Jumping on the X-Train.

Earlier this week I made the decision to wrap my running up early due to the on-again-off-again ankle pain. The decision ended up being easier than I thought. It actually felt like a burden removed from my shoulders. To save my base fitness that I never really got to use for specific workouts, I am doing the most cross training I have ever done. I've logged 90 minutes in the pool twice this week as well as a 90 minute bike ride outside. I am viewing these cross training workouts as adventures or a trip- such as a bike ride to another city or a swim to a small island. They have been going by quicker than expected and if anything, I'm getting used to being active for 90 minutes at a time. I've also incorporated pool running and the elliptical, both which have improved since last year.

Part of me is nervous that I won't be as fit as I wanted to be for the Cleveland Half on May 15th. Yet at the same time, I feel much stronger during my swims and bike rides. I think it will be most important for me to be mentally strong come race day. I've put in the most work that I've ever done for all activities so I have that going for me. I'm hopeful that I will have a pain-free race that is mentally strong. Whatever time that results in, I will be happy. Because of the little ankle mishap, I don't expect as fast as a time that I originally wanted to run (1:38-1:41). But since I haven't done many workouts, I wouldn't put it past my body to surprise me considering the strong base I've built. I'm definitely going in blind so this will be a nice experimental race to see how well cross training holds one's fitness.

Nonetheless, it will be a stepping stone to faster times. I'm proud of the work I've done since December. I hope to get 100% healthy after the race and then begin to utilize the base I created for my next racing adventure!

Flexibility is not just the 'bility to touch your toes.

In the field of counseling, I am continually taught that being flexible is a desirable trait to have. Whether one is a flexible counselor or client, it is arguably the most sought after goal of many. I think in my field, I'm pretty flexible- quick thinking, open-minded, and always expecting change. But in my running, I tend to become inflexible. And this inflexibility often leads to injury.

At the beginning of this week, I felt recovered from my down week. I had the goal of hitting 40 miles until I noticed some recurrent ankle/shin disturbance 6.5 miles into my 8 mile run on Monday. The next day was an easy 3 mile recovery run I ran slow and likewise, felt no pain. Although I did feel awkward and hesitant, like there was too much baby-ing going on. Wednesday, I woke up and did my first run on an empty stomach to simulate carb depletion. It was actually fine 4 miles in but on the last mile, the ankle pain came back. This was probably the worst it had felt and left me with a frustration that wanted to quit running for good because all I ever deal with is injury. The rest of that day sucked so I just attributed it to the nonseasonal weather we've been having.

On Thursday morning, I vowed to myself to be more flexible. I opened up to the idea of cross training on my easy run days in order to recover from all the pounding that my body can't seem to handle. I planned to swim but forgot my goggles and swim cap at home. Instead of going back to get them, I headed to Hudson to meet James for an easy run. The difference was that I experimented with an Ibuprofen. And low and behold, I had a pain-free night run. I could've ran today but instead, I saw last night as a freebie before a real injury hits again. So, I swam for sixty minutes (what I would've run) and spent some time in the weight room.

There is still a part of me that feels inadequate for not running higher mileage. But at the same time, there's another part of me that realizes I'm not training at such a high level yet or running incredibly fast times that cross training might actually help my training, rather than hurt it. As of today, I consider myself more flexible. I have to make sure to listen to my body more. The original plan called for running seven days a week in order to spread out my daily mileage as a way to avoid overload. However, my body was upset it couldn't swim anymore. Thankfully, the experience this week opened my eyes up to many different training options. I want to be able to have a successful race experience in three weeks, where my running feels smooth and effortless. Being open to different options can bring me closer to that goal than merely putting in 40 miles a week, especially if I'm crawling by the end of those weeks. For my upcoming half marathon and subsequent long term goals, the long run is the most important workout of each week. While it's probably not smart to do a long run this week, if I cross train properly in the next couple of days, I'll be able to achieve better long runs in the future. Likewise, I'll be on my way to better fitness and hopefully more miles.

Updating

Fully recovered this week and made it through without an injury! I'd say that's a better achievement than a high mileage week or a workout PR. I swam a little over 3 miles, biked about 20 miles, and ran a little over 10 miles. Yep, I was healthy enough to run a little. All runs were on trails. After today's swim, I feel like myself again. I'm ready to take on this upcoming week of full running as well as focusing on a good long run. The long run last week found me barely trotting to the finish. The Boston marathon is tomorrow, too. I'm excited to watch it!

***Fitness streak is at 107 days***

Ah, rest.

Just checking in. I have a down week this week and it feels good. Last week I ran my highest mileage ever at 40 miles. I had also been working on not heel striking but I think I did too much too soon because my calves ached on every run the past week and a half. I also had some right, lower shin pain that I must keep an eye on to ensure it's muscular and not skeletal. The nice thing about this down week is that there is no pressure to hit a certain mileage. If I'm in the pool all week, so be it! I guess I am a little concerned about the pain. It will be important to monitor this each day and to not get stressed out about what the future will bring.

Outside of running, I have three weeks left until I am officially done with classes for good, or at least for my Masters degree. After that I begin seeing clients. Today, I had to be a guest teacher/speaker at a local high school. I was very nervous for this project but once it started, all nerves left. And so now I'm more excited than nervous to see clients.