If you asked me in August I would have stated an aggressive goal for the Army Ten Miler on October 9. I was doing 7-8 mile long runs at a 9-ish pace in the heat while chatting with a friend. I figured that would translate to an 8:30 or better pace for a fall race.
Well, one thing has led to another, and I think I am letting go of my Army Ten Miler goal–at least for now.
On the physical front, my toe is fine. My ITB is better today than it was last week thanks to the sports massage I had on Tuesday, but relieving that tension revealed even tighter knots in my piriformis–another recurring injury. I was in such pain on Wednesday that I squeezed in a deep tissue massage that evening. The massage therapist spent the full 30 minutes trying to release the tension in different regions of my butt and it still felt tight when she was done! (Insert your own tight-ass comment here–I can take it!) After some pigeon posing that night and the Rodney Yee “Twists” program the next morning, I finally felt better, but my lower back is still tight and my ITB is still nagging.
All of these issues threw a wrench in my running program. I ran 4.5 miles on Tuesday, swapped my planned run Thursday for Rodney Yee, and ran 6 miles today. I do plan to run 8 miles on Monday (Labor Day) but I don’t think I’ll be able to do another long run next weekend, because work is also going to interfere with my training.
This week I head out on a 10-day, 3-city business trip–yuck! I can’t monopolize the hotel gym treadmill for too long, so my maximum distance probably will be 6 miles, and even that will be a test of mental fortitude. Towards the end of my trip I do have one morning in Chicago where I hope to be able to go for a long run along Lake Michigan, but that may be the only day I can do an outdoor run. By the time I get home, there will only be three weekends left to the Army Ten Miler!
If all goes well, I will use those three weekends to run 8 miles, 10 miles, and then 8 miles.
In addition to the difficulty of squeezing in long runs, I know that business trips take a physical toll. I don’t eat as well, I don’t drink as much water, I drink more wine at receptions, I don’t sleep as well, and this trip will involve three long flights (and one shorter one).
Adding it all up, I think it will be better if I let go of any specific goals for the Army Ten Miler and just do the best I can with my training, and see where I am come race day. (Crossing the finish line smiling was enough of a challenge last year!) I’m really OK with this, and already setting my sights on a goal for the Hot Chocolate 15K in December.
That will be worth pushing myself for!
What’s the longest business trip you’ve been on?
Will you come help me pack?
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I think as long as you can get the injury tweaks worked out that you'd hit the original goal and then some. I know you're going to be busy, but you sound like you're able to work in runs.
Thanks, I really appreciate that vote of confidence. For me, letting go of a specific goal makes me feel better about doing what it takes to work out the tweaks, instead of thinking I have to push through to get all my planned workouts in.
gosh Coco.. no reason i see to let go of your goals, but I think you'll get them even if you do!
Don't stress yourself out over it, remember that running is fun.
Ick at your traveling, I went out of town for one day & feel like ass.
How did I get so far behind in your blog?!
A week 🙂
Can't wait to see your 3D alter ego in Chicago!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🙂
I'd vote to keep listening to your body…and you will do as well as you can do in the race. As my physiatrist used to say to me "Do, but don't overdo" :-).
My longest business trip was almost 3 weeks in AU, and I came home one day early b/c I was homesick!