Monday, May 18, 2009

Half iron distance training - so far

I'm on week four out of 22 of my half iron distance training. The first two weeks went really well. I managed to meet all of my requirements and was having a good time doing so.

Week three came along, and I managed to injure my knees. I attribute this injury to:

1) running slowly to meet the requirements for low RPE runs really messed with my ChiRunning form,
2) running with the dogs, again, messed with said running form,
3) possibly needing a new pair of running shoes as a couple areas of my feet are tender and

4) pushing really, really hard off the pool wall.

So, I've taken the last week off of running and this has helped some in easing the physical pain. It has, however, left me frustrated and a little despondent. Week two of this and I've already got an injury? Yeesh!

Now, the good news. This past weekend, I had an opportunity to take a total break and travel to Erie, PA. I thought traveling would be a nice reprieve from my training blues. I can't run but I can bike, so I loaded-up my two-wheeler into the SUV.

I debated on whether or not to bring it. Would it be too much trouble? Would I have time to ride it? If I had time, would I even ride it?

I am so glad that I brought it along! I had about a 20-mile, relaxing ride on a beautiful Saturday afternoon on the beach. It was dead flat and completely enjoyable!

The smell of the water, the slapping of the choppy blue waves, the strong wind off the shoreline and the energy from a couple hundred other bikers and runners really rejuvenated my spirits.

So, I'm back home now. I still think I need to take another week off from running, so I'm going to really focus on the bike and the swim.

Though this injury's slowed me down, I'm still working toward that finish line come September 27.

16 comments:

Mel-2nd Chances said...

yikes, sorry to hear about the knees :( good luck with your recovery! sending speedy healing vibes your way.

Beth said...

Sounds like you are making the best of your time off of running. It's great that you had your bike with you! I hope you feel better soon.

Stuart said...

Yep running with dogs will do it...but then so will needing new shoes!

Either way get better soon!

Anonymous said...

Hope the knees are feeling better. At least you are still able to get in solid swims and rides.

ONEHOURIRONMAN said...

I am a strong advocate of low mileage running in preparation. People do not make it to the starting line because of over running. Focus on the bike. It is key.
Hope all goes well.
Cheers.

Anonymous said...

Injuries ARE frustrating! Good luck with recovery. Sounds like you're doing the right thing. Your bike ride along the water sounded wonderful!

Renee said...

Ugh, I hate knee pain! I am glad you are keeping up with your biking though! I try to always take my bike with me when I go somewhere so that way I never regret not bringing it! If I don't make in a ride it is no biggie, but if I do, it is a majot bonus!

Dusty said...

Hey Lora,
What half plan are you using? And which half are you doing? I would really like to do a half late in the summer or early fall--but haven't found a plan yet.
peace,
Dusty

Velma said...

Keep working and you will hit your goal. Good resting the knee - better safe than sorry. I really thought I was the only one who has hurt themselves at the pool - I always get calf cramps from pushing off hard.

teacherwoman said...

Way to persevere through the injury! Play it safe, but don't give up!

Lizzy said...

I've been doing some running and it just kills my knees. Ick.

Yay for Erie, PA! That's 3 hours from meee! :)

Don't get frustrated, these things happen- you'll pull through. You're doing the right thing by taking it slow for a little while, then you can kick it back up!

ShirleyPerly said...

Bummer about the knees :-(

But glad you brought along your bike and had a good getaway to Erie. A couple years ago I ran the Erie marathon (on Presque Isle) and remember how scenic (and flat) the area was. You have plenty of time to recover by your race so no worries!

Anonymous said...

Lora- I'm so sorry about your injury! Your bike ride sounded heavenly- I am so glad you got to enjoy that! take care, Christine

Being Robinson said...

How frustrating about the injury. Hang in there! Sounds like a delightful weekend though. I love the pictures, so pretty.

Unknown said...

Sounds like things are going well besides the knee... definitely let it heal! You won't be that far behind at this point! Yay for bringing your bike to Erie... the ride sounds like it's just what you needed!

chris mcpeake said...

injuries really suck. Keep working the pool and bike if you can. Good luck on your training

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