Help me decide how far to run Saturday

[thom]

It seems like when races get close, I have random aches/pains showing up and my mind goes nuts. Here's the backstory, give me your opinion please.

I did 20 miles two weekends ago, went great, so I do already have a solid 20 miler. So far this week I've put in 21 miles (6, 9, 6) and will take tomorrow off. My right shin has been sore all week. Sometimes this happens and usually goes away in a day or two. I feel like it's getting worse this time, so I ran really slow this morning, iced, and massaged the shin. Feels a tiny bit better. (Could this be more serious than shin splints?)

Anyway, for my real question, how far should I run this weekend? I planned on another 20, as I have a half marathon next weekend and my marathon in 4 weeks. I plan to take it easy between this weekend and the half, race the half, then mostly taper for the marathon with a few quality workouts.

So do I need another full 20 this weekend, or is less better if my leg is still sore? Functionally I know a few miles isn't a big deal, but I'm wondering if I should cut back even more than that?

I should add that I'm not really following a specific plan anymore after I pulled some muscles around my ribs last month & had to take it easy & re- calibrate. Other than that I've had an injury free training cycle.

Thanks for weighing in. I know I'm slightly irrational right now, but I've put so much time in for this marathon that I don't want to mess things up.

[runblondie26]

I'd play it safe if you feel a potential injury brewing. Perhaps you can tack some extra miles after your half next week?

It's good that you have at least one 20 miler behind you already. I hope this shin pain turns out to be nothing!

[lb2006]

i'm w/runblondie - play it safe this weekend.

I ran through pain for my 2nd 20 miler of a marathon training and had my first DNF in the marathon.

[thom]

runblondie26 - that's a good point. Several months back when I realized the races were 3 weeks apart, I thought I 'd just add about 5 miles after my half. Now I don't love that plan, but if I'm feeling rough on Saturday it's the smart option. I need to really asses whether the shin is just "sore" or more intense pain, and run or rest accordingly. It's also weird to me that it's just my right leg...

Thanks for the input!

[thom]

Apr 10, 2014 11:07:33 GMT -5 lb2006 said:

i'm w/runblondie - play it safe this weekend.

I ran through pain for my 2nd 20 miler of a marathon training and had my first DNF in the marathon.

Okay, now you've really scared me into being smart. I'm sorry about the DNF. I know I can run the marathon at this point, so I will go short this weekend unless it 's really feeling better.

[lb2006]

Apr 10, 2014 11:25:08 GMT -5 thom said:

Apr 10, 2014 11:07:33 GMT -5 lb2006 said:

i'm w/runblondie - play it safe this weekend.

I ran through pain for my 2nd 20 miler of a marathon training and had my first DNF in the marathon.

Okay, now you've really scared me into being smart. I'm sorry about the DNF. I know I can run the marathon at this point, so I will go short this weekend unless it 's really feeling better.

wasn't meant to scare you!   I had pain at the top part of my leg, right under the knee.  I pushed through (walking and running) and then ended up at the ortho and in a boot.  If it happened to me again or i had a nagging pain, i wouldn't try the 20!

[cinco]

I did a couple easy miles before my 10m race last w/e and then a couple more after. I have done so with some half marathons in the past too. If they are slow enough it shouldn't affect your race, and it will probably make you feel a little more confident having a longer run in. I agree with backing off this w/e if you feel an injury coming on. Good luck! I think you are prepared for the marathon either way.