Categories: Fitness

MCM Training Week 14: Not-So-Stellar

18 miles last week.

I take taper seriously, yo.

So last week clearly sucked on the running front.

3 miles Wednesday.

6 miles with Fiona Thursday, including one colossal wipe-out which left a 4-inch long scab on my arm that’s STILL healing.

9 miles with Meghann, Anne and some of Anne’s bridesmaids/friends before her wedding.

A far cry from the 47 miles I tackled the week before, and a far cry from the 43-45 my schedule had planned for me.

But I just didn’t have running in me last week. I had another intense week at work, and I woke up feeling physically depleted every morning. Every run that I did do felt like I was running through quicksand, and every time I ran, I felt like rest might have been a better idea. My legs felt the exhaustion of 13 weeks of marathon training, and my mind was elsewhere.

But hey, 18 > 0.

This week, I am fighting a cold, thanks to a probably training-induced compromised immune system. I got home yesterday around 1 and slept till 6, woke back up for a bit, and went back to sleep at 11 for a full 8 hours of sleep. My plan this week calls for four 5-milers and a 12-miler. I’m doing the Army Ten-Miler Sunday, so I will probably just stick with 10 that day instead of 12. As for those other 5-milers? I’m going to take each day as it comes. I know my body needs rest right now both to recover from this cold and from 13 weeks of marathon training, so that’s what it’s going to get.

Have you ever gotten sick right before a big race? Did you freak out?

Also…that “I’m not like those other people, I like my couch right now from last week?” Gone. I want to run.

Theodora Blanchfield

View Comments

  • Get some rest! I know between training, change of seasons and stress its not helping your immune system. Easy does it and hey you are tapering and getting ready for a fun race in DC.

  • Oh NO I am so sorry you're sick! In good news, you definitely have plenty of time to get better, both before this weekend and before Marine Corps. Try not to stress, and just rest up and recover! Your training is in; you are going to do great.

  • I came down with a cold four days before the Rock n Roll Philly 1/2 this year. Rest was absolutely the key to getting to the start for me. I took three days off completely and loaded up on fluids and vitamin C. Don't worry about getting the miles in if it could jeopardize race day...rest and feel better soon!

    • @Maureen: I know logically not to push the miles to jeopardize race day, and in practice, I won't, either...but it's still frustrating.

      Did taking the few days off help you?

  • Rest, Vitamin C, decrease bubbly, sleep some more, and prioritize Marine Corps. Aka if you are still sick come Friday, think twice about Ten Miler. I know you'll be better by then though!

  • I love how all your girlfriends run...it must be so nice to run with such great company.

    Try not to stress about being poorly...it'll mend, better this week than on marathon week. Just enjoy the rest, I'm sure your body will welcome it! I'm so excited about MCM!!

  • T -- I also have a cold and it's freaking me out! I'm like seriously -- two weeks before the race, really?! We have a whole *almost two weeks to get healthy though. I feel ya. Hang in there!

  • I have a cold right now too! :-( I actually think a lot of people are fighting a cold, remember to take your Emergen-C and Zicam and you will be all set for the race :-)

  • I'm running the MCM 10K, which is obviously a heck of a lot less mileage than the marathon, but I've not been running as much because I've had a stupid sinus infection the last few weeks. SO ANNOYING.

  • I had a stomach virus the day before the NYC half. Fortunately, gatorade is a miracle drug!

  • When I ran Boston in 2010, I hurt my knee about a month beforehand and couldn't run AT ALL for that month. It messed with me mentally, but honestly, I went in feeling really rested and had a good race. Feel better, your work is 98% done!

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