Dusting Off The Trainers

Rustyboy · LA, CA Joined: 14 Dec 2004 Posts: 225

My athletic efforts run in cycles, and after a couple months of near-zero running, I think it's time for me to get my groove on again.

In the ten weeks since the Wineglass Marathon, I ran just 24 miles total. That is really pathetic. My only run worth mentioning was a 5K Turkey Trot with a pokey finish time. My longest run during those weeks was 6 miles. Fitness that was gained painstakingly over the spring and summer evaporated all too quickly.

Oddly enough, the major factor spurring me to return my running to minimally reasonable levels is my back. I've found that when I'm not running for long periods, I develop fairly serious back and shoulder pain, which then radiates down my arm and even makes my pinky finger go numb. It's worse when I'm seated at a computer, but even when I'm up and walking around, it can get pretty bad. I first experienced this pain during a long running hiatus in 2005, and discovered that exercise eliminated it almost completely. Running probably helps keep the muscles and tendons more flexible, helping to prevent whatever snags cause the pain. I can't really explain it, but I just know it works.

My second motivation is the upcoming San Francisco Half Marathon in about six weeks. It's one of my favorite races, and I've done it every year since 2003. I don't want to get to the point where I can't even run 13 miles at an easy pace, let alone race it, but things are sliding in that direction.

Yesterday I decided to push myself and try to do a two hour run. Normally that wouldn't be difficult at all, but with my recent schedule of 4 easy miles every other week, a two hour run was a big jump. I had to hunt for my water bottle and free it from the pile of junk it had occupied since September. The run was tough and I felt beat by the 4 mile mark, but eventually I got into a slow and steady groove. I managed something like 13-14 miles over modestly hilly trails in a bit more than two hours. It's a start.

To those more motivated souls who are ripping up their local trail and ultra races, keep up the great work, and best wishes for a happy and healthy Christmas season.