May 2007 Archives

So, here's where I was on Sunday - my Achilles seemed to be stretching out nicely. I was cautiously optimistic that a change in running surface and shoes would help my knee feel okay. I was looking forward to a good, strong 12 mile run to build my confidence.

Not so fast there, Just A Runner...

I was camping with my son's Cub Scout pack over the weekend and didn't get a chance to head out until mid afternoon Sunday. It was hot. It was windy. It was not the sort of pre-sunrise weather I'm used to running in.

The run was horrible. I got my 12 miles in - barely - mile 12 was at a scorching 95% max heart rate/13-minute pace. Oof. I thought I was going to pass out. Even my iPod was mocking me - shuffling up "Nice Guys Finish Last" and "Walking on the Sun" as I lamely tried to finish. The only good thing was a complete lack of pain in my knee and my Achilles. (Which is something, I suppose.)

The pressure's on for next weekend. I need to NAIL that 20-miler.

So. Picture this: marathon in four weeks. No running to speak of for the previous two weeks.

I needed to get in an 18 mile run. It needed to go well. Neither of these things came to pass.

I ran 15 miles. I stopped early because my left knee was throbbing with pain at each footfall. The next morning my right Achilles tendon was very tight and sore.

Crap. Crap. Crap.

So now I have four weekends until the marathon. I haven't had a good long run in a month. My left knee hurts. My right Achilles tendon hurts. This is not looking good.