I've been rather quiet relative to the past 4 1/2 years on this blog because I have not had a run, or a ride, or even a swim that I'm just dying to gush about. Prediction: that is about to change.
Today was my MRI. I will bet $10 (takers? You are probably safe -- I bet on the Broncos last week) that the diagnosis is "tendinosis." I will move quickly to blame co-bloggers on a theory of electronic contagion. Tendinosis is, of course, a degenerative problem in the tendon caused by overuse, the cure for which is less use.
My cure will be different use. I'm planning to run in two ways: shorter and faster and longer and slower. I want to find some trails that disappear into the woods and do not emerge until long after the batteries on my iPod wear down. The next day I want to set a few PRs in distances that I deeply fear, like the 10K, 8K, 5K -- even 2 and 1 mile. I'd like to win my age group a few times and run long miles with no competitive goal whatever. I hope to break last year's record of three runs with co-bloggers. Four? Even five?
I've now been in off mode since early October when I ditched my plans to run the Rehoboth Beach marathon. I think I have decided that the way back to "on" is to redefine the term, for a while at least. Breaking three hours can wait until 2015.
You might be able to talk me into some running after -- or, perhaps, if -- I survive this weekend's TT. Like you, I don't have much interest in threshold or marathon-paced running at the moment. I'd either like to suffer for a few minutes and get on with life, or set out on an adventure in the woods without any greater agenda.
ReplyDeleteDeal. And pedal like the wind. As in a really slow, steady wind.
ReplyDeleteUgh--when I say I feel your pain, it's not just me being sympathetic. I just marked my year anniversary of foot pain. I like your game plan.
ReplyDeleteI love your attitude, Max. Awesome! Here I am still juggling hard rowing with getting back into running. Yes I did Rome and Amsterdam marathons last year, but this year I need to raise my game and speed the heck up. Posts like yours MOTIVATE.
ReplyDeleteGood luck. I am still trapped in the gym and wind chill is below zero most mornings. I get so bored that it is a rare day I can do more then 4 miles on a tread or elliptical or any combo thereof.
ReplyDeleteAs an alternative,I may do my first ever spin class tomorrow night.
No snow here yet of course but so much flooding in the Thames that I can't get to the station (in Oxford) and train line to London is underwater so Big Smoke is cut off. Can't get in to work there today, but tomorrow have to get there so it may be a combo of running, splashing and surfing.
ReplyDeleteTyphoid Mary, now it's Tendinosis Ted . . . Sorry!!!! On my end, the non-running streak continues. I currently feel like I could run if I wanted to, but that I'm going to try to stretch this streak out for another week, then work my way back to being slow. Appointment with the foot doc next week. Will report.
ReplyDeleteOops. Just checked my calendar, the foot doctor is today. We'll see what she says. I'm hoping to be cleared for light running but who knows? First morning steps are still mighty unpleasant. . .
ReplyDeleteOh, and be careful of shorter and faster. My current agonies flared after a session of speed work and a 5K PR . . .
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