"To get through the hardest journey we need take only one step at a time, but we must keep on stepping." Chinese Proverb
Sunday, I decided to run the 12K suggested for the half-marathon training program. Worst case scenario, I would walk the remaining Ks if I started to feel pain. Mostly, I ran a 5/1 schedule and it went great. You have no idea how thrilled I was to run 12K.
Monday, I did my Tuesday workout...a 4K tempo run on the treadmill at the gym, and I had a great run. Songs that made me smile: "California Dreamin'" by the Mamas and the Papas...and "Sweet Madam Blue" by Styx :) ...I also realized that "Twist and Shout" by the Mamas and Papas is 180 beats per minute...I loved following the rythm.
This morning, I had a phone conversation with Melinda Hinson Neely, the author of Finding Life's Secret Sauce. Why did she call you wonder. You see, she's writing a book about first time marathoners and I have actually been selected as one of the runners she will be profiling in depth. I'm very excited to be part of this amazing book project! So, as I said, I was speaking with Melinda this morning and when I mentioned that my training program had five scheduled run days per week, she was surprised. Especially considering I also cross-train three to four times a week. "Hmmmmm maybe that's too much?" I thought. She suggested I speak with my PT about it.
So this afternoon, I had an appointment with my PT. First of all, my knee is doing better apparently...Yay! But, my left soleus (that would be a muscle on each side of the calf that hooks up to the heel)...is mildly inflammed. My ambitious transition to the new shoes was a little too quick and wasn't helped by my barefoot running on the beach. Oops. Joseph had warned me to be careful, but did I listen? Yes, I swear I was listening when he spoke! Was I careful enough? I guess not. I then asked his opinion regarding my training schedule. His reaction, "That's too much!" Note that we're talking about me here and that for some people, this would be fine. My brother, my sister-in-law and Uber H are all doing the same 5-day training program, but that's all they do, no specific cross-training...and they're all doing great! However, for me, all that is too much and not absolutely necessary. The plan is to take more rest-from-running days, but continue the cross-training. Basically, run at least three days a week, but make the weekday runs a bit longer. Also, because I plan on run/walking my marathon, he suggested that I run/walk all my training runs, not just my long runs (which is an option that is discussed in my program, but that I had never thought of actually doing).
Then I asked him THE question and this is what he said, "If you asked me whether you could run a half-marathon in October, I'd say absolutely no problem. But, you want to know if I think you can run a marathon in October and I say, it's doable for sure." Now THAT is the what I wanted to hear!!! :) So we'll see how things go. The possibility of doing a half and registering for a full later is not completely off the table, but I'm going to train smartly (I swear!) and hopefully...
Cheers!
30 comments:
5 days of running plus cross-training IS a lot. Would it help you run a more comfortable marathon? Sure. Would it keep you injury free? Obviously not! I agree with everyone else who said to drop it down a notch.
Regardless, sounds like you had some good runs this week so go you!
Yeah. Drop it down a notch. I try to go by "Run more days than you don't" so I try for 4, but if i have any cross training involved, I can let a day slide. Seems to work for me. I fell like my week is a success if I get my long run in and 2 quality 'other' workouts, with at least one of them considered intense.
Sign salesmen must love Qweebec.
I would definitely run a couple of less days. My fastest marathon time was running 3-4 days per week and cross training two days. Whatever keeps you injury free and happy at the starting line! :)
You know yourself best...follow your gut on what feels right/not and don't beat yourself up if you need to back off.
yay for the good news! I agree with miss zippy, you know your body best...go with it.
Follow your gut on this on - everyone responds differently and though many think less is more, that's not always true. GOOD LUCK!!!
Good news! I run three days and hit the gym on three other days for cross-training and weights.
Such good news! Glad to hear about you backing off a teeny bit AND that you're using run/walk intervals. :-) Happy running, friend!
*hugs* from Orlando!
p.s. LOVE the header pic - you look soooo healthy!!!
WOW , that is so cool to be part of the book project! And so exciting that the doc said what you wanted to hear!
That book sounds so exciting, congratulations :-)
Great news about the marathon. I am cutting back from 6 to 5. Maybe I will need to do more but 5 used to okay for me. Congrats on the book.
I'm so glad your knee is better! Listen to your body. If you feel it's not too much continue with what you are doing. I believe in run more days per week so that the weeks where life happens and you miss runs it won't matter. But that's me. You're on your way to your next half marathon!
I agree listen closely to your body. Congrats on the marathon book project!
Glad to hear the knee is better. I'd say keep listening to your body to know when you are doing too much too! Glad to hear good news for the half!
Hi Anne-That is so great that you will be featured in that book! I can't wait until it comes out, it will be a good read since there are a lot of bloggers that I "know" featured!
I'm glad that your knee is doing better, hang tough girl!
I could never do 5 runs a week plus cross training, but I tend to get over trained easily. If you are responding well to this type of training, go for it!
Anne, I'm THRILLED to read about your cameo in a new book, how exciting and I can't think of anyone more deserving.
Exciting news too about your knee, that is great, just listen to what your body is telling you (but not too closely, sometimes it will try to talk you out of things you know you can do, nasty that).
As for running 5 days per week, if it has worked so far then by all means, but 3 or 4 and cross training work just as well, remember to rest up too, you'll need it once you really get into the long distances of training.
I'm so happy for you Anne, how exciting it is to follow your journey.
Sounds like you are getting some good guidance to keep you healthy, happy and on your way to that finish line!
Very neat about the book project... that sounds like something cool to be involved in.
Although I've never trained for a full marathon, I've done four halfs now and the one I had the best results on I ran three times a week and cross trained three or four times a week doing weights and or yoga. The last race I did I dropped the cross training to focus on getting more running & speed work in. The result was I found myself struggling with aches and pains I'd never had before and my time didn't improve.
That's exciting about being featured in the book!! Sounds like good news from the PT and some good advice. Rest days are good for you. Hang in there, sounds like you're on the road to recovery.
5 days plus cross training is a lot of work, plus if you are coming off an injury. . . Maybe mix in some weights or core work on one run day. I find it much easier on my joints and knees.
Great news indeed. Smart and steady training and you'll be ready to race.
I've found myself running 3 days/week for my past marathons, and the rest of the week included alot of swimming.
Feel it out. If you feel like you're lacking speed, you might need to add a run here and there, but you'll be fine and you will have an outstanding race.
Then, upon being featured in the book, an entire generation of 3 runs/week marathon first-timers will be inspired.
Glad that your knee is doing better :) It's interesting that you're part of a book project! Looking forward to reading about your marathon training. I hope you'll run the marathon in October :)
Wow! you're doing a lot of running! Make sure you're listening to your body!
First, cool that you'll be profiled for a book! Next up...YOU need to write a book;-)
and I'm on board the 3 runs a week train. I'm referring to Run Less Run Faster book to create my training, and I like it so far. it has training programs for all distance races.
How exciting to be part of a book project. Looking forward to hearing more about it. You will be a perfect subject because of your insite into your needs and expectations.
Glad your knee is feeling better - listening to YOUR body is important. Obviously continue doing what you are doing . . . because it works for you. Run / walk combo sounds great. Keep up the good - hard work.
Lots of exciting stuff going on! The book project sounds like a lot of fun and you are doing a great job of getting your training figured out. I'm glad everything is going so well!
OMG! Congrats on the book spotlight! Please tell me more about it when it comes out! I cant wait to read it!
Your PT is right on the mark with his advice to you. You're giving your body time to recoup by using his schedule.
That's so cool about the book interview!
Less is Better...it keeps the injuries down!
Now in my case....more is better...because it is a good idea to run if you want to race!=)
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