Thursday, March 6, 2014

When things don't go to plan...




I had it all planned out...

I was 4 weeks out from the Twilight Half Marathon.  The event I've had in mind for months.  The one where I'd finally be able to give my 21.1km PB a really good crack.

I would run 45-50km a week.
Each week I would include intervals, a long run and a speed session.
I would watch what I'd eat, to best nourish my body and be in top shape.
I'd do strength exercises and stretching to be as prepared as possible.
Then I would run a sub-1:45:00 half marathon.

But with 4 weeks to go, training hit a hurdle.  I'd had a niggle in my lower leg for some time - kind of in between my shin & calf.  It would come and go, and usually would just subside once I warmed up. But this time, it really started to give me problems.  It was hurting when I walked, and it was 2km in to a planned 5km pram run that I actually had to stop.

It was then I realised that I'd have to abandon the training plan and rest up.   (That and my wonderful husband saying "for crying out loud, just stop running!!")  It's now been 1 week with no running and I have no pain at the moment, but haven't tried it out running yet.  I had a few days of not making very good choices with my food (gee, I sound like a mum!) but am back on track now and feeling much better for it!

I'm not fixated on the Twilight event - if it happens, it happens.  If not, there are plenty of other events I can do.  The important thing is that this niggle doesn't turn into a full-blown injury, and that I get back to peak form so I can blitz this half marathon.

Running can be funny like that.  Ups & downs, twists & turns.  Fingers crossed I can regain some consistency next week.  I'll keep you posted!