Saturday afternoon I ran 17 miles along the Blue Ridge Parkway, my longest training run before I run the Disney Marathon this Sunday.
Less than a month after the accident I laid on my couch and posted my goal to run the marathon. I could hardly move on my own and canceling so many races had gotten me down. Disney I couldn’t cancel as easily as the others… part of me believed that there was a chance I could run it. And once I set that goal my attitude toward where I was and how hard I worked to get better shifted. It wasn’t so much about the end of running 26.2 but more of the hope that I would be better again.
Lots of people in my life either believed I couldn’t do it, that I shouldn’t do it or just didn’t want me to do it. And I understand their concerns. I’ve been cleared by my doctor and physical therapists to run and my hip has responded really well to my training.
I view this marathon as the closing to one chapter (the accident) and the beginning to another (moving, new job, becoming a better athlete). It is 26.2 miles of letting out the angst, frustration and all other emotions that came with breaking my pelvis in three places, getting a giant screw in my hip and all the pain and limitations that followed.
I do not want the takeaway from this to be that everyone needs to run a marathon or that everyone needs to push hard after an injury. I want the takeaway to be that if you want something, go for it. Work hard, give it everything you’ve got and don’t take the first no as a final answer.
Here’s a glimpse at the long runs in my training:
5 weeks out- begin running; 1-3 miles
4 weeks out- 6 miles
3 weeks out- 10 miles
2 weeks out- 13.1 miles
1 week out- 17 miles
My cardio isn’t where it used to be and sometimes I have to slow down to walk for my hip or stretch it out but overall running has felt great. My hip pain rarely makes an appearance. Other than the long runs I’ve completed 2-3 shorter runs throughout the week up to eight miles in distance.
Save the date: Disney Marathon recap here, January 8th.
What rituals do you do to prepare for a race?
{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
Hey Ashley! Happy New Year! Congratulations on your success getting to this point. That is wonderful! I am running the Disney marathon as well! Best of luck and have fun!
YOU. ARE. AWESOME.
you’re amazing. i’m stressing about my first half marathon in AUGUST. if you can do this, i can do that.
sarah @ sarah learns recently posted..one last day…
One of my race rituals is to figure out what mantra to write on my hand or arm with a sharpie. I like to always have something to look at when things get tough or just to remind me what my focus is for the race.
Good luck Ashley! Can’t wait to read your race report!
Kristen (inspiredbydooce) recently posted..yoga on vacation
You are so inspiring! I’m so glad I found your blog!
Laura recently posted..Monday Morning Motivation
It’s crazy that when we ran together just one month ago, 4 was the most you’d done and now you’re at 17!
Lee recently posted..Resolution Run
I’ll be sending lots of positive thoughts your way on race day! (and rhymes, apparently)
Kiah recently posted..what’s a sundial in the shade?
I hope you get the experience you want from this marathon!
Kara recently posted..That is so last year
Good for you! Never give up on your dreams and the things you truly want.
Are you in town this Saturday? I’m coming out to cheer on some friends doing the half and will be checking out the expo before I do my 7-mile run.
Shannon recently posted..Fitness Goals for 2012
good for you!! It just proves that you can do anything you put your mind to. I don’t have any race rituals as I’ve never ran a race or biked a race. Good luck! I can’t wait to read all about it.
So proud of you!!! I’ve done 9 marathons, and the only ritual I have is to sleep as much as possible the few nights before the race. You know you’ll be too excited to sleep the night before the big day!
Kristy @ KristyRuns recently posted..Group Runs
Ill be here to read the recap! I’ve always doubted my ability to get through a marathon one day but you’re right.. If you want it badly enough, you can make it happen
This post literally brought tears to my eyes. Thanks for being such an inspiration! I’m running Disney on Sunday as well!!
I love your approach – just cover the miles any way you can. Have a fun trip and I hope you get everything out of this marathon that you wanted!
Carolina John recently posted..New Years Redux
Wow, you are an inspiration. It is amazing to see how far you’ve come and what determination can accomplish. Good luck in your race!
Kathy recently posted..Training Recap: 12/26 – 1/2
I am absolutely amazed by your strength and determination! You’ll do great next weekend. The whole cyber world will be cheering you on from the other side of their computer screens. I have been stressing about signing up for my first marathon, which is on May 27th, because I’m afraid it’s too soon. Well, I don’t think I can make any more excuses! Thank you for the motivation. Have a fabulous run.
Willow @ My Own Trail recently posted..The Year Ahead (and behind)
Amazing. Just amazing. I love your optimism and courage. You have already bounced back in the most glorious way, and this weekend will only cement your victory.
Can’t wait to read all about it!
love – can’t wait for the recap!! you are amazing and i so admire your strength! rock disney, girl!
lynne @lgsmash recently posted..Wedding Wednesday: Save The Dates!
You are such an inspiration! While I am not dealing with an acute injury, I have been working through some chronic pain and injuries (hip and back). I am so determined to schedule a race in the spring, but it still might be out of the question for me at this point. I am trying to figure out some other goals I can set if races are out for now.
Alysa (InspiredRD) recently posted..Be Bold