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What would you do?

I need some advice.

My big race is seven weeks from this Saturday. After two months of physical therapy put me WAY behind on my training, I tweaked my training plan to fit the time I had left. However, my long runs haven't been happening according to plan. Last weekend's run was moved to Monday because of my (still unresolved and still here) breathing issues and dizziness. Monday, I had to cut my run short at seven miles because my left knee just wouldn't cooperate. It was so frustrating because I didn't even have a twinge of discomfort during my 10K. I keep asking myself: What am I doing wrong? Why can't my knees get healthy and STAY healthy?

So with seven weeks to go, I feel completely unprepared. I have been feeling this way (unprepared) for a few weeks but just haven't wanted to give up completely. Monday night, I finally let reality set in and told my hubby I don't think it is going to happen. "Respect the distance" is the thought that keeps going through in my mind.

Wasting the money and a coveted spot in the race is hard. But I also wanted this to really count, to see how I have improved. It's frustrating that you have to sign up so far in advance for most races. I understand the no refund policy. I don't understand the no transfer policy. Other than a little paperwork, probably most of it online, how much effort would it take to transfer my entry to someone who is prepared and really wants to run?

Anyhow, enough of my rambling. Please tell me: What would you do?

Comments

  1. If running the marathon is that important to you throw out any time goals/expectations, slow your pace down and take your time. I ran Tampa with a 15 mile long run and five weeks to prepare. I slowed down my pace, took it easy and had no issues.

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  2. I don't know if you should take my advice to heart at all. First, I'm stubborn and push myself too far. Second, I wouldn't want to waste the money I spent on entering a race.

    But if it makes you feel better, I've NEVER felt prepared for a race but always did pretty well. :)

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  3. Ok so here is what I have done... :) I can't stand to not go to a race that I paid for unless well the weather is horrific. Are you opposed to a walk run? As in run 1 mile, walk 1 mile and just have a FANTASTIC time enjoying the day? I talk to runners around me the whole time and it can be a pretty enjoyable day if you go in with that mindset

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  4. Jamoosh is also insane and was risking a lot. Had I not have been in Mile 21 of the marathon and thinking properly I would've ran back and pulled him out myself but I wasn't and ran by waving instead... it was only a few minutes later I was like "WAIT A SECOND!!! HE'S NOT SUPPOSED TO BE RUNNING THE FULL!!!"...

    BUT he's right. If it's important to you and you recognize the possible consequences and run it as he directed above you could do it. But you need to seriously consider the fact that you could make this injury worse. What is more important to you?

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  5. I like what Amanda is proposing to. Make it a fun run, make a whole spectacle of it, bring your camera, dress up, etc...

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  6. I feel for you, that's for sure! I guess you need to examine how much you would be bothered by potentially not setting a PR this time around. Also, consider the long-term consequences--run it and potentially flare it up for a while. Is a marathon worth it? There are plenty others out there and plenty of time to do one when you are feeling 100 %. Hope that helps a bit.

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  7. I would still do it but REALLY adjust your goal and do run/walk. You can finish a marathon in less than six hours with running 2 min walking 1 and it's almost risk free on your legs granted they are not injured BEFORE the marathon. Throw time out the window and just walk/run to finish :D.

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  8. It depends on if you want to run the full thing. In late July, I was prepping for my first half and finally was done with walk/run intervals. I was doing great through August until I fell down a flight of stairs. I could barely walk, let alone run. I spent a month rehabbing and trying to heal while training primarily in the pool. I did the San Jose half with then intention of doing intervals but between mile 10 and 11 I could barely walk. I forced myself to finish -- walking and bawling while holding ice to my back. My time sucked and I didn't want to tell anyone my time. My next half was only two months after that and I think if I had just rested and healed, my second half would have kicked butt. It was good but I was still intervaling. Two weeks after the second half, I hurt myself in Zumba pretty bad and was put on total exercise ban for two months. It could have just been Zumba, but reflecting I feel like not fully healing from the injury was the cause.

    Fast forward to now and I am planning on completing the Portland Marathon because my goal was to run a marathon before I turned 30. I accept that I might not be able to run it, and I will gauge my body and might even force myself to walk the whole thing if it means I can complete it (my goal) while not preventing myself from ever running again.

    (((hugs))) these decisions are hard!

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  9. I share your frustration. And I hate it that there is a no-refund/no-transfer policy, which is why I am waiting until the date draws closer before I actually register for it. Economic times are bad. I signed up for a local half-marathon before but didn't run it because my knee was hurting. Granted I can do a walk/run, but it was gonna be my 1st half-marathon ever and I want to run the entire thing. It is just not the same when I say I walked/ran the half marathon.

    And now, a month later, I am eyeing the Country Music half in Nashville. Last weekend long run was cut short by 2 miles because my knees are hurting like crazy. I told myself that if I can't run 10 miles without knee pain, I won't sign up for it. So, I haven't sign up for it yet. I am gonna run the 10 miles this weekend and keep my fingers crossed that I will make it - pain-free. I am stubborn like that and I am gonna stand firm on my first marathon expectations.

    I love running. And I want to accomplish something. I think the best thing is to ask yourself how you will feel about running/walking and adjust your expectations accordingly and make the decision.

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  10. I feel for you, as my ankle isn't cooperating. But since I signed up to raise $6,500 for my two marathons, there's nothing going to stop me.

    I am considering two marathons, not with Team in Training, later this year. I can say, safely, that I would definitely consider not doing them if I was injured. That said, I'm not sure I could "not" do them, either. So I am no help in your decision...but I sure do feel for you.

    Keep us updated. Here's to a miraculous recovery!

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  11. I think walk/run/rest/take pictures... Respect the distance and have a good time!! But if you dont think that your body will respond to being on your feet for 5-6 hours then you may want to call it. Maybe if you offer to volunteer this year they will let you change your entry to next year??

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  12. I would continue with you training and then evaluate how you feel as the race approaches.

    I agree with Mel, you could do a run/walk and just have this be a fun race and not one that you try to PR in.

    It's disappointing but it's better to take care of you. There will be other races.

    Take care of yourself.

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  13. That is a really tough decision. If it was me, I'd probably still run the thing and throw time out the window and just have a good time. But I'm stupid so maybe you shouldn't listen to me. Keep in mind that Ogden is full of downhills that are extra hard on your knees. By the time you hit that second canyon it's tough, even if you're well trained.
    I know how you feel about having to sign up so early. They have filled up so fast over the last couple of years! Good luck, I feel for you!

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  14. Oh friend! I'm so sorry you are faced with this decision! That's really a tough one. And you may not be asking the right group of people, as we runners tend to be a bit "off" as it is and always push past our limits. We are a stubborn group!

    That being said, it may surprise you that I think you should tread carefully. If you want to be a lifetime runner (and I'm sure you do), you may want to take the time to heal properly before pushing your injury too far. Don't give up just yet. See how the next couple of weeks go and then make a decision. A walk/run marathon could be fun. I like that idea. And if you decide you want to volunteer, let me know and we'll go up together!

    Good luck with your decision. Pray about it!!

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  15. I dont know why they dont allow transfer for the marathon. I think it depends on the race because I know my local marathon/half allows it and I actually did it last year for the half. Is there any way to find someone who wants to race it for you? Its illegal but its an idea i guess. Its hard not to run a race you have paid for but I think you should try and get those knees better because knee pain is not fun.

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