So I was on a casual, easy run (my new favorite kind) last night en route to a quick core session at the gym. A block away from the gym, right in front of a church, a trashy 80s van with a white trash derelict hanging out the window yells something. Now I get shit yelled at me a lot, usually from friggin idiots and sometimes I just shrug it off, give them the finger, or just raise my hands and make a motion to “bring it”. They never have. What makes this case different is that this moron flicks a cigarette at me and yells “bout time to get a new shirt man”. Ok, I was wearing my Boston 08 tanktop and no way in hell this guy was jealous of that. He put more Skoal in his mouth that Clif Shots.
So my reaction, in words I can type “ Hey you mother fu**in pu*sy*, why don’t you get out of the car you fu**in bi*ch. “ He didn’t get out of the car, so I said..”yea that’s right, be a little b*tch right in front of your girl you p*ss.” I debated on sprinting towards the van at a light and pulling the guy out of it and beating him in front of god and everyone, but I chose not to sink to his level physically, verbally we were long lost twins I assume. God I love running.
People are morons. Off to the Illinois State University, home, and then Chicago for the Cubs game. Awesome.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
reflection
Man in the Mirror. Yea not so much a big fan of Michael Jackson himself or the negative things which followed him, but his music was good. A mirror allows us to see our own reflection. I wonder what the Neanderthals thought when they first saw their flat foreheaded, big browed, shaggy haired image in a body of water. Probably scared the shit out of them. Sometimes looking in a mirror can scare the shit out of us. It makes us ask the question, is this really me? You can tell yourself what you want to see, but eyes can’t lie. Deep into them you can see the truth. You can avoid eye contact with yourself by avoiding mirrors, but like all things in life, it’s gonna catch up with you and you’ll surprise yourself one day when you see someone that is a former shell of who you were.
I had this experience a year ago today. This very day one year ago was the day that changed my life. I found out who my true friends were, ended a pissing match with my dad, and did my best to turn a negative in a positive. What happened isn’t of concern, it’s what has came from it and how I have grown that is what matters most. Last year I was in a time in my life where I was miserable. I couldn’t run due to injury. I hate being in smalltown Illinois and missed Louisville dearly. I had 3 interviews in Louisville for school counseling jobs and didn’t get a one, even from the school I did my internship with. I was down on my luck. I regretted initially leaving Louisville, but it was what I had to do and that year away made me stronger and made me realize I needed to grow up a little bit and start looking ahead.
I wasn’t getting any breaks. I was down and out. I hadn’t talked to my dad for a few months or so. It was one where we pissed each other off, because we are exactly alike, and we were too damn stubborn to do anything about it. I had no goals or motivation. My school I worked for knew I was looking for a new job and they had pissed me off so I had every intention to get the heck out of here. I still held onto the dreams of being back together with my best friend in Louisville, but it just wasn’t there anymore. Too broken to fix, too much pain that an “im sorry” bandaids can’t fix, even a healthy friendship was a shot in the dark. My drug of running was gone, I had no instant cure or way to get rid of all the bads that usually fly of like a bead of sweat. Instead they stuck with me, deep into my soul laughing at me…until one day changed my life, July 28th, 2008.
I woke up the morning of June 29th and had no idea where to turn. Who would still be there? I swallowed my pride. He answered and for the first time in my life outside of a funeral or Jenna, I cried. I apologized for everything. It was a good moment between us, a mutual understanding. It’s ok he said. That’s all I needed to hear. My dad and I have never been really close, honestly I’m not emotionally close with my family very much. Never have been, that’s just how it was. No one is perfect he said and he loved me through the good and the bad. Since then, my dad and I have had a relationship like we’ve never had. A lot has to do with us both finding happiness and realizing we aren’t that much different. Listen to your parents kids, they know what the hell they are talking about. My dad has been through some shit in his life, loss of a brother, a father, 2 marriages and he still holds his head high. He is extremely supportive of my stepmom who I’ve referenced with breast cancer even though h is remarried. He is a stronger man than I thought I ever could be. I never really thought about my dad as a role model as a kid, it took me 26 years to figure out he has his shit together. Back to the happiness, he found his in an amazing woman from Iowa that makes him feel young again and has been a great fixture in his life and in my family. I found mine in Boston through running. The first time we met it was just an occurrence, my good friend mentioned to his wife “I see King and Ashley getting together”. Ashley has been a life changing person in my life, she is amazing. What girlfriend says “that’s cool, im ok with it” when you tell her you live next to, work next to, hang out with, and are best friends with your ex girlfriend.
