What I’m running for

Tomorrow is race day.

A PR is out of the question with my plantar fasciitis injury unresolved.  

It’s been disquieting, not having a goal I can sink my competitive teeth into.  What if my injury never completely heals?  (It’s been a frustrating 7 months already.)  Do I still want to run, without the thrill and possibility of making goals like qualifying for Boston?  

More immediately, what’s the point of my race tomorrow?  Same time last year, in the San Francisco 2nd Half Marathon, my time was 1:59:50.   Later in November in the Nike Women’s Half, I shaved it down to 1:53:45.  I look at these times longingly, sadly, dejectedly, knowing they will be relics of the past after tomorrow.  2:10:00—that’s as ambitious as my goal can get tomorrow.  Maybe worse if my PF flares up.

So what the hell am I running for?  

This.

You can’t train to PR every race. Sometimes, you train for learning to deal with life’s curve-balls.

3 weeks to race day!

July 2-8 running report for Coach Jeff eCoaching

(Next race: San Francisco First Half Marathon, July 29, 2012)

Santa Monica, where I’ll be running for the next 2 weeks

Headline: TIME TO GET SERIOUS FOR RACE DAY!

  • Prepared my tapering schedule!
  • Time to get serious!  Stick to a good wake early/sleep early schedule, eat mindfully, stay positive
  • Will be tapering my drinking too!  This week: just 1 glass per day.  Next week, 1 glass every other day.  Race week: no alcohol!
  • Tapering caffeine as well on similar strategy!

LAST WEEK’S TOTAL: 23 MILES, 4 RUNS

LONG RUN

Assigned mileage (Runner’s World SmartCoach program): 13 miles
Actually run: (per Nike+) 10.1 miles @ 9:33
Weather: cool & foggy in SF

Splits

Aches & Pains?

Kept Plantar Fasciitis pain at bay during runs—just some minor throbs the day after long run.

Other Questions?

Would love any feedback on my next 3 weeks’ tapering schedule below.  I didn’t like the Runner’s World SmartCoach recommendations (had me running 13 miles for long runs all the way till a few days before race day!), so I went ahead and created one for myself based on some research, and to suit my work and travel schedule.

My DIY tapering schedule for the next 3 weeks

To Connect…

http://www.dailymile.com/people/izzyinbliss

Look for izzyinbliss on Nike+ and Garmin Connect

Weekly running report: 25 solid miles

June 11-17 running report for Coach Jeff eCoaching

(Next race: San Francisco First Half Marathon, July 29, 2012)

Alcatraz, mid-way point for my 13-miler

Headline: KEEPING THE PLANTAR FASCIA QUIET!

  • Felt a couple of warning “pre-PF” throbs on a few days but staved off any irritation by walking immediately whenever that happens
  • Pace/speed not what I’d like, but tried not to think about it and focused on form instead

WEEK’S TOTAL: 25 MILES, 4:13:05, average of 10:12/mile (including hills)

LONG RUN

Assigned mileage (Runner’s World SmartCoach program): 12 miles @ 9:43
Actually run: (per Garmin 610) 13.05 miles @ 9:52
Weather: sunny & warm in SF

Splits

Aches & Pains?

Some warning “throbs” in the PF area, but never allowed it to get painful.

Other Questions?

Not for now! 

This Week’s Assignment

(Runner’s World SmartCoach Program)

To Connect…

http://www.dailymile.com/people/izzyinbliss

Look for izzyinbliss on Nike+ and Garmin Connect