Tuesday
I ran solo on my lunch hour on Tuesday, and I decided not to listen to my playlist. Instead, I listened to the music of the world around me. The chirp, chirp of little birdies, the honk of the scary Canadian geese, the thump, thump, thump of a low-flying military-esque helicopter, the buzz-thwack of a bug hitting me in the face, the snap….snap….snap….of. Wait. What the hell is that?
I couldn’t figure out where the snapping was coming from. My hip, my ankle, my knee. I finally decided it was my knee. And it was driving me crazy! But my shin? It was fine. And that’s all that matters. Right?
Back at the ranch, I mean work, I didn’t even ice. I should have, but my shin wasn’t sore and so I forgot. Just before I left for work, I changed into running clothes again so I could head to my physical therapy appointment.
Tuesday’s PT Appointment
I was nervous about the appointment because I so badly wanted my PT to clear me for a 20-miler. With just a little more than four weeks till the marathon, I was worried that my longest run was going to be an 18-miler I completed in April — over two months ago!
But I talked to my PT, told him my shin held up well during my 10-miler and I had practically no soreness the next day. Then he pushed on the shin, tested my foot strength, tried to loosen up my big stiff freakish toe, and dug into my calf to get to my soleus muscle. Ouch! Good ouch, though. The result of all of this?
I was cleared. Twenty miles. But he wants me to do it this weekend so I have time to recover before the race. I have mixed emotions about the 20-miler. I’ve been doing all my long runs with my buddy Zoë (Run, Zoë, Run) and now I won’t be able to do this, the longest ever, with her. Makes me sad. And I will be in an unfamiliar location. A beautiful place, but a place I’ve not run in very much.
So there you go. I will be running 20 miles on Sunday in uncharted territory. I will do two out-and-backs so that I can assess my shin. Should be interesting.
But I don’t have time to think about it, so it hasn’t really sunken in. I just hope I don’t forget to pack my BodyGlide…or my Garmin…or my RoadID. I better make a list. Ugh. Another thing to do.
16 comments
You can do it. Just visualize Zoe in your mind. I have done that many time….chasing Blonde Pony!Just enjoy it and listen to your body! You can DO IT!
As much as it is hard to run without your partner it's excellent training for the big day. Since I assume you probably won't be running the whole race with Zoe you get the chance to do a test race. Not speed, obviously, but you get to figure out how to get your brain to agree to go the distance. If anything it's more about the mental at this point than the physical. Happy running!
Yeah! I'm so glad you got the go-ahead. Looking forward to hearing about where you're running. It will be a fun adventure. Maybe the time will go by faster since it will be all new scenery.
Smart lady you are to go to the PT! Oh, and my kids want the “makers” to make their cakes now, too. WHATEVER!Winks & Smiles,Wifey
I need to start visualizing the target!!! All over my house!!! You can do this! 20 miles will be such an accomplishment! You can do it!!!!
Great news! Enjoy your 20-miler! I will be running in a different place this weekend too. Looking forward to reading about how your run goes. Did you test the Cytomax yet? Two people told me it gave them headaches, so I have to remember to test it before the RnR. I got some at RoadRunner. Happy birthday to the little man!
Yea glad you were cleared! Good luck with your 20-miler!!
You are going to rock your 20 miler.. Sending good vibes your way..I am going to have to use the target theroy..
Can't wait to hear about your 20 miles this weekend. Just think, it will be YOUR own success. You won't be able to pawn that feeling off on anyone doing it for you.From someone who has never, ever run 20 miles alone or with someone else…go get 'em!
I know you can rock this 20! I'll be sending you long run mojo from VA!
Maybe it's a good thing that you are so busy this week – no time to get worked up on the 20 miler! YAY for being cleared. You can do it!! Good luck!
Sometimes it is fun to shake things up… run in a new place… do a long run on your won instead of with a friend. You'll be awesome!!! 🙂 I am so glad you got the go ahead and hope you have NO more pain or weird clicking. 🙂
I think you totally have this Kerrie and I see many others echo that!! You have prepared thoroughly, and have a great coach (Mel) nearby too to give you pointers.So so so glad you have the okay to run!!
Kerri. you've. freaking. got. this.youknowyoudo.
Being in an unfamiliar location may help pass the time, because there will be so many new sights.
You can totally do it..after 18..who's counting?