Thursday, March 27, 2008

Sh&*, I want a new Knee

Been a while and frustrated. Finally went to the Doctor who said that the knee pain tendonitis and suggests time off. Bummer. He explained it is not uncommon for the strain of the MCL to evolve into Tendonitis. So here I am, out of commission. Pouting! This is where I could use a Dana push right now... She always found something to do when something hurt, and somehow, it was fun? But then, that is they way it is when you have two fat people with the same goal! I can only hope that as we get warm weather, I can get out. Been doing a whole bunch of walking. That at least keeps me going. Spending more time in the weight room and I can really feel it in the upper body.

I sure am happy to see many of the ultra list folks are doing well in training. Envious but happy. Many are looking forward to spring and dirt and grass. Anyway, that is the update and I am going to listen to the Doc, take more time off with ice and heat rotation and hopefully, get some minor runs in next week. Some solid runner are getting set for great April runs. I was planning some but now, I am not sure... I am looking with high hope to kick off the season at Superior 50K in May... Until then, rest, Ice, Heat and prayer...

Carry on!

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

18 days was enough... I think

Yippeee… I got out today after taking 18 days on the bike and the elliptical machine. A little tired of the bike inside. Last week, it was 160 miles on that bike. I was planning to run on St. Patrick’s Day but the weather did not cooperate. So today, it was the day. I only did 2.5 miles at an 11 minute pace. At first, I was worried about the twinge was still in the knee and after 5 minutes, all felt smooth. I am thrilled.

Weather is looking better and I look forward to getting outside. Although, my other hobby is a USTA Tennis Official and with the collegiate season upon us, my weekend run options are minimal. I am planning on base training about 25-30 miles a week and increase about 3 miles a week. This is very doable, as I do not want to feel a knee pain again. I have been fortunate never to have any knee issues and did not like it.

My son is now back in Colorado. Sure is nice he is doing well. Is there ever a time we can just feel good about their being on their own? Or is just not wanting to recognize we are not needed, except for tuition…

Anyway, looking to get more runs in outside, riding bike to work and sleeping with the windows open. (Ceiling Fan off!) Inside joke but someone knows what that means…

Carry on…

Monday, March 10, 2008

On the upswing

My knee does not hurt. I have been limiting workouts to the bike and elliptical for the past 9 days. I am going to continue with such as my son is here this week and he has my time and he loves to lift weights. So I will stay in the gym for the week. I was a little nervous about my knee but feeling better. It still has a little twinge but overall, I think I will be fine with a little more time off. I am really looking forward to LSD runs in the parks… I just need to get outside. I am so far behind the idols in my realm... Julie Berg did a 50 miles in the cold and then 14 miles the next day. Adam H, slowed by a minor injury, is really packing in the workouts, in a very analytical way. (SEE THE LINKS TO THEIR BLOGS ON THE MAIN PAGE.) Oh well, it is good to have people who inspire we humans to get off the duff and get on the trails.

I joined the Upper Midwest Trail Runner group. I think this will be an outstanding site for complaining s much information into one place to make coordinating and finding activities so much simpler. I am excited and glad to see there are so many great running minds in charge… It is sure to be a success and I am happy to have the opportunity to support the effort.

Other than that change, I am looking forward to riding my bike to work this week. Weather looks positive and I am so excited. Work is only just under four miles and it takes me 13-15 minutes by bike (door to door) and 8-12 minutes by car. Easy decision if the weather if right.

Carry on…

Saturday, March 8, 2008

One great thing, one sucks....


My son is coming home for Spring break! That is the great thing... What sucks? That is the only word I can use to describe my slip on the ice. I was on the trail on a slight slope and did not see the ice under the snow last Monday… My right knee was swollen and in pain. My co-worker thinks I have a sprained MCL as she had the same. She said a few weeks rest and she was fine.

After a week, I do not think it is major but sure hurt. Fort he first two days, any activity was painful. Today (5 days later) I am able to bike lightly without any pain, to chicken to push it. I have not run for 5 days. Walking is no longer painful except for if a turn or change direction, I feel a little sensation but nothing like the first week. I will take another few days and will make an appointment next week if I still have that sensation when walking. With a little luck I will be set for the snow melt and run to celebrate farewell to the ice.


As I said, my son is coming home this weekend for spring break. He graduated from High School last year and is attending the Colorado School of Mines in Golden Colorado. Having him here will be nice. The past 7 months have been tough emotionally being an empty nester
See, after my divorce 8 years ago, it was just he and I occupying the "frat house" as it was a male only house. We have a great relationship, would play ping-pong at 2:00 AM when he could not sleep, took many fun trips and he is a great kid, so I am told.

Running a 100 is nothing compared to being a parent in my opinion as you make mistakes over in a day or two and it is done… Being a parent, we really live our lives with second thoughts. A fellow runner has the saying "pain is temporary, regret hurts forever". As a parent, I can admit I failed many "races" in raising a child and have regrets, although, when I hear his maturity on the phone and success at a very difficult school, it is like I finished the 100 that has always eluded me. It decreases the regret that hurts… That is my opinion.

Those whom are empty nest adults know the feeling I am sure. Those who are not there yet, it is like a 100, you can prepare all you want but something still jumps up and bites you in the but when you least expect it.
There is so much information on being a parent and so much more on running a 100, but none of that is for sure. My girlfriend and I are pretty opposite in parenting (I guess if we raised kids she would be an ex…) but she has raised, much on her own, two very stable girls. But again, using my parenting skills may have destroyed her kids and vice versa… But I guess we both did well and I have come to the realization just like a 100… there is no answer for everyone. I have no right to be critical or doubt what others do. As I have learned, you just need to dig deep and know what is best for yourself, as what works for me may destroy another runner…

Carry on….