Rain, Pins & Needles

I kept plugging along the Charles River quietly enjoying a fantasy of being in the rain and not having any rain gear. It felt like a defiant childhood moment - similar to jumping into a pool with all your clothes on. You know, one of those things that's not done - but something that is referred to in a dramatic moment. Saturday, June 3rd, was our 5 mile run - it was pouring and the rain was cold.

All fantasy aside, the fact was, I was running slower than I could walk. 5 miles in 82 minutes (16+ min/mile). That's 82 minutes of pounding the pavement and my body ached. Soon after, my fingers and toes got that "pins & needles" sensation and fears of old injuries re-entering my life caused concern. Looking back, I believe I created my own problem (as is usually the case) between poor running mechanics coupled with some shoe "issues".

Regardless, this sent me on a new journey of seeking consults from various doctors, physical therapists and people who have completed marathons. I had my feet & gait analyzed, been given core strengthening exercises and have a MRI scheduled once my insurance takes my doctors advice and agrees it is medically necessary. (oy!) I also contacted the "walking the marathon" group of Teams in Training and the following Sunday went "to look". Meanwhile, I continued with the running schedule, made some modifications, and the "needles & pins" have not returned. Making a switch from running to walking makes logical sense, but my emotions are slow to catch up with my mind.

The 10th of June (another rainy morning, but much warmer) I chose to run the 6 miles but with modifications. It took me 95 minutes. My time went to just under a 16 min/mile. While I didn't have the same pain, recovery took me quite a bit longer than expected.

I did not do the all the training the following week. I felt discouraged until I spoke with the walk/run coach. She did the combo for a marathon with a 10 min/mile average. This past Thursday and Friday I gave it a try and found my time dropped to 14 min/mile, hurt a lot less and had a blast!

Today I switched to the "walking marathon" group and could not be more pleased. We did 6 miles and I kept to my 14 min/mile in some pretty humid, hot weather. I'm bound to get in better shape as time goes on and expect to drop my time. My goal is to do the marathon in no more than a 13 min/mile.

It took two weeks to accept the switch and can't believe I hesitated. I only hope I don't have to walk the whole 26.2... but I will if I must!