Getting 2013 into motion

On the Road Again....

         Well after finishing 2012 on the "wrong foot" I am now getting focused on getting back on the "right foot." Took some time to rest, gather ideas, surf the web and talk to friends in the running community. After having my calves worked on by two different individuals it was determined I have the "worst" calves ever seen. What has happened is that the calf muscle has knotted up with another muscle that is pulling on my Achilles. So all the tension is causing the discomfort in my Achilles again. As you can see all those muscles are connected and without having the right people check it is hard to find the source of the problem.  I allowed this to happen on a daily basis for over five years. Each morning I got up and walked around with discomfort. Then eventually it broke me down during the Javelina Jundred at mile 78.

     Also during my downtime of running I have been filling my time with books, magazines and some movies.  I did find one new running book that really inspired me to get signed up for a race once healthy. It's called "The Longest Race" and is about a guy returning to run the JFK and beat the age record time.  Throughout the book he inner twines life into each mile of the race.  

One speed...As fast as I can pedal!! Note only one brake too.

  


     With that knowledge in hand I am now able to focus on working out the knots twice a day in my calves. Additionally, I got a fixie bike, basically it is a single speed that the pedals always turn when the wheels turn, so I can cross train without putting to much strain on my calves.  I feel the quads getting a nice workout while I attack the hills on my commuting around town.

Morning hike with the move still out

     By February 1st I plan to start my running plan and taking in the gorgeous views of the mountains around me. Building the base for the first several weeks, then a period of longer endurance runs and closing it out with some intense weeks.  I have done one hike this year on a local trail and got a few pictures. I will be mixing it up on the track, road and trails so that I work the muscles in different ways while trying to avoid another big knot.



      We for now it is time to sign off and work on my calves. Best wishes to everyone running this weekend and every day. Be sure to be proactive so that you don't get setbacks like what I have been going through for the past couple of months.

So many choices which way should I go??