If I were to simply list my training stats, I could probably convince you (and myself) that a marathon goal of 3:20, though challenging, was still reasonable. I've done four 20 milers at 8:15, 8:18, 7:44, and 7:58 paces. I've done many 4-7.5 mile tempo runs ranging from 6:45 to 7:16 pace. I ran a half marathon this past May in 1:33:43, and a 10 miler mid August in 1:12:24 (in 90 degree heat). It all sounds decent. I don't think I was delusional when I set my goal. Truth is though, now I'm waning big time. And it didn't just happen overnight. I'd say I've been dropping off slowly since the beginning of August, and telling myself to hang in there and it will get better. But it's not getting better. It's taken 17 years of running for me to just realize that I always peak way too early in a training schedule. I get fast quickly, then slowly start breaking down. I probably need a much shorter training schedule. After taking a quick look at my most recent stats, I'm thinking 10 weeks is probably ideal. Something like building miles up slowly and running them slowly to give me a reasonable base, and then hit a 10 week training schedule. Oh well, live and learn.The last three weeks I've been having nagging right hip, butt, and groin pain. It's finally gotten to the point where I'm having some trouble walking, so I can no longer simply ignore it. Arg! I love my world of denial! I took training very easy last week, but I did run a 10 mile race in Harvard on Sunday. The goal was to run it as a workout, and I figured if I could pull off a 7:15-7:20 pace then I was doing fairly well. Yeah, that didn't happen. I felt yucky the whole race. Not only was I wheezing afterward, but my gait is totally lopsided. A nice lady who finished just after me said, "wow you were really pumping your arms up that last hill." And I thought to myself, yes, I was hoping that perhaps sheer will and arm pumping alone could propel me up that hill. But, alas, that's not how running works. I wound up running 1:15:23, and if it was a nice easy run I wouldn't be whining so much, but it was pretty hard and my stupid right leg is refusing to do anything! Stupid leg (shaking fists in anger).
That leaves me with two weeks to figure out what's wrong and fix it before the big race day. For about 5 minutes I was panicking thinking it could be a pelvic stress fracture, but after further research I don't think it is. It's rare, but I've recently read about two lady runners that had such stress fractures. Hence my panic. Actually, seems as though it might be Piriformis syndrome, which could literally be translated into "pain in the butt." It's a bit hard to isolate the issue, there might be more than one. The most painful scenario is walking up and down stairs, where I feel like my leg might just give out on me and there's shooting pain down my thigh. So feel free to chime in with a diagnosis. I'd go to the doctor, but I've seen my share of doctors in high school and college. Even the better sports medicine doctors usually say something about overuse and taking time off. And I will take some time off. I won't be running this week, but sticking with easy cross training, gentle stretching, foam rolling, and a tennis ball.
I guess that brings me back to marathon goals. 3:20 just isn't realistic at this point. If I can get myself walking up and down the stairs pain free by race day, then I'll be shooting for a 3:30.
Last Week's Training Log:
Monday: 30 minutes on the stationary bike
Tuesday: 5 mile run at 8:42 pace
Wednesday: Off
Thursday: 5.75 mile run at 9:40 pace
Friday: 50 minutes on the stationary bike
Saturday: Off
Sunday: 10 mile run at 7:33 pace
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4 comments:
Arrh Katie, this is so frustrating!!! I agree with your theory about getting fast quickly. I also wonder whether you could run slow base miles....those are so hard for someone like you (and me) who likes speed.
I am with you when it comes to doctors. They really have nothing to offer. Pain from a stress fracture is very localized, and it does not seem like that is your case. I think rolling, crosstraining, icing are fine, but I wonder about strength exercises (legs lifts, etc)? You have 2 weeks, and it is taper time, so resting is part of the plan. I am really excited about running with you the entire marathon, but I still think you can pull a 3:20 assuming the leg comes back. We can both play it by ear!
Ana-Maria: I think if you could find a sports medicine doctor that's really focused on running, then it might be really helpful. Truth is though, most of the time (regardless of the specific diagnosis) it is overuse and you just need some time off.
Don't worry, I'll skip any strength training. The best thing I can do is rest and cross my fingers!
Katie-- I am so sorry that you are having this problem! Completely sucks, plain and simple. As someone who constantly battles injuries, I truly feel your pain!
I will keep my fingers crossed for you, and am hopeful that a little rest will make a big difference.
Also--I didn't know that you and Ana-Maria were running the same marathon! How cool is that! I am confident that you will both do great. You both are an inspiration to me.
Use the roller! And my sports medicine guys here in Philly (Rothman at Thomas Jefferson) are absolutely wonderful - they do everything they can to keep you training while you deal with your injury (although I've been reminded that if I checked in with them as soon as the pain happened, I'd probably have to take less time off because of injuries). The roller really does work - I swear by mine. You may also want to consider adding some yoga to your training - it does me a world of good and I tend to stay uninjured whenever I keep up with it! And rest this week!!
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