I"m sorry to inform you......

Nobody likes getting a letter that starts with that, do they?

Rest day on the schedule today.  Actually 10 miles was on the schedule but I'm skipping my long run.  Yes, you read that correctly --- I'm.  Skipping.  My.  Long.  Run.  It's hard for me to even write it here.  I have not missed a long run since I started training for my first half marathon a little over two years ago.  Yes, that's right, if it was a Saturday or a Sunday in the last couple years, you could find me at one of four places

1. Running a race that I used to substitute for my long run
2. Running at Stony Creek Metro park
3. Running on the Paint Creek Trail
4. Running on the Macomb/Orchard Trail

That was typically my Saturday or Sunday morning anywhere from 1-3.5 hours.  It's became a staple in my lifestyle.  What's even harder though is that I've decided to take off 1-2 weeks from running or biking.  I will do some strength training(bow flex and body weight) and will so some light stretching and foam rolling but that's about it.

For those of you that don't know it, I've been struggling with my running pretty much since the end of October.  I ran to a great marathon time(for me) in Grand Rapids and would not be surprised if it goes down as my best ever.

But----first it was my hips which actually were sore about a month before the marathon.  I've been running with compression shorts since then which really helps and the hips do feel better.  Second was my knee which started about 5-6 weeks ago.  I should have taken off time then.  It's only been sore with the long runs(past 8 miles).  Then yesterday I was running my normal five miler and my groin muscle started to hurt after four miles.  And it hurt all day yesterday.  Now I'm sure that I could take a day or two off and get right back into it but I'm not taking a chance this time.  Three strikes and you're out!  I need a rest.  I need an extended rest and since I also have the week between Christmas and New Year's off for work too, what better time to rest when you can also sleep in?

If I'm feeling up to it, I'll start again a week from today.  If not, I'll take an extra week or even two if I need it.  I really want to be sure that I'm feeling better and don't want to rush it again.  To clarify - I'm not hurt but the signs are there and if I continue like I have, I will be hurt.  This is exactly why I need to take this time to give my body the rest that it so desperately needs.

I've also made another significant decision.  Well, at least it's more significant that just resting for a week or two.  I've changed my mind on running the Lansing Marathon in April.  I'm already signed up for the half which I'm still excited to run.  Furthermore, I've decided I'm not going to run a marathon next year at all.  Yes, #5 is going to have to wait until 2014.  I do still plan to run next year, and run lots, but I have not changed any of the races that I still want to do next year except for the marathon(Click HERE for my tentative schedule) and I feel it's the best decision for me.   

I might need to get one of these for my car - Ha!

As some of you know, the marathon and the marathon training is extremely hard on the body.  It needs time to recover from it and I've never given mine a chance to recover in the last two years.  I found my breaking point - four marathons in two years, 3,600+ miles and no rest.  I do, however, still LOVE running the half marathon - it's still my favorite distance - so it will be my enjoyment for next season, although I won't be looking to set any new PR's.  I just want to get back to the time when I ran and felt great and I know that if I run another marathon next season, it will just give me a better chance at getting hurt where I'll be out for the season.

I'd much rather run shorter distances than not run at all.

So that's the plan.  Am I disappointed?  Yes and No but I know I'm doing the right thing and in the long run, I'll be happy with these decisions.

On a positive note, I've still got some great posts coming up for some gear reviews and I'm sure I'll still have plenty to talk about in regards to running.

Have a great day and....Keep Running!!!!