So training for a fall half marathon (my goal was the Scotiabank Toronto half) was going great. Running four times a week, long runs up to 18km, legs felt great, an overall good feeling. Then about 4 weeks prior to the race (week of September 18) I got a nasty headache. Not the headache I usually get from drinking too much, but a really bad one that just wouldn't go away. Finally I head to the Dr. who was thinking of taking me for an emergency cat scan as there were no other symptoms. Then I showed him what I thought was a running rash by my armpit and voila my issue was solved. I had shingles. Seriously WTF. The next few weeks I had no energy, always felt tired, my arm killed and just couldn't run. It was my first DNS ever and I really felt guilty about it. I even thought I would run the Hamilton half but my legs and body just wasn't ready. So I got the big 0 for my fall races. Part of my thought maybe this had something to do with me turning 40 but that couldn't be the issue right??
On the brightside I did manage to get a few runs in that I always wanted to do including the Seawall in Vancouver and the Riverfront trail in Windsor. Yes, I still was running 2 - 3 times a week but I was tired. My legs were sore. I didn't have the drive that I used to have. I was starting to worry this might be wall.
Finally, in the first week of November I went out for a run and felt great. I followed it up with another run, felt awesome. I realized I am ready to ramp it up and start for my yearly goal of Around the Bay. So I did what I believe everyone should do if you want to run a race - register! The running has continued on for the last few weeks and each run I feel stronger and stronger.
If you did read my blog and recap from the Around the Bay last year you will remember that the race beat me. Yes, I am super proud that I finished the race in a pretty respectable time, but I cramped, did not feel great and I know I can do better. Also if you have read my blog you will know that all of my training and ideas were pretty much my own done by my own research on how to run, train, taper, etc. I finally realized that I need help and some extra motivation so I have officially joined a running club for the ATB training. I read about a group in Oakville in the Canadian running magazine, a friend of a neighbour runs with the club and I have heard others talk about it. I have also heard his training plan is intense, built around pushing yourself harder than usual which is exactly what I was looking for! First class is December 13th so I just need to keep my base up, keep spinning, and get ready for a long winter of outdoor training runs.
I feel like a new runner - excited that I feel healthy, excited that I am going to get some training help and excited for another winter (seriously) of training for Around the Bay. Can't wait to get this thing going...
Cheers!
Steve
