Saturday, May 29, 2010
Retrospect
Its true the marathon was the core event of my trip but it would be unfair to deny that is was only a small portion of the overall purpose. Yes, I chose to travel 4000 miles for my first 26.2 mile event but the "why's" are the more critical details. I needed to prove that I would not allow past events to hinder future success', and I did that. I did not allow proximity, in this case someone else's current residing state, to put me off a goal I've harbored for thirty some years, and I did that. I needed to prove that in spite of all the hurt and drama I could overcome and move forward, becoming something better, and I did that. I think I may have needed to prove I could hold my head high, in spite of all the odds. Once I started something in the UK, and in the end, outside my control, it could not be finished, or at least not in its intended manner. Metaphorically, I wanted to finish it where it began and I think I've done that as well. I guess I didn't count on the aftermath being what it seems to be. Its true I feel victorious and empowered but I've also been left with a residual sadness. So long I've carried a great deal of pain in my back pocket and some of that suffering has been at my own critical hand but I don't imagine we ever plan for the possibility that in spite of its painful nature, we come to look at some suffering's as a sort of companion. Even when we surrender away what we do not want we often feel the absence left in its loss. I've learned from my past but for the first time in a very long time, my future is about what I can and will accomplish rather than what I failed to accomplish. Hindsight is indeed 20/20 but foresight is brightened by hope and makes a much prettier picture on the horizon.
Friday, May 28, 2010
VICTORY...well, sorta!
Got home Wednesday night. What a holiday! I can say without reserve it was the trip of a lifetime on so many levels. All that imagined and more. Bel and Glenn (my friends in London) treated me like utter royalty allowing me to see and experience so much more than just the marathon. Added to the blog are two of my favorite photos from the trip. One of Stonehenge and one of the Edinburgh Castle. If I had seen only one of those landmarks I could have called the trip an unparalleled success but I was blessed with so much more. If I have ever manage the time and computer savvy to do so, I will load in a slide show of trip photos. For once I actually managed a few good pictures! Even my daughter (the photo princess) was impressed.
THE RACE:
The race was the point of focus so I will detail it first. The weather was not as I feared but damn near perfect. It was around 84 degrees, no humidity to speak of and sunny. I walked the 2-3 miles down Prince's Street from my hotel to the start early enough to view the start of the half then wandered back up for breakfast arriving in plenty of time to place myself in my corral and contemplate the event. I had both calves braced as I have felt as though I've been compensating for the bad right one and putting undue pressure on the "good" left one. The start line was at the end of Old Edinburgh not far from Hollyrood Castle (where Mary Queen of Scots was beheaded), kind of fitting? The first portion of the race was at a significant downhill grade and I set off at a comfortable pace. All was going quite well till at around mile 6 when an unattended toddler wandered onto the course. I was too close to the sidewalk edge and actually went down on the pavement trying to avoid steamrolling her. Luckily enough I rolled back up into a run without missing a beat really but it was huge mental blow. I did avoid her completely which was thankful but I spent about 3 miles questioning my body and worrying if I might have actually hurt myself. It was not a mindset I should have been indulging in and did effect my rhythm.
At around mile 9 the calf began to moo. It wasn't painful but it was noticeable and it was sooner than I had expected. I continued until the half point where I discarded the jacket tied around my waist feeling sure enough I would not have need of it and began to slow my pace a bit. At this point the calf was becoming an issue. After the half point the course began to get a bit hillier, not by most standards but when compared to my Florida terrain it was a bit more of an effort. My pace slowed again from around mile 16-20. At the 20 mile point I could no longer ignore the calf and in all honesty my pace was so slow at this point that breaking to the walk was not much of a change. I alternated between walk/run/limp for the last 6.2 miles.
