Photo from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/marine_corps/6306941448/sizes/n/
If you’ve been reading this blog, you’re probably aware of my plans to run the Marine Corps Marathon in DC on Halloween. I’ve stayed on course throughout the training program plugging away, mile after mile.
A few weeks ago on my 20 mile run, I ran into a glitch when I felt pretty intense pain in my right hip, I kept running though – however foolish and sadistic that might seem…I didn’t feel it was truly injured – so with the help of my running partner, I kept going. I knew I needed to get that 20 mile run into my realm of experience before I attempted the big 26.2. It was a long hard run, but it the end, it felt amazing to see how hard and far (literally) I’d pushed myself. In the end I was glad to have done it.
A couple of weeks passed, weeks in which I was supposed to be tapering (reducing the amount I would run prior to a big race to begin the final phase of pre-race preparation), but instead I did hardly anything besides bike, weights and rest my hip. I even tried to run a few in Vegas but it still hurt. You can imagine how worried I was when I realized that it was time to get back on the running wagon…yesterday I needed to run 10 miles. I was worried that I might have really hurt myself and/or that if I tried to run, I wouldn’t be able to. But I had to try if I wanted to do MCM. So I did – and despite a little discomfort, I’m so glad I did.
With the race 1 week away, I’m entering the rest phase (I’m fully planning to use this as an excuse – oh – no – can’t do housework, might tire me too much! No carrying laundry…don’t want to get injured!!…we’ll see how that works out around here!).
It has made such a difference to have a running partner. Thanks to Kristi, I have someone to be accountable to. It’s much easier to make excuses when you are going at something alone. My kids, who are aware of my marathon goals, have also been incredibly supportive. They know this is something I’m working toward and ask when I’m running or how far I ran. They’ll be with me on my journey next week as well as Hubby. While I didn’t reach my weight loss goals, I have found a place within me that is strong, dedicated and committed to health, fitness, achievement, and well-being. Regardless of what my time will be, I just want to finish this race -and enjoy the rewards of my hard work. As a mom to boys, I’m so glad to be able to show them a strong female example (just as I would want to if I had girls).
