I don’t have a body made for running. I realize this and I wonder sometimes how I do what I do.
I was born with hips that turned inward. They turned in so much that I had corrective shoes and a bar to hold my hips outward. To this day if I’m tired my feet turn inward when I walk.
Most days that I run I am in pain. It got better after my rest weeks following my half marathon, but as I built up mileage for my upcoming marathon the aches and pains returned. I know, I am 50 after all and I have only been running for 17 months, but I face the fact daily that moderate pain is something I have to deal with. At least it is pain I voluntarily inflict on myself, unlike so many people who are in pain that they have no control over.
I say all that to say this. I HATE WORKOUTS. I am not one of those runners who run a tempo, steady state, or hill workout and think, “wow, that was fantastic.” Maybe no one likes workouts, but they hurt me physically.
I have used the heat of the summer to avoid workouts before this marathon. I know, not a good idea. Well the weatherman laughed in my face this week as the temperatures in the mid afternoon have been in the high 70’s. Okay. My excuses are now gone. I know what I have to do. Hmmm…
So yesterday I did a steady state run. I warmed up one mile and then went into my run. I probably should have warmed up two miles, but I didn’t. It didn’t go badly. I got 3 miles under my belt and only had some slight pain in my inner thigh. My achilles has been acting up also.
So after the 3 miles under 8:00 pace I stopped for a break. I went inside my house and drank some water and used the bathroom and went back out. More pain in my inner thigh. It was to the point that I could have pushed myself, but what if I really pulled something that would affect my upcoming race; so I stopped.
I know tapering is called one of the hardest parts of training for a marathon, but I’m looking forward to it. I run so much better after an off day. I assume tapering will help also. Tomorrow is 3 weeks until the marathon and so I really only have another week or so of pushing it.
Today, hill workouts. Tomorrow, running with Neill (@BigBigGeek, BigBigGeek.wordpress.com) and Sunday my long day. I probably won’t have much time to write this weekend, but I will try to “Hang with the dog” at least one day. 🙂
Have a wonderful (pain free) weekend!!!
278 to Boston 
As the saying goes: “No Pain No Gain” 😉
Lots of gain lately! 🙂
I wasn’t built for running either – I’m short, so my stride is short – I mean small children can easily pass me while they’re walking. My right foot pronates big time, so I wear pronation correction running shoes. We have to make the best with what we’ve got! I’ve never trained for a marathon so it’s been interesting to hear your insights.
Thanks. I enjoy giving insights (good, bad and ugly). All my boys are taller than I am, so I know the short feeling. 🙂
Read my story at 278toBoston.com
I think part of the aches and pains thing is our muscles getting a little confused about WHO is Boss! You have SO got this Tom and I am so happy and grateful to share your journey! 🙂
Thank you very much!! I am so glad that I started this blog so that people can help me go to places I’ve never been! What would we do without all the help and encouragement from people we’ve never actually met? Thank you for all your encouragement. I think my muscles WILL learn who is the boss in about 3 weeks. 🙂
Thank you! And I feel the same way, we have become part of an inspiring and supportive community and I am so grateful and love it! 🙂
I am sure your muscles will “wake up” and you will do amazing! 🙂
Thanks! I hope so!!!
I have a body made for couch sitting myself, so I know how you feel! That’s what makes your accomplishments so special, right?
That is a great way to look at it. Thank you!!! I can’t wait to write about it in 3 weeks!
Read my story at 278toBoston.com
Major props to you for running anyway! My body isn’t made for distance running at all (I have short legs that are perfect for sprinting). I like that you keep on keeping on and that the weather was kind to you this week!
I do much better at 5Ks myself. I did like the half marathon I ran early in the year. But any distance is good distance when running – especially sprinting. 🙂
So many people would use this as an excuse. I can’t tell you how many times I have heard – my body just wasn’t built for running! And it sounds like yours truly wasn’t. And yet here you are – pushing thru it and training for a marathon. Very impressive and inspiring.
Enjoy the weather! It’s 66 here. And as much as I rather sit and drink coffee while the sunrises, it’s time for that LSD run. Safe running!
Thanks. I have good days and bad, but overall I can’t complain (wouldn’t help anyway 🙂 ). It is 67 here and I’m about to go eat breakfast at Steak and Shake with TJ and then meet Neill at Oak Mtn State Park for a 9 mile run. It will be fun to run with someone who is just beginning to hit the higher miles. Slower pace and good conversation. Makes all the difference. Good luck on your run. Should be better in the cooler weather!
Your post reminds me of what my dad says. My father has degenerative osteo-arthritis and is in pain every day. You will never see him lay down or sit for any extended period of time. He says “if I stop moving, lay down and give up, I may not be able to get back up again. And I’m not ready to do that.” He inspires me. And you inspire me.
My body most definitely wasn’t made for running with my knock knees and flat feet. But I do it. I try.
I’ve been away from the blogs for a few days – need to catch up on your posts! Keep going, stay strong!!
Wow, I’m amazed with your dad!! Very inspiring. My mom is the same… She has had 2 back operations and is legally blind and is hard of hearing, but she never complains and is very active. Our parents are incredible. Such a great generation!! Glad you are back. Keep running!! My hips and your knees – we do what we can with what we have. 🙂