“Don’t give up because things are hard, but work harder, when you think of giving up.” – Anthony Liccione
"Don't be shy about asking for help. It doesn't mean you're weak, it only means you're wise." - Unknown
It's been a LOOOOOONG 4 months, but I've finally started running pain free! I won't lie. It's been maddening. To do all of the right things & still have problems. Well, such is life. You can either, let it derail you or you can keep pushing toward your goal. I chose the latter.
I forced myself to move forward with a race I had already signed up for. Sylamore Trail 25k in Arkansas. Tons of rugged trail & ice-cold creek crossings. Temps were in the 20s & the water was in the 30s. I ran the first 8 or so with minimal pain. The last 9 were miserable. Nonetheless Brian & I got it done.
I also decided to formally ask for help, in the form of a coach. I came to the realization that I know a lot of things about running & weightlifting, but not how to marry the two for endurance running. So, now I'm a member of Team Ninja, coached by accomplished ultrarunner, Greg Sisengrath!
Look him up HERE.
So excited to be on this journey to 50 miles with a great coach & several friends that are also on the team. Tweaking the calendar a bit... I'm planning on Athens Big Fork (ABF) Jan 2024. It'll be great trainer for the Pikes Peak Marathon.
A week before I hired Greg, I had 29-mile trail run on the calendar. I was still experiencing pain, but I missed this race last year & really didn't want to miss it again. With only 10 miles in the month, I went for it. I will mention that I decided all of my issues had been from a weak Glute Medius. So, I've been going to PT & all the other things mentioned last time. I finished the race 29.2 miles, 3000+ ft of vert.
In the 8 or so weeks since, Greg has had me doing a ton of single leg exercises & bike riding. I have finally got to where I don't have sharp pain when I run. I've even worked back up to 2hr+ trail runs.
Everything is looking good! Up next is this weekend, a timed race. 2hrs at Achilles Hill in Sunset Texas. It's a lot of road, so it'll be a good test. After that we'll start moving into some speed work & getting ready for Dana Peak 50k in October.
It feels good to be back on track! A word for any of you in a rough patch... Just keep pushing. Check that ego & ask for help. Happy Trails!
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