Training plan started back end of last year and was running 15 milers just before Xmas then put my back out in the new year! It's now 4th Feb and after 5 weeks without running I'm back to doing 10 milers again! That's me out of the marathon but still doing the half.
I'm in the middle of training for Blackpool marathon and 2 weeks ago my back went (lower back) for no apparent reason. I saw the physio 3 days ago who said I have a weak core as others have said and gave me excercises to strengthen it.
I also in the past have suffered with lower back pain when running but usually when I haven't run for a while and I'm carrying more weight which seems to be the same cause.
lets say youve done I dont know, 20 half marathons, are you really going to look at the medal for say the 5th half marathon you did and remember all the time and training you did for that particular one? Youre not are you .....
No I won't look back at a particular medal / momento / call it what you will. But when I've retired from running and I have a collection of 30 / 40 / 50 + then dead right I'm going to look at that collection and feel proud of what I've done.
Personally I have 11 medals which I'm extremely proud to own as they are a reminder to myself of how many half marathon events I've completed. Ok I may not be winning these events or even getting placed in the top 100 but it represents the time and commitment that's gone into each one. We don't just turn up at these events and expect a medal we train for them for months on end which I personally think is a hell of an achievement regardless of what time your recording.
Can't wait for next years event. I've done the half 6 times now, last time in 2010 and this will be my first go at full marathon distance (yikes)! Very flat course and very well organised...nice one Ron.