Then that happened

It amazes me the capacity of one particular sense to completely capture a moment. The sight of a leaf lazily floating in front of your face on a cool autumn morning. The pungent smell of urine and nerves as you stand impatiently waiting for the start of a race. And then there was yesterday.

Work has been particularly busy of late and yesterday was no exception. When not in meetings with executive, I was left to deal with the pesky auditors, finalize our 2010/11 budget and prepare for estimates (now delayed). Surprisingly, or as luck would have it I managed to accomplish much of what I had intended. Rare at best.

With the day’s work complete and an accompanying sense of satisfaction spread across my face, I left the office turning left and running over the Gorge trestle. Over the last few weeks, I’ve been unsuccessful in finding a particular video, Sweet Home Alabama (you needn’t ask). With my options dwindling, I put my faith in a truly unique shop in the heart of Cook Street Village… and was rewarded.

I didn’t stop here. After a jaunt on Sunday, I noticed that a pair of shorts were worn through and so decided to swing by Frontrunners on the way home to pick up a couple new pairs. Again I was triumphant, and as I ran steadily down Quadra for home I couldn’t help but reflect on how truly productive the day had been.

Nearing home, I spotted an extended stretch of grass alongside the road and opted for the forgiving grassland. This is not out of routine figuring that when you run as much as we, a few precious steps on the soft ground can be a difference maker. What I remember next is the sound of uncooked linguine snapping, the sharp cracks in quick succession still echo in my head. Why me, not now, please.

And so, after limping home and participating in the usual dinner/bedtime routines and watching previously mentioned movie, my allotted time for denial had passed. I grabbed the car keys, my Blackberry and a book off the shelf, and then proceeded to carefully drive myself to the hospital only to confirm I have a torn anterior talo-fibular ligament (4-6 weeks). Bugger.

Training: steady 58:52

Baby Steps

I’ve been meaning to write an update for three weeks, but with minimal running related news I was hard pressed to come up with anything beyond, “day off – injured”. I’m now running again.

After not lacing up my shoes for four weeks, it was after more than a few minutes that I found they’d been transformed into alternative housing. Isla’s dolls have never had it so good. And so it was that on a dark frosty morning, under falling snow that I took that first tentative stride into the unknown. Thirty seconds later, I retraced my steps, remembering that I’d forgotten to bring my wallet.

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Now, for the second time in nearly as many minutes, I was leaving the house for a run. I should be so lucky. In the end, the jaunt was uneventful, yet thoroughly enjoyable. What surprised me the most was that my lungs didn’t experience that putrid burning sensation. My goal is/was, to run alternative day but after running home last night, and with my bike at work, I had little choice but to lace up my shoes (again) this morning. Baby steps.

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On another note, it looks like my late spring marathon plans (assuming a healthy hamstring) will need to be reworked. Should events unfold as intended, Isla will be a sister come June. I couldn’t be more excited. Baby steps.

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Training:

Monday, Nov 23 – Sunday, Dec 13: three weeks off (injured)

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Monday: easy 38:31

Tuesday: day off (scheduled recovery)

Wednesday: easy 38:14

Thursday: easy 37:05

Injury Update

... still injured.

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After running every second day, he rounded out the second week of November with limited success, yet unlimited frustration. Although the pain in his left hamstring wasn’t acute, he was unable to escape a nagging soreness. The discomfort wasn’t constant, but it prevented an unencumbered stride. Even to the uninitiated, he was on borrowed time.

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Despite denying the inevitable, subconsciously his body knew. And much like savouring a favourite meal before dawning braces, a lone male meandered through the mud and underbrush of a towering west coast forest.

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Perhaps for the first time in his athletic career, in what was still a compromise, he rested on taking four weeks away from the sport he had truly come to love.

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Having not laced up his shoes for two days, he was overheard remarking to his wife the ease with which time was passing. Truth be told, he was already tracing new loops through old forest trails. Sadly, come Thursday (day four) he was singing a different tune.

