I don't think it's been any secret that training for my second marathon has been tough... SO tough. This year, I've been plagued by injuries, even though I know I haven't been overtraining. My friend Wrigley-T has been having an even worse time of it than me in the running injuries department. We commiserate often about it....

Every week, it seems like I have a new "issue" in the running department. One problem will go away, only to be replaced with a new one. This month has been super weirdo - out of nowhere my speed has tanked. I am usually pretty solid running a 9:30-10 minute mile, then taking walk breaks every 8-10 minutes (every 5 on my long runs.) I generally bang out 5.5 miles per hour, no problem at all.
For some reason, over the past few weeks, I really struggle going any faster than 12 minute miles. My short 5-milers were killing me! I can't explain it. I decided not to obsess about it, but just keep with my training.
Since I got my wakeup call in the injury department, I've started incorporating regular weight training (which I should have been doing since the beginning!!) I also bought new running shoes (I was due, plus a new shoe often helps when you have Achilles strain like me,) and I've started foam rolling like a beast. If you're new to the idea, this is what a sports foam roller looks like:

Pretty boring, huh? :) However, it's been helping me a ton. My left hamstring has been locking up at times and just generally getting really sore mid-run, and I've had zero issues in this department now that I've started foam rolling regularly.
Anyway, all this to say... I *cautiously* think I have my running legs back! I ran a 16-miler last weekend with none of my regular issues. Then I ran a 12-miler this weekend in 2hr 16min, and I felt fan-freakin-tastic. Well, maybe not quite that exciting, but I was a supersweaty smiley person. I haven't had any of the scary tendon strain tweaks that marked my July and early August... Is it because I'm weight training, the new shoes, foam rolling??? Who knows, but I'm glad for it.

Although this weekend I have an 18-miler, so.... let's see if I'm as happy as this praying mantis come Saturday.