Category: Marathon

Adap-toe-ble

~ Monica ~ Leave a comment

If I do have a strength, it probably is adaptability. ~ Monty Williams

Accidentally kicked a door and now I’m negotiating my first unplanned training adaptation. Wasn’t going to go to the Dr because what do they do for an injured toe? But the limp I have started causing discomfort up my leg and I thought it best to know what I was dealing with – a break, a jam, a sprain, just some swelling – and how best to recover without causing other issues.

I managed to get a same day appt and then a quick trip to radiology for an X-ray. All to end up with a very unsatisfactory answer. They don’t see a break, but the doctor doesn’t have confidence that the X-ray is reliable due to swelling. So I’m in a boot for 10 days. Then we’ll reassess. Best case scenario that will be enough time to allow it to heal or at least give evidence that it’s healing. We’re not gonna talk about any other scenario.

So no running for now. Thankfully I have other options for continuing to train – janky bike and c2 rower to the rescue – and I’m still a ways out from actual marathon training.

working out with myself 🤣

Adventuring

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Be careful going in search of adventure – it’s ridiculously easy to find. ~ William Least Heat-Moon

Two weekends. Two National Parks.

Last weekend my daughter and I headed to the Eastern Range of the Rocky Mountains to Montrose. We spent a day in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Our original plan was to spend two days in the park. Day one on the south rim and day two on the north rim, but the north rim is currently closed. Lucky for us, Colorado isn’t lacking for beautiful places to see. So we spent day two driving the Million Dollar Highway and hiking in Ouray.

This weekend Michael and I headed to Estes Park for a visit to the YMCA of the Rockies. It’s nestled right up next to Rocky Mountain National Park. Honestly, the YMCA property had more to offer than we could see in a weekend, but we have a National Park Pass, so how could we not take a little hike there?

The first trip I opted to change my training plan and know that I would be okay. This weekend I chose to stick to my plan, knowing I wouldn’t want to. I’d be tired and it wouldn’t be convenient. And I think it was the right call for both.

On the trip with my daughter we came up with my next plan. My what to do after the marathon plan. We’re gonna take on an epic backpacking trip through the Maroon Bells Four Loop Pass. We’ll do it sometime around August of 2026. I’m gonna have to work hard to not get distracted planning for that adventure while I’m trying to stay focused on my marathon adventure.

Balance

~ Monica ~ Leave a comment

I do find that there’s a fine balance between preparation and seeing what happens naturally. ~ Timothee Chalamet

I’m a rule follower. And I’m in the early days of marathon training. And I have crafted a very bespoke PLAN. And I have some already scheduled and some not so scheduled things interfering with my PLAN. It has been stressing me out. A lot. Not being able to get my 2.25 mile run in because a 10k hike got in the way had me worried that I’d ruined my marathon. But then I took a moment to think on it. And I realized a 10k hike was probably an okay substitute for a 2.25 mile run.

It has me thinking I cannot spend the next 7.5 months so attached to my PLAN that i miss out on important things. But… I also have to know there are important things I might miss out on because of my PLAN. It’s a balance. It’s a struggle. Maybe it’s #luxuriouslyhard

Putting the Plan in Place

~ Monica ~ 1 Comment

Our goals can only be reached through a vehicle of a plan, in which we must fervently believe, and upon which we must vigorously act. There is no other route to success. ~ Pablo Picasso

I’ve spent some time – maybe, possibly, most definitely more than necessary – coming up with a training plan to get me through the next 34 weeks. Is it a perfect plan? Certainly not, but I’m confident it will get me across the finish line.

I’m starting out building my base mileage and getting in some strength training. I’m basically doing a 5k plan followed by a 10k plan and then pivoting to marathon training. Run/walk is gonna be my jam knowing that it’s gonna get hard #luxuriouslyhard

Week one is almost done.

Permission Granted

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Go forth a conqueror and win great victories. ~ Virgil

Cardiologist appointment today. The best one in a long time and the first time I haven’t felt rushed through an appt since I switched my care team. All my recent tests look good which is very reassuring so we’re gonna adjust meds to see if the medication change late last year contributed to my more recent symptoms. I feel very good about that.

I asked about running a marathon and we discussed my training plan and I got a big ol’ stamp of approval. So here I go – full steam ahead!

A Clecision

~ Monica ~ 3 Comments

“It is difficult to train for a marathon, but it is even more difficult to not be able to train for a marathon.” ~ Aaron Douglas Trimble

Once upon a time I ran a half marathon. I did not love it or even like it. I actually sort of hated it. So makes total sense that a marathon – a whole one – would make it on my bucket list.

I’ve signed up for my first (only?) marathon. The Texas Double – Day one. I had to find a marathon with no time limit. I run a super slow mile now and I don’t think that time will get faster doing 26.2 of them. My only goal is to finish. My plan is to run/walk and I have no expectations of a time. The website for the run even says “Enjoy the luxury of no cutoff times!” It’s gonna be luxurious. It is gonna be hard. Luxuriously hard. Oh, wait, #luxuriouslyhard

I have talked to my cardiologist about working out and limitations and he seems super unbothered by it, but I haven’t specifically asked about running a marathon or run/walking a marathon. I have an appt on Friday. I’ll ask about it. We’ll see. I guess that is my first hurdle.

I’m assuming I’ll get the all clear there. So breaking down the rest of it – at least my understanding of it right now –

The pros?

  • There is a gun start. How wild west is that?
  • The run is not until December. I have plenty of time to train.
  • I have a training schedule and enough time to build my mileage up before the marathon training begins.
  • The course is at about 500 feet above sea level; most of my training will be done at about 6800 feet above sea level.
  • It’s a flat, fast course. I feel like flat is a promise the organizers can keep, but fast is in the feet of the runner.
  • Learning to fuel for a marathon.
  • Committing to this run probably means Christmas in Texas.

The cons?

  • There is a gun start. Don’t get shot.
  • My heart. Well, my heart is not a con, but it could be a reason I can’t complete this.
  • The time commitment training for a marathon requires.
  • Other possible injuries.
  • Learning to fuel for a marathon.

Currently the pros outweigh the cons. I expect this will shift back and forth through out this season, but I can do hard things. I can.