Training Summary (or lack thereof): 7/20 - 7/26

Another week down the tubes; all fitness gained over the last 10 weeks almost certainly erased; any hopes of a fall marathon (and maybe any races of any quality period) gone. Additionally, while I’m beginning to see the light at the end of the proverbial injury tunnel, I still haven’t reached the exit. That said, I’m surprisingly upbeat at the moment.

I’m optimistic, and almost fairly confident, that the two injuries I’ve had this year and the subsequent doctor visits and other research trying to resolve them has helped me narrow down the root cause of my inability to stay healthy. I don’t know if I can fix it, but regardless I know what to attack and feel like I can at least try now. I’ve got some new treatment methods as well (ART, retraining exercises, etc.), so maybe I can finally break the cycle. Additionally, I’ve got more time to sit back and do things right when it comes to training. Most recently I got it through my head that I wanted to run the Richmond Marathon and run it well, and whether I like to admit it or not, I was probably pushing to get ready for it since I felt like I’d missed so much time that I was behind the 8-ball in spite of the race being several months away. I’m disappointed that I won’t be able to toe the line there, but at the same time I can go through a complete cycle now and not have to worry as much about some deadline on the horizon.

Anyway, as for my current status, I’m really not sure. I seem to be fine now walking around and also mostly ok when I test things (short jogs, single-leg squats, etc.), although I think I can still feel a few twinges in my hamstring here and there (might be paranoia). I’ll probably try a short run within the next couple of days and go from there. I’m definitely not going to rush anything at this point since there’s no point.

For now, I’m starting to plot out what I want to do when I am finally able to get back at it. I might post some more on that later. In the meantime, I’m taking my inspiration from Lance Armstrong. He’s not as young as he used to be, but the guy is proving that you don’t necessarily have to be young to still get after it. I also like what he said the other day when he was asked if he thought he could come back and win the Tour next year. Close to a direct quote was, “I don’t know. It won’t be easy, but I’m sure gonna give it a try. I’m not a quitter!” That’s the perfect lead-in for my conclusion, a Japanese Proverb: Fall down seven times; get up eight.