Ok, I need to be more flexible in my workouts! I seem to think that if I don't follow the schedule EXACTLY as it is written then the world will come to an end and my marathon training will be all messed up.
I had a 23 - 26 mile run planned for today, 4 weeks from my marathon; then taper for the last 4 weeks; this is what the Jeff Galloway run/walk/run plan calls for. However, I have been having pain in my buttocks & down my right leg and have been struggling with my running. Thanks to @TrainEveryDay, I found a link explaining what the problem is - Piriformis Syndrome - http://www.thestretchinghandbook.com/archives/piriformis-syndrome.php . So it's not another stress fracture, thank God.
I was hoping I could just run through the pain today, but realized after just a few miles that it was stupid to try to do that and jeopardize my marathon; so I turned around and came home, feeling defeated. I had started at marathon pace so my 3.88 miles was only at 11:36, which is very slow for that distance, but very good if I was running the entire 26 miles. So that part was good. :)
I decided to quit beating myself up and realized that I have already run 2 - 18+ milers, 1 - 20 miler, 1 - 21 miler, 1 - 22 miler, and 1 - 24 miler. I guess I CAN run a marathon. :) I will see how my leg feels next week and try for a 20 mile run on Monday, but I know it isn't completely necessary. It's more necessary that I let my leg get completely better for the marathon. I need to be more flexible.
I guess I need to be more flexible in other aspects of my life also. That's something I have been working on for the past few years and I know I'm getting better, but I can always improve. I'm not saying that I should compromise my values or Christian beliefs, but I need to realize that I am not always right (duh!) and be open to what others AND especially God have to say. I have to understand that if something doesn't go my way, it's not the end of the world and will probably be better. It's not "my way or no way". :) God's way is ALWAYS better. I just need to let Him rule in my life. He is forever looking out for me and will lead me in the right direction; all I have to do is follow Him.
Psalm 31:3
For you are my rock and my fortress;and for your name’s sake you lead me and guide me;
John 12:26
If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.
God bless you and be with you today.
Gina
You're gaining great experience in running and in life Gina. If you can run 24 miles, you can complete a marathon.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your taper and let your body rest up for the big day.
gaj
Greg,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your encouragement! You are such an inspiration to me AND you are the one who got me to run in the first place.
Whatever I accomplish, it's all due to your example (not just in running, but in my spiritual walk too!)
Thanks again, my friend.
Gina
hey Gina,
ReplyDeleteThe smart runner knows how to take days off. I was reading lecture notes written by Steve Prefontaine the other day, and one of his main points was actually rest. Think about that, hell-on-wheels PRE taking a rest day :)
I'm glad you didn't force it, and you are totally right, you HAVE already put in the hard work. Now is the time to get healthy and just maintain what you've already built.
Thanks for the comment AND encouragement, Ron. I'm resting, but it's sure hard. :) But it IS so necessary. 25 days to go!
ReplyDeleteYou are totally ready with all that mileage!! Sometimes the training schedules just don't fit our lives. I have to alter mine all the time and somehow I always manage to survive. You'll do great! Hope the hip/hiney start feeling better before the race!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment. I am SO ready for this marathon!
ReplyDelete