Stealin'

Put your arms around me

Like a circle 'round the sun

You know I'll love you mama

When my easy ridin's done

You don't believe I love you

Look what a fool I've been

You don't believe I'm sinkin'

Look what a hole I'm in

-American folk song

The ride to Bethesda this morning was splendid. I rode south to go north just so I could take advantage of the Capital Crescent Trail. Everyone was headed into the city. I was headed out.

It can't deny that I contemplated continuing straight (instead of heading north away from the Potomac) toward West Virginia and the unknown along the C&O canal path. Someday.

Sweet Sunny South

Crossed the river and tried something different tonight.

I made sure to give Dean and Gwen a hard time about dragging me to Northern Virginia. But Gwen had a multipass to Sportrock she had to use up before she moves to the west coast in May. And I thought it would be a nice change to test out some of the competition.

It's been interesting trying out various rock gyms. There are definite stylistic variations between gyms that are probably the result of certain cultural (with respect to the staff) idiosyncrasies. In addition, the rating of routes (classifying their difficulty) varies on a subjective basis. Those with short fingers have a difficult time playing Rachmaninoff.

Tonight the routes I chose seemed to feature lots of vertical edge type holds, requiring certain balance maneuvers more than pure strength. It's amazing how the most subtle adjustments in posture can influence the difficulty of a move. Twist your hips one way, stick a leg out another way, pull your knee in, etc. These technicalities are what draw me to indoor climbing. Total physical problem solving. I messed around on some top rope routes for a little over an hour, then moved to the bouldering area. Overall the climbing was fairly laid back and I didn't do any supplemental exercises.

Looks like it'll be a chilly but sunny morning so I'm planning on skipping the gym and riding in to work tomorrow. The evening ride home promises full spring splendor.

Blues in PF Minor

A doctor explained to me once that the healing process is kind of like an upward rising sine wave (think of the rolling hills approaching a mountain peak). There are ups and downs but the overall trend is upward toward the peak.

This weekend was a valley. Somewhat of a deep one, reminiscent of months past. The long and short of it is that things felt pretty crappy on Friday throughout the day, enough so that I had hesitations about a run on Saturday. Then I forgot to put my sock on before falling asleep Friday night and to my surprise my right foot felt worse on Saturday morning than it has in weeks. So I bagged the idea of a Saturday morning run.

And since, I've decided to change my focus for another short period. Not exactly sure what this entails, but probably a return to cycling to work (I haven't ridden for most of March in anticipation of an increase in running), some swimming, and revisiting some hip and core strengthening I've done over the past 15 months or so. And of course, there is climbing, where I've made some pretty decent gains and hope to continue that trend.

Today I picked up a used pair of platform pedals to replace the fancy Shimano SPDs that I've used for the past couple years. The cycling shoes seem to irritate my achilles (rigid sole = stress is transferred directly to my heel instead of being dissipated in the elastic tissue of the sole of my foot...just a theory) and result in tight calves. I've also thought about adjusting the cleat position, but I've always preferred to ride in sneakers and I'm not sure why it's taken so long to return to toeclips and straps.

Steady rains are predicted for the next couple days so it looks like it'll be the gym until Wednesday. The weather is supposed to be amazing later this week so I should be able to get some pretty good rides in. By the end of the week I hope to have more of a concrete idea of what my plans will be over the next few months. I don't have a whole lot to lose by extending my running hiatus just a bit longer, so I'm thinking 4 weeks from now is a reasonable goal date to reassess.

Hearing my crying and moaning, MM has begun to refer to my PF as the Fascist Plantars. I can't agree with her more.

Benefit of the Doubt

Gave myself an opportunity to sleep in a little yesterday, which was well needed after a couple weeks of more or less restless sleep. This is an area that I probably could stand to improve. I remember reading somewhere that a significant amount of tissue repair happens during deep sleep. During the day your body is busy metabolizing food and performing the various functions associated with your daily activities. Once these functions subside all that energy can be directed toward rebuilding the tissue that was torn down during the day. I rarely sleep through the night and I'm sure it affects my recovery from things like running, cycling, etc.

My feet were a bit too stiff for my liking yesterday, so when I got home from the rock gym last night I soaked them in hot epsom water. Between that and the strange device I've been wearing to bed every night things feel great this morning. But I'll allow another day for them to catch up and give myself the benefit of the doubt. They've had a pretty tough week all things considered.

Rockville was a blast last night. Gwen and Dean showed up so I top roped for a bit. I spent more time socializing than cross training and in general I didn't quite have the pep I did on Tuesday, but that was to be expected. I did manage a few tougher routes, including a 5.10b. I think that's the highest rated route I've climbed to date.

As it stands I'm planning on heading down Porter Ave to pick up one of the trails in Rock Creek tomorrow morning. It'll be cooler but hopefully sunny.

