First race in neatly a year today. 9/11 Heroes 5K Run in Doylestown, PA. Took it at a very easy pace (10:19) and finished in 32:01. A far cry from a PR but very satisfied based on my knee issues this past year.
I was able to run the entire race without any walk breaks and that made me happy.
Felt GREAT to be out there on the road again. It was a warm 80 degrees at race time and there was very little shade along the route so I am glad it was a short distance!
The Philadelphia Rock ‘N Roll Half-Marathon is just 2 weeks from today. Based on how I managed today’s run, my confidence is increased.
Ready to Rock ‘N Roll!
Sunday, September 7, 2014
Saturday, September 6, 2014
9/11 Heroes Run (5K) is Tomorrow!
It is a stormy evening here in suburban Philadelphia with high winds, rain, thunder and lightning. Tomorrow's forecast is calling for partly sunny/cloudy skies with low humidity and a high temperature of 81 degrees. The 9/11 Heroes Run in Doylestown, PA is planned for 2PM so although it will be warmer than my ideal running temp, I'll take it with the low humidity!
This will be my first outdoor race since I ran the Chicago Marathon almost a year ago. I am not out to set a new PR. My goal is to finish the race - running.
Yesterday, I experimented with a walk-run routine on the treadmill at the gym (walk 2 minutes, run 4 minutes) and I managed to log 5.25 miles in 65 minutes. At first, I didn't think I would like switching back and forth between walking and running so frequently. Recently, my routine has been to wall for 0.25 miles and run for 0.75 miles. I have to say that I think I prefer the 2 min - 4 min routine. We'll see it works out for me.
My plan for tomorrow is to continue to mix it up with the walking and running. My Garmin watchband is broken so I will be running 'tech-free' so I will leave it up to my instincts and intuition. There are supposed to be close to 2,500 participants at the race so because of the size of the crowd, I am expecting it to be slower moving towards the back and that is where I am planning to hang out. I just want to be out there, have a good time, and savor the moment.
Looking forward to running a 5K tomorrow!
John
This will be my first outdoor race since I ran the Chicago Marathon almost a year ago. I am not out to set a new PR. My goal is to finish the race - running.
Yesterday, I experimented with a walk-run routine on the treadmill at the gym (walk 2 minutes, run 4 minutes) and I managed to log 5.25 miles in 65 minutes. At first, I didn't think I would like switching back and forth between walking and running so frequently. Recently, my routine has been to wall for 0.25 miles and run for 0.75 miles. I have to say that I think I prefer the 2 min - 4 min routine. We'll see it works out for me.
My plan for tomorrow is to continue to mix it up with the walking and running. My Garmin watchband is broken so I will be running 'tech-free' so I will leave it up to my instincts and intuition. There are supposed to be close to 2,500 participants at the race so because of the size of the crowd, I am expecting it to be slower moving towards the back and that is where I am planning to hang out. I just want to be out there, have a good time, and savor the moment.
Looking forward to running a 5K tomorrow!
John
Friday, August 29, 2014
I'm Coming Back....
I can think of a dozen or more excuses to eplain why I haven't posted on this blog for more than 10 months but plain and simple, my heart has not been where it once was when it comes to running.
My experience at the 2013 Chicago Marathon was a dismal disappointment. It is only recent that I've been able to make this admission to myself but that is the reality. True confessions.
Chicago was my third marathon and it will probably be my last full marathon. It started off great and through mile 18 I was on track to set a new PR which is something I should have never even considered, based on my lack of training and knee surgeries leading up to the race. Consequently, everything started to head south around mile 21. My heart rate accelereated to a level that scared me, I became dehydrated, and my calf muscles started to cramp. Although I finished the race, I walked about half of the last 5 miles and my race time was longer than my two previous marathons in Philadelhphia and Washingtom DC (Marine Corps). So, I retreated home to Philadelphia and tended to my bruised ego and very sore knees. Running a marathon can be a wonderful experience but it is also quite an assault to the human body!
