It's always a little difficult for me to get over the idea that my latest marathon has become a memory. You give most of your spare time and mental focus to preparation for this huge event for months. Then you do it, and it's all over, just like that.
But, the success of my latest marathon, the Spirit of St. Louis, gave me more than just memories. It provided me with tons of motivation for my fourth run at the distance. I learned from St. Louis that I get better at marathoning with every attempt. The long training runs don't seem as difficult and I think I've gotten smarter about my race tactics. Every time I train for a marathon, I build on my fitness base, and that makes it easier to get into shape.
That base is probably the most important thing for me to recognize now. It appears that, like last fall, I will quit running for a few weeks to allow some mild discomfort in my lef knee to go away completely. It irritates me to have to stop running completely, but St. Louis taught me that sitting out doesn't have to be deadly. Because of a foot injury, I didn't run a step for three months before easing back into training in November 2006. Ultimately, my St. Louis race was extraordinarily good for me, so the layoff didn't hurt me and probably was beneficial.
The knee injury is minor at this point, and I don't want it to get any worse. So, I will swim and lift weights for exercise. I plan to see a sports medicine doctor or physical therapist soon to nail down the exact problem.
Meanwhile, the worst pain I have has nothing to do with running at all. I played 18 holes of golf three weeks ago, and came away with a pain in my left shoulder that's never gone away. I don't know if it has anything to do with my swing - doubtful - or from carrying my bag knapsack style for the first time. Either way, I can't imagine playing again until THAT heals up. That's really no loss. I never miss playing golf like I miss running. The only thing I miss is the fun of being with the golf group. And they miss my 19th hole payoffs.
But, the success of my latest marathon, the Spirit of St. Louis, gave me more than just memories. It provided me with tons of motivation for my fourth run at the distance. I learned from St. Louis that I get better at marathoning with every attempt. The long training runs don't seem as difficult and I think I've gotten smarter about my race tactics. Every time I train for a marathon, I build on my fitness base, and that makes it easier to get into shape.
That base is probably the most important thing for me to recognize now. It appears that, like last fall, I will quit running for a few weeks to allow some mild discomfort in my lef knee to go away completely. It irritates me to have to stop running completely, but St. Louis taught me that sitting out doesn't have to be deadly. Because of a foot injury, I didn't run a step for three months before easing back into training in November 2006. Ultimately, my St. Louis race was extraordinarily good for me, so the layoff didn't hurt me and probably was beneficial.
The knee injury is minor at this point, and I don't want it to get any worse. So, I will swim and lift weights for exercise. I plan to see a sports medicine doctor or physical therapist soon to nail down the exact problem.
Meanwhile, the worst pain I have has nothing to do with running at all. I played 18 holes of golf three weeks ago, and came away with a pain in my left shoulder that's never gone away. I don't know if it has anything to do with my swing - doubtful - or from carrying my bag knapsack style for the first time. Either way, I can't imagine playing again until THAT heals up. That's really no loss. I never miss playing golf like I miss running. The only thing I miss is the fun of being with the golf group. And they miss my 19th hole payoffs.
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