I'm Back! Or so I hope...

Doug:

To put it lightly, it has been a rough few weeks. Sometime between my 13 mile run, and my 14 mile attempt, my knee decided it didn't like this running thing. I'm sure many of you have experienced the same problem. A few miles into the run, the lower part of your knee begins to throb in pain. Then, as quick as one leg extension, the most horrible feeling shoots up your side. The first time it happened I had just reached the top of Massachusetts Ave. The pain was so sudden that it literally brought ground. I was reduced to jog/walking the rest of the way home, cutting my 14 miles in half.

It came as a huge blow to my not only my ability to run, but my running confidence. The next morning I told Justin I didn't think I'd be able to continue, but thinking about how much effort I have already put into this race, quitting without a fight was not an option.

The first several runs after the pain began, I couldn't go 3 or 4 miles before my knee told me to stop. I tired icing, cutting back my mileage and buying a knee band. While all of that helped, I still failed to complete my long run the next week.

This week I did something a little different. Instead of cutting back on the mileage, I kept up with the program. I changed my routes to mostly track workouts. The track was soft and flat, allowing me it still run 4-7 miles with minimal pain. It felt great.

I knew, however, that 4-7 was not what I needed to fear. There was no way I could bring myself to run 14-15 miles on a track. So yesterday, with butterflies in my stomach and a black band around my knee, I set off. I modified my previous long route to avoid any major hills until the last half of the run. My theory was that half way in, I would be far enough from home that it would force me to continue. Well, I did it. I made it over up the hills, and back, passing over 14.5 miles under my Asics.

While I know I still have a long way to go, last night's run was a huge boost to my confidence. I'm back, with 53 days to go.

The Lonely Half Marathon - 13 miles

Doug:

Several years ago my family decided that we should all run a half marathon together, so I signed up for the Rock and Roll Half Marathon in Virginia Beach. That was my first (and only up to this point) long distance race, and I was blown away by the number or supporters lining the entire route. Rock and Roll did a great job filling every mile marker with the bands and cheerleaders. The rhythms and lyrics could be heard a quarter mile away, so very little time on the course was left without sometime to pump you up.

Yesterday I ran that distance again, only this time without all the support. There were no signs telling me to keep going, no cowbells giving me a jolt of energy, and no Bon Jovi cover band as I turned the corner past the 10 mile mark. It was just me, the road, and the knowledge that I'm several miles from home without money or a phone, so I'm left with no choice but to keep running.

But I did it. Maybe a little slower than I had originally set out for, but I left the house towards Dupont and didn't return until I had another 13 miles on those shoes. The fan support and medal at the end sure would have been nice, but my eyes are set on a larger goal. Even if it is a little lonely along the way.

Caught In The Rain - 5 Miles

Doug:

Tonight I got caught in the rain. I've slacked a little this week, trying to 'let my knees rest', so I was pretty excited to get back out for a run today. I had dinner plans at Gloria's this evening, so I rushed home from work and threw on the shorts. I figured it best to be a little late for dinner, than try to run 5 miles after stuffing myself. Lord knows I can't turn down Gloria's delicious Pupusas. About 3 miles in to the run, I heard a few loud claps of thunder and within seconds the heavens opened up. I'm not sure why, considering the forecast for storms all week, but it really caught me by surprise. Immediately my body perked up and I took off up the hill beside Meridian Park. I don't know if all I needed was a little wake up, or if the fear of the rain ruining my MP3 player took over, but I was booking it back the last few miles.

I guess getting caught in the rain can be a good thing sometimes. Nature's shower sure kept the legs moving.