Listen to your body.

It’s so easy to say but so much harder to do.

I started off marathon training on somewhat shaky ground (well a shaky knee, let’s not blame the ground) recovering from some overuse injuries. As I built up the mileage things were surprisingly feeling great. The long runs were tough but not too tough to finish.

There were a magical few weeks where everything was going to plan and everything felt great.

But, as the miles have increased though so has the discomfort on my right side.  I’ve been working really hard to listen to my body and stop using “external supports” to fix pain. I’m a huge believer in your body being able to fix itself and the more pills/tape/supports you add to it only weaken it’s own fighting spirit.

So rather than strap it up and push through the 20 miles my training plan says tomorrow I’m going to give it a rest. Skipping THE big run of any marathon training plan is no easy feat, I’ve gone back and forth on this decision about a hundred times due to The Fear of going off plan, but in the end I keep coming back to the mantra I’ve been repeating when The Fear starts to take over. Using a meditation technique I just repeat my mantra over and over again “I believe in my body” (another favourite is “I am here now”) and it kicks The Fear right out of my mind.

I’m going to listen to my body because it wants to go to Dublin with Alex, see my Parents (who are coming over from Canada to watch!), and spend a few hours running towards the pub with these 5 amazing ladies.

Photo from @lazygirlrunning