10.29.2007
"Interesting case" says Dr. Jokl
I saw Dr. Peter Jokl of Yale Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation today and learned that I may have been misdiagnosed twice. First with tendinitis and second with a Shepherd's fracture. He thinks that I need a more detailed image than that of the MRI obtained in March, but decided to defer that decision (that is, not if, but which) to a foot and ankle surgeon (who I'll see on 11/13). He thinks I have Osteochondritis dissecans. The good news is that this is not a weight bearing injury (which makes it an interesting case since it's a running injury). The treatment will most likely be excision of the bone fragment(s) arthroscopically. He said I'll be running marathons again in no time. Also interesting was his determination that I don't appear to need custom orthotics.
10.27.2007
Tureky Day Races
What races does everyone have on the agenda? Who wants to join me for the Manchester Road Race? I didn't particularly enjoy my first experience running the MRR last year, but it was 33 degrees and raining hard, and Em ditched me. I'm learning to appreciate larger races and having run a couple I know what to expect.
Geoff, were you planning on running the turkey trot?
Geoff, were you planning on running the turkey trot?
10.24.2007
Excerpts from Timothy Noakes' "Lore of Running" Introduction (arguably the best runner's resource)
Writing about how rowing led him to running:
"Rowing first introduced me to my need for self-inflicted pain--the special nauseating deep-seated pain that accompanies repetitive interval training and racing. At first, I merely followed this need intuitively. Only later would I begin to suspect that it is the continual exposure to, and mastery of, that discomfort that is an essential ingredient to personal growth."
"I have come to accept that, in common with a good number of other runners, I share the emotional and personality traits that William Sheldon (1945) ascribed to those whom he called ectomorphs and whose body builds resemble those of champion distance runners. Do not for a moment, think that I am suggesting that you might mistake my generously endowed frame for that of a champion runner. Not so! Rather, I share some of the personality characteristics that Sheldon attributed to that physical group: a love of privacy, an overwhelming desire for solitude, and an inability to relax or talk in company; an overconcern with physical health; typical patterns of mental behavior that include daydreaming, absentmindedness, procrastination, and an inability to make decisions. According to Sheldon, the ectomorph's eternal quest is to understand the riddles of life."
"'Even if the day ever dawns in which it will not be needed for fighting the old heavy battles against nature, muscular vigor will still always be needed to furnish the background of sanity, serenity, and cheerfulness to life, to give moral elasticity to our disposition, to round off the wiry edge of our fretfulness and make us good humored and easy of approach. William James (1892)'"
"I suggest that to achieve real success in running, as in any worthwhile activity, there must always be the fear of failure: a very real fear that the day will come when we will fail, regardless of how hard we have prepared. It is that very insecurity that keeps our carefully nurtured self-confidence from becoming arrogance. And it is also in our inevitable failures that the seeds of real personal growth are sown and eventually blossom."
"The real competitions are those in which we test ourselves in company with others. Peter Pollock, who achieved immortality in cricket, had to run the Comrades Marathon before he could write: "You have not lived in the world of competitive sport until you have fought a battle that is not against an opponent, but against yourself."
1. Running can teach you who you are and, equally important, who you are not
2. Running can make you newly aware of your body and of your responsibility to look after it
3. Running can give you the confidence to achieve physical and academic targets, yet it can teach you a heightened degree of self-criticism and self-expectation
4. Running can teach you the humility to realize your limitations and to accept them with pride, without envy of those who might have physical or intellectual gifts that you lack
5. Running can teach you about honesty
6. Running can be used for relaxation and creativity
7. Running can teach us about our spiritual component--the need to keep moving forward
"Rowing first introduced me to my need for self-inflicted pain--the special nauseating deep-seated pain that accompanies repetitive interval training and racing. At first, I merely followed this need intuitively. Only later would I begin to suspect that it is the continual exposure to, and mastery of, that discomfort that is an essential ingredient to personal growth."
