Monday, April 23, 2007

Five

I got an e-mail from the folks at Elite Racing the other day, reminding me that the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon is just five weeks following the Country Music Half-Marathon. In, um, San Diego, which is a long, long way from the Middle of Nowhere. Those sweet folks told me that I was already in great shape, and promised that a five-week training schedule would be included in our goodie bags in Nashville. From the website:

Snort! Jumping from a half to a full marathon in five weeks? Not in my lifetime. Heh. But Josie is training for it, and I love her attitude. She says, "I'm really looking forward to just enjoying the runs rather than stressing out about how long/hilly/warm they'll be now that my whole attitude toward the marathon has changed (don't stress … just have fun)."

I need some of that attitude. Much of my stress has to do with what's been going on here this week, but I'm also worried about hurting myself on these last few runs. My right leg, which I felt I had strained on Saturday, is fine but now the outside of my left knee hurts. I hope it's just all in my head. I've been trading painful knees off and on the last couple months, but they usually quit hurting after a day or two.

This week I was supposed to rest yesterday and today – the first two consecutive scheduled rest days since late January – but the funeral is tomorrow, so I'll do tomorrow's short run today.

I'm leaving for Nashville Thursday morning, as planned. Because of the way things have gone this week, Mr. Shrinking Knitter won't be able to come with me. Disappointing, but it can't be helped.

Thank you all for your kind comments and e-mails. I really appreciate all of you.

Five days until race day.

7 comments:

Anne M. said...

Being stressed is a by product of so many things and you have had more than enough on your plate. The death of your dear friend has to be weighing heavily on your heart - I'm so sad with you and your family.

You're right to be careful about not hurting yourself and you have learned how to listen to your body to keep it whole. Trust that knowledge now.

Running this race is about you and what you've accomplished. Of course you want to do well but I also hope that you just love doing it - whether you go to California or not, it's a great kick to be invited to go!

Lori G. said...

I can see it now. The Shrinking Knitter abandons the Middle of Nowhere to go on a marathon of marathons. :-)

You will have fun. You'll be with your family (minus Mr. SK) who will be rooting for you, all of us rooting for you and your grandchildren will just be over the top about you competing. I can imagine the adrenaline you'll be feeling when you're at the starting point. I'm so proud of you -- think of how far you've come on this journey and I'm so glad you include us in on it.

Jack Sprat said...

Debbi: I'm glad to hear that you are being smart about listening to your body. Sure, you might be able to FORCE yourself to run extra miles or IGNORE the pain you're feeling, but that isn't really taking care of yourself. Training is about pushing boundaries, that's for sure, but I think you've proved its possible to do that while not going overboard.

I think you'll be in fine shape come race day.

-J

Adam said...

Good luck this weekend. I will be thinking about you!!!

LME said...

5-4-3-2-1!

So close.

I hope there will be a photo of you crossing the finish line for us to see!

Mary Christine said...

I am so excited for you.

ws said...

I would say try lots of ice on the knees and they should feel better. The pain could be all mental (though I'm not insinuating anything) phantom injuries always seem to appear with race anxiety.

Have a safe trip to Nashville...