Monday, October 13, 2008

Stupid Training Leads to Stupid Injuries

You would think that I would learn from my mistakes.

I know WHAT I am supposed to do when I train. I know HOW I am supposed to train. I know, I know, I know. Then why do I keep doing this to myself? Maybe it is because I need to know how FAR I run. Or how FAST I run. Or maybe I have OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder).

On my last long run of 18.1 miles, I did it again. Ran too fast without proper nutrition. This was over 2 weeks ago and I'm still paying the price. For some reason, I feel this urge to run faster than I need to when doing a long run. I know I should be running at least 30-45 seconds slower than my desired marathon pace. It never happens.

When I get out there, I run with my Timex GPS system. It measures your speed, pace, distance, average pace and it may even make you a cup of coffee if you ask. I use it so I can track how far I run. Ask anyone, I can tell you almost any distance from my house in Meredith. Four miles to the library. Two miles to Vutek. Need a 6.2 mile loop, I have one for you. 10 miles, got it.

So, back to me being stupid. My last long run, I went out too fast, but worked to "hang on" to run 18.1 miles at a 7:45 pace. S-T-U-P-I-D! Not only did I go out too fast, I did not have the right amount of nutrition. D-U-M-B. Mix the two problems together and I end up getting injured. Wicked smaahhtt.

Since that time, my Achilles has been bothering me. I tried to run 10 days ago, but it felt like someone had lit a torch on back of my leg. Frustration and disappointment have led me to shut my running down and to seek help. I can still bike and lift, but running has been eliminated at this point.

Strange, but as much as I hate running, I now miss it a little. Maybe I need to come up with a some commandments like:
  1. Wear a heart rate monitor on longer runs
  2. Manage my ego knowing its ok to go slow
  3. Plan appropriately with my nutrition
  4. Try to find others to run with who run slower (to keep me in check)

I hope to get back to some form of running. Time will tell.

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