"I have come to accept that, in common with a good number of other runners, I share the emotional and personality traits that William Sheldon (1945) ascribed to those whom he called ectomorphs and whose body builds resemble those of champion distance runners. Do not for a moment, think that I am suggesting that you might mistake my generously endowed frame for that of a champion runner. Not so! Rather, I share some of the personality characteristics that Sheldon attributed to that physical group: a love of privacy, an overwhelming desire for solitude, and an inability to relax or talk in company; an overconcern with physical health; typical patterns of mental behavior that include daydreaming, absentmindedness, procrastination, and an inability to make decisions. According to Sheldon, the ectomorph's eternal quest is to understand the riddles of life."
"'Even if the day ever dawns in which it will not be needed for fighting the old heavy battles against nature, muscular vigor will still always be needed to furnish the background of sanity, serenity, and cheerfulness to life, to give moral elasticity to our disposition, to round off the wiry edge of our fretfulness and make us good humored and easy of approach. William James (1892)'"
"I suggest that to achieve real success in running, as in any worthwhile activity, there must always be the fear of failure: a very real fear that the day will come when we will fail, regardless of how hard we have prepared. It is that very insecurity that keeps our carefully nurtured self-confidence from becoming arrogance. And it is also in our inevitable failures that the seeds of real personal growth are sown and eventually blossom."
"The real competitions are those in which we test ourselves in company with others. Peter Pollock, who achieved immortality in cricket, had to run the Comrades Marathon before he could write: "You have not lived in the world of competitive sport until you have fought a battle that is not against an opponent, but against yourself."
1. Running can teach you who you are and, equally important, who you are not
2. Running can make you newly aware of your body and of your responsibility to look after it
3. Running can give you the confidence to achieve physical and academic targets, yet it can teach you a heightened degree of self-criticism and self-expectation
4. Running can teach you the humility to realize your limitations and to accept them with pride, without envy of those who might have physical or intellectual gifts that you lack
5. Running can teach you about honesty
6. Running can be used for relaxation and creativity
7. Running can teach us about our spiritual component--the need to keep moving forward
10.22.2007
Back at it again
So I had my left hip checked out today. It was an odd appointment. I originally made it right after the marathon when I could barely walk. However, as the week went by, I slowly felt better and better. In fact, I ran a pain-free and quick 2.5 miles (6:45 pace) on Saturday. I was secretly kind of hoping I could aggravate it again so I that I could have someone diagnosis this issue that has been reoccurring the last 3 1/2 years. No luck. All I found out was that it was probably an issue of being too tight and having a slight muscle imbalance. I learned some new stretches and I was told to consult Runner's World to learn some good exercises for strengthening my legs (who knew?). It was also recommended that I avoid running for the next 10-14 days (like that's going to happen!) Regardless, it is nice to be back. I can't wait to put the marathon debacle behind me and tear up some new races.
Check out your photos
Did ya'll check out your photos?
Just choose the race and punch in your bib number.
I can't believe what they're getting for a 5x7 photo.
Just choose the race and punch in your bib number.
I can't believe what they're getting for a 5x7 photo.
10.21.2007
Seeking closure this week
On or about 12/01/05 – started presenting medial/posterior ankle pain after about 10 minutes of easy running
12/22/05 – saw Dr. Andrew Rosen (orthopaedist) for medial/posterior ankle pain; diagnosed with Posterior Tibialis Tendonitis; prescribed eight weeks of physical therapy ($408.17)
01/04/06 – started physical therapy; recommended physical therapy/strengthening exercises; custom orthotics not the answer
02/02/06 - saw Dr. Rosen (follow-up); everything's A-OK; "see ya in Central Park" ($165.24!!!)
02/14/06 – finished physical therapy ($2,925)
05/10/06 – saw Dr. Kenneth Meisler (podiatrist) for symptomatic medial/posterior ankle (will explain symptoms); recommended custom orthotics; physical therapy not the answer ($150)
05/19/06 – saw Dr. Keith Penney (orthopaedist) for same symptomatic medial/posterior ankle; took x-rays—showed some bone spurring on bottom of foot near entrance of posterior tibialis tendon and bone island; prescribed MRI—didn’t follow-up—insurance issue ($150)
03/13/07 – saw Dr. Penney again; prescribed MRI ($92)
03/17/07 – took MRI ($1,300)
03/20/07 – saw Dr. Penney; MRI showed structurally-fine foot, but improperly-healed Shepherd’s fracture—fracture of the posterior process of talus; gave me three options: stretch, physical therapy, or surgery ($92)
10/19/07 – presenting same pain as on or about 12/01/05 after about 10 minutes of easy running
12/22/05 – saw Dr. Andrew Rosen (orthopaedist) for medial/posterior ankle pain; diagnosed with Posterior Tibialis Tendonitis; prescribed eight weeks of physical therapy ($408.17)
01/04/06 – started physical therapy; recommended physical therapy/strengthening exercises; custom orthotics not the answer
02/02/06 - saw Dr. Rosen (follow-up); everything's A-OK; "see ya in Central Park" ($165.24!!!)
