Not In The Plan ~

Hi everyone,

As you know, my last post was about training for a half to take place in Detroit on Oct 21.  On Sept 24th My mother was diagnosed with terminal adenocarcinoma (Lung Cancer Stage 3B) that metastisized to her heart.  As this is such a difficult time for me and my family I have always felt my running was very therapeutic.

With her being in the hospital for over a week I would go to work then to the hospital. Hard to find the time or effort in running but would squeeze them in where I could.

The Half Marathon approached and I felt ready but knew I lacked the training I had planned so that I could reach my goal of 2 Hours or under.

I set off on a great pace of 9 Minute mile. The view from the top of the ambassador bridge was amazing as the sun started to rise.. Breathtaking to say the least ~ I made the decision to descend the bridge at a faster pace than normal to give myself time later if I needed it. BAD IDEA !!! By mile 6 my knee was in bad shape. I could barely walk on it.

At mile 9 I was trying to decide if I should be a DNF ~ It was an aweful feeling after all the training. As I walked limping a gentleman ran past me and said some words I will never forget.. ” Keep it Warm ”

At that point I made the decision to start to run again. Starting was aweful but as I started into a slow Jog (which was still approx 11 min Mile) The knee loosened up a bit enough to stay at that pace for the rest of the run. It felt better doing that than walking. I did not stop for water because I knew if I stopped it was over..

Thank you to that kind man that offered me some advice that allowed me to Finish with a time of 2:20.. Not bad for a woman with painful knees that day.

I have never experienced knee issues in the past. I was confused and still am. The only thing I can think of is that me gaining speed down that bridge put a lot of pressure on my knees.

Lesson Learned and now I need a do over ~ 2 weeks rest for me.. Huge disappointment but glad I can say I didn’t quit.