Seven days ago was the last time I tried to run after injuring myself in a fall two weeks before that. I really wanted to try it out yesterday. Instead I went to Hell and just watched (that was the real Hell). I'm hoping that's the last event I have to be a spectator.
Today was raw. There weren't many cars in the Back Cove parking lot. A steady drizzle fell. And it was wonderful! That's only because as soon as I started running, I couldn't detect any of the pain or even any tightness. I felt strong and actually held myself back on the pace. It's funny how good a rotten day can feel if you're running.
I'd gone 2.5 miles before I noticed something in the knee/hip and then it wasn't exactly pain, just something not totally right. The good thing was that I didn't need to modify my stride like I had before. I finished the 3.5 mile loop and couldn't resist stretching it out a little further. I really wanted to get in 40 minutes cause then I'd only have 20 minutes on the Nordic Tracker (I've been shooting for 60 minutes of cardio druing my lay off).
I found out a few interesting things about Tracking and working out. Since I don't really enjoy it, I don't mind doing intervals on it. In fact, they help break it up. On the other hand, I love my runs so much, I have trouble making myself do anything other than enjoy the run. Speed work also increases my incidence of injuries, but, I haven't found that to be true on the Tracker. It remains to be seen how much the speed work on the Tracker helps with running. I'm hoping that, this time, I can make myself add the Tracker even when I'm totally recovered.
I suspected it would be less tedious if I Tracked not in the basement. The other times I tried Tracking outside, the mosquitoes made it unbearable. This is the season to use it outside (or in the garage, door open, if it rains). My pace improved almost 2 km/hr out of the dungeon.
So, knock on wood, I think I am on my way to recovery. I won't be canceling my doctor's appt just yet, but....I'm hopeful.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
Set Back
Linda came to Portland with me today. We met up with Four, planning to do an easy lap or two around the Back Cove. It was almost like the day after I fell all over again. The only thing better is that I don't have the sudden sharp pain at seemingly random times. I couldn't convince Linda and Four to leave me to feel sorry for myself and enjoy a run. Instead they kept me company on a very chilly walk around.
When I got home I made an appointment to see a sports medicine doctor. I hope to be better by then, but, I wanted to get on the books just in case. The earliest opening was Dec. 16th. Ugh! The other reason I don't want to take the wait and see approach is that we've already met our very high deductible this year...
When I got home I made an appointment to see a sports medicine doctor. I hope to be better by then, but, I wanted to get on the books just in case. The earliest opening was Dec. 16th. Ugh! The other reason I don't want to take the wait and see approach is that we've already met our very high deductible this year...
Recovery
After the knee recovered from the impact, I realized the main injury was actually in my butt. I can now run on flat surfaces fairly comfortably. My first run was Monday around the Back Cove. Since it's so flat, I thought I was fine. I pulled out an old trick I hadn't needed to use since my knee surgery back in '87 - I went right to Hannaford and bought frozen peas to ice both my knee and bottom. No matter where I've run, I've been able to come up with frozen veggies pretty soon after. Peas are perfect for the job.
My next run was Wednesday from our house. I noticed immediate pain and tightness (there is very little level ground from our house). It originates deep in what I'm guessing is the piriformis area and shoots pain into and around the knee. My three miles were not fun and required stretching breaks. To get in a good workout, I climbed on the tracker for another half hour. I did the same on Thurs and Friday. It doesn't feel like I'm hurting myself since I'm not getting worse.
Today Rick and I headed out together for a run. Yay! That hasn't happened for quite some time. I seemed to go farther before the tightness started today. If it had been a 4.5 mile run, it would have been fine. The last .5 proved painful. I hope I stand a chance in Hell. I've got a whole week left to improve. I think it means lots of stretching and lots of the damn roller.
My next run was Wednesday from our house. I noticed immediate pain and tightness (there is very little level ground from our house). It originates deep in what I'm guessing is the piriformis area and shoots pain into and around the knee. My three miles were not fun and required stretching breaks. To get in a good workout, I climbed on the tracker for another half hour. I did the same on Thurs and Friday. It doesn't feel like I'm hurting myself since I'm not getting worse.