02/14/06 – finished physical therapy ($2,925)
05/10/06 – saw Dr. Kenneth Meisler (podiatrist) for symptomatic medial/posterior ankle (will explain symptoms); recommended custom orthotics; physical therapy not the answer ($150)
05/19/06 – saw Dr. Keith Penney (orthopaedist) for same symptomatic medial/posterior ankle; took x-rays—showed some bone spurring on bottom of foot near entrance of posterior tibialis tendon and bone island; prescribed MRI—didn’t follow-up—insurance issue ($150)
03/13/07 – saw Dr. Penney again; prescribed MRI ($92)
03/17/07 – took MRI ($1,300)
03/20/07 – saw Dr. Penney; MRI showed structurally-fine foot, but improperly-healed Shepherd’s fracture—fracture of the posterior process of talus; gave me three options: stretch, physical therapy, or surgery ($92)
10/19/07 – presenting same pain as on or about 12/01/05 after about 10 minutes of easy running
10.19.2007
Thought I'd add this quote to the record
"In 2006, there were 410,000 marathon finishers in the United States--an increase of 40 percent from 1995."
Is this number not astonishingly low?
As of today, the US population is about 303 MM.
Is this number not astonishingly low?
As of today, the US population is about 303 MM.
10.17.2007
More post-Marathon Blabbering
Here is a good article about marathon recovery: http://runningtimes.com/rt/articles/?id=4443.
I took my bike to work yesterday and was feeling pretty tired, so I'm going to follow the article's advice closely. This includes no running this week.
I also rank Saturday's marathon as one of the best experiences of my life and also found it to be very emotional. I suppose funny things start happening in your brain after a few hours of running, but it was very moving to have so many friends and family, and thousands of people I didn't know, cheering me on. At around mile 18 as I passed my father for the 2nd time shortly after passing Geoff's family, a guy I had been running with said to me "that's just not fair!". I didn't realize how fortunate I was to have the support of so many friends and family until then. It gave me a whole new perspective on the sport of running, and also on big races. I look forward to doing more races and runs with you all, long and short.
I took my bike to work yesterday and was feeling pretty tired, so I'm going to follow the article's advice closely. This includes no running this week.
I also rank Saturday's marathon as one of the best experiences of my life and also found it to be very emotional. I suppose funny things start happening in your brain after a few hours of running, but it was very moving to have so many friends and family, and thousands of people I didn't know, cheering me on. At around mile 18 as I passed my father for the 2nd time shortly after passing Geoff's family, a guy I had been running with said to me "that's just not fair!". I didn't realize how fortunate I was to have the support of so many friends and family until then. It gave me a whole new perspective on the sport of running, and also on big races. I look forward to doing more races and runs with you all, long and short.
10.16.2007
I've never posted to a blog before, so here's to another first of my week. Saturday's half marathon was a big life first, since I've always sort of thought maybe I could do a long-haul race like that, but wasn't quite sure I should in case I was proved wrong. Thank you Em and Dan for convincing me I could and should do it! It was so much fun. Whenever I remember that I did it, I smile a bit. It was so fun running with Em. The first nine miles were great, then I felt like I got a sneak peak at the pains of being an old lady. I don't like sucking down so much GU, but I appreciate it for the energy it let me keep up. I wish the medals that we got were not rectangular, what's wrong with good old round medals? I've never gotten one before, as I've always been a mediocre athlete, so I really like the fact that we all got medals. I like being sore, and I was for two days. I think I injured my left foot, though. Putting weight on it isn't so good. I think I should get new, better running shoes, and probably I shouldn't run so much until it feels better, but that's so hard to do!
