Tuesday, January 21, 2014

On the mend

So I did the Polar Dash 14-miler on Jan. 11 and it was a bit of a slog. Temps were in the mid-30s so all the snow and ice we've gotten in the Chicago area was melting. There were quite a few area of standing water and some black ice in patches.

The latter was what cause me problems. Around mile 10 I hit a patch and twisted my left knee. This is the same knee that I partially tore my ACL on more than 20-years ago. Long story short, was supposed to have surgery, had mono, never had it fixed.

Over the years it's given me some issues here and there but this is the longest it's bugged me in seven years. I'm at about 90% right now but am bailing on the half I'm supposed to run on Saturday to rest up some more. I did run a little last Sunday and it felt ok but it's just a little nagging injury that I want to go away.

Though it's not as though I could run anyway, the winter in Chicago this year has been one for the books. We're going to be below zero again this week and there's no break in sight. Ice is a constant issue and after twisting the knee I'm hesitant to go out unless I can see what I'm doing and be safe.

Boot camp is also ending in a little more than a week and I have some fitness decisions to make. I will most likely end up at the XSports that opened nearby but would like to hold off if possible. I just don't think this weather is going to make that easy.

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Stir crazy

Excuse me father, for I have sinned, it's been four days since my last run. It's been below zero air temps and more than -40 below zero wind chills. The snow is also almost two feet piled up. I don't know if I can be held responsible if I don't get out for a run soon. Please send help.