Monday, December 01, 2008

Vacation's Over

It usually happens at about precisely this time, no mystery that it coincides with the gluttony of Thanksgiving, where the following weekend or so I'm craving a run. And not just for the sake of it, but I crave the organization and structure and discipline of regular training again. I think the last two years I started something structured on about December 1st. I've been doing some casual stuff for a few weeks, but wasn't really feeling it - still content to rest, gain weight, hibernate. Yesterday I required a run, and it felt good and intentional, and this week I'm back into something regular, albeit not intense at all, and I'm excited about that.

Nothing's healed, though. My left IT band is still haywire - sore after about 2.5 miles yesterday. My left arch - I think plantar fasciitis - is still painful. My right achilles really feels no differently than it did the day after the marathon. This is disappointing after 8 weeks off. I guess I'll have to visit the doctor. Alas.

In other news, yesterday I was lazily flipping channels when I stumbled upon IMWI '08 on VS.! Sweet!!!! Can I just say again what a beautiful day for a race that was. What a blast. Got me in the mood.

Also, I joined Facebook. I've tied this blog into Facebook so that when I post here it's imported into my "notes". Between Twitter, Facebook, and here, and tying them all into one another one way or another, I'm kind of creating an informational feedback loop. Not sure about it. We'll see.

Finally, it snowed for the first time. Yesterday morning, knowing it was forecasted, I said to Jack on our run, "This is the last time we'll see this green lawns until April, buddy." And a couple of hours later, they were gone. The good news is that for a time we were forecast for something silly like 6-10 inches, but it only amounted to 2-3 or so. It's a good sign, after last horrible winter, if the big storm passed us by for once.

That's what's new with me. What's up whichu?

10 comments:

KodaFit said...

I'm starting to wonder if Utah is going to see any snow this winter... Not that I'm complaining!

I had a lot a IT Band problems earlier this year - on my left side too. I got some stretches and stuff from my Sports doctor which helped, but the biggest help came from a little strap I put on right above my knee. I felt like I had been ripped off, because it's just a very thin neoprene type strap with velcro, but it's ended up being really, really worth it.

Are you accepting facebook friends from the blog world?

xt4 said...

Have a link or anything for that knee-strap thing, KodaFit?

Look up my real name on facebook dude, let's be friends -

KodaFit said...

Here you go... It's a dual purpose strap, either below the knee for runners knee, or above the knee for IT problems. When my IT Band flares up, I just synch it really tight!

http://www.fabrifoam.com/p-pattstrap.html

Anonymous said...

Here is a link to a great product, something you should consider buying :) Let me help you spend your $$.

http://store.tptherapy.com/Trigger_Point_Knee_Dysfunction_Kit_p/ttl-knk.htm

Check it out...we both used it when we had knee/IT issues when training for IM WI two years in a row. The key is - you have to be consistent using the balls/rollers or yes, you'll be in the same place as you are today.

Good luck! If you buy them, let me know how they work for you.

Here is another website for knee straps, etc.
http://www.cho-pat.com/

xt4 said...

Wow, awesome! Thanks!!!

Robin said...

I'm glad you've got some snow, the ski areas here aren't even near open yet.

On the IT band issues, I had good luck with that knee strap thingy and a foam roller. But then I read and took to heart the Chi Running book, and have since done 2 HIM, a marathon and an IM with no IT band problems at all!

Amytrigirl (aka Amybee) said...

I found your blog by doing a google search on IronMan Wisconsin + 2010 dates....

also found another person in Wisconsin doing 2009 -- Kate: http://trikatie.blogspot.com/

I'm hoping to get in to the 2010 event --
I've done a number of other tris and am thinking I may be ready for the "big one" in 2010.

I'll be reading your and Kate's blog with interest during your training season.

I'm going to volunteer for 2009....I'll be rooting for you both.

Anonymous said...

Hey Xt4
I have not been able to find an email or contact for you.
Could you contact me via my blog or email - I would appreciate it greatly.

R. Jeffrey Davis said...

I can't remember what your last name is (to add you in Facebook. How's the IT band issue? I had problems with my left side last year and it took a while to heal.

Steve Stenzel said...

Merry Christmas, Chris!!