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Today, in a room void of hope and naught but the company of faceless models, an isolated figure no longer appreciates the melody of a favourite song. Rather, he sits slumped a over chair, impatiently willing the approach of an absent fat lady.

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Training:

Friday: easy 40: 34

Saturday: day off (scheduled)

Sunday: easy 58:17

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Monday: day off (injured)

Tuesday: day off (injured)

Wednesday: day off (injured)

Thursday: day off (injured)

Friday: day off (injured)

Saturday: day off (injured)

Sunday: day off (injured)

Snakes and Ladders

Much like the fluctuating and recurring/mind-numbing nature of the game snakes and ladders, my running, and health continues to change. Never a dull moment, right?

After taking five days off from running, in part due to the injury but also with assistance from the flu, last Thursday I managed to drag my weary body out for a much anticipated run. Although I didn’t suffer through any pain, the discomfort in my right leg was noticeable. Unfortunately, owing to the bike/run, run/bike, nature of my commute my trip back to work on Friday morning was probably not the smartest idea.

So this week, after two more days off from running, I decided to alternate my runs taking advantage of the statutory holiday on Remembrance Day. Monday was fine, and Wednesday was surprisingly okay. Sadly, as luck would have it, I’m now experiencing all the wonderfully enjoyable symptoms of the common cold: sore throat, congestion, sneezing, headache and general lethargy. Oh the joy.

Training:
Monday: day off (injured)
Tuesday: day off (injured)
Wednesday: day off (injured)
Thursday: easy 41:15
Friday: easy 40:52
Saturday: day off (injured)
Sunday: day off (injured)

Monday: easy 40:16
Tuesday: day off (scheduled)
Wednesday: easy 1:01:32
Thursday: day off (scheduled)

The Loneliness of the (Injured) Long Distance Runner

Yup, I’ve been standing still. It’s not that I don’t enjoy the serenity and reflection that can be gained from remaining motionless. On the contrary, I longed for that very moment the entire time while on vacation. But I do not get pleasure from a lack of choice. So there I am, standing in the doorway in a t-shirt and shorts, looking our over the damp leaves on the ground. That is as far as I go.

My hamstrings and quadriceps are tight, to-ight as Seamus might say. Last week I ran four days in a row. It shouldn’t have amounted to much, but it did. Seems my left hamstring and adductor is particularly stiff, this in turn has inflamed the insertion point just below and to the inside of the left knee. The whole lot is uncomfortable.

As a result, I went and saw my favourite physiotherapist this morning and she sorted me out.

After having my physical pain taken care of, I decided to address my emotional state, given the fact that I haven’t run in five days. I didn’t mind for the first three days. Yesterday I longed for an unknown loss. Today that hunger was realized. I digress. As a result, I stopped in at my favourite book shop, and after some careful thought purchased the following: (1) The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner, by Alan Sillitoe, (2) Again to Carthage, the sequel to Once a Runner, by John L. Parker, Jr., and (3) Advanced Marathoning, by Pete Pfitzinger. My emotional wellbeing has never felt so satiated.

So, what’s next? I’m still thinking. In the short-term, I’m going run home tomorrow evening. This, if successful, will begin to set the stage the upcoming winter. Long-term, I haven’t decided. I had thought to concentrate on setting a new 10k PB (April), and use that speed to run the new Seattle Rock’n’Roll Marathon on June 26. Unfortunately, conflicting summer priorities no longer make that a viable option. So, once again, I find myself looking east, to either: Saskatchewan, Calgary or Ottawa, all on May 30, or the Blue Nose International Marathon on May 23. Choice, in abundance.

Training:

Monday: day off (scheduled)

Tuesday: easy 38:34

Wednesday: steady 36:40

Thursday: uncomfortable 40:58

Friday: painful 43:56

Saturday: day off (injury)

Sunday: day off (injury)

Old Friends

Given the concern I had after Tuesday’s workout, I rounded out the week in fine form. Moreover, with the upcoming week scheduled for rest and recovery, the timing couldn’t be better. The achilles is far from better (70%), but I’m able to train and barring anything stupid… let’s just say I’m hopeful and leave it at that.

