out of idol and into gear

With Boston 6 weeks away, it’s hard not to get hung up on the training hiccups I’ve been experiencing. Although I have done one 18-mile training run, it has been nearly a month since I’ve had a good long run. Trying not be discouraged, I let my body rest and head out for a test run only to hear my body telling me to walk. As a result, I’ve done a whole lot of walking.

It’s sad but true. This Boston Qualified runner hit her BQ only to plummet to an all time low point in her running career. It’s not exactly how I pictured me post-achievement. Then again, nothing has quite manifested quite how I pictured it.

Last weekend’s trail long-run-turned-long-walk was just one a few consecutive weekend long runs gone awry. Injury, coupled with BoBo’s BMT graduation, had resulted in a run-free week. I’m growing antsy and eager for some pain-free running or, at a minimum, a good hard workout. I cannot sit idol any longer; I want to sweat. Correction: I NEED to sweat.

I’ve redefined my goal for Boston to be one of enjoyment and just taking it in rather than letting myself get caught in the flow of faster runners. That said, I do want to run the race (not walk it). I want to be able to return the love to the awesome spectators out hootin’ and hollering along the course. I want to finish with a smile and able to recover quickly so I can, crazy as it is, toe-the-line in Big Sur a short 13 days later.

And, at this point, I want to stop questioning whether I am capable of running either race. So I need to be running again. Do you hear that, Body? I must get back on-schedule…NOW! I cannot sit idol any longer. I must get it in-gear and get going.

If all had gone according to plan, I would be in the peak of my training. Then again, when does it ever go according to plan. Certainly not any time in my past training.

This weekend, I was scheduled to run 16-18 miles. I’m hoping to hit the pavement shortly after landing at home today and running (not walking) some yet-to-be-determined number of miles (hopefully in the teens). Next weekend, my first 20-miler is scheduled. If I can get close to 20, I’ll be satisfied. This scheduled-20-miler is followed by a brief step-back to 16-18 miles. Then, my final 20-22 mile run is planned — which I hope to complete. Then, it’s taper time.