Sunday, February 3, 2013

2013: The Best Year Yet

2012 was actually supposed to be the best year yet, but a few things went terribly wrong.

Let's back up.

I've had a pact with myself for a couple years that if I can get my 1/2 marathon time to under two hours, that means I'm ready to start training for a marathon.  I'm not entirely sure that I actually want to run a marathon--I've never finished a half and thought I want to do that again- right now, but it seems like after running 13 1/2 marathons, I should take on a new challenge.  Right?

So 2012 was going to be it.  I was going to train up properly, start cross-training, and absolutely kill it at the Cox Rhode Races 1/2 marathon in May.  This is my hometown race, I'd run it twice at that time, and my current PR was for that race 2:10.  I figured that if I was smart and actually followed a training plan, I'd shatter that PR, no problem.

Instead, I tore my adductor doing yoga.  Yeah, yoga was part of my cross-training, and I got the worst running injury I've ever had doing it.  Plus, it just seems wildly appropriate for someone as inflexible as me. It's like my body was saying, 'what are you doing!?!?!?  I need to stop this!'

If you've never torn your own adductor, I can tell you, it's a weird injury.  I could not figure out exactly where I was hurt.  The pain would sometimes be in my lower abdomen or lower back then migrate down to my crotch.  It hurt to walk, because taking a step forward with that leg used the torn muscle, but I could do the elliptical backward with no problem.  Biking and spin class didn't hurt at all, so I would get all cocky and try to go for a run but barely make it across the street.

I tried every home remedy that has worked for me in the past and even tested out acupuncture, which just seemed to make it worse.  Another weird thing about this injury--it was very hard to ice.
It's right at the top of your inner thigh, which if you've never really paid too much attention it (cause seriously, why would you?) is the meatiest part of the leg.  I probably didn't rehab it as well as I could have, but I really tried!  I promise!

Finally, I went to the doctor after six weeks of just waiting for it to get better on its own (I know, but I just don't like going to the doctor).

I still feel twinges every now and then, but it should be completely healed.

However, in taking time to let my injury heal, I've completely lost my speed--what little speed I had.  I did a few races last year painfully slowly, so this year is the year that I really do it right.

In 2013:
  1. I want a new 1/2 marathon PR
  2. I want to remain injury-free
  3. I want to incorporate cross-training and stick with it
  4. I want to have fun running again!
  5. I should probably start stretching and foam rolling and stuff (it's just so boring)
That's the plan, now I'm going to bundle up and get my long run in.
What are you going to do this year?

1 comment:

  1. Yikes. That's a terrible injury! And, from yoga! I like your list for 2013. Have you tried yin yoga? It's an excellent complement to running. And, foam rolling is painful, but the BEST. Oh, and legs up the wall :)

    Happy running!

    I look forward to reading your running blog!

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