Yesterday morning I took advantage of having to go to the office and opted to run my workout at an old stamping ground, Beacon Hill Park. Not only was the terrain familiar, but the event was a repeat of my inaugural session with Jon, 3x10’ tempo. Only this time around I was on my own (sans Jon & Co).

I didn’t know what to make to the morning, but with a the temperature markedly cooler than it has been and gentle sea breeze blowing up off the water the day couldn’t have been better. The intervals were going to be the longest I’ve put in since Boston, and so I approached them with caution; not only was the plan to descend the set but I made sure the build into each piece with only the last 2’-3’ a test. My achilles was sore during the warm-up but otherwise I was happy with how it held up. Despite running alone, I was pleased with the effort and I truly loved being out there. The enjoyment I’m finding in my running at the moment hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Hicham put the bug in our ear last night, and this morning Carter and I joined him out at Thetis Lake (my first time back out in months). Those two are going to have to stop letting me lead, as not wanting to break tradition I opted for my usual start, and one that had our heart rates spiked in minutes. With both of them packing excuses that would have left most runners at home, the only words that escaped their mouths were ones of enjoyment. I owe them for today.

As it was, I capped the week off with two solid runs and even better friends. Here’s to the week ahead.

[photo: Thetis Lake]

Training:

Saturday: 1:00:15 with 3x10’ (2’) 10kE

Sunday: easy 1:27:50

Weekly mileage: 6h00’42”, +/- 84k or 53 miles

Heat breaks third day of records

Victoria scored a hat trick yesterday as the temperature broke a record for the third day in a row. The previous high for the region was 28C, which was surpassed at about 4 p.m. yesterday afternoon, when the thermometer hit 30C (the normal temperature for early June is a cool 18C).

I definitely don’t perform well in this sort of heat, but running home yesterday was enjoyable and if nothing else made for a change of condition. I think the highlight for me, was having a co-worker see me 30’ into the run; judging from the look on her face I can only imagine I wasn’t pretty.

My achilles has settled down enough to allow me to run, but it’s far from fighting fit. On the run in this morning it never completely loosened up and despite my best efforts I fear my stride is changing to compensate for the injury (my right knee and hamstring was sore). I’ve been icing, stretching and have also included twice daily heal drops into my routine. I’m remaining cautiously optimistic but I’m not expecting a quick turnaround.

With my next marathon months away, at least I have the time to incorporate some rest and recovery. Still, I’m going to try and work around that option.

Training:
Thursday: easy 48:49
Friday: easy 36:14

Hurry Up and Wait

After not running on the weekend, I decided to take advantage of the gorgeous weather we’ve been experiencing and revelled in an early morning up-tempo run on the way into work. Unlike Bob Geldof left the Boomtown Rats, I do like Monday’s. It was one of those rare moments where you’re at one with your body. My stride felt effortless and smooth, and as the sweat dripped down my face, it was with disappointment that I stopped wishing the run could’ve continued.

Yesterday afternoon, under record setting temperatures (30C), I slowly made my way back to the Vic High Track for my second session of 200s. Once again, the oval was deserted and despite best efforts from Carter and Hicham, I was to run this workout alone.

I ran a similar session in mid-May and therefore wasn’t too surprised to see my splits slower than expected. With the variance set to rest, it afforded me the time and concentration to focus on the workout. Unlike May 12, I completed the full 12 repeats and was proud of myself as I slowly jogged home feeling completely dehydrated but content.

34.1, 34.0, 35.7, 35.6, 35.2, 35.9
36.9, 36.6, 36.4, 37.0, 37.4, 36.4

Unfortunately, it seems that I may have worked a little too hard yesterday. I knew I was in trouble last night as I lay in bed, my left achilles throbbing to the beat of an unheard tune. Any doubt was put to rest and with my bike at work, I coerced my lovely wife into dropping me off at the office… there was no way I was running today. And so, I wait.