What have I been doing over the past 10 months? Mainly, trying to get my knees back into shape, understanding what was causing my problems, and setting new expectations moving forward. Bottom line is that my new reality is learning to run with osteoarthritis (OA). Yes - I was diagnosed with a moderate amount of OA in my left knee. My most predominant symptoms are swelling and stiffness; fortunately, there is no pain. For that, I am thankful!
Instead of running 5 (sometimes 6) days a week, I limit my running to 3 days a week - maximum. I still try to get to the gym at least 5 days a week and on my off-running days, you will find me on the stationary bike and the elliptical. Actually, I have become a HUGE fan of the elliptical!!
I am registered to run the Rock 'N Roll Half-Marathon in Philadelphia on September 21 and I just registered for a 5K in Doylestown, PA on September 7. Most of my recent running has been indoors on the treadmill but I have ventured outdoors and managed a 9-mile long run a few weeks ago.
Although I am apprehensive, my confidence is growing each week that I will be able to finish the 13.1 mile challenge that I am about to take later in September. I realize that the next half-marathon race that I will run will be a defining moment for me to see how I manage it and how well my recovery goes following the race.
So, wish me luck! I pride myself in being determined and focused. Hopefully, I will be able to stay positive, healthy, and continue to do what I love to stay active - RUN!!
Happy Trails,
John
My experience at the 2013 Chicago Marathon was a dismal disappointment. It is only recent that I've been able to make this admission to myself but that is the reality. True confessions.
Chicago was my third marathon and it will probably be my last full marathon. It started off great and through mile 18 I was on track to set a new PR which is something I should have never even considered, based on my lack of training and knee surgeries leading up to the race. Consequently, everything started to head south around mile 21. My heart rate accelereated to a level that scared me, I became dehydrated, and my calf muscles started to cramp. Although I finished the race, I walked about half of the last 5 miles and my race time was longer than my two previous marathons in Philadelhphia and Washingtom DC (Marine Corps). So, I retreated home to Philadelphia and tended to my bruised ego and very sore knees. Running a marathon can be a wonderful experience but it is also quite an assault to the human body!
What have I been doing over the past 10 months? Mainly, trying to get my knees back into shape, understanding what was causing my problems, and setting new expectations moving forward. Bottom line is that my new reality is learning to run with osteoarthritis (OA). Yes - I was diagnosed with a moderate amount of OA in my left knee. My most predominant symptoms are swelling and stiffness; fortunately, there is no pain. For that, I am thankful!
Instead of running 5 (sometimes 6) days a week, I limit my running to 3 days a week - maximum. I still try to get to the gym at least 5 days a week and on my off-running days, you will find me on the stationary bike and the elliptical. Actually, I have become a HUGE fan of the elliptical!!
I am registered to run the Rock 'N Roll Half-Marathon in Philadelphia on September 21 and I just registered for a 5K in Doylestown, PA on September 7. Most of my recent running has been indoors on the treadmill but I have ventured outdoors and managed a 9-mile long run a few weeks ago.
Although I am apprehensive, my confidence is growing each week that I will be able to finish the 13.1 mile challenge that I am about to take later in September. I realize that the next half-marathon race that I will run will be a defining moment for me to see how I manage it and how well my recovery goes following the race.
So, wish me luck! I pride myself in being determined and focused. Hopefully, I will be able to stay positive, healthy, and continue to do what I love to stay active - RUN!!
Happy Trails,
John
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Chicago Bound!
Training for my 3rd marathon in as many years has been quite different from my training experience for my first 2 marathons: tearing the meniscus in both knees required arthroscopic surgical repair, putting me on the sidelines when I should have been logging miles. With that said, when I look back on what I did accomplish during the past 16 weeks, the numbers tell an interesting story.
First off, this is the first time my cross training miles exceed my running miles: 331 miles on the bicycle and 50 miles on the elliptical add up to a total of 381 miles of cross training, as opposed to 232 miles running. Also, in past years, I ran quite a few races as part of my marathon training program. This year, the only races I ran were the 10 mile Broad Street Run in May and the Philadelphia Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon in September. To say that I am a bit apprehensive about running Chicago this coming Sunday may be a bit of an understatement. However, every time I dwell on it, I remind myself that I have done this before. Am I as prepared as I would like to be? No. Am I going to do something stupid (like try to archive a marathon PR)? No.
