Well, like it said above, wow - it's been awhile and it's been an interesting time for both me and Teens Run Westchester. First off, we are piloting our first ever Winter Training Program with an eye towards the participant running in the Celebrate Life Half Marathon. I want to respect their confidentiality so suffice to say, they are a nonprofit that is doing exemplary work with youth from throughout Westchester County. On January 15th, we began the program by simply having the group run a mile to get a gauge for their various paces. I'm thrilled to say that I have no doubt that every one of these teens have it in them; they have the natural tools to run for long distance i.e. a half marathon. The challenge has been more about outside elements - the weather, training on dark winter nights. Bottom line, we are going through a very positive and instructive learning process. And in the process, I do believe we're doing very good work with these teens.
One of things that is really fantastic to see from an organizational perspective is the development of our mentors and their leadership. John Rubsam (and I hope he doesn't mind me mentioning him here) is a doing a fantastic job as the Project Leader for this pilot program. In this role, which is new to TRW, John is managing the relationship with the partner nonprofit, leading the runs and generally overseeing the progress. The other two mentors that are part of the team, Katie and Marie, are also amazing! What's very cool to me is that while I wasn't looking to step back, other people in our organization are really stepping up as leaders. And that's truly the only way TRW will grow. And so it will. Which leads me a bit to my own personal story....
Over the last several months, it seems that my feet decided to declare all out war against me and the running. In retrospect and in all fairness, they had every right to - but more on that later! Here's the story -
Right after Hurricane Sandy, my wife and I went to Toronto where she is doing some consulting work. In fact, we were very fortunate- since we lost the power in our home, we drive to Canada where the organization she's consulting for had provided housing WITH ELECTRIC and everything. My first day in Toronto, and just three weeks before I was scheduled to run in the Philadelphia Marathon, I decided what better way to get to know Toronto than do my 2nd to final long run (20 miles) along the main drag of the city. And so I did. And it was good. Until the next day when, after my recovery run, my left foot was twice it's normal size. What I initially thought was a stress fracture was really just a bunion on my left food screaming in pain. To keep this short - and I know I've written about this before (sorry about the rep), stayed off the foot for a week, let it heal and yes, incredibly brilliantly, still ran the marathon. After, did an overly aggressive recovery schedule because....
Fast forward three days before Christmas and I've gotta start training for the Fort Lauderdale A1A Marathon on 2/17. I had done this one before, really liked it and in fact, had one of my better times. So I was really looking forward to it and even hoping for some improvement. NOT! I went out for a long run (14 miles) and the next day was in agonizing pain. But very different kind. In fact, it was on the other foot and could barely walk. Again, don't want to bore you with more details. Bottom line, in the course of the last month, I've learned that I have bunions on both feet, heel spurs on both and plantar fasciitis much more so on my right - it's pretty likely that's due to the overcompensating for the bunion on my left. So am I stopping?? No. But as I stated initially, this is clearly my feet saying that as much as I may love this and doing all the runs with the teens, my 48 year old feet aren't quite willing to keep the same work schedule.
No, I'm not stopping but am a strict schedule of no more than 3/4 days of running of which 3 will be easy - and I do mean easy. I've also been reading and practicing Danny Dreyer's ChiRunning. It does seem to be helping but I'm not going to make a full out pitch for it quite yet. Finally, I'm off my favorite running shoes, Newtons, for a bit in favor of more supportive Mizunos. I guess the times they are a changing..
I've also tried my first two yoga classes and they've been a combination of challenging, entertaining and helpful. The challenging part is that this stuff is hard. Especially when you (presently) have limited flexibility and feet aren't exactly in grip mode. The class I went to on Friday was entertaining... It was me and six women. The teacher started off by asking me if I was OK with six women and working on our butts. I said that's fine - I'll sit in the back! But it wasn't for any reason but so that they couldn't see how lame I was at all these poses. And I'm still not clear on all the spiritual stuff - but it is kind of relaxing.
But today, I truly found my #1 alternative for my non-running days. I started my hockey lessons today and I have to say I have a renewed appreciation for this sport which I have loved since I was like 5 years old and I watched the Philadelphia Flyers win the Stanley Cup. I always dreamed of being out on the ice with all that cool equipment and playing this awesome game. I got a little taste of it when I was about 11 or 12 and went to some hockey clinic where I grew up. But it was just once or twice.
I had a 1/2 hour lesson with a coach that was a great workout. But even better was after, the ice was free for another hour for practice and I just kept skating and practicing and probably wouldn't have stopped but my legs were definitely beat. Very psyched to keep working on it. And this will be great for some other updates I will be sharing in the next few days.
If you're still reading this long blog, glad you're interested, feel free to comment, yawn, laugh or cry. Shanti Shanti (as they seem to say at the end of yoga!)
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