No developments on the running front. I've begun to accept that this might take a while. A long while. I go back and forth between frustrated and depressed, to cheery and optimistic.
In case you need something to do...
http://www.schuylkillriveroutlaws.com/
I'll be the one with the crystal of whiskey and large instrument.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Friday, July 25, 2008
Long Wind
Howdy. It's been about a week and a half since my last post. Just wanted to check in and get some thoughts down. Today is two weeks without running. School and other things have kept me fairly busy and I've actually managed to stay quite active too, flopping around in some local swimming pools and doing various stationary jigs at the gym.
When the doc verified the sfx in my foot, he recommended slowly working back into running after two weeks off. I sensed however when he told me this that it was meant to be taken conditionally. Most cases I've heard or read about require at least 6 weeks off, and when I asked him about this, he seemed confident that it wouldn't be that long. Regarding the healing process, his words were "if it hurts, you can't do it." Per this advice, for the first few days afterwards I was literally gimping around because to walk normally caused pain. Quite annoying really. After a few days of limping things improved, and I can now walk around without any discomfort. Actually, yesterday and Wednesday there were a few moments where I completely forgot about it. I was reminded when I stepped down a little too hard going upstairs in my home and got a sharp twinge. Things seem to be easier if I wear supportive shoes as opposed to being barefoot. So, while things are improving, I'm giving myself a bit more time before lacing up. Anything besides really easy runs won't be on the menu for a little while anyway, so I don't really have much to lose by waiting. It's not like I'm gonna be able to hop right back into 10 mile runs. More like 10 minute runs.
Meanwhile I've been contemplating what factors contributed to this happening in the first place. I really don't think I was overextending myself in terms of volume really. Maybe intensity, as it's only been a year really since I started running after a long break, and I did run in eight races over that time. I definitely don't rest appropriately, meaning that while I might not run on a given day, I'm doing something else like biking or walking far distances. I keep thinking back to last month when I attended a family reunion in Tennessee. I covered 50 miles that week running alone. On my "recovery" day, meaning that I didn't run at all, I did a 5 hour hike on the AT with some family members. My dad and I brought along a bunch of gear because we thought we'd stay the night out on the trail. If it's any indication of the vigor with which we were trekking along, my dad had to call it quits after 8 miles because his feet were sore. I was carrying 40 pounds on my back and was wearing the only decent pair of shoes I'd brought along, which were some lightweight trail shoes, definitely not appropriate for the task. That week saw a couple other shorter hiking jaunts in addition to the running. And the hills down there...
So, while I may not have been running too much, I just don't think my down time always qualifies as down time. This is a double-edged sword, because I think one of the reasons I like to run is so I can be more active. But maybe I have to modify this way of thinking a bit. Toodles, sorry for the long post.
When the doc verified the sfx in my foot, he recommended slowly working back into running after two weeks off. I sensed however when he told me this that it was meant to be taken conditionally. Most cases I've heard or read about require at least 6 weeks off, and when I asked him about this, he seemed confident that it wouldn't be that long. Regarding the healing process, his words were "if it hurts, you can't do it." Per this advice, for the first few days afterwards I was literally gimping around because to walk normally caused pain. Quite annoying really. After a few days of limping things improved, and I can now walk around without any discomfort. Actually, yesterday and Wednesday there were a few moments where I completely forgot about it. I was reminded when I stepped down a little too hard going upstairs in my home and got a sharp twinge. Things seem to be easier if I wear supportive shoes as opposed to being barefoot. So, while things are improving, I'm giving myself a bit more time before lacing up. Anything besides really easy runs won't be on the menu for a little while anyway, so I don't really have much to lose by waiting. It's not like I'm gonna be able to hop right back into 10 mile runs. More like 10 minute runs.
