post injury – Masher Runs

It’s been awhile since I’ve done a weekly recap of my workouts, but I’m happy to say that I’m back to running and building up my base. I went back and forth on whether or not I would publish these, but I think it helps to keep me accountable, as well as making sure I’m building a strong, healthy foundation before training starts for fall races.

This was my first full week of running. The previous week I had two workouts that consisted of running/walking increments and then I was finally able to switch to running full time. Although I don’t consider the weekend part of last week, because of how important it is to my recovery, I’m adding them this one time.

Saturday: 2.12 Miles + Abs, Arms, & Hips

Sunday: 2.63 Miles + Abs, Arms, & Hips

Monday: 0

Tuesday: 4 Miles

Wednesday: 0

Thursday: 2 Miles + Abs & Hips

Friday: 0

Saturday: 0

Sunday: Coastal Delaware 9k (5.6 Miles)

Total: 4.75 Miles & 11.6 Miles

The first Saturday listed was my first true run since January 23rd. I ran 30 minutes, on the treadmill, and didn’t have an ounce of pain. I ran at an extremely slow pace, mostly because I was still nervous but also being cautious. It was probably one of my best runs ever, only because I finally felt like I was on my way again.

First run in new shoes and 2.5 months!

That next day I couldn’t help but jump on the treadmill again for some more slow miles. This time I went for 35 minutes and still felt pain free. As slow and as awkward as I felt, things were starting to feel normal again and not so much like a giraffe learning to walk for the first time.

Post run relaxation and Nuun

Tuesday I met up with Mallory after work and we ran Roscoe with her dog Walter. Our pace was easy, the weather was nice and I felt pretty good. A few times I felt out of shape, but that’s to be expected and eventually running will feel effortless again. I may have gone a little longer than I had planned, but the pace was slow enough that I didn’t feel I was pushing myself beyond my current limits.

Slow and steady win recovery

Thursday, I knew I’d be short on time while trying to get ready for a weekend away. I opted for a shorter run of two miles, instead of my planned three. I could have had time for another mile, but instead I Face Timed with Darren while he was in Brazil. Priorities.

Sunday was a big day. Way back at the end of last year I registered for the marathon at the Coastal Delaware Running Festival. Well, we all know how training went, but thankfully, through hard work, tears, and a lot of patience, I was able to work my way up to attempting the 9k without it being too much of a stretch for me. My recap will be up on blog later this week, but even though it wasn’t my typical race, it felt like the beginning of a new way of training.

Packet Pick Up. We made it!

My recovery has been a good one so far, and I feel that I’ve been able to really examine all parts of my running, including cross training, form, nutrition and sleep. I’ve been keeping up with my ab workouts and lifting on days of workouts, but still struggle at times to remember to do abs on the days I’m not running. I’m feeling stronger, especially in my hips which has always been a week point for me.

I’ve tried a few new foods and I’m hoping to figure out what works for me and what doesn’t. Finding Lactose free butter has made a huge difference in my life and substituting Nuun at dinner instead of wine can have its benefits. But let’s be honest, I’m still eating at least a box or two of Cheez It Grooves every week. Some habits just can’t be broken.

I also took the time to get my shoes fitted again. I never thought my shoes were the reason I got injured, but when you’re starting from scratch you might as well check everything. Turns out my shoes aren’t really an issue, but there are shoes out there that can be a better fit. Enter Saucony Guides. I’ve been faithful to Asics for about 15 years, after one year of Adidas. This time I vowed to be open to all shoes, no matter what brand. I have to admit, I was scared to break from my normal shoe and brand, but the Saucony Guides felt amazing. Turns out they were so amazing that I got a second pair when Amazon had a sale….bringing my shoe rotation to 5 or 6? Let’s not judge here.

All in all, I think things are going well, and I’m excited to slowly bring up mileage and speed and get ready for a hopefully race filled summer and fall!

It’s been a crazy couple of weeks. Between work, a busy evening schedule, the holiday and allergies, I don’t even know what day it is anymore. Taking a week off was not ideal, and may have potentially ruined my training, but it was needed. I knew I couldn’t go on running and still line up to run the marathon in just a few weeks. Luckily, every run has felt better, the pain is gone while running, and I have no doubt that I’ll be running Akron Marathon.

Within the past two weeks I’ve run 14 miles total, not a lot, but a good amount to test the waters and see just how my foot feels. I did a few 2 milers, a 3 miler, and ended my weekend with a 6 miler that couldn’t have gone better. I’ve made sure to stretch, ice and keep off of it when I can. I found a few different shoe inserts that I used in the past, and I’m taking turns with each to find which is the best for me right now.

Over the past two weeks, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had no idea if my foot would ever feel better or if I could even get any endurance back. I know I’m not where I was post 20 miler, but during my run Saturday I realized that as long as I set my mind to it and keep an easy pace, I can pull it off. It may not be in the time I had originally hoped for, but I’ll cross that finish line.

Saturday morning trails, pure bliss.

Not only did I realize that I could run a marathon, but I felt like I could keep running for miles. I discovered a new path outside the woods and didn’t want to turn around. But playing it safe I only went out a mile, before I headed back to the car and finished up my 6 miles. I looked up the path once I got home and found that it went to Chippewa Lake. Looks like I’ll be taking that path more often.

Home.

So now that I know I can run again without pain, what’s the plan? I’m hoping to run as many miles as I can, as often as I can until about 10 days before the race. I’m hoping I can get an actual long run in before then, but only time will tell. The only thing I know for sure is that I’m not giving up. No training plan is perfect, the journey is half the battle and I’m not about to wave the white flag.