Pushing Through The Pain

My very first half marathon is just 16 days away. I am terrified! I've been apprehensive about races before, but never like this. I sincerely wish I hadn't paid all 4 Divas races in full! And not just the races, I paid air and hotel in advance too. Talk about committed!

What was first bothering me was the time it takes me to finish 13.1 miles. Barring injury, I should finish within the required 3:30, but not by much. I've been completing my long runs in a little over 3 hours. I recognize that I'm just coming off an injury, but it frustrates me because I'd be so much further along if I hadn't gotten injured. But really, what can I do about that? I can't change it and it's simply immature of me to complain about something I can't change. So I've gotten over it -- kinda...

Lately, what has been bothering me is the pain I feel towards the end of my runs. I bought compression socks to help with foot and ankle support and I've been doing hill repeats and weight training to strengthen my quads. I know it's going to take time and I most likely increased my distance too fast. But, as I stated before, it's all paid for. I'm too frugal to turn back now.

[UPDATE 4/13/13]

Just got back from my long run, and although my feet and legs are killing me, the pain is nothing like it was last time. I attribute it to a much flatter route and running my way, which is to run/walk. I think I may be able to get up and do some errands. I feel so much better about these half now. :)

Why You Have To Run Your Race

Last Sunday, I decided to run 13.1 miles with my run group. They are all familiar with my run/walk method, and one assured me that she'd be ok with going at my pace. So, I met with them and we set off.

That's me on the right. :)

Right away, everyone put on their music and took off. So, I took off as well. While I tried to indicate that I wanted to run, I was unable to get my friend's attention; so I kept on running.

We headed straight up South Blvd. which is quite hilly. Although our pace was MUCH slower than the others in the group, we ran it for 6.5 miles. That was when my knee (the same knee which I'm still rehabbing), started to hurt. I stopped immediately. My friend looked back after a few minutes and I told her that I had to walk. My knee hurt too much. So we went at my pace for the last half of our run.

When the run was over, I felt terrible. My feet were killing me, my knee and legs were sore and I was beyond tired. I took my shoes off and drove home in my socks.

It took me a while to make it to my 3rd floor condo, but when I finally got inside, I begged my husband for the rubbing alcohol and ice pack (yes, I keep them in the fridge for days such as this! Here's how you make it.)

I usually hurt after my long runs, but this time, it took 5 days for me to recover. And it's all my fault. I should have stuck to the run/walk method and not let peer pressure influence me.

That afternoon, I got a call from an elderly neighbor. She saw that I was having trouble walking and wanted to make sure I was alright. I saw her the next day and explained what happened. She gave me a big hug and encouraged me to keep on running.

That, I will do. But from now on, I'm running my race at my pace.