Last week I took some days off from running and I was also very religious about icing my knee and popping the ibuprofen every 6 hours or so. I was feeling pretty good going into my long run Saturday and I had this striking man as my partner:
So we set off, him on bike, me on foot. The first 15 miles were great with long winded stories and encouragement from my handsome mate. The Clif Shot Blocks worked wonders again, and having gatorade at my ready from my beverage carrying companion was also very helpful. Just before mile 15 my knee started hurting again a bit, but I powered through for one mile to complete my goal. Here I am after 16 miles:
This is generally how I look 4 days/week.
So after 16 miles, we came home, ate lunch, napped for about 45 minutes and then I went to work at the Sprint Center (to raise $$ for my fund), oh the things I do for BPE! Sunday I was very sore, but by Monday I was adament that I was going to accomplish my weekday mileage. I set off for 7 miles, but ended with pretty significant knee pain at four. After consultation with Coach Rick, I am off from running for another couple days, with the instruction to "shuffle" upon returning. Perhaps I will shoot some video of this "shuffle" for your enjoyment next week.
Anyway, back to my point. I have come to the conclusion that running this frequently cannot be good for any part of your body, even if you are being awesomely active. I am fairly confident that if I continue semi-competitive (against myself mostly) running for a period of 10 or more years, I will cause significant bodily damage, most likely resulting in hip replacement surgery by the age of 35.
In other news, the Olympics are now in progress! I love the Olympics. I cry pretty much every time I turn them on. The stories are so inspiring and the medal ceremonies always get me. I am in awe of the athlete's drive and committment to their sport. This story is particularly touching to me. Congratulations to Canada on breaking the streak, and to Alexandre Bilodeau and his family.
And finally, thank you to Dave Ornee for his awesome donation (and enouragement)!
Glad you got some advice from your coach. And the good thing is... all of this will be over in April, and you can say for the rest of your life that you did in fact run a marathon (AND more importantly....did not die at the end. :)
ReplyDeleteOh, the things we're doing for this marathon.
ReplyDeletePS I had no idea that you were such a huge dork when it comes to the Olympics.... :)
Gina - I would like to say that you are the best bestie ever. Thank you for being so entirely encouraging throughout this process. You rock!
ReplyDeleteJess - Thanks for the comment! HUGE dork! Travis makes fun of me. Turn on the Olympics, and I cry, it's just so amazing! I guess it's kind of like yoga is for you. :)
Oh, and http://www.teamhoyt.com/ totally makes me cry. Oh, and their from Massachusetts, I think we all should love them. :)
And I'm officially bawling after watching Team Hoyt's video. Can we take a minute to appreciate the fact that they completed a marathon in 2:40!?!?!?!?!
ReplyDeletegreat post, laurelin! i agree-- this #$%^ is hazardous to our health! and yet, here we are: destined for new hips in the next decade. and i too cry at the olympics. and olympics commercials! did you see that one where all the little kids are competing in the events and then they say, "to their moms, they will always be babies" or some such thing. i'm crying just typing this. sniff.
ReplyDeleteHi Laurelin, its Meghan. Congrats on finishing 16! I too am injured. I ran 18 on Monday and have not been able to put any weight on my left foot since! Hang in there and get the rest you need. We have plenty of time and are in good shape!
ReplyDeleteLaura - yes, commercials too! I am fairly certain I will also cry at/during/before the marathon. Especially after all that physical exertion - I may be crazy!
ReplyDeleteMeghan - Thanks! I hope you are feeling better soon. Resting is harder than running!