Marathon Training: In Limbo

So I missed my week 6 and week 7 postings. And for good reason, of sorts. I'll explain shortly...

Week six went okay. I missed a run (or two), I really don't remember. I did get both runs in on the weekend -- 6 mile pace on Saturday and a 9 mile on Sunday.

Sunday's run was painful. I spent a good part of Saturday going to business seeking food donations for the race, as well as putting out flyers and brochures. Lilli was with me and I tended to pick her up out of the car wherever we went that day. A dozen times or so of lifting her improperly did a number on my back. I've had a few back related problems over the years which started back in college, but it's been okay for many years, so I didn't think twice about what I was doing.

Until Sunday.

I woke up pretty sore and stiff that morning. I headed out for a run anyway, and with each foot fall, my lower back felt each jolt. For 9 miles I endured the pain. Towards the end of the run my stride was shorter and my form was all out of whack.

Going into the next week I had a nightmarish schedule to try to get to things done by Friday. I already had it in my mind that I was going to have to sacrifice my runs for the week to get everything done I needed to do. With my back being sore, I thought it was a good idea anyway.

A combination of an already compromised lower back, constant up and down from desk to table at work, lack of sleep and the immense stress I was feeling to get things done, my back didn't have a chance. Each day it felt worse and worse and by Friday night I could barely walk (let alone get up from a laying position). So, some ibuprofen, and an ice pack placed directly on the lower back while I slept did seem to help. (A special thank you to my wonderful wife for making me put ice on it). It was far from perfect, and running was definitely out of the question, but I could at least walk again.

Going into this week, my back is still slightly "iffy", but I am hoping to get back to running - or some other exercise (low impact).

I think I will have to scrap my October marathon at this point, but I have a back-up for one 3 weeks later in November. By the time I get back to a running regimen, I should be able to pick up on the week where I left off (in theory). To add to my challenges, it looks like I have some traveling to do for work, plus there's Run4Everett on August 20th that will keep me busy that weekend.

We're in the final stretch for the race, and a bunch of little things to do, so we'll be busy right up to the last minute it looks like. I still can't believe it's August already... It will be October before I know it. At least it will be cooler (I hope).

Marathon Training: Week Five Complete

Five weeks complete already!

It has not been easy to get in my runs (and have actually missed a few). My work schedule being the biggest hurdle makes it challenging. Even with early morning travel on Wednesday, I fared a little better this week from last.  I actually squeeze in my 5 miler on Wednesday and missed only one 3 mile run on Thursday due to exhaustion. I thought I would make it up and actually allow me to shift my training schedule around a little, but it hasn't happen.

Moving forward I need to adjust the training plan. Two runs on the weekend is getting to be difficult (not that squeezing in runs during the week is easy). So I need to figure something out.

Thankfully this coming week is a step back week before building up my mileage again. With a deadline looming at the end of the month at work and needing to get some race things finalized (just a month to go!) it couldn't come at a better time. Moving forward though, it's going to be difficult to get my runs in.

I suppose if it were easy everyone would be running marathons...

Marathon Training: Week Four Complete

After another shaky start to my week, I was able to get in most of my mid-week mileage. I missed my Tuesday run altogether and then there was a bump in my Wednesday distance to 6 miles, but I only run 5.

But for my pace run and my long run this past weekend, I got it all in. The 6 mile pace run wasn't too bad, though it was run about 30 seconds/mile too fast. My long run I ran on trails, so my pace was slow, but it was 11 miles of terrain that left me quite tired. I went through 2 liters of water on that run - glad I had my hydration pack with me.

Hopefully I can keep going, this heat is making it more challenging to say the least...

Hey wait for me!

Did it ever seem like time moves way too fast and before you know it you are behind in everything?

Life keeps moving forward -- even when all you want is a nice lazy day or two (or three) to relax. I try to stay on top of things and get them done as orderly as possible, but I have learned I just can't do everything. So where does this leave me?

Behind on almost everything.

The nice thing is, I have also learned that most things will wait. They'll still be there when I get around to it. But that doesn't go for family and friends necessarily. Life is too short so a balance must be struck. I am trying to be better about this, but am finding I am falling short.

I'm trying to get better about this... one day at a time.

Marathon Training: Week Three Complete (sort of)

Not a great week for running for me. Started out okay with my run on Tuesday morning -- just an easy 3 miles (and it was at a very easy pace). Then On Wednesday I hit the trails after work -- just 3.6 miles, but didn't worry much about it - it's a step back week, so a shorter midweek run wasn't going to hurt me. Then Thursday I missed my run altogether and just couldn't make it up on Friday. So, Saturday came and I got my 5 mile pacerun in at a great pace (8:36/mile), so felt great.

Unfortunately, Sunday came and went before I really had a chance to get out and Monday was an almost carbon copy. So, my long run for the week was scrapped.

Starting out this week, Tuesday did not produce a run either. I was getting quite worried. Finally, though I made it out this morning for a 5 miler (and I JUST looked and it was supposed to be 6 miles... grr!).

I am exhausted, but hope to get out tomorrow for an easy 3. We'll see...