15+1; achilles

 I did my long run again yesterday instead of on the weekend. Last Friday I did 12 miles (10 running; 2 walking) and this week I did 16 (15 running; 1 walking). I was planning to do 18-20 next week, then taper back to 12 and then 8 before the next marathon. But... we will have to see what happens now...

I hurt my left achilles tendon yesterday. I suppose I increased mileage too much, or else I was just pushing too hard. It probably didn't help that it was colder than usual (45f when I started). Either way, I started feeling it tighten around mile 12. By the time I started walking I had a pretty noticeable limp. I should have started walking much sooner. Now I can barely hobble around the house.

It was a pretty good run up to that point. Like I said, it was a cool 45f when I started. I've never done much cool/cold-weather running outdoors, so this is new territory for me. I almost wore a hooded sweatshirt but am glad I didn't. I just wore a long sleeve shirt with a short sleeve shirt over it, and shorts. If anything I probably should have worn some compression sleeves on my calves. My biggest mistake was going out too fast again. I maintained right at 10-minute miles for the first 10 miles, which felt really good. I simply can't maintain that at this point in my training though. I think I'd have been better off - or at least my achilles tendon would have - starting out slower and staying that speed.

Anyway, I've never had achilles problems, so I don't know how quick the turnaround is on this. There is a not-inspiring article here. Right now it feels like I may be done for the year. If it feels better in a couple days I will likely try running Monday and Wednesday for 5-6 miles each, and if by chance I can do a long run next week I will probably walk a mile every six or so of running. I need to keep reminding myself that these long practice runs are specifically about the amount of time I'm on my feet and not about how fast I can go.

I was really looking forward to this November marathon. My legs and feet feel as good as ever. Plus, I kinda/sorta have this goal of doing a marathon a year for twenty years. I don't want to be 75 years old and have someone bring up "You know, there isn't any official documentation of a marathon in 2020" (because while it was a virtual event in September, it wasn't really for 26.2 miles - I did that on my own). I realize no one is going to care, but *I* will know. Whatever. It's not the end of the world either way, and it's pretty unlikely I could do 20 marathons in 20 years anyway.

So... that's where we're at. A big unknown, and a little pain when I walk. I suppose a regular treatment of ice and ibuprofen is in order this weekend...

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“The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them. My eyes are ever on the LORD, for only he will release my feet from the snare.” -Psalm 25:14-15