It seems ironic that the day I started my blog and posted of how Zen running was for me, I had a dreaded “Bad Run.” I haven’t had too many of these yet, so it is a pretty new experience for me. However, I have seen many posts from other runners that seem to consistently mirror my experience. The bad run is pretty common it seems. You probably know the drill…no matter what you try to do, nothing seems to be going right in your run.
Well that happened to me, and as much as I love running, all I wanted was to be done! I couldn’t keep my heart rate in check. My head, back, knees, feet, and even my toes (which were already – oh, and still are - bruised from a previous run) hurt that day! It was all I could do to get done and even then I had to end with less mileage than I had planned. Typically, I can push through – not that day.
When I got home, all I wanted to do was be upset with myself at how I didn’t finish the entire run. But I couldn’t – you know? I still got out there and did as much as I could. It may not have been the originally scheduled 9 miles, but it was still 8! It was then that decided to accept and appreciate it for what it was…8 miles that, last year at this time, I couldn’t even fathom doing! Last year at this time, I was still officially a “couch potato” and not doing anything remotely near running.
So, the next run day…I put my shoes back on. Forget the bad experience. Forget the past. It is another day, another run, and the ability to start again with a clean slate. Okay, granted the next run in my training plan was the Easy Run and was only 2 miles. But after the disappointment of a really bad run, even 2 miles can be daunting.
And guess what? It flew! I could breathe easy, kept my heart rate controlled, hurt less (except for the toes), and before I knew it I was done. And again… I was back to feeling awesome!
My lesson learned…bad runs happen to good people. They just do. So the next time I go, I can remember that I have a new chance at a really, really great one. Bad runs happen, so note to self - get over it. Move on. Lace up!
This past week I made the mistake of pushing myself to run half a mile straight. I did this twice.
Looking back, I think my first mistake was adding too much at one time. The previous week, I may have ran a total of three miles, but most of that involved walking in-between laps.
I think its just bruised, but its still a bummer. A friend suggested I buy a brace, think I’ll probably pick one up soon.
But, until my ankle is 100% better, no running for me
Can’t wait to get back out there though
Good luck with your runs!
Oh NO!!! That is a bummer! It is so easy to push too hard too soon. Can just get caught up – I’ve done it too!
The brace is a good idea. You might try icing it too. Rest/Ice is what I’ve always seen recommended for injury.
A friend of mine broke her foot last year, not from running, but from twisting her ankle on some uneven pavement. She was really bummed and was out of running for a couple of months!
She actually took the time to work on other things like toning/strength training. Kept her focused and also gave her a chance to integrate that type of training into her routine. And she looks AMAZING! I keep thinking about how I need to add that in, but never do because I’m so focused on the running. Might be a perfect opportunity.
The first morning after it happened, I remember it hurt so much. I iced it, and it felt a little better. That same night I took a hot bath, and the hot water seemed to make it feel better.
A friend also suggested I start taking some multivitamins. I’m not sure if I want to start taking those, I know it would probably help in the long run. I have been looking into exercises to help strengthen my ankles – found a few that I’ll probably add when I work on my core.