My Own Injured Running Pride

So I haven’t posted since last week. Well, I haven’t run since last week. Well, that’s not quite true. I already digress and I just started typing.

That tweak I felt last week got worse throughout the day, culminating in skipped runs, an aborted 4 mile run on Wednesday, and much stretching and rest. It’s not that I couldn’t have finished the run on Wednesday, I could have, but my gait (thanks Amy!) felt awkward and I was definitely compensating and I wanted to make sure I didn’t cause a worse injury or hurt something else… so I called it after a mile and a bit.

So I’m picking up again this week, with… gulp. Not much time before the January 25th race. I know, mentally, that my body is likely prepared. I’ve been told as much. But mentally I really want another long run. I’m going slightly off schedule, with coach permission, and will attempt another long run this week before heading into taper. Because my last 12 miler, while successful, was not encouraging mentally. I didn’t do what I wanted to do.

And worse, mentally, this week of rest really has me doubting my physical preparedness. One thing I’ve learned in this training is that so much of the running is mental. And I need to be in a better place about my preparation and I need to do it soon. Even if I have to start lying to myself. I can be ready for one 13.1 mile race…. right?

I know I’ll finish. I just want to finish in less than 1:55. At one point in this training it seemed that would happen… I felt I was an arrow in flight and could see the steady improvement that would have me hitting that mark. I now feel like gravity is taking over and I’m arcing, still toward the target, but outside the bullseye.

“Tell the truth and then run.” - Proverb

I … may have misinterpreted that.

In other news, , Therese finished her marathon! Her struggles with injury, documented on her own website, along with her finish are an inspiration to me.

3 Responses to “My Own Injured Running Pride”

  1. Alison - January 12, 2009

    I know you are going to kick the ass of every one of those 13.1 miles. So there!

  2. shubbe - January 12, 2009

    Is this a member of your running pride?

  3. Therese - January 19, 2009

    Oh I have been SO out of it on my own runner’s high and getting back into work, etc. I’m so sorry I didn’t see this sooner. I know you know I know how you feel (haha, huh?). But, remember, our bodies are capable of SO much more than we can imagine if they need to be. Screw the time. Enjoy the race and MIAMI!! And this won’t be your last half. I’m planning on doing lots more, Michael also, so you have buddies for the next one! Philly Distance Run 2009??

    If I learned anything from my injury and my biggest endurance event it’s this: Worrying is so ridiculous. I wish I could get back the 6 weeks of fretting and gallons of tears I cried, because it was SO unnecessary. Every runner gets injured, and we all continue to run and keep surpassing our goals. 1:55 or not, you’ve already done that.

    I wish I could transplant my feeling of relief to you, but I look forward to hearing it in your voice after the race. Michael and I will be thinking about you guys. Safe travels, enjoy every second, and see you for Martini Night on 1/31!!

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