HM Challenges

[SaskAlliecat]

I'm running a virtual HM in March and although I absolutely love the long runs I've struggled with getting all my runs in this month and trying to fit any extra cross training in. I've finally got my 16k run in today but it will be my only run this week due to heading North for a snowmobiling weekend and will likely only get 2 runs in next week due to my on-call schedule. I was on track to actually getting 3 runs last week but took a nasty fall on the ice during my mid-length run so I took the weekend off. I have a very demanding stressful job so I thoroughly enjoy the stress release I get from running but don't want to put anymore stress on myself by forcing myself to fit in runs when my life is just too busy. I know I will reach the HM distance by the end of March but I know I won't run it as well as I could if I had all my runs in and am so glad that I'll be running it on my own. I'm a wee but competitive so in a true race setting, I fear I would overdo it given my undertraining. I've resigned myself that perhaps this distance, at least in the winter months, may be too challenging to do well at this point in my life with the family and work commitments I have. I'm going to do a 10k trail race that is very hilly in the fall and have found a sub 60 10k training schedule I'm hoping to follow loosely that peaks out at 16k so I am very happy to get some distance on my legs so this will be feasible in the Spring/summer. Who knows, if I find I'm better able to get my runs in once the days get longer and our weather improves, maybe I'll be able to do the local 20k trail race next year. As much as I want to reach for the 50k race by the time I'm 50, unless my bosses are going to be understanding and let me forego some call as it approaches, it may not happen 😔. Oh well. One step at a time, 1 year at a time. I've come so far in this last year and have to focus on the gains I have made.

[Decker Ultramarathon]

One step at a time like you say Sask. I think you are doing great considering your difficult weather and work schedule challenges. And you are handling the distance gains wisely too. Glad to hear you are mended now from the fall too. I haven’t really gone for cross training but I did find some steeper hills to run up and down repeatedly like a lunatic. I think you will smash that HM. Mine is likely to be alone too, and I plan to use the same approach as the 10k race and try and run in the pace zones I know I can do in training with hopefully something left for a push at the end. But really, just happy to get through it. No worries, you are in good shape!

[SaskAlliecat Half Marathon in reply to Decker]

Thanks Decker. Just having a little woe is me moment. I was looking ahead into February and realized I'm not likely to be much more successful in getting all my runs in in February either but will at least get away for a lovely week long skiing and snowmobiling trip. It really is just about completing the distance at this point and enjoying the "me" time I get when I do get out for the runs I get in. I definitely wasn't able to get lost in my thoughts on today's run. I was too busy dodging ice patches. I sure didn't want to risk another fall. It is a good thing it's not shorts weather around here, these are some ugly black and blue legs I've got right now 😂

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to SaskAlliecat]

I think you’ll be fine Sask. I would imagine the skiing would probably act as a harder core workout session in lieu of actual runs. But I know what you mean.

[SaskAlliecat Half Marathon in reply to Decker]

Perhaps, if we were heading to the mountains, but it's a small family friendly hill that is great for my budding skier. Hopefully in the next year or so we'll be able to justify the cost of going to the mountains again. I grew up in BC and spent 8 years in Alberta close enough to Banff and Lake Louise to enjoy some stellar skiing, pre-kids. I definitely miss my mountains. It will be a great family trip though, even if it ends up being run free.

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Ah ok. Well some things are worth more. And quality time with your family is one of them. Hope you enjoy the trip!

[Hidden]

You’ve been doing really well, these longer runs take up a lot of time and effort and are hard to fit in especially around work and family commitments oh and Winter too.

Please don’t beat yourself up about it, the key thing is you are still running. The virtual HM gives you the opportunity to focus on you and not have to worry about race management too, so that’s a positive thing. I wish you lots of luck. I am heading out for a 15k later and am apprehensive and that’s without bruises and snow!

Good luck, well done and happy running

[SaskAlliecat Half Marathon in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Jan. I initially had planned to run the Hypothermic Half at the end of February which is a small race but our winter was so brutal before Christmas I didn't want to risk having to run in extreme colds and didn't think I'd be ready. I'm really glad I'm doing it this way instead. I still get to build to the distance without adding more pressure.

Good luck on your run today. I'm surprised, my legs actually feel ok, but the bruises on the front of my legs from a combative patient I had 2 weeks ago suddenly got a lot wider and are a bit darker again. I'm guessing the extra blood flow is playing a role. My hip bruise really couldn't get any darker 😖.

[Hidden in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Poor you, but well done for keeping it going. Just finished mine about an hour ago and heading for a foam roller session, followed by a well earned and needed shower.

[Whatsapp Half Marathon]

There is never a perfect time, and preparation espcecially the commitment that a HM requires will often be interupted by the rest of your life.

I am training for a HM in March also. My runs have been interupted by snow and an ankle sprain too. Just getting to the start line will be an acheivement within itself.

[SaskAlliecat Half Marathon in reply to Whatsapp]

Sorry to hear you're on the IC. Hopefully you'll be able to get back out soon and be on the start line on race day 🤞

[Whatsapp Half Marathon in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Thanks. Fortunately, it happened a few weks back and I am runnig again, albeit more gently for fear of antagonising it.

[C3PO Marathon]

It isn't always easy, is it? But of course you have to prioritize other things at times. As Martin Yelling keeps saying during the London Marathon video chats, having a good time on the day of a race is way more important than your actual result. Anyway, it looks like you have lots of good plans for the running season.

[SaskAlliecat Half Marathon in reply to C3PO]

Thanks C3PO. That's what I was telling myself as I was running yesterday. It shouldn't be about the time, especially the first one, but the competitive streak in me wants to still feel good about it. The fact that I've managed to consistently run, even if not 3runs each week, is really an achievement with the winter we've had. I'm looking forward to getting back to my summer runs at the lake, through the hills.

[Hidden]

I totally get your struggles, I too have a demanding family and work long days with more on calls than i would like! Sometimes I feel tired when I go out for a run so I have factored in a few cutback weeks in my hm training to avoid injury. I have got to approx 10 miles and have got to work up to 13 in the next 10 weeks. I hope it is feasible but my physio has just highlighted a left leg weakness from when I jarred my leg falling off a kerb. This means I need to get ruthless with some strengthening exercises including the dreaded squats. Do what you can and make them quality miles.

[SaskAlliecat Half Marathon in reply to Hidden]

I think you hit the nail on the head - it's got to be quality miles instead of quantity at this point for me. It's the unpredictability of the on call that kills me, but that's the nature of the job. Best of luck working up to those final 3 miles, as well. In reality, it shouldn't be that hard, it is only 3 miles, but it seems daunting doesn't it?

[Hidden in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Lol 3 miles seems impossible currently!!

[ju-ju- Marathon]

To eat the elephant you only need to do it one bite at a time .....

[SaskAlliecat Half Marathon in reply to ju-ju-]

True, very true. It's really just about getting some miles on the legs and completing the distance. I'll chip away at it over the next 6 weeks or so and luckily can choose the day to run my actual "race" which will be nice.