Half the distance, twice the fun
I had an amazing time at the race last weekend. Fun, fun. I knew I hadn't put in the miles or the speed to run a great time, but that was okay. I finished in a respectable 1:49:59. Nina and I ran together for almost the entire 13.1 miles. We chatted and giggled and stopped three times to dance to the music. That got us some laughs from the other runners near us.
I was feeling awesome with four miles to go, but by mile 12, my I.T. Band was really getting me down. Now I remember why I prefer to run on trails! Nina pulled ahead and finished about a minute in front of me at 1:48:58.
I'm glad we got so see you guys at the finish. Sorry we couldn't stick around, but I had to get Nina back to her mathaMATTician waiting at home (get it? -- ha ha). I ended up heading out to the Goodwin Conservation Center and helping with a 3-mile hike. Good thing I was there -- there were 45 people!! I think it actually helped with my recovery. I was a bit sore on Sunday, Monday I had a massage and today I'm ready to go again.
How about something a little quicker and a lot shorter this weekend? Anyone?
...
Start:October 20, 2007 - 10:00am
Location:Willimantic
The annual Arts at the Capitol Theatre Scholarship 5K Road Race starts at 10 a.m. at the Capitol Theatre, 896 Main St., Willimantic. USATF-certified course. Walkers and runners welcome. Fee: $20 day of race. Registration from 8 to 9:45 a.m. Information: 465-5636, ext. 2110.
I was feeling awesome with four miles to go, but by mile 12, my I.T. Band was really getting me down. Now I remember why I prefer to run on trails! Nina pulled ahead and finished about a minute in front of me at 1:48:58.
I'm glad we got so see you guys at the finish. Sorry we couldn't stick around, but I had to get Nina back to her mathaMATTician waiting at home (get it? -- ha ha). I ended up heading out to the Goodwin Conservation Center and helping with a 3-mile hike. Good thing I was there -- there were 45 people!! I think it actually helped with my recovery. I was a bit sore on Sunday, Monday I had a massage and today I'm ready to go again.
How about something a little quicker and a lot shorter this weekend? Anyone?
...
Start:October 20, 2007 - 10:00am
Location:Willimantic
The annual Arts at the Capitol Theatre Scholarship 5K Road Race starts at 10 a.m. at the Capitol Theatre, 896 Main St., Willimantic. USATF-certified course. Walkers and runners welcome. Fee: $20 day of race. Registration from 8 to 9:45 a.m. Information: 465-5636, ext. 2110.
More marathon reflection
I've found myself thinking a lot about my debut marathon performance on Saturday and, after all, I'm pretty proud of it. First of all, it ranks up there with the best experiences of my life. It was very emotional. At some mile after 18, what I was doing finally dawned on me, and I had to choke back some tears. It was great to have family members and friends at the finish.
A few days have passed since the marathon, and the soreness of my muscles still lingers. My left foot, which I broke a few years ago, was very sore after the marathon and is still pretty sore today. This is starting to concern me. I'm debating whether I should resume running tomorrow or wait seven to ten days, as is the typical recommendation.
Having let my first marathon experience sink in, I'd like to continue running marathons, at least one per year. If possible, I'd like to run another one in the spring of 2008. The most important thing is maintaining marathon fitness. This can be done by running 25 to 30 miles per week, including a long run. Volume is simple. It's intensity that I need to experiment with. Tempo runs and speedwork are the challenges and essential to improving time. Had my muscles not cramped at mile 22 (I'm still trying to figure out whether this was due to my initial walk break), I think that I would have ran a 3:35-3:40 marathon. Maybe what's essential is more MRP miles.
A few days have passed since the marathon, and the soreness of my muscles still lingers. My left foot, which I broke a few years ago, was very sore after the marathon and is still pretty sore today. This is starting to concern me. I'm debating whether I should resume running tomorrow or wait seven to ten days, as is the typical recommendation.
Having let my first marathon experience sink in, I'd like to continue running marathons, at least one per year. If possible, I'd like to run another one in the spring of 2008. The most important thing is maintaining marathon fitness. This can be done by running 25 to 30 miles per week, including a long run. Volume is simple. It's intensity that I need to experiment with. Tempo runs and speedwork are the challenges and essential to improving time. Had my muscles not cramped at mile 22 (I'm still trying to figure out whether this was due to my initial walk break), I think that I would have ran a 3:35-3:40 marathon. Maybe what's essential is more MRP miles.
