Yeah… well I’m actually not very excited any more since I’m injured :(
Let’s back up for a moment and review my training before I get the injury. Alternative titles for this post include “What not to do” “My Hip Hurts” “Rookie Marathoner Mistakes”….
My long runs clocked in at about 10-11 minute miles average with some walking breaks thrown in. I thought this was pretty good all things considered.
During the week I planned on cross training 2-3 days a week and have 1 short speed run and 1 medium distance run. What really happened was I ran two 3-4 milers each week. Usually a day of yoga thrown in and very seldom cross training- I think I’ve been on my bike twice, haven’t been to the pool since September, and don’t remember the last time I lifted a weight.
Most marathoners weekly mileage peaks at 40-50 miles, mine peaked at 25. No joke.
And now I have hip bursitis…. It hurts… badly. The past two weeks I’ve been battling with this injury and wanting to run but not wanting to make it worse. So I did a lot of run/walks. I feel very unprepared and scared going into the marathon this weekend. I hope my hip will hold up and I’ll be able to finish.
The basis is my injury is likely doing too much, too fast… and an absence of strength training. After seeing a physical therapist… I found out I have weak glutes- which really really affects your running more than you think.
P.S. For those of you that asked- I have no time goal. At this rate I’ll be happy to limp across the finish line in one piece. Switching to the half marathon is an option but I think it would be difficult for me to cut out early unless I’m in severe pain. I’m running with my friend Annie who is also admittedly undertrained so we are just planning on trying to get through it and have a good time!