To Defer? Or Not To Defer?

That is the question.

Week 7 of marathon training went exceptionally well — every goal pace was hit and the 52-mile week was about to close — and then in the blink of a long run, I couldn't run anymore.

What in the blazes happened?

On Saturday, I headed out for a long run at my parents' place feeling tired but fine, if anything, my hamstrings being a little tight would be my only complaint. Not even a complaint really, that's just regular running probs.

Goal was 16 miles at 8:05/mile average and I started out feeling sluggish yet stuck around the 7:45-8:00 pace range for the first 11 miles. Somewhere before that my left knee felt a little irritated, I figured from the slant of the road or running on loose gravel for certain stretches. My solution is to switch sides of the road every once in a while to "even things out" (in theory). In the loose gravel portion, that left knee soreness turned into a sudden extreme tightness in my right groin. Huh.

I stopped to stretch (bad idea!!!), literally laying in the gravel road because I didn't have to worry about traffic. That didn't seem to do much, so I got up and kept trucking, likely because the runner's high had prevented me from feeling "all the feels". At mile 12, those "feels" went from annoying me to instead demanding my attention.

Thankfully I was almost back to the farm and I hobbled back the quarter mile in a weird limpy-run fashion. My crazy side thought, "Can't I make it just 4 more miles to finish this?", and logic (and my groin) responded, "Uh, no. Go home."

As my body gradually cooled down from the run, my right-side groin tightened up worse. When I got back, my husband was surprised at how dirty I was (from rolling/stretching in the gravel. ha.) but I don't think even I realized how nasty that groin prob was.

I tried stretching but it didn't feel like it helped. As we headed out to the state park with my family later that morning, I wasn't able to carry the baby in his carseat. I just hobbled and pretty much wanted to avoid walking even a step for the rest of the day.

6 days later, here I am, doing much better but not comfortably running.

Though a groin pull or strain is just small beans in the big scheme of life's trials, this has been a humbling injury. Not being able to get as much done at home or cover the miles - or even one mile, for that matter - has been extremely frustrating. From being able to run 50-mile weeks to not even running a circle around the neighborhood, while the rest of me feels great but my groin says, "Yeahhh, running? No thanks!".

This experience has completely knocked me on my tail.

So that's where I'm at. According to the Hansons Marathon Method book, "once you're in the final 4-6 weeks of training, the pros and cons of racing should be weighed." I have until September 15th to defer my entry to 2019 and, as of right now, racing doesn't seem worth it. The goal was to not just cover the miles but to set a new PR, finally break under the 3:20 barrier, but that's completely out of reach now.

Now what? Even in the hiccups of life, I know God is bringing good out of this and reminding me that A) I am not invincible and B) It's okay to slow down sometimes. I'm doing my best to see this surprise turn of events as a learning experience because life IS really good.

A pulled groin is a lemon and I WILL use it to make lemonade.

That's a wrap for now. Excuse me while I return my bag-o'-frozen-peas ice pack to the freezer.

Injuries. What was your last one? What would you do in this situation?

GF Marathon Training W7/8

Follow my journey as a I train for the Grand Forks Marathon coming up at the end of September. This is my 11^th marathon but first time using Hansons Marathon Method for training!

W7D1 Easy Run 7.04 mi, 01:02 @ 08:46 pace mostly on the gravel, some road, on this foggy, cool morning. Felt great. And hopefully a little moisture will help clear the smoke.

W7D2 Strength Intervals, 3 x 2 miles, 800m recovery (goal 14:20-14:40), 8.01 mi, 01:00. Went well this morning and I’m feeling less of the allergy symptoms now that it rained. More rain please! Intervals @ 14:31, 14:18, 14:27.

W7D3 Off

W7D4 Tempo Run 9.01 mi, 01:06 @ 07:20 pace this morning. Felt great, enjoying the 50°’s in the early AM.

W7D5 (Treadmill) Easy Run 6 mi, 00:55 @ 09:05 pace feeling “meh” with a headache.

W7D6 Easy Run 6.01 mi, 00:54 @ 09:01 pace outside, 60°-something and 98% humidity!!! I think it may have rained a teeny tiny bit last night (finally)!

W7D7 Long Run of 16 miles but cut short due to injury, sadly... 12.22 mi 01:37 07:55 pace.

W7 TOTAL MILEAGE: 48.29 miles

W8D1 Injured - Able to walk better than yesterday but sore on my right upper-groin. Unable to lift my left knee without a sharp pain in what feels like a tendon or ligament.

