Walk don't run

Well I'm a little more than a week out from the +Route 66 Marathon (which will be my first) I've run into (what I hope is a temporary) bump in the road. Anyway, on Sunday October 27 I did a little over 26 miles as per my training schedule. I took it very easy maintaining a very comfortable pace of a little over 14 minutes/mile, in keeping with Jeff Galloway's suggestion of maintaining an easy pace in training. After I was done I was tired, but felt pretty much OK.

The following Tuesday I did a short 4 mile run and felt very strong. But then, after the run, as I was taking off my shirt and - cccrrraaaccckkkk! My back gave out. Argh! I have a history of back issues but I haven't had any problems for quite some time. So, this set me back and I didn't do another week-day run. The next weekend I was scheduled for a 7-mile run, which I opted to walk instead. According to Galloway, you get as much endurance benefit from walking as running, and the training is all about building endurance.

By the next Tuesday I felt 100% so I ran again for my short weekday run, and did the same on Thursday. Again I was feeling strong and 100%. But then on Saturday I was lifting weights as part of my cross-training regiment and cccrrraaaccckkkk! UUUAAAHHHGGGG!!! *sigh*

Well, here it is Wednesday. About 10 days from the marathon. I have decided (obviously) to cease all cross-training efforts until after the race, and I have not run again. I did a 6 mile walk on Sunday - which was OK though my back hurt a little. I went for a short walk today as well and again felt OK. I also went to the chiropractor which I hope will help. He seemed to think I would be fine for the race. Finally I'm planning a massage for this weekend (how nice to have a good excuse for a massage!)

So from hear out I take it easy and play it very safe. the last thing I want is to have another setback at this point. Fingers crossed!

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