So this has been a very interesting month of training so far.... The running has actually gone really well, but there have definitely been a few crazy happenings which have caused some serious freak-outs on my part and a lot of stress since there's only a month to go!! Seriously, I was sure at three different times that I was not going to be able to run the marathon. Incredibly frustrating given the successful half at the beginning of the month and the great training cycle so far. Luckily, all three times the issue ended up not affecting my running and quickly recovering. First up: The cough. Early in the month I developed this nasty cough. And for no reason! I had no cold or flu before I got it and no other symptoms. It seemed neverending and it was truly the worst cough I've ever had. I was worried I might have to take some serious downtime until it passed and that I might have some serious issue that would affect my ability to run/breathe. However, the only time it would stop? When I went running. So I was able to train through it. Second issue: The broken rib (or so I thought). Because of the cough, and after one serious coughing fit, I had a throbbing pain in my side when I would lean certain directions or cough more. I was pretty sure I broke a rib and I had to take a couple days off until I could get a diagnosis. The diagnosis was that it could be broken, or just a severly strained muscle between the ribs. But I was allowed to try to run as long as it didn't hurt. Luckily Healthsource of Avon gave me some great treatment and got me taped up. When I tried to run, I had zero expectations and doubted I could get through the 16 on the schedule. But once I started going I had no pain, it loosened up and a few miles in I was cruising and feeling amazing. I had one of the best runs I've had in a long time! It's still a little sore when I bend certain ways but running, lifting, and most core exercises don't bother it. It was also finally the motivation I needed to take cough medicine and get the stupid cough under control (and it mostly is gone now!). Final issue (at least it better be!): The Quadriceps Tendon strain(?). To be honest I have no clue if this is what actually happened or exactly what the issue was. On Thursday I was working on my speedwork on a treadmill when the power at my entire apartment complex blew out. The treadmill came to a sudden stop and I felt a twinge just above my right knee. "Oh #$&%," I thought. "But maybe it was just a weird feeling right?" So I tried to run a little more, slowly. Nope. Pain about two inches above my knee. "I'm screwed, my marathon is shot. This is it. I'm done and it's because of something out of my control." I stopped and immediately got ice on the spot. Put arnica and biofreeze on it and ran out and bought glucosamine/chondrotin and bromelain. I repeated on Friday and took another rest day. Some googling led me to believe it was a strained quadriceps tendon. It connects right above your knee and can be aggravated by sudden starts and stops (like a treadmill jerking to a stop). The good news was it had a quick recovery time and I already was pain free on Friday. I actually went and had my first cryotherapy session too because I wanted to do anything I could to help. On Saturday, I showed up to run club with it taped up and for the second Saturday in a row, was sure I couldn't do my long run. But once we took off, I had no pain or tightness. My running partner said I was initially running uneven (because I was trying to favor it out of fear) but once I relaxed, I fixed that issue. I finished the long run right on pace. So who knows what actually happened, or maybe it was a phantom race pain a month out?? Clearly it was quite a stressful few weeks! But I got through the issues and I think I survived the stress! The most frustrating part was not actually being able to control the issues. I've been doing everything right with my recovery--probably more right than I ever have--so to have issues like these happen is just maddening!
But now it's time to focus on peak week this coming week! There may only be 3 weeks until the Cleveland Marathon but you can still sign up and HKCLE10 will still get you 10% off any registration! Also, stay tuned for my race entry giveaway coming up the week of May 7th! Come RUNCLE with me!!!
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