Training:
Monday: steady 49:47
Tuesday: 1:17:47 with 12x200m (200m)
Wednesday: day off (unscheduled, left achilles)

Boston Marathon (7-weeks out)

Given my right knee has been bothering me for almost a fortnight, I’m happy to have closed the door on the recent week. The soreness still persists but it’s not nearly as bad and I’m confident that with a few more physio sessions (along with continued stretching and icing) I can put this injury (finally) to bed.

A few days ago, I was reflecting on my preparation for the London Marathon in 2007. When I compare the equivalent week to the one just completed there are stark differences; in ’07 I ran nine times and logged over 94+ miles. This approach also saw me peak at Comox and unfortunately, in part I’m certain, contributed to a less than model performance in London. Still, I’m amused as I find myself sitting here fighting the urge to wonder “what if”, and “shouldn’t I”.

I push back the doubt and reservation and instead focus on what is in front of me now, and what I hope to achieve in Boston.

Saturday saw us return to Beacon Hill Park for another epic session of mixed tempo. After spending the last two years running intervals on the road or track, I’m really enjoying the subjective nature of the challenging XC course. The terrain there definitely makes the w/o tough but I was able to keep my legs moving, most of the time, on the quicker pieces. Still, finishing 6’ of hard running only to land yourself at the bottom of a sharp hill seemed to be the order of the day.

On Sunday, Hicham and I joined Ian for what seemed like a 40’ TT before saying goodbye to the bugger and easing into something more pedestrian in nature.

The week ahead looks good, nothing too complicated just some steady miles.

Until later ~ ciao!

Training:
Friday: easy 46:18
Saturday: 1:31:34 with 5x(3’ ME, 6’ 10kE)
Sunday: easy 2:00:36

Weekly mileage: 7h51’31”, +/- 110k or 69 miles

Turning the Corner

Although my knee is still bothered, I feel that progress is being made and I’m continuing to take steps to get it sorted. I was lucky enough to see a massage therapist yesterday and I have a follow-up appointment with Jaymie this evening.

Not wanting to shy away from the training, I decided to put the leg to the test yesterday night. The session called for 10x2’ and although not called for, I contemplated running 600s on the track but couldn’t line up the logistics. Consequently, after warming up on the Goose I proceeded to wind it up on the Lochside Trail. I tried to keep my pace steady and controlled for the first few repeats but was surprised how desperate and uncoordinated I felt. Still, by the time I began the back half of the set, my stride was coming around and for the first time in months I felt like I was chewing up the ground.

This weekend’s w/o will be the real test. I think the plan is to run a session similar to one completed a few weeks back, if nothing else I hope to see some improvement (I’m cautiously optimistic).

Training:
Wednesday: 1:15:28 with 10x2’ (1’)
Thursday: easy 1:01:00

A Storm Approaches

I’ve been anxious about my running lately, what with my knee continuing to cause me grief a week after the knock. That alone isn’t too bad, but with the next few weeks crucial to the marathon preparation it has forced me to take drastic measures.

Stretching.

Last night, I gave my legs a good once over and then continued to work on my calves and quads for almost an hour. I felt marginally better this morning but rather than put things to the test I chose to walk around tentatively with crossed fingers. After work today, I also managed to sneak in with Jaymie McGowan, a physiotherapist and my new savior. She didn’t think my meniscus was bruised but rather that the kneecap wasn’t tracking properly (I believe there is a much more technical name but it escapes me at the moment).

The true test came 40’ after the session when I went out for my run. My knee was sore (acutely) for the first 2’-3’ but then the pain faded and I carried on. I slowly began to wind things up, and on a blustery evening when the skies were on the verge of opening up I experienced what was my most enjoyable run in weeks. For the first time in a long while, my right leg felt as if it was firing properly. And now, I’m eagerly anticipating tomorrow.

Until later…

Training:
Monday: day off/core (scheduled)
Tuesday: steady 1:16:35

Fog

Despite an uncooperative and sore back, I was able to round out the week with a couple of solid runs.

