I just recently registered for a marathon. My very first. I am absolutely terrified.
I’ve been running everyday with a couple of 10ks thrown in and my body has started to feel it. Each run over the past week was filled with painful steps and my shins would literally throb with pain. I’ve been icing and foam rolling but I haven’t been resting. Because I signed up to do the Runner’s World Run Streak, I kept running. Even when I knew I was probably making my shin issues worse. Because I’m smart and stubborn like that. However, once I actually registered for the marathon I began to come to my senses.
I want to start my marathon training as injury free as possible. I don’t think it’s a good idea for me to continue not having rest days, especially given that I didn’t rest after my races. Even though I want to run every day, what I want more is to respect my marathon training and to train hard, strong and smart. So I decided that I would scrap my run streak, give myself a day off of running (don’t worry, I still worked out) and attempt to rest my poor aching shins.
While it can be hard to take a step back, sometimes it’s the best thing to do. I’m starting my marathon training soon (just building a good base now) and I want to be as healthy as possible when I start. In this case, my training really is a marathon, not a sprint.
Have you ever had to force yourself to take a step back in your training?
YAY – I’m so excited for you. I definitely agree with you that you need rest days. I’m currently on a marathon training program where I get 2 rest days the first few weeks and then I go down to one the remaining 8+ weeks. One of those rest days is a rest day – relaxing and one is a cross training day. Although I suppose you could cross train on both days if you’re up to it – just nothing that stresses your bones.
Awesome, Emily! What plan are you using? My plan has me with 4 run days and 3 rest days, but I plan on cross training on at least 1 (probably 2) of those rest days.
I actually got my plan from StrengthTraining.com. Jason at Strength Training is a USA Track & Field certified coach and will create a tailored program for you for a small sum of money. Just getting out of an injury and wanting to qualify for Boston – it was the perfect plan for me as it not only incorporates distance and speed but also specific workouts and stretches that I need to recover and become stronger.
Can’t wait to read more about your training. I’m sure you will rock it! AND BQ 🙂
Gotta listen to your body! We MUST meet up at this marathon!
emma @ a mom runs this town
ABSOLUTELY! I completely agree 🙂
Great advice, I have the same tendency to be too stubborn with my schedule! If we take care of our bodies they will take care of us, right?
Yes, absolutely right! We’ve got to listen to ourselves and take rest days sometimes 🙂
Glad you are listening to your body! I have a really hard time with that! We runners are kind of an obessed bunch (at least I am) and I have a really hard time changing my plans or goals. But you are being super smart! I know you will kick ass on your first marathon!
Thanks, lady! Definitely obsessed and pretty excited about the marathon 🙂