Shut Up and Race

It will be exactly 10 months since I have raced when I toe the line next weekend for the Snohomish Women's Half Marathon. I was debilitated by Plantar Fasciitis last summer and spent a good season racing on injury. I paid for my stubbornness and sat out the following fall from a few races I was dying to run. I set myself up with the most conservative training plan to build back my strength, which was a serious testament of my patience. I had to remind myself how lucky I was to be running, and that not racing was better than not running. My foot injury was the first time I had ever sat out from an injury (a full two weeks! I'm dramatic, I know) and it initiated a major change in my lifestyle. I was working three jobs at the time to get Justin through school and thankfully he was at the tail end of his woodworking degree. Once I had more time to be motionless and relax during the week, my fitness came back. I also dedicated myself to a strength training program, which so far has been the best balance to my running.

At this point I have given myself months to build my mileage up to a consistent 60 mi/week. I slowly added in track and road workouts to my regime. I regularly run in the mountains with Justin which keeps me mentally strong on the uphills. At this point, I'm itching to put my training into play. I no longer have any excuses and next weekend will mark the beginning of my 2015 racing season. The Snohomish Half Marathon will serve as a tune up race for the Vancouver Marathon in June. I am absolutely stoked for what is ahead!