Time for tapering

Another 12 days to go to Hannover marathon and while I am really excited about it, somewhere back of my mind I have a concern if my back can handle it. I have had great time with training, I have done many exciting runs and the 10k test run in Paderborn Osterlauf went well (well I expected to be a bit faster but well enough anyway). So now it is time to relax and just wait?

Unfortunately since our skiing holidays I have been struggling with my back and have constant pain as soon as sitting, standing or even lying down. The good thing is any kind of movement is good, surprisingly all my runs have been pain free. One could say it is the endorphines, I just think I am meant to keep moving :) Because of the pain I have shortened couple of the long runs this month and skipped few runs completely. I have been working a lot with my core, doing yoga every second day and some additional planks, squats etc. It really helps and I feel since I made the decision to really work on that more regurlarly, the back is doing better and as bonus my mobility has improved.

What's wrong with the back then? I wish I knew. I am back at the physio, he is doing his best to crack the right movement to the lower back and legs again and hopefully that will help. If not, there is this chiropractician lady living just behind the corner and what I hear she is comparable to god. Nobody knows if she is retired (Just to note, I am living in a small village and your know everything via grapewine so not necessary all the facts are available) but if the physio does not help, I am desperate enough to just ring her doorbell and beg her to treat me.

So 12 days to go to #runnover and how do I feel? I am sure I will be able to run the half marathon. I give up for any time goals as it depends on the condition of my back on that day. It will surely hurt especially on the last kilometers as I skipped some of the long runs but a bit of pain is part of game I guess. Therefore all in all, I am sure it will be great experience and I just have to not stay relaxed!

Keep on running

It has been a while since I last time shared my training with you. Apologies for that, it has been all about keeping going, make sure the everyday life runs smoothly and even with little motivation to force myself to go out for a run. As despite of all, there is no run I had regretted afterwards. But I sure had if had not done them.

While ago I really lost my motivation to train. I was extremely busy, there were many things going on both work and private and I was tired all the time. I could have slept days long and every morning a colleague was asking how I was doing, my answer was "I am tired." I still today do not know where it came from but I am really glad I feel normal again. And most importantly, I do not need to force me out for a run (or training) but I actually long for it if not regular. 

Last weeks I have been following my training plan for Hannover half marathon, the same overall program every week: Intervals in the beginning of the week, tempo on run on the mid-week and the long run during the weekend. I have actually made long runs a bit longer than recommended by the program I am following. I have still not decided if I will run Berlin marathon this year, I got my place, I paid my participation fee but I am still indecisive if I want to have all those long runs during the summer. Should I? At the moment the long runs do feel good, however I have not done longer than 19km so far. And actually it is more about the time I end up spending on the road that I am concerned, I still need to work, I want to spend time with my family and see my friends. And I wonder if it is possible to have it all. 

It is another 42 days to go to Hannover, training is going well and I feel great. In a one week time I have break from running and focus on skiing, I am sure my legs appreciate the change as much as my mind loves the mountains and full day outdoor activities. So keep on running my friends and of course, follow #runnover in all social media.

Yesterday I run in one of my favourite routes in Solling forest, what a beautiful day and a beautiful run. Just love it.