For those playing the home game you know I've been struggling with injuries this year (see previous post) and this was my first run in 10 days. 24 hours later I'm happy to report that I 'seem' to be on the path recovery with fingers crossed. It was only 3 miles, but that was a victory. I'll take a large victory with a small amount of miles right now.
As you may also know I use running at my therapy and in place of medication/anti-depresants. Not something I recommend for everybody since we are all unique. My chemistry and 'wiring' is not the same as others out there and when making a change to your medications please see your therapist first. Now that I'm off my soapbox I can tell you that when I don't run, I really miss it. I mean a lot. A bit of depression set in as well as the thought of 'Is this over for me now.' It's scary being faced with the idea of not being able to run, and to not see through to my goal of someday running The Boston Marathon. Or any future marathon. I run these things for the challenge and also for the comradely I feel with other runners out there. What made this seem different was the location of the injury, being the knee area. The largest joint in the body and one that I and other runners kind of need in a big way. In the past my injuries were elsewhere on the legs and could be healed with taping with lesser periods of rest. This ouch occurred right after the Monumental Marathon on November 3rd. I would rest up and head out... only to see more pain and setbacks. I had to be a responsible adult and just take all running off my of schedule for the foreseeable future. And I like I mentioned this was extremely difficult to do. At home I practiced the 'R.I.C.E.' method (rest, ice, compression, elevation) and I did see positive gains. My plans today are to go for another easy run, maybe do 4 - 6 miles, come home, and ice up the knee again. Basically repeat what I did yesterday because it seemed to work.
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2018 has been a great year, and also the year of the leg injury. Leading up to my last marathon on 11/03 I was having shoe/foot struggles, but got through the 26.2 miles. What I now fear is happening is tendonitis. I have not yet been to the doctor for this, but am taking it easy for a few more days. I know the old saying is 'listen to your body', which I did. Took it easy and then I tried to run after a few days and the pain would return. I'm doing what is driving me up the wall, and I'm not running for the next 5 days.
This will be tough on me as you may know I depend on running as my therapy. Also it's just fun for me. I like getting out and breathing in the air, being in nature, and meeting other runners. The goal of hitting 1300 miles this year is slipping away and I'll be happy to meet my amount of 1128 miles from last year. The plus side is I've gotten the feeling back in the toes in my right foot, that was a bummer. Trying to remain positive in this, to lay off the legs, and get myself prepped to safely run again. Looking at big things for 2019, wanting to kick off the marathon season in April doing the run in St. Louis. On Saturday I wrapped up the 2018 marathon season for this guy. I still have not qualified for Boston, but these things time time and effort, which I'm willing to give. Today marks the two year anniversary of my first marathon and I've been reflecting on what I've learned about running, and myself. I never dreamed I would be so into this activity or 'sport', when I have recovery time after marathon all I can do is think about getting back out there. Also, I never imagined running would take me all over the country and that I'd meet so many inspiring people.
Seriously, why are other runners so darned cool? Need support? Ask a runner! Need a laugh? Ask a runner! Need a shoulder? Ask a runner! But you see what I'm getting at. I wouldn't have made it this far without the kindness of complete strangers on the running trail offering their support. Pretty much what life should be about. I'm still recovering from Saturday and doing the Monumental Marathon in Indianapolis. Right now I'm dealing with some feet injuries from possibly defective or broken shoes, but I'll sort it out. Once I'm back and laced up all efforts are focused on 2019 and planning my trips to various cities. Of course with a Boston qualifier in my heart and mind. I've grown a lot this year despite the constant injuries I've endured. But this has only made me want to push harder while also listening to my body. Basically thank you 2018, you were beyond wonderful... and 2019, I feel that BQ in my bones. |
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