The weekend was met with a dank foggy shroud whose remnants still linger in corners of the city. I drove down to Beacon Hill Park where our new group typically meets on Saturday mornings, but with so many of the crew either out of town or racing I was surprised to find I was running solo. Still, what could have been a very lonely affair allowed me to an opportunity to run the session at my pace and not feel pressured. I loved every minute of the mud-covered affair.

The workout called for 5x5’ at 10kP but rather than start too fast, I decided to begin at half-marathon effort (probably something closer to 10kP) and wind things up. I got this idea after watching this video (sorry for the link, I was having difficulty posting it however this is a must watch):

http://www.flotrack.org/videos/coverage/view_video/234127/78340-episode-7-ok-state-cowboys

Sunday, was a long easy trudge under once again damp conditions; I guess winter has finally settled in. Thomas can relate. Sadly, I seem to have aggravated my left achilles/heel which accompanied with my aching back leaves me a sorry sight. So much for a recovery week.

Training:
Saturday: 1:09:00 with 5x5’ (1.5’) at 10kP
Sunday: easy 1:42:05

Weekly mileage: 6h23’51”, +/- 89-k or 56 miles

How Soon Is Now

I like the Smiths, but that is an entirely different story. I was late getting out for my jaunt today but it wasn’t all that bad. It allowed me to enjoy a cool, and more important quiet, autumn evening; I love night running at this time of year. I hadn’t been out for more than a mile when I spotted my first set of Christmas lights. And I ask, “how soon is too soon”?

I don’t think I could’ve run a more consistent week had I tried. This feat is more remarkable as I was supposed to run twice on Friday but decided to bag it as it would’ve cost me my marriage, certainly my short-term health.

On Saturday, I was back at Beacon Hill Park with the group and despite only having had four hours sleep I knocked off a great session. The workout called for 8x3’ at half marathon to 10k pace. With the primary goal to finish the workout (feeling strong), I decided to run the first four at HM effort, build five & six and then nail the last two. As we were running on the same cursed mile+ hilly grass loop it was difficult to get an accurate sense of pacing, but whether I managed to actually descend the workout was moot as I felt comfortable at the end (a far cry from last week). I got a real chuckle when after passing someone on the sixth interval, I was asked, “if my breakfast had just reached my legs”?

The week ahead looks to be more of the same, allowing the body some consistent training. I managed tweak my right knee yesterday. I can quite remember what triggered it, picking Isla up or putting her down? On the other hand, it could’ve been lifting the damn ExerSaucer thingy, regardless the knee was twisted and I’m going to have to keep tabs on it.

Here’s to a good week ahead.

Training:
Saturday: 1:25:29 with 8x3’ (1.5’) HMP-10kP
Sunday: easy 1:25:26

Weekly mileage: 6h43’28”, 94-k or 59 miles

Pleased

I feel I’m closer to that figurative “line in the sand” than I want to be, and after a little self diagnosis (and a remark from Mike), I’ve decided not to go forward with tomorrows run but rather help the missus with some Christmas cards (scotch in hand). Although I’ve managed to slip the lingering affects of the cold I’m still carrying two battle scars. A few weeks back while running in the ice and snow I pulled a muscle deep in my left hamstring, nothing serious, but something that skulks to the forefront late in a two-hour jaunt. That and my ankle is still sore; I’m able to run on it but it’s tight (and sore now).

That said, I managed to close the week out with 10:31:01 of running under the belt (approximately 150km, 94 miles). Although I had hoped to hit 100 miles, know that I’m very pleased to settle where I did.

Yesterday I decided to put the ankle to the test and headed into the hills like a man overcome (and ignorant of the following day’s w/o). Regardless, I felt like an aerobic freight train and was content to roll with the punches.

Today, with Hicham closing out his own (and first) 100 mile week, we set off into the farmlands. After warming up, I progressed into the w/o hoping to move between 3:35-3:37. While in the trees, I kept a consistent 3:30-3:35 but during the second interval, with a “massive” tailwind I clocked a 3:07 and laughed. I thought I’d misread my watch, but a few minutes later once turned around we ran into a veritable brick wall and proceeded to struggle back through the open fields. Hicham kept me honest/put the fear of God in me during the last interval, after which we dragged out beleaguered bodies home.

