After missing 2 marathons in January due to them being cancelled because of snow, I didn’t want to miss the 2 days of the Quadzilla I had arranged for February. For my Brathay 10 marathons in 10 days training I need to be running the full marathon distance on a regular basis so the January cancellations have been a small blow in my training plan. It doesn’t bother me run often and going long distances but to do the full marathon distance I much prefer to be running in a proper event. I feel this way because of the effort used in a marathon, I believe it is worth having it recorded and it’s always nice to get a shiny medal for your efforts. I certainly run faster especially at the end of a long run when in a race as opposed to simply out training on my own.
Two weeks before the Quadzilla I hurt my right hamstring, I think I did it while sledging, not even running! Immediately I was worried about missing the 2 Quadzilla marathons so booked to see Maria at Stansfield Sports Injury Clinic. Maria has great experience with marathon runners and I knew she would give me the right treatment and advise to help me carry on running. After a few days rest and some exercises, I was relieved to be back running. The Monday before the Quad I returned for a second session, Maria kindly taped up my leg with some lovely pink argyle patterned tape to give the hamstring some extra support. She sprayed my leg before applying the tape. I asked was this to remove any oil from the skin to help the tape stick, she said “No, it was extra glue to help keep it on longer.” The plan was for it to last while I ran the 2 marathons later in the week to help support the injured Hamstring. While I was there I stuck to the paper on the physio bench, later in the day my pants kept sticking to my legs. It’s 4 days ago (and several baths and showers down the line) and it hasn’t budged . . . will it ever come off? If it does I can see it tearing off my hair as well!
Quadzilla – Day 1, 7th February 2013
For several days I’ve wondered what pace to run, I don’t want to go too slow that I get used to running slower than I plan for the 10in10 but more importantly I don’t want to aggravate the injury to my hamstring. I decided to go for around 3:40 and see how it holds up through the race. I felt it a little during the second half but only vaguely so hopefully should be ok for tomorrow. I had a very even paced run today finished inside my goal with 3 hours 35 minutes 40 seconds and earned a nice chocolate brown medal, my first spinning medal. I wonder what tomorrow’s colour will be?
Quadzilla – Day 2, 8th February 2013
When doing multiple marathons there always seems to be something aching each morning and usually it isn’t what you are expecting. I woke up expecting the right hamstring to be complaining but no, it was my right knee. After being up for an hour and having had my breakfast it seemed to ease. So with the Hammy behaving itself I decided to go a bit faster and try and dip under 3:30. At half way things were nearly going to plan with 1:46, 1 minute outside my target. The second half continued at the same pace, I tried to squeeze the pace a bit faster but the body just didn’t have the energy and I finished in 3 hours 30 minutes and 8 seconds. So close to the target time but just not quite. Never mind I’ll not beat myself up about that, it was still a negative split run and I survived injury free. I’m always pleased when I do a negative split. Today’s medal was dark blue and it’s spinner number 2. Almost a shame I’m not here for the next 2 days to get the full set but I’m content that the training has gone to plan and my hamstring injury seems to be slowly healing. Time to go home
