I'm doing it again...well, almost

[LisaMarie]

Decided that I would never run another full marathon.  I can proudly say that I've done one.  But that level of training just was way too much.  It took me a long time to recover.

However, I decided that I would do a half on June 5th.  Yay!  I know that I can succeed.  A half is a perfect challenge for me.  It sets my goals a little higher so I am pushed but not over do it. 

[SunshineDaydream]

Glad to hear you recovered from the marathon, LisaMarie. Running a marathon is quite an accomplishment!

Since you were able to do a full marathon, I am sure you will be able to do a half.

By setting higher goals, do mean in terms of time or something else?

[LisaMarie]

Just higher in the terms of the lengths of any races.  If I only say I'm going to do 5k's then I don't push harder.  But by setting to a higher goal of a half marathon, I am pushing myself beyond just an every other day run.  I'm pushing myself to do at least one longer run on the weekends.

[SunshineDaydream]

Ah, got it. I admire your level of commitment.

[susanep]

 Good for you!

susanep

[LisaMarie]

Training is going a little bit easier for me this time.  But I don't have to (nor want to) run any distance like I did for the full marathon.  I had a lot of backpain lately but I took aleve for a few days and it seemed to have helped. 

I truly recommend anyone with Sjogren's (or any autoimmune) to look at doing some basic floor exercises to help stretch you out and build strength in your core.  Exercise does not need to have high impact on your joints.  You do not need to run like I do. 

I have the amazon fire on my tv.  I love it.  I'm a prime member (free shipping on almost everything including my toilet paper).  I've found an app on there for Pilates and it has a lot of choices for me.  I can do 1-10 minute routines.  No jumping jacks (those really bother my feet), but a lot of strengthening moves.

[Jonchri]

Wow  I can't imagine being so fit. I sometimes have trouble walking to my mailbox, let alone run a marathon. You should be absolutely thrilled. I have recently joined a gym. On a good day I can walk a mile and a half on the treadmill (I can hold on to keep my balance). With my walker I feel slouched.

I don't know how old you are, I am 50, but you are an inspiration!

[LisaMarie]

I am 51.  I have never been active in my life until I started running around the age of 47.  The day I first started, I couldn't run 30 seconds without huffing and puffing and walking.  Yup.  Not exaggerating at all.  But I kept trying. 

When I ran my full marathon in Sept, I had to walk the second half.  It was terrible.  But I knew I was not ever going to put my body through the hard core training needed to attempt it again so I finished. 

Half marathons I can do.  I will run all 13.1 miles this time!  It isn't easy.  I can't run when it is cold out as it hurts my lungs.  So I don't quite get all of my runs in that I'm suppose to do but I will do it.

Treadmill walking is great!  Keep it up.  Don't speed it up but maybe increase the incline by a half level.  Stay as active as you possibly can and you will help fight off the symptoms. 

[LisaMarie]

Well, I did it.  I did my third major race, a half marathon. I shouldn't really call it a race. I'm not in it to win for sure.  I'm slow but I keep going. 

I'm going to stay with half marathons.  It seems to be long enough to motivate me to keep training but short enough that I'm not overdoing it like I did on the full. 

So once my blisters heal on my toes, I'll be running again.

Oh the blisters are from trying out new compression socks.  Yeah, won't wear them until after I run now.  I'm going back to my wrightsocks for the actual runs.

Felt great as far as my muscles and bones go though after this one. 

Need to focus a little bit better on my nutrition.  Got away from the "Eating Clean" method too much and I really don't feel as well overall.  Made me realize how much it helps me in general.

[SunshineDaydream]

That's great, LisaMarie! Congratulations, another race in the books. Go, you!