Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Ready to dive back in

It's been two weeks since I was forced to stop running due to a muscle pull in my right calf. The first week I was in great discomfort due to the injury then, early last week, I picked a nasty cold virus that literally knocked me off my feet for a few days.

I'm just now starting to feel normal and in the mood to re-start the fitness program. The good news is that my coach advises me I'm well ahead in my training regimen and can afford some time off. And I've received some great support from a number of people.

Tomorrow I get back on my schedule with some cardio and light workouts on the treadmill for the balance of the week. The weather has changed and is milder. However, I'm not planning any outdoor runs for the next week or so, until I'm sure my injury is healed. My biggest concern is getting back into the daily discipline of exercise. The rest will take care of itself.

until next week,

Michael

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

dealing with adversity.

As I wrote last week's update complete with a new plan to move to Phase Two of my marathon plan, I had no idea what awaited me. One of the issues about running outdoors in the winter is that it can be slippery when sidewalks haven't been plowed. During a 12K run last Thursday, I became aware of a nagging pain in my right calf. I had to cut the run short at 10K and got home hobbling.

I rested Friday and tried to out on Saturday, but only made it a few steps when I realized I still had a serious problem. I emailed my coach and, on his suggestion, suspended running for at least a week. I managed to get into a physio clinic on Monday and am now working on repairing the damage, a serious muscle pull in my calf. And at the same time, I've developed a winter cold with chest congestion and sinus problems. Kind of like the runners version of The Perfect Storm.

The good news is that my coach advises I'm ahead of schedule in my training and can afford to take a little time off. Also, I've connected with a top notch physio specialist who is giving me lots of great information and suggestions. I feel lke crap but realize that my body is telling me it needs to recharge. What perfect timing, when the weather is too cold and unpleasant ( we have 15-20 cm / 5 - 8 in. of snow on the way today) to be outside.

So everything is on hold. I plan on getting back on the exercise bike as soon as I feel a little better. I have physio exercises to help strengthen my right leg and I'm getting lots of rest.

until next week,

Michael

Wednesday, February 7, 2007

Now the real work begins.

I had my meeting with my coach this morning. He heaped the praise about my progress before he dropped the bomb (re-read the title of this update). If I'm going to achieve my objective of completing the marathon in 4 1/2 hours, I need to increase my satmina and decrease my time in the first half.

My new short-term objective is run 10K in one hour. To this end, I now have a once-a-week plan for interval training. This will help me train my body to work harder by pushing myself for short periods. I will also run with the running room group once a week. This will help me improve by keeping pace with others who will probably be running a little (or a lot) faster.

I'm quite looking forward to the change in regimen. I was getting bored with simply increasing my distance. I know I've progressed a long way from my starting point on Nov. 1. I can see changes in my body. My gut is almost gone and my belt is two notches tighter.

I've also decided to quit whining and feeling sorry for myself. I found I've been focusing much too much on negative issues like my little aches and pains, and being tired sometimes. This comes with the territory. I've made it this far, I can make it even further. No more excuses!

until next week,

Michael

Thursday, February 1, 2007

halfway home

I'm a day late in posting this update. That's because I wanted to delay until I had some good news to share. Last Sunday I completed 21K. It was a brutal experience. I remember thinking as I finished "and I have to do this twice?"

I took Monday off. An overbooked schedule on Tuesday and Wednesday meant no running. This is the first time since I started this program I've gone three days without exercising. And I found myself looking for excuses to avoid going out today.

Running at this time of year is really unpleasant, the cold weather and bitter wind make it hard to enjoy the time outdoors. The memory of the painful 21K run is still fresh in my mind. But I've gone public and people are watching, so I knew I had to go out.

I ended up completing a strong 12K run, feeling refreshed as I came in the door. The mental aspect of this challenge really is the most important. I'm still injury-free, I haven't been sick and I continue to increase my weekly distance. And now I'm halfway there.

until next week,

Michael