Monday, August 20, 2012

To marathon or not to marathon

Air Force Marathon Logo

This summer I have been 'semi' training for the Air Force Marathon. I say semi, because my mileage is still low, but I'm at least managing to stick to the long runs. 

Ever since I ran my 18 mile run, my knee has been on the fritz. Yes I managed a half marathon and a 20 miler, but both were with significant pain.

I went home this weekend and was all excited to run in the cooler temps with my brother- something as simple as sleeping wrong and putting too much pressure on my knee made it too wonky in the morning to want to do 6 measely miles--- I ended up not running at all this weekend leaving me with a grand total of 5 miles for the whole week. I know you're thinking how awesome I am right about now.

Tonight I met up with our Fleet Feet group and had the worst 4 mile experience in a LONG time. Within 1 mile I was cursing at how much pain I was in--- naturally I began that lovely mental self doubt talk and finally came to the conclusion that if I'm in this much pain after 1 mile, how the hell am I going to run a marathon in 1 month?

So as much as it pains me to say this, I will be using this weekend's 20 mile run as a verdict. If I struggle through it, then I will see about downgrading from the marathon to the half. It sucks because it feels like this summer will have been a waste of time, but 26.2 miles is a LONG distance to venture injured and I think it would put me out for several months.

I'll need all the healing thoughts and good lucks for Saturday, hope all goes well :)

14 comments:

  1. Ugh girl, hate to hear that! Marathon training does funny things to the body. I wouldn't give up hope yet!! Rest plenty before saturday! Who you running with sat? I'd love to tag along for 8-10 of the 20! :)

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  2. oh no! i’m hoping it all goes well and you can figure out the pain. :( did you see a doc? i can’t remember. ice, sports massage, rest,etc. hopefully one of those will help!

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  3. I hope your run goes well this weekend. But better you find out now instead if during the race :(

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  4. I hate to hear this :(

    Hope your run this weekend goes well!

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  5. Rethinking the full is smart. Sadly sometimes smart sucks. But, think long term and knees. Does that help? NOT!

    Good luck on Sat. All will go well and it's you and 26.2!

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  6. Aw, good luck. I hope all goes well!

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  7. Seems you and I are in the same boat... hopefully your knee starts feeling better.

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  8. That's a good idea to see how you feel on this long run. Better not to chance it while you're injured.

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  9. bahhhhh. i hate hearing this friend! i have been thinking of you lots lately and wondering how you were feeling/the training is going. I don't know how much time you have left but could you rest completely this week and then try the 20 next week just to give your knee a bit more time?? hope you heal soon!

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  10. Ugh...I understand your issue...no fun! You are doing so well with your training but you can't risk further injury! I am hoping this 20 miler your knee will cooperate!!

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  11. Ouch, that totally sucks! YOu should see a doctor soon and nowing what it is, will help to make the right decision. MAybe some ART will help and you will be back running pain-free by then. Don't give up just yet!

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  12. I hope your run goes well:) And your mileage is never a waste of time. You had some great runs this summer:) Feel better:)

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  13. Bummer that you're dealing with knee pain- I had the same experience the first time I trained for a full and had to pull out of it (sorry if I've already mentioned this, can't remember)- it sounds like it may need a break from running and some cross training... but I'll still cross my fingers for you that the 20 goes well... no worries if you do pull out, like you said, you don't want to risk getting to the point of needing several months off to recover!

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