Well it's been a minute since I've updated, but honestly not a lot of running... but that's changing. Yes, the knee is still an issue, and no I'm not quitting. My milage in November and into December has taken a hit, as one would expect. However I did turn in a 16 mile weekend and that's a big deal to me. With all of the injuries I've had this year I'm currently sitting at 1099 miles. Strangely nearly where I was last year at this time and dealing with a lot less pain and going through a lot less athletic tape.
I went through the idea of maybe I'm broke, that maybe I'm done as a runner after the doctors visit and the x-rays. Physical therapy is starting soon and I'm curious as to how that'll play out. Being faced with the end of the road in this journey was just not an option. As I've always stated, I can and will reach Boston. The journey has been, and will continue to be interesting. My goal for the remainder of the year is to head out when I can and take it easy. To not over do things and enjoy the slower pace. Of course my other goal is to beat the amount of miles I turned in for 2017 of 1128. I can and will do this. Also, pretty excited about this... I'll be spending NYE in BOSTON!!!! More info on that soon but it's very special to me. Stay tuned!
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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. 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. Just a little break from the running updates for some well crafted songs. Last June when I traveled to Utah for the marathon there I spend nine glorious days exploring the south west. I ended up in Las Vegas to see my favorite band 'The Joy Formidable'. I've seen 'TJF' 9 times and they seem to always have amazing opening acts. Haunted Summer is pretty much the top of the talent pile and they played an amazing set. When they were packing up to head back to California I told them 'If you're ever in Indianapolis I'll be there.' Well as luck would have it they played Indy this past week and like before, they killed it.
As you may have guessed music is extremely important to me, as it is to a lot of people. If I'm awake, then I probably have music playing somewhere close by. If you're looking for a great band to check out please give them a listen. Very soft focus, a dreamy wash of guitar sound. With punctual tones were needed and just so tastefully subtle. Feel free to click on the album art and check out the great sound they have. A little late getting this posting up, but here goes. Last Saturday was hot and humid, and this Saturday felt every bit as October should in Indianapolis. This weekend I fell short of milage again, but killed it on my milage pace. I only did 12 on Saturday with an 8:03/mile pace and 5.30 on Sunday turning in a 7:52/mile pace. The shin splints are still being an issue but with less than 3 weeks until the next marathon there is little I can do other than wrap them like a mummy.
A lesson that people (and the universe) have been trying to beat into me for years is that I first must love myself. For some odd reason this is starting to sink in and make a lot of sense. My entire life I've looked for others to accept me, as if them seeing anything redeeming in me was validation for happiness. 'Oh, you think I'm an alright person? Then I must have value to you' sort of mindset. The direct cause of this? The jury is out on if this. I was the second and less important of the two sons, or it could be the bipolar... but probably a little of both. Growing up and into adulthood I've always felt as though I'm forgotten and in the shadows, thus placing the level of acceptance towards me as a direct reflection of my value to the world. I'm understanding this tactic has been a huge distraction and a draw on my energy. Am I fixed? Oh no, that's like getting up from your 3rd or 4th therapy session and thinking you have that 'ta-da' moment that all is well and you won't be back. This is like the weather, I'll have my good days and bad days, good seasons and harsher times. As the saying goes 'A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor', and the more trouble times with moments of proper reflection have only made me more skilled at navigating these waters. Or running these paths depending on the theme you want to choose. It was humid... Very humid. Even I was a little shocked at the humidity being around 9237%, my glasses were fogged over the entire time and I may have evolved some gills. I kept it to an easier 12 miles with me shuffling my runs around. I did 7 yesterday during the heat of the day and it just wore me out a bit. Today the goal was to just get more miles on the new shoes before the next marathon on November 3rd.
A highlight of the run today was running into the local celebrity 'Pirate Cat' around mile 4. Always great to see him on his walks. This was the second weekend run in a row where we crossed paths. I also helped a cyclist find their way, they were new to the area so that turned into a nice conversation. I'll be back it this again tomorrow if I can get home from work early, maybe a 3 miler before band practice. My new Asics arrived today, I'm not sure if other runners get a little sentimental when they retire a pair of shoes... but I somehow do. The clearly worn shoe is part of a pair that saw three marathons. I was warned about the Nimbus Gel 19's, about how they had a narrow toe box. When I wore them for the first of three marathons during the Utah Valley Marathon in June my toes paid a heavy price. The run was primarily all downhill and the shoes were not even broken in yet. They were almost shelved after that, but I decided to hang with them and to see how they felt after another month in them, just to be sure.
After the break-in they began to feel almost as good as the 20's I had the previous winter into spring. So this week I decided to venture into another pair of 19's and make sure they are VERY broken-in before the Monumental Marathon on November 3rd. I normally take a pair until the 500 mile mark, but due to the training schedule I'm retiring these at 423 miles. And about miles... I did the math today and I'm just three miles shy of matching where I was at this point last year. This is important to me because of the about of illness and injury I went through for the first six months of the year. I had this sinking feeling that I wasn't even going to reach the miles I turned in during 2017. If all goes well, I'll clearly beat that old amount soundly. As promised I said I would return to Dayton for the Air Force Marathon, and I said I would complete 2 marathons in 6 days. First the part about the 2 marathons. Dayton was on my list and I signed up for Erie on a lark, and the fact that so many people raved about the course, and the added challenge of 'can I really do this'. I indeed did do.. but was almost done in... and felt like doo doo at mile 12 (in Dayton).
Last year Dayton was a complete mess and only I'm to blame. I started on 3 hours of sleep, chin splints, a broken toe, I didn't hydrate, started the run on a completely empty stomach, and worst of all I wore a cotton shirt in hot and humid weather. Needless to say I wound up on a stretcher at mile 14 getting an IV. I swore on that day I would never make the same mistakes and give up. This year presented it's own obstacles as they all do. The temps and humidity were a bit higher, but I was better prepared. That is of course for the fact that my body was still bouncing back from Erie. At mile 11 I hit a snag, a slightly pulled muscle and inflamed tendon in my left thigh. This turned into a limp/run and I found myself at the medical tent at mile 14 having to make a decision. I grabbed a water, some Tylenol, and took a break to stretch. I know there would be no PR's today, but I only came to town for my medal. So long story short, I slugged it out and ran my worst time ever in the hottest temps as well. And I'm perfectly fine with that, I learned what my body is capable of at this point and I'm happy that I'm still expanding my horizons. And to cap it all off I was able to see The Memphis Belle on display. Next up, The Monumental Marathon in Indy on November 3rd! I had the absolute pleasure of participating in the Erie PA marathon yesterday and had an incredible experience. Sadly I’m still in the hunt for Boston and did not make the 2019 field, but that’s okay. I will make it in my own time.. I'm too determined and know this takes patience and focus. Now the cool stuff. I kinda killed it. I took 18 minutes off my personal best and ran a 3:44:50... To add to the good news I took 33 minutes off the horrible time I ran in Utah. I'm still dwelling on that one, but this really helped put it behind me. Next Saturday I’m in Dayton for the Air Force Marathon to earn my medal. I had a bit of a problem last year and ended up on a stretcher, never again.
Basically yesterday was an achievement and I needed that performance. My pace for the first 18 miles bounced between a 7:45 and a 7:55 mile, the wall did hit me at 22 as it seems to do, but I did come back at mile 24. I anticipated the leg fatigue but wanted to see what I had in me for this. Dayton will be more of a relaxed run, I'm there to finish and meet more great runners. |
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