Monday, September 08, 2008

run?

Sunday's long run was 23k. I ran 14 on my own and then met db for the last 11. Maybe I started out too fast. My legs felt strong and I wanted to run, but I knew I needed to hold back and warm up more slowly, ease into the long distance. I was good for about 11 k until my calf started aching again. Bummer.
As I ran over a small bridge leading to the park, I noticed a small dog on the side of the road. When he saw me he started to walk towards me. He was a Shetland, but black and gray in colour. I stopped and looked around but saw no one who might own the dog. Near the park is a kennel and I thought maybe I could take the dog there while I tried to find the owner through the dog tags. I called the dog to follow me and he obeyed. He was slow and looked older. Just before we went down the ramp to the park, a voice called out. The dog perked up and started running down the road to his owner. Phew! I talked to the woman briefly. She said he'd never wandered before. I learned that his name is Caden (incidentally also my cousin's son's name) and he's 8 years old. She hugged Caden and kept making a fuss. It was so sweet. The owner and I both expressed how glad we were that dog and owner were reunited and then went our separate ways.
After that little pit stop I got back on my route and continued my run. I was feeling fine except for my calves. Now both calves were starting to cramp. I'm always well hydrated so I knew that wasn't an issue. Since the Vancouver half marathon my right calf has been a concern, but it's never been more than a mild cramp. I met with db, letting him set the pace. After about 3 k with db I had to stop because my calves were so tight and I realized I couldn't run. Now I could barely walk. I lost it. I suspected that this was the end of my running season. Stretching and crying, db talked me down. We carried on. I walked and jogged when I could. The whole route was flat so that was a blessing, but nearer to home I just walked.
Once at home I consulted some websites and decided to ice my calves. I think this is a bad one. I've booked an apointment with a physiotherapist later this week so I'll see how it goes. Until then no running. Clearly I need to rest because i've don't too much too quickly. Once again I'm paying the price. Maybe it was the biking and running combo in July, it was just too much. Maybe the vacation short runs followed by really long runs once I got home. Improper training is the bottom line.
For now it's the ol' RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation). I think the temporary office job will be a welcome change so I at least won't be on my feet all day.

4 comments:

Wandering Coyote said...

Argh! How frustrating! Good call going to the physio, though, and yes, I'm glad for the office job you have now, too, because I'm sure your work is like many places I've worked at - crappy floors that are hell on calves.

Anonymous said...

Oh, that sucks! How frustrating. I hope it's nothing serious and that the PT can get you fixed up quickly.

redjane Stephanie Belding said...

How strange....I"m stumped, as I'm not familiar with this one....let me know if there is anything I can help with- you can always use my far infrared sauna too to help flush out the lactic acid and toxins....oh, I hope this too shall pass...

sp said...

Thanks redjane. I'll let you know if I need anything.