In preparation for a marathon, Jess begins to work on all of the “side jobs” of being of runner — stretching, cross training, core strength.
Well, I’m in that doubtful stage. A marathon is 26.2 miles. That’s a really long way. When I first told myself I was going to do this, it was right after I finished my first half marathon. I said out loud, “It’s [a marathon] is not that different! You just keep going.” Yet, both times I’ve done the half, I have said a few thank-you’s in my head when I headed to the finish line instead of following the [full] marathon course.
I got the go-ahead to start running again. My physiotherapist said my leg looked good, but there is lots of scar tissue along the bone where the break was and an x-ray shows lots of calcification. I guess this means to be careful, and there might be a bit of ongoing soreness.
When I first started running I didn’t stretch — before or after a run. I didn’t cross train and I didn’t work on my core strength. In my head, they seemed like pointless things that took away from the time I could just be running. I have stubbornly realized what a huge mistake that was. Not stretching and not having strength in my core has led to chronic injury, pain and fatigue. For the past two months I have squatted and stretched and toned my body. I have had such a huge desire to run again that it has motivated me to work on all the “side jobs” of being a runner.
I am on a run/walk program for the first two weeks back to running. I have been on three runs now. One was only one mile, with one minute running and two minutes walking. It was glorious though. It was a sunny day and I was back out in my neighbourhood. No more fluorescent lights or gym rats. Just me and my music.
Today I was out for 45 minutes — seven minutes of running and three minutes of walking. I clocked in four miles. It was hard. I have lost more of my fitness level than I anticipated and the marathon is only 98 days away. While I was running I had that “what the hell am I thinking?” song playing in my head.
The doubtful stage. I hope it doesn’t last.
Photo Credit
“Stretching” Fitness Training Methods
michael says
Stay steady Jess. Running seems to have stages, breakthroughs, that have no regard to the work you have put in; of course without the work there are no breakthroughs. You sound as though you have a good program and a runner’s crazy mind ( in the best sense )…my favorite if most incomprehensible guideline for running long is “let the run come to you”. I am in the middle of a TWO month (omg) W-A-L-K-I-N-G program designed to get me ready to start training again for a year of long running. First one step then another-hardest program I have ever done…if only because running is in the future. The true victory is getting there on the day or so it has been for me; I have found that the rest of it is in the hands of powers far greater than I. All the best…
jess says
Wow, thank you Michael. You are right of course. I’m frustrated by injury and constantly chasing that “good run” that never seems to come.
Fantine says
You’ve really captured all the essienatls in this subject area, haven’t you?
Lorne Daniel says
I think most runners have ‘been there’ Jess. The docs at the UofC Running Clinic convinced me that core and hip strength are keys. Sounds like you’re taking a wise and patient approach to building back your strength and distances. I remember once having to ‘restart’ with 10 minute jogs. Hang in there and enjoy the small steps.
jess says
Thanks Lorne. I’m trying to be patient, but i just want to run!