I Wanna Run

I'm so thankful that I have so many other activities I CAN do. BUT... I'm so tired of being injured and it has only been 3 weeks. I do realize it could be much worse.

I've come to the conclusion that I have a calf strain/tear at the very top where the gastrocnemius inserts behind the knee. A level 1 requires 2 wks off, level 2 could require up to 6 wks off, level 3 requires surgery and is accompanied by swelling and bruising. I estimate mine is somewhere between a 1 & 2. I gave it 2 wks semi rest and tried running again but running over 3 miles only makes the pain return. I've determined to only cross train for the next 2 wks and see what happens. If it takes longer it takes longer. So my plan is to do elliptical or arc trainer on running days and a combo of rowing and cycling on the opposite days with 3x/wk of weight training until this thing heals. The good news for now is that it feels fine during cross training and walking. It is specifically the impact and motion of running that sets it off.

I've also decided to follow the Run Less, Run Faster training plan once I am able. It alternates 3 running days with 3 xtraining days. Each run has a purpose rather than just logging miles. It should result in better quality runs and less injury. My friend Lori's husband is a marathon runner and swears by it. He has qualified and run in the Boston Marathon and it has helped even him to improve. He ran Columbus in 3:04!

Enough about me. Lori finished the Columbus 1/2 Marathon. She says she is disappointed with her time. I say she was out there and she finished it. It was hard for her but she endured. That's more than most people can say! She has even signed up for another 1/2 in May! Lori is someone to emulate. I'm proud of her.