Tuesday, February 4, 2014

My Running Status: An Interview With Myself

Recently, I conducted an interview with myself in order to answer questions that everyone (i.e. me) has been asking about my running status.

How Long has it been Since My last Run?
It's been about two months since my last real run. Yes, I did "jog" a 5 mile race a month ago, but besides that, I have not put in anything more than a handful of slow treadmill miles since. Even during short treadmill workouts, my ankle has let me know it still hasn't fully healed. I'm basically "untethered", that is to say that I have no training plan and feel no pressure to jump back into running. My running fitness has pretty much faded completely, so it makes no difference if I start tomorrow or in two months time.

RnR Half '13

Ankle Injury? How did it Happen?
Looking back at my ankle injury, I think it's been the same chronic injury that I got about 12 to 13 months ago. The injury culprits were likely A) Running too fast too soon and B) experimenting with new shoes. The injury cut short my 2013 Boston Marathon training, forcing me into a run/walk marathon. It also helped cut short my Chicago Marathon training to nine weeks.

How did I Run With an Injury for Over a Year?
So, how was I able to run two full marathons (and several other races) on a bum ankle? Well, I was able to "suck up" the injury for almost a year by training every day. This allowed me to build up other muscles around the injury and helped me to ignore my specific ankle pain because my entire legs were hurting everyday. That is, my legs were constantly stiff/sore so I didn't notice my wonky ankle as much. However, the training insanity came to a head sometime in early December when my ankle had had enough and sent clear pain signals. I finally took notice and decided that it was time to rest and get it resolved. My type of "kamikaze" running style, where I ramp up my miles too quickly with no rest days had finally caught up to me.

How will I Know when I can Make my Running Comeback?
It will likely be when I don't notice any twinges or ankle pain when I walk down the street or sit on the couch. When my ankle is no longer at the forefront of my daily thoughts, then it will be time.

What will my Comeback Look Like?
I will start at a mile a day and ever so gradually build up to a handful of lazy slow miles. At the first sign of pain, I will take a week or two off. I will yield to no self-imposed pressure to stick to a regimented schedule even if I have made fitness gains or a race is "looming" on the horizon. If I have to miss my two paid for half marathons in May and July, I won't feel pressure to run either of them. If I somehow am able to run the Chicago Marathon, it will be on a handful of 35 mile weeks instead of lots of 60 mile weeks. With that type of training, I probably won't get a Chicago qualifying sub-3:15 but I will hopefully be able to resume training quickly and injury-free in the weeks following the race. That way I can start anew in 2015. 2014 has been relegated to a rebuilding year in which I plan on running base mileage in preparation for 2015.

How is Life without Running?
On the positive side, the downtime has given me more time to get house projects done, sleep longer, focus on gym workouts (I can now do nine chin-ups), and figure out how to eat better - since I'm not burning as many calories/day.

Any other Thoughts?
Hopefully, there won't be too many more of these injury-related blog posts. In the best case scenario I will see everyone out on the Lakefront Trail in the near future!

30 comments:

  1. First and foremost, 9 chin-ups? DAMN! Super impressive! My goal is to do 1. Someday.

    I'm glad you're still staying active, but I'm sure not being able to run for so long, and certainly being injured for this long just sucks. But it does sound like you're being pretty smart about this, and I like the no-pressure approach. So many runners could learn so much from you there!

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    1. Thanks for the kudos on the chin-ups. I soon may have to join the "Chicago Chin-up Bloggers" if this damn ankle doesn't heal! I could describe my chin-up PR attempts complete with witty captioned pictures! Anyway, I have missed a few paid races in the past. I always get suckered in when they have the one day $10 off promotions a year in advance of the race. Maybe it's better to sign up later (and pay more) when I'm sure that I'll be healthy for them. Yes, I'm finally learning to take a long-term approach to my running. A two year plan is less stressful than a 3 month plan.

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    2. Please write a chin-up PR post. Pleeeeeeeease.

      Definitely good to sign up late if you know it's a race that doesn't sell out. I'm waiting until about halfway through my WI HM training to sign up, just because of my back being stupid during my fall training. Hey, but live and learn (or as my dad and I say, "live and don't learn" lol).

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    3. Okay, next time I'm near the chin-up bar with a camera, I'll try to at least get a selfie and write a post! If I get all of the chin-up blogs on one site, I could be the Maggie of the Chicago Chin-up bloggers! Anyway, another advantage of waiting closer to race date, you can score a last-minute free entry to some races. I've won a couple of half marathon entries that way.

