Happy Marathon Monday everyone! Good luck to all of the Boston Marathon runners today! I hope I can follow along as much as possible during the race. I remember last year it happened to fall over spring break and I was able to take the day off and watch the race from home. It’s definitely one of my favorite days! I especially want to wish good luck to those of you who I have followed throughout your training- Nicole, Amber, and Laura!
Every year I get very inspired watching the race, wondering if one day I will be there. Even last year I had my doubts- it was right after I struggled to run a 4:01 marathon and I felt like I would never break that 4 hour barrier. Then last summer/fall my training really took off and I began to realize that I definitely could make it to Boston. I cut 15 minutes off my marathon time and felt like I had the potential to have run faster if my body had cooperated on race day. Still, I knew I had a faster time in me and decided I would do whatever it would take to get healthy.
However, as the months following the marathon went by I did not recover as expected. Despite taking time off and cutting back on my training significantly I was not back to feeling 100%. My body continued to fight against me, and various chiropractors and physical therapists weren’t able to give me any sort of clear explanation.
In early March I told my physical therapist that I was going to stop running to see if that helped. (Yes, it was my idea- no one I have worked with had actually told me to stop running). Well I guess I figured out why they didn’t tell me to stop running because it really didn’t make anything better! So I slowly started running again (on the Alter-G when possible, and outside when I was feeling good).
I have learned that a return to running is extremely humbling. A few months ago I could head out for an hour long run and not think twice about it. I had the endurance to run for hours without really getting out of breath, as long as my pace was easy. Now, 3 miles at any pace has me out of breath! And in my new neighborhood I have an element that is somewhat new to me: HILLS!
This huge setback has definitely increased any doubts I have about making it to Boston one day. It’s hard to imagine running a qualifying time when I can hardly hold that pace for one mile these days. I also now have doubts about my body being able to sustain marathon training. I wish I could say that I learned how to do things “better” next time. If nothing else, I have learned that there will probably never be one “right” way to do things.
Runners are strong. For me, I have never really struggled with pushing myself during workouts or getting the miles in or even keeping up with my core work. I will know that I have gotten stronger when I can get to a place where I understand my body, it’s limits, and what it needs.
When it comes to our running and training, we may make progress and then fall back again but we always have the potential to come back stronger than before. Stronger doesn’t necessarily have to equal faster, either. It all depends on your goals and priorities. For me, I will feel “stronger” when I am no longer nervous before a run because I worry that something will feel “off”. I will feel “stronger” when I know that my glutes are working like they are supposed to. I will feel “stronger” when I am able run with confidence again.
So today, while some runners line up to race the Boston Marathon, runners everywhere else may watch, or think of those racing, or possibly envy those who qualified. I encourage those runners to find your “strong”, whatever that might be right now. Recognize your strength and never forget what it takes to reach your full potential.
Run strong, Boston runners. Good luck and enjoy your day!
What does “running strong” mean to you?
Have you ever run the Boston Marathon? Is qualifying a goal of yours?
Seconding the good luck and excitement for the Boston runners today! You will be there one day, for sure 🙂 and your fitness will definitely return, quicker than it feels like right now!
Thanks! I’m sure it will come back,its just such a weird feeling to not be in the shape I am used to!
You will so get back to where you were and even exceed your expectations, I know you will! It is definitely humbling when you set out for what you used to be a routine easy run and have it be challenging but your muscles and body will suddenly remember and everything will fall into place. I also think that aside from injury, you have had big life changing stuff going on (the move!) and running through that isn’t always easy, especially in a new neighborhood. I think once you get real familiar with the streets and terrain, it will get easier too.
That’s true! Hopefully in a few weeks things will feel like they are back to normal.
As you know I am coming back from injury as well and I have the same thoughts as you do- struggling to get back to the “strong” I used to be. But you are right, there are peaks and valleys in our running career. The biggest thing having knee surgery taught me was that we can’t ALWAYS be in the best shape of our lives. We would burn out. We need to have some down time, too! I think qualifying for Boston is a very attainable goal for a seasoned runner like yourself. And it will be worth the blood, sweat, and sacrifice it takes to BQ!!! I ran Boston in 2009 and 2014. There is NOTHING like the Boston Marathon!
