Drained...literaly

Taking the week off of running has been good for my knee. I have managed a couple of bike rides and Yoga, and took advantage of the hot tub at the YMCA while my kids were in swimming lessons. (I'm liking that part)

BUT....

I gave blood Thursday night. I figured why not, since I am FINALY, not pregnant,nursing,on medication, have low iron, or had a blood transfusion.
So...I really did not have an excuse when my husband went in for his 20th donation.

Except...my blood pressure was 98/56 and my Iron JUST made the cut. But...I did it anyway.

All I can say is that for the last two days I have felt SERIOUSLY DRAINED.....I just think a pint for me was just too much for my little body.

I can only compare this 'drainage' to the tired feeling of the first Trimester in pregnancy.

Oh I could only hope....Now THAT would be exciting.

RICE

Taking the week off from running now. This is not something I'm happy about but if I'm going to continue my training I need to make sure my knee is o.k.

So.... Resting, Ice, Compression, Elevation (RICE)....First Aid basics but necessary right now.

I will continue to do Yoga, stretch, bike a few times, and maybe swim.

Oh well.

Knee issues

120 Days to the Marathon...and I went out for my 13 km run this morning. I got as far as the neighbors house and had to turn around. There is something wrong with my knee, and now my hamstring is compensating by tightening so much I feel as though I've been punched.

So...I got on my bike and rode the distance. That way I keep up with my cardio, and strengthen my quads.

I'm frustrated. What has changed? I ran the 10km race and felt amazing!!! I have not increased my distance that much since, and yet here I am starting the training with an injury. I've waited all this time to begin training and this is happening.

I can't straighten my leg today so I'm making an appointment with a physio.

I don't want to fall short of my goals because of injury. I would MUCH rather not do the marathon because of PREGNANCY. Hmmm....That gives me an idea ;)

Icy Cold Measures need to be taken.

So....bought my new shoes. Nice extra cushioning ones. So far so good.

Since I went to the big city where we used to live I also took the opportunity to go for a run on my old route. It was nice...too many manicured lawns with pesticide signs though. I like the country better.
What I did like was that I could weave in and out of streets and create the route I wanted at will. Here in the country I either have to run huge loops, or backtrack on the same road.

Anyway, I have decided that Ice Baths are going to become a routine thing in this house.
It is the best way to stop and minimize tissue damage in my knee...

I started panicking when I realized that I should be up to about 30km a week by now, and I'm having knee pain with only 20-25kms. So....measures will be taken.

Adam said to me..."If God wants you to run the Marathon, you will" I just cried.

Knee issues

Went for another 5am run this morning. I can get used to the early mornings. The sun is up and the air is crisp, and in this heat and humidity, the early rise is nice.

I have to admit that I'm having knee problems. I have been plagued with issues with my left knee for a few years now. All went well my 10km race but now it seems to be back. I'm frustrated because at this point I am only running 3 days a week, and logging 20kms or so. Really I should be up to almost 38kms a week.

I'm scared. I'm scared I'm not going to make it. I'm scared and frustrated that this is happening.

I am getting new shoes IMEDIATELY, as I think this is having an effect. 5yr old runners just will not cut it.

and yes...maybe a running skirt found on e-bay for a deal with be help too ;)

On Week two of the Marathon training and so far I am sticking to my schedule. I've even managed a 5am run and survived. Yay for me. I've also managed to switch from coffee to green tea mixed with peppermint in the morning.
Huge difference in my energy levels.

My feet hurt alot now though. I think in part to the sandals I've been wearing, but mostly in part to my running shoes. I suppose I'm going to have to invest in a new pair. That's too bad too, because they go with my shorts.

Marathon Training BEGINS!!!!!

For the next 18 weeks, I will be actively pursuing my marathon goal.

I have broken up my training into 4 parts. Two Six week segments, and two 3 week segments.
My next six weeks will look like this....

Run 3x week
Yoga 1x week (good for flexibility and core strength)
Chiro every 2 weeks
Cross Train (10km Bike) 1x week

My runs will consist of 1 long run running 10:1 (run/walk), and two shorter Tempo (goal race pace), and Steady (hard short run).