Today Rick and I headed out together for a run. Yay! That hasn't happened for quite some time. I seemed to go farther before the tightness started today. If it had been a 4.5 mile run, it would have been fine. The last .5 proved painful. I hope I stand a chance in Hell. I've got a whole week left to improve. I think it means lots of stretching and lots of the damn roller.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
2010
Since I don't have any running to write about, I guess I can lay out my running goals/plan for next year. The main focus for me will be Pineland. I thought I would be cured after running 50 miles; That I'd be through with that distance. Well, I knew when I crossed the finish that I wasn't finished with it. I believe that I can take an hour off my time. Kind of funny saying that, but it's probably like taking a minute off the 5K. I think it's definitely in my reach.
I don't think I need a different training plan. I used one that Emma passed on to me and was quite happy with it. What I need to do is not change the distances, but the setting. My body, specifically my ITB, seems to not like the Pineland course so I avoid it except to run the race there. Really smart, huh - don't run there except when it's a 50 miler. Perhaps it may be a better plan to actually aclimate my body to the terrain. If I find it doesn't work, then I'll just tough it out again, but, if it does!, I might actually do more than just survive it. That is the primary goal of 2010.
My secondary goal (even though it happens first) is to host a Fat Ass for my 50th birthday. So, all you Trail Monsters, consider yourselves invited on Feb 20th. Ian told me he'll help me get the word out when the time comes. So the details will be coming. Just hold the date. I was thinking that I'd just do the distance that my Pineland plan had for that day, but, shouldn't I go for it on my birthday?! We'll see.
Monday, I'm gonna try running for the first time in a week. My knee now doesn't hurt on steps. It has only given me a few twinges this day, so I'm optimistic.
I don't think I need a different training plan. I used one that Emma passed on to me and was quite happy with it. What I need to do is not change the distances, but the setting. My body, specifically my ITB, seems to not like the Pineland course so I avoid it except to run the race there. Really smart, huh - don't run there except when it's a 50 miler. Perhaps it may be a better plan to actually aclimate my body to the terrain. If I find it doesn't work, then I'll just tough it out again, but, if it does!, I might actually do more than just survive it. That is the primary goal of 2010.
My secondary goal (even though it happens first) is to host a Fat Ass for my 50th birthday. So, all you Trail Monsters, consider yourselves invited on Feb 20th. Ian told me he'll help me get the word out when the time comes. So the details will be coming. Just hold the date. I was thinking that I'd just do the distance that my Pineland plan had for that day, but, shouldn't I go for it on my birthday?! We'll see.
Monday, I'm gonna try running for the first time in a week. My knee now doesn't hurt on steps. It has only given me a few twinges this day, so I'm optimistic.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Pain
I've been waiting to write because who wants to read about someone just whining? I know there are lots of people who haven't been able to run for much longer than two days. I really feel for them. It makes me sad. MY not running makes me worried, sad, impatient, and, well, a bitch.
When I was in Colorado visiting my brother after the birth of Elliott back in March, we went out for a run. I was a little worried because my IT band/knee was acting grumpy. I guess I must have been complaining/analyzing a bit too much. John tried to tell me I needed to learn how not to focus on the pain. Wow! Suddenly the biggest pain was not in my knee. He definitely hit some kind of nerve. I was instantly defensive and definitely mad at him. Wasn't I the one who had two babies without any drugs (and one that was 12 hours of back labor!)!! Wasn't I the one who took no pain meds after my knee surgery following my first marathon (which was a road marathon back in '86 that I ran after only training in the fields - but that's another story). Hadn't I run several other marathons, two 50k's and all the training that goes into that?!
I think I was defensive because, perhaps, you always wonder if you're being tough enough. Perhaps it has something to do with having a DNF after my name in my first 50 mile attempt. Perhaps it was cause it was my brother saying it and I can get mad at him. I think I really was just trying to figure out whether it was a pain that was ok to run thru or whether I should stop. I guess I could have decided this silently and spared John what might have just seemed like whining. This run was not important enough to push through when I needed to redeem myself at Pinelands in May. Turns out, my knee was not grumpy running a faster pace. Did I find that out trying to leave my brother behind? I don't remember. Whatever, I wasn't sidelined at all.