I then call Jenna. My ex girlfriend/person by my side through thick and thin. She was still in Louisville. Again, all the previous negativity was gone, she was supportive. I recently was cleaning my apartment and found all of the letters and cards Jenna had sent me from the start. A chronological sequence of hopes and dreams that were just on a misaligned path. I kept them, not because of the emotional value they hold, but when I right a book I want to be able to reflect on them and the transformation we both have made. To make a long story short, Jenna and I went from the possibly never having the ability to have a healthy friendship to being best friends. Not many people can say they sit down and talk about their current relationships with their ex’s. Our friendship is unbreakable. One of the first things I wanted to do when Ashley was visiting was to have her meet Jenna. Jenna approved. You’re good Ashley.
I needed to get my life together and be John King again. I turned to my best friends. I turned to Greg Coplen, a running friend who has turned out to be a lifelong friend who inspires me everyday and gives me hope of one day achieving life satisfaction from everyday occurrences like he does. Coplen’s been there man. He’s been a drunken mess who quit rehab and wouldn’t admit he had a problem. Almost lost his friends, his family, and most importantly his life. Trully a phoenix, Cope has risen from the ashes to help others and serve for Jesus Christ. I’m not a religious man, but Cope is the bible I turn to when I need some advice or a positive perspective. He gives and asks for nothing in return, a modern day saint. His kids are lucky to have him as a father, his wife as a husband, and anyone who thinks they have no where to turn or go, Cope’s there to let you know you’re not alone. Thanks bro.
2 days later I got a call. Wanna get your PhD? 2 days later, want a job an your Phd? In a matter of a week, I was where I wanted to be. Full-time job, doctoral candidate, and back in Louisville. My home. Be smart John. Think. Appreciate life. Don’t take things for granted. See what you aren’t supposed to see. Think of others first. You are just a player in a large play, don’t forget you’re lines, you’ll get the spotlight, just make sure everyone gets you’re cues.
I went most of the day today not thinking about it. Then I sat and just reflected. I became thankful. Appreciative. I became who I’ve always wanted to be or so I think.
So what happened on June 28th. It doesn’t matter. I turned a negative event into something positive. I couldn’t have done it alone…
I looked into the mirror this morning, hair is longer and curly. Slight 5 o’clock shadow. I stare deep into my eyes. I no longer saw that person who was there a year ago. I’ve matured a bit, learned a lot, and grown up. There is a twinkle now in my eye, I have a bright future ahead, a loving girlfriend, a great work environment, a supportive family, and more importantly….a stableness in my life. Mirrors don’t like people, they just show us the truth that we cannot accept at times.
On a running relevant note, Ive been doing PT and making my hips stronger and ive ran here or there. I love running in the dead of heat. I like when people look and me and just think “idiot”. My shins are still iffy.
Thanks for reading.
I had this experience a year ago today. This very day one year ago was the day that changed my life. I found out who my true friends were, ended a pissing match with my dad, and did my best to turn a negative in a positive. What happened isn’t of concern, it’s what has came from it and how I have grown that is what matters most. Last year I was in a time in my life where I was miserable. I couldn’t run due to injury. I hate being in smalltown Illinois and missed Louisville dearly. I had 3 interviews in Louisville for school counseling jobs and didn’t get a one, even from the school I did my internship with. I was down on my luck. I regretted initially leaving Louisville, but it was what I had to do and that year away made me stronger and made me realize I needed to grow up a little bit and start looking ahead.
