If I could run everyday, I would, and maybe I should. Everything IS better after a run. Today was another cloudy, dreary day, a bit warmer than yesterday and foggy. I decided to meet up with the local Moms Run This Town (MRTT) running group for my long run - to change things up a bit. I haven't run with others in a month, and while I cherish my solo runs, I was looking forward to meeting other mother runners.
The run was a lot of fun (Daily Mile details HERE), and the 10 miles went by quickly. When my right leg started bugging me a little, I knew we went out too fast in the beginning, and suddenly it became clear to me what my running goal is for this year: it's not to PR on the marathon distance or to become a Marathon Maniac. It's to stay injury-free. Sure, it would be nice to get a full marathon PR at Shamrock, but I don't want one if it means I'd be in pain for weeks or months after that. I can't afford NOT to run.
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| Training for MCM was not injury free |
Not only do I NEED to run to help get through crazy weeks here at home, I NEED to run in order to stay away from blood pressure meds. Four years ago, before I became a runner, my doc declared that I have high blood pressure. It's genetic, he said - my dad has it, my sister has it, therefore I have it and I have to be on meds for the rest of my life. I wasn't overweight, I wasn't sedentary, I ate as healthy as I could, and I still have high blood pressure. Meds for the rest of my life. It's like there was nothing else I could do. I refused to accept my life sentence just like that.
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| Blood pressure during MCM training |
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| Meet my foam roller, Foamie Jr. |
What are your running goals for this year? How do you stay injury-free? I'd love to hear some tips!
Janathon Day 12
Moon Joggers Mileage To Date: 39
Posted with Blogsy
I keep getting injured. I hate it because I get so angry and upset about it. I hate resting especially when I've got a race coming up. Injury messed up my first marathon attempt so I'm going for attempt number two in April.
ReplyDeleteBut, I definitely learnt a lot of lessons last year when it comes to injury.
Be sensible is one of them. I know I need rest days so I always make sure I get at least two a week. I've also started cross training to make sure I'm using other muscles and giving my running muscles a break.
I'm definitely being over-cautious now. I'm icing, foam rolling and stretching more often but I guess that can only be a good thing, right?!
Aimee, thanks for stopping by! You sound like me! How many times a week do you run? Which training plan are you following? Sounds like you have a good plan to stay injury free and yes, that is a good thing - stretching, rolling, icing as much as you can and when you definitely feel you need it. It's so easy to skip them because after a long run you just want to get through the day. Best wishes to you and in your training! Here's to an injury-free marathon #2 for us!
DeleteBummed you won't be running MCM again! I use massage, stretching, yoga, and TRX to help remain injury free. Also letting my chronic injuries heal a little before ramping up the mileage after MCM helped. Marathon #2 is in a week. It won't be a PR it will be fun and I won't be going into it with injuries!!! I have to wonder just how much of my injuries were aggravated by the stress pre MCM...
ReplyDeleteBeth, it's my husband's turn to run MCM this year. I'm on kid-duty! :) When do you the yoga/TRX? On cross training days or after your run? You'll do great on your next full! WOW, in a week!! How exciting!! Didn't realize it was that close! Yay for no injuries! I'll be thinking of you! :)
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