running

Sculpting a Runner

Run training is like creating a sculpture. Each day you make a tiny scratch in the rock. Over the course of several weeks, months, and years, these scratches add up and eventually coalesce into a shape, the shape turns into a figure, and the figure turn into a work of art.

Some days are more productive and you might make a bigger scratch. You might see a hint of progress and gain a boost of confidence that you are actually creating something worthwhile. You’re motivated to continue the process and excited to see what the following days and weeks bring.

But most days seem underwhelming and the scratch you make is nearly imperceptible. Did that run matter? Am I standing still? Or worse yet, am I going backwards?

The size of the daily scratch is seemingly out of your control. A magical combination of mysterious factors that seem at times like witchcraft and fairytale mixed with a hint of science.

On race day you pull the curtain down and unveil your work to the world. You are vulnerable. All your weaknesses and strengths exposed. Here is what I spent weeks, months, and years creating. What do you think? Is it good enough?

Having a coach can help you keep the big picture in mind. They are constantly watching from afar, seeing the tiny scratches come together and the many factors that contribute to each scratch.

A coach will let you know that your on track to create something great. A coach can also see if things aren’t trending well. In either case adjustments can be made in the plan to make sure you goals are achieved.

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running

Injury Comeback (So Far)

Six weeks ago I broke my ankle. I was running on a smooth section of trail towards the end of a long run when I took a step and rolled my foot inward. I didn’t think it was broken at the time. While this one felt bad and included the added element of a cracking sound, I’d rolled that ankle before. It’ll be fine. After gaining my composure, I jogged the remaining two miles back to my car. It was only after sitting in the car for thirty minutes feeling the pain and stiffness set in that I realized this might be worth a trip to Urgent Care.

An x-ray indicated what would later be confirmed by an Orthopedist – an avulsion fracture of my left lateral malleolus. Essentially the ligament stretched enough to pull off a piece of the bony protrusion on the outside of my ankle. I was fitted for a walking boot and sent on my way.

Fast forward to today and I’m building back. If I look at each day there are ups and downs. Depending on the day, it can seem like I’m either healing like a champ or digressing into a dark underworld of permanent pain and swelling. But if I zoom out and look at where I was six weeks ago, I’ve made a ton of progress. I’ve been out of my boot for two and half weeks loading up on a steady diet of physical therapy, strength training, and low-impact aerobic work. I can do ankle circles, calf raises, and fancy feats of balance that might lead to a career in street performing down the road.

While the progress is positive, the prospect of what lies ahead is something I battle with in my head. Am I going to be the same runner? Will I be more cautious? Not as strong? Logically I know things will turn out fine, but doubts keep knocking at my door asking to come in, while I’m hiding behind the ottoman hoping they’ll give up and go to the next house.

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