The race itself has come under some scrutiny after last year's event where they actually ran out of water! There was water and lucozade (like gatorade) throughout the race, however, it was not just warm but hot and, in my opinion, the water stops were too far apart. There were NO GEL STOPS or other sustenance of any kind. Twice, I alerted race stewards to down runners behind me on the course who may need assistance as there were very few sweeper vehicles checking on runners, although there were several ambulances. By UK standards, it was sweltering hot. By my standards it was comfortable and I can say I felt well hydrated. I was alarmed by the number of down runners I saw. Many were vomiting or simply collapsed from very early on. Sadly, a 52 year old, well fit man died. As of yesterday the actual cause was still unknown. Around 15,000 started the race. Just under 10,000 finished. 240 were removed by ambulance.
Poor organization struck again at race end. At the finish there was a half mile walk to the reunion/baggage area. Another half mile to a bus loop where we all hoped to gain transportation via the pre-paid bus tickets (at 3 pounds a head) back to Edinburgh, however, the city buses would not accept the vouchers and after some questioning on the part of many runners we were informed that the buses we'd pre-paid for were another mile and a half away. Many had not packed money let alone change to board the city buses. I gave coin to a grown man in full out sobbing tears who had no money to board the city buses and COULD NOT have walked to the charters. Luckily, I found a city bus back. Once in Edinburgh I walked the 3 miles back to my hotel after stopping at McDonald's and shoving a cheeseburger in my face as I walked. I knew damn well that after a shower, there was no way in hell I'd be heading back out in search of food.
Poor organization aside, the course was stunning. Beginning in the shadow of the Scottish Highlands the course paralleled the rocky shores of the sea and meandered through quaint seaside villages. At one point it cut off into the woods passing country estates, shaded forests and ruined castles. Residents set up sprinklers and hoses to cool passing participants and children offered jelly beans and cookies and near race end a pub was handing out pints! (I was tempted :). I spoke with many runners who said little good about their performance that day and I heard many organizational complaints but none who could note much outside of wonder at the course itself.
I earned no bragging rights for my first marathon. I had dreams of overcoming my injury and somehow pulling a miracle out of my ass but I approached the race realistically. It wasn't pretty but I FINISHED. I finished within the allowable time and all misfortune and complaint aside, I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT! A friend of mine who has finished many marathons said, "Kell, that was a demon of a race. If you finished that then you have earned bragging rights that many seasoned runners cannot claim and you are ready for any running challenge you might face." I believe him.
THE RACE:
The race was the point of focus so I will detail it first. The weather was not as I feared but damn near perfect. It was around 84 degrees, no humidity to speak of and sunny. I walked the 2-3 miles down Prince's Street from my hotel to the start early enough to view the start of the half then wandered back up for breakfast arriving in plenty of time to place myself in my corral and contemplate the event. I had both calves braced as I have felt as though I've been compensating for the bad right one and putting undue pressure on the "good" left one. The start line was at the end of Old Edinburgh not far from Hollyrood Castle (where Mary Queen of Scots was beheaded), kind of fitting? The first portion of the race was at a significant downhill grade and I set off at a comfortable pace. All was going quite well till at around mile 6 when an unattended toddler wandered onto the course. I was too close to the sidewalk edge and actually went down on the pavement trying to avoid steamrolling her. Luckily enough I rolled back up into a run without missing a beat really but it was huge mental blow. I did avoid her completely which was thankful but I spent about 3 miles questioning my body and worrying if I might have actually hurt myself. It was not a mindset I should have been indulging in and did effect my rhythm.
At around mile 9 the calf began to moo. It wasn't painful but it was noticeable and it was sooner than I had expected. I continued until the half point where I discarded the jacket tied around my waist feeling sure enough I would not have need of it and began to slow my pace a bit. At this point the calf was becoming an issue. After the half point the course began to get a bit hillier, not by most standards but when compared to my Florida terrain it was a bit more of an effort. My pace slowed again from around mile 16-20. At the 20 mile point I could no longer ignore the calf and in all honesty my pace was so slow at this point that breaking to the walk was not much of a change. I alternated between walk/run/limp for the last 6.2 miles.
