Since converting to endurance sports and running in 2007, I would like to think that I go about training with great awareness of my body. From January through the middle of February, I was feeling great with a couple heavy training weeks and over 600 miles. After a short trip to Arizona, where I spent 2+ hours a day running mountain trails, I came back stronger and more motivated for Spring. Unfortunately, that unraveled quickly. During the 3rd week of February, I felt run-down and unable to recover. Instead of taking it easy for a few days, I ended up badly pulling my glute and subsequently injuring my SI Joint. At the time of injury I figured it was slight nerve pain which I am well acquainted with. Though I could not walk that day, I went to bed thinking I would be ready for 25 miles of easy running in the morning. Of course, I was merely joking myself.
Denial & Depression:
As I sat face down in my bed with all of my running gear on the next morning, I realized I was in the first stage of injury...denial. For the next couple of days, I woke up each morning to the hope that I would run. Each time I stepped out of bed, I knew I was still injured. Soon, the next step came which is basically a depression and longing for fresh air. Those who run understand this depression. Others are simply confused by it. I have not dealt with injury often, but I have learned a few things during this state of depression. I love running, organizing my life and capturing the energy to face each day through it. It is what frees me from the grind of work or slight misfortunes. It is my time to escape and explore hidden areas that I wouldn't see while driving or even cycling.
Frustration:
After a 1.5 weeks of injury, I finally dropped into the 3rd stage of injury after seeking chiropractic care, acupuncture, physical therapy, active release massages, and a whole list of other remedies. Instead of being depressed about it, I was straight pissed off. I could hear the clock ticking each moment I wasn't able to train for upcoming events. Every slight nuance just seemed to fuel my fire. Luckily, before the second week ended, I was able to take some of my frustration out on my bike. I got out for a few rides and felt some relief. Though, I realized that I still love running much more than cycling - despite the fact that I have four bikes for every season!
Hope:
After three weeks of being laid up, I am finally reaching the last stage, which is hope. I have been able to run about a 1/3 of my normal mileage this week with little pain. It feels great to run again, even though it is slightly painful and much slower than normal. I am optimistic that a few more weeks of training carefully will bring about a great season. Though I don't anticipate racing this spring, there are luckily plenty of summer and fall races to partake in. Since I was burned out by August last year, maybe I will be fresh come October of this year. That would make being patient in March worthwhile to me!
Take-Away:
What I have learned during this time is pretty obvious, but hard for many runners to recognize in the midst of training.
It's cliche and semi-ridiculous, but running is a gift even on a bad training day. After weeks of not being able to go through my "normal" routine, I cannot wait to return to full health. Train safe and beat this winter!
Denial & Depression:
As I sat face down in my bed with all of my running gear on the next morning, I realized I was in the first stage of injury...denial. For the next couple of days, I woke up each morning to the hope that I would run. Each time I stepped out of bed, I knew I was still injured. Soon, the next step came which is basically a depression and longing for fresh air. Those who run understand this depression. Others are simply confused by it. I have not dealt with injury often, but I have learned a few things during this state of depression. I love running, organizing my life and capturing the energy to face each day through it. It is what frees me from the grind of work or slight misfortunes. It is my time to escape and explore hidden areas that I wouldn't see while driving or even cycling.
Frustration:
After a 1.5 weeks of injury, I finally dropped into the 3rd stage of injury after seeking chiropractic care, acupuncture, physical therapy, active release massages, and a whole list of other remedies. Instead of being depressed about it, I was straight pissed off. I could hear the clock ticking each moment I wasn't able to train for upcoming events. Every slight nuance just seemed to fuel my fire. Luckily, before the second week ended, I was able to take some of my frustration out on my bike. I got out for a few rides and felt some relief. Though, I realized that I still love running much more than cycling - despite the fact that I have four bikes for every season!
Hope:
After three weeks of being laid up, I am finally reaching the last stage, which is hope. I have been able to run about a 1/3 of my normal mileage this week with little pain. It feels great to run again, even though it is slightly painful and much slower than normal. I am optimistic that a few more weeks of training carefully will bring about a great season. Though I don't anticipate racing this spring, there are luckily plenty of summer and fall races to partake in. Since I was burned out by August last year, maybe I will be fresh come October of this year. That would make being patient in March worthwhile to me!
Take-Away:
What I have learned during this time is pretty obvious, but hard for many runners to recognize in the midst of training.
- Listen - Even if scheduled, sometimes rest is needed and more beneficial than the next hard workout. For me, it was likely a matter of staying healthy versus being laid up.
- Body Work - I do chiropractic and massage work throughout the trail season to stay healthy. For some reason, I skipped it during the winter. Even with races a long ways out, it is important to catch little issues before they unravel months of hard work.
- Cross Training - I have realized again how important cycling is to my overall health. With cycling, I shore up many weaknesses in my legs that come with solely focusing on running.
- Yoga - yep, hate to admit, but not following through with stretching after running was likely the largest culprit of my injury. Unlike many, I had zero imbalances with the lifting and plyos I have been doing this year. What I lacked was flexibility after months of sub-zero running/slipping through the snow.
It's cliche and semi-ridiculous, but running is a gift even on a bad training day. After weeks of not being able to go through my "normal" routine, I cannot wait to return to full health. Train safe and beat this winter!