10.14.2007
Ouch
Wow. I'm hurting today. I feel more weak than I do sore and I am moving around like a very old man. Considering how I felt yesterday I wasn't expecting it to be quite this bad. It is rather comical thought, and I find myself laughing at myself as I try to stand up or walk down the stairs.
When's the next race?
When's the next race?
10.13.2007
Debut marathon in Hartford (I will be back)
In my debut marathon in Hartford, all was going well until somewhere between mile 21 and 22, as indicated by my 10K, 10M and 20M pace splits, 8:25, 8:20 and 8:12, respectively. I finished in 3:50:21 (8:48 pace). It took me nearly an hour to cover the last five miles and change. Every muscle in my legs cramped. Fatigue.
The marathon is a great event, and I can't wait to run another one. Let's do this soon.
Congratulations to Dan! He ran a phenomenal race, squeaking in under 3:30:00. This guy is a true talent.
The marathon is a great event, and I can't wait to run another one. Let's do this soon.
Congratulations to Dan! He ran a phenomenal race, squeaking in under 3:30:00. This guy is a true talent.
10.12.2007
Completion of first marathon training cycle
I completed my first marathon training cycle last night at a bit past 10/pm.
I must say that last night's run wasn't the highlight of my training, but it was nice to run controlled and let my thoughts wander for about 18 minutes. Last night's run wasn't about another training stimulus, it was about my sanity. My sanity was saved.
From June 25th to October 11th, I put in some 460 miles. In 16 weeks, I didn't miss a single run. I will run strongly tomorrow.
Good luck to all!
I must say that last night's run wasn't the highlight of my training, but it was nice to run controlled and let my thoughts wander for about 18 minutes. Last night's run wasn't about another training stimulus, it was about my sanity. My sanity was saved.
From June 25th to October 11th, I put in some 460 miles. In 16 weeks, I didn't miss a single run. I will run strongly tomorrow.
Good luck to all!
10.11.2007
10.09.2007
A message to a fellow marathoner
Dan, it looks like you're struggling to gauge your pace. Keep it easy.
How do you like the new shoes?
Four days to go.
How do you like the new shoes?
Four days to go.
10.07.2007
Race day weather
WFSB: A chilly start, otherwise partly sunny, breezy and cool. Low: 39. High: 59.
WVIT: Low: 48. High: 52. Rainy.
The Weather Channel: Low: 41. High: 59. Few showers.
National Weather Service: Partly sunny, with a high near 61.
Looks ideal.
I watched the Chicago Marathon this morning. WOW!
Watch the 2007 Chicago Marathon! For the last 10K of the men's race, as if I were running it, my heart raced. Ethiopia's Ivuti and Morocco's Gharib ran shoulder-to-shoulder for the last few miles, but Ivuti (2:11) beat Gharib (2:11:05) by .05 seconds, the closest finish in Chicago Marathon history. Just unbelievable. The women's race was just as exciting. Romania's Pirtea made an early move against last year's champion, Ethiopia's Adere, but lost to her in the final seconds as she sprinted to the finish. What a way to mark the 30th anniversary of the race!
WVIT: Low: 48. High: 52. Rainy.
The Weather Channel: Low: 41. High: 59. Few showers.
National Weather Service: Partly sunny, with a high near 61.
Looks ideal.
I watched the Chicago Marathon this morning. WOW!
Watch the 2007 Chicago Marathon! For the last 10K of the men's race, as if I were running it, my heart raced. Ethiopia's Ivuti and Morocco's Gharib ran shoulder-to-shoulder for the last few miles, but Ivuti (2:11) beat Gharib (2:11:05) by .05 seconds, the closest finish in Chicago Marathon history. Just unbelievable. The women's race was just as exciting. Romania's Pirtea made an early move against last year's champion, Ethiopia's Adere, but lost to her in the final seconds as she sprinted to the finish. What a way to mark the 30th anniversary of the race!
10.06.2007
Last long run of first marathon cycle...
I ran my last long run of my first marathon cycle this morning. I felt great after finding my rhythm around the 3 mile mark. GU at 50 minutes took me home strongly. The 13th will be interesting.
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