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Saturday, April 6, 2013

March Running Madness!

March was a crazy month for sure filled with highs and lows. The highlight of the month was logging my 2nd highest monthly mileage ever: 207 miles & mile 5,000 since starting running 40 months ago! This was especially meaningful to me, as early in the month I was suffering from some serious lower back pain. I was really worried that my Boston training would be compromised, and that definitely freaked me out more than a little! Luckily, I was able to get through it (see previous post,) and was able to stick to my schedule.

I had a GREAT 20 mile run on the treadmill early in the month, and then a terrible 20 miler outside two weeks later.  Definitely wouldn't have predicted that, but that's how it goes sometimes. As much as I hate "bad" runs, sometimes they remind me not to take running for granted.

I ran two 1/2 marathons in March and PR'd in both, which was clearly another highlight of the month. The weather was great & the running Gods were with me. I just hope they stick around a bit longer & help me finish Boston! I was exhausted at the end of each, and it crossed my mind more than once that if I was that tired after 13.1, how was I going to run 26.2?

Speaking of tired, one of the low points of the month was discovering that my thyroid continues to be unstable. Since thyroid troubles are pretty common, I'm guessing many runners are familiar with the effects of hyper or hypo-thyroidism. I have taken synthroid for about 30 years, but suddenly my TSH levels are jumping all over the place. Unfortunately while the doctors try to figure out the right syhtroid dosage, I am left feeling exhausted. As in come home from work at 4:00 and could sleep through the night exhausted.  Since running a marathon and exhaustion don't go hand in hand, I am stocking up on energy drinks, chews, etc...!

Countdown to Boston is 9 days! Weather forecast looks perfect! Hopefully I can calm my nerves enough to eat and sleep this week! I am bib #19800. Send a text to 345678 with the word "runner" for text updates diring the race!
Happy running my friends! Stay healthy & strong!

8 comments:

  1. First of all I can't believe I'm just now subscribing to your blog!!!!!

    Holy batman that's some miles-207 in a month!! And 5000 for your running career so far. I'm super impressed. :)

    I have gotten into a running slump lately and have got to crawl "run" my way out of it. This is how it goes-work all day, stay after school for track (I'm just standing there) or get some school stuff done-get home around 4:30 to see hubby before he leaves for work-he leaves around 5:30-sit on couch rest of night. WHAT? I have gotten so lazy!! HELP ME! :)

    Shannon
    http://www.irunreadteach.wordpress.com

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  2. 1st of all, YOU are a huge inspiration to ME! I hit my slumps too & was getting ready to do so again when I stumbled across runteacherrun & "met" you. Through all the posts & runner/teacher blogs I am reminded constantly that we ALL go through our slumps. Sometimes they last days, sometimes weeks, sometimes (God forbid) even longer. The two tricks that usually work best for me are #1: promise yourself you'll run for at least a 1/2 mile. If you hate it stop. However I usually find that once I'm moving, I'm good. #2: Go back to the blogs & twitter threads that you can rely on for inspiration/motivation. While occasionally this makes me feel worse about myself, it eventually helps me to remember why I started running in the 1st place. Even re-read your own posts & celebrate your accomplishments! Don't give up on yourself...we've got 13.1 to cover in Chi-town this summer!!!! :)

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  3. Susan,

    Your comment was so full of awesome!!! I read it on my phone while we were working cows today (I'm sneaky like that sometimes!!). It made me want to go run RIGHT THEN! Of course, it wouldn't have looked pretty me in my blue jeans and boots. :)

    I ran a mile this evening when we got home-that's all I could crank out after today, but hey-it was a mile!

    My new motto is just like what you said-Run 1/2 mile at least!!! :)

    Thanks for the inspiration and motivation to get my game back on!

    Shannon

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  4. Hmmm...jeans and boots! Sounds like a new 5k theme run to me!! One mile at a time my friend! :)

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  5. Susan, you are amazing! I had to force myself to stay on the treadmill for 5 miles last night....I don't know how you can do 20! I get bored and distracted. Hats off to you! Good luck in Boston!

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  6. Thanks Krissy! The treadmill is the only opportunity I have to catch up on my soaps via hulu! LOL!

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  7. You're doing great! (Watching you on the Boston Marathon site...)
    -Ellie's Mom AKA Jessica

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