It’s been quite some time since I’ve done a SIDI post. During my longest training period of my life, I grew superstitious and needed to shut-up about marathon training. I’m feeling a bit that way right now, but I’m also trying to realize that the whole point of SIDI is accountability.
This past weekend I ran my first “real” miles in seven weeks. On Sunday, I huffed and puffed my way through six miles in Central Park.
When I first realized this ankle injury was real and was going to require more than a week or two of rest, I gave myself a cutoff date for deciding if I should run the Chicago Marathon or not. I decided that if I had less than 12 weeks to train, I’d settle for one fall marathon instead of two.
Well, Sunday was exactly twelve weeks from the Chicago Marathon and I ran six miles with virtually no pain.
Which means Chicago Marathon training is on!
I realize, I lost a ton of fitness in the past 6-7 weeks, but I’m okay with that. One of the many things I learned in the first six months this year is that you have to roll with the punches. As of right now, I’m planning on running my heart out in Chicago. The plan is to spend the next four weeks rebuilding a base, then spend the next six weeks building speed.
It’s an unconventional approach, but I’m not one for conventions.
Say it, Do it! July 22, 2013
I will commit to trying my best, running my hardest and smartest miles for the next 12-weeks. I will fuel my body with healthy foods and see what can happen when I put my mind to something. I also promise that if running this race will compromise my ability to run in the future, I won’t run this race.
It seems 2013 is a year of contrasts. The first half of the year was defined by the longest training plan ever and the second half of the year will be defined by my shortest marathon training plan ever. I hope you’ll join me in my crazy adventure!
What’s the shortest amount of time you’ve trained for a race? Have you ever ran two marathons that were less than a month apart?
Hooray!!! (apparently that was too short)
i am also just coming back from a memorial day marathon and then some weird injury (7-8 weeks of very little running, about 5 miles- 0 miles some weeks) but lots of biking, swimming, strength. i am wanting to do a fall marathon… probably late fall, but am anxious about starting up again and not running too much, don’t want the injury to return, now that i feel good. so i am looking forward to following your workouts to see how you do it. any suggestions?
Take it easy and listen to your body. I’m well aware of the fact that I may not be able to get into shape in just 12 weeks, but I can try. I’m also committed to being really smart about it.
You can do it!! Look at it this way – you’re well rested and your heart is 100% committed. How can you go wrong? and YES I ran the Boston marathon in April 2007 and then the VT marathon at the end of May. It was insane and I ended up with bronchitis but I finished both under 3:45. Go for it!!!
Jess, I love your attitude of “roll with the punches” because life throws us for a loop as does training for a marathon. Though you might think you’ve lost a lot of fitness thus far I bet you are in better shape than a lot of folks out there so cut yourself some slack. I’ve been there with injury and time off and its ruff. 12 weeks is enough time to train, especially for someone like you who knows what you need to do to get to race day prepared. I’ve never run two marathons less than a month apart but I’m planning on doing it this year too! I’m interested to see what people think about that. Good luck with everything and you can do it!
Thanks, Holly!