Sunday, September 12, 2010

Plan B it is...

“We must cut our coat according to our cloth, and adapt ourselves to changing circumstances”
W. R. Inge
25K fail! - moving on to Plan B.

Here's what's happening. First of all, I went back to the gym on Thursday and did another barefoot 7K. You'd think that having transitioned to minimalist shoes, running barefoot would not be much different. But, trust me, there's a difference. My knee felt better when I ran barefoot, but I started feeling some pain on the ball of my left foot. I may have been overly cautious with the right knee and stepping down harder on the left foot. Who knows. So I stopped, but I guess 15K in two days was too much barefoot running for these virginal feet.
 
MUST LEARN TO TAKE MY TIME!

So, I took two days off and hoped for the best. Then, today, as I started my supposed-to-be-long run (with shoes), the ball of my left foot felt very crampy and before long, my knee started giving me grief. Yes, I shed a few tears, but now I'm ready to adapt to this situation.

The KNEE: It had been doing so well and improving at an excellent rate. I ran a nice 18.8K two weeks ago and there was no pain. It went great. Then, I went and "raced" my half-marathon last week and my knee was like, "What the? Why so few walk breaks? What's with the last 3K being the fastest you've practically ever run?" ...sigh. I got carried away and ended up finishing my half-marathon two minutes faster than the 18.8K I'd done the week before. Yes, I sort of regret it...but, I had such a great time and felt so good...sigh.

Now, I'm paying for it big time and my knee is like..."Hey, lady, you didn't listen when I yelled...now, back to the beginning you go." And my foot is like, "And don't make us pay for the knee, take it slow if you want our help."

ALRIGHT! I hear you both...so no marathon for me on October 24th...although, I do think I'll be able to do the half.

PLAN B: I'm working out the logistics, but I'm going to register for a marathon in February, 2011. Here are my three choices, if you have an opinion, please let me know. First choice is the 26.2 with Donna in Jacksonville, Florida on February 13th. Second choice is The Fort Lauderdale A1A marathon on February 27th. Third choice is the Hyannis marathon in Massachusetts on February 27th. All three have something that would make it interesting for me...what do you think?

TRAINING PLAN (for now): I'm taking a full week off of running. Only eliptical, bike, and my gym workouts. Then I will take it very slowly. I definitely plan on building gradually towards running one of my weekly runs barefoot on the treadmill (which, I will be buying next week :)). My outdoor runs will also be very gradually increased.  Hopefully, by starting over and doing what Joseph, my PT, taught me, I'll get back to where I was and then keep improving. If I don't start seeing significant improvement over the next two weeks, I already have a referral for an x-ray and an appointment with an orthopedic specialist. Will keep you posted, as usual.
Can't wait to read all your race reports!
Cheers!

30 comments:

Matty B. said...

I think my favorite line was "15K in two days was too much barefoot running for these virginal feet". My feet are more like slovenly drunkards; my wife won't touch them.

On the marathon choice, I would urge you not to do a race in Massachusetts. Mardi Gras Marathon is also happening in February, which is quite scenic and incredibly festive!

misszippy said...

Aww...sorry to hear it! But I like that you're focusing on the future. My two cents--Hyannis might be really cold in Feb, but...Florida could be a really hot place to race when you are not heat acclimated. So I'd vote for Hyannis.

Char said...

You've got a great attitude. Disappointment for a while but then you sucked it up and reassessed. I love that about runners!

Iron Mike said...

Get the runner's high in Hyannis, can't beat that.

Cool that you've reached the point of acceptance so quickly and adjusted course.

Quite verbal body parts you have too, thanks for limiting the discussion to your legs!

ajh said...

Sorry you can't do your marathon but how neat that you can switch to a half. The marathon I was doing has no half. I can defer it and I guess I should but I had my heart set on a diffferent one next year. I agree, you do have a good attitude! Good luck.

Robin said...

Sorry to hear that you're having to miss your marathon, but that you can do the half instead is a nice substitute. This was to be my Chicago Half Mary weekend and we had to miss it; bummed, so I hear ya'!

As far as the 2011 schedule goes, here's what I can offer:
- Run with Donna has brutal bridges/hills.
- The Ft. Lauderdale Half will probably feel too warm to you (agree w/ AJH). For those of who live here, it'll be balmy, but for you (far) northerners, probably too warm (could be 50s?).
- Hyannis temps might be most suitable for you in Feb.

Three cheers for listening to your body and taking a week OFF! :)

*hugs* from Orlando!

Robin said...

Correction: Agreeing with misszippy's comment about temps.

Iron Mike said...

My bad with the name typo. I'll tell ya, one tiny brain lapse and copy/paste just magnifies the error! Thanks for the little correction!

