 |
| One of my favorite pics from the Prairie Fire Half-Marathon (because my legs look strong ... ha) |
No, I'm not talking about just running any marathon. I'm a firm believer that almost anyone can train to the point of being able to run 26.2 miles, regardless of ability. No friends, I'm talking about trying to run the 2015 Colfax Marathon in Denver next weekend while being out of shape, and borderline injured. It goes against everything I would recommend, and it's definitely against my better judgement. And I'm being 100% honest when I tell you that a DNF would be embarrassing, but not surprise me at all.
Here's why I'm really really really scared about this one. As I've written repeatedly, I've dealt with left hip bursitis all Spring. It had pretty much died down, but is giving me a little tightness and minor soreness after last week's race in Wichita. As well as making my hip a little weaker than normal, the hip inflammation really cut into my marathon training mileage. In fact, in the last month, I've only ran in double digit mileage six times. Six. And since my last marathon in February, my only long runs have have consisted of 16, 18, 20 and 16 miles. That's it.
I usually pride myself in keeping in good enough shape to be able to run a marathon pretty much anytime I want, but with the hip injury, I'm nowhere near that conditioning. I struggled with ten miles this morning. Granted, it was the week after a pretty fast half-marathon, and literally 90% humidity ... but it was only ten miles.
So why am I still going to try to run the race? Eh, mainly because Michael and I had scheduled it around a trip to Denver for our 10 year anniversary. If not for that, and the fact that we're meeting some friends there, I'd probably just cancel it. Plus, I really want to check another State off my map, and I haven't done Colorado yet.
Now I know what you're thinking ... I've doubted myself on marathons in the past, and then "magically" ran a BQ or at least, a good race. But not this time. No way. I'll keep a close monitor on how I'm feeling at the halfway point, and I might be taking the "chicken exit" to the half-marathon. After Denver, I plan on taking about two weeks off from running to get my hip right. But who knows, maybe I'll need longer than that. We'll see. Have a great week!
... Be Great Today!
Sounds like something I might do, so I can't exactly advise against it. I'm sure you know yourself well enough to make the right choice - run, race, DNS, DNF.
ReplyDeleteI'll definitely start it Grace, and I think I'll probably be able to finish if the hip doesn't give out, but that's what I'm worried the most about.
DeleteThose are nice look'n legs. 26 miles won't hurt if you do it easy.
ReplyDeleteYou just look tough in that photo, strong legs and strong face! Hope your hip holds out for you
ReplyDeleteHa, well I'm not as tough as you cowboys & cowgirls, but thanks
DeleteWill be keeping fingers crossed for you! I'm sure you will run the race that is right for you. You know your body and your capabilities pretty well. I'm sure your looking forward to those 2 wks off!!!
ReplyDeleteOh and if your looking for a winter marathon check out the charleston marathon in SC. Relatively small (2k or so) but beautiful scenery! Held first week of January.
Thanks Melissa, I definitely will, and yes - I actually am looking forward to taking some time off without running
DeleteCould you possibly switch to half? A half would be muh less strain on your body yet you'd get to experience race weekend. I had a full planned this spring in IL and about 3 weeks before decided it was not worth the wear and tear if I wasn't going to get a time I was happy with so I switched to the half. Best decision ever. I ran my second fastest half and the weather was awful. I'm so glad I wasn't running 3 hours in it. (1:25 was long enough!) Just a thought.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I've kicked it around Tia, but I think if I'm smart about it, I can finish in good health - originally I planned on BQ'ing it, but that's completely out of the question
DeleteThere's no shame in a DNF. You're looking at the big picture and the big picture has 26.2 on it.
ReplyDeleteYeah, DNF'ing wouldn't be the end of the world, I just don't wanna end my streak, ha
DeleteHey Jim,
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about the conflicting thoughts. I sense you are a competitor and always want to do your best and I think part of you is wrestling with the fact you aren't bringing 100% of your abilities to the race day. If your hip is truly bad and you are worried that running a marathon will make it worse: then by all means a DNS is probably the way to go.