The race itself has come under some scrutiny after last year's event where they actually ran out of water! There was water and lucozade (like gatorade) throughout the race, however, it was not just warm but hot and, in my opinion, the water stops were too far apart. There were NO GEL STOPS or other sustenance of any kind. Twice, I alerted race stewards to down runners behind me on the course who may need assistance as there were very few sweeper vehicles checking on runners, although there were several ambulances. By UK standards, it was sweltering hot. By my standards it was comfortable and I can say I felt well hydrated. I was alarmed by the number of down runners I saw. Many were vomiting or simply collapsed from very early on. Sadly, a 52 year old, well fit man died. As of yesterday the actual cause was still unknown. Around 15,000 started the race. Just under 10,000 finished. 240 were removed by ambulance.
Poor organization struck again at race end. At the finish there was a half mile walk to the reunion/baggage area. Another half mile to a bus loop where we all hoped to gain transportation via the pre-paid bus tickets (at 3 pounds a head) back to Edinburgh, however, the city buses would not accept the vouchers and after some questioning on the part of many runners we were informed that the buses we'd pre-paid for were another mile and a half away. Many had not packed money let alone change to board the city buses. I gave coin to a grown man in full out sobbing tears who had no money to board the city buses and COULD NOT have walked to the charters. Luckily, I found a city bus back. Once in Edinburgh I walked the 3 miles back to my hotel after stopping at McDonald's and shoving a cheeseburger in my face as I walked. I knew damn well that after a shower, there was no way in hell I'd be heading back out in search of food.
Poor organization aside, the course was stunning. Beginning in the shadow of the Scottish Highlands the course paralleled the rocky shores of the sea and meandered through quaint seaside villages. At one point it cut off into the woods passing country estates, shaded forests and ruined castles. Residents set up sprinklers and hoses to cool passing participants and children offered jelly beans and cookies and near race end a pub was handing out pints! (I was tempted :). I spoke with many runners who said little good about their performance that day and I heard many organizational complaints but none who could note much outside of wonder at the course itself.
I earned no bragging rights for my first marathon. I had dreams of overcoming my injury and somehow pulling a miracle out of my ass but I approached the race realistically. It wasn't pretty but I FINISHED. I finished within the allowable time and all misfortune and complaint aside, I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT! A friend of mine who has finished many marathons said, "Kell, that was a demon of a race. If you finished that then you have earned bragging rights that many seasoned runners cannot claim and you are ready for any running challenge you might face." I believe him.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Delays Delays!
In spite of the volcano's best efforts, it looks as though my flight will get off the ground albeit 4 hours late :(. This will be my last entry till I get back (at least I think so). I've managed a few fair to decent runs. Can't say they were exactly the "confidence builders" I'd hoped for but I managed to come in well under time limits and nurse the calf along. In all honesty, most of my suffering on my runs is from loss of fitness. Cross training does NOT equal running and I am having trouble finding my comfort zone. It will be a challenge. Long term weather is calling for highs in the 60's and 90% rain, lol!
I should not have any trouble sleeping on the plane due to the fact that I have run myself ragged tying up loose ends before departing. At this point, I'm eager to shut my brain down into that "travel sleep mode." I don't think even pre-flight nerves could keep me awake tonite! I always get anx about flying when there are long gaps where I'm not in the air. Its been at least two years since I boarded a flight so I'm due for a little drama on that note but I don't expect it to outweigh my overwhelming desire to shut my head off for a while.
I'm toting a little excess baggage back to the UK, Demons I plan to bury on foreign soil never to re-visit. A lighter load coming home. I'm off ....GO ME!
