Learning to Hear

My first attempt at a long run with PTT (posterior tibealis tendinitis) was neither a win nor a lose. The team ran 14, I ran 6. Today was my first try at a long run since July 3rd when PTT reared its ugly head, so I'll take the 6.
One of the people on the team saw my get into my thoughtful space and said "Hey, it's all in your mind...your body will do whatever your mind asks it to." I responded that I know it will - the question today is at what price. I could keep running today but that may mean not being able to run for ANOTHER three weeks.

Today, my mind listened to my ankle, which was telling me to back off after five miles. With 91 days to race day, I think (*hope*) it was the right call. This got me thinking about how we listen (or not) to our bodies.

My training program insists that we run without headphones, which some of us balked at in the beginning. Like many, I like running to music and often find it gives me an extra push. I'm really beginning to appreciate running without now. Not only does it encourage us to be a team when we run together, but I'm finding that even when I run on my own, running without music in my ears helps me listen to the world around me and listen to myself. I've been concentrating a lot on form since my ankle injury, and when I run without music I pay much more attention to how my feet are hitting the ground.

It may sound simple, but it has shifted my whole perspective. On more than just running.

It's All About the Miles

In June, I ran >50 miles. Remember, I am not a runner. Or, well...at least I wasn't a runner until May, when I started this whole lunatic "Shucks, I think I'll run the Marine Corps Marathon for charity" thing.

July, however, saw me injured and unable to run. I have walked instead when I could, and got some mileage in that way, but missing 2+ weeks of maintenance runs, a 12-miler, and two 6-milers put a dent in my overall mileage for July. So far I've run 16 miles and walked an additional 9.

25 miles. Only 25 miles. Wow, who would have thought that I, the couch potato non-athlete, would be complaining that I only got 25 miles in so far this month?

I resumed running yesterday am, with my ankle taped. Three close to (but not quite) pain free miles. And I plan to rejoin my running team for the long run on Sunday.

I have to give a shout out to the good people over at NovaCare Rehabilitation for getting me back out on the trail. This month I learned what kinesiology tape is. Thanks, Brian & Sara, for getting me back in the game. Physical therapists ROCK! (And in case you've somehow missed it...I know a thing or two about what rocks!)

It's a Beautiful Day

...or not, but it's better than yesterday, at least! The Washington, DC area has been experiencing record high temperatures, even for July. Friday and Saturday both exceeded 103F, and with high humidity, that makes for a heat index >110F (43.3C). I think at the hottest point on Friday, the heat index was 118F/47.8C. This morning it was already 80F/26.7C at 0600, but it's supposed to top out in the 90s (still with heat index >100).

I am not yet able to run, but I was missing my running team so much after two weeks away that I volunteered to help out with water refills and minding folks' stuff and whatnot. So yes, I got up before 0600 on a Sunday morning and dragged my butt over to the trail. It was a little weird being there and not being able to run...but I'm glad I went. I *may* be able to run again by next Sunday. If not, I'll probably volunteer again.

Good news, bad news...and perseverance.

The good news is that I will be able to resume training and still have time to get back into the schedule to be ready for the Marine Corps Marathon in October.
The bad news is that it is tendinitis and it's going to take at least 2 weeks of PT before I can run. :(

I walked to and from PT today, about 2.5 miles. Yes, in the wicked heat. In the middle of the day. And realized that I can still get miles in, just not running miles. So my promise to myself is that until I can run again, I will make sure I get at least the same number of miles/days of exercise in without running.

Patience, patience, patience, patience, patience.

Patience

OK, I admit it. I am absolutely terrible at this whole patience thing. I want my ankle to magically be better so I can run. So far, not happening. That's where the patience comes in.

So...time to figure out a diversion. A couple of friends have suggested swimming or biking. Just something to keep moving while I can't run. The easiest and cheapest option is to at least get out and walk, which I shall do later today. Will see how that goes.

If that's not enough, I guess a pool pass for the nearest community pool may be on the agenda. We'll see.

Sprain, sprain, go away

Well, the good news is that the doctor does think it's just a sprain. Both ankles bothered me a little when we did our 10 mile run, but both seemed fine by Sunday. Sunday's five mile run left my right ankle (or, more precisely, behind the inside of my right ankle) a bit sore. Lots of ice and rest, felt better by Tuesday...that is until I ran Tuesday night with Joe & Rick...and the pain came back worse. I limped home on the Metro, not a happy camper.

So...lots of ice & rest. May not be able to run Sunday's 12, will have to wait and see. Grrrr. I am not very good at this patience thing, but I know I have to let this heal or I risk injuring it worse. One person reminded me that it's better to resolve this now, in July, when the race is in October than it would be to fight it and have to drop out later.

Rain, deer, and snakes, OH MY!

Today was a "recovery" run of only five miles. I have to say, this five was WAY easier than the first five we did! It was pouring (thunderbolts and lightning) when I woke up at 0500 this morning, so I wasn't sure if (a) we were running and (b) everyone would show up. It was not easy to get out of my comfy bed...but I did.

About ten of us made it out, and by 0700 the rain had pretty much let up. The trail was wet and we were dodging puddles in a few spots, but the run was not bad. It was REALLY humid, though. Mary was among those who made it out, YAY! We both do better with someone to run with, and in spite of a sore ankle (achilles, maybe...it's on ice right now), she and I did the five a little ahead of our planned pace. We tried race-walking one half mile, just to time it and see if we walk fast enough for MCM's time requirement.

On our way back we saw a deer chomping on some brush. She didn't start or run off when we came by, so she must be acclimated to humans running past. Less than half a mile later, Mary screamed...there was a black snake on the path that she almost stepped on. So, our first deer spotting and our first snake!

Next week we do 12 miles. We'll be running at a different site (ours combines with another for runs >10 miles), so that should be interesting. Until then...