Marathon Training Week 5

I’m a little late getting this update to you all, but as I’m learning on this journey: better late than never.

This week was all about listening to my body. I had to rest more than planned because of the shin splints that popped up last week. While I still managed some walking, I had to be very intentional about when to push and when to pause.

The Mental Battle of Resting

Monday was my first day back after resting from Wednesday to Sunday. I walked outside, but the sidewalk had a slight incline and I could immediately feel it in my shins. I pressed on because it was a small part of the route, but since they were still sore, I decided to take another two days off.

On Tuesday, Mother Nature stepped in—we got a lot of snow, and I didn't want to drive or walk in it. I stayed home and crocheted instead. By Wednesday, my schedule was packed, so I gave my shins one more day of recovery.

By Thursday at the gym, I felt great—no pain at all! When I walked outside again on Saturday, I took the same path I had on Monday, and this time, my shins were completely silent.

It was hard to take it easy. I want to be successful, but I have to keep my body’s health at the forefront. I don’t want an injury to side-line me. I know that if I take my time and adjust when I need to, I will reach that finish line on October 4th.

Sunday: Rest

Monday: Walk average speed 3.0 mph 22 minutes outside 1.11 miles

Tuesday:Rest

Wednesday: Rest

Thursday: Walk at gym 30. Mph 25 minutes 1.24

Friday: Rest

Saturday:Walk average speed 3.1 mph about 22 minutes 1.15 miles

It might not seem like a lot on paper, but my shins are thanking me for not pushing through the pain. I have to tell that "voice" inside my head to be quiet because I’m doing what is best for my body. Rest is hard for me; I’m used to being on the go constantly. Running is a great outlet for that energy, but getting back to peak performance takes time.

A Message from the Past

It was funny—I was on Facebook the other day and a memory came up. It was a paragraph I had written and posted a decade ago about running with my son. He was eleven at the time, and he was so talkative while we were out there.

He was never really one to talk that much, but while we were running, he just kept the questions coming! Meanwhile, I was barely holding on, just trying to breathe and keep moving. It was such a great memory to revisit, especially now that I’m back on this running journey.

The Plan Moving Forward

I have a solid plan to try and prevent those shin splints from coming back. I’ve started specific exercises and stretches, and I’m paying close attention to my form on the rowing machine to ensure I'm not overstraining. We’ll see how the body responds as I slowly ramp back up into more running.

Friendly reminder: I am not a doctor. I’m just sharing my personal journey to inspire you to reach for your own goals—whether they involve running or something else entirely. Thank you for being part of this space with me.

I love you.

This is Love