User Comments

1. 

   10/05/08

   chemrat

   No, but Craig Virgin was the official starter in the Ivory Crockett race in Webster Groves (St. Louis suburb), Missouri that I just ran on Saturday, Oct 4. A nice 4 miler with one really big hill followed by a second, smaller, killer hill (why did the race official tell me it was all downhill from here, before I could see that there was another hill left). Anyway, it was a lot of fun. I ran very slowly, placing 162 out of 296, but I'm getting better (coming back from injury for about the 90th time, at age 49.98). Also, no aches or pains, though I did sleep a lot of the day. Best wishes, Jim

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2. 

   10/05/08

   cyberpenguin

   Hi Jim,
   
   Wow, that must've been awe-inspiring to be in the presence of such talent! Sounds like a great race! And good for you for running it!
   
   Regarding your repeat injuries:
   
   As you undoubtedly already know, it takes time to fully recover from injury - So cut yourself some slack, OK?!
   
   Speaking of which, here's a good article on how to run injury-free, I hope it will help: www.runninginjuryfree.org/injuryprevention.html
   
   Do you think the repeat injuries have to do with possible overtraining or the rate at which you are increasing your mileage or speed? I find that keeping to no more than a 10% increase in mileage helps to avoid injury. Fingers crossed! 8-)
   
   Also, could your shoes be contributing to your situation? For a time, I was running with the wrong type of shoe for my foot & stride, & it gave me unnecessary knee problems! The right shoes helped immensely to correct that problem: seecoreyrun.blogspot.com/2008/08/finally-here-are-posts-on-sneaker.html.)
   
   Anyhow, enough analysis. I hope you will be able to run injury-free from here on out! The larger point is that you completed the race, & with every race you run, you get better!
   
   Sincerely,
   Cyberpenguin
   seecoreyrun.blogspot.com

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3. 

   10/05/08

   chemrat

   Thanks for all the feedback. One reason for the injuries was a severe drop-off in training (due to having active kids and a heavy work schedule) coupled with foolish and damaging attempts at mental toughness in races that I just wasn't fit enough for. This is what seemed to bring on the plantar fasciitis. I do have very bad problems with my feet (sesimoid-itis: too much impact on the balls of my feet without orthotics), and my shoe/orthotic combinations have not always been good. I have always had trouble picking what shoes really fit.
   
   Now, I seem to have gotten very lucky. I'm using these new, space age Newtons, which cost a fortune, but I don't even use my orthotics in them, which is amazing because I normally have to wear the orthotics in all shoes. The Newtons come from the triathlon world, and have a compressible forefoot that strongly encourages good foot-planting (no heel striking, etc), but also have excellent metatarsal support, which is key for me. They also cradle the foot snugly without being tight, which eliminates blisters, etc. while allowing good circulation.
   
   The other part of my recovery is along the lines of your suggestions: I have been taking it very slowly this time, throwing "mental toughness" out the window and walking if I need to walk (which I do especially in hot, humid weather, at least at this stage of fitness). I ran no more than 4.2 miles for three or four months, and walked 4-5 miles at least once a week. I also cross-trained a bit on the bike and in the pool, and did a baby triathlon a month ago (a "noncompetitive" event, 700 yard swim, 12 mile bike, 3 mile run, which was hot, tiring and fun). Finally, a week before the four mile race, I ran six miles and it felt fine. No soreness. I am a little sore today- the hills can probably be thanked for that, but nothing out of the ordinary (hamstrings mainly, possibly from running a little faster on the downhills than I've run in a while, but still without pushing anything). Thanks for all the good wishes- back at ya! I'll check out your posts! Jim

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4. 

   10/23/08

   jeg2001

   Hello all,
   
   I wanted to add my recent interview with Washington, D.C. area running great, Michael Wardian. Michael is only 34 and he's already held the 50K, 100K and 50-mile trail championship title. Not to mention the countless 5Ks, 10Ks, 10-milers, half and full marathons he's won. He's run in two Olympic marathon trials, and though he hasn't made an Olympic team, he'll be representing the US in the 100K World Championships in Italy on Nov. 8th. He's also the current Guinness World Record holder for the fastest marathon while pushing a stroller (2:42!). But most of all, he's an extremely nice guy and has life well-balanced. I had the pleasure of chatting with him and I hope you enjoy the result:
   www.examiner.com/x-1111-DC-Running-Examiner~y2008m10d23-Meet-Michael-Wardia...
   
   Happy running!
   
   Jenn

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