I wasn’t getting any breaks. I was down and out. I hadn’t talked to my dad for a few months or so. It was one where we pissed each other off, because we are exactly alike, and we were too damn stubborn to do anything about it. I had no goals or motivation. My school I worked for knew I was looking for a new job and they had pissed me off so I had every intention to get the heck out of here. I still held onto the dreams of being back together with my best friend in Louisville, but it just wasn’t there anymore. Too broken to fix, too much pain that an “im sorry” bandaids can’t fix, even a healthy friendship was a shot in the dark. My drug of running was gone, I had no instant cure or way to get rid of all the bads that usually fly of like a bead of sweat. Instead they stuck with me, deep into my soul laughing at me…until one day changed my life, July 28th, 2008.
I woke up the morning of June 29th and had no idea where to turn. Who would still be there? I swallowed my pride. He answered and for the first time in my life outside of a funeral or Jenna, I cried. I apologized for everything. It was a good moment between us, a mutual understanding. It’s ok he said. That’s all I needed to hear. My dad and I have never been really close, honestly I’m not emotionally close with my family very much. Never have been, that’s just how it was. No one is perfect he said and he loved me through the good and the bad. Since then, my dad and I have had a relationship like we’ve never had. A lot has to do with us both finding happiness and realizing we aren’t that much different. Listen to your parents kids, they know what the hell they are talking about. My dad has been through some shit in his life, loss of a brother, a father, 2 marriages and he still holds his head high. He is extremely supportive of my stepmom who I’ve referenced with breast cancer even though h is remarried. He is a stronger man than I thought I ever could be. I never really thought about my dad as a role model as a kid, it took me 26 years to figure out he has his shit together. Back to the happiness, he found his in an amazing woman from Iowa that makes him feel young again and has been a great fixture in his life and in my family. I found mine in Boston through running. The first time we met it was just an occurrence, my good friend mentioned to his wife “I see King and Ashley getting together”. Ashley has been a life changing person in my life, she is amazing. What girlfriend says “that’s cool, im ok with it” when you tell her you live next to, work next to, hang out with, and are best friends with your ex girlfriend.
I then call Jenna. My ex girlfriend/person by my side through thick and thin. She was still in Louisville. Again, all the previous negativity was gone, she was supportive. I recently was cleaning my apartment and found all of the letters and cards Jenna had sent me from the start. A chronological sequence of hopes and dreams that were just on a misaligned path. I kept them, not because of the emotional value they hold, but when I right a book I want to be able to reflect on them and the transformation we both have made. To make a long story short, Jenna and I went from the possibly never having the ability to have a healthy friendship to being best friends. Not many people can say they sit down and talk about their current relationships with their ex’s. Our friendship is unbreakable. One of the first things I wanted to do when Ashley was visiting was to have her meet Jenna. Jenna approved. You’re good Ashley.
I needed to get my life together and be John King again. I turned to my best friends. I turned to Greg Coplen, a running friend who has turned out to be a lifelong friend who inspires me everyday and gives me hope of one day achieving life satisfaction from everyday occurrences like he does. Coplen’s been there man. He’s been a drunken mess who quit rehab and wouldn’t admit he had a problem. Almost lost his friends, his family, and most importantly his life. Trully a phoenix, Cope has risen from the ashes to help others and serve for Jesus Christ. I’m not a religious man, but Cope is the bible I turn to when I need some advice or a positive perspective. He gives and asks for nothing in return, a modern day saint. His kids are lucky to have him as a father, his wife as a husband, and anyone who thinks they have no where to turn or go, Cope’s there to let you know you’re not alone. Thanks bro.
2 days later I got a call. Wanna get your PhD? 2 days later, want a job an your Phd? In a matter of a week, I was where I wanted to be. Full-time job, doctoral candidate, and back in Louisville. My home. Be smart John. Think. Appreciate life. Don’t take things for granted. See what you aren’t supposed to see. Think of others first. You are just a player in a large play, don’t forget you’re lines, you’ll get the spotlight, just make sure everyone gets you’re cues.
I went most of the day today not thinking about it. Then I sat and just reflected. I became thankful. Appreciative. I became who I’ve always wanted to be or so I think.
