I’ve done a lot of unorthodox things running, from running a marathon on one hour of sleep to running three in three states in 8 days to running one in rain and 40 mph winds with bronchitis. But I’m thinking my long run this weekend might have been one of the dumber things I’ve done. Yeah, 26.5 miles on a bad ankle.
Today’s Workout
On Saturday morning, I went out for my first long run since running the Rock ‘N Roll Marathon in San Diego in May 31. I’ve felt slow since early May and I just haven’t been myself. I was aiming for 28-30 miles, but I didn’t know how it would go, so I took a route that would have allowed me to cut it short if necessary. I started off not moving tremendously quick, and I could tell it was humid by how much I was sweating. I felt a little fatigued as I got into it, and I’m sure doing 16.6 on Friday didn’t have me too fresh, but I figured I’d just push through. So, I headed out to get far enough out to make sure I’d get at least 26.2 in. I figure that’s the best way — if you’re out and the only way to get back is straight in, you’ll hit your miles. Well, about 2 1/2 hours in, it started getting hot and I started falling apart.
I could tell that I was on track for about 26.6 and I knew I would forego any of the turns I would have taken to get it up to about 28. I really wanted to quit, but there’s not a lot to do. Walk home for three miles? I was coming up the hill I finish on and my wife drove by — she was coming home from McDonald’s playground with the kids. I wanted to get in the car, but she asked me how far along I was. I told her 25.5 and she told me no, to keep rolling, because I’d regret not going the distance. She’s not a slave-driver or a drill sergeant. She just knows me well. She knows that if I was in serious trouble, I’d demand a ride, or if I struggled over that last mile I’d shut it down and walk. And she knew that I’d kick myself all weekend if I didn’t go at least 26.2. She was right and I ended up going 26.5. I walked up my street at the end as a cool down because I felt like I was going to throw up. I was a minute per mile slow. I’ve run at least 26.2 in training a good 30+ times, and this was by far my slowest. Oh well … better luck next weekend.
I took yesterday off. I caught up on my sleep, and there’s no need to overdo it while building the miles back up. I ended up with 76.4 last week with essentially three days off, so I figured that was enough.
Last night, I had Tiff look at my ankle. It still hurts from when I rolled it last Tuesday. I’ve never had an ankle problem before, so this is new territory. It feels swollen when I touch it, but that could be deceptive based on the pain I’m feeling. Well, she touched it and took a look and I got a big “Oh my goodness!” Yeah, it’s still swollen. I got up to run this morning, got dressed and ready to go, and it hurt a tiny bit and I figured I’d just shut it down and get some work done. I don’t know if I’ll run tomorrow, if I’ll take some time off again, if I’ll run the 5K I’m looking into this Saturday … I have no idea what I’m going to do. I do know that I’m going to be very frustrated for a little while. If I had to run a marathon today for Operation Jack, it would be no problem and I’d do it. But I don’t and I want to be as close to 100% to start it off next year. I need to be ready to go on Decemeber 31, not July 31.
Talkin’ Jack
In case this is your first time here, or if you’ve never been to the rest of the site, I’m planning on running 60 marathons next year to raise awareness for a charity called Train 4 Autism. My son, Jack, is severely autistic and I want to do something to make a difference in his honor. In this spot in each blog, I’ll talk about Jack a little bit.
Jack had a pretty fun weekend and didn’t have any significant issues. He was very well behaved at Red Robin for lunch on Saturday and rode on Ava’s scooter later in the afternoon. I can’t recall him having any meltdowns all weekend. He did a pretty good job sitting at the kitchen table with the rest of us for breakfast yesterday morning and seemed fairly calm all weekend.
Actually, one funny story: He thought it would he funny to take a cup, go to the fridge to get some water out of the dispenser on the door and then fling it up on the ceiling. He was right — it was kind of funny. But it probably wasn’t very good for the ceiling or the floor. Tiff pushed the lock button on the fridge, so when we went back to get more water, nothing came out, so he tried to throw water from an empty cup up to the ceiling. Obviously, nothing happened, but he did it two more times after that with an empty cup and found it pretty funny. I tried not to laugh because I didn’t want to encourage. I failed.
Anyways, he starts a special summer camp today (just a day camp), so hopefully that goes well. You’ll find out here tomorrow, of course.
The Streak Is Over
No, not the ice cream streak. The dinner streak. I wasn’t very hungry and I snacked enough, so I didn’t eat dinner. I don’t know how many nights in a row I’d had dinner, but if I have dinner tonight, my new streak will be at one. I’m still rolling with the ice cream, though.
