Painfree or Carefree?

The typical running injury doesn't involve blood or band aids. If it were we'd be a lot happier in light of the fact that we're still able to run. The sight of blood doesn't usually elicit that "Oh crap, how will this effect my running plans?" response, like you may have seen in Gary Robbins Hawaii video. The pain in that guys voice is not based on actual pain as much as it is on an instantaneous awareness that a summer filled with running and racing was gone.

Like that flashing red light on the dashboard of our cars injuries tell us our running machines have had enough. Perhaps the machine is out of gas or oil, too tired, too old, or maybe even unmotivated.

Recently I've had a small red light flashing in my calf. Specifically my soleus. When it first flared up during Iron Knee I was able to run through it, but still had that moment of panic regarding Knee Knacker, the race I 've scheduled to peak for. At first I was mad, sad, upset, confused, and I tried to rationalize the pain away.

As the time went on I came to terms with it and started doing more and more cycling. I'm even doing my interval workouts on the bike. It's fun and feels less like work.

There it is...it felt less like work. Getting out for a run was feeling like work.

Is this burn out?

I was injured. Running felt like work. All I thought about was my training schedule, I was wasted tired and never recovering well.

The past 6 weeks have been wonderful - once I accepted my situation, that is. Not being able to run has allowed me to let go of the pressure I placed upon myself for Knee Knacker and enjoy other things. Riding the Test of Metal last weekend was a hoot even in the mud and wet. And I rolled off a 3:36. Not bad for a "runner".

This all really hit me yesterday when I was able to run for a solid hour without pain in my soleus. The birds were singing, the wind was blowing branches down around me, I jumped over a garter snake, and I was smiling in a large way even after I gashed my knee. Since having A.R.T. runs had been about achieving a pain free sensation in my soleus and I had gotten there a few weeks back in doing a few 40 minute sessions. But something still wasn't right. I was apprehensive to do certain moves, my body was tight and I wasn't enjoying myself. It felt like work. Yesterday I wasn't just pain free - I was care free too.

After injury forced me into a 7 week Ultra taper, I've naturally let go of my 5:30 Knee Knacker goal. I really am running for fun again now and if I am unable to start Knee Knacker I won't be looking for a rope to hang myself with. It is what it is.

Pain free running is one thing, but care free running is essential. All my regimented training had me focused on the future and not on Running Now. I should have known better.

Go Ahead to Ride

In the past three days I've seen Moveo's Jenn Turner and my coach/trainer, Curb Ivanic. They've both given me brilliant advice. Some I didn't want to hear, but some I was glad to hear. In particular "go ahead and ride". If it doesn't elicit a pain response, get out there. Perhaps I'm not on my feet like I need to be for Knee Knacker and I haven't run in 12 days, but I'm certainly getting in the aerobic workout I need...and crave.

The bad news is that I have to skip this weekends 5 Peaks, but it means I can try my running legs out on Monday again. Can't wait.

A Test of Two

After a late night phone call from my brother-in-law saying he was puking and wasn't going to make our morning ride of the Test of Metal course, it would've been easy to pack it in and do nothing. I couldn't do it though, so I packed the car and drove up to Squamish to ride the Test course and test out my soleus. After Moveo's Jenn Turner worked on it yesterday it felt much better and certainly held through todays ride. It feels a bit tight now, but all in all much improved. A bit of ice and rolling time tonight and another A.R.T. appointment tomorrow and hopefully a short run Tuesday.

Check out my workout below.

Wanted: Soleus in Good Condition

(About midway and 27 minutes from the soleus strain - Photo courtesy of Mat Curry)

Since last Sundays Iron Knee I have felt calf pain like never before. After cresting the top of the Power Line climb I began my descent with some minor cramping, or at least I thought so. Adrenaline kicked in with the inflammatory process and I finished the race with some minor pain in 1:57. I was happy but hurting so I hit the ocean for a soak and had a quick massage from Leah @ Moveo, who happened to be in the tent at Panorma Park.

Since then I've had another massage at Moveo, with Christie this time, and the tension in my calf persists. I'm pretty sure I'm dealing with a grade 1 or 2 strain of soleus, but another few appointments with massage and maybe physio should get me a diagnosis that I didn't make up from the web. We're all web doctors afterall.

