So, after a lifetime of an on again, off again relationship with running – I finally ran my first marathon 2 months ago at 46. It was my third attempt at training and my first time at the starting line. Read about it here.
I did all the research about recovery – what I should eat, what kind of time to take off. The moment I crossed the finish line I knew I wanted to run another. Fast forward 2 months – I have really struggled with getting back out there. I knew this was possible. It, too, was in the research. I mean, I have been running, but not with the passion and fervor that kept me training through the cold and rain. And the 3 miles feel like 10. Also, I hurt my whole right leg – bruised every part of my knee-joint and connective tissue when I landed hard, sadly, from a marine corps obstacle course rope swing (whew – that was a mouthful). This does not help the motivation to run.
Honestly, my schedule during track season makes it very difficult to run. Our meets keep me out until 10 or 10:30 pm. On nights that we do not have meets I get home around 5:30 – generally physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausted. The other night, after a track meet, I crawled into bed around 11:30 and I hurt more from toe to hip than I ever did before, during, or after my marathon training. I had a restless night and awoke feeling the same way – simply aching. Standing at the finish line for 5 and a half hours on that track – after a day of standing on concrete floors – I guess is just too much for this 46-year-old lady.
Friday morning I emailed the male track coach who has great experience that I like to tap into now and again. I asked him “what am I doing wrong to feel so awful?” He suggested that I still needed to recover from my marathon. Say what? I struggled with this idea. Big time.
So, I jogged a few laps on Friday before the kids all hit the track. Then, I stretched well and promptly walked over to the trainer to get that knee iced down. The knee has been feeling better – and I have been under her care since the injury. Her suggestion has been to use it – keep running and keep checking in with her. No problem.
I ran a 5k with some friends on Saturday – I felt pretty strong, surprisingly. This morning, Sunday, I also ran with some confidence. I ran and easy, easy 4.5 and stretched and iced everything. I have been also been drinking a lot of water this weekend. I think I am going with that I was severely dehydrated on Thursday.
I need to get a race on the board. A half, I think. And a few 5ks through the spring.
What’s the point of this post? I am running – and I am not going to let my busy schedule, painful 15 hour days, or anything else keep me from running. Now if I can just believe that because, evidently, getting back in the game is hard after a marathon.
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