Monday, March 12, 2012

Using Friends To Motivate

I lied when I said I was getting back at it in my last post.  I didn't.  I tried a few times, but every time I got out my ankle told me to stop.  That led to pathetic excuses as to why I couldn't run, then the desire completely diminished.  It's been a struggle.

Since things weren't really getting better, I decided to visit an ankle specialist.  I predicted what he said before I went in and I was bang on!  It was nice talking to somebody that understands the problem though as he was able to offer up some other solutions I hadn't thought of.  So was the visit worth it?  Definitely worth it for the peace of mind alone.  I was officially cleared to start training again.

The week after the visit I worked out a few days at the gym, but the only running I did was mostly for warm-up.  I couldn't force myself to get out for any length of time that I consider "a run".  Motivation was lacking and I knew the only way I could get out of the funk was with the help of some friends.  I talked with my friend Craig who was going through some similar issues and he agreed.  Later on that week I got an email from him talking about putting a 50K run together out at Antelope Island.  Just what I needed!

On Friday I met up with Craig, Scott, and Matt.  I drove separate since they were doing the full 50K and I'd be doing less than half that.  My ankle had been feeling great so I figured I was good for 14 or 15 miles at the most.  I also told myself that I'd bail and walk back to the car if I had to at any given time.  It just wasn't worth the risk at this point.

The run went very well as far as the ankle was concerned.  It was sore, but not to the point where I felt like I was doing damage to it.  My right ankle (the uninjured one) was also a bit sore when I finished, so I figured that was a good sign.  My fitness is nowhere near where I'd like it to be - or what I'm used to - but I figured that would be the case having basically taken 2 months off.  Overall I was encouraged with the results of the run; I got 14 miles or so and I feel like that run was exactly what I needed to get motivated again.  We'll see what this week brings.  Below are a few pictures from the run on Friday:

 Craig, Matt, and Scott enjoying some perfect conditions

 Matt running down into the Split Rock Valley

The crew enjoying some early miles together 

Me cruising down into Split Rock Valley

Nearing the end of the run near White Rock Bay