Posts Tagged ‘running a marathon’
Okay, so it wasn’t the best idea I have ever had. For the last several months I have changed my running style and in turn, my running shoes.
For the most part, things were going well. I was running several kilometers in my generic crocs everyday with no side effects. I could run longer, faster, and had no pains at all. So I decided to put it to the ultimate test. I would run a half-marathon with my new running style and wearing my crocs.
Since I had run most of last summer in crocs, the pair I had lost almost all their tread and were quite slippery. So I dug down deep and forked over the money for a new pair (all 4oo yen, about $4). The grip was certainly better, but there was something I noticed as soon as I put my feet in them, they seemed harder. I think it may have been this that eventually lead to my downfall.
Having over a month until the marathon I had plenty of time to work them in. Running a 3-4 km a day seemed no problem at all. I had no blisters and my legs were fine. However, when I decided to run to the video store and back (about 10 kilometers) I started getting pains in my left knee around the 7 km mark. I am not sure the exact reason, but I believe it has to do with the increased hardness of the new shoes, where I am placing the weight on that foot, and how much my foot is slipping each time it hits. I ran this route twice more in the following days with the same result.
Since my leg was pretty sore, I went to a massage therapist who said that I had put a lot of strain on the muscle on my outer thigh which goes through the knee. The only thing I could do was let it rest and stretch.
The marathon
After arriving on Irabu island, we had to wait about a half an hour for a bus to take us to the start line. They hadn’t prepared enough transportation, and I ended up just barely making it. I was checking in my bags and registering my number when the shot went off. Not the best start.
My goal was to try and keep the pace that I normally ran with with my shorter runs, though I didn’t know if that would have actually been possible or not. However, having starting late and at the very back, I was well towards the front and going strong after about 10 km.
Unfortunately, it was also at about this point that the knee pain really started to kick in. I managed to run through the pain until about the 15th km and then finally started walking as the pain increased. From this point on I ran a few times, but the pain was so great that I could only do it for a short distance. At certain times I wasn’t even sure if I was going to be able to finish. Which was too bad since I still had a lot of energy left and my muscles felt fine.
It wasn’t until I actually finished and looked down at my feet that I saw the immense blisters I had developed. It was actually a little scary. I just hadn’t really noticed them because of my knee.
In the end I accomplished what I had set out to do. That is, to run a half-marathon in crocs. Turned out not to be such a good idea, but it was fun. Now to either find a better shoe or adjust my running style to get rid of the pain.
Below is the coverage from Miyako TV. I run by at 4:30 to pick up water.
Well, I did it. Two days ago I signed up for a half marathon (20km) on Irabu island. Irabu Island is located about 15 minutes by ferry from Miyako island, which in turn is about 45 minutes by plane southwest of Okinawa. The weather here is sub-tropical, so even though it takes place at the end of February, the weather will be relatively warm.
So why am I running a marathon?
To be quite honest, I am not a huge fan of marathons. I understand the personal struggle in order to finish them, but I don’t think they are good for your body. They put a lot of stress on your joints. However, there are two main reasons I decided to run.
- I am not sure how long I will be in Miyakojima. And since marathons are kind of a big event here, I decided I should go a head and participate.
- Several months ago I changed my running style, and began running on the balls of my feet rather than my heels. I feel this is a much better and more natural way to run. Running a half marathon should really put it to the test. You can read more about my running style here.
What will I wear?
For shoes I will be running in generic Crocs with no socks ( I found wearings socks gives me blisters). It took some conditioning, but I can now comfortably run several kilos with no problem. As far as clothes go, nothing special. Probably shorts and a t-shirt.
How will I train?
Nothing special. I am planning to run at least a couple of kilometers each day about 5 days a week. I will slowly build my way up so I feel very comfortable with about 5 to 10 kilometers. I will also be doing my normal exercises (situps, pushups, etc). My goal is to run the entire marathon without stopping.
Any tips?
This will be the firs marathon I have ever participated in. I would love to hear any tips or pieces of advice any of you might have. I am sure I will need all the help I can get.
