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

8/16/2021

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.

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.