So, what do I want to accomplish on Sunday? Well, first off, I want to absorb and live the marathon experience. Being surrounded by tens of thousands of other runners who have similar dreams and experiences is not only comforting but it can be exhilarating, too! Next, I want to make sure that I stay focused on having fun and maintain a consistent, reasonable pace throughout the race. I still need to look though the numbers and then commit to a realistic and reasonable race time goal. That is my objective for the next 2 days.
If I know anything about myself, I know I can do this. I will finish. And, I will be back here to tell you all about it.
Happy Running!
John
First off, this is the first time my cross training miles exceed my running miles: 331 miles on the bicycle and 50 miles on the elliptical add up to a total of 381 miles of cross training, as opposed to 232 miles running. Also, in past years, I ran quite a few races as part of my marathon training program. This year, the only races I ran were the 10 mile Broad Street Run in May and the Philadelphia Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon in September. To say that I am a bit apprehensive about running Chicago this coming Sunday may be a bit of an understatement. However, every time I dwell on it, I remind myself that I have done this before. Am I as prepared as I would like to be? No. Am I going to do something stupid (like try to archive a marathon PR)? No.
So, what do I want to accomplish on Sunday? Well, first off, I want to absorb and live the marathon experience. Being surrounded by tens of thousands of other runners who have similar dreams and experiences is not only comforting but it can be exhilarating, too! Next, I want to make sure that I stay focused on having fun and maintain a consistent, reasonable pace throughout the race. I still need to look though the numbers and then commit to a realistic and reasonable race time goal. That is my objective for the next 2 days.
If I know anything about myself, I know I can do this. I will finish. And, I will be back here to tell you all about it.
Happy Running!
John
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Final Long Run - 12.5 Miles
This morning's 12.5 mile run was my last LONG run in preparation for the Chicago Marathon which is just 2 weeks away. I got an early start (6:45AM) and I chose downtown St. Petersburg as my venue for this morning's run. I was pleasantly surprised to see quite a few other runners out there but once I saw the scenery, I could understand why. I got to experience a beautiful sunrise over Tampa Bay and lots of beautiful neighborhoods along the trail.
Tomorrow will be a well deserved REST DAY for sure!
Safe training folks!
Saturday, September 28, 2013
Planning a Long Run Tomorrow
My extended stay here in Florida is really tapping into my resourcefulness! To counter the monotony of running on the treadmill at the gym, I met up with a local running group here in St. Petersburg this morning to run 5 miles along Gulf Boulevard. The group gets an early start so we begin running about 35 minutes before sunrise and finish up about 25 minutes post sunrise. I am thankful for the early start because it was a HOT one today. Once the sun came up, it didn't take long to hit the 90 degree mark. And that is NOT good running weather.
The Chicago Marathon is just 2 weeks away and I really wanted to get a long run in tomorrow, on Sunday morning. My plan is to run at least 12 miles. So, that meant that I had to go to the running store this afternoon to buy another water belt. This was frustrating since I already have 2 water belts that I use for running back in Pennsylvania! Ok, so now I have 3 water belts :-)
There is supposed to be a group of runners meeting in downtown St. Petersburg for their long runs tomorrow morning so I hope to meet up with them. But, just in case I have to run it alone, I went downtown this afternoon and 'scoped' out the waterfront so I would have a general idea of where to run. It looks like they have a nicely laid out 'City Trails' pathway for walkers, bikers, and runners along Tampa Bay so I am looking forward to a scenic route tomorrow.
Good luck to all of you who are training for your fall marathons. Train strong and smart!
The Chicago Marathon is just 2 weeks away and I really wanted to get a long run in tomorrow, on Sunday morning. My plan is to run at least 12 miles. So, that meant that I had to go to the running store this afternoon to buy another water belt. This was frustrating since I already have 2 water belts that I use for running back in Pennsylvania! Ok, so now I have 3 water belts :-)
There is supposed to be a group of runners meeting in downtown St. Petersburg for their long runs tomorrow morning so I hope to meet up with them. But, just in case I have to run it alone, I went downtown this afternoon and 'scoped' out the waterfront so I would have a general idea of where to run. It looks like they have a nicely laid out 'City Trails' pathway for walkers, bikers, and runners along Tampa Bay so I am looking forward to a scenic route tomorrow.
