The countdown to Grandma’s Marathon in June 2024 has begun, but my journey to the start line has been far from smooth. A stress fracture forced me to put my running goals on hold for two long months. Now, three weeks into my run/walk rebuild, I'm determined to regain my strength and endurance for the big race. In the face of struggles and triumphs, I’ve written a plan to conquer Grandma’s Marathon despite the setbacks.
Overcoming the Setbacks:
Two months of zero running felt like an eternity, but finally, I received the green light to start cautiously running again. My initial attempts were more walking than running, with a noticeable weakness in my left leg. Extra rest days and a focus on strength training became my new routine, as I worked hard to bridge the gap between my left and right legs.
The Run/Walk Rebuild:
Embracing a run/walk strategy became my norm. I started with 2 minutes of running followed by a 1/2 mile of walking, repeated six times. Each step was a victory. As the weeks passed, I gradually increased my running intervals and decreased walking. Despite the frustrations, I chose to celebrate each small progression, knowing that every stride was taking me closer to my goal.
Building Strength and Endurance:
To address the weakness in my left leg, I incorporated strength exercises into my routine. While my left leg shook during repetitions, I persevered, doing extra sets to rebuild its strength. Balancing my desire for high miles with my body's limitations became a challenge, but I was determined not to shrink my right leg in the process. This was an exercise in patience.
Looking Ahead:
As I write this, I am gearing up for my first continuous run in three months—a 3-mile easy run. It's a significant milestone and a testament to perseverance. My plan for Grandma’s Marathon is deliberate and moderate. I’ve structured my training with a 10% increase in mileage for three weeks, followed by a 20% reduction in the fourth week. I’ve opted for five running days a week, allowing my body the essential rest it needs. Though Boston remains my ultimate goal, I recognize the importance of building a foundation of healthy miles before diving into intense Boston Qualifying race training.
My journey back to running has been marked by setbacks, frustrations, and small victories. With each step, I’m not just rebuilding my physical strength but also my mental resilience. Grandma’s Marathon is waiting, and I’m determined to cross that finish line healthy and strong. Join me as I continue this journey, one run at a time, toward achieving my goals and conquering the challenges that come my way.