Wednesday 5 January 2011

WEIGHT A MINUTE


I should be running today, to keep up with my Janathon commitment...but, alas, it ain't happening.

It would seem that my feets are none to pleased with my recent return to the game. They protests a bit.

I remember about ten years ago, when my stepdaughter and I were running the Portland Marathon, she told me she'd read that for every pound one weighs, their body takes the pounding of 4 times that with every running step. At that time that put me at about 800 pounds! No wonder I was so slow. I got down to 173 at my very healthiest during my 12 in 12 in 2009. Since then, not so much. After a year or so of slacking, I'm pretty much back up there again.

That wouldn't be that "big" of a deal if it wasn't for the fact that I have sworn off my padded running shoes in favour of my Vibram Five Fingers, that I call my "barefoot shoes." All that extra poundage pounding on my size 9.5's (44's for my readers back home) is taking its toll. The little bones on the top of my left foot are in pain, and urging me to take it easy.

The only running injury I have ever had was sustained in early 2010 in my VFFs...when I did too much one day, while on an eight miler that should have ended at six. That sidelined me for upwards of six weeks. Don't want that again. I don't mind not running so much when it's my choice. Injury negates that option.

I am, however, hoofin' it to work and back from San Francisco's bus terminal...which is about a mile and a half...so I get three miles, right? My feet aren't the boss of me.

Tomorrow...

Gotta run!


6 comments:

MovingAlong said...

I've been having similar thoughts through today about what Janathon means in relation to my marathon training plans - and you've summed up my thoughts so well! Injury free marathon training first, Janathon second.

Anonymous said...

How do u find running in the VFF's?

Rachel said...

be careful michael! sounds like you're doing the right thing by taking a rest day. here's to you staying injury-free this time around!

TokyoRacer said...

You get the three miles if you didn't stop.
Great cartoon.

rUntoNamAste said...

Yep. I know exactly what you're going through. I've got lots of lard to get off my derrière before I can even consider running again or I'll risk serious injury. But that three mile walk definitely counts for a lot [better than nothing] and hey, you lived to walk another day. Good luck my friend!

kathryn said...

I'm realising more and more how important it is not to let Janathon pride get in the way. Both of your health, but also the other running goals you may have for the year. So a wise decision to take the day off, given your niggling foot. Hope you're feeling better tomorrow and your body benefits from the day of rest.