Monday, February 23, 2009

How important is it?

Saturday, when I was running at Garin, I twisted both ankles, twice! There were areas that the mud had dried up but had heavy cattle traffic while it was wet. The end result was hard, uneven ground with large holes throughout. That resulted in me twisting my ankles. I really thought it was not a big deal. Last night I noticed my right calf was a bit sore but I thought it was normal muscle soreness. I guess I was wrong. I don't like being wrong.

I got ready to go for a run this morning and it started pouring rain so I did some stuff around the house, waiting to see if it would stop. It finally let up around 10:30 so I headed over to the Alameda Creek Trail.

As soon as I started running, I felt it in my ankle. Did that stop me? NO! I just took smaller steps, quicker turn-over. About 1/4 mile later, I had totally adjusted enough so that I could run with very little pain. I know it's not a sprain or anything so I kept running. We ran for 45 minutes. It is a little painful now so I am icing it. No swelling though.

I am so stubborn when it comes to running. I used to see people running with a brace on their knee or their ankle wrapped up. I would think, sheesh, if it hurts so bad that you have to wear a brace or wrap something up, maybe you shouldn't be running! But somewhere along the road, running became important to me and then I understood.



So, how important is running to me? There's nothing I would rather do! What about you?
Until later.............

17 comments:

Jogger said...

Well, yesterday I cried because I couldn't finish my run. That's how important it has become to me. I was so sad that I couldn't log my 7 miles as scheduled, sad that I had a mysterious bout of severe shin pain, sad that it was snowing and I couldn't trudge through it. I wouldn't give up though...I kept hobbling along...knowing that all I really needed was to get warmed up. That just didn't happen until I was almost done with my 3 mile loop...and I decided not to push it with the second loop. Then, I cried. Later, I was mad at myself for not doing the 2nd loop.

It's strange to me how running has become more of a "need" now rather than just a "want".

MJ said...

There are things I'd rather do.... sometimes.... I like variety. I love to ride my bike maybe a little more than I like to run. But your point is definitely understood.

That's a super cute dog you have....

Cheers,

Missy said...

Tape up broken toes during marathon training just so I could run, ran through shin splints etc. I think anything is important that you love and is taken away from you ... rather than given up or given away.

Marcy said...

I'm the same way. I have a weird relationship with running. A lot of times I hate it when I'm doing it but as soon it gets taken away from me I feel like someone stole my kid LOL

Unknown said...

It's important to me, but I leanred the hard way that it is better NOT to run when something is off. When you compensate with a limp or anything like that, you're likely to mess something else up and it's just not worth it. But I suspect everyone learns this the hard way because it is so hard not to run when you love it so much.

Drs. Cynthia and David said...

Hey, don't knock ankle braces. I wear one prophylacticly on my weak ankle (at least on trails) and it's been kept safe from further injury for 2 years now. I think it may finally be getting stronger again.

I've been running through some weird injury now for 6 weeks- something wrong with the gluteus medius or TFL or maybe some others too. I cried too one day when I couldn't keep going. Yeah, it's a need all right.

Cynthia

Ultradawg said...

Sarah and I run everyday, regardless of anything. This winter, we've awoken to completely iced-over roads, temperatures in the single digits, freezing rain, and howling winds. Still, we've ran.

I no longer take a day off from running. I absolutely love running...what it does for my body and for my mind. And you know what? Running can be just plain fun!

Anonymous said...

Running is my mental de-stresser. When I cannot run, I am not as happy of a person. However, after many injuries I have found that I really need to listen to my body, and that by doing this I will be able to run (hopefully) until I am old, rather than just for a few more years!

Anonymous said...

I can't say that running is love only - sometimes more of a love-hate relationship. But I can't do it without it. I've been injured many times, which throws me off, so I will look at other ways to get my adrenaline going. If I think I might have an injury I stop immediately. overdone it too many times and made things worst.

Aron said...

what a great post :) i feel the same way.

Aron said...

LOL i know trails but not be a good idea :)

Marci said...

Running is my passion. It grounds me and motivates me for other sports as well. Sometimes I procrastinate running, but when I can't run, I go a little (alot) nuts! As Marcy said, a real love hate relationship!

Southbaygirl said...

Been there sister! Before I started prolotheraphy I used to run in so much pain I'd cry! But I still ran like an idiot!!! because I loved it-even with the pain! What a fool!!!

Did I say I LOVE running?? No matter what kind of run it is, shitty or great, road or trail, I LOVE to run!

Paulo Sérgio de Araújo said...

I often run with pain in the knee ... but do not let the train because deles.Correr but felt well and allow to run is worse than feeling the pain in the knee.
Congratulations on blog.Visitem my site of races in Brazil,
good training and good racing.

Paulo Sérgio de Araújo said...

Suffering is part of the achievement! Good training, good evidence!
visit my blog for marathons in the Brazil!
congratulations!

Bong said...

So important I run in the worst winter weather conditions here in Markham, Ontario. Aren't we runners crazy?

Victoria said...

Sitting here with an ice pack on my knee, well, count me in with the crazies...