Picking a program

Posted on October 12, 2011 by Robinson — 2 Comments

So, while I wait for my shin splints to go away, I am trying to pick my “do-over” plan. I have debated the couch-to-5k program, but I have some concern that I could hold myself to that low of a level. I suppose this is going to be a concern no matter what program I choose. I have proposed to my son that he join me (he likes the idea) – I figure that will help me to stick with the “as-written-on-paper” plan.

Running this is going to be very frustrating.

Alternately I have thought about starting out with 1 mile runs, 5 times a week. Then move it up to 1.5 for the following week. Then 2, then 2.5, then 3.. But I think that this might go beyond the “Start over” idea – and do to much to soon. Especially if I keep raising it by .5 miles.

I thought about this same pattern of running a set mileage and increasing it weekly – but using the 10% rule. Start at 1 mile, then go 1.1. then 1.12 the following week. then 1.23. The big problem I see with this one – is that it almost requires my runs to be on a tread mill. In addition to my hatred of those things, it will not get my bones/ligaments/muscles used to the pounding on pavement – which is one of the primary reasons for “Starting over.”

I am definitely open to any suggestions!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Read more ›

Posted in Other Exercise, running, running injury

I got to see my skeleton today.. Did YOU do anything that exciting?

Posted on October 11, 2011 by Robinson — Leave a comment

You only get to see the top of the machine , because my phone somehow lost the bottom.

So, today I had a bone scan done – it was a pretty cool experience. I had to go in at 8:30 am, and they gave me a shot of radioactive material (my son is going to be so jealous.) They then did the scan and at that point they could look at the blood flow. They had me lay on the little bench, and then they set up the machine just over my shins/knees and took the scans. Then they told me to go away for a couple of hours.

The screen on the right is where the pictures appeared

Back to work, then back to the hospital at 11:30. After the required thirty minutes spent sitting in the waiting room (doesn’t it always seem mandatory to you?) in we went for the actual bone scan. Now this time, they actually did a full body scan. It started over my head with it almost touching the tip of my nose. For the next 25 minutes it worked its way down my body slower than a Caterpillar could crawl. I could see the monitor (its blank in the picture, I know – bad timing – but they took my phone away for the full scan) as my skeleton slowly appeared on it. Read more ›

Tagged with: Gamma ray, Radionuclide, Shin-Splints, stress fracture
Posted in running injury, running shoes, vibram five fingers

Marine Corps Marathon… 2012.

Posted on October 10, 2011 by Robinson — 2 Comments

So, after speaking with a a bunch of people over the weekend, I think I have decided I am going to defer my running of the Marine Corps. Marathon. I have just had too many injuries/illnesses and set backs this year. I seriously can’t tell you how bummed I am – But I do want my first marathon to be fun. I run because I enjoy it, and while I think I could finish the MCM – I suspect that the majority of it wouldn’t be fun. We will still be going down to Washington that weekend – as the Hotel Reservations are “non-refundable.” The kids,wife and I will have a good time at the Museums and Monuments. Plus by getting to see the lay-out of how they do things – will let us plan for next year.

So, For next year I am planning on doing the MCM, But I think I might do the Wine Glass Marathon as well. Its a local one that is the first week of October, giving 3-4 weeks between the two of them. I also want to find a spring/summer Marathon (The Bluenose Internationalis on my Birthday Weekend – May 20th) – as it is going to drive me nuts that I didn’t run the one I had planned. In fact, it will do so until I actually complete a marathon (Silly, I know.) Anyone have any good suggestions for the East coast? I am also thinking I need to look at the running calendar for 2012- I am also going to set a goal of at least one race a month. Also accepting suggestions here!

On a good note – I see this as a great opportunity to “Start Over.” I am going to begin running again, as a non-runner. I am going to do short distances and slowly build everything up. I am tired of being injured and un-able to run and I think that starting from scratch – and building everything back up – may help.

This weekend – no running per the doctor’s orders. I get the bone scan done on my leg tomorrow. It isn’t a sharp pain anymore, but there is still a dull ache going on. I am looking forward to seeing what is happening – as then I can plan out my “do over.”

Running Diva Mom - Picture from the SHAPE contest - Go Vote for her!! NOW!

On an even happier note – one of the blogs I read has been nominated for a “Top 20 Blogs for Fitness Junkies” – Please consider stopping by and voting for “Running Diva Mom” — here is the Link for the Voting. You might also want to consider clicking on the “Running Diva Mom” and reading the blog – as it’s a pretty good read!

