Archive for October 15th, 2008

I just returned from my first foray back outside in running shoes, following Pfitzinger’s recovery schedule of 4 slow miles.  I have to laugh remembering when I first skimmed that part of the plan last week, I was all, “So few miles?  Nu-uh, I’m going to pad that for sure” compared to yesterday when I realized I was supposed to run again the next day and my thoughts were suddenly, “Oh, shit…already???”

As expected, I had some serious DOMS these last couple days, which I thoroughly enjoyed in a masochistic way – proof that I’d done something a bit, er, strenuous.  I wasn’t forced to tackle stairs backwards, but rolling over in bed required a 3-point turn system: weight on right elbow, thrust self onto back, groan quietly so as not to wake Nick, weight onto left elbow, hoist self to face left, ahhhhh.

My toes are a mess, the two second toes are going to lose their nails, one’s half off already.  I suspect their trauma could have been prevented by tying my shoes tighter in consideration for the long downhills, but I’ve had foot pain in the past from tying them too tight, so I shoulda compromised…just didn’t think beforehand.

So while today’s recovery jog was the perfect activity (my legs starting feeling relief almost immediately), my two torn-up toes were crying inside their silicone toe caps.

As for the rest of me, I feel Satisfied with a capital S.  Relieved that I didn’t need a Plan B after all, I truly feel for all my BQ hunting compatriots who are in the midst of implementing theirs, because this sense of closure and finality is truly a luxurious feeling.  I can put the marathon mindset completely aside until next year and start afresh with a new plan of action – so freeing.

What is this plan of action?  For now, there’s that kooky Bridge 10K in 2.5 weeks that I ran last year as part of a team with a dear group of forum friends.  I’ll see how my legs are feeling.  I also have the Turkey Trot 5K in Haddonfield, NJ that I did last year and loved, that’s at the end of November.  I need to see what else is scheduled in my area.

But I won’t be twiddling my thumbs, I’ve actually had a non-marathon Fall goal in mind for months now: to get my 5K in the 22s, which should be ready to happen – my PR is 23:06 and that’s from April, before all this marathon madness began.  It’ll be nice to spend November messing around with short intervals and tempos so I can work the faster stuff.

Then for Spring, my goal race is the Lehigh Valley Half.  I think I’m sticking with my boyfriend Pete Pfitzinger for that plan, too.  I have his Road Racing book and since Advanced Marathoning got me to the start in such a calm, steady, no injury way, I see no reason to switch.  It’s a 14-week plan, so that’ll start at the end of January.

That’s about it for today’s blah blah blah.  Shout out to all you marathoners whose big race or Plan B is yet to happen, I’ll be living vicariously through your successes and adventures these next few weeks because, without a doubt, marathoning has to be one of the most exciting and rewarding things I’ve ever experienced.  So bring it on kids, here’s to some fabulous racing ahead!!