Plan B

I guess I will be running vicariously through my friends by reading their various social media posts this weekend. That is my ‘Plan B’ since I was scheduled to run a 5K this morning and a 5 mile race next weekend.

I saw my Orthopaedic doc yesterday about my knee and I have an MRI scheduled for next week. More than likely, I will be facing arthroscopic surgery to repair a meniscus tear in my left knee. If that is the case, at least I know what to expect from the procedure and the recovery process (having gone through this same procedure on my right knee in January). Unfortunately, the prospects of my being able to run a marathon in the fall are fading.

Frustrated - Yes. Devastated - No. There will be more marathons to choose from and train for during the winter months!

How Quickly Things Can Change...

Right now, based on how I am feeling, it is not likely that I will be able to run the 5K that I planned to run this coming weekend. I've had a nagging problem with my left knee for the past 6 weeks and it is really inflamed this evening :-( This comes after running 5.25 miles on the treadmill earlier today.

Off to see my Orthopaedic specialist on Friday to figure out what is going on...

Yoga for Runners?

Thinking about adding Yoga to my exercise regimen. I have tried it in the past but it just didn’t seem to click with me. I’d like to hear from other runners who include Yoga in their training programs. Does it work for you?

Memorial Day Weekend 5K Race

Planning to keep a Memorial Day weekend tradition by running the Doylestown Red, White and Blue 5k Race on Saturday, May 25th. I haven't run a 5K race since last year so I am looking forward to a short but spirited run!

Strong 4-Miler This Morning

Still trying to figure out what is going on with my left knee. However, I felt pretty strong this morning and knocked out a 4-miler on the treadmill at the gym. Kept it at an easy pace and tomorrow will be a rest day. Training for the Chicago Marathon is scheduled to start in about 5 weeks.

Back in the Groove - On Broad Street

Last Sunday, I ran the 34th Annual Broad Street Run (10-Miler) through the various neighborhoods of Philadelphia.  This was my 5th time to run the 'Broad Street Run' and the longest distance I've run since the Marine Corps Marathon in October, 2012.  After tearing the meniscus in my right knee in December, followed by arthroscopic surgery, I've been slowly getting my groove back and doing my darnedest to stay injury free.  Going into the race, I kept mentally telling myself that I wasn't going to challenge myself to PR but 'just have fun'.  When I reviewed my results for the past 2 previous years on Broad Street, I set a very high level objective to finish this 10-miler in 1:30; that would be a 9:00 pace.  (In 2011, I finished in 1:35 and in 2012, I finished in 1:25).  And, BINGO - according to my Garmin, I finished in 1:30:31!

If anything, I have proven to myself, once again, that I am resilient.  Although I haven't felt the same passion about running these past several months, I've still been determined to stay active with cross-training and strength training.  I've been 'mixing it up' a bit with my workouts but I've been consistent about getting to the gym at least 5 days each week.  And, I'm not just showing up at the gym - I'm making the effort and trying to make sure I have fun and feel good about the effort I am expending.

So, I am feeling as if I am 'back in the groove' again.  I finished this 10-miler in a respectable time and at a pace that I am happy with.  And, recognizing that my pace improved over the course of the run (negative splits baby!), I am feeling very good about that.

My plan right now is to focus on a solid recovery from this race.  No running for me this week - I am sticking to cross training and stretching.  My training program for the Chicago Marathon is scheduled to start the week of June 24 so I don't want to risk any injuries!

Happy Running Folks!
John