Good luck to all of you who are training for your fall marathons. Train strong and smart!
Saturday, September 21, 2013
St. Pete Road Runners
This group has something going on just about every day of the week; some runs are in the morning and other runs are in the evening. So, it looks like I will have some more runs with the group in the upcoming week.
It is hard to believe that the Chicago Marathon is only 3 weeks from tomorrow - Yikes! I definitely have not met my training objectives so I will be focused on getting out there and having fun - no personal records on the horizon for this year.
For all of you out there who are training for your fall marathons, stay strong and be safe!
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Another Half-Marathon In the Books!
Based on my knee injuries followed by surgery earlier this year, my main objective for today was to get out there, have fun, and turn in a respectable time. And, that is exactly what I did by finishing in 2:05:45 (unofficial). Although that is 8 minutes slower than my race time last year (1:57), I am happy with the result. My running today was consistent: I maintained a steady pace from mile 1 through 13 and it felt great!
My left knee is a bit sore this evening so I am icing it and planning to take a rest day tomorrow. I will be heading back to the gym later this week. After all, I have to finish my training for the Chicago Marathon on October 13.
Saturday, September 14, 2013
Race Day is Tomorrow!
Preparations are final for tomorrow's race. Gear is assembled, race bib is on my shirt, timing chip is on my shoe. Lights will be off in about 10 minutes. My 4:30AM wake up call will be here soon enough. The temperature will be a cool 46 degrees when I leave the house and 50 degrees with sunny skies at race time.
I am looking forward to tomorrow's race as it will be the first half-marathon I will run in a year. I like the half-marathon distance: 13.1 miles is a respectable distance. Nothing to sneeze at.
Come on, Philly.... It's time to Rock 'N' Roll!
I am looking forward to tomorrow's race as it will be the first half-marathon I will run in a year. I like the half-marathon distance: 13.1 miles is a respectable distance. Nothing to sneeze at.
Come on, Philly.... It's time to Rock 'N' Roll!
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
91 Degrees in Philly!
Here we are, just 4 days before the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon and it is 91 degrees - Yikes! Thankfully, the weather forecast calls for a high of 73 degrees on race day. Today I knocked out 5 miles at an easy pace on the treadmill and plan to run 6 miles on Friday and then I will be ready for race day!
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Easy Run Day
Today was an 'Easy Run' day: 5.5 miles at a very easy pace (13:20 minute mile). I am still being prudent with my workouts - staying more focused on the time duration of the run, rather than the pace or speed. I know from my history that endurance is important for me; I always seem to be able to run at a faster pace when it comes to race time. I don't want to over train heading into my upcoming half-marathon and marathon races. This is a very different year for me as far as my marathon training is concerned. Because of my 2 knee surgeries this year, I am not focused on improving my time; rather, I am focused on finishing and having fun!
The Chicago Marathon will be my third marathon in as many years. In 2011, I ran the Philadelphia Marathon in 4:23 and in 2012, I ran the Marine Corps Marathon in 4:36. Clearly, I am not the fastest of runners! However, I will be very happy if I can run Chicago as close as possible to the time I ran Philadelphia 2 years ago. That is my goal.
So, this week will proceed with more cross-training tomorrow, another easy run on Thursday, and a long run on Saturday, probably 16 miles.
Staying focused!
John
The Chicago Marathon will be my third marathon in as many years. In 2011, I ran the Philadelphia Marathon in 4:23 and in 2012, I ran the Marine Corps Marathon in 4:36. Clearly, I am not the fastest of runners! However, I will be very happy if I can run Chicago as close as possible to the time I ran Philadelphia 2 years ago. That is my goal.
So, this week will proceed with more cross-training tomorrow, another easy run on Thursday, and a long run on Saturday, probably 16 miles.
Staying focused!
John
Monday, September 2, 2013
It Is Cross Training Day!
