Wednesday, January 16, 2013

(Phantom) Pains

Now that I am officially in taper mode for the marathon, of course all I want to do is run faster and further than I am supposed to.

Exhibit A: tacking on an extra mile and adding some speed.
Of course I have also been researching tapers and such for the past few weeks being the nerd I am to get as much information as possible on the best approaches etc. Which brings me to the apparently not totally uncommon "phantom pains".

I have been having weird twinges and aches the past few days (but conversely have felt AMAZING while running). My hips are feeling a little achy, my knee has some pain but when I run I feel fine, in fact better than fine in that I have been running faster than marathon projected pace. 

I should note: I have a "safe" goal pace which is on the slower side that I am planning on starting off the marathon with. I have my secret goal pace and then my ohmygod I would die if I could hit that, pace. I plan on starting conservative and assessing from there. Part of why when I am running faster than 9:30 I'm not TOO concerned since that is pretty slow for me; but race day who knows.

So after extensive research (thanks Google!) I have found many articles such as this one from trusty Runner's World supporting that I am not in fact going insane, am not going to wind up injured and unable to run but that this is all common in the weeks leading up to the race. Phew. I feel better but diving into the unknown distance of the marathon does drive me crazy. Unchartered waters of never having run one. A mix of excitement and anxiety. 

One thing that I have been focusing on in the mean time is making sure my nutrition is on par so here are some of my go to's and meal prep:

Obsessed with making this: ground turkey with fajita/taco seasoning then adding diced tomatoes and green chilies 
Chocolate peanut butter banana oats! Bring to work and just add water!
Tons of sauteed veggies to add to meals
Spinach, turkey sausage and roasted pumpkin seeds. OMG delicious.
Okay, NOT on the pre-marathon nutritional plan but these pumpkin cupcakes with cream cheese buttercream frosting are to die for.
I can pretty much eat the same thing for days without getting bored so I spend time making large batches of meat and veggies and just am able to grab and go for my meals. I like to keep things pretty simple. I don't need fancy meals for just me! It is easy to whip up something delicious in no time at all though.

So here's hoping that I don't let this stupid taper get me too wound up. Luckily my training still has me running 5 days a week and only one extra race day next week before the marathon. 

And, since I am heading to Miami a few days prior to the marathon - with my bestest running buddy - and staying with my sister, I am thinking that relaxation and sun and fun leading up will be distraction enough from the taper. It is just getting through the next week until then that might drive me crazy.

Sigh. Runner problems.

10 comments:

  1. New to your blog! Love all the posts about the upcoming marathon - brings back memories of my first! Good luck - can't wait to read how it goes although I have a feeling you are going to rock it!

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    1. Thank you for stopping by and the well wishes. I hope so - I can't wait to run this thing already - and pretty sure all non runners around me are ready to stop listening to my never ending marathon talk :)

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  2. I have a hard time with one week tapers, I can't imagine a 3 week taper!! The phantom pain thing totally makes sense to me, too. Almost like your body is begging you to get back to all that running! I'm sure being in FL will help a lot with the taper crazies, though.

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    1. I have never tapered more than taking 1-2 days off prior to a half. Luckily - I am still running as many days just reduced. I only get one "extra" rest day next week. But I just keep visualizing the marathon and legs feeling rested and refreshed. Yes, I am a huge dork :)

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  3. I had the same phantom aches and pains- and was so relieved to learn that was normal! Hang in there- having a well rested body will definitely pay off on race day!

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    1. It helps to hear that it is not uncommon to be feeling this way. I appreciate hearing it from those who have been there already!

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  4. Good luck with the marathon! You are gonna rock it!

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    1. Thank you so much!!! I can't say it enough...but I can't wait!

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  5. New to your blog! :)
    GOOD LUCK for the marathon. How exciting!! eeek! i wanna do my first in 2013 sometime :)

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    1. Hello!! :)
      And, thank you! I am SO beyond excited! definitely go for it, I am trying to not get ahead of myself by signing up for more!

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