Tonight I was back on the treadmill after three nights of running outdoors. I "graduated" to 2's and 1's (2 minutes running and 1 minute walking) but had to reduce the number of repeats (according to the recovery program) so the overall time/distance was short - so back on the treadmill. Still feeling strong and wanting to increase the distance ...
During my training in the summer of 2012 I began doing much more running-related reading - the Tarahumara people grabbed my attention and I delved deeper into the subject of ultra running. The more I read the more I became determined to run an ultra distance. I read the book "Born to Run" - it was during the reading of this book that I set two goals for myself. I was determined to complete a 50 KM distance by October 2013 and a 100 KM distance by October 2014. At the same time I became "obsessed" with the minimalist style of running. I was fascinated by the Tarahumara who strap pieces of used tires to their feet and then run for hours and hours. I then did a fair amount of reading on minimalist shoes and decided to give them a try; however, I did not heed some of the sound advice regarding the transition to minimalist shoes - I transitioned much too quickly and the result was the Achilles Enthesitis injury I suffered during the Las Vegas Half Marathon (mentioned in my previous post).
So ... I had Plans, but then encountered Problems mainly due to lack of Patience. Patience ... Patience ... I learned a very good lesson between 2 December 2012 and today. St Augustine said, "Patience is the companion of wisdom." I may not be a wise man but the knowledge and information I have obtained over the past three months from doctors, physiotherapists and fellow runners has certainly helped me become a much more patient individual when it comes to my running goals. I have remained true to the recovery (Return to Running) program prescribed by my physiotherapist; furthermore, I have maintained a running pace a full minute-per-KM slower than the average pace I trained at during 2012.
The Patience is paying off ... one thing I noticed during last night's outdoor run was, because I am running a slower pace, it is far easier to focus on form ... and as such I am able to shorten my stride, turn my feet over at 180 steps per minute and ensure that I am landing mid-foot with every stride. During my training last year, after switching to minimalist shoes, I was very conscious of trying to maintain this style of running form - I found that when I ran this way (short stride, quick cadence, mid-foot) I felt an increase in efficiency - my cardio system was not needing to work as hard and I was able to recover quicker during walk breaks and after the run was over.
Putting all of this together, I am still determined to attempt ultra distances in the future - maybe not this year but definitely next year - but I will do so with much more patience. I will use suitable equipment (i.e. shoes) and run at a pace that is appropriate for maintaining form, which will help me, in the long run (no pun intended) to achieve greater distances without injury. It may take me an hour or two longer (than originally planned) to complete a 50 KM or 100 KM distance, but at least I will be able to complete it. Patience will play a big role in my training moving forward.
Off to physio tomorrow ... to practice more of my patience. Stay well everyone ...
No comments:
Post a Comment