I should not have any trouble sleeping on the plane due to the fact that I have run myself ragged tying up loose ends before departing. At this point, I'm eager to shut my brain down into that "travel sleep mode." I don't think even pre-flight nerves could keep me awake tonite! I always get anx about flying when there are long gaps where I'm not in the air. Its been at least two years since I boarded a flight so I'm due for a little drama on that note but I don't expect it to outweigh my overwhelming desire to shut my head off for a while.
I'm toting a little excess baggage back to the UK, Demons I plan to bury on foreign soil never to re-visit. A lighter load coming home. I'm off ....GO ME!
Friday, May 14, 2010
100%
Brilliant news in that I achieved 100% of the donations for Alzheimer's Scotland! I was secretly hoping to SMASH the minimum but considering I am an American soliciting on behalf of a foreign charity...not too shabby! They said it couldn't be done!
Where's My Damn Valet?
Ok, I officially NEED a valet. I'm always pretty good for getting things pulled together in the clinch but this may be a record setter! I did manage to get a lot done today and I'm hoping that a brief stop here will give me the second wind necessary to tackle some of the domestics I need to clear up before I depart. Yeah, that obsessive/compulsive need to leave things in perfect order is very inconvenient about now! Its also probably counterproductive since this time I am leaving my daughter behind (with a friend living in to watch her) so any order I leave behind will be smashed in about 30 minutes!
Training is going according to plan and no hiccups so far. Not gonna dwell here in the interest of preventing any and all possible jinx'.
The shuttle rattled the windows this afternoon. Heard it was a beautiful launch but I was too swamped at work to even step outside and view the trail. I'll regret that later as they are noises to the effect of this being the last or one of the last launches.
Threw all my papers in a pile to sort better on the plane. Marathon details and such and made sure to tuck my international driver's license in there. Bel is really excited about me taking over some of the driving but me; not so much? Having some trouble getting my head around the whole backwards car on the wrong side of the road idea and the possibility of an ass backwards clutch? Well that just boggles the mind! Enough! Mush on, back to work!
Training is going according to plan and no hiccups so far. Not gonna dwell here in the interest of preventing any and all possible jinx'.
The shuttle rattled the windows this afternoon. Heard it was a beautiful launch but I was too swamped at work to even step outside and view the trail. I'll regret that later as they are noises to the effect of this being the last or one of the last launches.
Threw all my papers in a pile to sort better on the plane. Marathon details and such and made sure to tuck my international driver's license in there. Bel is really excited about me taking over some of the driving but me; not so much? Having some trouble getting my head around the whole backwards car on the wrong side of the road idea and the possibility of an ass backwards clutch? Well that just boggles the mind! Enough! Mush on, back to work!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
http://www.downunderhorsemanship.com/
Clinton Anderson is an Australian horse trainer who deals with horse issues on the "horse's level". He is really amazing to watch. You don't have to be into horses to enjoy what he does.
Clinton Anderson is an Australian horse trainer who deals with horse issues on the "horse's level". He is really amazing to watch. You don't have to be into horses to enjoy what he does.
FARTLEK!!
Kind of sums up my day! Parts of it flew by un-hindered, while other parts were draggy and winded. A small victory in my run tonite. I didn't even try for 10 but called it at 7 deciding to quit while ahead. NO CALF PAIN....just all the other pains that can be expected of people who don't run for three weeks! I needed a confidence run and that was it. I will still worry (cuz this is my nature) about the fact that my last long run was, well, too long ago! However, in the next 24 hours worries about "trip preparedness" will take precedence!
The current training plan stands as follows (posting it here is a commitment which won't allow other dramas to interfere with).
Yoga 30-45 min am and pm
Thursday: X train on the bike ...this means ride over to the beach to watch the team which includes my daughter and Megan, play the weekly beach volleyball. Our local gyms have a league. Then ride home.
Friday: Rest and deal with trip details. Yoga only in the am.
Saturday: 10 miles
Sunday: Bikram Yoga
Monday: 6-8 miles am Fly out in the afternoon.