Boston is definitely a goal that I would love to achieve one day! But you are right, we can’t always be in shape. It’s good to have some down time too!
I think that my body and my marathon story is a testament to coming back stronger than before–sure there are things that I have to keep a close eye on, but the work towards becoming a better runner and more balanced has made more of a difference for me than any amount of speedwork ever could. Rebuilding is tough, yes, but you will be all the better for it.
Yes, you are such an inspiration! I know its possible, I just need to figure out what works best for me. Which has been my mission for a long time, and I think it will always be a work in progress!
You will be there at Boston someday, and having overcome injury will make it only even more worthwhile to qualify!
Qualifying for Boston is a definite goal of mine, something I’m determined to achieve this fall or next spring if all else fails. I bet we’ll be seeing each other at Boston 2017!
That would be amazing! However, at this point its hard to imagine that I will be running a marathon this fall.But I guess you never know!
As someone who has come back from injury several times over (and hopefully never again!) I can say this: you will be back and quite easily back stronger than ever. Just take it slow and steady and one day you’ll realize how far you’ve come. You can do it and you can qualify for Boston, too!
I’ve qualified several times over but only run it twice. My plan is to go back again in 2017 with my friends. It’s an awesome experience!
It’s so great to read stories like yours because it definitely gives me hope that I can overcome these issues and come back stronger. That will be great if you do Boston in 2017 for fun!
I found this post so real and relatable. I’m currently coming back to running after effectively 3 months off and it has been VERY humbling – I feel the same disbelief that I used to be able to head out the door to run for hours and now a 7.5 mile run has me so sore the next day that I feel like I’ve run a race. I think you are being smart about the way you are approaching your training and that’s the most important thing. I also think it’s totally possible for you to get back to where you were before. Setbacks can cause us to doubt ourselves but our bodies are more resilient than we give them credit for as long as we listen and don’t push too hard too fast.
Yes, I definitely agree! I think we need to respect our bodies and they will surprise us. At least I hope so! Good luck with your return to running!
This is such an amazing read simply because I’ve also been injured several times in the two years I’ve been running, and it’s really cast doubts for me on my own ability to hold up during marathon training. The biggest injury came last summer, right when I was supposed to start for my first marathon, and I ended up taking 3 months with no running (to let a hip flexor heal) and now I just can’t imagine ever being ready. But today, on Marathon Monday, or on the day of the NYC Marathon when I’m watching everyone go by, I want to be able to do it so much!
Days like today really make me want to get to Boston and get back to marathons, but I have learned that I need to focus on where I am now, rather than thinking too much about long term goals. It’s definably a challenge and getting back to longer distance will be tough but its so worth it! Take it slow and listen to your body and Im sure you will be able to manage marathon training too!
I sure know how discouraging and frustrating rejoining the running world can be. It’s such a slow process and it knocks me down all the time. At this point, I’m enjoying just being able to do 2 miles, though I still have to work hard to foam roll and ice, and I still have aches and pains popping up. But I’m stubborn.
Coming back from injury is so tricky- especially when you naturally feel sore because your body isn’t used to running, but it constantly has me worrying if its a pain that I should be concerned about!
Last summer when I couldn’t run and finally started back, i felt the same as you.. I couldn’t run for 10 minutes without a break or being winded. I think what got me “running strong” again, was knowing that their will ALWAYS be times in our life when we can’t run. Sickness, injuries, babies, other life events–but if we come back with a good attitude and know that we can get back to where we were, we will keep on starting over and running strong 🙂
I think that since this is the longest break from running that I have had in 4 years, I have forgotten what it feels like to get back into it. You are so right that its all about the attitude!
LISA! Omg I wish I could grab your shoulders and give you a friendly little shake. I PROMISE you that your running strength and speed will come back faster than you’d ever imagine. After I had Callum, I started running 3 miles here, 5 miles there, and holy crap, those runs were HARD. I’d come back home and my face would be purple from the effort and exertion. But those runs really taught me something. They taught me that I never really pushed myself hard before when I was logging 80-100 mile weeks. I’d slog through the miles but my fitness got stuck because I never worked hard. The runs after having Callum taught me how to continually push, to work hard and I swear on that kid’s life that I have gotten faster and stronger than ever and in way shorter of a time than I ever would have anticipated. Our bodies are incredible and adaptable and they remember those long runs we used to do. Anyway, sorry… long comment.