So what happened on June 28th. It doesn’t matter. I turned a negative event into something positive. I couldn’t have done it alone…
I looked into the mirror this morning, hair is longer and curly. Slight 5 o’clock shadow. I stare deep into my eyes. I no longer saw that person who was there a year ago. I’ve matured a bit, learned a lot, and grown up. There is a twinkle now in my eye, I have a bright future ahead, a loving girlfriend, a great work environment, a supportive family, and more importantly….a stableness in my life. Mirrors don’t like people, they just show us the truth that we cannot accept at times.
On a running relevant note, Ive been doing PT and making my hips stronger and ive ran here or there. I love running in the dead of heat. I like when people look and me and just think “idiot”. My shins are still iffy.
Thanks for reading.
Monday, June 22, 2009
not much going on...
Pfewwwwww, Ok I'm back. I think. My hiatus has been due to a Stats course (twice a week and 3 1/2 hours each night), work, and really not much going on. I havent been running and have been doing my PT exercises and stretchin somewhat religiously. My hips are getting better, but I just can't seem to shake this calf strain and shin issue. The left one is still giving me guff even if I am still doing just the elliptical and pool running.
I feel like to total boner in the pool doing pool running. Here are all these speedo clad swimmer doing laps and there I am bobbing up and down like a piece of cork. Fug em. Some old man need to learn to retire the speedos. Gross. If that gets to be me shoot me. It's comparible to a 300lb man in split shorts at a 5K, just not supposed to happen.
My training for the Lakefront Marathon is October 1. Don't know if my calf will be ready by then, who knows. Maybe a month of just no XT, even in the pool is what is needed. Sanity will go out the window then. I gotta get new shoes sometime, there is some motivation right? Although, I have been watching what I put into my body extremely well and am at my racing weight of below 164-165 currently. I went on like a 2 week PBJ for lunch binge, then followed it up with a glass of milk, 30 minutes of Sesame Street and then a nap on a rug. I'm such a big boy.
I've come to realize how tired I am of classes and hate having the schoolwork monkey on my back. I will love the day when my dissertation is done, well even started. I'm doing the lit review...come on! Least its free.
I feel like to total boner in the pool doing pool running. Here are all these speedo clad swimmer doing laps and there I am bobbing up and down like a piece of cork. Fug em. Some old man need to learn to retire the speedos. Gross. If that gets to be me shoot me. It's comparible to a 300lb man in split shorts at a 5K, just not supposed to happen.
My training for the Lakefront Marathon is October 1. Don't know if my calf will be ready by then, who knows. Maybe a month of just no XT, even in the pool is what is needed. Sanity will go out the window then. I gotta get new shoes sometime, there is some motivation right? Although, I have been watching what I put into my body extremely well and am at my racing weight of below 164-165 currently. I went on like a 2 week PBJ for lunch binge, then followed it up with a glass of milk, 30 minutes of Sesame Street and then a nap on a rug. I'm such a big boy.
I've come to realize how tired I am of classes and hate having the schoolwork monkey on my back. I will love the day when my dissertation is done, well even started. I'm doing the lit review...come on! Least its free.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
steamboat pics from race
Shakin' up the Budweiser!
I'm either taking a drink of the beer or trying to call in a few mallards...
Finishin pic.
I'm either taking a drink of the beer or trying to call in a few mallards...
Finishin pic.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Steamboat Springs Half Marathon and Vacation
A while back, Ashley and I had planned a trip to Steamboat Springs, CO to do the half marathon with some running friends of ours Steve and Jen. I had some mileage I needed to use and the weekend fit perfect because my dad and stepmom were going to be out there at the exact same time. Well injured or not, I was going out to Colorado and here is a recap, as only I can write...
Friday: Left Louisville fairly early and arrived in Denver around 9:30 am to meet Jen. Ony my way up the escalator I was standing next to a fairly attractive woman dressed in a bright orange/yellow minidress, like one that just sits under your bum, with 4 inch stelletos in the same color. She had star tattoos on her arms and a lotus on her left shoulder. I took note because she had to either be a porn star or a stripper. Unfortunatly, my singles went to coffee instead of another pick me up. After Ashleys flight got in we headed to Louisville, CO and then to Boulder to Avery Brewery for a little brews and tour. Ashley and I decided to try every type they had.
