Some of you may be wondering how my progress has been on training for the full Memorial Marathon here in Oklahoma City. A few weeks ago I wrote about The Joys of Running...and slightly injuring my knee. At that point I realized that if I didn't take some serious time off from running, my left knee and right leg were not going to recover. I decided to take a week off and jog a few miles during the week just to see how my legs felt. However the pain in my legs continued to get worse with each long run.
I think it struck me when I was reading an email from the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon about how part of being able to run in the marathon is training and actually being able to make it to the start line injury-free. Since the marathon training plan was upping our mileage two miles per week, I knew there would not be the time off I needed to recover.
So I made the decision not to run in the marathon this spring. The deciding factor for me was that I might not be able to run again if I continued to train on injured legs. And I decided that I would rather be able to run a few miles a few times a week over running a marathon once and possibly not being able to run again.
During these weeks I've taken off from doing long runs, I've remembered how to rest. And I've allowed my mind and body to recover. I actually took a week or two off from even running at all. I felt with the marathon training that I was beginning to dread one of the things that brings so much joy to my life. And my attitude was suffering. So in the weeks since my rest, I've been working my way back into running and listening to my body. If my legs are hurting, I take a few extra days off to allow them to recover before going back out. During this time, I've been able to remember why I love running.
Photos by Marilyn Nimz
I think there is a really valuable lesson about how to respond when almost anything you love begins to cause suffering. Rest is so very important. And listening.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right Rachel. I'm definitely changing up my focus and enjoying this time of rest. Thanks so much for the words. -M
DeleteIt must have been a hard decision not to run the marathon, but rest and healing is more important I believe. You will have other chances, life is funny like that.
ReplyDeleteIt was probably the most difficult decision i've made this year and that's why I think it took so long for me to write about again. But it is definitely for the best right now. Healing is definitely more important. Thanks so much for your encouraging words!
DeleteYou are so smart for deciding not to run the marathon this year, and looking at this from a long term point of view. There is always next year, and the year after that... ♥ Glad you have given your self a chance to breathe. ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you! And you are so right. There is always next year. In the mean time, we are enjoying this time of rest and refocusing our priorities. I was literally burnt out every weekend from running so much. While it still remains a goal of mine, it will have to wait. Thanks for your encouraging words.
Deletebeautiful pics dear, and don't worry will happen other occasions :)
ReplyDeleteps. follow u back via gfc, and if you want we can also keep in touch via twitter and bloglovin... let me know! :) big kisses
TheGlamourDrama
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Thank you! I took the photos while running recently. It was my chance to rest for a minute and enjoy the beauty around me. Thanks for the follow! :)
DeleteHEy very nice pictures dear. You try to take it lightly, its all about our perspective that we see. Just don't worry and take some good rest.
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Thank you so much Khushbu.
DeleteAwww look at your dog! I have a Yorkie too :) so cute!
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That's great! Yes we love our little baby. Thanks for stopping by! :)
DeleteIts always tough when life seems to get in the way of our goals, but it seems like you're taking care of yourself and reminding yourself why you love what you're doing. Those are the real important parts. After resting and treating yourself well, maybe you can start up training again and run a marathon later in the year.
ReplyDeleteYou are right Kara! We'll see, but hoping to maybe train for the marathon next year. I appreciate the advice. Thanks for stopping by! :)
DeleteNice pics! I have the same dog as you :)
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Thanks Charlotte! Thanks for stopping by! :)
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