Wow, I just checked my blog and realized my last entry was back in December! I know it's been a while but that's pretty sad. But then, what is really sad, is that I'm not even running right now.
I guess now is as good a time as any to start my excuses about why I'm going to perform so poorly at American River 50M coming up in (gasp!) 19 days. Actually, that's a pretty poor attitude so let me rephrase that. Due to circumstances beyond my control, I will not be going for a PR at AR50, but I will enjoy a leisurely jaunt through the beautiful countryside (and bike trails) along the American River.
January and February were going great with my running preparations for the spring and summer races I have planned. Then I got a nagging pain in my right shin that I immediately figured was a stress fracture developing. I backed off and did some cross training which made the pain move to my calf. I guess that was good news but it still caused me to have to stop running due to the pain. I'm trying to be smart and let it heal early before it gets too bad and will be better for the TRT50K in July.
I had planned on running Rucky Chucky 50K last weekend but I opted out. I swear, I've been trying to run this race for 4 years and for one reason or another, I've never done it. I don't mean to be so negative but my running injuries are really starting to get on my nerves. I was trying to do everything right but I still got hurt. Did I add too much mileage? Add in speed work too soon? Part of me wants to just say to heck with running but then I think about all the pleasure I get from a good run and I just don't want to stop.
So the bottom line is I'm buddies again with Tony Horton from P90X (my savior the last time I was hurt) and I'm trying to get on my bike but my calf hurts anytime I ride uphill or stand on the pedals. I'm also training for the Alcatraz 1.5 mile open water swim so I've been getting in our Fast Lane pool a bit. Unfortunately, swimming is my least favorite thing to do so it's easy to shove that exercise aside.
It's probably silly to still want to do AR50 but it's my qualifier for next year's WS100 (hopefully). Plus, I absolutely LOVE this race. I've done it the last 2 years and really enjoy it. I'm sorry this entry is such a downer but I'm just really frustrated right now. My motivation is low, I'm injured, and can't do what I want to do most. But like most things, this is temporary and I know things will get better. They always do. I believe life is full of peaks and valley's and I just happen to be going through a valley right now. I look forward to when things start looking brighter and I can write a more uplifting entry.