Posted in running, running injury

Short post.. Shin Splints or Stress Fracture?

Posted on October 7, 2011 by Robinson — 2 Comments

As the day progressed yesterday, the pain in my shin grew gradually worse. As I did some reading online I became concerned it might be a stress fracture, so I headed out to the Walk-In to have it looked at. The Physicians’ Assistant that saw me was a runner (thankfully), so he was VERY understanding about my concern. They did an X-Ray (expecting it to be mostly useless), it turns out that it didn’t show anything. He told me to follow RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) and that they would get a bone scan scheduled. He let me know that despite being a stubborn runner that was going to ignore him – I really shouldn’t run on it until after I get the bone scan results.

I agreed I wouldn’t run for my next 2 scheduled rest days.

So my bonescan is on Tuesday morning. The shin is feeling better today, after spending all day yesterday following RICE (and playing PS3). I will do more massaging/icing/etc today – and see how it goes. I will see how I feel on sunday.

Posted in running

Shin Splints HURT!!!!! Seriously, is 24 pain-free days to much to ask for?

Posted on October 6, 2011 by Robinson — Leave a comment

I have to admit, I am growing progressively less amused with the idea of ankle pain. My calves seem to be doing GREAT!!! I did 3.5 miles yesterday with a “Faster-than-marathon” pace – and they felt AWESOME!!! In fact, my whole body felt great – EXCEPT for my shins on my left leg. I have one place on the inside of my leg (Front/inside) that is quite painful. There was a matching pain on the outside – but the inside one was definitely worse. I cut my run short from what I had planned (it was going to be a mid-week longer run) due to this. The last half mile or so was REALLY painful.

I got home and iced it, and spent the night massaging it (or as close as I could) while taking Advil and after a short period I was walking on it ok, with just a slight twinge. It gave me great hope!

This morning I was walking with a noticeable limp and significant pain. I have KT Tape’d it (though this doesn’t seem as effective on shin splints as it is on a sore calf), and took Advil. I woke up too late to ice it sot hat will have to wait until tonight. I am thinking tonight will be a bike ride or a swim for my work out, and possibly friday as well.

I hate how negative my blog has become, but it has become a frustrating game of “what can I hurt now?” I know that I am physically capable of doing the Marine Corps Marathon, and enjoying it – If my left leg will let me. This is a goal I have had since I was 16, 20 years ago. I ‘d really like to see a check on that bucket list!

Less than 24 more days.. Is that really too much to ask for?

Posted in bad run, running, running injury

Running for a Ride – a great motivator.

Posted on October 5, 2011 by Robinson — Leave a comment

Only 25 days to go! At this point, I should be starting my taper – having done my longest run of 20 miles this last weekend.

Except, that didn’t happen. 😦 Though now you need to turn that frown upside down – because I am actually in a pretty good spot. The 13.2 I did over the weekend wasn’t to bad – and I think I will be able to do somewhere between 15 and 20 this weekend. I have obviously left the “Hal Higdon” training plan, but (For those whom have just started reading my blog – Joining the other three of you) with the Calf problems I have had that lead to my time-off of running – I am doing fantastic. I am on track to be able to complete the Marathon (with no real time goal.)

A Swim and a Run… Preparations continue! (though it does hurt more than I recall..)

Posted on September 30, 2011 by Robinson — Leave a comment

**** This blog is being posted at http://onceandfuturerunner.blogspot.com/ as well****

I know that today is supposed to be a “Freaky Friday: Bizarre things found around the Interwebs” – but I haven’t had a chance to surf the interwebs lately – and nor have I posted on my exercising for the last two days. So today is an update post instead!

Weds. was my “day off” of running (also known as a rest day) – I decided to take my kids to the local YMCA for the open swim. They had a ball playing – and I did laps. The one thing I quickly realized, is that laps are much more difficult to do as a 36 year old man, then they were when I was 12. I remember going to my swim team practice (the Ramapo Raccoons! and later the Rockland Dolphins) and doing lap after lap after lap – with no problems. Read more ›

Tagged with: Sports, swimming, YMCA
Posted in Other Exercise, running

7.5 miles under the belt, and I might be a little sore….

Posted on September 28, 2011 by Robinson — Leave a comment

I am trying out blogspot to see how I like it. The blog posts will be posted to both places for a while – but if I like the other better, I will move over to that.

