As this post gets published, there are only 2 weeks until the Glass City half marathon. Yep… 14 days!!!! OMG! How did we get here already? I had a fun week which had some running, and a famous running person. YES I DID MEET DES LINDEN! Ok, I was really excited about that event. I also toured OSU – go Buckeyes! This week I ran 30 miles and am now heading into the taper for the race. It feels odd since I’ve run 18 and 20 mile long runs already this cycle (started training for the full), yet with the low mileage weeks I had recently, I feel a bit undertrained for the half marathon! Undertrained is the best I’m going to get now, so trust the process, right?
Mon – 5 miles, treadmill. I didn’t even have anything written on my plan for today, since I just wiped out the full marathon plan and added in the half marathon miles – and apparently forgot to write today down. Oops. 5 miles seems like a perfect way to start my week!
Tues – 5.5 miles. I got to run outside and see the sunrise! It’s a great day whenever that happens. It seems to be those weird days again when I can’t figure out what to wear. 48 degrees, feel like 44. Two long sleeve shirts were just uncalled for, and I got to do a strip show mid run! My plan involved speedwork. I’m definitely not up for doing any speedwork, but I thought I would at least think about being a little speedier than slower. Oh boy, my “fast” speed was about 90 seconds slower than my healthier paces are. Oooof! At least it wasn’t more than just “annoying” instead of painful.
Today was a PT visit. Not a whole lot of change in my plan. I got some adjustments because my legs/hips are always out of whack. I would not be surprised if a Dr said I had a leg length discrepancy (and maybe I’ve had that discussion already, I can’t remember!). Anyhow, things seem to be progressing in a positive way. My PT said to just focus on the slow endurance stuff and things should be good (translation: “I know you are bummed because you can only run slow. This too will pass. Be patient my friend!”)
Weds – Rest day!
Thurs – 7 miles. My PT suggested I raise my cadence from my regular 171-173 to 176. I set my watch to show only cadence. I did feel my glutes working a little more from a shorter stride (or maybe it was just my imagination?) Overall my pace was a bit faster too. I was happy with this run! [note how I am not even patient from being told this just two days ago from my PT? haha!!]
We took a trip to The Ohio State University to learn about the Engineering program they offer. OSU is a few hours away from our house, which is ideal for driving my EV! The final decision hasn’t been made yet by my son, but we are getting super close.
Thursday night fun – book event with Des Linden! Des was in town promoting her new book, Choosing to Run. Our local running shop, Dave’s Running, helped organize the event and about 300 people came out to hear her talk. It was a Q & A format and there were a lot of good questions, answers, and stories. Des is so friendly – and petite! Afterwards I went out for a drink with my friend. I haven’t been able to run with her all training cycle so it was fun to catch up with her.
Fri – 3 mile run. I probably should have taken a rest day as I was a little sore, but opted for some sunshine and a run instead. I did get a good picture today though 😉
Sat – 10 miles, long run! I got to run with my husband! (seems like this has been on trend on the blogs lately, no? ) We ran part of the Glass City Marathon course – the hilly parts! Phew, I was spent by 9.5 miles! My angry glutes were complaining a bit for the first 4 miles, but it was a beautiful sunny day and it was really nice to enjoy the course with my husband.
Sun – Rest day, Happy Easter! We had an egg hunt, enjoyed dinner with my parents, and got outside to enjoy the beautiful weather! The kids rode skateboards while we took a walk.
The temps will be hitting near 80 degrees in the upcoming week. I hope to get out biking at least once, and hopefully there will be some nice running temps in the morning hours too.
Need some more inspiration? I’m linking up with Deborah at Confessions of a Mother Runner and Kim from Running on the Fly for their Weekly Run Down. Check out all of the fun blogs there!
For those who celebrate, I hope you had a really nice Easter.
Q: Did anyone color Easter eggs this year??
We didn’t 😂
I did get the audiobook version of Choosing to Run. So far it’s been good!! It is read by Des, which is… a bit interesting. I recommend the book!
Ooh, you met Des, how exciting!!! I have a library hold on her book that I’m waiting on. I can’t wait to read it. I’m not sure I would want to listen to the audiobooi read by her… I love Des, but I don’t find her to have a very engaging or charismatic speaking voice so i’m wondering if her narration is a little… dull? Anyway, I’ll just read it the old fashioned way.
