As I finished my last tempo/long run on Sunday, I was overcome with emotion. This would be the FIRST TIME...ever...to have finished my marathon training INJURY FREE. I walked in circles in the Roberto's parking lot and more than a few road bikers glanced my way. Why is she crying? Stomach trouble? It was just ONE OF THOSE MOMENTS of gratitude and I wanted to FEEL it and let it seep into my core. Pure appreciate of my body, mind and spirit. We had done it!
Everyone always tells me that AGE IS JUST A NUMBER. The younger people tell me this and I nod my head but I KNOW what it's like to feel my body change. It's NOT ALL bad, in fact, aging is what I've done well. Especially when it comes to running.
Some sage and sane advice to the 45 year old PLUS runner:
*Drink a lot of water. All day.
*Eat right after a run.
*Ice baths are cold but necessary.
*Take a LONG time to build up your mileage, your strength, your speed(for some this might be years).
*Even if something is just starting up as a little, tiny niggle, listen to it. Be conservative.
*Be tough. The best is yet to come.
SwamiiBoy(formerly known as BS)and I are headed to Chicago this week! Swamii has had many roles in my marathon training. Due to his knee surgery last spring, he continues to run low mileage(talk about patience)and bike. We spent many an early morning and sunset running/biking in Carlsbad and down to La Jolla as he called out crazy split times and minutes to me. I would zone out in a groove and let my body respond to his calls. It was heavenly-despite the 80 and 90 degree heat. It would have been better to have him by my side but this was the next best thing...thanks Swamii. When I cross the finish line, I'll be looking for YOU!
Also grateful for GOOD FRIENDS who send funny texts, awesomely deep and touching emails and just keep me SANE. I love my GIVING TREE Team/BSK mates, you ROCK the RED nail polish and jersey and always inspire!
I'm heading into CHICAGO having already accomplished my goal...health. The rest is icing on the cake!
Everyone always tells me that AGE IS JUST A NUMBER. The younger people tell me this and I nod my head but I KNOW what it's like to feel my body change. It's NOT ALL bad, in fact, aging is what I've done well. Especially when it comes to running.
Some sage and sane advice to the 45 year old PLUS runner:
*Drink a lot of water. All day.
*Eat right after a run.
*Ice baths are cold but necessary.
*Take a LONG time to build up your mileage, your strength, your speed(for some this might be years).
*Even if something is just starting up as a little, tiny niggle, listen to it. Be conservative.
*Be tough. The best is yet to come.
SwamiiBoy(formerly known as BS)and I are headed to Chicago this week! Swamii has had many roles in my marathon training. Due to his knee surgery last spring, he continues to run low mileage(talk about patience)and bike. We spent many an early morning and sunset running/biking in Carlsbad and down to La Jolla as he called out crazy split times and minutes to me. I would zone out in a groove and let my body respond to his calls. It was heavenly-despite the 80 and 90 degree heat. It would have been better to have him by my side but this was the next best thing...thanks Swamii. When I cross the finish line, I'll be looking for YOU!
Also grateful for GOOD FRIENDS who send funny texts, awesomely deep and touching emails and just keep me SANE. I love my GIVING TREE Team/BSK mates, you ROCK the RED nail polish and jersey and always inspire!
I'm heading into CHICAGO having already accomplished my goal...health. The rest is icing on the cake!
Good luck, Meg! Congrats on your fantastic training cycle. I'm so happy for you that you are healthy and ready to go. ENJOY!
ReplyDeleteWell done Meg. That's a huge achievement in itself. Look forward to reading your race report on the other side of Chicago.
ReplyDeleteI wish you all the best of everything in Chicago - I know you are going to nail it!! I am actually going to go, but will have to walk a lot of it. Not getting in until later on Saturday and out early Monday but if you want to get together, give me a shout.
ReplyDeleteGo Megsie, goooooo!!
Woohooooooooooo Meg is back! So happy to see a new post of you and such a happy one. I'm so happy for you your training was injury free. Now go and enjoy Chicago!
ReplyDeleteThat is awesome! I can definitely relate to the older body syndrome. Recovery takes much longer and reaching a specific fitness level takes much longer. But we oldies are tough! All the best at Chicago!
ReplyDeleteGood luck! I'm gearing up for a marathon in a few weeks as well, and I was so happy that I made it through to my peak week/last long run injury free. I may not be as old as you, but I've been running competitively since before high school (so more than 20 years now). I often struggle to keep myself together...Good luck! Good luck! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteHave a great time in Chicago. Injury free? Woot woot!
ReplyDeleteGood luck in Chicago!! Getting through marathon injury-free is a major battle for me as well. Congratulations on being healthy at the start line!
ReplyDeleteI meant to write, "Getting through marathon TRAINING..."
DeleteYeas for no injury!!!! I'll be running Chicago too - I'll send out special race juju to ya on Sunday morning as we all line up for 26.2 miles of fun!
ReplyDeleteGood luck and have a great race!!
Congrats! So glad to hear your training went well! Rock the race!
ReplyDeleteGood luck - have fun!
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
ReplyDeletegood to see you on the blog feed again! safe travels and have a great weekend, good luck!
ReplyDeleteGood luck in Chicago. Glad you've made it to this point uninjured.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck to you in Chicago. It's a very flat course so you will do fine if the weather (and the water) holds there. That race developed a very bad rep years ago. I'm glad it's come back.
ReplyDelete