My husband finishing the Ogden Marathon in 2008.
I've always wanted to run a marathon. I'm not sure why, but it's been on the list for some time. I've run a few halfs, but have never committed to run the full 26.2 miles. Well, at the first of the year I realized that there would never be a better time. My husbands work / school load would be as light as it possibly could for probably the rest of his career and I had just finished breast-feeding my one year old and the timing was perfect.
I began searching for a race. The last week of May would be the perfect time. As I looked, I realized there were no races in our area, that didn't fall on a Sunday. I began searching for Saturday races and that left me at April 9'th in the Houston area. I quickly signed up, and started mapping out my schedule. Soon, I realized that I would have to up my mileage very quickly, cut out some of the tapering and do less long runs. I didn't have as much time as I needed. But, I surged ahead because there was never going to be a better time.
Soon I realized that my knees were bugging me, my left in particular. It wasn't too much of a problem because I started icing them after long runs and taking ibuprofen. I ran ten miles at the end of January in freezing weather and felt good. Then I jumped to twelve, fourteen and to sixteen, all the while my knees aching. I kept telling myself that people do this all of time.
About a month ago I ran eighteen miles and that was my last run. Since then any time I've attempted to run, my left knee has reacted. Even a trip up or down stairs reminds me that I pushed too hard and did too much. I hate this lesson.
Tomorrow is the race and we're not going. Last night I got a reminder e-mail about parking, race-day packets and the after race party. I was so disappointed I told Jimmy I wanted to just drive down and I would do the best I could, probably aggravating me knee even more. I'm finally convinced it's not a good idea.
I'm not sure why this lesson is so hard to swallow for me, but I have been reminded constantly over the last few months of King Benjamin's famous words, "it is not requisite that a mans should run faster than he has strength...it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order."
I ran too fast, too long and increased my mileage too soon, and I'm not going to win the prize--this weekend that is.
I'm hoping I can remember this lesson and apply it to all things in my life as they come. Hopefully there will be another day for another marathon. Until then, I'll apply the lessons I've learned to living every day. One day at a time.
6 comments:
I'm so sorry. That really is a bummer. I remember training for months for my first triathlon, only to find out a couple days before the race that I had walking pneumonia and was on strict orders from the doctor not to participate. Lame. But you're right, there will be another time. You'll run your marathon. How awesome that you ran 18 miles. You're a champ.
I am so bummed to hear about your knee, but I know you will get another chance at a marathon. Not to mention you are going to live in a place where you can train outdoors all year long.
So sad about your knee. :( I just to run all the time and now my knees are not likin' it either. sigh...
hey - my husband goes by Jimmy too.
Love the entire theme behind your website! So perfect.
I just ran my first marathon this past year. You should consider doing Honolulu. It's awesome! And it'd be in a location you'd remember forever. I'd even train with you...assuming you guys move to Kailua--wink, wink!
Ah, I've learned that lesson too many times! I'm so sorry for the disappointment...but the feeling of crossing that finish line will be even greater when you finally do it!
I've never had the desire to run a marathon at all... ever, but to be so close when you wanted to, that is sooo sad! My sympathies! :)
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