This week started off uber stressful! My husband had a medical emergency that landed him in the hospital on Sunday afternoon. Thankfully the doctors were able to get his blood pressure under control and he passed his stress test with flying colors so he was discharged late Tuesday. Throw in a hectic work schedule and yeah it was quite the week!
Thank goodness for running and working out as a stress-reliever! Here’s how my fitness week played out.
Sunday in the park
Week 16 – Making Adjustments
Monday — 3-mile run, Core & Stretch. It was a beautiful morning and I was very excited Mother Nature served up some great weather for the Boston Marathon. (And can we talk about that finish to the women’s race?! Just wow!)
Tuesday — 1.5 mile walk & Yoga. Tuesdays are my heavy meeting day so I’ve been keeping things low-key.
Wednesday — 1.5 mile walk, Upper Body Strength, Core & Stretch. My hip flexor was making all kinds of noise so I pushed off my run and added in another walk to keep my #opoutside streak going
Thursday — 4-mile run, Core & Stretch. Just when I thought it was safe to put away my winter gear, Mother N dropped the temps back into the low 30s.
Friday — 4-mile run & Stretch.
Saturday — 3.5 mile walk, Upper Body Strength, Core & Stretch.
Sunday — 5-mile run & Stretch. It was a slow start and a lot of self-talk to get out the door, but it turned out to be a solid, pain-free run.
Changing Race Plans
Coach Marc and I caught up on Monday. As I mentioned in last week’s WRD, I wasn’t where I wanted to be 6 weeks out (now 5) from my May race. Yes, I had hit 8 miles on a recent long run, but not without some significant squawking from my hip flexor in those final two miles. And we all know there’s a difference between logging a “long-ish” run and being ready to run a half marathon and, importantly, running it well.
While discussing what was needed to be well prepared for the half, Marc posed the key question – “what is to be gained and what is to be lost?” Well, truthfully there’s very little to be gained by pressing at this point so we agreed it’s time to pivot. The new plan is to run the 5-mile race option instead and then I’ve got my eye on a couple of 10Ks – I’ll save the half marathons for the fall. I’m fine with making this adjustment – I think my hip flexor will be better for it. It’s really important to me that I hit the starting line feeling strong both physically and mentally.
In case you missed it:
Five Benefits of Planning Your Workouts in Advance
How was your week? Did you watch the Marathon? Any race plans?
I’m linking up with Kim and Deborah for the Weekly Run Down.
Your coach sounds great! I’m glad there’s a shorter distance for you to switch.
This probably was the best Boston weather in many many years! Unfortunately I was unable to take advantage of it!
I can’t believe it got that cold again.
So sorry about your husband’s medical scare. I hope he’s okay!
Thanks Jessie – he’s doing much better.
I’m really happy there’s a shorter race option – so much better than taking a DNS.
Oh gosh how scary about your husband! I am glad to read that he is okay but I am sure that really through you off. Your coach sounds really smart. I like your plan to do the shorter race in May and save the half for fall. Nothing gained by hurting yourself. Hope you have a better week Michelle. We are all here for you if you need to vent
Thanks so much, Deborah, I really appreciate it!
Happy to hear your hubby is ok. And yes, running is a stress reliever. If I didn’t run, I might have been locked up by now.
I didn’t realize you had a coach.
I’m sure if I had one, they would disagree with most of what I do lol
Sounds like a smart decision to downgrade the distance. Which fall half are you looking at?
I may do Surftown again and one in Maine in Oct.
There are so many fall races to choose from! Right now I’m looking at the Philly Distance Run in September, but want to find a race for either late October or November. Keep me posted on whether you decide to do Surftown again…I need to check which weekend that one is on.
Wow, I’m glad the hubby is doing better. I did not see any live coverage of Boston, but did see some highlights…and those two women! Running so close together to that epic finish line! Great decision on the racing schedule. You’re absolutely right…you want to toe the start line feeling ready and not apprehensive.
Thanks Kim – it’s a relief that he’s doing better.
I’m really glad I have the option to run a shorter distance. I have no interest in struggling through a race because of an injury – I’ve done it before and it’s just not worth it.
Oh, gosh, I’m so sorry to hear about your husband! I’m glad he’s OK.
I think you are making the right call on the race distance, and I bet your hip flexor agrees. Better to enjoy your runs than pushing the injury limits.
Thanks so much, Coco.
Oh yikes I hope your husband continues to be ok! So scary!
Sorry you had to drop down to the 5 mile but it sounds like a wise decision. Your coach is right: There’s really nothing to be gained by pressing to hard on that ornery hip flexor.
It was crazy scary – hopefully it’s all behind us. Thanks Marcia.
Oh, I’m glad your husband is okay. What a way to start the week- that’s really stressful.
What is the deal with our hip flexors??? Hips are complicated, sigh. Sounds like you made a good decision about those races, and the options you chose still sound exciting. Better to keep running and racing as stress-free as possible right now.
Thanks Jenny.
This hip flexor thing is really frustrating because it comes and goes, but I don’t seem to be able to completely shake it yet. Hopefully giving it some more time will help.
So glad that your husband is ok! Wow, that must be scary. I had one night I had to take mine to Urgent Care because his BP was up (he’s been on BP meds a while). So stressful.
I’m sorry about your half, but I tend to be cautious about that sort of thing, too. Not everyone agrees, but that’s what makes the world go round, right? Sounds like you’ve come up with a great Plan B!
So stressful but thankfully a good ending!
I’m very happy to have a plan B – I’m just not interested in “gutting it out” in the half just to say I’ve completed it. There will be other races…and hopefully also the chance to run this one next year.
I’m so sorry to hear about your hubs! Didn’t you just go though something with your mom recently? It’s too much. I hope things settle down for you. Sounds like a good decision to scale back on your race, but you probably really need to run right now. Hang in there.
Yes, mom had her own emergency back in January…I’d really like things to be quiet for a while now 🙂
Yikes. Had totally missed your husband’s news. Glad he’s on the mend. How scary though
“what is to be gained and what is to be lost?” is such great advice. Running and all the things. Glad you can pivot to a shorter race and still be part of the festivities. Can someone have a word with our hips please?
Cari recently posted…2022 Taper 2.0
It really would be nice if the hips cooperated, wouldn’t it?!
So sorry about the scare with your husband and glad to see he’s doing a bit better now. Hope the doctors can find a cause. And well done on that decision for your race – a wise one, I think. Take care of yourself!
Thanks so much Liz!