Ultra running and injuries are a fact
of life. It is what happens to the human body when it is pushed to its limits
for hours upon hours. Last month that is
what happened to me. I was running the GG 100 mile race, along the Marin Head
lands near SF Ca. when I felt a sharp pain along the lateral edge of the patella
of my right knee. I knew this was not good. I have never had trouble with my
right knee. And this was a very sharp pain that stopped me in my tracks. I was
able to finish out 50 miles but I knew 100 miles was out of the question. I had
a Western State qualifying 100 mile race coming up
on the 14th of September, just a month away, and I did not want to
miss that race. Live to come back and race another day, as they say.
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| The turn around at mile 25. |
It was a good move on my part to
stop running when I did. I had torn the tendon along the lateral edge of the patella.
Six months to heal. I don’t have six months. I have a 100 mile race on the 14th
of September. What to do? Well, what I did was train injured. I took a week off.
Hot ebsom salt baths everyday, along with massages and DMSO rubs.
The next week I was training with 3
short 6 mile runs with a neoprene sleeve over my knee to keep it warm and
stable, as well as keeping up with my baths and massage. The following week I cut my long back to back
runs in half and took a day off in between. I ran 10, 15, and 20 miles runs instead
of 15, 25, and 30. Baths and massage!
Well my knee has been feeling good
and this is the week before my race. I just ran one 6 mile run without a brace
and my knee felt good. So am I ready?
To tell the truth my knee is still
there. Better but not healed by any means. Still that said. My knee is as good
as it could be. I have been able to train and not further injure myself, which
is a very good sign. I feel that I am physically ready to run 100 miles. I believe
that by running in my Vibram I will be able to better control my body mechanics
and thereby not further injure myself over the course of 30 plus hours of
running, but we will have to see.
As far as the race goes?! I’m
ready. I am going to do this, this time. No matter what happens I am going to
finish this race. When I drive home Sunday evening I will have a 100 mile belt
buckle in my hand. Three years ago I
started running and tomorrow the 14th of September at 7 am I will
take off on my second attempt to run 100 miles. I will tape my knee or wear a
brace or both. I’ll run smart, smooth and easy. I’ll take it one aid station at
a time, walk the up hills, run the flats and not beat myself up on the down
hills. Salt, eat, eat and drink. Stay hydrated during the day and dress warm
for the night. Move forward, move forward, move forward, move forward, move
forward. See you all on the other side.  |
| Race day race face. Do I look like I eat little babies? |
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