The Journey Back to Ultrarunning
Posted by David Hanenburg on 02 Mar 2010 at 2:08 pm | Tagged as: Personal Journey
- 30 mile long runs
- 60 mile weeks
- Effortless Running
- Feel Like an Ultrarunning Warrior
- Race
Injury.
- 3 mile long runs
- 12 mile weeks
- Sluggish Running
- Feel Like an Ultrarunning Wuss
Me.
Since my knee issue at Rocky, I have been in serious healing/recovery mode and enjoying a few too many scoops of ice cream.
Oh how perspective can change. From a solid sweat building five hour trail run, to being grateful for a three mile continuous run without any knee discomfort. So abrupt. Little warning. Life.
As an ultra athlete that finds great pleasure and joy in the the long stuff, a three mile run is two miles short of a warm-up.
Recovering from an injury can be a hard pill to swallow. Recent running memories tease you with what use to be. Frustration and disappointment can control our mental states. But I want to be there. Sometimes it can be tough to get the mental focus out of our head.
To eliminate/reduce the mental madness and powerless victim role, I have tried to approach this situation with acceptance and active engagement in my recovery process.
Instead of concerning myself with where I have been, I focus on where I am at.
My focus is on:
- Pain-free running – This is currently 3 mile runs, every other day.
- A renewed focus on overall strength and core work – 4 days per week
- Flexibility
Eating ice cream every day
Volunteering at Cross Timbers was another way to stay involved/connected to the sport and support others on their ultra journey.
The recovery continues…
Be active – Feel the buzz!
David – EnduranceBuzz.com
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I know how you feel…after I broke my foot last Summer I had to take 45 days off completely and didn’t start seriously training again for a good 3 or 4 months.
There’s an end at some point, though, and you’ll be back to your 5 hour trail runs.
I broke my collar bone a month ago and am stuck taking long walks or riding a stationary bike. I know in the long run it won’t mean that much but it sucks right now.
Sometimes it’s good to take a step back – I’ve found I invariably come back refreshed. Your head does play the old “how did I ever run that distance” trick with you though
Dave — I’ve been there before w/my IT Band. One day you feel invincible and running well and then you get an injury that stops you down. The good news is that this is temporary. You will heal. And you will be back better than ever. I look forward to getting together for a run soon!
@Blaine – Great to hear you are back going strong!
@Dylan – Happy healing with that collar bone.
@Mark – I am sure this down time will be good for my entire body but I miss my endorphin buzz.
@Mike – Yes…soon.
I wasn’t able to run for a year and a half, so I know how you feel! The good part is that your body does have a memory and building back those miles once you’re ready won’t be that difficult. Focusing on what you are able to do, or areas you’ve neglected, is a good thing.
Sarah – Great to hear you were able to get back running again.