I will be heading back to the gym this morning after my rest day yesterday. My legs feel pretty darn good following my 12.25 mile long run 2 days ago. Cross training on the elliptical and strength training are on this morning's agenda at the gym.
My confidence is building but I know running 26.2 miles is considerably different from running 12 miles. In 2 weeks, I will be running the Rock 'N' Roll Half Marathon in Philadelphia. Following that event, I hope to finish my Chicago Marathon training with an 18 mile long run. The good news is that I have the experience of running 2 marathons behind me and I know that being prudent with my training is my best course of action at this point.
Getting stronger week by week!
My confidence is building but I know running 26.2 miles is considerably different from running 12 miles. In 2 weeks, I will be running the Rock 'N' Roll Half Marathon in Philadelphia. Following that event, I hope to finish my Chicago Marathon training with an 18 mile long run. The good news is that I have the experience of running 2 marathons behind me and I know that being prudent with my training is my best course of action at this point.
Getting stronger week by week!
Thursday, August 29, 2013
My Legs are Coming Back!
I have been so negligent with my posts these past few months. My knee surgery in June put me in recovery mode so my marathon training plans had to be put on the 'back burner'. But... I am coming back slowly and as of 2 weeks ago, I finally feel as though my legs are coming back!
Even though I was in recovery mode, I was diligent about getting to the gym several times a week and managed to stick to a cross-training program. Lots of riding on the stationary bike and learning how to cross-train on the elliptical kept my cardio pumping. After avoiding the elliptical all these years, I finally learned how to train on it effectively so now I actually look forward to my 'elliptical days'!
Over the past couple of weeks, I have returned to the treadmill for my easy runs and managed an 8-mile run at the track and a 10-mile run on the beach. This coming weekend, I will be attempting a 12-mile long run - not sure where the venue will be yet. I am considering running along the Delaware River Towpath in Yardley; it is very flat and quite conducive to longer runs.
So, I am back to feeling confident about being able to run again. I do not plan to include speed or interval training in my program over the next couple of months. My next 2 race goals are to run the Rock 'N' Roll Philadelphia Half-Marathon in September and the Chicago Marathon in October. I am not expecting to break any of my personal records; I just want to get out there and have fun.
I have to admit that I reached a point this summer where I really did not think I would be able to lace up the running shoes again. During my last post-op visit with my Orthopedic doc, he asked me what my racing plans were. I told him I had originally planned to run the Chicago Marathon in October; I said, 'I don't think my heart is in it anymore'. His response to me was, 'Well, that is a matter between you and your heart. Your knee will be fine.' Thanks, Doc for giving me something to chew on and reminding me that running is a part of who I am. It is my heart and I will continue to lace up those running shoes as long as the rest of my body says, "Go!"
Happy Trails Folks, John
Even though I was in recovery mode, I was diligent about getting to the gym several times a week and managed to stick to a cross-training program. Lots of riding on the stationary bike and learning how to cross-train on the elliptical kept my cardio pumping. After avoiding the elliptical all these years, I finally learned how to train on it effectively so now I actually look forward to my 'elliptical days'!
Over the past couple of weeks, I have returned to the treadmill for my easy runs and managed an 8-mile run at the track and a 10-mile run on the beach. This coming weekend, I will be attempting a 12-mile long run - not sure where the venue will be yet. I am considering running along the Delaware River Towpath in Yardley; it is very flat and quite conducive to longer runs.
So, I am back to feeling confident about being able to run again. I do not plan to include speed or interval training in my program over the next couple of months. My next 2 race goals are to run the Rock 'N' Roll Philadelphia Half-Marathon in September and the Chicago Marathon in October. I am not expecting to break any of my personal records; I just want to get out there and have fun.
I have to admit that I reached a point this summer where I really did not think I would be able to lace up the running shoes again. During my last post-op visit with my Orthopedic doc, he asked me what my racing plans were. I told him I had originally planned to run the Chicago Marathon in October; I said, 'I don't think my heart is in it anymore'. His response to me was, 'Well, that is a matter between you and your heart. Your knee will be fine.' Thanks, Doc for giving me something to chew on and reminding me that running is a part of who I am. It is my heart and I will continue to lace up those running shoes as long as the rest of my body says, "Go!"