It sounds like so many people end up coming back stronger after a break, so that is very encouraging! I do think that its good that I have to work hard to get my fitness back…hopefully that drive will continue when I start training again!
You bet qualifying for Boston is on my list, but I still feel like it is SO far away. I’m going to need to get into a new age group before it happens for sure. Don’t get too hard on yourself because your comeback is slower than expected. It WILL come back, maybe not as fast as you had hoped but it WILL. Remember, running is for a lifetime, it’s not going anywhere. Stay strong friend!
Very true, thanks for that reminder! I guess the good news is that as the years go on the qualifying times get easier, right?:)
From what I have experienced with my shoulder injury coming back from a tough situation is totally humbling. I had to use 2lb weights just to start to build up. I think what helped me mentally the most was not putting a time limit on my recovery. Easier said than done of course and the martathon has a specific date attached, however, I think you will totally get there if it’s your dream. But your body will totally dictate when you are ready. 🙂
Thanks, you are so right that our bodies dictate when we are ready to progress in training. Luckily I have no races scheduled so I haven’t put a timeline on my recovery either- that definitely helps!
What a beautiful post. I have no doubt that you WILL come back stronger than before! (Especially with all those new hills in your neighborhood to train on! Welcome to the county!! Haha) I’ve been very humbled myself on a couple occasions and was thinking about that just a bit ago watching the top runners finish in Boston. I’m just in awe of the strength it takes to do something like this.
It really is amazing. The nice thing about running is that its a sport we can do forever and continue making progress…however slow that progress might be.
Great post Lisa! I feel like we have had a very similar relationship with running. This past weekend I had my furthest run since my marathon last March. The 12 miles went well but there wasn’t a step that went by that i didn’t worry my knee, ankle, hamstring, IT Band weren’t going to start hurting. Im definitely not all the way there yet but I hope to continue on this path. I worry too if I will ever be able to train/run at the level I need to to drop 10 minutes off my time. This time around I am going to train differently – less running more strength and cross training. As the weekly miles increase that is when I run into trouble with injuries. I know I have the endurance and the capability, now it is just time to get some more speed and to the starting line injury free.
We got this! I definitely appreciate good runs so much more than I used to.
The worrying is the worst! I feel like even at my healthiest I am SO paranoid about something hurting because my hips give me problems so easily. Your plan sounds great, I really hope that its a successful training cycle for you!
You have such an amazing perspective on your running. I know it must be so frustrating to deal with your injury, but your dedication and positive outlook is so inspiring. No matter what, I know things will turn out well for you because you will make it happen. Qualifying for Boston is a dream of mine right now too but I also know that as much as we want to control every aspect of our lives, we simply can’t. So it’s never the end of the world if it doesn’t happen. Keep shining and showing your strength! 🙂
Thats so true, and its what I am trying to remind myself! I would rather just run forever than be disappointed that i didnt qualify or continue to force myself to run marathons if at some point I feel like I no longer want to do that.
With 3 Bostons in my rear-view mirror, my advice to you is to not overthink it and never say never. Of course you can come back from injury. I truly believe you will. It’s an amazing race and I hope (and believe) you will experience it! : )
Thank you, and I definitely hope so!
Strong for me is mental strength. I’ve had some good marathon times that I’m very happy with, but I tend to doubt myself alot. Can I really do this time? Can I really finish this? I have to break down the race into smaller parts so I don’t overwhelm myself! It’s crazy because I’ve done over 30 marathons and I still feel that way!
I doubt myself quite bit too! 30 marathons is amazing!
I did not get to watch any of the marathon today due to work. I ran it two yrs ago and it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Hopefully by summer you will be back to your usual running. It stinks that us runners have to deal w so many injuries that come along with our favorite thing to do. I love your bracelet. I remember seeing it on here before. I need to look into getting one.
Thanks! It really doesn’t seem fair that we have to deal with injuries, right? But I guess it really teaches us to respect our bodies and never take running for granted.
