Small steps, big picture
About a year ago, I went to the doctor after dealing with various foot issues on and off since late 2007. It’s odd to read the post about the visit and see what didn’t happen. I didn’t do physical therapy; I didn’t run on the weightless treadmill; and I didn’t get any shots in my foot. I simply wore some insoles for a little while (that temporarily hurt the other foot) and the infamous plantar faciitis “slipper” on and off for a few months and that was it. That was all I needed to get through the summer.
Fast forward a year later and I’m in a completely different state of mind. At the time of the doctor’s visit, I privately considered giving up on long distances. I wouldn’t have had a problem doing that — I never ran any longer than 4 miles for the first two and a half years of running anyway. Now, I’m planning a schedule of races to do this year. I haven’t done this in three years. I’ve focused on the big picture races and rest — Shamrock, rest, Rock ‘n’ Roll Half, rest, repeat. Big picture is important — I’m completely focused on the Richmond Marathon in November — but it’s the smaller picture races that will make the big picture even more rewarding.
I’m almost scared to put this out there, but it’s part of my shell-breaking that I’m doing. Sure, some of these races might not happen for various reasons, but this is the plan through November in addition to what I’ve already done.
* May 8: Bella 5K Stroller Race in Roanoke
This will be a first for me — racing with my son. I’ve never done more than 2.6 miles with a stroller, so it’ll be the longest distance with him. My main goal will be to finish without tripping over a baby or two … I guess as far as time is concerned, I’m really just shooting for under 9-minute miles. While I can run any time with my son, I’m looking forward to the racing experience. That makes the entry fee worth it.
* June 5: Trail Nut Half Marathon in Bedford
Another first — an all-out trail race. I’m hoping to do more trail running this month beyond a mile or two to prepare for this. It will mark the third half marathon this year, all with increasing difficulty. From what I’ve heard about this race and what I know about these mostly single-track trails, I think two hours or so will be likely. I’m looking forward to doing something radically different so my focus isn’t on a PR, but rather just having a good time.
* July 3: Academy Mile in Lynchburg
There needs to be more mile races. It’s been three years since I did a 6:26 in this race. I’ll set my mind on this much later, but it would be awesome to be even faster. Maybe that weird goal of mine of running so hard I throw up will come true.
* July 17: Percival’s Island 5-Miler in Lynchburg
This is one of my most favorite races around this area. It’s flat; it’s fast. One of my best races ever came here in 2007, so I hope that I continue what’s happened so far in 2010 and nail it again this year. This race will be a good test of where I am with my speed and endurance and can help set the tone for the three months of marathon training that will follow.
* Aug. 14: Lynchburg Half Marathon in Lynchburg
Want to run a half marathon for $20? That’s all this race is. It’s also a very flat race, a rarity for this area. It’s hard to believe that when this race gets here that this might be the fourth half marathon of the year. There’s also a 5K that same day — I might change my mind and do that as a speed workout instead. We’ll see. No reason to rush on that decision.
* Sept. 25: Virginia 10 Miler in Lynchburg
This is a wish-list race that is dependent on marathon training. This very tough race is only $30 through the end of August, so I’ll decide by then whether or not this will happen. If you’re looking for a challenge and can’t afford some bigger-named fall half marathons, this is one to consider doing.
* Nov. 13: Richmond Marathon in Richmond
Marathon No. 2 — the big prize — is 192 days away. The countdown is officially under way.
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Good, solid goals here!! I like the marathon, man! I am doing one this time next year. Three halfs between now and then to get ready. I wish you luck and look forward to hearing about it.
Very nice! Now I need to find some races to fill the gap between the half marathon and the full marathons
I like that you're playing around with it too and not JUST doing plain ol' road races. First a half marathon up a mountain (which might have still be on a road, but still, a mountain) and a trail half marathon? Awesome!
Just wondering how you managed to run through the plantar problems. I had this problem last year just after starting C25K, and I had to stop. I did get a shot, which helped very little, and some custom inserts that cost way too much money, along with some crazy rocker-bottom shoes that took the pressure off of my heel while I walked. But I couldn't run. I was better in 6 months, but was really scared to hurt it again. I started C25K and am in week 5, this Friday comes my 20 minute run, and I'm terrified. I'm running (okay, jogging) on the treadmill with my rocker-bottom shoes, which work fine, but are a bit heavy. I'm wanting to finally go out and get some real running shoes, but I'm scared, because that's how I screwed up my foot in the first place. I bought new shoes and ran in them. How do you protect your foot now with all of the running you do?
Debbie - It was more about managing the injury rather than running through it. From stretching to icing to massaging to finding the right shoe, it has gradually gotten better. It wasn't an overnight trick and I'm more than prepared to wear that boot at night if any pain reappears. The doctor told me that I could stop running for 3 months and it might not go away, so simply not running wasn't a guarantee. I suggest if you continue having problems to get a second opinion. I was fortunate to have a great doctor who offered some great advice that worked, and I self-prescribed not having to go back.
You have inspired me to schedule races for the summer. I have some vaguely in mind, but putting them on the calendar would be so much more motivating.
I hurt my hip running my marathon, recovery took for what seemed like forever! Injuries stink.
Nice list of races. I need to find some around here to do, to get my shit together. LOL. I like that you are shaking them up too. That's a good idea.
.-= Karyn´s last blog ..Hurry up! =-.