So, as I stated in my earlier post – I was all set to go do 3 miles yesterday. I didn’t feel like doing my usual three-mile route, so I headed out in a different direction.

Have you ever had one of those days where it all just seemed perfect? The road passed by – the wind was good and you were simply in your glory? Well yesterday it was raining – ranging from a light sprinkle to a pretty good down pour. I love to run in the rain, and realized yesterday that I hadn’t done it at ALL this year. Talk about missing out!!! In addition to feeling refreshing, you don’t stink as bad -since the wetness is from Rain and not from Sweat!!! I like to be less stinky. (though my wife still wouldn’t hug me directly after my run.)

Well, yesterday was (for me) one of those perfect days. The rain kept the humidity from being too obnoxious, and the road just flowed by.. So you would think I really enjoyed my three mile run right? NO!!! I enjoyed my 7.5 mile run! I had debated going another 2.5, but figured turning my 3 miler into a 7.5, was already pretty stupid. Boy did it feel good though.

I am finding I like Daily Mile… It says I have run further than my Cardio Trainer does. My seven and a half miles is Eight point Four two. It makes me much faster 🙂 I do wonder which one is actually right though.

Tagged with: Dailymile
Posted in recovery, running, running injury

Five Miles in the Evening!

Posted on September 27, 2011 by Robinson — Leave a comment

4.83 miles run. Course by Brian Hyland.

Now that the kids’ are back at school for the year – I can run in the evening before picking them up on those rare nights when I get out of work on time. Fortunately for me, last night was just such a day.

I taped up my calf (and found out during the run, that a rush tape job does not hold), and headed out the door. I still like to start with the courses that my Cross Country Coach Brian Hyland from “Back in the day” had laid out for the Seton Catholic Central Cross Country Team. It lets me concentrate on HOW I am running – since I know where I am running. So I headed out my door and over to Laurel Ave, and left up to the park. This works out to around 1/2 of a mile – the perfect warm up distance. I popped out with some stretching (this is new… Since I have calf pain it is an attempt to help become a bit more limber) and then Read more ›

Tagged with: boilermaker, Brian Hyland, Calf, Riverside Drive, running
Posted in Other Exercise, recovery, running, running injury, running shoes

On the road again…

Posted on September 26, 2011 by Robinson — Leave a comment

So saturday was the big day – time to head out and put some pounding to the pavement and see how my calf was. I started the morning by running out and picking up some more KT Tape (I was out) and got an awesome purple color. (My wife keeps asking why I don’t get the skin colored. I have no answer.) History has shown that it is effective in helping my calf – and I wanted every edge I could get. Then I decided to head out as I had someone at the house to watch the kids.

It felt mah-velous. It hurt like the dickens – apparently riding a 10 speed does not come near the difficulty of running (I was always riding around in max gear.) Or maybe a runner needs to look harder for hills when on a bicycle. But either way it was GREAT to be out there. I did wear my ASICS, as I have decided that I will be doing no running in my VFFs until after the marathon as I wish to minimize the chances of another calf pull. As I ran I concentrated on making sure my heel was hitting the ground, although I was sticking with more off an “entire foot” than a heel-strike. Then I would concentrate on NOT pushing off with my calf. You would think that after years of not using my calf much in running, that it would be natural to drop back into that style.. But apparently I have adapted to the VFFs to quickly! Luckily the heel rise made it easier to make sure my heel hit.

When I set out – I logically knew I should only do about 2 miles, so I decided on 3. As I hit my turn around spot – there was a car accident up ahead, so of course I had to run by that. Then I couldn’t turn around right there – so I had to go a bit further and turn down a side street. I ended up at 3.8 miles for the day. My calf didn’t “snap” or cause me pain, but I could feel that it was one tired muscle.

I then headed up to my father’s house – he had a large amount of stone to be moved from the front yard, up the driveway (uphill of course) and turned into a stonewall in the back. As we got started I suddenly realized – Boy it was stupid to go run 3.8 miles before doing this. Pushing the wheel barrow up the hill was NOT my tired muscles’ favorite activity. We did get the rocks in the back, with only one injury (my brother.)

Needless to say, the day after that (yesterday) I HURT. But I feel better today and I am definitely looking forward to my run tonight! Probably only 3 miles – but still looking forward to putting some more mileage in!

Posted in recovery, running, running injury, vibram five fingers

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