In the midst of all of that, we have tickets to Clinton Anderson (horse whisperer type) in Kissimee. My sister will take my daughter on Saturday and I hope to get a lot done so I may attend Sunday for a few hours in the morning. Its the Man's birthday so we will do a quiet dinner Saturday night and family deal with his folks on Sunday afternoon. I have work half a day Saturday will need to check in on hospitalized patients through the weekend. Major clean up at the second job so it stays intact while I'm gone. The barn will need to be cleaned up top to bottom so they won't have to deal with any horse drama while I'm gone. Clean the house, pack, make up emergency lists, blah blah blah...
Its no wonder I'm F*&#ing tired all the time!
The current training plan stands as follows (posting it here is a commitment which won't allow other dramas to interfere with).
Yoga 30-45 min am and pm
Thursday: X train on the bike ...this means ride over to the beach to watch the team which includes my daughter and Megan, play the weekly beach volleyball. Our local gyms have a league. Then ride home.
Friday: Rest and deal with trip details. Yoga only in the am.
Saturday: 10 miles
Sunday: Bikram Yoga
Monday: 6-8 miles am Fly out in the afternoon.
In the midst of all of that, we have tickets to Clinton Anderson (horse whisperer type) in Kissimee. My sister will take my daughter on Saturday and I hope to get a lot done so I may attend Sunday for a few hours in the morning. Its the Man's birthday so we will do a quiet dinner Saturday night and family deal with his folks on Sunday afternoon. I have work half a day Saturday will need to check in on hospitalized patients through the weekend. Major clean up at the second job so it stays intact while I'm gone. The barn will need to be cleaned up top to bottom so they won't have to deal with any horse drama while I'm gone. Clean the house, pack, make up emergency lists, blah blah blah...
Its no wonder I'm F*&#ing tired all the time!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Good News?!?
Last night was what could be called an encouraging run. Sadly slow but at least it could be compared to some animal actually possessing legs as opposed to an invertabrate slithering thing! 7 miles with no pain. Some tightness and two stretch breaks but survivable. I was actually a little sore today which was kind of bizarre considering all the merciless cross training but I guess nothing beats the real thing when it comes to working running muscles. My good calf actually "mooed" more than the bad one so I followed with a ton of stretching.
Massage appointment was postive today for the most part. She mocks me a great deal throughout as apparently, I'm rather stoic. She asks me if something hurts and then replies on my behalf "patient reports no pain." She was able to actually feel the three distinct muscles in my calf as opposed to the "hamburger" of last month but she did find some trouble spots in my good calf. Who else but me could get a massage for over an hour that was 100% legs? Does'nt really conjure the images of relaxation and pampering associated with massage for some reason!
I rested today (hard for me) and tried to get the full benefits of the therapy. I even indulged in a pedicure and haircut which tranformed today into the closest thing to a "spa day" I ever get! Trying to address that "tired" issue! Even harder to rest when I feel the clock is ticking. Flight leaves Monday and it will be hard to do much beyond this week with that technically being the only cutback I can afford. I'm trying to find the balance between nailing a couple of confidence building runs and resting the injury enough to survive the outing. Not easy for someone of no patience!
The fancy calf braces I ordered arrived yesterday and I have to say I was disappointed. For 55.00 they were not much more than footless compression socks with fancy writing. Lang Soaks as my Scottish friends would call them!
Thanks for the kind support from welcome readers!
Massage appointment was postive today for the most part. She mocks me a great deal throughout as apparently, I'm rather stoic. She asks me if something hurts and then replies on my behalf "patient reports no pain." She was able to actually feel the three distinct muscles in my calf as opposed to the "hamburger" of last month but she did find some trouble spots in my good calf. Who else but me could get a massage for over an hour that was 100% legs? Does'nt really conjure the images of relaxation and pampering associated with massage for some reason!
