Is the song stuck in your head now?
You all know I’ve been trying to get over bronchitis in time for Marine Corps Marathon. My training has been completely upended because of it. Running has been a struggle and I haven’t made it more than 4 very slow miles. I did have one fast 3 miler last week where I thought albuterol was the answer, but Monday’s no good very bad slow as molasses run showed me that the inhaler helps, but I’m not healed.
You know what else Monday’s run showed me? The “I’ve run 80 miles this week, so my body is worn” ache is still in my hip. A quick (and painful OMG!) visit to the chiropractor led to the discovery that my entire right side is a bit out of whack from compensating for the hip. After some ART that made me want to cry like a baby, I left with instructions to foam roll the hell out of my lower body (ok, maybe not his words) and a NO RUNNING edict until he sees me again. 
So, for those keeping track at home that’s 80 miles of running 2+ weeks ago and no long run since.
What!??! Who does a 5 week taper??? This girl. This girl right here.
But I’m tenacious. And I am going to run the Marine Corps Marathon. And finish it. With a smile on my face. It won’t be fast. There will be walking. But I’m pretty sure I can “Beat the Bridge”.
Wednesday I’ll be doing my usual winter sign up for the gym, as the elliptical was okayed by the chiro (of course, the challenge there is to not go into a coughing fit.) If I get permission to run on Thursday at my appointment, I will make one more attempt at a long run. If not, well, I’ll be doing a lot of walking and ellipticallying and foam rolling (that shit is painful!) and hoping my lungs will heal.
I want that medal. I’ve worked hard for that medal. I ran through a Virginia summer (my definition of hell) for that medal.
I intend to get it.
I’m linking up with Deb Runs for Wednesday Word. Today’s word was tenacious – which seemed absolutely fitting for the post I needed to write today.
I’ve never had to DNS but honestly, it sounds to me like your body is trying to tell you something. You know the saying it starts with a whisper & ends with a shout?
Ok, I’m sure that’s not what you want to hear, so stay safe!
I’m doing my best to treat my body right so that I can run MCM.
Ugh, sorry bout that, yes it does sound like your body is telling you something. Anyway, you’ll get the finisher’s medal — cause if you can run an 80 mile week, you can definitely finish a marathon decently (maybe not spot on goal pace) even with a 5 week taper!
I hope so. Just need to stay under a 14 minute mile…
I am pulling for you. I cannot even in my wildest dreams imagine running 80 miles in a week! Sending healing thoughts in your direction!
There is no doubt in my mind that you will finish that marathon even if you don’t run for the next couple of weeks. You have more strength and determination than anyone I know! Hello, 6 half marathons in a week?
Thanks for your vote of confidence. I appreciate it.
You can definitely finish the marathon with a long taper- you have a lot of running endurance and experience! Just be careful, take it easy in the mean time and control everything you can control (hydration, fuel, sleep, the whole shebang!)
Sleep is the hardest one for me…
Five week tapers work for some…. : )
I’m cheering for your body to feel better all around and for you to make it to the start line in one healthy piece!
I always say LISTEN TO THE ZIPPY!!!!
sending you <3 and healing from Austin.
Ha! And thank you.
Thanks. I’m doing my best to get healthy again.
You go girl! You can definitely do this! You will have a great race!
I have renewed sympathy for your bronchitis and I have just come down with a sore throat and wonder what this is going to work into.
Once MCM is over, I expect to see you rest as hard as you’ve run in Sept/Oct. You are one tough cookie!
I won’t necessarily be resting, but I will be cross training. I need to get in better shape before I do 7 in 7.
I would imagine that your body would need to rest for 2 weeks after what you put it through. You are more than prepared for MCM you got this!
I’m tired of resting. Thank goodness for the elliptical.
I just made a chiro apt because I can tell my hip is way off again too. What a frustrating thing that we can’t just keep it in check on our own!! I know you’ll be back and damn you for that song
I know I’d probably still need a “tune up” after my crazy mileage, but I could have made this have less impact if I EVER used my foam roller. Sorry about the song – it’s one of my favorite pick me up songs.
And you will! I just had a friend that basically did a 5 week taper because of a post-tibial tendon issue, and she had a fabulous race. BQ’d even!
I think I need on the chiro band wagon, but with 11 days until my marathon I don’t want to go and possibly mess things up. So I’m going to wait until after. But of course I’m getting those mysterious taper injuries like hip pain, glute pain, maybe a sciatic issue. Ugh. I just want to race!
Ugh, hate the mystery issues. Yeah, I’d stay away from the chiro till after. I’m sore in places I didn’t realize had a problem LOL, but my whole right side from hip to foot had issues that were causing the actual pain in my hip.
With being sick, a five-week taper might be just what you need – not your ideal taper time under normal circumstances, but under these, perhaps the best. I have no doubt you’ll finish the MCM, and if your lungs are clear when you run, you just might do better than you think. Good luck and have fun!
It was great seeing you on Saturday ! Thanks for linking up!
If I could just stop coughing, I’d be much happier.
I am sure you have enough base fitness to complete the marathon. I ran a trail marathon after a sub-par training block due to piriformis issues, a crazy business trip, and then a cold that kept me off running for 2 weeks (but my piriformis healed in that time). And I totally have that song in my head…it has been my mantra on many occasions.
I know – I’m working hard to fix the hip and fingers crossed the coughing will stop by then.
You got this! That medal IS yours, and you can beat the bridge!
It may suck after the bridge, but I should be close to the bridge before the true sucking begins. ;o)
Uggh, so sorry to hear this. But you KNOW you can do the miles. You CAN do it and you WILL Do it!! Get that 40th anniversary bling!
I want that bling LOL. It may be my slowest marathon ever though.