P said...

Your attitude is such an inspiration! Of course it's a bummer about the October marathon, but keep yourself healthy to run another one next year! Yay for you!

MomRunningFromCancer said...

Sorry that your marathon journey is going to be delayed a bit. You will get it done in 2011 - I just know it.

I hope the week off of running will help with the knee and foot pain.

Wow - where to run - Being a fellow northerner I would give anything to take a break from the snow, cold, ice, freezing winds, sleet in February and run in warmer temp's. If you could get there early enough for a few good runs before the race - I would think that you could do it and the 26.2 with Donna in Jacksonville includes running on the beach - how cool!

Jennifer said...

Bummer that you are having some grief! Considering all you have been thru this is just a small bump in the road. Really! Better to take it slow and push it back to a lter date. I had to do that for my first one due to a stress fracture from overuse. I came back, and even stronger, so will you!

abbi said...

You have a great attitude looking towards the future! I'd be bummed out at first too, but then would re-evaluate too! No suggestions on the marathon, but have fun choosing!

Evolving Through Running said...

Sorry about the bump in the marathon road, but thoroughly impressed with your great attitude and rapid adaptation. I'd probably opt for Hyannis, although it's a bit of a roll of the dice for the race-day weather. Hope the week off pays big dividends.

Marlene said...

Sorry to hear that you're out for October. :( I hope your knee heals up so you are good to go in February. I know a few people who have run and LOVED the Donna, so I vote for that one!

Hi! I'm Erin said...

That's a bummer about October, but, hey, now you get a vacation AND a marathon! I'd say that's a win-win.

teacherwoman said...

I love your positive attitude and how you switch your thinking around when dealing with an "injury"!

Laura said...

Sorry you're still having injury bothers. I think you've made a good choice postponing the marathon though, and like Erin said you get a holiday now too!

Jill said...

Darn it, knees!! Behave already! Sorry that the full isn't going to happen in October - I can so relate to scraping plans (I will not be doing Chicago). I have no experience running any of the 3 marathons you mentioned...but I'd have to think Florida would be a warm welcome in February :). Good luck, girl!!!

ajh said...

Wasn't that Anna Quindlen book sad? She is an amazing writer and I knew something wasn't going to be good but I was surprised but what happened and to how many of them!!! I thought it was going to be the twin! I can't imagine continuing on in any productive way. But it all seemed very believable.

zbsports said...

Great plan I learn more things on your post, thanks for sharing good ideas.

Meg said...

Of course, HOW we deal with these blips and bumps in our running is the most important thing. You are always SO positive and inspirational. Thank you! I missed your quotes and insights, glad to be back. hugs

Julie said...

Hi Anne,
I am so sorry to hear about you not being able to do your marathon. I think that you are doing the right thing. Wait until you are ready and your body tells you that it is time:) You will do fantastic at your half marathon. Keep up the great work and Lord knows how much I love your positive attitude! Take care of yourself and keep pluggin along:)

Johann said...

I love that quote! This is sad but definitely a wise move to go to plan B. I want to mention Arthur Newton's 3rd rule of training here: "Train first for distance, only later for speed." Good luck Anne! Keep going and stay motivated, your marathon will come.

Melinda said...

I thought your marathon schedule sounded awfully aggressive, especially for a first time marathoner. I have also heard that barefoot running can be tough if you increase the mileage too fast.

Anyway, you need to slow down and recover and get better. If you are not enjoying the journey, it's not as worthwhile!

Andrew Opala said...

This is so crappy Anne :(

I wish you could be training and running - I really enjoy your progress and posts.

Wifey said...

That sucks, but your attitude ROCKS! Smart decision ... I'm sure you'll have a blast at whichever one you choose.

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey

MCM Mama said...

Bummer about the flare up of your knee and your issues with your foot. I agree that you went a little quickly as far as adding barefoot mileage. My feet took a while to get used to it too. I've been running barefoot (inconsistently) for about two months and still only do a little more than 5K at a time.

Black Knight said...

Sorry to know that you cannot run the marathon but the half is always a classic and beautiful distance. Please take care and listen your knee and feet; you are very wise to take a week off in this period. I hate the "dreadmill" but it is soft and helps a lot when we have to prevent more injuries. My opinion for your next marathon? Well, Rome...Venice...Florence...

Irene said...

I also vote for Hyannis. I also like The Black Night's suggestions of Rome, Venice or Florence. Vacation in Italy! :)

Too bad about your foot bothering you. With everything you've been through, you might want to get it checked, just to be on the safe side.

Janine said...

I am so proud of you my big girl, always taking the right decision, and locking for everyone at the same time. That's my girl !