Friday, September 12, 2008

Post-100 blues/recovery

I've got to be honest here.
Running wise, the past 18 days have been rough.
I put myself back to running only 2 days after completing my first 100 miler. I knew after I completed Lean Horse that I did not incur any sort of permanent injury (for which I am extremely thankful).
The reason I attempted to run that soon was that I am a firm believer that after a difficult race where you build a lot of muscle soreness (lactate), you just need to get out there and push through it and flush the "bad stuff" out of your body. I went out and ran, but it was like I was using someone else's body. Running stride was difficult and it just plain HURT all over - but nothing specific.
A few days later, the runs produced some very specific pains - SHIN SPLINTS!!
Shin splints are usually related to MTSS or medial tibial stress syndrome. It's painful, and can take a while to get through. I remember having them a couple of years ago, when starting to increase miles significantly. I'm certain now that the repetitive stresses of running 100 miles led to this.
So, I've been icing, stretching, toe raise exercises, biking more, resting more, to see if I can whip this thing.
It really sucks not running. Right now, I haven't run for 3 full days and am going nuts.......
I will try a short run tonight, as some of the shin pain has finally subsided today.
I feel that I am starting to pressure myself to get some solid training in before the NYC marathon on November 2, but I really need to get fully healthy first.
Anybody that has suggestions how to get through this the best way possible- I'm willing to listen.
John

1 comment:

Matthew Patten said...

John,

I don't know how you can kick butt at both the marathon distance and 100 distance. Good luck with that.

My suggestions for recovery

...drink lots of beer.

Self medicating is way underated