Walking the Line

Yesterday morning I went to the 6:30 yoga class I've been frequenting for the past few months. It's less breathing or dynamic moves and more holding stationary poses. Good way to start off the day, and as a result of some more or less consistent attendance I've really noticed some improvements below the ankles. Down dog is especially helpful as it stretches out the deeper lower leg muscles.

Another pattern I've gotten into is heading to the rock gym on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Sometimes a couple of friends show up - automatic belay partners - but last night I ended up solo and not overly intent on top roping anyway. So I spent the evening in the bouldering area. When I first tried my hand at indoor bouldering sometime last year I tended to climb back to back problems. This quickly led to exhaustion, leaving my forearms feeling like balloons and rendering my grip useless for the remainder of the day.

What I've learned, and come to really appreciate, is that rest is essential if I want to climb for any reasonable amount of time. Sitting back and watching others not only provides this rest but also informs one's own technique. An alternative, which I've adopted occasionally and did last night as well, is to cross train opposing muscle groups while letting the climbing muscles refresh themselves. So instead of "pulling" exercises such as pullups or dumbell curls, throw a few sets of pushups or dips in the mix between climbs. This helps balance the workload in addition to enabling one to get in more climbs. Finally, the rests inevitably provide an opportunity to socialize with a group that is generally pretty amiable and encouraging of one another.

I was chatting with another frequent climber last night, and it turns out he really got into climbing as he found himself burning out on running a bit. He talked about a tweaked hamstring that limited him to a few runs per week. He also had dealt with PF, and repeated the advice to sufferers I've heard before that the only real way to beat it is to stop running. Having remembered making eye contact with him during my warmup on the treadmill, I immediately felt defensive, and this has stayed with me to some extent since last night.

On that note, I did hop on the treadmill before climbing (there is a small "fitness" room within the climbing gym) as a reward for getting through the day with minimal discomfort in my feet. I felt good throughout the 30 or so min jog, but it's becoming clearer that treadmill running is sometimes just plain tedious to me. It's a sacrifice I make because it somehow feels safer than pavement, and mentally (and perhaps physically) I need that security right now for the sake of my healing PF.

I felt reassured in my decision to run last night when I got out of bed this morning with no pain. My right foot and calf were slightly stiff, but it's gotten better throughout the day. I'm hoping this healing process is about bringing myself towards a threshold of discomfort, being careful not to cross it, and inching just a little further every time. I know this holds true with respect to other processes, but who knows with PF. Maybe I'll learn that I indeed need to back off completely for another extended period, but I'll cross that bridge when (if) it comes.

This morning I got to the gym early to attend a group fitness class, another pretty regular thing lately. Beforehand I warmed up on a stair climber, which is about the only stationary equipment I feel OK with (rowing is not bad) these days. I have issues with so-called "elliptical" cross-trainers because they don't translate into a functional movement. Stationary bikes, quite literally, get me nowhere. At least stair climbing provides some sort of benefit besides purely cardio, i.e. walking up stairs or steep hills.

Back to the class, the usual instructor focuses on core conditioning type stuff, but today there was a substitute who had some sort of step aerobics vibe that made me slightly uncomfortable. It did provide a decent balanced workout, and I had just a little time to burn afterwards so I hopped on the treadmill for 10 min. Not sure yet if this was a good or bad decision. I'll be reporting more on that later this week. If things continue to feel OK I'm thinking of checking out the trails in Rock Creek park tomorrow or Friday morning.

Weekend Rx

Spent the weekend in Philly. It was good to be back, especially given the weather on Saturday and Sunday. The number of people out of hibernation early was impressive, as the streets and parks were bustling with folks out for walks, picnics, sunbaths, and of course, runs.

I didn't join the ranks of the latter until yesterday, when MM and I revisited a loop through narrow Fishtown streets we measured a couple years ago as a mock 5k. She had been building up to run her first race, and a last minute schedule change forced her to miss the official 5k she had been planning on. With no other race options available, she decided to make her own.

We jogged this route easy yesterday, absorbing the warmth of the sunshine. The only thing lacking was more green.

While I'm not at the point where I want to push things mileage-wise, I do feel obligated to take other challenges. After the slightly-more-than-5k, I hopped on my bike and rode up to the Temple track, which is a couple miles from my doorstep. I intended specifically not to run any fast laps, but I still think there was about 10% of me that thought maybe I would change my mind.

Instead, I kicked off my shoes for some barefoot running. It's something I really enjoy from time to time and I think of it as a great way to stretch and strengthen the lower legs and feet. It's almost like hitting the reset button after my feet have gotten used to being in shoes for a while. Coincidentally, I have read here and there that it can aid in preventing or recovering from plantar fasciitis. Conversely, I have also heard the opinion that it can actually cause PF if not approached cautiously.

Yesterday it felt more therapeutic than injurious. The track had been warmed under the sun, loosening up my feet even further. Instead of running continuous laps, I broke them up into 200m very easy jogs, alternating them with either a set of pullup/chinups or a set of pushups and pilates-style v-ups. Altogether I logged about a mile of unshod jogging. By the end I could sense I was approaching the limit of comfort currently imposed by my PF. All in all it was about 20 minutes of what felt more like drills than actual running, and I rode home thirsty and satisfied that I'd gotten my money's worth for the day.