This must be Ellie II or III whome Ellie's Brown was named after...
Although the beer usually makes me tired, I stayed awake on the trip to check out all the sights. Colorado is beautiful. The mountains. The sky. The wildlife. Even the damn green grass. All of the rivers and streams were bursting because of the spring melt. I wish i had my kayak with me. We got to our penthouse suite, which was loaded enough that the elevator just went to out room directly instead of our floor, and threw our bags down and went to get some food and called it a night.
View from my window...
Saturday: The 2 hour time difference really got to me in the morning. I was up and chipper at 4:30 am. A few of us decided to go for a morning jog to get our legs loose. I was wearing both calf sleeves since my right leg was giving me some trouble.
Sidenote: I made the decision whether or not I ran the race, afterwards I was done running for a few weeks because I needed time to recover and rest and complete PT. Here's to the pool....ugh.
The altitude really does make a difference for this sea level guy. I wasn't out of breath it was just different, like my lungs could never open up at first. After the 3 mile jaunt, we went to get our bibs and headed to Fish Creek Falls. The falls were awesome because of all the spring melt run off. Here are some pics.
We then went to a little FE with another Boston RunnersWorld runner and another blogger/runner friend of mine Aaron. Suck on that Squirrel. The Italian place was nice except for the scantally clad hostess staff. Ashley reads this, so I have to say that. After our bellies were full, we made out way to Strawberry hot Springs. The guy at the front made sure to tell us to keep our flashlights at our feet because at dusk it was clothing optional. Luckily we left before then because some of the people there I would have rather not seen. The springs were cool for a bit, but like hottubs, they get boring after awhile. After a long, dehydrating day...oh yea I barely drank any water, we decided to go home. I have fell in love with New Belgium Brewerys Fat Tire , which I am working off this week.
Kal and I
Sunday: I woke up in the morning not having any clue how my legs would feel. I chose not to test run pre-race and just give it a go. I came out to CO to see the mountains and enjoy the run and wouldnt be happy if I just saw the finish line. I told myself I would just quit if it hurt, but I wanted to at least try and anyways Ashley and I had planned on running easy at 8:30 pace anyways. Upon arriving to the start, like most runners, I went straight to the port-a-johns. Much to my surprise as I sat down I realized they were on a hill. I was leanging back and I thought one good poop and I might be sending myself tumbling down the hill in a a plastic blue port-a-john rage of fury. Luckily this didn't happen.
Mile 1-3: Trying to fall into a nice and easy pace and not letting race instinct take hold. Nurseneely ran with us for the first two miles. The race reminded me of home a lot with all the cattle and farmland, except for we don’t have mountains in our backyard. The altitude wasn’t that much a factor except on the uphills. Some guy to my left kept farting ridiculously and I kept blaming Ashley out loud but couldn’t keep a straight face.
Mile 4-6: My legs are ok, but tender on my right shin on the uphills. The scenery is amazing. The snowcapped mountains were very humbling to me. Ashley and I tried to pick out cool looking rock formation and I also started singing Dixieland Delight by Alabama. This race was awesome in the fact we weren’t racing it, so like most things in life we were lucky enough to slow down for once and enjoy the aesthetic beauty of Steamboat Springs, CO.
Mile 7-10: About 7 miles in I knew my leg would hold up to finish the race. While rounding a corner, I saw some people grilling out and drinking beer. I yelled “how bout a beer!” and ranover and grabbed a Budweiser from the guy. I spent the next half mile drinking the beer and trying to spray Ashley with it. Luckily we past a Brightroom Photography guy and got some pictures with it. I’ve always wanted to drink a beer in a race, but never have. Around mile 10 we hit the hill and on the downhill decided t experiment and hit 6:30ish pace. It felt good so we kept going a little faster for awhile for one.
