First off, training is going really well considering I am dealing with an ITB issue. This is totally new to me, as I have never actually had a running injury that I couldn't just run through and deal with later. If you have ever had knee pain from ITB syndrome, you know that there is no running through it. It feels like a rubber band is about to snap in the side of your knee/leg/butt. At first I thought it was my sciatic nerve being a literal pain in my butt, but once it hit the knee, I knew it was something else. Thankfully I seem to have a handle on it with some strengthening exercises, yoga, taping, and rolling. I was able to get 9 miles in to my 12 miler before I felt anything on Friday, which is better than the 3 miles in that was Wednesday. I am also doing 4:1 for anything over 5 miles, and knocking out one of my 3 miles days in favor of extra yoga, PT exercises, and rest until it is better. REST is so important. When I space the running and do yoga daily, it helps so much. I am just praying I can fix this before it gets worse.
If you have never used rock tape for injuries, btw, I highly recommend it. When I had my chest wall strain it did wonders, and it stays put through showers and running in 90 degree heat. I did have some sensitivity to the adhesive when I used it on my chest, and my skin got itchy and had some bumps around the edge of the tape. I found I do not have that problem on other areas of my body. I am prone to breaking out there (ladies who run, you get it), so that is probably why.
So, week 7 is DONE! This week I learned that naked juice makes an excellent fuel, and my stomach handles it wonderfully. Also, I am pretty sure I am already gaining weight, because running and biking this much makes me want to eat ALL OF THE THINGS. I swear my thighs have doubled in size. The good news is it is all muscle. The bad news is you can forget me wearing real pants until this training is over. Putting on jeans should actually count as a training exercise, and getting them off should count as a punishment. We had an "arctic blast" this week in our area, and to avoid wearing jeans or pants, I wore 2 pairs of leggings. At one time.
And yes, I know leggings are not pants. That is precisely why I am wearing them.
I am signed up to run Scottsboro Half again this year! I was going to skip it with it being so close to my full, but I noticed that day on my training plan I am supposed to run 12 before my taper starts. My good friend Sarah (Previvor Fit Mom) and I have been trying to decide on our spring race calendar, and we both have a soft spot for this race. It was her very first half, and my PR half. It is a great course. Last year it was in the cold rain, and I loved every minute of it. This year they have a Mardi Gras theme (hello! I LOVE themes!) and give you beads at each aid station. The medal is pretty sweet too. Long story short, she signed up to run the half at the Shoals where I am running the full, and we agreed to run scottsboro together as a slow training run! So this means she is joining the crazy that is running back to back half marathons ;) Welcome to the club... the club of FUN.
I am so excited for the both of us. Sarah was my very first running buddy. We met at Cotton Row through MRTT, and have run several races together since. Sometimes we stick together and chat the whole time, and sometimes we start together and then meet up at the finish. Even when we don't run the entire thing side by side, knowing you have a friend out on course is SO incredibly motivating. There is a very mental aspect to long distance running. Your support system can make or break you in a race. We are lucky to have great families that stand by us and support us in our crazy goals. Having that friend that understands the blood, sweat, and tears of training can be a major part in crossing at finish. I remember how defeated I was running BSTC. I was overheated and sick and contemplating my first DNF when Sarah came up behind me. She was with me just long enough to get me motivated again. My race was suck-tas-tic, but hers was going awesome, and I could read it all over her. She had a great pace, and eventually went on ahead of me, but knowing she was having such a great race pushed me to finish. This is the importance of the running buddy! We are both just giddy about these two races, and are looking forward to having someone to push us through training. I feel blessed to not only have my husband out on this course, but 3 of my best friends. We are covering all 3 distances too, which really appeals to my RuNERD side! So awesome.
So get ready, half #5 and full #1, I am coming for you!
-Teacup Runner
"Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you."-Psalm 84:12 NIV
I am so excited for the both of us. Sarah was my very first running buddy. We met at Cotton Row through MRTT, and have run several races together since. Sometimes we stick together and chat the whole time, and sometimes we start together and then meet up at the finish. Even when we don't run the entire thing side by side, knowing you have a friend out on course is SO incredibly motivating. There is a very mental aspect to long distance running. Your support system can make or break you in a race. We are lucky to have great families that stand by us and support us in our crazy goals. Having that friend that understands the blood, sweat, and tears of training can be a major part in crossing at finish. I remember how defeated I was running BSTC. I was overheated and sick and contemplating my first DNF when Sarah came up behind me. She was with me just long enough to get me motivated again. My race was suck-tas-tic, but hers was going awesome, and I could read it all over her. She had a great pace, and eventually went on ahead of me, but knowing she was having such a great race pushed me to finish. This is the importance of the running buddy! We are both just giddy about these two races, and are looking forward to having someone to push us through training. I feel blessed to not only have my husband out on this course, but 3 of my best friends. We are covering all 3 distances too, which really appeals to my RuNERD side! So awesome.
So get ready, half #5 and full #1, I am coming for you!
-Teacup Runner
"Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you."-Psalm 84:12 NIV
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