I rested today (hard for me) and tried to get the full benefits of the therapy. I even indulged in a pedicure and haircut which tranformed today into the closest thing to a "spa day" I ever get! Trying to address that "tired" issue! Even harder to rest when I feel the clock is ticking. Flight leaves Monday and it will be hard to do much beyond this week with that technically being the only cutback I can afford. I'm trying to find the balance between nailing a couple of confidence building runs and resting the injury enough to survive the outing. Not easy for someone of no patience!
The fancy calf braces I ordered arrived yesterday and I have to say I was disappointed. For 55.00 they were not much more than footless compression socks with fancy writing. Lang Soaks as my Scottish friends would call them!
Thanks for the kind support from welcome readers!
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Tweaking
I've been re-reading old posts (and newer ones), adding and generally cluttering up the blog! My computer literacy compares to something close to "pidgeon English" so its gonna be a work in progress as I test, re-test and un-do! FEED THE FISH, lol!
Re-reading has shown me what a different emotional state I'm in these days and that is nothing but positive BUT the one common theme of late seems to be exhaustion. "I'm tired" appears in my posts much more than it should. I suppose its important to note, even from my own personal perspective and evaluate further.
Its beautiful here today! Time to get out and enjoy it!
Re-reading has shown me what a different emotional state I'm in these days and that is nothing but positive BUT the one common theme of late seems to be exhaustion. "I'm tired" appears in my posts much more than it should. I suppose its important to note, even from my own personal perspective and evaluate further.
Its beautiful here today! Time to get out and enjoy it!
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Pain Free?
I'm almost afraid to say it...I've been pain free since yesterday. I did a 3 mile Galloway run, and at some point later in the evening it dawned on me..."I can't feel the calf." I've been so used to the off and on irritation that it came as kind of a shock. I've been cross training like an animal, or a possessed Leprechaun (not my words!) and accepting the discomfort that it kind of escaped me at which point it stopped. I, of course, am now fighting the overwhelming desire to go out and pull a twenty miler but I know that isn't the sensible alternative. So today its Bikram yoga and another marathon on the bike.
Its my weekend away from the madness at work and yesterday was a frenzy of activity as I try to prepare for the trip, balance my fears, talk myself into some semblance of sensibility for training, and worry about relationships. I kind of wished (only for half a second) that I was back at work! On top of everything else, I have had to stare down some insecurities about the current man. Three weeks ago, I would have staked my life on his title of "The last honest man." Now I have to question whether my insecurities are really what is in question or whether his behavior really warrants some scrutiny?? I guess my baggage is getting heavy again and I have to wonder whether or not the damage done by his predecessor is permanent. Once I would have stood up for him without doubt, only to find out later that my judgement was severely askew, now I question if my judgement is worthy of any trust at all or instead if I am still burnt to the point where fresh scars are easily re-opened by my own relentless picking.
Karma? Signs? Am I not heeding all the signs or are all the difficulties merely obstacles designed to strengthen my resolve? I have entwined so much into this venture. Running this marathon in Scotland is a metaphor for my future and a victory over my past, or at least it has been in my head. Once I was an overweight realist who dreamed of vacationing in a foreign country. Now I am an athlete (not perfect by any stretch of the imagination) who will travel to my dreamed of destination to PROVE that the past cannot prevent me from moving forward with a vengeance. I knew I would have to overcome "myself." I didn't really account for all the other obstacles.
Volcano's, flight issues, injuries, money, insecurities I will have to leave behind and the difficulites of my travelling companions. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. I knew it wouldn't be easy. I guess I just didn't account for ALL the things that would make it so hard.
Like the 6 million dollar man...I've been rebuilt. I'm better, stronger and faster. BRING IT!
