Running Smart

I spent the summer months developing my base so that I would be ready to start a marathon training program in mid to late September. I wanted to run a mid-January marathon in Georgia. My goal is to run smart, so I didn't push myself. I focused on a LR of 8 to 10 miles, with strong tempo runs and hill repeats during the week. I have done a great job with swimming as a cross train.

As luck would have it, I developed a pain behind my left knee during a LR about two months ago. I took a week off, but I still had the pain. So, I took three weeks off, swimming and following a weight training program to develop some muscles to help keep me strong. The pain lessened and so I started to run again 3 to 4 miles. I have not had any pain, so I am hoping now to build up my mileage and set a new goal for myself. Running smart is difficult. It goes against what I really want to do. But, I know if I don't, I won't reach my goal.

I am keeping my fingers crossed and praying that the miles ahead are good to me.