Ease On Down, Ease On Down the Road

Finally. Finally, I'm posting.

I can't believe I already complete the 18 week mileage build-up schedule. That seems crazy to me. And now, the 18 week countdown begins to the Marathon! Just 4 1/2 months to race day. That may seem like a lot of time, but it doesn't feel like it to me!

I made a few more adjustments to my training schedule--made it easier to read, and adjusted the mileage a bit. I will post some definitions soon so that when you see the term "Tempo" or "Strides", you'll know what that means. A lot of you probably already do! I'll try to get it done today.

I still need to make some adjustments to my schedule the week Cory and I will be in Hawaii. That Sunday is supposed to be my first 20 mile run. While I definitely plan on doing some running in Honolulu, I will NOT being doing a 20 mile run on vacation. No hobbling around Oahu for me! It should be easy to make the adjustment--I just need to really sit down and focus on the schedule.

As for the minor hip injury I mentioned in my last post--here's the deal. I have been noticing some pain on the inside of my left hip towards the end of my long runs. It's not excruciating, but more than the pain, it feels like it needs to pop, or is slightly out of joint. I had to stop running on my last 10 mile run around 9.5 miles because of it. I walked the rest of the way. But since this was happening at mile 10, I was concerned about making it to 20 miles and so decided I should go get checked out at the UW Sports Medicine Clinic. So I did just that.

After examining me, and taking x-rays, the doc didn't see anything he was heavily concerned about. He said he's pretty sure I probably have a little tendonitis in my joint, which would account for the "popping" feeling and the pain/stiffness. He did say there's a slim chance of it being the beginning of a stress fracture, but that I'd need an MRI to indicate that. The regular X-ray doesn't pick it up. However, he was certain that with a little physical therapy, I'd notice an improvement. So, the treatment is this:
1) When the problems starts to occur, I need to stop running. I can walk or do any movement that does not aggravate it. I can run as long as I can go without the problem popping up.
2) 4-6 weeks of physical therapy. This will include some stretches and movements that will help loosen the muscles around the joint. It'll also include some core strength training. This will help me run with good form for a longer period of time. The core muscles will fatigue less quickly and that will mean less stress on my lower body by giving it stronger upper body support.

My first session is next Tuesday, the 26th.

If I don't notice an improvement with the Physical Therapy sessions after 6-ish weeks, then I'll go back for an MRI.

Though I had to stop running a bit early on my last long run, it was one of the best runs I've had yet. I felt very strong and confident. I will admit that the last few Sundays, I've started out with kind of a bad attitude--not wanting to run. But I've always tried to approach it with the attitude of "just start and feel it out and see how far you can go". Almost every run, once I get started, that's all it takes is for my body to warm up, and then I'm good to go.

5 miles yesterday morning. 8 miles this morning on horrible sleep last night. I was tired and groggy when I got to the gym. But I made it through just fine. It felt "effortless". Two mantras I have picked up and recite to myself during runs when I'm starting to feel tired, or those negative thoughts pop into my head that tell me to stop:

"Float like a butterfly. Float like a butterfly. Float like a butterfly".
"Ease on down, Ease on down the road. Ease on down, Ease on down the road".

Might seem silly, but it works for me! Recognize the phrases? (Of course you do).

Another 10 mile long run this Sunday. Next Sunday it jumps to 12!

Once again I have to say THANKS to everyone who has been incredibly supportive--and continues to be! And double thanks to Cory for being my water boy and cheering section on my long runs!

'Till we meet again!