Sunday at Bradbury I took a hard fall. It hurt a lot initially, but, that was just the impact. I was able to run the 3 or so miles back and thought that was that. I was a bit surprised at the stabbing pain the next day when I went down steps. I still had no clue that I might be injured. I put running clothes on and headed to Portland with Sam. By the time Four got to the Back Cove, I'd already discovered I couldn't run. We decided to walk - perhaps it would loosen up (even though I knew it was not at all that type of pain). It was a beautiful day and Four made me feel like he was enjoying the walk and didn't resent not running. Unfortunately, I experienced the same stabbing pain in the knee if, while walking, I twisted to look at things not dead ahead. There was also a pain in my hip/butt, but the knee pain was so much sharper that I couldn't really analyze my ass.
Alright, obviously I needed to take that day off. Tuesday I made plans to run with Linda. I had my doubts; the pain was still there on the steps and also surprised me at odd times during my day. But, I wanted to believe it was fine. I didn't run more than a handful of steps before bailing. Crap. Linda headed out and I headed back to the house and immediately went to the basement to find out if I can at least use my Nordic Track skier. I think that was the best piece of equipment we ever bought. I don't really enjoy it, but I've always been able to use it through any injury. Thankfully, that statement is still true. It helps maintain the cardiac fitness and uses similar muscles to running so I can make myself use it.
My iPod makes this a lot more tolerable than it used to be. It's bad enough being injured, but then giving up running outside to tracking in our dark, damp, disturbingly messy basement. Ugh! Maybe someone can help me on this; Why do people wear iPods on runs? It's so great for the tracker because it isolates me from my environment; insolates me from the activity itself. I have tried it some runs, but I love running and the outside. Why would I not want to be a part of it?
So I got in 45 minutes of fairly rigorous exercise. I'm sure my arms will feel it. It used to be my quads would be sore after the tracker, but, it seems that was when I was a road runner. I was always going to keep doing one or two tracher sessions a week once I was recovered since it strengthened the legs so well. Ha! I'd need to be more disciplined for that. Trail running seems to have helped there (how isn't it better?!). My legs feel fine (muscular-wise).
Mindy and Ian probably have a good bit of soreness this week :-) but that's the kind that you earn. Each painful step reminds you of your magnificent feat (really, you guys, magnificent!). I'm looking forward to that kind of pain. Meanwhile, I'll be in the basement with Green Day.
When I was in Colorado visiting my brother after the birth of Elliott back in March, we went out for a run. I was a little worried because my IT band/knee was acting grumpy. I guess I must have been complaining/analyzing a bit too much. John tried to tell me I needed to learn how not to focus on the pain. Wow! Suddenly the biggest pain was not in my knee. He definitely hit some kind of nerve. I was instantly defensive and definitely mad at him. Wasn't I the one who had two babies without any drugs (and one that was 12 hours of back labor!)!! Wasn't I the one who took no pain meds after my knee surgery following my first marathon (which was a road marathon back in '86 that I ran after only training in the fields - but that's another story). Hadn't I run several other marathons, two 50k's and all the training that goes into that?!
I think I was defensive because, perhaps, you always wonder if you're being tough enough. Perhaps it has something to do with having a DNF after my name in my first 50 mile attempt. Perhaps it was cause it was my brother saying it and I can get mad at him. I think I really was just trying to figure out whether it was a pain that was ok to run thru or whether I should stop. I guess I could have decided this silently and spared John what might have just seemed like whining. This run was not important enough to push through when I needed to redeem myself at Pinelands in May. Turns out, my knee was not grumpy running a faster pace. Did I find that out trying to leave my brother behind? I don't remember. Whatever, I wasn't sidelined at all.
Sunday at Bradbury I took a hard fall. It hurt a lot initially, but, that was just the impact. I was able to run the 3 or so miles back and thought that was that. I was a bit surprised at the stabbing pain the next day when I went down steps. I still had no clue that I might be injured. I put running clothes on and headed to Portland with Sam. By the time Four got to the Back Cove, I'd already discovered I couldn't run. We decided to walk - perhaps it would loosen up (even though I knew it was not at all that type of pain). It was a beautiful day and Four made me feel like he was enjoying the walk and didn't resent not running. Unfortunately, I experienced the same stabbing pain in the knee if, while walking, I twisted to look at things not dead ahead. There was also a pain in my hip/butt, but the knee pain was so much sharper that I couldn't really analyze my ass.
