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.
4 comments:
Sorry that you're going through a "valley," but you're totally right that life just goes that way. Glad you know there will be another "peak" eventually!
And you're totally cracking me up in some ways. You're worried about a 50K in July, but still planning AR50 as a pleasant jaunt? Uh huh. I know the courses are very different, but AR is still 50 mies. I don't know what kind of mileage you've actually been putting in, but I would suggest taking it very easy out there. Don't worry about Q'ing for States. Just plan to have fun and don't further the injury. Just my .02, but you have to listen to whatever your body is telling you.
I am stoked to see you out there. Will you be on the am bus? I'll look for you. It's been too long, Catherine!
It sure can be frustrating when the body doesn't seem to want to cooperate.
Hope the AR 50 goes well.
The highlight of my morning was realizing people are still actually reading my blog!!!
Gretchen, I know my thinking is a bit flawed. I do plan on taking it easy and just enjoy the day. I will be on the am bus and look forward to seeing you.
Darrel, it IS frustrating but I guess when you get lemons you just gotta make lemonade.
hey Catherine...i hope things are starting to look up. a note to consider for the alcatraz swim...if you're a good swimmer, no worries. if you can swim in a stright line without pool lanes...no worries. if you're like me and swim like a drunken sailor...still no worries, just count on something more like a 2 mile swim. super super fun, though.
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