Today was the first day of my training program that I REALLY didn't want to run. My calendar said that I needed to run for an hour, which shouldn't seem like much after some of these three-hour weekend runs. I got out of work with just enough time to fit in the run before getting my son to his saxophone lesson. The devil in my brain started coming up with all sorts of great ideas as to why I shouldn't run such as: it's too cold and windy; it's snowing; there's still ice and snow on the roads and sidewalks; work was hard; I need to go to the grocery store; my body is probably due for a little extra break. It would have been easy to give in to this train of thinking, but then I started to think about all the encouragement I've been getting from people at the Hospital and friends and family. I knew that I just needed to get my orthotic-filled running shoes on and hit the road. It wasn't my favorite run ever but it was not nearly as bad as I was anticipating it would be. The highlight was having a pedestrian, who must have been in his eighties, waving me ahead while saying “ladies before gentlemen” on an ice-narrowed piece of sidewalk. I told myself that if he was walking to and from the grocery store I couldn't complain about my “recreational” run. He certainly looked fit and I hope to be so healthy as to walk to and from the supermarket when I'm his age.
It is a little freaky to flip the page of the calendar and see April 16 staring me in the face. I continue to get lots of great advice from other runners as the date draws near. Carol and Stephanie from the Suburban Striders were quick to tell me that I should absolutely NOT cut my toenails the day before the Marathon. They are both marathon veterans and said that this could lead to far worse than bloody socks. Apparently, the toe bed is extra sensitive after a trimming and I could put myself more at risk for loss of a toenail if I stick with the plan I had blogged about. They thought a trimming the week before would be more advisable. Sharon from the club (who I think has run eight or more marathons) filled me in on what goodies she pins to her shirt the day of the race such as hand wipes, tissue and table salt. Mary, who is the founder of the Suburban Striders, sent a group email advising Sole Sisters as an inspirational read. I just ordered a copy from Amazon. For now, I will pass on Carol's recommendation of an ice bath but maybe I will even try that as I still have 18, 10 and 20-mile runs planned in the upcoming weekends.
3 comments:
Hi Dr. Angle,
I found your blog today off the NWH website and I want to lend my support. I harbor a secret dream to run a marathon (but maybe a fall marathon so I can train in light and warmth) before I hit my next decade. But so far 10K is all I have been able to manage. Although the twin pregnancy did feel like a marathon...we are all doing well.
I admire your efforts and will keep up with your progress. I hope they'll give you a day off afterwards!
Nancy Swallow
Caroline, Lindsey & Alyssa
Dr. Angle,
I have no doubt in my mind that you will run the marathon with as much passion and committment as you show your patients. I hope to be there to cheer you on that day, since you have always cheered me on when I needed it!
R. Herron & family
It's great to hear how both you and Martha face and overcome the desire to procrastinate, especially on the really cold days we've had. Keep up the great work!
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