2017 and the start of 2018 hasn’t been the most ideal, as a result I have been absent in my blogging and training.
The 2017 Marine Corps Marathon was fantastic! I personally PR’ed with the team of Wingbitches pushing John in his wheelchair….I actually had a couple sub-10 minute miles sprinkled about. My post run recovery was as smooth as any recovery I have ever had.
However shortly after the marathon I began to have issues with ulcerative colitis (UC). I have struggled with UC for over a decade. Most times flare ups last a day or three at most. I find its a more prevalent issue during heavier training periods, most times it is not debilitating, just annoying. But in the weeks succeeding the marathon, what started as a few days of discomfort has turned into a several months long flare up.
Subsisting on a mere 400 calories day has left me exhausted, cranky and feeling lethargic to say the least. I have lost count of the number of times I have misplaced my keys or walked into a room only to forget why I’m in there. I have struggled on a daily basis to remain positive and move forward with the day.
My spirits were lifted when on the way home from a trip to the emergency room, I learned that I had gained entry in the 2018 Chicago Marathon. I was equal parts excited about the new adventure and slightly terrified that I HAD to run….there is no deferment policy for Chicago, you either run or lose out on your $195 entrance fee. Quickly on the heels of that email, I also learned that I had been selected to become a member of the 2018 Run Gum Ambassador Squad.
I love Chicago! But even more than Chicago and running, I love Run Gum! It was the first product that I found that kept me energized throughout runs and didn’t effect my gut like so many other products do. I also found that it didn’t taste funny like many products with energizing ingredients too. Also best of all it fits in my pocket and doesn’t require me to mix anything.
Despite my lifted spirits and excitement at being a part of a company that I so adore, I struggled to keep up with tasks that I need to be accomplished to tout this amazing product, but I haven’t been able to do the first part of the product name…RUN!
I am grateful that in the last couple weeks I have finally be able to eat more than rice and bland chicken. As I have felt better I have been able to more focus on my 2018 running goals. I have even been able to run a bit, not too many miles but enough to get my legs moving and feel like myself again.
Short Term Goals:
Get healthy so that I can begin running on a consistent basis.
Find running shoes that my feet like. I love my Brooks Launch but I have been having some issues with foot cramps and other pain in my feet, I think it’s time to find something a bit different.
Long Term Goals:
Complete the 2018 Chicago Marathon. I am using this as my 20 mile training run for my second marathon of the year (Yes I am that crazy that I am running two marathons in a month) so I don’t have a PR set for this race….just enjoy the sites and the city and get across the finish line.
Complete the 2018 Marine Corps Marathon in under five hours.
Strength Goals:
Incorporate strength training more consistently into my running plan. Not only the large compound movements but also body weight exercises to strengthen my hip flexors and core.
Flexibility Goals:
Actually STRETCH on a regular basis. I have a plethora of rolling things-balls, rollers, sticks-I want to actually use them this year before and after every run. I especially want to focus on my hip flexors and my feet.
I just envision 2018 being a stronger year for me. I plan to be more focused on achieving the elusive sub five hour marathon. I may struggle a bit this year coming off such a brutal UC flare-up, but I have no doubt that 2018 is going to be my year.
I’m not the only one with big goals for 2018, check out Nick Symmonds (CEO of RunGum) blog on his goals for the year.
When you are done-share in the comments below what are some of your goals for 2018? Running or non-running I’d love to hear what path you are planning to blaze in 2018.
Happy Running!
GeekyTriathlete 