Need a Light

Been almost a week since I blogged or ran the Cary 1/2 marathon. I was feeling good last Sunday with a PR in my pocket and a body that wasn't too sore. That didn't last long. I ached that night and my legs were shredded for the next 3 days. Quads were shot. The kind of pain that prohibits you from sitting down with out supporting yourself with your hands. Marathon type pain. I guess I'm not surprised as I was not ready for hills or pavement for that matter. However pain is temporary, the glory will last forever.

The difference this time... I was able on Monday to get on the bike and ride for an hour. Tuesday I biked again and got in a 2500m swim. Wed was a rest day and Thurs I hit the treadmill once again. It wasn't pretty as my legs were so tired and my shin on fire. But I got through 6 miles then got in another swim workout. Friday I hit the bike for 45 min recovery ride and right onto the treadmill for another 45 min run. This time the legs felt better and the shin wasn't quite as touchy. I taped just a little differently and the bike warm up helped. Any long distance race I have done like a 1/2 marathon or longer I have taken at least 4-7 days of complete rest. This time I didn't have that option. The day of the race I was supposed to run 2 1/2 hours. I actually ran under 2. So really I shorted the training. I figured the pace and hills made up the difference. Last Sunday was not my "A" race. It was just a race thrown on the calendar just like next month when I do the Miami tri. Just another race. My "A" race is waiting for me in June.

Speaking of my "A" race, I wonder still how I will be able to do it. 1.2 mile swim, 56.7 mile bike and a 13.1 mile run. Today I rode my bike for 4 1/2 hrs. 4 1/2 freakin hours. 70 miles. God it took forever. I was so happy to get off the bike. The idea of running 13 miles after that just seems impossible. You would think by now I would see the light. I would start to feel that yes it will be damn hard but I know I'll make it. Whether I run, jog, walk or crawl I will make it. Well, not feelin it so much. Not feelin it at all really. I got off that bike today and thought there's no way I could run 3 miles let alone 13. When will I see the light? My husband reminded me that it's a long process from the beginning of training until the end. My body will continuously be put to the test. It will be pushed farther and farther at the right times. It will be given rest to recover and build stronger muscles. This is a 20 week process. I just finished week 8. I'm not even 1/2 way done.

I'm going to have to trust the training. Trust in myself. Keep plugging along. Race the smaller races and judge my fitness. I will do this. I will cross that line in June. 8 weeks down......12 to go.