W8D2 Injured - 00:25 Runner’s Yoga by Elkhart Yoga (YouTube video). Chiropractor in the morning to be adjusted and she advised stretching, ice and to see how it goes in the next week and some. Each day I'm feeling improvements on my right groin/pelvis area.

W8D3 Injured - 00:25 Runner’s Yoga by Elkhart Yoga (YouTube video)

W8D4 Injured - 00:25 Runner’s Yoga by Elkhart Yoga (YouTube video)

W8D5 Injured - Quick walk with our pup in the evening followed by 20 minutes on our new stationary bike (little fold-up one from Amazon). It’s comfortable and will come in handy for cross training! No pain, plus the seat is comfy 🤗 Quads were on fire and I was sweating. Not sure how many miles I covered.

W8D6 Injured - I woke up this morning feeling MUCH better. The groin injury seems to be healing and now feels more stiff than painful. I can tell the tight groin or illiopsoas whatever you call it has been pulling on my pelvis, as the middle of that has been sore now. I push mowed our back lawn and that felt fine. Biking (6.5 miles today), walking, bringing up my knees, etc all feels fine. I did jog a few strides and that went well but something still feels tight.

W8D7 Injured - 2.02 mi 00:32 16:00 pace in 5 minute run/walk intervals. More so, jogging, at a 12 or 13-min/mile pace. The pain is gone for the most part (pops up randomly when I pick up children in weird positions, etc) but the muscle itself feels stiff and I feel timid running on it. I planned to run for longer but the walking got boring and jogging wasn't fun. Headed to the stationary bike after.

W8D7 Indoor Bike 8.38 mi, 00:30 @ 16.8mph pace. Rode for 30 minutes to "substitute" for the run that was scheduled to happen. I really enjoy the bike but WOW do my quads burn! It's been good for me, that's for sure. I don't know if the bike's mileage is correct (it was a cheap one) and I know very little about the biking world. All I do know is it's very comfortable to do, makes me sweat like a dog and gets my heart pumping!

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Linking up with Holly and Wendy's Weekly Wrap Up.

Shades of Every Color | Knockaround Sunglasses Review

Disclaimer: I received Knockaround Premium Sunglasses in exchange for my review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador) and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

With all the bold, wild patterns rocking the fashion world these days, isn't it right to have shades to match? As a BibRave Pro, I received two colorful pairs of Knockaround Premium Sunglasses to wear wherever the summer life takes me.

Knockaround Premium sunglasses are made of lightweight polycarbonate material and come in a ton of colors that are sure to match your race-day gear and everyday casual outfits too. I received a pair of Glossy Tortoise Shell/Green Moonshine shades and a pair of Clear/Moonshine shades. I love the style of these glasses!

The Knockaround Premiums Styles: Check out the whole collection here!

The Premium lenses are polarized to knock out glare and are impact resistant with full UV400 sun protection. Even with the fun colors, the Knockaround sunglasses seriously protect your eyes too!

I found the Knockaround Premium sunglasses to be comfortable for every day wear and for short runs. Personally, I wouldn't wear them for long runs because my sunglasses do slip around a bit and that is a pet peeve of mine.

One thing is for sure: These sunglasses are durable enough take a beating because my boys wear them too. Maybe they should each have their own pairs! The Knockaround Premium sunglasses are very affordably priced at $15 for non-polarized and $20 for polarized (plus, check below for a discount code!).

The Knockaround Premium sunglasses have been a stylish addition to my summer! They are my go-to for short runs and these fine summer days out in the sun :)

Rock your own pair of Knockaround Premium Sunglasses with discount code *BibRaveKnocks20* for 20% off! (One use per person, expires 9/30)

What color shades are just your style?

Let's Connect!

Instagram @creativeaim87 | Twitter @creativeaim87 | Facebook @livinglifetruth
Athlinks | BibRave | DailyMile

Linking up with Holly and Wendy's Weekly Wrap Up.

Recovery & Real Life | OOFOS OOMG Fibre Low Review

Disclaimer: I received OOFOS OOMG Fibre Low shoes in exchange for my review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador) and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

For the first time in a LONG time, I ran a 50 mile week (last week) and it actually wasn't that bad. It's certainly a lot of miles (for me) and Hansons' goal of cumulative fatigue was achieved but my body seemed to handle it well. I'm tired but I don't feel any pre-injury "niggles" surfacing.

