motivator.

I am excited to add to this race board with new numbers. I'm planning on running the ING (now Publix) half marathon in March, but need to sign up for another race before then if I can. I have to give a shout out to my medals:

ING Half Marathon 2010

US 10k Classic Medal - top finisher. This was my FAVORITE race and still is.

My first half marathon - The 13.1 Marathon, October  2009

Continuing to run races while training is important. It keeps you race ready. I can't wait to run a few before the Marathon in April and pin more numbers to this board!!

New shoes!

Bring on the new shoes!! After my long run on Saturday I realized it was time for some new shoes. And look what I got today:

Yes!! And guess how much I got these beauties for? 59 bucks! WHAT? And this is the Pegasus 27, the brand new version of my shoe. Supposedly, they are new and improved. They are running for 90 dollars right now at most stores, but I just happened upon this amazing deal yesterday and snatched up the last pair they had. Now they are selling them today (with additional colors added - mine are Carolina blue - dad would be proud) at 89 dollars.
Here is a close up shot:

With that 30 dollar savings I am hoping that they work perfect! Can't wait to try these out when they arrive! What is your favorite running shoe?