Yes, you read that right, I’m running the Two Oceans half marathon in a few weeks time. Me… the person who started running just over a year ago. Craziness.
If my body allows me to do it.
I’ve just checked, and I haven’t updated my blog with my running progress since the beginning of the year! Bad blogger. It’s been a hell of a few months, but anyhoo, I’m hoping life will get back to some normality soon.
In between all the home chaos, and the normal work and photography stuff happening, I’ve been training for the Two Oceans.
I’ve done 2 races this year already… the Dischem 21 (which was hell for the last 3km and I don’t think I’ll ever do that race again), and the Valentines 10km night race (which was absolutely amazing)
And in between the running, I’ve been recuperating from what feels like endless issues with my body. I don’t think I’ve ever used up my medical aid as fast as I’m using it this year!
I hurt my right knee running down the hill at the Dischem 21 race, right at the very end. Since then, I’ve been at physio a few times. I’ve also hurt my left calf somewhere along the line. In the last 2 months, as a result of these issues and learning that I’m not using my bum or my core when I’m running which is exacerbating the problems with my knees and calves… I’m not only running, but walking on my non-running days, and doing endless bum strengthening and core exercises and umpteen stretches.
It’s been a little rough to be honest.
Then last week, I got flu. I was man-down by Thursday night, and still ran a time trial which was the slowest one I’ve ever run.
Oh and then to top all that off, I did a photoshoot with a 10 month old on Saturday afternoon, and managed to hurt my back in the process! So I was back at the doc yesterday getting anti-inflamatories and muscle relaxants!
I’m convinced that most of my biomechanical issues I’m having is due to my body having to learn how to use it’s muscles for the first time in decades. I’ve had to learn how to run. I’m having to teach my body slowly, how to engage muscles.
It’s also been expensive! I’ve had to get another pair of running shoes (which was partially the cause of my calf problem)! The Asics that I thought would last for 1000km, only lasted just over 500km apparently because my biomechanics is out of whack. So… I now have a gorgeous lumo yellow and purple pair of Asics Kayano 21’s 🙂
Anyhoo, we’ll get through this.
I have loads of plans for this body of mine for the rest of this year.
I had my last night of rest tonight. Thursday I’m back on the road in full force, and then this weekend I’ll do the last LSD (long slow distance).
Next weekend, I’m doing the Om die Dam 21km in Hartebeespoort. Which right now seems uber silly now that I know what time we have to leave in the night to get there on time!
Then it’s a rest weekend with a shorter distance.
And then it’s the big race!
EEEKKK!!! I was really hoping to get my best 21km time, but after these setbacks, I’ll be thrilled to finish under 2h30.
I’ll keep you all posted… and of course, I’ll be instagramming along the way 😉
I have the same issues – not using core or bum muscles – but for me it became excruciating back pain. Stick to physio, use dry needling, and I found pilates to be very helpful. It helps you keep on using the muscles.
Good luck with it all.
I have to second the dry needling. All the best – I think you rock!
I’ve been wondering whether I’m doing the right thing with my training for Om Die Dam. From the sounds of it, I’m going to be okay – my routine is pretty similar to yours. I just took a week off, though, purely because I was just plain exhausted! This weekend, I’ll do a 16 or 18km, then stick to 8 or 10km for the next couple of days and I’ll take a break for a day or two before the race.
My current run times are not as good as they were before Soweto but close. And since I’m treating Om Die Dam as training for a full marathon later in the year, I’m not going to be too hard on myself if I don’t beat my Soweto time…
New shoes will have to wait until after Om Die Dam, but I’m definitely due.
You’ll be totally fine for oceans don’t stress.Just enjoy the race.Its usually too full for you to be concerned about your time.Its the race with the best vibe so enjoy the party buzz.I will be running it too – 6 months post birth 😑blogging about my experience as well http://www.chasingdreams.co.za so catch you on wordpress☺
I love reading about your running progress – you are doing so well!
I had foot issues 2 years ago and was also told I don’t use my bum when run and should start doing static lunges. Apparently my bum is even to weak to cope with normal lunges….
Good luck for Two Oceans – I will also be in Cape Town as I have a stand at the expo, it would be great to meet up. Even if you just pop over to my stand and say hi.
My Asics never last beyond 500kms or so. I’m also due for another pair. You’ve done so well with your training, Two Oceans is going to be a breeze!
Hope to see you there. I am very excited for Oceans because I’m so much better prepared this time than I was for Soweto.
Hope all the niggles heal up!