Meanwhile I've been contemplating what factors contributed to this happening in the first place. I really don't think I was overextending myself in terms of volume really. Maybe intensity, as it's only been a year really since I started running after a long break, and I did run in eight races over that time. I definitely don't rest appropriately, meaning that while I might not run on a given day, I'm doing something else like biking or walking far distances. I keep thinking back to last month when I attended a family reunion in Tennessee. I covered 50 miles that week running alone. On my "recovery" day, meaning that I didn't run at all, I did a 5 hour hike on the AT with some family members. My dad and I brought along a bunch of gear because we thought we'd stay the night out on the trail. If it's any indication of the vigor with which we were trekking along, my dad had to call it quits after 8 miles because his feet were sore. I was carrying 40 pounds on my back and was wearing the only decent pair of shoes I'd brought along, which were some lightweight trail shoes, definitely not appropriate for the task. That week saw a couple other shorter hiking jaunts in addition to the running. And the hills down there...
So, while I may not have been running too much, I just don't think my down time always qualifies as down time. This is a double-edged sword, because I think one of the reasons I like to run is so I can be more active. But maybe I have to modify this way of thinking a bit. Toodles, sorry for the long post.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
My New Shrink
Don't cross him, don't boss him
He's wild in his sorrow
He's ridin', hidin' his pain
Don't spite him, don't fight him
Just wait til tomorrow
And maybe he'll ride on again
Thanks Willie.
He's wild in his sorrow
He's ridin', hidin' his pain
Don't spite him, don't fight him
Just wait til tomorrow
And maybe he'll ride on again
Thanks Willie.
Friday, July 11, 2008
The Salt Grain
So, doc just confirmed my fear. Stress fracture in the left foot. It's healing, but running on it is slowing down the process. Recommendation was to stay off of it for 2 weeks, then gradually build back up to where I am. I think I'll give it 3, then see how I feel. All this means that I probably won't be on the Parkway on November 23. At least not for the full 26.2. See y'all in a few weeks.
Smooth
Rolled out the door this morning and just kept on rolling. Must have eaten something special yesterday because things felt really solid. Did the 10 mile loop I've been doing lately, west via Fairmount, south along the river, back east on Christian St more or less. It took me a couple of miles to wake up, but the pace picked up as the run went on, finishing close to tempo. Wasn't asking for this, just kind of took it as it came. Happy I did. 10 1/4 miles, 1:17:56.
Haven't mentioned my left foot in a while, maybe I'm trying to banish it from my mental space. It really feels a lot better lately, and it didn't bother me today at all. While I was initially worried it could have been a stress fracture developing, intuition tells me that the past two weeks wouldn't have been possible if that were the case. Nonetheless, I had an x-ray yesterday, off to the doctor today to get their opinion.
Haven't mentioned my left foot in a while, maybe I'm trying to banish it from my mental space. It really feels a lot better lately, and it didn't bother me today at all. While I was initially worried it could have been a stress fracture developing, intuition tells me that the past two weeks wouldn't have been possible if that were the case. Nonetheless, I had an x-ray yesterday, off to the doctor today to get their opinion.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
My Good Friend
After some nonsleep, headed to W Philly to run before work. Suppose I left some angst on the track yesterday, because my friend DOMS was waiting for me as I got going along 34th St. It's been a while, buddy ol' pal. Him and I looped around Fairmount Park. Interesting run in that it felt really slow and long. Around halfway, cramp in left calf caused strife (dehydration?). Lloyd Hall, hit the water fountain, gave DOMS a high five and we had negative splits. 10 miles 1:22.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Day at a Time, Reiterated
Because mornings like today's happen and I'm like what the hell. 7+, 57:51, 10x100m on the track. Things went progressively from OK to good to great, even though the cooldown took me back to the last few miles of Sunday's long run.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Rush
Things have been crazy. I'm not gonna begin to explain. The work is still getting done, but let's just say that marathon prospects for the fall look bleaker by the day. Weird issue with the left foot comes and goes. Feels fine now but this morning it smarted. Taking it one day at a time.
