Eleven weeks to go before race day. Time for a cut-back (recovery) week and an assessment.
I've decided to run 35 miles this week. I will run only base pace or slower...no speed work...maybe some pick-ups. Why? The assessment part:
I've been battling Achilles tendinitis for over four weeks. I also have a right inner, upper thigh, groin issue. It will tighten during rest, loosens okay during work-outs. I am sure these are related to the hills and extreme slant to the roads out here, I try to stay on the crown of the road as much as possible but it still takes a toll.
I'm not too worried about these problems but they are enough to be a real bother. After this week I will build for three more weeks into the 50 mile range so I need to rest up a little.
On a positive note I feel like I am running better than I have in a long time. I feel strong and sure. There is still a little voice that occasionally says "you can't do it, Mark".
It reminds me of my first marathon. At about mile 7 or 8 I am passing a person. We run together for a few moments and exchange kind words, etc. This person asks me what time I'm aiming for. I reply with the goal of breaking four hours. They say, O you can't do that now.
I finished with my current PR of 4:05.33. Just missed it!!! They were right....but I think I can do it now....I need some more long runs, pace runs, progression runs, and a couple of good races for confidence. Totals- 4.07 miles-
Hope your training is going well! Peace!
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5 comments:
Good idea to step it back a little and take care of that issue before it becomes full-blown injury.
You've been running really well. I see 4:00 in your future!
Good for you for being smart now rather than injured later. Such a hard call to make to step things back, but the ability to do so is such a huge part of being a successful marathoner!
You can do it! You are training smart and are listening to your body. You are going to do great!
regular cutback/reduced mileage weeks are important. i do them every 3-4 weeks myself! hopefully after a lighter and easier week the legs will be recuperated and ready for another few weeks of hard training.
11 weeks will go by so fast!!! you are doing great, "enjoy" your cutback week :)
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