I know I haven't talked much about my training for my 50k that is actually coming up this weekend. I cannot believe it is here already. It always seems so far away when you register for the race. I admit
I never had a real training plan on any of my marathons I've run. Mainly because my crazy work schedule has never allowed for it. But this time was different, because I was able to make the time for a training plan.
It still wasn't as strict of one like others may set up but it worked for me and that's all that matters. In addition to running a few times through the week, I made sure I progressively added my mileage for my long run on the weekends. My longest run in this training cycle was 21 miles. That was two weeks ago. I felt pretty good during the run and even afterwards.
BUT the next day my knee started bothering me, which was odd because I have never had that feeling before. I have had some IT Band problems in the past, but this was different. Such bad timing! So many thoughts were running through my head. What if my knee continued to bother me and I don't even make it to the starting line or what if I begin and have to DNF. That is one of my biggest fears. I kept thinking in the back of my head. My sister may be right. She was nervous for me having such a big race before my Goofy Challenge in January. I assured her that everything would be fine when I signed up for the race. Of course no one thinks they are going to get an injury during their training. Everybody has a goal in mind for their races, usually time related, but this one is just to finish for me. Luckily it rained the rest of the week so that was my excuse to not get out and run at all (even though I do have a treadmill). But I thought it would do my body good to take some time off and relax.
This weekend I knew it was going to be beautiful! There was no way I was going to miss a run with this weather. 60 + degrees in Central PA in December, I'll take it! So off I went for a run. My goal was to go for about an hour. I knew if that's all I was going, there was no need to carry water with me. I was about halfway through my run and I started getting very thirsty. I think it was because I didn't drink enough in the morning. Luckily my Uncle's house was on the route I was running. And it just so happened he was outside grilling ribs that smelled delicious when I ran by. He asked if I wanted a rib for the road. As much as I wanted to say yes, I declined. After grabbing a quick drink I was back to my run. My uncle use to used to run back in the day, so he gets it! He even qualified for Boston with a finishing time of 2:57 at Steamtown marathon a few years ago. How awesome is that?
Anyways, that little pit stop was just what I needed to get me through my run. I finished a strong 8 miles. The best part was not having any knee pain throughout the run! I guess all I needed was the rest. I am going to take the rest of the week off until my race. Let's hope it feels just as good this coming weekend for my 50K race and I get to the starting line and make it to the finish line without any pain. -L
What is your biggest fear in a race?
Have you ever DNS or DNF before?
We are linking up with the gals from TOTR.