Production Update: LA / WC

Two weeks ago, I had a business trip to LA. I am not a big fan of the City of Angels but I did become one. In the past, LA has only reminded me of traffic, drinking with OJ, and smog. But this trip was different, in resuming a fairly normal trianing schedule I was yeilded an opportunity to see the city in a way that I never had before... early, early in the morning, one block at a time. All cities have there own beauty but I had never really seen that in LA - traffic and smog really ruins it. But this trip was different. The city was really beautiful and I enjoyed my runs out on Wilsher Blvd. very much. It seems as though my knees enjoyed the runs too.

Back in WC the knees are still feeling good. Yesterday, I completed a 12 mile run feeling strong and as if I could have ran some more. During this run I felt relaxed and actually pushed myself towards the end of the run. "Pushing myself" hasn't been apart of my vocabulary in some time. It felt great. Let me say that again... it felt great.
I never saw my Sports Med Doc and I rehabed everything myself. I don't know why I never went to see them- probably because I was a little afraid of what I would hear.

Production Update: Crap-tacular

I wish things were going better. Like anyone else, I am having good days and bad... in this case subsitute "days" with "runs." Last Saturday, I ran seven miles and felt great - no pain in my legs and relaxed. It was fun.

Wednesday was a different story.

The last two miles of an eight mile run was spent trying to manage the pain of an ever tightening right knee and some funk going on in my left shin. Crap-tacular.

So I have jumped back on wrapping my knees but doing a contrast (cold then hot) at least twice a day with a 400mg Motrin chaser.

I have faced the fact that I am going to have to see the Sports Med. doc and try to fit rehab in somewhere. I am trying to stay positive but these injuries seem to my effect spirit as much as my body... I guess it is time to face the music and heal both.

Production Update: On The Road Again

In third grade, my teacher had a large styrofoam elf that was running with a large pocket watch. Mrs. Aul told us that when we didn't focus on our task this elf will run away with our time. Lost time forces you to rush and possibly make mistakes. I can still see that smiling elf looking at me - ready to run at the first opportunity that my focus should drift.

Being hurt sucks.

While I am running again, my left knee is still feeling pain as the milage increases. Yesterday (Wednesday), I spent the last few miles in a seven mile run trying to find "the sweet spot" in my left leg's stride to avoid the pain. I remind myself not to run hurt because favoring a leg may cause more problems. If this continues, I will go see a sports med. doc... and that will be followed up with PT.

Now that elf from Mrs. Aul's third grade class is running away from me and I feel like I may not be able to catch him. God damn, the elf is fast. z