It's been awhile....

....since I blogged. I think it's representative of the last couple of weeks. It's been a crazy 7 weeks, and a roller coaster of emotions. Mentally and physically, I'm exhausted!

I wanted to update and journal the last couple of weeks. I've been going to Physical Therapy (PT), 4 of 8 sessions down. I've been reminded AGAIN of my lack of flexibility and it's effect on athletic ability and its tendencies for injury. They tested my hamstring flexibility and I tested at around a 33 (text book is 70)....ouch! Long story short, I've learned my lesson. The last 2 weeks I've felt like a "Born Again Stretcher" telling anyone and everyone to learn from my mistakes. I step up on my soap box and preach the benefits of stretching before runs, after runs, and any time in between. Brothers and sisters, I have seen the light....I have been saved and so can you!

Ok seriously, I'm a believer. My therapy has consisted of A LOT of stretching and a procedure known as A-STEM therapy which is a soft tissue therapy intended to break up damaged tissue. It's a weird procedure that involved taking different hard pieces of plastic and grinding them up and down my bones/muscles all along my leg and knee. It's uncomfortable at first but feels great afterwards.

I've been taking it easy during the weeks. I've gotten back into doing spin class to keep the cardio up and have continued to strength train. I've reserved the weekend for my long runs. Last week Jeff and I did 12 miles. Every cautious step I took, I waited for pain. However, the pain did not come. There was a slight amount of tightness, but it was my best run in 6 weeks.

Yesterday, we set out for 8. It was not nearly as good as the 12 miler, but there were a number of circumstances that accounted for that. Most concerning was the small amount of discomfort felt in my knee last night. However, it feels better today and I think a lot had to do with the circumstances surrounding the weekend.

Alright, I'm sitting here 5 days before race day. I can remember last February when I signed up for the full marathon again with the goal of a sub 4. So much has happened since then. 4 weeks ago I decided to drop down to the half marathon. Right now I should be feeling pre race nerves and excitement. The weird thing is....I don't have that. I've gone from determination, to anguish, to depression, to relief, to exhaustion.

I don't know what to think of Sunday. I know when this weekend comes I'll be excited with everything involved with the race weekend, but my goals have shifted. I'm not planning on setting any goals for this one....this is tough for me. I don't want to be let down again. So for right now my goal is to show up on January 18th able to run. If my body and the conditions are right, I could have a fantastic 13.1 miles. However, there are any number of issues that could spin things the opposite way and I could struggle. I don't know and honestly, I'm leaving this one up to the running Gods!

To be continued......