With Test of Metal in two weeks and Knee Knacker in five, I am VERY concerned. My anxiety levels are at an all time high and I'm hanging onto anything in hopes of a miracle.

Lots of rolling and Ice, no running...and I'm not sure about biking. Grrrr! I might be reduced to pool running.

Iron Knee - All Bets are Off

Traditionally the Iron Knee has been quite the bench mark for the season to come. It tends to act as a bit of a check up for many of us North Shore runners as we approach our summer racing season. Most of us have a general idea what our time should be and it helps us gauge our fitness for the summer.

I had a look back though Race Headquarters archives and realized I'll be racing this race for the seventh time this year. I first raced it back in 2005 when it was called the Half Knacker (which it truly isn't). Since then all my times have been within a ten minute range from 1:59:40 in 2005, down 1:49: 18 last year. It's taken me seven years to improve by 10 minutes and now that I feel like I understand this course they've decided to change it.Course and Profile without new section up Nancy Green Way

The course is generally the same as it goes Grouse Mountain across the powerlines to Baden Powell which carries runners through to Lynn Headwaters. At that point runners head over the bridge to the North, right along Rice Lake connector, past LSCR gazebo and down Twin Bridge Hill. The new-ish bridge has runners moments from the start of the famous Power Line climb. Personally I start my chrono at the bottom of the Mystery Creek climb off Fisherman's, but the Power Line climb doesn't really start until you cross Mystery Creek bridge. This is where you have to decide if running this will benefit you. Walking might be the right choice because once you've reached the top, you still have six or so kilometers down the Baden Powell Trail before the finish in Deep Cove...and we all know how long that section from Quarry Rock to the finish can be when we're wrecked.

You're right if you're thinking this sounds the same as every other year, but I forgot to mention that you have to run to Grouse parking lot before starting. The official start this year is about a mile down Nancy Green Way at Cleveland Dam Park. It'll do wonders for the single track sections that used to bottleneck, but it's a second tough climb in one race and will definitely add some time to overall results.

Ultimately, it's a brand new course, and more like a true Half Knacker, with all new expectations so all bets are off. I'll still be working my ass off and it'll be interesting to see if I can still come in under two hours. I hate setting public goals, but there it is - sub two hours.

Roots of Mountain Running

What is the Flight Crew?

For a couple years now I've proudly been part of a very unique group of Salomon athletes who are considered brand ambassadors. As runners, racers, and all round adventurers, the Salomon Flight Crew is a grass roots team of amazing people that believe in Salomon and want to share a passion for it's products.

I've always been a Salomon guy even before I started running. I remember having a blue corduroy Salomon hat when I was in grade 9 and skiing a lot. It seemed like a brand of adventure and fun. I was proud of that hat. My first trail shoe was an earlier version of the XA Pro. My feet have always loved the fit of Salomon shoes so when I was asked to be a part of the Flight Crew that fit was natural too.

As a Flight Crew athlete of course we are proud users of the products, but among other things we test gear at a low level and collect valuable feedback from others using the products. This is one way Salomon can be sure to continue making the cutting edge products they've always made. You don't think Salomon just makes good stuff. They listen.

Being the title sponsor of 5 Peaks, Salomon is also able to share shoe demos with racers at each event. This past weekend, at BC's first event, Golden Ears, The Lazy Trail Runner and I were able to introduce the wonderful world of the Speed Cross 2, the XT Wing, and the new XR Cross Max to some of the days racers. They loved what they tried.

The Lazy Trail Runner (Duncan Coo) & I at 5 Peaks Racers Expo

Recently we also took part in the Door2Trail Cross Max tour. It's happening all across the country, but we helped kick it off in Vancouver and now it's headed across the prairies. Check out some of the videos of the tour on Munny's Blog.

The bottom line is that I am very, very proud to be part of such an incredible team and representing a company of such quality and innovation. Of course it is also a delight to receive several boxes full of gear each year. It's Christmas for big kids who like to play in the mud and mountains. Most recently I recieved a full EXO kit, advanced skin SLAB Hydration pack, the always gorgeous SLAB's, a Fast III jacket, a beautiful embroidered hoody, and of course the NEW XR Cross Max.

I'm looking forward to another great racing season and putting all this stuff to the test. The advanced skin SLAB pack will get it's first test this weekend. I'll let you know how it goes.