Mile 11-13.1: Well being sealevelers hit in a bit and we decided to just cruise to the finish line. We ran past a girl who, from Jen and Steves account, started the race going full bore out of the gates with the faster guys and then started walking at 3 miles. She didn’t look to good. We finished in like 1:48 and met up with everyone. My dad and stepmom were intown on vacation so Ashley got to meet the man that is Papa King. My legs felt pretty good and topped off a decent race around with some Mexican food before a 3 hour trip back to Boulder/Louisville.
ashley and I
Ashley, me, karen, papa king
trip back
I've officially fallen in love with Colorado. It is amazing. Boulder is a post-doc option.
this is day 2 of no running...PICS from the race will be uploaded once Brightroom gets on it.
Friday: Left Louisville fairly early and arrived in Denver around 9:30 am to meet Jen. Ony my way up the escalator I was standing next to a fairly attractive woman dressed in a bright orange/yellow minidress, like one that just sits under your bum, with 4 inch stelletos in the same color. She had star tattoos on her arms and a lotus on her left shoulder. I took note because she had to either be a porn star or a stripper. Unfortunatly, my singles went to coffee instead of another pick me up. After Ashleys flight got in we headed to Louisville, CO and then to Boulder to Avery Brewery for a little brews and tour. Ashley and I decided to try every type they had.
This must be Ellie II or III whome Ellie's Brown was named after...
Although the beer usually makes me tired, I stayed awake on the trip to check out all the sights. Colorado is beautiful. The mountains. The sky. The wildlife. Even the damn green grass. All of the rivers and streams were bursting because of the spring melt. I wish i had my kayak with me. We got to our penthouse suite, which was loaded enough that the elevator just went to out room directly instead of our floor, and threw our bags down and went to get some food and called it a night.
View from my window...
Saturday: The 2 hour time difference really got to me in the morning. I was up and chipper at 4:30 am. A few of us decided to go for a morning jog to get our legs loose. I was wearing both calf sleeves since my right leg was giving me some trouble.
Sidenote: I made the decision whether or not I ran the race, afterwards I was done running for a few weeks because I needed time to recover and rest and complete PT. Here's to the pool....ugh.
The altitude really does make a difference for this sea level guy. I wasn't out of breath it was just different, like my lungs could never open up at first. After the 3 mile jaunt, we went to get our bibs and headed to Fish Creek Falls. The falls were awesome because of all the spring melt run off. Here are some pics.
We then went to a little FE with another Boston RunnersWorld runner and another blogger/runner friend of mine Aaron. Suck on that Squirrel. The Italian place was nice except for the scantally clad hostess staff. Ashley reads this, so I have to say that. After our bellies were full, we made out way to Strawberry hot Springs. The guy at the front made sure to tell us to keep our flashlights at our feet because at dusk it was clothing optional. Luckily we left before then because some of the people there I would have rather not seen. The springs were cool for a bit, but like hottubs, they get boring after awhile. After a long, dehydrating day...oh yea I barely drank any water, we decided to go home. I have fell in love with New Belgium Brewerys Fat Tire , which I am working off this week.
Kal and I
Sunday: I woke up in the morning not having any clue how my legs would feel. I chose not to test run pre-race and just give it a go. I came out to CO to see the mountains and enjoy the run and wouldnt be happy if I just saw the finish line. I told myself I would just quit if it hurt, but I wanted to at least try and anyways Ashley and I had planned on running easy at 8:30 pace anyways. Upon arriving to the start, like most runners, I went straight to the port-a-johns. Much to my surprise as I sat down I realized they were on a hill. I was leanging back and I thought one good poop and I might be sending myself tumbling down the hill in a a plastic blue port-a-john rage of fury. Luckily this didn't happen.
Mile 1-3: Trying to fall into a nice and easy pace and not letting race instinct take hold. Nurseneely ran with us for the first two miles. The race reminded me of home a lot with all the cattle and farmland, except for we don’t have mountains in our backyard. The altitude wasn’t that much a factor except on the uphills. Some guy to my left kept farting ridiculously and I kept blaming Ashley out loud but couldn’t keep a straight face.
Mile 4-6: My legs are ok, but tender on my right shin on the uphills. The scenery is amazing. The snowcapped mountains were very humbling to me. Ashley and I tried to pick out cool looking rock formation and I also started singing Dixieland Delight by Alabama. This race was awesome in the fact we weren’t racing it, so like most things in life we were lucky enough to slow down for once and enjoy the aesthetic beauty of Steamboat Springs, CO.
