Running…Pushing…

I’ve been running hard since the time will soon be changing. Running with my dogs after work will soon start a 4 month hiatus. Running is good for the dogs, but it’s been good for me too. It’s a nice chance to escape and to see all the beauty around me.

Thursday I went running and felt a painful pop in my left knee. I fell, sat on the concrete for a bit, and then wished I hadn’t worked so hard to teach my dogs not to pull on their leashes. I was hoping to sprawl out on the ground and have them pull my limp body home like sled dogs. Who knew well behaved dogs could be the bane of my existence?

I was feeling generous – so I gave myself 36 hours to recover.

Saturday morning, the weather was far too amazing to stay inside. I grabbed the dogs and took them to the dog park. Our park has big, beautiful trees that shade a running path. Apparently I overcompensated for my faulty knee… and pulled a groin muscle on my right side.

As if it’s not bad enough that my dogs can’t double as a Siberian sled team, both injuries happened about 3 miles from home. Why? So I could spend an hour each time dragging myself home while learning a life lesson about pushing too hard.

Focus can be great. But too much of it can be dangerous.

For all you type A personalities out there (*waving my arm*)… take a break.

Posted by Beks on November 1, 2009 at 5:00 AM in About Me, Life Experiences | 9 Comments »
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  1. John DeFlumeri Jr responded:
    Posted: November 1st, 2009 at 9:43 am

    Then moderation must be the smartest approach.

  2. angie responded:
    Posted: November 1st, 2009 at 2:32 pm

    Are you still going to run a marathon?

  3. Nicole responded:
    Posted: November 1st, 2009 at 4:01 pm

    Take a break? Who does that? Crazy people! ; )

    Remember, slow and steady wins the race! Work your way up gradually it will spare you a lot of pain.

  4. Darc responded:
    Posted: November 1st, 2009 at 4:04 pm

    Oh I’m sorry. That’s a hard lesson to learn. I know as I have been suffering a pinched nerve in my back since July and was almost completely healed, until I decided that I HAD to dig up 2 large shrubs & plant a tree there, right now, without help. Now my remaning 3 weeks of physical therapy is probably going to be 6 and my fitness goals for the year are probably totally blown.

  5. David responded:
    Posted: November 1st, 2009 at 5:52 pm

    Ever do weight training as a supplement to running?

  6. Gwen responded:
    Posted: November 2nd, 2009 at 11:13 am

    I’m a cyclist, not a runner (and I am NOT a professional so I speak only with regards to anecdotal experience from myself & friends) but I’ve learned to be very careful about overtraining when other life stress increases. Yes, working out is a great release. But trying to keep up with the same volume of exercise when taking on a 2nd job, or dealing with an increase in psychological stress, can be a recipe for injury &/or illness.

    Your body needs time to heal and get stronger. And a lot of athletes–particularly those who are new to a sport and are eager to improve–don’t allow themselves adequate time to rest & recover. Taking time off will allow you to improve, and is NOT a sign of failure!

  7. Cassie responded:
    Posted: November 2nd, 2009 at 1:21 pm

    You sound just like my husband. He is always pushing himself way too hard and then regretting it later. No matter what though, he STILL does it. He just never learns. *sigh*

  8. Beks responded:
    Posted: November 2nd, 2009 at 10:44 pm

    Angie – Still going to run a marathon but right now I’m focusing on a triathlon. I’m more passionate about cycling than running and it gives me a chance to do both.

    David – I do, but not as much anymore. I’m going to have to get back into it.

    Gwen – I’ve been excersing (at the gym or at home) since I was 14. I agree, when I get stressed, I push hard – even when I shouldn’t.

    Cassie – I injured my groin AGAIN since I posted this. It’s true. Some of us never learn.

  9. Money Funk responded:
    Posted: November 3rd, 2009 at 12:20 am

    Your telling a type A personality to take a break. Sorry, but it totally doesn’t register with me. Lol!

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