Rock n Roll USA was just a little over 2 months ago and I’m finding that really hard to believe. Time sure does FLY by.
Since recovering from that race, I’ve turned my focus toward shorter distances and have raced three times – setting PRs in both the 10 Miler and the 10k and coming really close in the 5k. I’ve been averaging around 45-50 miles per week and my longest runs have been 14-16 miles. Liberated from the rigors and the self-imposed pressure of marathon training for a little while (though I miss it and can’t wait to get back to it!), it’s been a lot of fun for me. I’ve been running for the simple sake of doing something I love to do, and it has been more than wonderful. The fact is though, I have been running a LOT and even though it’s been tons of fun, I haven’t really given myself – my legs – much of a break.
A couple of weeks ago I started noticing soreness in my calves and in my right foot. I went to see Dr. Wong and brought my shoes in for him to take a look at them. I’ve been spending a lot more time than usual in my 4mm drop Kinvaras (as opposed to the 8mm drop Triumphs I usually train in) and as a result my calves were getting tight which was causing the foot discomfort. “Early stage plantar fasciitis” is what he told me. Here is one thing I know for sure about running — nearly ALL running injuries are preventable if we listen to our bodies and if we pay attention and are SMART.
This is one of the MANY reasons I love seeing Dr. Wong. He helps me keep things in check. After seeing him I switched out my shoes (the Triumphs were completely worn – it was time for a new pair), built an extra rest day into my schedule and spent more time each day rolling out my calves with the Tiger Tail stick and stretching them after runs.
Have I been taking enough rest days?
Have I built my mileage properly?
What kind of speed work am I doing? What have my paces been like?
What’s the scoop with my shoes?
What does my stretching, foam rolling, strengthening routine look like?
Where do I need to make changes to what I am doing?
In the case of this Spring, I determined that it was time for new shoes and that I should pay better attention to my calves since I was asking so much more of them in the speed department with all these shorter races.
I got some new kicks that I am really really loving. The New Balance 1080 v2 are very similar to the Saucony Triumphs I was training in – a neutral cushioned shoe with an 8mm drop. I loved my Triumphs, but =PR= as out of my size when I went in to buy them and I had been really curious about this shoe anyway so I think it was meant to be.
I took them out for a spin on Saturday. 16 miles that could not have gone better. It was a perfectly executed long run and was just what I needed to feel strong and ready as I head into my taper for the half marathon I’m running on June 2nd (ZOOMA Annapolis). I averaged an 8:24 pace and the last 5 miles were all sub-8 with the last and fastest mile run up hill in 7:39. It was pretty much perfect.
I have never tapered for a half marathon — every one I’ve ever run has fallen in the middle of marathon training so it hasn’t really been necessary. I’ve decided that this time around I’m going to build a real taper phase into my preparations and this week marks the beginning of that. It makes me feel excited – I really want to show up on race day feeling more than ready to rock it. And the taper, though it will probably drive me crazy in more ways than one, will be GOOD for me.
Early this morning the Honey Badgers and I went out for an easy 6 mile run in the rain. It was pouring and we were literally soaked from head to toe. It was the perfect run to start my taper … out with friends just enjoying doing what I love to do, with people who GET that and share in it with me.
When my alarm went off and I heard the rain falling, I knew that if my buddies weren’t meeting me there was absolutely NO WAY I would have motivated myself to get out that door (or even out of my bed at all), especially now that I am in taper mode. Before we started running we all laughed at ourselves and said we better just get it done. We’ve run in worse weather before. We made it this far, we may as well JUST RUN.
My memory of today’s run will stick with me for a while I’m sure. Yes, my fingers were pruning and my feet were squishy and wet in my shoes. My hair was a rat’s nest, tangled and gross under my hat. Not an inch of me was dry. But it was so fun. It was simple and peaceful. The trail was lush and green. The rain cooled me off when I started to warm up under my jacket. We were running for the pure JOY of running. And I loved every minute of it.
When I got home Abby was sitting in the front door, holding onto her blanky and her doll and watching us through the glass as she waved to us. As I walked up the front step and opened the door she said “wow mama, you are one wet honey badger” and I burst into laughter. Coming home to my warm cuddly family after a run like that is priceless. I love mornings like this, and this is why running is so worth it to me. The racing, the PRs the accomplishments that are mine alone – that is all icing on the cake and makes running exciting and meaningful on lots of levels. But running for the simple JOY of the way I feel while I’m doing it, and really how I feel once it’s DONE – that is magical to me. I will listen to my body and adapt as necessary to prevent myself from getting injured or burning out. Because what it all comes down to is the fact that I LOVE TO RUN and I want to be doing this for all of my life. I want to greet my grandchildren at the end of a run some day. It is all a part of my dream.