The good news is that my feet felt pretty good this morning, which is a time that, typically with PF, is the most uncomfortable in a given day. Lately it's been OK in the mornings with the exception of this past Wednesday and Thursday owing to the faster running I did on Tuesday. So if it's faster running that's holding me back right now, I'm more than willing to be disciplined about slowing things down until I'm sure it's under control. I'll give things a rest until Tuesday just to be sure.

I should also report that Saturday included some decent physical activity as well. In the AM I reluctantly spent a few hours at the local rock gym. Reluctantly for no other reason than I would rather be outside than in a gym. But I'm not there yet with respect to climbing, so I was OK with it on Saturday. I didn't have a belay partner at the outset so I spent a while in the bouldering area at first. I eventually found a partner, and I spent the rest of the morning climbing the higher walls. She clearly had to step down a few notches (she normally climbs lead, which is more challenging than top roping) and I appreciate her patience. Spending time with someone who is more experienced than you is an excellent way to learn about yourself and your activity, and I have found this to be true in everything from running to cooking to playing music. The opposite is also very important, but that's another post.

After finishing up at the rock gym, MM and I began a ride out to Philadelphia University for an exhibition at the Design Center there. This commenced a day long cycling affair that was interspersed with various social activity and totaled about 30 miles, a handful of grilled bbq delicacies, and a copious amount of beverages. Between this and yesterday, it was a great weekend.

No Train Wreck

It's a mighty rough road from Lynchburg to Danville,

And Lima's on a three-mile grade;

It was on that grade that he lost his air brakes,

You can see what a jump he made.

-The Wreck of Old 97

I had a lot of momentum Monday and into Tuesday morning, but then a few things conspired to send me right off the tracks. Confronted with a situation that's largely out of my control, I've lost some sleep and a good chunk of my positive outlook on things.

It's actually a gross exaggeration to compare things to a train wreck. If anything I'm just on an unannounced detour through some nasty, but temporary, stormy weather. Happens.

To add to it, my feet hurt. Partly because I've been doing a lot of walking, but also because I ran a little harder than I should have Tuesday morning. Realizing I'm in a bit of a funk, I'm taking things lightly until I emerge from under the clouds.

Old 97 is a true story, and the engine was pieced together after the crash to serve for another 30 years. You'll hear from me again once I've checked out of the mental salvage yard.

Reflections on Recovery

It's a habit of mine to reread my last entry before posting a new one. Something about continuity and expanding on themes.

Don't have a whole lot to expand upon today, except that a viscosity evident in my last post is still hanging around. Like some old synapses haven't quite reconnected and I'm struggling to find words for my thoughts. This is just one more reason I'm excited to be back here. Clear out those cobwebs.

I've run twice in the past two days. Lately it's been the treadmill, but MM has caught spring fever and I've been happy to get out onto the streets with her the past few weekends. The temperatures have been more or less ideal, and to be cliché, the spirit of reawakening life finds itself into your bones, energizing.

Today we traipsed around Adams Morgan and Columbia Heights, and I can say for the first time in a while that I ended the run feeling better than when I had started. This is a wonderful feeling and reason enough for me to hold onto hope, however futile it might seem sometimes. It feels like I'm passing by a steep section of the recovery curve, the time it takes to break through the stiffness the past six months has dealt me. And it's leveling out now. I'm not sure this translates into any biomechanical process; perhaps the breaking up of scar tissue? I haven't reached the point where I'm keeping hard tallies of weekly mileage, but the time will soon come. I plan to keep it pretty moderate for the time being, slowly building a foundation of miles.

Maybe

I'm giving in to the urge to make a post here, while simultaneously questioning my desire to do so. There were only a handful of entries for the entire year of 2009, and I'm now realizing that this is the first time I've checked in here all year.

I suppose I'm contemplating my existence in the blogosphere. Larger, maybe, perhaps I'm contemplating my interest in things such as running. That was, after all, the reason this blog began.

Running gave me a convenient reason to write which, even prior to the explosion of the world wide web, is something I've enjoyed for a long while. And I suppose this post is proof to myself that I miss it.

So, before I venture any further into self interested obscurity, I'll make just a few concrete statements for the day. I have been, with respect to running, moderately incapacitated by a few nagging injuries since about Thanksgiving of last year. My right foot and ankle is afflicted by either tendonitis or plantar fasciitis or likely a combination of both. I have made progress though, and I've progressed to about the level of what I would consider a "fitness runner." I've been jogging a few times a week. Nothing too long or fast. It has mostly served just to provide balance for some other interests such as yoga and rock climbing, but I envision a steady increase in miles over the foreseeable future.

So there it is. I'm putting down for the record that maybe I'll be frequenting here more often. Maybe I'll post about a broader range of topics than running. And maybe I'll try to commit to my ideas a little more and stop using the word "maybe" so much.