Training was going pretty good, I felt really fit, strong, and injury-free until the 18 mile Marathon Tune-Up on September 14th, which I finished in 3 hours, 34 minutes, and 28 seconds. This is a 11:55 min per mile pace, which is significantly slower than the pace that my training program estimates (11:04-11:24). Izzy commented that I looked completely fine as I crossed the finish line, not like someone who ran 18 miles. But as the day went on the serious pain sunk in. Previous to this, my longest run was 17 miles, after which I was tired but my body was injury-free.
I got almost no running in before my next running event, which was the Bronx 10 mile run on September 28th. My right knee was killing me, so I taped it up with KT tape. For anyone who has ever wondered how much this helps, I can attest that this is pretty amazing stuff because my right knee didn't bother me at all. But my left knee started hurting immediately! And my right ankle was sore too. This was one of the worst runs I have ever had, my finishing time was 2 hours, 3 minutes, and 40 seconds. (Actually, I am making a commitment to myself right now to finish a half marathon in less time than this next year.) But I finished and I earned another medal. And I completed 4 our of 6 of the Five Burroughs series which earned me guaranteed entry to the NY Half next year. Clearly, I am going to tape all of my legs for the marathon. I did a little research, and decided to order "Mummy Tape", which isn't as pretty as pre-cut, colorful KT Tape but is supposed to stick better. And I bought a spray that also helps the tape to adhere better and stay put.
This past week I ran less than a mile and a half with my doggies, and today 2 miles on the treadmill. A whole week wasted when the marathon is so close! My plan at this point is to take it easy and slowly ease back in to running this week. If I have to go to the gym and ride the exercise bike just to keep up my fitness then I'll do it. Because time is running out and I don't know what else I can do.
I'm sure that this is totally related: I have been feeling fatigued and depressed for the past several weeks. I sort of crashed the other week, all of the extra training and also extra work hours seemed to catch up to me at once. As much as I would love to be able to do everything that I set out to do (which is a lot) I do actually have a physical and emotional limit. I think the changing of the seasons has a lot to do with it, and cumulative effects of hard training. I had my first facial ever yesterday, and the facialist suggested that the pattern of my new acne breakouts on my skin suggest stress or adrenal dysfunction, and hormonal issues. All of which were theories of mine based off of internet research. Another theory is that my pH level is too acidic, I plan to eat more whole foods this week and drink lots of Smart Water.
Also notable news is that my birthday is this month. And Izzy's birthday too, he is exactly 10 days older. We'll both be 39. We're keeping it mellow this year, just having one combined celebratory dinner. Izzy won't even tell me what he wants for a present. Training is definitely keeping me in line. Usually, October is always such a busy month for us.
Besides that, I have been taking spanish again. This time just a 6 week class, which is perfect. Better teacher this time. My spanish is still not that conversational, but it's getting better.
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