Saturday, March 1, 2008

What am I doing anyway?

I was prepared this week or so I thought. I made sure I hydrated well enough and I ran well. I read a book of helpful things to run a marathon. I was ready to go. Well almost. We started out and I was in the back going slower. I wanted to pace myself because I knew I had a long way to go. I had my magic pants on and ate my magic beans before the run. We had some big hills to run up and that was sure fun. I didn't realize that we would be running up that hill twice and was happy when I made it up the first time. I was even smiling while I ran. Things started to go downhill when Tara told me her knees were killing her. I kept trying to encourage her to think of other things besides her knees. It wasn't working. We also were in the back. Kristy suspected that we would be behind from previous runs, so she was nice enough to write out directions for us. For some reason I thought a road sign said the name to turn left on and so I turned left. I was probably hallucinating. I couldn't find the other road to turn on. We turned a corner and found the group going out for the second loop. Tara said she was going home and I knew I was on my own. I couldn't keep up with the group for sure especially on the second loop. I told myself that I would do 15 miles today. I have it written on my calendar and look at it everyday. I also told other people that I was running 15 miles. So I decided to keep going as crazy as it seemed. My knee started to hurt three miles in and I was walking a lot. I caught up with Kimmie. I think she felt bad and waited on me. We ran up the hill and down and I told her to go ahead if she needed to because my knee was killing me. So she kept on. It was fine because I didn't want to slow her down. Anyway I told myself I was finishing this even if I had to walk. I walked a lot because my knee ached. I found the right way this loop and was extremely exicted to see my car at Kristy's house. I ran there to find everyone stretching out. I asked them how long they'd been there but no one would say for sure. Oh well I finished and I was happy. I'm not very confident that I can do the marathon now. I need to go to the doctor about my knee. What a bummer...

2 comments:

Jen said...

You SOOOOOOOOO can do the real marathon, and run next week (with the disclaimer if you do have a serious knee problem)!!!!! It's all about how you look at it. Yes, today was hard. Yes, it sucked. But, you got through it, and next week will be a little bit easier because you will be just that much more prepared! You did great, and you didn't give up! I'm so proud of you!!!!

foxontherun said...

I have learned that strength training is very important. You and Tara can still do a marathon. Just hit the gym and do some lunges and leg extensions. If you strengthen the quad muscles it will take off some of the pressure on your knees. If your hurting on the outside of your knee it could be your IT Band. I hope that this helps. From us at marathon mommies we wish you all good luck.