Here we are 6 weeks from the Squaw Peak 50 mile race and my calves are still killing me whenever I run. I have now been to TOSH (Orthopedic Specialists), been taking fish oil and glutamine, and have been resting my calves adequately. The doctor at TOSH thinks I have either a small tear in both calves or extreme muscle strains. I ran 12 miles on Saturday and was able to deal with the constant pain (no meds whatsoever) until I got a knot in my right calf. Severe knots are excruciating when you run on them, there were spasms going up and down my entire leg. I forced it as long as I could but did have to stop, massage, and stretch multiple times to even run at all. This has been very discouraging as over the last 4 weeks I have not been able to put in anywhere near the kind of mileage I need to in order to compete the way I wanted to.
Over the last 3 weeks I have been using the elliptical machine as I do not have any pain when I do this. By doing this I have been able to keep my cardio training up but using an elliptical for 2 to 3 hours is extremely boring! I hate it! My running has all been on asphalt - I'm sure that doesn't help. My weight is up a couple of pounds as I have not been as diligent with my diet as I need to be. It is obvious that I will not be able to get to my goal weight of 180 lbs by race day.
My plan for the next 3 weeks is to get calf massages daily, my daughter is a licensed massage therapist and has coached my wife on the proper technique as well. Between the two of them I hope I can get a minimum of one massage a day, even twice a day this week to see what kind of impact that has. This week I will not do any running, only elliptical, until Saturday. Saturday I will run on dirt with some elevation thrown in to see how my calves hold up to hiking, not running, uphill. I hope to do at least 13 or 14 miles on Saturday. I need to get my diet back in line. I should still be able to get under 190 lbs by race day if I stay focused.
Bottom line is that I have 3 weeks to make my "Go / No Go" decision. With that being said at this point I still believe I can get through the race. I will not be as fast as I had once thought I would be but will be able to complete it in under 16 hours. 16 hours is the time I need to finish under in order to qualify for the Bear 100 next year. The Bear 100 will be the race I run in if I do not draw out in the Wasatch 100 lottery. If I decide I have to withdraw from the Squaw Peak 50 Miler I will find another 50 mile race this fall to compete in after going through a recovery for my calves.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Sunday, April 3, 2011
My Father Remebered - My Son Impresses
On March 31st my father passed away at the age of 85. Emmett Greenwell was a fantastic man and a wonderful father. He will be remembered as a father who was always willing to do whatever he could for his wife and children, from coming to all of my ball games as a boy to attending my kids activities, to offering advice and help whenever I asked for it, but never forcing his opinion or influence on me. He will be remembered by others as a man who was always willing to serve others in any way he could. Service was always at the front of his mind and he went out of his way to ensure that others needs were taken care of, even before his own. He was dedicated to his family, his religion, and to service. A finer representation of an honorable man with integrity, you will never find. Thank you Dad for everything you have taught me and everything you have done for me, I love you and will miss you very much. I know you are in a better place now serving others on the other side.
On a different note, my son Josh ran in the Buffalo 50 mile race on March 26th out at Antelope Island. My wife, my daughter, and Josh's wife Lydia were manning the support vehicle and enjoyed helping him along the trek. He did awesome - finishing in 8th place overall and bettering his time from last year by 2 hours and 12 minutes. He ran a flawless race and it was amazing to watch how comfortable and effortless he was running a 50 mile race. With only running ultra marathons for a year it is unbelievable how well he is doing. I know he will continue to improve and be a consistent long distance runner. congratulations Josh on a race well run and thank you for letting us all be a part of your endeavors.
I have had a difficult couple of weeks. With my dad's health going down hill before his death I was not getting enough sleep and my nutrition was not where it should have been. Also, my calves have been incredibly sore and I have had to take some days of off training due to the pain. My calves are starting to feel a little better now but still very sore and I am unable to put in the mileage I would like to at this point. I believe that I just overworked them and am now paying the price. I am optimistic that I will be able to pick up my training over the next week or so in order to be able to complete my 50 mile run on June 4th. Summary, my weight is still stagnant, my mileage is down and my sleep is not adequate. The only bright side is that my work is getting better. I know this next week will go a lot better and I will continue to be on my way to reaching my goal.
On a different note, my son Josh ran in the Buffalo 50 mile race on March 26th out at Antelope Island. My wife, my daughter, and Josh's wife Lydia were manning the support vehicle and enjoyed helping him along the trek. He did awesome - finishing in 8th place overall and bettering his time from last year by 2 hours and 12 minutes. He ran a flawless race and it was amazing to watch how comfortable and effortless he was running a 50 mile race. With only running ultra marathons for a year it is unbelievable how well he is doing. I know he will continue to improve and be a consistent long distance runner. congratulations Josh on a race well run and thank you for letting us all be a part of your endeavors.
I have had a difficult couple of weeks. With my dad's health going down hill before his death I was not getting enough sleep and my nutrition was not where it should have been. Also, my calves have been incredibly sore and I have had to take some days of off training due to the pain. My calves are starting to feel a little better now but still very sore and I am unable to put in the mileage I would like to at this point. I believe that I just overworked them and am now paying the price. I am optimistic that I will be able to pick up my training over the next week or so in order to be able to complete my 50 mile run on June 4th. Summary, my weight is still stagnant, my mileage is down and my sleep is not adequate. The only bright side is that my work is getting better. I know this next week will go a lot better and I will continue to be on my way to reaching my goal.
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