Running roads, running trails, Reflecting.: The foot and The Knee

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

The foot and The Knee

Lately my foot has been hurting. It's PF. It has been feeling much better though, after reducing my mileage. But it's time to ramp it up. Sunday morning I hit the trails in Leon Creek. The trails here are so convenient,one mile mile down the road from home and I am there. My thoughts were on my friends who had run the previous night at Inks Lake. And on my running form. I read "Chi running" last year and tried changing my form to what is described in the book. I now think this may have contributed to some of my aches. I have come to the conclusion that we are all different and need to run how it is most comfortable for us. Running comfortable? Yes, it can be done. Go with YOUR flow!
Near the end of my run I saw a deer through the trees. It saw me and froze! I stooped slowly to pick up a rock as the deer stared at me. My intention was not to hurt the animal, but to see what happens. I hurled the rock high in the air over the trees towards the deer. The rock landed behind the animal and surprised it. It turned it's head to look at the rock then it turned back towards me. Again I hurled another rock high over the trees. It landed closer. The animal turned and curiously checked it out. I did this several times and the deer repeated it's actions but did not flee. I continued running and thought how we've encroached on their domain and how they now are becoming passive towards humans. Only leading to their demise.
Yesterday I again ran on the road prior to the 5 PM boot-camp workout with my co-workers. The weather was perfect. Wind and Rain all around but not on me. I ran further than usual but only 4 miles, enjoying the narrow streets and neat small wood framed homes. At the end of my run in San Pedro Park, I did 10 jumps on to a picnic table. Plyometrics!
Today, My right knee was aching. Just a little, but aching nun the less. I've been here before. Knee soreness after road runs. I am reminded not to run on the road. This happens ONLY when I road run. I guess now I'll have to return to running around in circles at San Pedro park again.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Why I Run

In reference to my running, I am often asked, "why do you do this?"
After contemplating the question.........................
I run for my Father. my Father who too late in life realized he wasn't invincible. My Father smoked for 40 years and did not always eat well. When he contracted Myastinia Gravis and Diabetes he was forced to change his lifestyle. An illness that doctors thought would take his life in 2 years was held at bay for 10! By eating well and exercising, my Father was able to hang around a little while longer. He knew I was on to something when I began long distance running. On many of my runs I still hear him saying to me "keep it up son, don't ever stop"
I run for my son Matthew, who left us too soon. He was almost 14 yrs old. I run for him because he no longer can. I feel him and talk to him on many of my runs. Before he left he had begun to be aware of his large physique and was trying to stay fit. 4 years earlier I entered him in his first race. He came in last in a field of about 25 kids, but he never stopped trying to run as fast as he could. I will always remember the smile on his face as he crossed the finish line while his name was announced over the loudspeaker. One day I will see him again. Until then I carry him with me on my runs.
I run for my friends and family. Not only those I run with now, but also those I hope to run with in the future. Those I run with with now help me as much or more than I think I help them. Running friends help to motivate me. We share stories, aches, pains,laughter, and encourage and congratulate each other. Those I hope to run with in the future are family and friends who are in need of someone to motivate them. People who know they need exercise but need that little push. I try to help them stop finding excuses and putting up barriers that keep them from walking,running and just plain exercising.
I run for myself. As a child I was always physically active. As a young adult I smoked for 16 years, did not have a healthy diet and sat watching television for hours on end. At age 27 (with a push from my brother Andy) I became active again and began associating with active people. Soon I was playing team sports, and biking, golfing, running. This change in lifestyle helped me to make better nutrition choices for better performance.
The human body is meant to move! A fit body functions better and lasts longer. I don't want to live forever, but as long as I am here I wish to feel my best. Running clears the mind, flushes toxins from the body and allows us to enjoy nature and relate to friends and Family who run with us, in person, or in our hearts.

Running roads, running trails, Reflecting.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

The foot and The Knee

No comments:

Drenched

Pageviews

Paul leading the way on the North Kaibab Trail_The Grand Canyon