Marathon Training Week 13 Results

Well this week didn't go to plan!  My body is tired and I've had pain in both knees since Tuesday.  I had to cut today's long run short after only 4 miles because I was in constant pain.  I'm really glad I have this blog.  I went back and re-read a bunch of posts from two years ago and found this gem:

Classify Your Pain
Niggle is a big word in the running world.  We all have these little niggles here and there.  Maybe the back of your knee is sore, because you tweaked it somehow.  Or your hip is sore, because you did squats in the weight room.  Something that carries on for two, three, even four days, that's okay.  But for something that goes beyond that time frame, or that is causing you to run differently?  That's not a niggle, that's an injury. ~ Kara Goucher

I really don't think I'm injured and I want to keep it that way!  Three weeks to go.  I have done three 18 milers and a 20 miler.  Cutting this week's 22 miler short and getting to the start line injury free is the right decision. I hated to make it, but I know it's the right thing to do.  I'll probably take several days off from running, just ride my bike until about Wednesday and see how I feel then.

Sunday:  Rest Day
Result:  Rested

Monday: 6 Miles Easy w/6 Strides (pace 9:46)
Result:  Ran 6 miles in 1:22:28, 13:44 pace
I was still sore from last week's long run and it was super windy!  20+ mph wind gusts make for an interesting run.

Tuesday:  Yasso 800s
Result:  Ran 4.95 miles in 1:09:03, 13:57 pace
This was the first day that I noticed knee pain.  I tried doing some speed work, but my legs would not cooperate.

Wednesday:  Rest
Result:  Rode 12.41 miles in 1:27:56, 8.5 mph
I didn't notice any knee pain while riding, so I will definitely ride this week.

Thursday:  7 Miles Easy (pace 9:46)
Result:  Rested

Friday:  5 Miles Easy (pace 9:46)
Result:  Walked 4.01 miles in 1:03:33, 15:52 pace
I thought I might do any easy run, but once again my knees were hurting.

Saturday:  22 Miles LSD (pace 10:04-11:04)
Result:   Ran 7.96 miles in 1:48:54, 13:40 pace
I was mentally prepared for this one.  My mindset was "this is the final biggie before taper."  My knees did not agree.  Again, I'm disappointed, but I know it was the right decision.  I've been icing my knees and will continue to do so for the next couple of days.
Also walked 0.5 miles as my warmup.

Total planned miles:  50
Actual
Running: 18.91
Walking: 4.51
Cycling: 12.41
Total: 35.83