Injuries can be so frustrating…but patience is key. And you have a bunch of new hills to train on to get stronger! It’s hard to feel strong when you have so many variables going on, new house, new neighborhood, new commute, injury, etc. You’ll get through it all – if you can run a marathon, you can survive a move. 🙂
Running strong to me is just reminding myself that I can do it, even when my mind tells me to slow town or take a break. I just tell myself to finish the damn mile. Then decide if you still need the break.
I do think the hills will eventually help me to get stronger!
I love your definition of strength- I always like to take it one mile at a time!
Thank you so much for your support during my training! It was thoughts of bloggers like you who kept me going in the late miles of yesterday’s race 🙂
It sucks that you’ve been at odds with your body since last fall’s PR, and I think you’re right, there’s no one “right” way to train to stay healthy as a runner. Different things work for everyone & even different things thorough out our running “careers” for lack of a better word. Hopefully you can ramp your mileage up soon & stop fearing runs & what could happen. Stay positive, it’ll get better!
Yes exactly, each time I thought I figured out the “answer” and what I needed to do to stay healthy it would only work for so long before something would pop up again. I think its got to involve constant evaluation and changing things up as needed. Congrats again on a great race yesterday!!
this is an amazing post!!! 🙂 THanks for the shout out and again for tracking me yesterday.
I hope that one day, you will be back where you were before. I know it can be frustrating..I can’t imagine the setback from an injury. I know you can one day get to Boston, too. I’ve seen your determination!
Thanks Nicole! Runners like you are definitely an inspiration to me! I know I will eventually get back to running like I was before and hopefully will make it to Boston one day too! Congrats again on your amazing race yesterday!
Your fitness will return…and you will get to Boston! I think the hardest thing for us to learn as runners is patience, especially with our bodies. You have already started your Boston story…
What is my strong? Hmm…I think when I get out there and run despite all my excuses…
Oh yea patience is SO difficult! Especially when there is no clear timeline for feeling better.
Love you definition of running strength- its awesome to be able to push past all the excuses and just get it done!
You know what they say, what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger… 🙂 Many marathons will come, little winner 🙂
Love this post. I can imagine how hard it’s been for you lately, but to me you are such a strong runner! I love following your blog and your training, it’s so inspiring. To me, running strong is actually more emotional than physical – it’s making the smart move, even if that means scaling back, it’s getting your mind through even those short runs that you just don’t want to do. And I’d love to qualify one day, but I know there are a lot of miles between now and a BQ… = )
I have definitely learned that being strong is so emotional. It can be so hard to scale back but there really are no shortcuts to running success!
To me, running strong means ALWAYS pushing yourself to be better. That’s what I love most about running.. you can always improve, always set higher goals and always work harder to achieve them! p.s. love that bracelet!!
That’s so true! I also love that about running:)
Thanks for the shout out, Lisa! And I think you’re learning all kinds of really important messages about listening to your body. I do think you have a BQ in you… but you don’t have to rush it. We often need more recovery post marathon than we realize, and I’m guessing that’s part of what happened with you which maybe led to some signs of overtraining. But I know you can get there in time if you want to!
I am definitely learning the value of patience through all of this! I’m so glad you had a good race! And thanks for your support:)
I know it’s frustrating to have injury derail your dreams/goals, but by tuning into your body, you’re only getting closer to having those become a reality. It may take a while, but it’s better to listen to your body and enjoy the times you can run and feel good than to be so miserable that you don’t even want to run, period. I think you’re being extremely smart and are an inspiration for all of us to do what is best for us, even though it may not be what we had set out for in the first place 🙂 I’ve been right there, where the “easy” runs, are the polar opposite of easy. I hope you can have reassurance in that the only thing standing in your way is time. I know it’s probably felt like an eternity already to you, but as long as you keep being patient, you’re going to be able to make that comeback and feel strong doing it. I know you can come back stronger than ever! 🙂
You are so right! And very slowly things are getting better.I just need to stay focused and continue being patient!
I have never run in a marathon before but it’s so inspiring to watch others! Marathon runners are super special people and I’m not sure if I will ever run one because of my past hip injury, but I am okay with that!
I remember after my hip surgery I thought my days of distance running were over (and before surgery the most I had done was a half). Well 4 years and 5 marathons later I guess I was only getting started! But I do know that I definitely need to address my weaknesses if I want to continue running long distances.