The next few weeks will be gradually lighter but unlike the last two marathons, I’ve decided to keep the volume slightly higher.

Training:
Saturday: A.M. strong hilly 1:23:22, P.M. easy 28:58
Sunday: 2:00:02 with 2x10’ tempo, 60’ easy, 10’ tempo

McDonald’s Christmas tree

Last night, with flaks strategically stowed, a friend in I decided to take in all that was Christmas and walk the halls of the Empress Hotel, drinking in the bountiful varieties of festooned trees. This one caught our eye, as it was the only white tree and made entirely of feathers, chicken feathers. Note the five naked birds at the foot of the tree. What next, McNuggets?

Yesterday, I decided to test the ankle and once out the door probably should’ve turned around. Instead, I plodded on along the Lochside Trail silently cursing each time my right foot hit the ground.

The run didn’t do anything to aid recovery and I couldn’t help but think my marathon preparation was over.

Today, perturbed, I headed out and although I could feel the ankle almost immediately the pain didn’t progress. The ankle definitely feels swollen and is tight, the loss of flexibility noticeable but hopefully things are on the mend. This was supposed to be my peak volume week, but the this new injury and the linger aftereffects of last week’s cold, I’m not optimistic about hitting my target.

Mike, should you read this take note I didn’t complain about the weatherJ.

Training:
Thursday: easy 39:31
Friday: easy 1:25:04

[Photo courtesy of Jim Finlayson]

Sprain

Despite not having any company, my run in this morning was pleasantly enjoyable. Perhaps it was Jack Johnson, or the extra hour of sleep, at any rate I felt like a man in the midst of a 100 mile week. I started out cautiously, as one might on a path littered with black ice (slipping twice), but nearing town started to wind things up, cognizant though of the evening’s workout. After feeling so tired last night I was surprised to find strength and snap in the legs.

After work, I headed out along the waterfront feeling light and comfortable. I miss the old hood, the Olympic Mountains a distant purple hue in the distance. Unfortunately, about 15’ in I rolled my left foot while running on the grass and subsequently pushed off awkwardly with the right resulting in a strain. Bugger it all! After plying soccer for so many years, I pride myself in having strong ankles… it’s time for a bit of footie again. With a tight timeline to keep, and 1h+ from home I decided to carry on. The workout was descent, the first three intervals feeling great, but fading slightly on the last (the foot starting to tighten up).

I’ve got an easy 45’ on the schedule tomorrow, but will have to see how the body is holding up.

I think I need some new shoes.

Training:
A.M. steady 38:14
P.M. 1:21:42 with 4x10’ tempo (2’)

The solitude of a lone runner

With the Weather Office forecasting colder temperatures (it was -2C when I left the house), and me leery of riding to work on slick streets, I decided to run to work… again (more unplanned mileage).

I took a more direct path this morning, opting away of the scenic Galloping Goose Trail (it’s pitch black), but subsequently having to shuffle my sleepy body along a seemingly endless succession of hills. You defeintely get a different

With a longer run originally scheduled, I decided to take in the sights and smells of the old neighborhood, kicking leaves in Beacon Hill Park, passing along Dallas stopping to admire a gorgeous sunset, eventually making my way to UVic and home only after skirting Mount Doug. As enjoyable, and cold as the journy was, I was happy to see that my ankle wasn’t aggravated even though I wasn’t wearing my flats.

Despite increasing the mileage faster than I would’ve liked, I’m surprised that the physical/mental fatigue hasn’t hit me unlike previous builds (London in April). I wouldn’t advocate being under prepared but if the alternative was being over trained, well, I’ll take the former.

Training:
A.M. easy 37:36
P.M. easy 1:27:26

Still hanging (on)

First, it was bloody freezing out there this evening. I don’t know where they take the readings but it felt far more chilly than the reported 2C.