However, my guess, is that if you can do an 18 mile training run, you *can* get through a full marathon. Will it be your best? Probably not (also remember that Denver is at mile high altitude), but I think if you go into this race as a "mark it off my 50 states list". I remember a few years ago I did a marathon up in Idaho -- three weeks after I had run a less than satisfactory marathon. I went in with the mindset -- I am going to do this as best as I can, but I know I am not going to PR and I am just going to get Idaho off my state's list and enjoy the experience. And I 100% let myself off the hook in terms of a time. To date, it was my slowest marathon (4:37). Like anyone who cares about their running, I am a little embarrassed about my time, but you know what, I completed a marathon, in a new state and I can still remember all the wonderful experiences I had.
Maybe if you frame it as you are going in for the experience and simply to knock another state off your state's list, you'll go in with a better point of view. If your hip dies on you at mile 18, there is no shame in bowing out, but I really hope that you remember running is supposed to be enjoyable and by the name of your blog, you are shooting for one in each state. They all can't be BQs. I think setting the right mindset -- you are completing another marathon, in a new state with friends and your wife will make the event less negative.
I look forward to hearing your report.
You're right Eddie, in my core, my "fight" or "flight" nature always chooses FIGHT, so I don't do very well with "settling" - but I think it's the right choice for this race. I'm honestly no one bit concerned about time, and will most likely walk a good deal of it
DeleteGood luck with the race! There is no shame in a DNF, and there is shame. It has been tough for me to deal with, very tough. I feel like every "Don't be a sissy" running post is directed at me because I quit. I quit because it was the right thing to do on a tough course that could have killed my generally happy spirit and put me back in to my 2014 funk, and I don't want to be that person again, she sucked. Don't call it the "chicken exit" if you injure yourself further you may be sidelined for a lot longer than it will take to lick your DNF wounds. My thoughts take them or leave them...
ReplyDeleteOh, I absolutely don't buy into the "you're a sissy if you quit" mentality - I don't look at not finishing a marathon as "quitting". Quitting would be never starting it, or never even starting the training, but sh-- get's real during a marathon and there are so many variables to simply completing it, let alone completing it well. I think you're a great athlete and runner - so please don't be offended when I say I'll "be embarrassed" by DNF'ing. It's only embarrassment because so many people expect a certain "performance" from me, but believe me, I have no problem with shutting it down if its the only means to staying healthy
DeleteLast year, my wife ran the Colfax half and I did the 10 miler. I wasn't in marathon shape and we are too competitive to be in the same race. Although some parts of the course are boring, there are a lot of really cool things to see along to course. If you're not shooting for a PR, enjoy what the race can offer, they call it an urban tour for a reason. It passes through a lot of cool stuff and its very different than Missouri. Its also interesting to see how many people are using pot while they race.
ReplyDeleteThanks, that's one of the main things I'm looking forward to, just enjoying the day, and everything the course has to offer ... and apparently that's weed!
Deleteyou'll finish, but if your hip needs to stop, that's o.k., too...there's nothing worse than irreversible damage.
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted to write and say "thank you" for your hip flexor exercise video featured on your blog...
I was doing core strengthening exercises for the longest time in response to a sore left hip issue, thinking weak stomach muscles were the problem...the minute I began using the exercise bands to
strengthen my hip, the soreness disappeared...and I felt stronger than ever before. Thanks so much!
Man, thank you so much for the kind words. I'm so glad it helped! When I'm really "right" in my training, most of that workout is a staple, but my hip inflammation has kept from a good deal of the workout this Spring, I can't wait to get back to it. Thank you so much for commenting - I really appreciate it! Good luck!
DeleteHave a great trip! Just don't let your ego get in the way of your brain out there. ;-)
ReplyDeleteEh, even though we've never met ... you apparently know me, ha! Keeping my ego in check is an ongoing battle ... or so I'm told by the Mrs.
DeleteHey, it may not be pretty, but you need to remember your ultimate goal of 50 states! Not all of them can be the way you want them to be... it will only make you appreciate the good races more. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteMr Jim, Checking In On You. Hope the body is holding up, you are enjoying what you are doing right now, and the fact that KC is 7-3 in their last 10 games and on top of the AL Central. Get After It Brother
ReplyDelete