Ok, 14 weeks until the Seattle Amica Half Marathon. I am going to attempt to TOTALLY redeem myself. Last year this was a terrible experience. As I mentioned yesterday I am terrible at sticking to a training plan. My life does not fit neatly into a daily schedule. Period. But last year I tried to stick to Hal Higdon’s Intermediate plan and I did a darn good job, despite a pretty painful IT band injury that set me back about 4 weeks. But nonetheless I had a good base and was doing all the required runs, tempo runs, speed work, and long runs. I even did the cross training and weight training too, which I love! I am finally seeing muscles in my arms!
I KNOW!
EXCITING!
But, but…about 2 weeks before the race I did something to my neck. My therapistS (yes, multiple therapists: Physical Therapist and my, well…REAL therapist*) were in agreement. They were certain it was tension, stress, and anxiety.
DUH.
Husband in Iraq, mommy with no family support, full-time Master’s student, working, and training for a race = serious tension and stress. So I was out for two weeks leading up to the race and doped up on some pretty heavy pain meds and muscle relaxers. But I was determined to do the race. Before the injury I was on track to have a PR, which at that time would have been below 2.03.56. But the hills, oh those darned hills put there by God himself to challenge me, smacked me in the face and to state the obvious my neck hurt and I was mentally defeated. I wasn’t kidding when I said this was my worst half. I finished in like 2.22 or something like that. I prefer not to think about it. SO, this year I am going to pay this Seattle Half course a little visit. We are going to have a little chat. I am going to show this course who is boss!
Watch me!
I WILL STICK TO THIS PLAN and attempt a new PR (oh boy, those are fighting words).
But like I said, I have a hard time sticking to the plan…so I am going to add the Super Jock n Jill Half Marathon and Kirkland Triathlon to this plan. My problem is that I always want to do the races in between, making it super hard to stick to the plan.
Gratitude Journal:
1. I am grateful for an evening of peace and quiet.
2. I am grateful for all my new blog followers! I have 11 now! Thanks!
3. I am grateful for my bike and sweet bike trailer that my little buddy will be riding in tomorrow!
4. I am grateful that a small tweaking pain in my foot and shin seems to have come and gone without consequence.
*I will have to do a post on the benefits of therapy for athletes! I am a mental health provider and a huge advocate for mental health! I am not ashamed to say I have a therapist and he has helped me in my running journey! Next week I will post about Sports Psychology! Ooo! Fun!
P.S. I think this means I am not doing Portland. Sigh. I HAVE to get my marathon done.
Amanda! Me too . . . I decided to run it! Even though I vowed never to (I decided that I didn't need to run Seattle's hills), I'm gonna do it. My goal time is 2.00.00. We'll see. I'm also going to use Hal's intermediate running program. WE CAN DO IT!
ReplyDeleteOKC 4/25/10!
ReplyDeleteOK Amber...are you going to do it too? I think that is a good one because J will be gone then. When can I register? That is a good time too, coming off of the Nov. 29 half I can transition into the full training plan.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Amber, I don't see that you are following me yet! ;)
I like your attitude..you go out there and show that half who's boss! ;)
ReplyDeleteFYI I know a GREAT hill training route in Bonney Lake. LOL.. Hugs
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