Down for Maintenence, Part V: The Renovations Begin

I originally wanted to title this post: "The Comeback", but the way I see it, I was never really out, just dealing with a season that many of us go through at some point in the game. I think this is a good time to close out the "Down for Maintenance" series, especially now that my new focus is building back up.

Injuries are never fun, especially catching "the bug" this year like I did, but there is much to be gained from them. Rumor has it, I participate in what some may call an "extreme sport", after all...Now it is time to take the new and strengthened connections I have made with others both in my immediate community and online, my new knowledge of my biomechanics, weak areas (both physical and mental), plus the new purpose if this thing I do to begin laying the grout for my new project: a 'running renovation,' to put it in metaphorical terms. 'Cuz I think metaphors are fun:).

According to the orthopaedic world, bones and connective tissue need to be remodeled and strengthened in order to be used at full capacity again. Just like laying grout or plaster, you apply a layer, wait for it to harden, then repeat. Over time, if you do it right and with patience, you often have taken something and make it something special. You want a quality product, it takes time.

 My quality product will begin by using basic ingredients: I am basically using  this schedule by Pete Pfitzinger, M.S.According to Coach Pfitzinger, my runs are short and spread out at first, just like a layer of plaster. Then comes waiting for for it to harden (or going on another run) before repeating the process, laying it on a little more each day. This is to allow the bone to remodel properly. After about 6 weeks-hopefully-I will have enough "layers" to begin the process of solid base-building, which is the main priority for the next few months.

Last night marked day one of this process. As directed, I put in 10 mins walking-talk about a strange feeling-on the track near my place and then proceeded with two 5-min experimental runs. I have to say, this was a strange, scary, yet familiar feeling-I've done this before, right? It was basically just me out there and  another runner and his ipod, my Timex, in my new Glycerins. Just as I wanted it to be for the nervous first-nice and simple.

What was no sot familiar? Feeling out of running shape-yuck! The foot seemed to hold up well, especially using the orthotics. Never once did I have to think about foot placement, and I don't think that has ever happened before!  After getting through the initial "shock" of using the running muscles again, a recurrent thought  was an optimistic one: "wow-if I do this right, some really cool things may just happen!" I felt floppy and uncoordinated, but I maintained a steady, natural pace. I did not necessarily feel slow and take that as a good sign. Towards the end of the maiden voyage, I started to feel more and more like me again. With each step I could feel the potential of what can be, instead of each step being painful, unsteady, and fatigued. I will go fast again. I am confident of that. The Gift of Running-yeah!

It was back in the water today and feeling good, where I will split time in between runs and cycling. The next 6 weeks are relatively planned out with the renovation process. I have a race or two in mind, of the 5k and 10k variety, but will not rush it. This time, the quality needs to be prime. No need to rush. Also, to get the elephant out of the room,  I will be participating in a sprint triathlon, likely the Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Tri in June (Thanks, Andy!); I have been curious about trying one for years and now have all the gear to do it. Other than that, it is up to the process.2011 will be all about having fun, getting strong and trying new things. I can't wait!

More updates later.

God Bless and blow doors.