Thursday, October 15, 2009

Win some lose some

Well, I went to the Orthopedic yesterday and had X-rays taken on my left knee. I've been running once in the last week and it was painful so I shut it down and called the doc. Good move. I've been having IT-band pain and swelling in my knee so much so that it's hurting when I walk around. However, the pain is going away the swelling is a bit down now too, and when the Doc gave the all clear on X-rays I was much relieved. Apparently I've simply severely aggravated my IT-Band and caused swelling in the bursa sac in my left knee. I've been prescribed 3 weeks of total rest (no running) as well as anti-inflammatory meds and stretching.

I'm bummed because it means I'm out of the Denver Marathon (which I've already paid for) and Pure Zion. Two events I was really excited for, but if I'm honest with myself, my real goals won't come until next spring/summer so it's best that it happen now so I can get rest and recover in time to start some proper training.

This Sunday, I'll be putting all my efforts into making the Denver Marathon an enjoyable experience for Gunner. I'm crewing for him so-to-speak and making breakfast. The race starts a mere 200 yards from Gunner's front door so it'll be nice to just wake up and walk over. I'm going to pick up my race stuff anyways (I paid for it!) and now at least I won't feel bad sporting it.

In other news I got a promotion yesterday at work which was a nice little buffer to my injury set back. Gotta love those little boosts, it helps keep you going. I've had a nice afternoon in with Xavier and Gunner, and I'm going out for $1 tacos at Vine St. so no complaints here.

Cheers, Paddy J

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Foam Rollers and Soft Course Records...

Last night I bought two things.

1. New Nike Swoop XC flats for running the Denver Marathon and various other stable, flat, surfaces! Stoked, I've never felt shoes so light.

2. Foam roller.

As I mentioned earlier I've got an IT band issue and I've been rolling my way towards recovery. Did my first set last night and will continue today. I'll run tomorrow night and see how she feels, but I think this rolling business is really gonna help. I'll keep posting on how it feels leading up to and following DM.

Oh, and as it turns out I am the only and therefore fastest 24 year old male to toe the line at Run Rabbit Run! This means I have a course record! Woo Hoo! Although, I'm pretty sure anyone who had half a brain could go out there next year and break it by 2 hours! Proof is here.

Good day today, I got confirmation that Gunner will run an ultra next year... STOKED!

Monday, October 5, 2009

Eeahhh, Well, that's that I guess...

Things come up and you deal with them. The weekend and past week were intermittently filled with not so joyous and joyous occasions.

First, the bad: I've developed a bit of ITBS (Itiolabial band syndrome [spelling?]) which means I've got a sore left knee, and have been taking it easy on the leg (little to no running) and makes me wonder how it'll hold up a week from this coming Sunday at DM. Then, Liverpool lost to Chelsea which put me in a bad mood, and THEN the Chargers lost on Sunday Night Football to the Steelers. Although they did make a valiant comeback after playing horrible all game.

Otherwise, the weekend was nice. We had people over on Friday night for Tortilla Soup. I had a nice run on Saturday morning with Keith and Gunner. We took it nice and slow, and my knee felt decent but not good, leading to my decision to give it some more time. I hope it feels good come race day. I got to hang out with Xavier all day on Sunday, and that was fun. Went to the park and Target to get him some winter pants. All in all it was a good day (minus all of my sports teams losing).

For the weekly total, I made it all of 15 miles, felt poor the first two runs of 5 and 3 miles, but better the 7 miler after a few days off. I'll continue that, do some stretching and rolling while taking Ibuprofen to reduce some swelling (not much at all, but just to get it all). So the best thing to do is rest up and not worry too much about it I guess.


***late addition***
I forgot to mention that Keith shall be hence be known as my elite ultrarunner paced short distance runner friend. Sorry Keith, I will not make the mistake again...