Happy Trails Folks, John
Saturday, May 25, 2013
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!
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!
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
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...
Off to see my Orthopaedic specialist on Friday to figure out what is going on...
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Yoga for Runners?
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!
Monday, May 20, 2013
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.
Thursday, May 9, 2013
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
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
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Cross Training Has Made Me....
My right knee meniscus tear with subsequent surgery has sidelined my running endeavors for the past couple of months. And, in order to stay fit and prepare myself for future running, I've been focusing on cross training at the gym. The stationary bike has been my best friend since the middle of December and although I've read that the elliptical is excellent for cross-training, I just can't seem to get the hang of it. Frankly, it just feels unnatural to me. So, I've been sticking to bicycling and I've picked up weight training again - something that I ignored for a long time.
Injuries can be devastating for runners. They eat away at your core - making you feel inadequate and unfulfilled. And the mind games can drive you CRAZY. Yes, you begin to think that you'll never be able to run again - ever. And consequently, your muscles will atrophy and you'll put on weight, begin to feel like a slug and then WHAM - the downward spiral will suck you in and you'll never be able to return to a fit lifestyle. Your life will be over.
OK - perhaps a bit melodramatic. But, believe me, the recovery process is frustrating and painful. However, being an eternal optimist, I always try to find the silver lining when I am faced with a challenge. With this particular injury, I decided to find an alternate exercise vehicle and this is where Cross Training comes into play. I found that bicycling actually made my knee feel better. Yes, trust me. Even when I could not walk without a limp, I was able to knock off 18 miles on the stationary bike and feel great after the workout! What a confidence booster.
Adding strength training to my program also helped me feel better and gain confidence. I tried to stick to alternating days of upper and lower body strength training after my bicycle workouts. And, although I neglected core training for so long, I even added crunches and working with the stability ball to work my core. The difference in how much better I feel is amazing.
In a nutshell, when I think about what I've learned over the past couple of months, I can emphatically say that
Cross Training Has Made Me:
Stronger - Physically and mentally
More Confident - I know I will recover completely and return to running short, mid and long distances
Motivated - I want to continue to improve and reach a level of fitness that surpasses where I was before
For those of you out there who may be faced with similar circumstances of misfortunes with running injuries, I strongly encourage you to stay positive and focus on things that you can do rather than obsessing over the things that you cannot do!
Run Strong and Safe!
John
Injuries can be devastating for runners. They eat away at your core - making you feel inadequate and unfulfilled. And the mind games can drive you CRAZY. Yes, you begin to think that you'll never be able to run again - ever. And consequently, your muscles will atrophy and you'll put on weight, begin to feel like a slug and then WHAM - the downward spiral will suck you in and you'll never be able to return to a fit lifestyle. Your life will be over.
OK - perhaps a bit melodramatic. But, believe me, the recovery process is frustrating and painful. However, being an eternal optimist, I always try to find the silver lining when I am faced with a challenge. With this particular injury, I decided to find an alternate exercise vehicle and this is where Cross Training comes into play. I found that bicycling actually made my knee feel better. Yes, trust me. Even when I could not walk without a limp, I was able to knock off 18 miles on the stationary bike and feel great after the workout! What a confidence booster.
Adding strength training to my program also helped me feel better and gain confidence. I tried to stick to alternating days of upper and lower body strength training after my bicycle workouts. And, although I neglected core training for so long, I even added crunches and working with the stability ball to work my core. The difference in how much better I feel is amazing.
In a nutshell, when I think about what I've learned over the past couple of months, I can emphatically say that
Cross Training Has Made Me:
Stronger - Physically and mentally
More Confident - I know I will recover completely and return to running short, mid and long distances
Motivated - I want to continue to improve and reach a level of fitness that surpasses where I was before
For those of you out there who may be faced with similar circumstances of misfortunes with running injuries, I strongly encourage you to stay positive and focus on things that you can do rather than obsessing over the things that you cannot do!
Run Strong and Safe!
John
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)