The Success in Failure?

Today was the first time since I have started that I failed to run the complete scheduled run in the LA Roadrunners plan for training for the Los Angeles Marathon.

It was a disappointment. I really wanted to do it.

My knee had been bothering me a lot on Wednesday. I put an ice pack on Wednesday night for sleeptime.

Waking up dark and early, I debated whether to go back to sleep and rest, try it or just go for a walk.

I opted for "B" and added a new knee brace as a fashion item, though the windbreaker was relegated.

I set out and felt some soreness and limits on movement. I quickly decided that the planned 45 minutes at LT pace (10:30) was not viable. Still, I headed east and started up and down two hilly streets. I was managing to run, just not that fast or comfortably.

I decided to just switch to a "let's see what is doable" mode. I opted for one of the normal, medium-range run courses which added another hill. I was coping, not thriving, but coping.

I also found that slowly my leg felt better or perhaps "less bad." Eventually, I was hitting aerobic pace at least for Group 7 and even getting a tad faster (under 12:00).

I hit Santa Monica Airport and turned for home. I found I was sensing a bit more power and far less gimpiness as I kept going.

I made it home ...

41:03 at overall 13.24 pace for 3.06 miles. Easily, my worst performance statistics wise. (If this was statistics class, I am hoping this is the outlier!). Still, I am kind of happy I could run at all and know I have hope if I can just get in motion.

I am not sure how Saturday will go. It is scheduled for 16 miles. I may try to tough it out to the first water station and then hope the apparent normal "now it's better" mode sets in and I can go for it. Also, the week after is faster LT pace; so, that will be a huge test. Right now, I am away in the mountains January 8-10 with the teenagers from church; so, that might be an injury break weekend.

I am praying this is not serious. It has lingered since August; but, I thought it was getting better ... I do not want to think about not making the marathon. I just do not want to even consider the possibility. May be I will have to walk; but, I feel I HAVE to do it somehow, someway.

We shall see ... definitely St. Michael Defend Us In Day of Battle time.