Off The Wagon

I fell off the wagon and I hit the ground hard.

Hard.

Marathon is officially not going to happen. 

Last week I was just stupid and only drank a cup of hot tea a day several days in a row (that's not even 8 ounces of liquid)!!  How could someone forget to drink?  Honestly, I'm not sure.  I have dehydrated myself twice this year.  Neither time on purpose!  I believe I'm part camel.  I am rarely "thirsty" and typically have to remind myself to drink.

These were some symptoms I had (others I won't list because you really don't want to know):

• Lethargic
• Weak
• Moody
• Severe headaches
• Overall tired
• Sleepy
• Depressed

Hank was the one that figured out I might be dehydrated.  It really hit over the weekend and I just felt miserable.  I honestly didn't want to care for Rollins when he was awake.  His crying made my headache worse.

I need to formulate a new plan.  I have been two weeks without exercise and that is the reason for feeling depressed.

I really need to focus.  I've been such a flake and it's not my personality.  It is really making me crazy!

I'll hopefully return.  I WILL return with an action plan.

Will It Happen?

I overslept Thursday morning and crammed a 1.5 mile workout in.  Does that counts as a workout.  I walked a good bit just to warm my legs up a bit.  I felt fine but had to get home and get the day going.

I ran 3 miles on Saturday (running for 4 minutes / walking for 1).  IT Band started hurting so I walked the last mile home.  I had a 90 minute massage planned (thanks Hank).  The massage therapist had an emergency and it was cancelled.  I ended up going to Fleet Feet Sports and talked to someone about my IT Band issue.  I ended up buying another tool to help me.  The Foam Roller.  These tools are helping me, however, everyone I talk to says I'll end up in physical therapy.  This saddens me and makes me now think that the marathon is just no longer attainable.  I'm barely getting in enough time to run; how in the world will I have time for therapy?

Unfortunately the 14 mile I planned has been moved back.  I'm reevaluating my training plan.  I'm basically seeing how far this wimpy leg will carry me.  I'm also going to look into physical therapist (just in case).  I don't want this to really interfere with the marathon (if it happens).

I'm left with the feelings of disappointment, sadness, failure, and just mad. 

This training feels different.  I'm not as connected as I was before.  I don't feel I'm running enough.  I don't feel my mind is in the game!  I don't feel I'm eating right, drinking enough water, stretching enough, or doing enough cross training.  Never mind.  I'm not doing ANY cross training!  I have no where to cross train!  I'm really on the down and out about the whole thing.  I'm discouraged.

Ugh.

I'm so frustrated.

Goal this week is three 4 mile runs and [God willing] a 10K race this weekend.  If I'm physically able to run this race it will be the most humbling race.  I'm prepared for a time over an hour :)  I usually run 10K between 50 - 60 minutes.  I think my fastest was right under 50 minutes.

I think I'll go for a run to clear my thoughts...

via

Injury. Stink!

I'm having IT Band issues.  Nice.  This is a common injury in runners.  I'm pretty sure it is due to missing a few short runs during the week (hence the reason I started this blog - to hold me accountable to runs), starting runs without proper warm up, and adding too many miles too quickly.  I pretty much need to not run for 3-5 days and get a message (seriously).  If it still bothers me I might have to go see a physical therapist.  I've also been given strict instruction to stay away from laundry, ironing, and anything that has to do with sweeping and mopping.  It is going to be tough the next couple days :)

I bought this handy dandy muscle massage stick (called The Stick.  How clever) today to start working on the band.  I have to say after using it on and off during the day my legs feel better.  I've used it on my calves, hamstrings, quads, back, and of course the IT Band.

If the pain continues I might have to forfeit the marathon this year.  I'm hoping it will heal and I won't have to do this.  I have talked to someone about how to continue running.  He said to run until the pain started and then quit.  Keep trying that, doing yoga, get a massage, and use The Stick.  Hopefully with rest it will stop bother me.  I am now on my 3rd day of no running.  I'm going to do yoga tomorrow and try to run again Wednesday. 

GO AWAY STUPID PAIN.  I don't have time for you!