Mile 7-10: About 7 miles in I knew my leg would hold up to finish the race. While rounding a corner, I saw some people grilling out and drinking beer. I yelled “how bout a beer!” and ranover and grabbed a Budweiser from the guy. I spent the next half mile drinking the beer and trying to spray Ashley with it. Luckily we past a Brightroom Photography guy and got some pictures with it. I’ve always wanted to drink a beer in a race, but never have. Around mile 10 we hit the hill and on the downhill decided t experiment and hit 6:30ish pace. It felt good so we kept going a little faster for awhile for one.
Mile 11-13.1: Well being sealevelers hit in a bit and we decided to just cruise to the finish line. We ran past a girl who, from Jen and Steves account, started the race going full bore out of the gates with the faster guys and then started walking at 3 miles. She didn’t look to good. We finished in like 1:48 and met up with everyone. My dad and stepmom were intown on vacation so Ashley got to meet the man that is Papa King. My legs felt pretty good and topped off a decent race around with some Mexican food before a 3 hour trip back to Boulder/Louisville.
ashley and I
Ashley, me, karen, papa king
trip back
I've officially fallen in love with Colorado. It is amazing. Boulder is a post-doc option.
this is day 2 of no running...PICS from the race will be uploaded once Brightroom gets on it.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Finally a PT visit....
It’s 9:16 pm and it is still light out in Louisville as I type this. I will get up in the morning and partake in my usual routine of going to the gym around 5:45 and the sun will be rising. Summer in Louisville is great before it gets too hot and humid. It’s June and its perfect. Last Saturday was the first Saturday I’ve been able to get up and run in the morning. The parks were packed with everyone from middle of the packers to just god damn glad to be outside people. I missed my people. I don’t know their names but they will always wave and say yellow unless they are stubborn people I will make an effort to blow by to let them know their shit doesn’t stink, cus mine does cus chances are if I don’t like you I will let one rip as I pass by with a chuckle. Et tu’ Brute. Running in the dead of heat is my favorite time to run. The sweat pours off and instantly you skin is as gritty as the sand, but it’s just salt, something a few particles chemically away from each other.
So after finally putting away the thoughts of my last horrible PT visit, I decided to pony up and visit Jason Bracco at U of L's facility. To get a refresher, my last PT guy just had me do some leg workouts by myself, stretch by myself when he was with other patients, and then did some massage thing for 10 minutes and that was it. 5 sessions and I said screw that. Well this session was the complete opposite. Bracco was very knowledgable and knew exactly how to cater to a high caliber athlete (yes he even said that which got him a lot of brownie points).
SIDENOTE: A special thanks to Selena from Red Cedar Physical Therapy for taking the time to research and help out a gimpy runner....much appreciated!!!
Ok back to the session, he looked at and tested everything. We videotaped me running, check out my shoes, tested strengths, tested weaknesses, and flexibility.
The conclusion....there is no simple EUREKA moment....it's a combination of a lot of things.
Sidenote #2: All my injuries are on my left side
Strength: Overall my legs are pretty strong, hamstrings and hip flexors are a little weak do to the tightness but overall I'm pretty good.
Flexibility: hamstrings and hip flexors are HORRIBLY tight. Calves are in great shape and loose.
Posture: Normal posture
Feet: my left foot isnt as flexible and doesnt have as much rotation and pronation as the right one.
Shoes: Tell a lot. We looked at the wear on my shoes and where my heel strike. Light blue is my left foot wear and red is my right foot wear.
Notice hardly any wear on my right foot? We also talked about where and how I run, like most runners I've always run on the left side of the road and most roads are angled to help water runoff. I rarely run on trails or down the middle of the roads unless I can find a path. So constantly running like this COULD have something to do with all my problems. Also, the lack of pronation or flexibility in my foot could be a result of this. Bracco was surprised when i said I've never injured the foot before. We discussed orthotics but as something as a last resort down the road since they are so expensive. I like this guy.
