Change of Plans
I have made the decision not to run the Calgary 50k this year. In order to run a strong race I need to be at a certain point in my training, I am absolutely not there. I will not half-ass my way through 50k; when I stand on the start line I should be well trained, energized and ready.
Over my last few long runs I've had a niggly Achilles then on the weekend I had constant pain. That was it. I'm not risking injury again so I need to dial my mileage back right away. No drama (joking - all the drama). I enjoyed my first 2 ultras very much, this would have been my third in 10 months and I may have just overstretched myself.
I am going to keep up the speed work, tempos and long runs - they will simply be considerably shorter long runs. On May 31 I will run the Half Marathon and 5k while the Mr takes on 50k. I am genuinely excited about this, I've always loved Calgary's Half course and have never done the 5k, though if you recall most of the field zipped by me during the Marathon last year. I can hang out between races to cheer runners on and will be able to watch my friends finish the Marathon.
I always find a way to my goals but I can tell you with absolute certainty this is the right decision for me this time.
OMG! can I run the 5k with you too?? I was wondering about that and thinking about doing it!!
ReplyDeleteAlso...this must have been a tough decision!! but with ya 100% your whole ass has to be there race day, not just half of it. #allthedrama Glad you are feeling good about this
The last reaction I expected was FOMO!! You make me laugh you do! And like, yes, obviously :)
DeleteGood call - it's so easy to get sucked into the whole DO-IT-ALL-IMMEDIATELY-AND-SUCK-UP-THE-PAIN-WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! mentality, and it's always a tough decision to pull out of something you had planned to do. But if there's anything I've learned from the last 7 (oh my god, seven?) months, it's that you should listen to your body and not push something for the sake of doing it. The race will be there next year if you feel you have beef with it later on.
ReplyDeleteThank you, I know you're going through the mill with injuries :( One race vs the rest of the year, yes, worth it for sure.
DeleteGood attitude! I like that you want your race to mean something and not just the "get it done" regardless of what it means to your body parts. The half will feel easy for you :)
ReplyDeleteI've run through many stupid things, could it be I'm being a grown up at last? Nooooo.
DeleteI think that's a great decision. I may very well be in the same boat. I'm seeing my physio tomorrow about my injury.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jen, I'm keeping my fingers crossed you will be able to enjoy both your marathons :)
DeleteA wise move, and I'm sure you'll zoom around the half course.
ReplyDeleteThanks Peter, I'm really excited to see how you do in the 50k! The medal is very nice indeed ;)
DeleteI'm sorry you had to make the call to drop down but it sounds like the right thing for your body and your mind. You will absolutely rock that 21K race!!
ReplyDeleteThe Half course is probably my favourite. Thank you, so glad I bumped into you the other day!
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