Week 11... Can I still call it Boston Training? How about Boston 22 Training?

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I had to sit down and have a hard chat with myself.  

It was time.  

Time to revise the plan, the goals, the finish line.  

I don't know why running feels so hard right now but it feel like my body just needs time to adjust. 

Resting doesn't seem to help. I know it seems like it should help, but I feel like my pain a result of  weakness not overuse.  Resting has helped reduce the aches and pain but once I start running again, I am sore.  This is because resting doesn't do anything to address the weakness.  Not running in pain is the plan.  Strength training needs to take a starring role right now. If my focus was on getting prepared to race, I needed to run.  If I can't run without pain, how do I train for a race? 

The Answer: I don't.  It is that simple.  I don't. 

I highly doubt I will be racing Boston 21.  I don't see how I can take a step back, heal up, build strength, then move forward as a runner and be ready for Boston in time. I don't want to feel rushed. Rushed training never works,   

The good news for me is that I am already qualified for Boston 2022.  I don't need to run 2021.  Sure, I wanted to. The opportunity to run Boston in glorious New England fall weather will be a once in a lifetime experience.  

But it just wont likely be my experience. 

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So instead of trying to get those 16-20+M long runs done, I gave myself permission to back up.  First I wanted a few short test runs to see how my calf really feels.  

First, I went out for a 2 mile walk with some running to assess. Everything felt good.

Then I tried a little longer without walks. I feel "good enough".  My right calf is sore, my left bursa is sore but all better than last week. 

I was able to run a decent 4M on Saturday but the aftermath of a 9:03 pace was not pleasant.  I felt like I had run a marathon. My body is not happy.  

I waited until late afternoon.  I had hope to get a 12M this weekend. I wan't committed fully.  I would listen to my body.  I planned two 6 miles loops so I could easily end the run if I was uncomfortable.  I didn't need to!  I manage to get all 12 but I did take a run/walk approach. That helped. I am ok with Run/Walking until I feel 100% again. 

I am in no rush.  I have nothing but time, really.