- February 2010: One of my first races ever, the Mardi Gras marathon - 4:08 or 4:12, for some reason I can't remember which. Almost last in my age group. Bottom 25% of finishers.
- September 2010: Next, a hilly marathon in West Virginia, Freedom's Run - still over 4 hours.
- Then, an email from a DailyMile friend: "Hey," it said. "Why don't you try running fast?" So, I tried.
- October 2010: A month after Freedom's Run, I ran a 3:40 in Harrisburg, which back then was a BQ.
- February 2011: Mardi Gras marathon again, now renamed RnR New Orleans, in 3:27. Woot!
- September 2011: 3:35? Why do I suck? Why am I getting slower?
- October 2011: I started running speed work, for the first time ever.
- December 2011: 3:15 effort - ran 3:22 because I got lost (I do this all the time, FYI).
- January 2012: 3:09.
- February 2012: 3:06.
So. Let's see. It took me TWO YEARS to build my base. Even just 6 months from my PR marathon, I was slow and struggling. Why did I think I could just zoom back to fitness after surgery, when I'd been injured or recovering for two and a half years? It was like starting at zero again. Or under zero: now I had to deal with surgery recovery and all those complications, too. In July, it will be two years post-op with my first hip, and I've only just realized that this recovery and return timeline makes sense. It takes me two years to build a base. I didn't even return to running until September 2014, and then I was sidelined with another surgery in December of that year - so really, I am by no means out of the base-building phase. I still have work to do. But it's incredibly promising that I can feel some pep in my step, some strength in my legs, and perhaps a little bit of speed still lurking in there somewhere, too.
Hooray for feeling strong once more! I think you just need to be patient with yourself - it comes back eventually, and you've earned it. But I know what it feels like to be terrified your gains will all vanish after a layoff. (I am going to laugh at your definition of 'not a natural runner with innate speed', by the way; my first marathon took me six hours and my first half, 2:43! :) )
ReplyDeleteQuestion, how exactly did you build your base? I hit my peak in 2009, then I started having kids the following year... Was it just running more mileage.
ReplyDeleteI think you are an anomoly Because you went from a 4 hour marathon to a 3:06 in two years. That's incredible!! My first marathon was a 4:01, then I BQ'ed with a 3:34... It's been hit or miss since....
I'm happy that things are on the up and up for you. You really worked your butt off, after each surgery to recovery and do your PT work.
My marathon progression just reminds me that I do NOT have running talent, I have to work for it! I built my base by improved consistency (that was a big part), more miles, gradual increase in speed during my mid-week semi-long run, and finally, by adding speed work.
Deleteyou did it the old fashioned way :)
DeleteHmmmm. Ok. Agree to disagree! Lol!
ReplyDeleteI think that a female who can run a 3:06 marathon has a degree of natural ability. Period. I work my ass off but will never be able to run that sort of time. I think *most runners* will never be able to run that, even with hard work. This last cycle, I peaked at 66 miles (with several weeks in the 60s) and did 4 long runs of 20, 20, 21, and 22 miles. Did track and yada yada and still couldn't get my time under 3:20.
You may not have innate speed, but I think you are an endurance monster. I totally don't mean to downplay your hard work, it's just that the work that you do, your body absorbs it incredibly. Not sure if it's your VO2 max or whatever. I'd be really curious to know your numbers for that. When I had the test done a few years ago, my VO2 max was solidly in the "good" category. Not great and certainly not elite levels.
Anyway, I totally admire you. Two hip surgeries and a recent 3:19 marathon with not much training? DAMN. If you stay healthy, you will likely be able to crush that 3:06. I'm so glad things are going well for you!!
Well, so - I DO probably have higher than average endurance, since I am so much better at the marathon than other distances. But the reason I think I don't naturally have ability is because when I stop working, I revert back to my old time right away. I don't get fat and stay fast; I settle back into the old slower speeds I am comfortable with. It just means I don't bounce back like other runners do.
DeleteI can understand and appreciate that! I am the same way.
DeleteLOL at my typo - I meant "get FAST and stay fast", not "get fat and stay fast" - although I can't do that, either!
DeleteHahahaha! I thought you meant fat but fast works too.
DeleteWell it's encouraging to hear that you are feeling strong. You still put up an impressive time at your marathon in February, though. But I am glad that you are feeling stronger and that the faster paced runs are not feeling as taxing. I don't think I read your blog back when you were running your first marathons so I didn't know you ran something in the 4 hour range. Although I have to say I can't see how a 4:08 or 4:12 would be last place in your age group because even when you are young, there are a lot of people who run slow marathons!
ReplyDeleteOk, I looked it up - it was a 4:12, and I was 89th in my division in a smallish race!
DeleteBy nature I think that all humans are pretty impatient. When we want something, we want it now. Of course you were hoping to get your fitness back asap but hey, you had surgery. Feeling strong is an awesome feeling. You are really on your way back now.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it funny how long it can take to make those connections sometimes? And it's a shame, because once you understand what's going on it makes the process so much less stressful.
ReplyDeleteSo happy to hear you feeling strong again! It's been a long road for you. Here's to being and STAYING strong, fast, and healthy for a long time!
Yep. Same place here. Base building is definitely a thing. :)
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you're starting to feel it!
Hi Grace, wanted to ask you what are your present favorite "bunion" running shoes these days? Enjoying your blog- always good recommendations. Having another bout of plantar fasciitis & bunion problems - ouch!
ReplyDeleteYou know, I totally need to update that page! But I need to do some research first. I do know that Hoka's are weirdly narrow and that there may be hope for some of the newer NB shoes...I will get on it!
DeleteThat's awesome to hear! It's sometimes hard to see the big picture, but it's clear you're on your way to kick your own pre-surgery butt!
ReplyDelete