Colleen Posted March 21, 2009 Share Posted March 21, 2009 As some/many of you know, I've maintained a pretty decent training regime throughout fall and winter (aside from the notable exceptions of Weather Events That Prevented Outdoor Running;)). I'd originally hoped to run a marathon prior to my 40th birthday (March 2), but due to aforementioned weather, I didn't think that was realistic. But as of 4-6 weeks ago, my long runs were in the 18 mile range and I was eyeing a May marathon. Unfortunatley, life is now getting in the way of those plans. Something with my lower leg/ankle (tendinitis, I think) has been hampering me these past few weeks, and a couple of other injuries have also cropped of late. Aside from a half marathon on March 7, I've not been running as often ~ or as far. I'm slated to run another half on March 29, but I could go either way on that. I've also realized that both May marathons I was considering conflict with a number of other events that are important to my boys. (That is to say, I'd hoped to do one, not both!:tongue_smilie:, but both pose scheduling difficulties.) These marathons aren't super far away, but they also aren't in my backyard. So if I participate, I either need to go it alone and miss some special kid-related activities, or have my family on board while they miss their stuff. All this means means I'm somewhat adrift right now, as far as a race goal is concerned. Now, I know some die-hard runners can just go out there week after week and run like the wind without ever doing a race. They run for the love of running, and that's great! But I'm not one of those people. I have to have goals. I have to have something I'm working toward. That's particularly true now. since I've assumed I'd run a marathon (or two?) this year. So-o-o-o, help me get back on track (assuming I can get past my current injury-prone phase). What would you do if you were in my shoes? 1) Skip the March 29 half marathon and just take it easy in general for a while. Aim for a marathon later this year (probably not until fall, since summer marathons are understandably not too common). 2) Run the March 29 half and go for one of the May marathons ~ going on my own and missing the boys' activities. 3) Run the 3/39 marathon and have the family be on board for my May marathon. 4) Pretend I'm superwoman and attempt the marathon, instead of the half, on 3/29 just to be done with a marathon. 5) Other? I know this is peanuts in the grand scheme of things, but I'd so appreciate your two cents. Thank you!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Audrey Posted March 21, 2009 Share Posted March 21, 2009 My thoughts... Listen to your body. Let the injuries heal. Rest up and go for it later. You've been planning for this marathon for a long time. It should be a special, wonderful event. Don't take a chance of having it be a painful, even disastrous event. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sharon in SC Posted March 21, 2009 Share Posted March 21, 2009 (edited) My thoughts... Listen to your body. Let the injuries heal. Rest up and go for it later. You've been planning for this marathon for a long time. It should be a special, wonderful event. Don't take a chance of having it be a painful, even disastrous event. :iagree:, completely. Past that, one other primary factor would be the significance of the other family events. Depending upon how much it would mean to you to have them with you OR how much it would mean to them to have you with them at their events, I'd consider waiting for those reasons as well. Edited March 21, 2009 by Sharon in SC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer in MI Posted March 21, 2009 Share Posted March 21, 2009 I agree with the others Colleen. Your body really needs to heal. I don't think that missing the kids' events is necessarily something that should keep you from running a marathon. But, given that you are hurting in combination with that, if it were me, I'd wait. Have you been to the doctor yet about the tendonitis? :grouphug::grouphug: I know how hard it is to be sidelined from running! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Debbie in OR Posted March 21, 2009 Share Posted March 21, 2009 I gotta agree with the others; the potential of permanently damaging your body for the sake of a race can derail all life-long running goals. I have done a few races over the past 5 years but when my knees began giving me trouble on the last one, I decided races had to shift to the back if I wanted to keep running for life. I understand about needing a goal to work towards but, unfortunately, I will be no help there as I am one of those people who runs just to run...the races are not big motivators for me. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brigitte Posted March 21, 2009 Share Posted March 21, 2009 Colleen, I am with the others on this one. You need to see a doctor about your injuries before you even consider going out for another run. Once you know what is going on with your body, you can make decisions about races etc. There is little use in making those plans when your injuries could keep you side lined. And, the only way you are going to know how best to get over your current aches and pains is to have a doctor evaluate them. I speak from experience here.............. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamnkats Posted March 22, 2009 Share Posted March 22, 2009 You know how long it took me to recover from my calf tear, right? I would TOTALLY find a race later in the season and I think I would probably make it a 1/2. You need to let your body heal (and even though I'm not a serious runner it KILLED me to hold myself back) and that takes time. Can you find a race later in the season? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kim in Appalachia Posted March 22, 2009 Share Posted March 22, 2009 You could do permanent damage to yourself. You should not run anything until you get an all clear from a sports doctor who has seen you. After you see a doctor, set a new goal, with a new race. If everything is fine and he says you can run, maybe the one in May would be doable. But don't try to override the pain in your body in order to run a race. I hope you heal soon. I'm sorry your body is not cooperating with your plans. That is very frustrating.:glare: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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