injuries #!$#&!!

I know, I know, I know I know I KNOW, I shouldn't have run for so long on that rough, uneven, treacherous dirt road on a cold morning, but I just couldn't help myself. I was dying to get a long run in and of course I couldn't wouldn't turn back, because that's just me. So, I kept trudging through. Of course I knew  hoped conditions would improve. And they did, but unfortunately not soon enough because by the time they did, (4 miles from home) my left foot began to complain. I told it, begged it to kept quiet, but it would not obey. I thought maybe if I could just sort of shuffle. My foot wasn't having any of it. So, I walked home, dejected, wondering if I should stop my Endomondo app or just let it keep going and ruin my pace reading. I just let it go. At least I could count these walking miles toward our 2016 goal.

I've been injured before and I still think I am invincible. How can this happen to me when I love to run so much. But every time it happens, I am brought back down to reality. It really makes me appreciate those times when I can run free without pain. I do usually learn a lot from an injury. I add another exercise or adjustment to my training. But it is so awful not to be able to go out for a run. Running truly is my drug of choice.

So, after I arrived home. I dutifully iced it and put on some arch pads to wear to work. The next day I took a rest day. Last night I told myself I probably needed to rest it today also. But, after work I thought, I would just try a little run. I thought to myself, "Channel cloud and be light on your feet". I mean I had been on it all day at work and it had felt fine. I took about 5 steps and it started complaining again. So I was relegated to the dreaded stationary bike.

Awesome indoor views!

Trying to have a good attitude

Fortunately a couple of weeks ago, we planned to try cross country skiing. Bill had been once before and I had not. It wasn't the best conditions with snow on top of a layer of ice, but we managed. Bill spent some time on his back just getting a different perspective on things. It was definitely a workout and I probably could learn a few pointers on technique Those cross country skiers make it look so easy. 

Just taking a break

Well after our cross country date I had to go to work for a couple of hours and because my foot felt good all day I thought I would just run home from work. And . . . well. . . . I guess I will be bringing my trainer in from hybernation . . . Ugh!

running the strip

I have been to Las Vegas many many times and every time I go I think, "Okay, this is the time I will find a more scenic, less dangerous route to run." I mean running down Boulder Highway with cars whizzing by you at 60mph, passing unsavory characters, running past a sewage plant, and crossing busy roads does have it's adrenalin rush. But, I prefer a little less stress when I run. Which is why I balked at my husband Bill's suggestion that we run down the strip Saturday morning. I've trusted his judgement before, i.e. the sewage plant. So, I was a little hesitant. Anyway, aside from a scary for me jaywalking incident, I found it to be very enjoyable. It wasn't very crowded and there were other fellow runners enjoying the early dawn before all of the tourists and characters turn out. You get a good workout going up and over the stairs and walkways, so traffic is really not an issue and you can keep a pretty good pace with few interruptions. It also allows for some good photo opportunities. 

Our team, Guster, has now run over 200 miles, well on our way to accomplish our goal of running 2016 miles this year. Good job, guys! Keep up the good work!
As for my goal of running 52 miles on my birthday, Bill has suggested that I do that on Saturday instead of on my actual birthday so that others can join me. I will take that under consideration, Also, I would like to run for more than just myself. If you have any ideas I would appreciate it. It would be great to get more people involved and make it count for something bigger.

It's epic 2016!

Since my last post, I have run 4 more marathons and still have not figured this distance out yet. I am not calling it quits, but I do want to focus on some other goals for awhile. I may or may not return to gain better understanding of the marathon. Out of the seven marathons I have run, I feel pretty good about two of them. The first St. George marathon in 2010  in which I conquered the distance and my third marathon at St. George where I had a 17 minute PR. I have since run 2 more PRs, but they weren't enjoyable experiences, not that I would characterize marathons as enjoyable, but I just didn't get into the "groove" during the race. I still haven't totally figured out fueling and pacing.

2012 St. George Marathon

So, onward and upward. For 2016, Brita, Wendy Bill and I, aka "Guster's Army" are combining our miles this year to total 2016. We've already accomplished our first 100.

Another unofficial goal I have made is to get to and from work without motorized power. I am a night custodian and my job is a mile from home. So far I've accomplished that for more than a year now. My thoughtful husband often texts me to offer me a ride, but I have to turn him down.

My running buddy

Lately it's been cold and snowy so my mode of transportation has been on foot. When the pavement is dry, I ride my bike to work. 

And now . . . (drum roll here) for my final epic running goal of 2016, I would like to run 52, yes 52 miles ON my birthday. Yes, you read that right, 52 miles on my birthday.  Insert your favorite interjection here. Why 52? Believe it or not, I will be turning 52 this year. How am I going to accomplish this you might be wondering? Well, I will have to train for it like any other event.  I will have to stay healthy by focusing on staying injury free and taking recovery more seriously than I have before. I'm not going for speed here. I have 24 hours to accomplish this goal. Usually, I would not tell anyone about this, but by letting this crazy idea escape the deep dark recesses of my brain, I guess I will really be making this a serious goal. I have 16 weeks, I better get started . . .