Part of my fatigue is likely marathon training. Partly a not-sleeping teething baby lately. Partly summer life! There is so much fun to take in and things to do in a small window of time. Our pool is now closed for the year and I feel both sad and thankful — sad because summer is coming to an end, thankful that I don't have to lug three kids to the pool solo (oldest loves it, middle fights me every time, littlest is a wild baby).

Balancing the higher mileage training and daily life has reinforced the importance of active recovery. Back when I ran 50-mile weeks more regularly, I had a desk job that allowed me to sit (which is somewhat of a double-edged sword) and only one small person to care for after hours, allowing for more rest time.

Recovering now when I'm on my feet for much of the day means:

Running "Easy-Effort Runs" at an EASY pace. For real!
Choosing footwear that treats my feet and legs well.
Taking a sit down break in the afternoon when baby naps.

Hansons Marathon Method is teaching me to be more strict with my pacing and my recovery footwear choices have been broadened now too. As a BibRave Pro, I received the newly released OOFOS OOMG Fibre Low shoes to take some of the load off my body.

How does OOFOS help you to recover faster and feel better?

OOFOS OOMG Fibre Low shoes are comprised of OOtex Fibreflex fabric and OOfoam recovery technology that absorbs 37% more impact than other footwear and is scientifically proven to reduce stress on your body while walking.

The footbed design cradles my arches and moves naturally with each stride making them extra comfortable for all-day wear.

To wash my OOFOS, I simply rinsed them in the sink with water and mild soap or throw them in the washing machine on a cold cycle with mild detergent. Easy peasy!

I have been wearing OOFOS OOlala sandals for the past year (still as comfy as ever, btw) and the OOMG Fibre Low shoes are another nice addition to my OOFOS collection. These shoes, which I wear with socks or sock-less, even dress up well with a pair of jeans or dress pants. I do wear more than just running clothes all the time, I promise! (should I have included picture proof? some may never believe me!)

The OOFOS Fibre Low shoes are now available on OOFOS.com for $139.95. 3% of all OOFOS sales goes to breast cancer research through Project Pink => that's footwear for a good cause!

What are some of your active recovery secrets?

GF Marathon Training W6

Follow my journey as a I train for the Grand Forks Marathon coming up at the end of September. This is my 11^th marathon but first time using Hansons Marathon Method for training!

SUNDAY:

W6D1 (Treadmill) Easy Run 5 mi, 00:46 @ 09:11 pace and reason #98 it’s always better to wake up early to run. Hubs has been working all weekend and each child had a secret plan to keep mom from running tonight. Somehow the miles did get done!

MONDAY:

W6D2 Strength Intervals, 4 x 1.5 miles w/ 800m recovery (goal 10:45-11:00/interval), 8.16 mi 01:01 07:31 pace. Ran 10:39, 10:43, 10:41, 10:38 and felt relatively good considering the 84% humidity! It wasn't that warm this morning (75 degrees?) but the humidity had me sweating buckets.

TUESDAY:

W6D3 Off. Appointment, groceries, school supply stop and library. And the weather was so cool today the pool didn't even open!

WEDNESDAY:

W6D4 Tempo Run 7.09 mi, 00:52 @ 07:21 pace in 85 degrees and sunny at 6pm when my husband got home from work. Great weather for the pool but NOT for running! All because I didn't get out of the house early that morning when it was a beautiful 46 degrees :( Baby has been having a hard time with a new tooth that broke through and I knew he needed extra cuddles.

All started out fine but the heat started to turn my stomach and affect my heart rate at about mile 4. I cut it short because it seemed to be doing more harm than good. Miles were 7:19, 7:20, 7:16, 7:17, 7:12, 7:35, 7:33. Adding mileage on to tomorrow run to make up for it.

THURSDAY

W6D5 Easy Run + 2 Tempo Miles 7.06 mi, 01:00 @ 08:33 pace early in the morning when the weather was a lovely 50-something. I stuck to the easy pace except for the two tempo miles (leftover from yesterday) at 7:42 and 7:38. Not quite tempo pace but that's all my body had left. Feeling tight in my ribs/abs from yesterdays run. Must have been breathing different, more shallow in the hot weather?

FRIDAY:

W6D6 (Treadmill) Easy Run 8.5 mi, 01:19 @ 09:14 pace because of the smoke outside. Woke up early and ran .5 mile. Decided it was too smokey to do the whole 8, especially since I’m already stuffed up and my head is draining. 😖

SATURDAY:

W6D7 Long Run 10.02 mi, 01:17 @ 07:41 pace (8:05/mi goal) outside, though I don’t think the smoke or harvest dust did me any favors. Sore throat and draining sinuses are so annoying - thankfully I’m not pregnant this harvest so I can take something for the headache!