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  2. Thanks. Yes, I picked a good time to take a break. Imagine all of the laundry I'd be doing in order to wash all of the layers needed to run in the -15 degree air! :)

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  3. Glad to see that you're still around! Maybe once you get back into it, a mile a day will turn into a run streak? :)

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    1. Who would do such a crazy thing?!

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    2. I don't know who would run more than a few days in a row. That would definitely be crazy!

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  4. I'm with Anne - I think you should do some chin-ups on the blog!

    Sorry to hear about the ankle. Injuries are so frustrating. I do agree that they bring a certain perspective though - they help one focus on other aspects of life. At least that's what my past injuries have done for me:)

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    1. Ha, ha. I am considering a chin-up blog (by popular demand)! Thanks. Yes, my life isn't run->work->run->sleep any more. To a certain extent it has been a refreshing change.

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  5. You have a great attitude about your injury, Pete!!! I pushed myself for far too long and what I really needed was to relax. You're much smarter than me and I know you'll come back strong!

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    1. Thanks. I wouldn't say I'm smarter than you, I've never conceived and organized an entire race for charity (like you did)! I hope you're right that I come back strong. The light at the end of the tunnel can seem awfully far away at times when you're in "injury jail"!

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  6. Hope the injury gets better soon! And definitely a good idea to work a base when you are able to get back at it.

    BTW - 9 Chin-ups = Super Impressive!

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    1. Thanks. Yes, I will try on focus on base building instead of mile ramp "upage"! Thanks for the chin-up kudos. Maybe I'll break 10 soon!

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  7. I well remember your ankle issues pre-Boston last year. Sorry to hear it's been a chronic pain. You are wise to back off and reset and I love how you wrote out what your comeback will look like. Happy, speedy healing and wow! Way to make some hay on the chin up front. I think I'm good for one, then the rest need assistance.

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    1. Thanks. Yes, I am glad I'm taking this time off now so I can hopefully enjoy the spring/summer/fall race season. I was also only able to do about one chin-up last year and have steadily increased my max number over time.

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  8. Oh my goodness, 9 chin-ups!?!? That is amazing! I am glad that you are taking the rehab process slowly. That will pay huge dividends for you in the future. I have definitely learned the hard way that it makes things even worse if you try to rush back. In the meantime, I wish you a speedy recovery and am looking forward to hearing about more of your non-running adventures!

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    1. Thanks. Yes, I have rushed back into training too early one too many times. This time, I'm gonna get it right (hopefully). As for a progress update, I just did 10 chin-ups at lunch - the PRs continue! :)

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  9. Being injured sucks no matter what time of you. I'm glad you're staying positive and have a good plan for when you return to running. You might struggle when you first start running again, but thanks to muscle memory you'll snap back into fitness rather quickly. Can't wait to run with you again soon!

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    1. Thanks Sara! I'm trying not to let the injury get me down. If I let that happen I would be "down" half of the year every year! Just focusing on the things I can control and workout my upper body. Can't wait to run with you soon as well! :)

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  10. Thanks for the update. Be sure to ramp up the cross-training when you start to feel the urge to doing heavy training again to preserve that ankle!

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    1. Good advice. I'm looking forward to perhaps biking in the spring.

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    2. I have a nice road bike I never use. I would love to go biking with you!

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    3. Sure, sounds awesome! My bike is an old hybrid, but it still works! I recently got a spare tire and one of the CO2 inflators for a long bike ride. I've gotten a couple of flats on the Lakefront and it stinks. Now I'll be ready. :)

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  11. Dude, chin-ups... now that is impressive. Wow. :) anyway, it sounds like you're being really smart about your races and your running this year. Patience is a HUGE virtue, probably one that most of us could stand to have more of :) hang in there-- and speedy thoughts, dude! when you're 100%, you're gonna kick some serious ass again soon. I know it.

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    1. Thanks Erin. Yeah, gotta be patient. It's harder to be patient when I have a looming marathon coming up. Now, I don't feel any pressure and it's wonderful!

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  12. I was out for a good 2 months myself, and still very slowly easing back. Way to keep positive and busy!!!!!
    Michelle
    #movinitwithmichelle

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    1. Thanks Michelle! Good luck with your recovery and comeback!

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  13. Dayum look at you Mr Chinup! Gah. Injury sucks and takes such a mental toll. I'm glad you are being smart and listening to your body and wonky ankle. Have you gotten it looked at by a PT or anything? I really hope you're able to return to running pain free again soon... Sending good healing vibes to you.

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    1. I have not gone to the PT yet. However, I am reading "Anatomy for Runners" to see if I can glean any insight to what might have been going wrong with my training/gait. If that fails, and a gradual comeback fails, I will likely breakdown and go to a doctor. Thanks for the vibes. Every little vibe helps. :)

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