I went with cookies and cream on Friday night, a waffle cone of Orange 50/50 at Golden Spoon on Saturday and cookies and cream again last night. I’m 33 days in a row with ice cream or frozen yogurt now. I’m thinking I should stop, because the longer it goes, the tougher it’s going to be for me to snap my streak. But it’s so darn hot right now and I really like ice cream. So I guess I’ll just keep rolling.
Blood Drive Anyone?
I know that between now and the end of 2010, we’re going to a lot of great things for autism-related charities all over the country. But why not try to do other nice things while we’re at it?
I mentioned this on Friday and I’ll mention it again today. Today is the five-year anniversary of the death of my Uncle Bob. He died of leukemia. So, I’m going to give blood. I hate needles. I’ve given blood once, back when I was in college, and I HATED the experience. Just talking about needles makes me kind of queasy.
But I was talking with a friend of mine named Peggy, who has one of the biggest hearts of anybody I’ve ever met, and she gives blood regularly. That sparked the idea a couple of weeks ago, but I let it go, figuring I’d wait until next year on this date. But for whatever reason, it came back to me on my run on Friday.
I had a physical therapy appointment for my knee today, but I shifted it until Wednesday and I’m going in to give blood today at 1:30. I know I’m just a stranger blogging on the internet to most of you, but if you’ve ever thought about giving blood but needed a kick in the pants, please do it this week! I know it might be a little late to do it today, but if you can do it sometime this week, post here and let me know, or contact me through the Contact Us form (I should probably just call it “Contact Me”). You’d be doing a good thing, you’ll get free cookies, and (selfishly) I’ll let my Aunt Rebecca (his widow) know and it will hopefully bring a smile to her face. I know not all of you will, but if I can get just one person to, I think that would be awesome.
Operation Jack Update
There are a ton of good things cooking in the Operation Jack kitchen right now. I can’t mention what any of them are, but any time one of these dishes turns out, I’ll be eager to let everybody know. I can’t believe how much work this takes on a daily basis. But little things here and there are (or might be) coming together and it’s amazing. I’m just a normal guy going through my daily routine trying to make something happen, and more and more people are jumping on the bandwagon. It blows my mind and I truly appreciate everything more than I can really convey in just a few sentences. For all the things you all are doing, and that definitely includes spreading the word and getting excited, THANK YOU!
Ice, Ice Baby
I was asked on Twitter if I soak my legs in ice after every run, and I figured I’d answer the question here. No, I don’t. I wish I had the time to. I love what ice baths do to my legs — they bring them about 95% back to life. The ice decreases the swelling and helps with the tiny little tears you get in your muscles when your exercise. A hot bath is obviously more relaxing, but the ice is what will make you heal. You don’t want to go with the hot bath before you ice. Last October, I ran a 3:04:59 in Kansas City on a Saturday (my 4th-fastest, a good time for me), then drove three hours to Wichita, soaked in ice for an hour and ran a 3:09:13 the next day, also a decent time for me. That wouldn’t have happened without the ice.
One tip, because it can be extremely difficult to get into a freezing-cold tub: Get in on your knees and it will be easier. Also, if you’re ever staying in a hotel, take advantage of that ice machine! Even if you’re not that beat up, it’s always good to get back to 100 percent.
Video Of The Day
I’m sticking with my blood drive, even if I’m the only person to donate!
Happy Monday!
This is the spot where I wrap it all up and ask you to send the site to somebody new today. I know you all are here because you believe in the cause. The goal is to increase nationwide awareness for Train 4 Autism (and eventually funds, but the awareness will take care of that). It’s pretty simple — increased awareness comes from more people being involved. So tell one person today. Little actions like that by a lot of people will make a big difference.
Erin Ruff says
Hi!
Saw Jack at SS!
What a cutie.
e.
Erin Ruff says
Hi!
Saw Jack at SS!
What a cutie.
e.
Shelly Overton says
Hey Sam,
Thought I’d give you an update of my weekend in SF. When I went to the Expo I did my best to pass out Operation Jack flyers and got some really great responses. I will tell you I really enjoyed talking about your commitment and how heart warming it is to see the looks on peoples faces when the “get it”. I even ran into Dane (the guy who did 52 in 52) gave him one of your flyers. I stopped at most race booths and ask them to take flyers and call us. I hope it helps. I’m going to a networking event tomorrow and going to be talking about Operation Jack.
Shelly