Saturday, May 28, 2011

They say that when you train for a marathon you will have injuries. I got my first one 6 weeks into training. I was doing footwork drills like butt kicks and high knee lifts. Then I did some side to side shuffles when I stumbled and pulled my gracilis muscle on Wednesday. Now I am to rest up to 3 weeks!!! So I went to the gym Friday and did situps and weight lifting as cross training. Woke up Saturday morning and I'm limping every time I walk! I guess I need total rest. This sucks!!!

Oh well, could be worse. The marathon could be in a few days instead of months away so I should count my blessings!

Theron, from the Savannah Striders, is right..."Just run, leave that fancy stuff alone!"

Savannah Marathon Tip #2: The course for the Rock and Roll Marathon in Savannah has very few hills! Just a few overpass and on/off ramp kinds of hills for the most part. Mostly asphalt with some concrete will make this a good course for beginners and those running with injuries.

Here is the course map web site: here

Here are the turn by turn directions for the marathon: here

Keep running!!! Keep it simple!!!

I guess I'll just sit here and rest!

I will be back soon!

Friday, May 20, 2011

Why a Marathon Now?

I just turned 44 last month. 2 days later I found out that a Major Marathon is coming to Savannah!! I could never forgive myself if I didn't run a marathon that was in my own backyard! So I did it. I signed up. Paid the entry fee and on November 5th I will be running my first marathon at the Inaugural Rock and Roll Marathon here in Savannah, GA!!!

I have alot of fears and concerns. I'm 44. I last ran over 20 years ago and I got hit by a car which damaged my right knee. I am a Type 1, insulin dependant diabetic. So I've got alot of questions and concerns about my bodies ability to handle the stresses and endurance. I am a Vegan/Vegetarian who has been without caffeine for almost 4 years now so food is a part of my mix as well! Alot of "sports" drinks and gels have caffeine! Choices Choices Choices

I started reading every book I could get my hands on about Marathon running. I love my library. I've read almost every book on running and training that they have plus magazines like Runners World.

I've spent the last 3 weeks working out at the gym to see about keeping my knee strong. I've been doing alot of cross training with weights, circuit equipment (the inner and outer thigh master especially) to strengthen my quads and hip abductors. I also used the cycle and elliptical machines to save wear and tear on my knees.

Last Saturday I ran, for the first time on the road for 3.2 miles!! My knee feels great!! This Saturday I will be running at Lake Meyer Park with the Savannah Striders running club for the first time!! I guess there is a race this Saturday too so some of the runners will be there at 5:30am instead of the usual 6:30am time. Go figure.

If you or someone you know is coming to Savannah for the Rock and Roll Marathon let me know! I will help if I can.

Racing tip for Savannah, GA #1: Bring allergy medicine! This is the South and November is still allergy season for people like me with outdoor allergies!