Week Four - Time for Re-evaluation

I completed week four of my marathon training.  This week has not been the best.  My knee (yes - "that" knee that kept me out of running for about three years), started hurting much more.  It is also making a clicking sound, like it did those years ago when I first had the knee issues.  I don't know if it is the volume of running, the fact I may have twisted it while mowing the lawn, not enough down time in between runs, or some combination that is causing the issues.

I decided the best thing to do, if I want to continue to train and to run, is to cut back the number of days I run.  I searched for and found a program that is geared toward senior runners, and at 58 I certainly qualify as a senior runner!  There are only three runs per week, but they are very specific runs.  The rest of the days are a combination of cross training and strength work.  Due to the fact my marathon is about 14 weeks away and this is technically a 24-week program, I had to make some modifications.

I took two days off before today's longish run.  I did some stretching and strength training specific to areas that are know to help with knee issues.  Today I was able to run 8.5 miles, and my knee is not clicking and feels only moderately sore.  I know it will never be pain-free, but I was cleared to run several years ago with the caveat that even though running won't cause it any more damage, it is going to hurt at times.

I started the week discouraged, and I have ended it on a high note.  I feel much better after today's run than I expected.  It's been a while since I've gone over 6 miles.  And I feel this new program will give me a little more freedom - I can get the mid-week run in during an evening or an early morning, depending on the weather and what's going on in life.  The other two runs are on days I have off (for now at least), so I think I will actually get more sleep with this program!  Even though I love to run and would run every day if I could, I can still get outside and walk, bicycle, hike, etc. and keep my knee from being too much of an issue.

No Excuses  / Gotta run

Week Three - and so it continues

I have finished week three of my training, and I missed one day.  I had TWO alarms set.  I accidentally turned off the first alarm.  I woke up about 1/2 hour before I was supposed to start work (luckily for me it was one of my "work from home" days).  That second alarm I set - well I set it to p.m. instead of a.m.  It's early in my training so missing one day isn't much of an issue. I ran an extra mile on Saturday and about an extra 1/2 mile on Sunday, just because it was nice outside.

This could be a tough week.  I'm going to attempt to work four 10-hours days.  It will be great to have Friday off - I can sleep in a little bit perhaps, and it's an additional day I can run outside.  It will be difficult getting used to the long days though.  I may be tired by the end of a day, especially since by the time I finish work, I will have been up for about 13 hours on the days I start with a run.  I have a few more weeks of Monday's off, so I can sleep in (until 4:30), and my plan never has a run on Wednesday, so it won't be too bad I suppose :)

I didn't get a good start on that nutrition yet.  This week it's a definite - with the long days, I will have to take food with me to eat.  I hope I have good things to report back next week.

I'd love to run outside every day, but evenings are just too busy, and a morning run makes my day much better.  I feel it inoculates me from the stresses of life (work, family, etc.), and helps me filter out what is and what is not important.  It's the best way to start the day!  I don't feel safe running outside as early as I must on the days I work.   I used to run with my dog, but his hips are too bad now for that.

If anyone is reading this, thanks!  If not, as I've repeatedly said, this is a good way for me to keep myself honest with my training, keeps me on track, etc.  I'll use it to post any issues I have as the tougher parts of the training begin!

No Excuses!

Week Two - Accomplished

I think it's good for me that this program starts slowly.  I'm gradually getting used to getting up very early in order to do some of the runs on the treadmill.  It was great to run outside the last few runs.  I have to confess though - today was a gorgeous day and I accidentally ran an extra mile. 

Monday (tomorrow) is an "off" day and I need it.  I'm still having some issues with my leg - the same thing I always have issues with.  I'm going to do some stretching and some more of that painful, yet effective, foam rolling.  It helped after today's run.

Now it's time for me to step up in the nutrition department.  Most of our major life events, like graduation and weddings, are over, so it should be easier to stick to a nutrition regime. 

If anyone reads this blog - thank you.  It's probably boring to most, but it keeps me honest with my training and I hope it keeps me on track.

No Excuses!

Week One - it has begun

This training plan starts very slowly. Week one was accomplished with no issues. I started week two on the treadmill. I need to run early in the morning before work, and I don't feel comfortable running outside in the dark. And, I just discovered the mobile app for the blog, so I hope to post more often. Maybe I'll even take a pictures or two during my outdoor runs :)

Gotta run

Marathon Training in 3, 2, 1

I'm going to TRY to resurrect this blog.  I am training for my 9th marathon - the 20th Air Force Marathon in September.

This will be short entry.  I started my training today.  I am using Hansons Marathon Method, and I chose the beginners program.  Even though I have run several marathons, I want to try to actually stick with a training program and see how well I can do.  Thus, I decided to try one that I am more likely to follow and not encounter any injuries.

Today was a 3 mile easy run (the first few weeks are all easy runs).  I was amazed at  how an easy run today was at the same pace as a hard run was for me a few years ago.  I guess I am proof decline isn't a given for older runners, especially when they started late in life.

Gotta Run!

It's been a long time

I haven't posted anything in a long time, again!  I don't think anyone is reading this anyway!

My return to running has been successful.  Since my last post (shortly after running the Santa Hustle Half Marathon), I have been consistently running.  I ran the Glass City Half Marathon (in the rain), and I did make my goal of running the Flying Pig Marathon (and had a PR).  I've been participating in a 5K here and there.

The  most important thing is that running is fun again.  I enjoy the races no matter how fast I run or if I place or not.  The most fun race this year has been the zombie infested Run for Your Lives race.  A friend also participated in the race (he survived, I was infected), and my husband and daughter were zombies.    I ended up bloodied and bruised, and had the time of my life!  We plan to do it all again next year.

I have a few more 5K's, half marathons, and full marathons planned.  My most ambitious race planned is the Dopey Marathon in January -- a 5K, 10K, 1/2, and Full Marathon -- 48.6 miles in 4 days!

Gotta Run - and my new motto is No Excuses!

So it continues

This is just a quick post.  I have continued my running. I even ran a half marathon a week ago :)

gotta run