Miles @ 7:53, :40, :39, :39, :45, :46, :43, :39, :38, :38.

TOTAL MILEAGE: 45.83 miles

Let's Connect!

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Linking up with Holly and Wendy's Weekly Wrap Up.

5 Weeks Into Hansons Marathon Method

When something is working, I usually don't change it. Shoes, daily routines, parenting tactics, meal planning, what have you. But this year I caught the bug to try something new in the marathon.

Back in January, I posted a question about training approaches on IG as I was contemplating a change. Training for the past 10 marathons has been a mix of Hal Higdon, Marathon Training Academy and Greg McMillan plans but this Hansons Marathon Method had peaked my interest.

The past plans helped me to cover the 26.2 mile distance and BQ a few times, but could a change help me to break through the 3:22 wall?

For Grandma's Marathon back in June, I decided to stick to the familiar rather than jumping into Hansons at 7 months post our third baby. In hindsight, that was a great decision. There is no way I could have handled the volume so soon after having our littlest and while learning the new groove of balancing three kids!

Enter Marathon #11...

The Grand Forks Marathon in September. This has been my chance to give Hansons Marathon Method a shot! I could always switch back to my comfort zone if it wasn't working for me.

There were a few factors that intimidated me with Hansons:

Running 6 days a week - I hadn't done that since my pre-marriage, pre-kids days!
16 miles for the longest long run - What? No 20 milers?!
Increased Mileage - How could I fit higher mileage while juggling young family life?

Five weeks into Hansons (technically week 11 of the beginner plan) and I'm enjoying this new challenge. The variety of SOS (something of substance), easy and long runs keep training fresh and my body seems to be responding well to the varying training load.

The goal paces serve as a motivator and accountability partner for me as a solo runner. They have pushed me to run faster than I realized I could! The biggest difference I notice so far is that the training volume is spread out throughout the week rather than putting all of the weight in the weekly long run. That is something I really like about Hansons — these set up makes me feel like a more "well rounded" runner.

On the homefront, our boys are a busy 5, 3, and 9 months and so full of fun! E will be starting Kindergarten at the beginning of September so I'm trying to get my ducks in a row this month — to teach E, to keep W busy with pre-preschool things, to keep C from self-destruction (my baby vacuum cleaner).

Fitting in an increased training volume with three young kids is making me get creative. Most mornings I'm up at 5:00 am to sneak (literally) outside. Once a week (or sometimes more, depending on baby's wakeup) I run on the treadmill, usually for an easy-paced 5 miler.

Long runs are hopefully done outside but I have split them into half outdoor, half indoor runs depending on my husband's schedule. If he's home over the weekend, I will take a kid or two with in the stroller occasionally as I don't run with the stroller much anymore! E is a strong biker but not quite ready to keep up for a long distance bike/run.

Basically I fit in a run at whatever time it works best for my family — serving God and my family always come before running.

There is so much freedom in that!

Having my identity wrapped up in Jesus makes pushing my limits exciting and frees me from the fear of failure. Whether it's "officially" homeschooling for our first year, starting up a conversation with a new mom at the pool or pushing for a marathon PR, I can jump out of my comfort zone and not worry about being a personal failure if all doesn't go as planned. Give God the glory and do my best. That's all I have to do.

As for fitting in the training around my family's schedule, preparation and flexibility in my schedule is key. Setting out my clothes before a morning run. Pumping a bottle for the baby if I'm running long. Spending time reading my Bible the night before an early morning run. Having supper ready to go if I'm running in the evening. Once school starts, having our lessons and resources ready to go as soon as we finish breakfast. Getting my tail out the door early on days with appointments or other commitments.

Those are all little preparations that help me adapt to this ever-changing life schedule.

Five weeks down, eight to go until race day. I'm seeing big improvements with the Hansons Marathon Method and I'm going to keep running along one week at a time!

Which training method do you use? Do you like to switch things up occasionally?

GF Marathon Training W5

Follow my journey as a I train for the Grand Forks Marathon coming up at the end of September. This is my 11^th marathon but first time using Hansons Marathon Method for training!

To briefly catch me up for the past couple weeks:
Week 3 Mileage - 37.26 (baby's first ear infection)
Week 4 Mileage - 44.25 miles