Hamstrings and Hip Flexors: very tight. One legged squats show how weak and off balance I am. So a main goal is to improve flexibility.
Running: while watching me run he did notice how close my feet and legs come to each other but I was on a treadmill and actually trying to look normal, so don't know if that means anything since youare supposed to run one foot in front of the other for a faster and more efficient turnover.
Where do we go from here: We talked and discussed how it isn't a simple fix, it will require some focus on those areas and changing things so I don't keep faling in the same cycle. He laughed when I said surgery, if it doesn't hurt, there is no need. Your hips show fraying because you run long distance. He told me I'm gonna have to cut the intensity and mileage until I can get comfortable again. Those weeks of 70-80 are long gun for awhile. Thats a good thing right?
So overall, it went very positive, I gotta go back next week because I leave Friday for Steamboat Springs, CO. I initially signed up for the Half Marathon on Sunday (which I plan to run easy and take my camera to get pics) and hang out there the whole weekend with Ashley and running friends. Even better, my dad and stepmom are going to be there on vacation. I refuse to go to the clothing optional hot spring with my old man. Gross. Like he needs the water to make any appendage more wrinkly.
So after finally putting away the thoughts of my last horrible PT visit, I decided to pony up and visit Jason Bracco at U of L's facility. To get a refresher, my last PT guy just had me do some leg workouts by myself, stretch by myself when he was with other patients, and then did some massage thing for 10 minutes and that was it. 5 sessions and I said screw that. Well this session was the complete opposite. Bracco was very knowledgable and knew exactly how to cater to a high caliber athlete (yes he even said that which got him a lot of brownie points).
SIDENOTE: A special thanks to Selena from Red Cedar Physical Therapy for taking the time to research and help out a gimpy runner....much appreciated!!!
Ok back to the session, he looked at and tested everything. We videotaped me running, check out my shoes, tested strengths, tested weaknesses, and flexibility.
The conclusion....there is no simple EUREKA moment....it's a combination of a lot of things.
Sidenote #2: All my injuries are on my left side
Strength: Overall my legs are pretty strong, hamstrings and hip flexors are a little weak do to the tightness but overall I'm pretty good.
Flexibility: hamstrings and hip flexors are HORRIBLY tight. Calves are in great shape and loose.
Posture: Normal posture
Feet: my left foot isnt as flexible and doesnt have as much rotation and pronation as the right one.
Shoes: Tell a lot. We looked at the wear on my shoes and where my heel strike. Light blue is my left foot wear and red is my right foot wear.
Notice hardly any wear on my right foot? We also talked about where and how I run, like most runners I've always run on the left side of the road and most roads are angled to help water runoff. I rarely run on trails or down the middle of the roads unless I can find a path. So constantly running like this COULD have something to do with all my problems. Also, the lack of pronation or flexibility in my foot could be a result of this. Bracco was surprised when i said I've never injured the foot before. We discussed orthotics but as something as a last resort down the road since they are so expensive. I like this guy.
Hamstrings and Hip Flexors: very tight. One legged squats show how weak and off balance I am. So a main goal is to improve flexibility.
Running: while watching me run he did notice how close my feet and legs come to each other but I was on a treadmill and actually trying to look normal, so don't know if that means anything since youare supposed to run one foot in front of the other for a faster and more efficient turnover.
Where do we go from here: We talked and discussed how it isn't a simple fix, it will require some focus on those areas and changing things so I don't keep faling in the same cycle. He laughed when I said surgery, if it doesn't hurt, there is no need. Your hips show fraying because you run long distance. He told me I'm gonna have to cut the intensity and mileage until I can get comfortable again. Those weeks of 70-80 are long gun for awhile. Thats a good thing right?
So overall, it went very positive, I gotta go back next week because I leave Friday for Steamboat Springs, CO. I initially signed up for the Half Marathon on Sunday (which I plan to run easy and take my camera to get pics) and hang out there the whole weekend with Ashley and running friends. Even better, my dad and stepmom are going to be there on vacation. I refuse to go to the clothing optional hot spring with my old man. Gross. Like he needs the water to make any appendage more wrinkly.
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