Friday a.m. - 10 miles, 1:21
Saturday a.m. - 4 miles, :35
Sunday p.m. - 15+, 2:10
Changed things up on Sunday by running in the afternoon (mornings have been tough lately). Set myself up for a tough run considering the sun and heat, and by taking it alone. Brought a water bottle and took a gel around 10 miles. Not sure what kind of effect those have on me. Maybe only mental.
Relatively flat route from home to Fall's Bridge and back through downtown. From afar I could see the deluge envelope center city. The last 30 minutes was a blind run for my life through washed out streets. All things considered, an OK run. Things got pretty tough during the last few miles (partly due to the rain) but I recovered well. Bailed on this morning's swim (had enough wetness yesterday) and took a rest instead.
Friday a.m. - 10 miles, 1:21
Saturday a.m. - 4 miles, :35
Sunday p.m. - 15+, 2:10
Changed things up on Sunday by running in the afternoon (mornings have been tough lately). Set myself up for a tough run considering the sun and heat, and by taking it alone. Brought a water bottle and took a gel around 10 miles. Not sure what kind of effect those have on me. Maybe only mental.
Relatively flat route from home to Fall's Bridge and back through downtown. From afar I could see the deluge envelope center city. The last 30 minutes was a blind run for my life through washed out streets. All things considered, an OK run. Things got pretty tough during the last few miles (partly due to the rain) but I recovered well. Bailed on this morning's swim (had enough wetness yesterday) and took a rest instead.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Gymnauseum
Planned recovery day which means no running. 45 min of low intensity cross training (climbing up pretend stairs), and then a relaxing swim. Feeling good.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Top Ten
Had to invoke the 15 min rule while waiting for Mike this morning. Tried not to take this as an omen (Checking my email upon return I received his opt-out request, suppose I should have checked before heading out).
The miles ticked by more pleasantly today than yesterday, a good sign. Kept it slow, and the legs dutifully changed gears in the last few miles. Thanks guys.
In a word, refreshing. 10 in 1:23.
The miles ticked by more pleasantly today than yesterday, a good sign. Kept it slow, and the legs dutifully changed gears in the last few miles. Thanks guys.
In a word, refreshing. 10 in 1:23.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Fun and Games
Sorry to all you dedicated readers, I know you've been on the edge of your seats. Umm, I have, and I guess I'm considered a reader, or more likely the reader. I've been fairly busy, and adjusting to a new schedule is taxing me a bit.
Not much running in the past week, but some extra fun days at the gym including three 30 min swims and various moving-but-getting-nowhere activities.
Yesterday a 3 mile treadmill run (:26) went very well, and today I took to the roads for 8.5 miles, 1:12. Lots of stopping at intersections for traffic, and a somewhat humorous attempt to pick up the pace for 3 miles mid-run. The rest has calmed the foot a lot, but it's still got a bit of an attitude.
To be honest, today was not very encouraging, but I suppose I'm still feeling the effects of a long bike ride I took on Sunday. I set a PB by covering the Valley Forge out-and-back 10 min faster than the last time I did it, and lasted maybe 30 min longer before fading.
I've been thinking a lot about my running goals for the upcoming months. Considering it's only July, I'm hoping the past week is only a minor bump in the long road ahead.
Not much running in the past week, but some extra fun days at the gym including three 30 min swims and various moving-but-getting-nowhere activities.
Yesterday a 3 mile treadmill run (:26) went very well, and today I took to the roads for 8.5 miles, 1:12. Lots of stopping at intersections for traffic, and a somewhat humorous attempt to pick up the pace for 3 miles mid-run. The rest has calmed the foot a lot, but it's still got a bit of an attitude.
To be honest, today was not very encouraging, but I suppose I'm still feeling the effects of a long bike ride I took on Sunday. I set a PB by covering the Valley Forge out-and-back 10 min faster than the last time I did it, and lasted maybe 30 min longer before fading.
I've been thinking a lot about my running goals for the upcoming months. Considering it's only July, I'm hoping the past week is only a minor bump in the long road ahead.
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