Its my weekend away from the madness at work and yesterday was a frenzy of activity as I try to prepare for the trip, balance my fears, talk myself into some semblance of sensibility for training, and worry about relationships. I kind of wished (only for half a second) that I was back at work! On top of everything else, I have had to stare down some insecurities about the current man. Three weeks ago, I would have staked my life on his title of "The last honest man." Now I have to question whether my insecurities are really what is in question or whether his behavior really warrants some scrutiny?? I guess my baggage is getting heavy again and I have to wonder whether or not the damage done by his predecessor is permanent. Once I would have stood up for him without doubt, only to find out later that my judgement was severely askew, now I question if my judgement is worthy of any trust at all or instead if I am still burnt to the point where fresh scars are easily re-opened by my own relentless picking.
Karma? Signs? Am I not heeding all the signs or are all the difficulties merely obstacles designed to strengthen my resolve? I have entwined so much into this venture. Running this marathon in Scotland is a metaphor for my future and a victory over my past, or at least it has been in my head. Once I was an overweight realist who dreamed of vacationing in a foreign country. Now I am an athlete (not perfect by any stretch of the imagination) who will travel to my dreamed of destination to PROVE that the past cannot prevent me from moving forward with a vengeance. I knew I would have to overcome "myself." I didn't really account for all the other obstacles.
Volcano's, flight issues, injuries, money, insecurities I will have to leave behind and the difficulites of my travelling companions. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. I knew it wouldn't be easy. I guess I just didn't account for ALL the things that would make it so hard.
Like the 6 million dollar man...I've been rebuilt. I'm better, stronger and faster. BRING IT!
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Rest Day
Taking a rest day today felt more like being a slug. That's the fear setting in. As though hurrying to train could make it happen any faster. It seems many of the forum participants are equally injured and if calf injuries could be catching then we are in the midst of an epidemic. Maybe its the insanity of work or the fact that I am on the threshold of "clinch time" but for some reason I feel strangley detached. Rest days aren't good for my head. I don't think rest days were intended to entail an utter collapse but that is where I am tonite.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Tired
I am seriously, deeply and utterly tired. Timing is never good, so naturally work would be insane right now. Hit the door (late home) and did not pass go. I changed clothes immediately, grabbed a water and the MP3 and headed to the gym. I'm off the calf so I did a marathon on the eliptical...oh joy :/. I suppose I should be more enthusiastic, at least it doesn't hurt my calf but I truly believe the machine itself was made by some kind of anti-elves whose intention was to create something that would "sap the joy and energy out of you." It doesn't feel like working out...it feels like drainage! Guess my testimonial won't be considered for the eliptical ad campaign.
I'm still moving forward...I'm just dragging the foundation of a demolished building along with me! Night all!
I'm still moving forward...I'm just dragging the foundation of a demolished building along with me! Night all!
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Reconfigure
Its time to re-structure the goals. There was once a time goal on this effort. Now, I just want to finish in one piece, ahead of the time limit, which may well be a stretch. I did 6 and 1/2 miles today. Tempratures were up to typical Florida standards for a change and I was eager to run in the more "sweltering" heat I'm used to. The heat felt strangely good; the calf, not so much. Pain the first quarter mile so it was a galloway run. Trying to decide whether or not this is the kind of pain you have to work through or if it needs to be heeded is the quandry. Midway I got "used" to it but I am not sure that is a good thing. Ice and heat are againg my best friends closely accompanied by disappointment. The overal time was quite embarrasing.
I'm going to have to stay off of it another week, time I can't afford to waste. Cross training (hated these days but necesary) will have to step up another notch while I continue to nurse the calf praying for the speed to finish. 15 minite mile minimum. This is possible in the immediate short distances, even considering the calf pain, however, I just won't know what to expect in later miles and I'm scared.
No sense denying. I'm off to lay out the plan for the week.
I'm going to have to stay off of it another week, time I can't afford to waste. Cross training (hated these days but necesary) will have to step up another notch while I continue to nurse the calf praying for the speed to finish. 15 minite mile minimum. This is possible in the immediate short distances, even considering the calf pain, however, I just won't know what to expect in later miles and I'm scared.
No sense denying. I'm off to lay out the plan for the week.
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