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!

Strength and flexibility

Another week training behind and one week less to go to the marathon. Last week I was not on the top of my mind, every part of me was tired and aching and I had a sort of half way training boredom. Few days with just get over with it and keep training -attitude has helped and I am motivated and inspired to keep training. Surely it helps my foot is not hurting and thanks to the physio, I have no problems with walking anymore.

When I started training for the marathon and knew my weekly running kilometers increase significantly, I promised myself to do regular strength training as well as stretch properly. I know I am prone to running injuries, whenever I previously have run more, I tend to get injured (especially on chinsplins). And I know how important strength training and stretching is to avoid that, though neither of those is my strength and something I like to do.

I am still not a big fan of strength training; I keep doing it as I know it is good for me and helps me to stay healthy with running. I have always been stiff as an iron bar, but during the last ten weeks I am surprised by my flexibility. I am still far away to qualify the Olympics in gymnastics but I have reached a mobility in my body I did not know to be possible. Thanks to Tony Horton and P90X Yoga and Dynamics I discovered completely different side of me with more core strength and flexibility and most importantly, I realised I actually enjoy doing the trainings. And most importantly, I feel my running is more focused and stabile, my body feels lighter and happier :)

 Family training session for stronger core.