Saturday, July 9, 2011

And the verdict is...

"Between you and every goal that you wish to achieve, there is a series of obstacles, and the bigger the goal, the bigger the obstacles. Your decision to be, have and do something out of the ordinary entails facing difficulties and challenges that are out of the ordinary as well. Sometimes your greatest asset is simply your ability to stay with it longer than anyone else."
Brian Tracy 

Today was a half-marathon training run at marathon race pace on the program. Do you remember how I told you that today was the test? Today's run would allow me to decide whether I should register for the Montreal Marathon, which is on September 25th. 

As you all know, running has been going great over the past few weeks. No lingering pain and lots of smiles and joy during my runs. However, I was a little worried about today, because the only time I've run 21.1K at the pace I was meant to run today, was during a race...and I'm always faster on race day, than when I'm training. 

So how did it go? Well, if you looked at my DailyMile widget, you know that it actually went great. I was able to complete my half-marathon training run at 6:42 min/Km (goal was 6:45)...excellent!

Here we are post-run :)
Uber H, me, my bro and my Super SIL

However, by the end of today's run, I was feeling pain in my right knee...the same knee that was my very first running injury two years ago. I've been icing regularly today, but I don't like how it feels. Tomorrow, I have a 35 minute run on the program...if I can do it, then all is good. However, I have a feeling I may have to skip that one and give myself a couple of days before getting back to the program. 

SIGH...so the verdict is - I don't know yet! I can't register for now, because I need to be sure that I haven't injured my knee. I sometimes felt pain in my knee before, but it always went away completely, so I guess that's still a possibility...but, it usually doesn't linger like it is today. 

Here's the thing though. I've come to terms with the fact that I may not be able to run this marathon (or maybe even A marathon)...although I don't plan on giving up trying (ever). But, I'm okay with the possibility that Montreal could once again be a half-marathon. Don't get me wrong, I still think it's doable for now...but, I'm not in a panic over this knee pain. I want to do this, but I may not be able to just yet. However, giving up completely is not an option...

Am I disappointed? With the pain, yes...with the run, hell no!! I'm really proud of myself, because this is the fastest long run I've ever done in training and apart from the knee, I felt really good :) 

Have a great weekend everyone! 
I'll definitely keep you posted.
Cheers!

15 comments:

Kate Geisen said...

Great job on the run! I'm sure it helped to have a group of you out together...I usually do better with other people. It stinks that your knee is keeping you guessing, but it sounds like you're playing it smart.

Jennifer said...

Great job with the run! I always get little niggles in various places when I first start back up again, (they almost always ago away) especially when I am pushing the pace. Maybe it's the pace that is working against you and not the miles? Hope things feel better today!

RunningFromCancer said...

So happy for you. Dang knee. Hoping a little rest is all you need. I am taking a week off from running to rest my right hamstring. It has been causing me pain for about 3weeks. Time to listen to my body.

I think it is so great that you, hub's, sil and bro all run together. Although my hub does not run - it has been nice getting out on our bikes together. Last summer he was un able to do anything because of his back - but is back walking and biking this summer.
Have a great day.

Anonymous said...

Stupid knee. I know how you feel, marathons missed or distances halved because of a knee. Remember that a half marathon makes you no less of a runner.

Will Cooper said...

great job with your training. but don't damage your knee. keep in mind running off road (trails, grass, track anything) and xtraining won't damage your knees. you might try that in your training more. weights will also help.

Abby @ Have Dental Floss, Will Travel said...

I'm so impressed with your ability to stay level-headed and not jump the gun on registering. So many of us operate by the register-now-deal-with-injury (or whatever else needs to be dealt with)-later philosophy, and I know it's come back to bite me in the butt a couple times. Congrats on the stellar run, and good luck with the next couple weeks as you figure things out!

Xaarlin said...

Great run! I know what you are going through with your knee and being hesitant to register for races. My calf is still iffy and I'm almost dreading the 2 half marathons and Chicago marathon over the next 3 months.

Thank you for all the Montreal recommendations. The botanical gardens were stunning and the parc mont royal made for an awesome unexpected 15k run.

Hope your knee gets better and that you are able to not worry about it anymore.

Jill said...

Great job on a super speedy run, I am in total pace envy here but I hope the knee is just being a little angry today and will be better soon! Sometimes knees can fool you and it's something simple like just needing to strengthen up that vmo quad muscle. Finger's crossed it all comes out positively! Keep up the spirit!! :)

Molly said...

hope that knee started to feel better over the weekend, but the good thing is you're being smart about everything. : )

Dawn said...

oh, I really hope your knee is nothing too serious. Keep icing it and listen to it and good luck. I'm keping my fingers crossed that you'll be able to run the marathon. :)

Black Knight said...

Glad for the good run and sorry for the pain. I hope you get well soon.
We will race on the same day (sept. 25): you the Montreal marathon and I the Grosseto half marathon.

Marlene said...

Congratulations on an EXCELLENT run! Sorry that it resulted in some pain and that you are still in limbo. I hope that works itself out for you SOON!

Robin said...

Congrats on the run, that's great! I hope your knee is ok and that you are able to meet your goal. Hang in there.

ajh said...

Hope you know soon. Glad you had such a good run today but what a bummer about the knee. It seems so unfair that we are trying to do something good for our bodies and they betray us! Love the post run pic.

Johann said...

A great run for sure. Right on target pace as well! You will run a marathon. I don't know when, but you will. Don't worry about how soon. Your body will get stronger as you run more halfs and other long distances. You will get "road tough" and do your marathon when the time is right. Keep it going!