-cc-> Randy
Hi, I am Randy from the flatlands of Superior, WI. Back in the day just might be an appropriate title for this. For my 30+ seasons of running I hope to share some regional running history, trail running information, and observations about our sport / activity / pastime.
Happy trails or roads,
Randy
June 8, 2011: Not getting ready for Grandma's
Well its’ been awhile since I have blogged. Let's start where I left off with my last entry, sort of! It all started with the Millennium pavement / trail race, that was the first step in my undoing, then the Get in Gear 10K eroded a bit more, with the final nail in the coffin being the Western Waterfront 5 mile. The world of Randy’s running has become very quiet due to injury.
So what's my ailment? It's an encounter with Plantar fasciitis. It’s amazing what your training log can tell you, when you look for the how and why. When I read between the lines, here is the story. This year Grandma’s was clearly in my cross-hairs as a more serious road marathon. It's the 35th renewal of the event you know. The problem was my 26 year old brain forgot to tell my 52 year old body that you aren't supposed to train like you did as a 35 year old. Way back before my trail ultra days I was a confirmed “roadie,” all events and preparation involved lots of encounters with the pavement. That lasted up to about age 35. I thought that I could just step back into that form of training again. My bad!
What my training log uncovered was the absence of early season trail runs. As I reviewed my log entries from recent years I found that I noted how tired and weak my feet felt in March and April after my trail workouts on the Superior Hiking and Voyageur trails. The more I did the stronger they felt and the better my training came together, I made a point of noting that too. This year it was about 3-4 days of single track trail running and lots of pavement up to the Millennium "pavement" run. They say hindsight is 20/20, confirmed!
Considering all that I have read about resolving and preventing PF it seems that a common theme is keeping your feet strong. Well now I’m in recover mode, getting better too. I have a few more Triathlons on the agenda this year. At least I can be two thirds effective, it's heavy on the cross-training. I discovered that running is a solid cornerstone for the other two sports, at least for me. Not running has most definitely hurt my overall endurance for swimming and cycling. Running seems to be my foundation sport by hours and effort. Don't get me wrong, I'm not lamenting, having two other things to do, I'm grateful for that.
Well it would take a small miracle to put me on the starting line for Grandma’s this year, If so, it will be an ultra-style slow run that involves lots of breaks, some walking, and a very low-key informal see what it's all about from the "Back" perspective. I might just have to visualize some trees, single track, wood ticks and such to pull it off. A small meal will have to be included try to authenticate the ultra-ish experience. Hey! Jolly Rancher's at mile 18. I'm almost there. The time involved will be much more like a 50K, or more. This years Grandma’s was to be my 99th marathon or longer event, with the ½ Voyageur as my 100th. It's up in the air now.
For me the score card has been 27 full Grandma's,1 Irving 5k (my Western States 100 year) and 3 Bjorklund 1/2's in 31 years. What's in store this late in the game... only time will tell if I add another category to the score card. If you happen to see a North shore Strides reunion shirt, with "Back" on the back... that's me. I give it a 30% chance of happening as of today...tomorrow perhaps 33%. Let's hope for more recovery
Comments
Wow that's an impressive amount of Marathons. I'll be happy if I can do half as many.
Having strong feet seems to help quite a bit. When I have had feet issues massaging/stretching my feet when I first wake up is good. Also wearing a boot or sock that keeps things stretched if i notice to only have pain in the morning.
Though I'm not sure if I've ever had PF, but i think it's all connected.
Sorry to hear about your plantar issues, I know what a bummer that is. I have been having issue with my hamstring that has reduced my 14th grandmas to just being satisfied finishing. Hope to see you there.
13 Grandmas and 4 Bjorklunds over the past 26 years of tortuous running ;-)
13 Grandmas and 4 Bjorklunds over the past 26 years of tortuous running ;-)
Glad to hear things are improving. I'm hoping I'll see you pass by where I'll be hanging out at mile 18 at Grandma's.
But you and I both know you need to be cautious, as you don't want the PF to become a chronic problem. Maybe #99 at the 1/2 Voyageur and #100 at the full Voyageur isn't a bad fallback?
I'm pullin' for ya'...