I was ramping up nicely and starting to build some big mileage.
In week four, I completed a ten mile run and in week five, I headed into Boston to try the actual course. My wife dropped me off in Wellesley at about mile twelve. The run was tough as I ended up walking much of it, especially up some of the hills. I would stop along the way and stretch and more than once had conversations with pedestrians going by. It was a beautiful day even though it was a bit chilly.
With about a mile to go, I ran through Kenmore square and imaginged all of the people that will be filling the square on race day. Kenmore square is where everyone coming out of the Red Sox game stops to watch the race. It gets very crowded and I could image all of the cheers. Although I was tired and my legs were throbbing, I forced myself to run.... there is no way I was walking through Kenmore Square!
The last few miles, I was alternating between walking about a quarter mile and running a quarter mile. The muscles in my legs were sore and both of my knees were very uncomfortable. By the time I turned down Boylston Street, where the race ends, I was exhausted and really in some pain, but I finished the fourteen miles and I was quite proud of myself.
I called my wife to pick me up from a Dunkin Donuts where I recall having a glass of water and having a conversation with a meter maid. She couldn't believe that I just ran in from Wellesley. Again, I was proud of myself.
The following week I did finish a twelve mile run, however, I was unable to complete two smaller runs during that same week. One of these difficult runs, I completed about a mile and a half and my knees were in too much pain. I walked the mile and a half home. The other run, I got a few blocks from my house and had to go home due to the pain in my knees.
In week seven, with just five weeks until the race, I made the decision to take some time off from running, do additional cardio excersizes that would not put pressure on my knees and to call my doctor again.
I was a bit nervous since now... it was both knees that hurt.
Stay tuned for What Was I Thinking (Part Eleven) - I Must Recap
What Was I Thinking (Part one): In the Beginning
What Was I Thinking (Part two): Goodbye Reality
What Was I Thinking (Part three): The Point of No Return
What Was I Thinking (Part four): Super Dave
What Was I Thinking (Part five): My Follow Through
What Was I Thinking (Part six): The Rise of Marathon Martin
What Was I Thinking (Part Seven): Doctor, Doctor.... Give Me The News
What Was I Thinking (Part Eight): Train, Train, Train
What Was I Thinking (Part Nine): Show Me The Money
Comments(9)