It’s been a long time since I blogged. I just haven’t been motivated to write. 2020 was all set to be another great year, and then bam! A sucker punch like no other. All of the races I was scheduled to run have been canceled, chasing my entry to Western States has been put on hold, all of the races that I am the race director for have been cancelled or modified, my college kids are home, the running store and the staff were pushed to the limit, the political scene is a mess, and we’ve had tons of civil unrest. I truly believe that we will navigate all of this, but jeez, that is one heck of a list! And I know that everyone is feeling it, and I feel for them. And as easy and cathartic as it would be to just sit here and whine, that’s just not me. Instead, I am going to try and use this time to right my running ship.
While I was training for Indiana Trail 100, I was dealing with knee tendonitis, and once the race was cancelled, I shut it down to heal. Then, when I started running again, I injured my back. Like I said, bam! 2020 has been a hoot. So, in the last three weeks, I believe that I have run about three times for a grand total of like 9 miles. Not the stuff of legends.
I really don’t consider myself injury prone, so this has been tough to handle. However, it forced me to really reflect on what I have been doing and more importantly, what I have not been doing, that might have aided in me becoming an injured piece of shit. Sorry for the curse, but that is what you are called if you are an injured ultra-runner. It’s a medical term, I believe… Anyway, after close examination of my training and talking to my PT, it was obvious that my cross training had become almost non-existent as I was stacking up the 50-mile weeks and my work demands had increased. That led to a weaker core and weaker hips. No Bueno.
Of course, I’d like to say that I had a good reason, but honestly, I just hate cross-training and would prefer to run, hike, or punch myself in the face, rather then do it. As my PT so gently pointed out, I am approaching my 50th birthday, and I am no longer a spring chicken. If I am going to abuse my body, I have to take better care of it. Ok.
Now we are getting to the heart of the matter. My plan for the rest of 2020 is to tear myself down and build myself back up again. Rebuild a better running body. I am going to follow the cross-training plan that has been put forward for me to improve my core, hip, and back strength, no excuses. While my diet is fairly clean, it definitely can be cleaner. I plan on increasing my fruits and vegetables and lowering my processed food intake. Despite being a vegetarian since January 1st, you can still eat too much processed food, and I feel I may have been doing that out of convenience.
You are probably asking where all of this is going, since many of the races out there are cancelled or absolutely full. Well, you don’t need an organized race to run 100 miles. My plan is to attempt my first unsupported 100 mile run sometime in the first half of December 2020. This is an accountability post. I’m putting this out to the world so that I am accountable. I’ll write update posts as my training progresses and then write a race report for the run afterwards. There are definitely mixed emotions here. I’m excited to get moving again, but I definitely am a little scared, as I have never attempted a solo 100 miler. Regardless, I feel that this is what I need to do to stay productive as a runner in 2020 and prepare for what I hope will be a big 2021.With all of my heart, I hope that you and your families are all healthy and happy, and that you are finding the silver lining in this crazy year. I’d love to know what you are doing to stay fit and ready for your goals beyond 2020, so please leave your comments. I am taking a break on social media (Facebook & Instagram), so Strava is probably the best way to keep up with my training. Best of luck for the rest of the year!
If I can help you on your journey in any way, please reach out to me.
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Questions, comments, feedback? Please leave them in the comments section BELOW and we can have a discussion!
Joe,
I so agree with what you have said. This year has been one that has challenged me like no other. My husband and I own a small pet shop and it has not been easy. Pandemic, employee loss and as you said civil unrest (our store is in Portland, OR) and a move to a new home have all led me to not be the runner I was starting to become. I too hate cross training also I hit 50 this year so I understand the need to try and other things to my routine if I had one. I shall look forward to seeing how you do as I feel that you are someone I can totally relate too and know that you are a real person that has struggles like me. Not that I want you to have struggles. I’m sorry that the injuries have been there they aren’t easy to deal with even when things are going ok.
May today and the days come bring you smiles because you are have a great one. Enjoy the cross training and runs as they come along.
Your friend,
Terri
Terri, I believe that the struggles are what links us to each other. No matter how long or hard we train, we all have struggles. I believe in running and in life, that is what makes the successes so much sweeter. You cannot have light without dark! Your friend. Joe
Still got it, Coach! Long Term Long Distance Runner!
I like that! Long-term/Long-distance runner! I miss you and hope you are doing well my friend!
Nice post brother! Looking forward to 2021 and running a race with you again. Stay strong and keep safe.
Amen. I am looking forward to IT100 next year, so we can suffer together! Love ya brother!
Great update! New goals to chase and staying positive 🙂
Exactly it Sarah!
Joe, my dear friend, so nice to read this blog again. 2020 isn’t a gem of a year, but I’ve had worse (2018 springs to mind). Since I’m nursing MTSS, I thought it timely to do some HR training. Much like you, cross training never fills me with glee, unless eating triple chocolate mousse cake qualifies as a category! You remain a true inspiration to me, your commitment to this sport coupled with your grit to get it done, are steadfast. Who’s crewing in December?
Thanks Shereen. No crew, unsupported. A few friends have volunteered to run some miles with me. I plan on running big loops on my local trails. Regards my friend!