The Tin Man

We wrapped up another 10-miles on Saturday morning.

We ran out of Georgetown and headed onto a new route through Rock Creek Park. I was surprised that a good portion of this route was similar to the route I ran with the Adam Morgan runners a couple Sundays ago.

We headed through the park, past the National Zoo and turned around at the Mill.

Though I finished the distance in 1:53, I had a tough run. I had a nagging stitch again, which was more of an annoyance than anything else. The more troubling issue was feeling sore --- my left IT Band was really bugging me.

I tried speeding up to lengthen my stride for a few minutes thinking that would help (it didn't) and I tried stopping twice to shake it out (it didn't work either).  Stopping just got be further behind my pace group.  Heading down the hills were not fun at all with my leg feeling sore.  Ugh!

Between miles 7 and 8.5, I just wanted to stop. I ended up slowing down my pace substantially just so I was sure to finish vs giving up and walking.

I seriously felt like the Tin Man and needed a can of WD-40 to loosen myself up.

There is nothing more frustrating then when a body part starts giving up on you. I definitely had my head and heart into it --- my left leg was just failing me. Once that starts happening the frustration and mental games start. The miles are hard enough without having to deal with that bullshit.

I talked to Coach Katie for awhile after the run for some advice. The obvious answer is always the best --- more consistent stretching after each run. I also need to start using The Stick more. I haven't been using it for the last few weeks.

Separately, Coach Katie was talking to me again about signing up for the marathon training group after we finish the 10-miler training next month. That scares the shit out of me...but the idea of running 10 miles three months ago sounded idiotic at the time. I guess I could always sign up and drop down to the half marathon training group if it ends up becoming too much. There is a BIG difference between running for two hours and running for five/six hours!

This week I'm planning to get my miles in, but will be careful not to create an overuse issue...especially with so little time before the races.