Training was starting to get back on track the first week of the New Year. Then three weeks ago me and the boys went out for a training run out at Lake Mountain. This trail sits just west of Utah Lake and the route we took circumnavigates the mountain itself. When all is said and done it ends up being almost exactly 32 miles. The first 19 to our makeshift aid station went great. I was a little stiff heading back out, but knew I'd loosen up as we got going again. The next 7 miles or so includes lots of rollers... mostly uphill. I followed Craig's lead and we charged every one of the hills. I felt great! The last 6 miles are all almost completely downhill, and this is where my problem started. The left ankle started getting sore and the last 3 miles were torture. I hobbled my way in but knew I had aggravated something. Ultrarunners are idiots; especially me.
The crew out for a run at Lake Mountain (photo courtesy of Craig Lloyd)
This seems to be a fairly consistent pattern for me. I get into training mode and tend to overdo things. The result is almost always an overuse injury. I'm just hoping this one isn't a stress fracture or something. Long story short, I've run 2 days in the last 2 1/2 weeks and the ankle still isn't healed. However, I'm getting back on the wagon this week and just seeing how things hold up. I'll probably start off small then progressively increase mileage as the week rolls on. If everything plays out like I'm hoping, I'll be able to get back on my training schedule and sign up for the Buffalo Run. If at week's end things aren't progressing, I'll bag the Buffalo Run altogether and focus on a few unofficial events coming up in April and May.
Wasatch 100 lottery this Saturday! Crossing my fingers.