I’m so excited I can’t stand it. This week went really well. Team Honey Badger met for an easy paced 5 miles early Tuesday morning. Our wonderful running group from the =PR= Distance Training program met at the track on Wednesday night for a light workout (totaling 3.25 miles – two at race pace) followed by a wonderful carb-loading extravaganza at our favorite local pizza joint. It was awesome – so much great energy in the air!
Yesterday we went to the expo. It was a quick trip, though traffic was a nightmare – such is the life in DC. We got our race packets, switched corrals (very easy to do!) and made one lap around the room to check out what was there (same stuff as always). I am so glad I have that out of the way!
This morning I met Jodi and Dora for a very quick shake-out run. We met at Starbucks and ran two laps (probably about a half mile) around the parking lot before getting ourselves some yummy coffee. The purpose of the run was just to loosen up – mostly to relax our minds and calm our nerves than anything else. It was lovely. I think we are ready!
Last night I laid everything out for race day. It is going to be HOT and SUNNY tomorrow, nothing like the weather we have trained in this cycle. Temperatures will be in the mid-50s at the start and will climb to a high of 75 tomorrow.
I am wearing my Saucony Kinvara 2s for this race. I love these shoes and wore them throughout many of my runs this training season. Mostly for track workouts and long tempo runs (usually anywhere from 20-30 miles a week), these are my “fast shoes.” I wore them for a few longer runs towards the end of my training cycle and over the last few weeks I went back-and-forth between whether to wear these or my Triumphs. I decided on the Kinvaras because what it comes down to is I feel so good in them. They are my racing shoes, my fast shoes. I am excited to wear them tomorrow!
I have also laid out everything else that I am bringing with me tomorrow. This is something I always do before a marathon, just to be sure I am not forgetting anything.
My husband and our two sons are coming to spectate the race – I am so thankful for this! Robert is going to try to see me at miles 11, 14 and 18.5 and then be at the Finish. He will have an extra hand-held water bottle for me and gels just in case. He will also have a dry set of clothes for me to put on after the race.
I think I’m in good shape and that I’ve covered all my bases. Today I will do as much resting and relaxing as a mom of three can possibly do. I’m going to hydrate like crazy all day (which for me is 100+ ounces of nuun and water), eat an early and light pasta dinner this evening and try to get to bed nice and early.
Are you running the RnR USA races tomorrow? What’s your outfit plan for the race? What will you pack in your race bag? Are you feeling ready!?
GOOD LUCK to everyone racing in DC or elsewhere this weekend!!!
We’ve been in Discovery Bay, Jamaica since Saturday afternoon. Our vacation has been one moment of wonder after another.
It’s times like this that make me feel extra thankful for my commitment to running. Running makes me strong, and helps me to be the kind of mother that I want to be.
A mother who can take her son on a sea kayak adventure, hunting for pirates and on the lookout for dolphins, paddling over the soft waves.
A mother who can go snorkeling with her daughter. I held her hand as we both swam out to the reef and explored the underwater fantasy that lives below. Sea cucumbers, all sorts of fish big and small, crabs and creatures crawling along the ocean floor.
A mother who can hike through a bat cave with her 25 pound baby on her back, on her hands and knees at times, so she can fit through cracks, crevices and tunnels.
This trip has been so special and we are only halfway through the week. I’m keeping up with my training without any problem. The house we are staying at has a gym with two treadmills. I have never worked out in such an incredible setting. I brought my foam roller and Tiger Tail and am being good about keeping up with my core strengthening and stretching routine.
I don’t think it gets better than this, honestly. To say I’m thankful would be a huge understatement. I feel so blessed to be in this beautiful place with my family, active and peaceful all at the same time. We still have a few more days left and I know we will fill them with memories that will last a lifetime.
This afternoon we have a massage therapist coming to the house to give each of the adults a personal massage by the sea. Seriously … can somebody pinch me please? I am so excited.
For the most part I’m staying disconnected from the internet while on this trip, but I’ve set my alarm to remind me to log on later today so I can sign up for MCM when registration opens at 3:00PM. I do not want to miss out on that. It’s a funny feeling to be signing up for my next marathon while in the midst of tapering for the biggest race of my life. Occasionally my brain dabbles with thoughts about what my goals might be come fall, but I can’t entertain them too much. I have to focus on the task at hand in this moment.
And right now, at this very instant, I am focusing on relaxing, staying healthy and strong, believing in myself and enjoying each and every moment of this vacation with my family.
I am blessed beyond words, and so very grateful.