Alright, obviously I needed to take that day off. Tuesday I made plans to run with Linda. I had my doubts; the pain was still there on the steps and also surprised me at odd times during my day. But, I wanted to believe it was fine. I didn't run more than a handful of steps before bailing. Crap. Linda headed out and I headed back to the house and immediately went to the basement to find out if I can at least use my Nordic Track skier. I think that was the best piece of equipment we ever bought. I don't really enjoy it, but I've always been able to use it through any injury. Thankfully, that statement is still true. It helps maintain the cardiac fitness and uses similar muscles to running so I can make myself use it.
My iPod makes this a lot more tolerable than it used to be. It's bad enough being injured, but then giving up running outside to tracking in our dark, damp, disturbingly messy basement. Ugh! Maybe someone can help me on this; Why do people wear iPods on runs? It's so great for the tracker because it isolates me from my environment; insolates me from the activity itself. I have tried it some runs, but I love running and the outside. Why would I not want to be a part of it?
So I got in 45 minutes of fairly rigorous exercise. I'm sure my arms will feel it. It used to be my quads would be sore after the tracker, but, it seems that was when I was a road runner. I was always going to keep doing one or two tracher sessions a week once I was recovered since it strengthened the legs so well. Ha! I'd need to be more disciplined for that. Trail running seems to have helped there (how isn't it better?!). My legs feel fine (muscular-wise).
Mindy and Ian probably have a good bit of soreness this week :-) but that's the kind that you earn. Each painful step reminds you of your magnificent feat (really, you guys, magnificent!). I'm looking forward to that kind of pain. Meanwhile, I'll be in the basement with Green Day.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Disciplined?
My dad always said I must be so disciplined to run a marathon. Then, he thought I just must be crazy to run past 26.2. Well, it was never discipline - it was the same thing that drove me to run farther - I guess best called a compulsion. Maybe I'm obsessive/compulsive. I don't know. But, I know it's good for me. It's also my excuse for needing to catch up on my week of running. I had planned to write about each run the day I ran it, but, I am not disciplined. So I'll do a quick recap...
Tuesday was a planned day off. Wednesday, the 4th, was practically a repeat of Monday. Four and I did my standard Portland route. I think we took a minute longer than Monday. And! We met up with beautiful Belle, the old Irish Setter, and her owner (who told Four about how much of a Chick magnet Belle was).
Thursday was an unintended day off. I house/dog sat for a neighbor who lost their elderly mom.
Friday I ran a road eight miles on a route just opened up to me again since our bridge is runnable. I was hoping it would seem like new since I haven't been able to run there in so long, but, once deer season is over, I think it'll be a long time since I run this route again.
Saturday was our annual pre-Thanksgiving with college friends. Thanks to Jamie, I was able to follow our Monsters running Stone Cat!! Great job, Mindy and Ian!!!
Today, Linda, Kevin, and I ran at Bradbury. We started out on the Scuffle course and then switched over to the first part of the Bruiser, only backwards. I have to wait to see what Kevin posts as our actual mileage (by his gps(s)). I'm thinking it's very close to 7 miles. The run was at a relaxed, conversational pace - and converse we did! Kevin is great company.
Just after we switched to the Bruiser course, I tried to avoid a muddy puddle (I should know better). Instead of just going right down the middle, I tried to stick to the edge and slipped. I fell sideways and landed hard on my knee on a big root. I took a minute or two to gather myself, but was able to keep going. It was preferable to letting the injury just swell.
It was Linda's first time back to Bradbury since she fell hard there near the end of September. She was just a bit nervous since it aggravated her back (she'd had back surgery a few years ago). Kinda like getting back on the horse - she was fine once she got back on.
There, all caught up.
Tuesday was a planned day off. Wednesday, the 4th, was practically a repeat of Monday. Four and I did my standard Portland route. I think we took a minute longer than Monday. And! We met up with beautiful Belle, the old Irish Setter, and her owner (who told Four about how much of a Chick magnet Belle was).
Thursday was an unintended day off. I house/dog sat for a neighbor who lost their elderly mom.
Friday I ran a road eight miles on a route just opened up to me again since our bridge is runnable. I was hoping it would seem like new since I haven't been able to run there in so long, but, once deer season is over, I think it'll be a long time since I run this route again.
Saturday was our annual pre-Thanksgiving with college friends. Thanks to Jamie, I was able to follow our Monsters running Stone Cat!! Great job, Mindy and Ian!!!