Sounds like your running is going well! Any running is better than no running- so what if you’re slower. The important thing is your glute (hamstring?) is feeling better and you’ll be able to run the half in two weeks. The speed will come back!
I remember April of my son’s senior year was a VERY stressful time for us- I think my son made his decision on April 29th. Hopefully your son’s decision isn’t as difficult.
It is fun to listen to Des cuss in the book… but yes, listening to Des reading for audiobooks would not my first choice. She uses extra long pauses which is just odd.
I’m getting nervous that my son might be missing out on his housing choices if he waits too long! I do get it though, it’s a big decision.
You were rocking the miles this week! I think several of us have races that weekend:-) I’m glad your glutes are feeling better. I’ve often wondered if I have a length discrepancy with my legs…I know the inward “curvature” of my knees is asymmetrical (sorry, there’s probably a medical term for that, but it’s foreign to me). In general, if there are any issues, it’s usually on my right side (where the curvature is more pronounced).
I suppose any thing that is “off” will be magnified when we run a lot of miles and ask a lot of our bodies! Listening to that book by Des has been a good reminder that we all go through our ups and downs with this sport!
I’m glad to see you getting more miles–I’m sure you are frustrated with your limitations, tho! I’m just going to put in my 2 cents–I started getting similar kinds of injuries in my early 50s and that is when I started working with a strength coach. I cannot say enough how much it helped and it is the best money I have ever spent. I’m sure that I wouldn’t still be running without it. Even if you have a leg length discrepancy, there isn’t really anything you can do about it except to strengthen the supporting muscles.
Ok, I’ll take my lab coat off now. You probably already know all this… ;p
I’m so jealous that you got to meet Des! I absolutely loved her book and reviewed on my blog last Tuesday. Tomorrow I’m reviewing Kara’s book!
So you’re telling me the answer is not to just run a lot until it hurts, and then go to PT? 😆 You are a great ambassador for strength training! Probably the strongest mama I know!
We did not color Easter eggs either. I thought about it, and then no. How fun to meet Desi! Isn’t she the tiniest thing? I met her and her sister 10 years ago. I’m encouraging thing 2 to consider the honors college at OSU but so far no luck. Good luck with the college selection process!
Des made everyone look tall 😆 Our big decision this week will be housing. Go with a Living Learning Community, or Honors housing. Or maybe at this point it doesn’t matter because it’s already filled up? I have no idea!
What a great week full of smiles Lisa! Glad running is back. Always fun to run with the husband 🙂 Are you cleared to build back now or are you still rehabbing a bit?
I struggle in temps in the low 40’s but I am always way warmer than expected unless its raining. I had 48 and pouring this morning and was freezing.
How cool you got to meet Des! I met her once many many years ago and agree, she was so sweet and humble seeming. I can’t wait to read her book.
I was never restricted from running, other than my own pain level. Things have improved, but there is still some pain. I think the decrease in mileage has been the most help, but I really need to strengthen that area. I was told not to stretch it though, which surprised me. I feel like it needs to be stretched!
That’s amazing that you got to meet Des! I love her!
And two weeks! That’s exciting!
I love all the husband running lately! Mine won’t ever be able to with his health, but it’s nice when we get to do the gym together.
I ended up listening to her book as an audiobook, and then I found the podcast she made with Kara Goucher. Des has been in my ear a lot lately!
We’re also having nicer weather this week with mostly cooler mornings — that is definitely my sweet spot!
I’m sorry that you’re still having to run slowly. Come run with me. You could walk, LOL! But I’m out there & moving forward & that’s what counts!
It’s such a struggle when running brings you joy and then it’s painful 😣 I think I’m making progress though, if I can just be a little more patient! Most days I’ve been getting a walk in the evening too. The piles of laundry in my house can confirm this!!
It’s good to hear that you’re running more comfortably now and I hope the last two weeks until the half go smoothly.
That’s a great silhouette picture of you running and it’s really cool that you can make out the white Boston Marathon unicorn on the back of your jacket.
How fun that you got to meet Des. I look forward to reading her book.
I was bummed I didn’t have my jacket with me for the Des book event, so it’s going to be worn in heavy rotation this week! I just finished the book – I enjoyed it!