Riding to work this morning, my foot rolling in side my riding shoe, it wasn’t long before I was favouring my left stroke trying not to aggravate the ankle. Necessity being the mother of invention, this annoyance gave me an idea… this evening I compared the heel cup (and supporting sides) of both my regular shoes to find that they were similarly high. I grabbed my Supernovas from the shelf, last worn on a three-hour adventure hike on a Hawaiian lava field, and was happy to discover the sidewall was considerably lower. Recognizing the risk that sporting worn flats probably wasn’t smart, I decided to wear them hoping that running the planned workout on the Lochside Trail would help mitigate any exposure.

From the moment I slipped my foot in, until the long seconds where I pathetically tried to untie my laces with frozen hands, my ankle couldn’t have felt better.

The session called for 12x1k tempo, off a minute. As I’m still hopeful to run a descent (2h41-2h40) race in Phoenix I decided to aim for pace times between 3:37-3:40. Running on a marked two-kilometer section of uneven trail without the constant feedback of the track, I found it difficult to dial in my pace and became frustrated with my inconsistency despite feeling relaxed and comfortable.

3:27 (153, 161)
3:36 (155, 160)
3:33 (155, 159)
3:30 (155, 162)
3:29 (154, 160)
3:37 (156, 161)
3:36 (156, 162)
3:37 (157, 162)
3:37 (153, 161)
3:39 (156, 165)
3:40 (150, 161)
3:38 (158, 162)

I managed to find some uniformity over the last seven, and after returning home couldn’t help but wonder if I sold myself short and should’ve been aiming for 3:34-3:37. I’ve convinced myself I did the correct thing given that I started this training block from a undersupplied cardiovascular position.

Training: 1:20:04, AHR 143, with 12x1k tempo (60”)

Hanging on

I had to pop into work this evening only unlike the mornings this time I had the luxury of our car. Without anything else to do other than listening to Bruce Springsteen’s Santa Claus is Coming to Town, I decided to time the journey. The result, car ride = 15’, my bike commute in the mornings = 20’ (not taking into account the post-cycle change).

Coming home, I couldn’t help but notice that every second vehicle appeared to be driven by a complete idiot. When did I drastically age?

I had entirely forgotten about my sore foot until I was lacing up my shoes, when the shoe wall instantly aggravated my ankle. I found the sore point and it was definitely tender to the touch, but didn’t feel muscular. I decided to switch footwear and lace up my old adistars minus the top eyelet but this didn’t seem to work. Undeterred, I left hoping that I wasn’t doing anything foolish. My ankle was intermittently sore for the first 15’ after which things improved. On the back of yesterday’s long run, I was actually quite surprised at how good my body felt which is comforting given the week ahead.

With that, I’ll leave you with some fine words from Theodore Roosevelt, “When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.”

Training: 1:01:14 with 5xstrides (1’)

The baffled king composing hallelujah

Following Thursday’s workout, I wasn’t surprised at the weariness in my legs come Friday; what did surprise me was just how heavy, verging on cumbersome, they were. I jogged down the dirt hill from our place and onto the trail, taking note as I leisurely passed the first kilometer marker… 5:02 later I decided not to press the pace, but rather convinced myself that today, merely moving was an accomplishment.

Yesterday was uneventful and the pins felt particularly good as I stretched them out with a few 30” strides towards the end of the jaunt.

This morning I wrapped up an easy week with a not-so-easy long run. I was hoping to cruise through feeling graceful and in control; unfortunately, this was not to be. The first hour passed quickly enough but my perceived effort was very much real, with emphasis resting unhappily on the effort. As misery loves company I begun the up-tempo session fully expecting he worst but was pleased to discover that with the pace quickening, and efficiency gains realized, that same perceived effort remained the same.

On a disturbing note, my left foot was giving my grief toward the end of the run. It feels as if a bone has become jammed resulting restricted movement and some discomfort (the camber of the terrain being influential). I noticed it first yesterday but didn’t think much of it at the time, perhaps it’s a result of Thursday, the twenty quick accelerations?

Training:
Friday: slow 29:37
Saturday: easy 43:30 with 5xstrides (1’)
Sunday: 2:07:10 with 60’ up-tempo (4:10 to 3:48 pace/km)