Today, Linda, Kevin, and I ran at Bradbury. We started out on the Scuffle course and then switched over to the first part of the Bruiser, only backwards. I have to wait to see what Kevin posts as our actual mileage (by his gps(s)). I'm thinking it's very close to 7 miles. The run was at a relaxed, conversational pace - and converse we did! Kevin is great company.
Just after we switched to the Bruiser course, I tried to avoid a muddy puddle (I should know better). Instead of just going right down the middle, I tried to stick to the edge and slipped. I fell sideways and landed hard on my knee on a big root. I took a minute or two to gather myself, but was able to keep going. It was preferable to letting the injury just swell.
It was Linda's first time back to Bradbury since she fell hard there near the end of September. She was just a bit nervous since it aggravated her back (she'd had back surgery a few years ago). Kinda like getting back on the horse - she was fine once she got back on.
There, all caught up.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Faster, Funner
So, yesterday was Monday. Monday means my Portland run. As much as I usually enjoy it, it was more fun yesterday. Four came along with me. Before we got off the Back Cove path I had to rein him in a little. I could have run that pace, but not have talked the whole time. As it was, we still covered the 10.5 plus miles nearly 4 minutes faster than I usually run. Hmmm....maybe I need a running partner more than I think. I do attribute my Bruiser break through this year to running Bradbury with the Monsters.
I showed Four all my little "finds" along the way. There's a tree off the Eastern Prom trail that someone(s) hangs stuff from. Some of the stuff seems permanent, but some comes and goes. I always have to stop and check it. I've been trying to think what my contribution should be. Ryan thought maybe something of the FSM. Maybe, there are some plastic rosary beads already. It was a surprise the Monday after our Brown visit when the tree was sporting a pirate mask. Well, the frat next to Ryan's house was having a pirate party....Almost suspected the tree of attending!
I didn't even feel guilty when Four couldn't be convinced that a chocolate chunk scone is the end of the run.
I showed Four all my little "finds" along the way. There's a tree off the Eastern Prom trail that someone(s) hangs stuff from. Some of the stuff seems permanent, but some comes and goes. I always have to stop and check it. I've been trying to think what my contribution should be. Ryan thought maybe something of the FSM. Maybe, there are some plastic rosary beads already. It was a surprise the Monday after our Brown visit when the tree was sporting a pirate mask. Well, the frat next to Ryan's house was having a pirate party....Almost suspected the tree of attending!
I didn't even feel guilty when Four couldn't be convinced that a chocolate chunk scone is the end of the run.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Beautiful Bradbury
Sunday was spectacular at Bradbury. Heading there, we weren't expecting to see many people; It was early and the weather seemed dreary. The parking lot had a surprising number of cars. Perhaps other people had looked at the weather report; It was soon beautiful - bright sunshine, golden leaves, warm air.
Rick came with me after a forced running break (work issues not injuries - for a change). The rest seemed to agree with him; We headed off at a faster pace than I expected. A couple miles in, I commented on it and he decided I should lead to control the pace a bit. He felt like running fast, but didn't think he'd be able to keep it up for our entire run.
We were doing part of the Bruiser course, but had to skip the loopy part on Lanzo. The downed leaves had made the trail nearly impossible to follow. It was like the first year the Bruiser was run, but without the orange flags to help recognize what was trail. The rest of the course (excluding the O trail - there was no way we'd be able to follow that) was fine.
Of course, we got wet and muddy, with rain the night before; That seems to be normal for Bradbury. It was so nice to run with Rick. I hope he's truly on the mend.
Rick came with me after a forced running break (work issues not injuries - for a change). The rest seemed to agree with him; We headed off at a faster pace than I expected. A couple miles in, I commented on it and he decided I should lead to control the pace a bit. He felt like running fast, but didn't think he'd be able to keep it up for our entire run.
We were doing part of the Bruiser course, but had to skip the loopy part on Lanzo. The downed leaves had made the trail nearly impossible to follow. It was like the first year the Bruiser was run, but without the orange flags to help recognize what was trail. The rest of the course (excluding the O trail - there was no way we'd be able to follow that) was fine.
Of course, we got wet and muddy, with rain the night before; That seems to be normal for Bradbury. It was so nice to run with Rick. I hope he's truly on the mend.
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