It was a stressful week for few days after my visit to the physio as I was advised to take 3 days rest to fully recover from the hamstring pull. Remember that I had it after my half marathon, then I was fine but scheduled this visit just in case as this is a sport physio, very experienced with professional athletes. He’s the coach of Olympic half marathon march winner (silver), and this year’s world champion. March walking is even harder than running so I trust he can guide me well until the race.
Monday: full rest day as Sunday was too active and I could feel the exhaustion.
Tuesday: 40 min MP (8:30 min/mi) after WU and CD, totally 7.1 miles. I nailed thr pace and keep HR controlled. What a great feeling. Then Slimfit. Physically everything was sore, mentally happy and accomplished.
Wednesday: 8 miles super easy averaging 10:40. I had the consultation with sport physic at 1pm. He did a full evaluation then used the laser boots on me for 20 min, manual release of the area, and prescribed warm compress, light stretching and foam roller for the next three days and NO RUNNING. Honestly I didn’t feel the pain as strong nor noticeable in the last 10 days but when he touched the area, clearly the muscle contraction was still there. So his guidance was to get the area extra time to heal as I didn’t really take rest after the half marathon. And then get back to running. Next visit he’ll give me specific exercises to stabilize pelvic and posterior chains. Gosh… I had a tough afternoon and evening, the idea of not being to run for 3 days sounded terrible, I know I know it’s just two runs that I’m skipping as friday was my rest day anyway. And it’s the sensible thing to do before it gets worse as intensity and duration increases in coming weeks. But emotionally I was not in a good place and slept terribly.
Thursday: It was hard to wake up and not run. I went to slim fit. I noticed clearly my low mood and alertness but glad I went and had the class with the other 9 ladies. Then I came home and did the protocol. To my surprise, my hamstring felt more noticeable today than yesterday morning. The fact that I know there’s some tissue that requires heal made me actually feel it more. It’s all in my mind!!!!
Friday: still no running but I miss the adrenaline. So I went to the gym, tried pilates reformer (didn’t love it but will give it a try another day), indoor cycling class (loved it!), and then runner specific exercises. I spent 10 min in the sauna and did the hamstring stretching. It felt good.
Saturday: I was not supposed to run but I did anyway. I thought if I would do long run of over 2 hr next day, shouldn’t I test with a shorter run first? Convincing myself to run took less a minute. I went out super easy and felt immense joy in back on the road during sunrise. I missed it even thought it was only 48 hrs. I finished run happier and no hamstring issue. I kept my evening super chill to prepare mentally for the long run. Then I went to the gym for hatha yoga. I didn’t love it, found it too much talking and little yoga.
Sunday: I slept well and woke up hopeful but scared that hamstring will act out. My plan was to run 2-2:30 hrs at super easy pace. I had my pre-run toast, loaded up water with LMNT and packed two gels.
The first 3 miles I was a bit agitated because I was concerned that I’d feel ghost pain. I talked myself to be open minded and stop running when something comes up. I listened to Sally’s podcast for the first 5 miles and she really inspired me. then I switched to music, my default mode these days. I took gels at 5 and 10 miles mark and drink by thirst. Everything felt good, I mean nothing felt particular painful/sore, so I kept on. I went to the toilet after mile 12 to assess how I felt, re-apply sunscreen but sun was already strong by 8am, took off my shirt, exchanged water, and decided I felt I had more in the tank so I kept on and finished 15 miles, full of joy and gratitude.
I learned my lesson from last weekend and kept the rest of Sunday chill. I had my massage at 4pm and did little cooking. I walked with lizzy before sunset. I felt normal soreness but nothing hurt which is a big win.
Total miles: 36
Strength: 3 times (2 slimfit and 1 gym)
Cross: 1 cycling
Yoga/pilates: twice at the gym.
Marathon training is never a straight road. What experience is teaching me is to be flexible, learn what’s real pain what’s normal training soreness. Running slower, fueling well, and manage energy level life outside of running, are my new motto to get to NY.
Our New Journey 