To Infinity and Beyond - Becoming a Better DopeyBadger (Comments Welcome)

[tmungania]

It's one of the top rules of mine for running. Trust your gut and listen to your body. There have been plenty of times that I've had little things crop up here and there and I've felt confident that they'd go away or diminish in due time. And every time that's been right. The only real injury I ever had snuck up on me during Lakefront 2016 with little to no warning. But this time, something doesn't feel right. I'd mentioned that something was off right before 2018 Marathon Weekend. A slight calf pain. It hurt during the last few days of running and to and from the airport heading to Disney. Then, suddenly it was fine. I didn't really do anything and the issue was resolved. I successfully ran the 2018 Dopey Challenge with a 5k PR, 10k PR, HM PR, and only 2 min off the M PR. At no time during any of those races or afterwards did I ever get a hint of the same issue prior. Took my standard time off and never had any issues. First run back and it was there again. I'm not sure exactly the root cause or what exactly is the issue. I've continued the easy running for a week now and it's oscillated between being an issue during portions of non-running, to being fine, to diminishing during running, to coming back during running, to coming back during daily time. The best way for me to describe it is the feeling as if I'm running on a stilt on my right leg. At points, it feels like I get no energy return and I'm just running on the bone of my leg. It's not severely painful. But it's just there and makes running uncomfortable at times.

So just like I tell others, I need to listen to what my body is saying. Something is wrong, don't know what exactly, and continuing to run on it hasn't been beneficial. I've rotated through several pairs of shoes at varying levels of stiffness and freshness and there seems to be little difference. So, with that being said, I've got to shut it down for a little bit. Maybe a few days or maybe a few weeks. The end goal of 2018 is Chicago. I'd rather voluntarily take some time off now, then be forced to take time off later. If it ends up being days or weeks, then the loss of fitness will certainly be minimal and something that can be regained well before most of the races. Better to take that time off now at the beginning of training, then having to do it right before a race. I guess in reality I should count myself as lucky. This will be the first time in over 9000 career miles that I've ever had to take an extended period of time off when I had planned to be running.

Sorry about the injury Billy. Its a great call to shut it down now and get that resolved! The thing is finding the cause of the issue!. I hope you will report back that you are healthy and running again very soon. I am also dealing with that knee issue and i will be taking it day to day! I haven't gone for a run since Houston but we will find out more in the coming days!! Again, Smart move to shut it down and work to resolve the issue!

Get well soon!

 

[michigandergirl]

Injuries are certainly frustrating, but it sounds like you know your body and what it needs, so it's probably the right call to nip it in the bud now. Hope it's nothing serious and will heal with a little extra time off.

 

[Andie16]

Good call - I'm sure the rest will make you stronger in the long run!

 

[DopeyBadger]

Added a new Testimonial! @GollyGadget didn't want to miss out, so I've added her Summer 2017 one to the Winter/Spring 2018 post.

Plan #71
Name: @GollyGadget
Race/Distance: 10 mile
Training Plan Duration (weeks): 15
Continuous or Run/Walk: Continuous
Days per Week: 5
# of Hard Days (per week): 3
Peak Week Duration: 6:04:38 *scheduled (actual was 6:23:45)
Peak Week Mileage: 37.125 (actual 37.9)
Peak Single Run Duration: 1:30:11
Peak Single Run Mileage: 10 (1M WU + 9M Tempo)
PR at Distance Going into it (including when it occurred): 1:33:32
Expectations Going into it: I was really worried how this would all work out. You warned me that there was risk of injury due to the nature of the training. That coupled with the fact that my “easy” runs were now 5.5 miles instead of 3 scared me a bit. I had followed Nike+ and Higdon plans before. Both of those included some speed work but not nearly as much and the overall mileage was a lot lower. Despite my nerves, you assured me we could adjust as needed so I committed.
Testimonial: I did a pretty good job at sticking to the plan early on. As summer heated up and my motivation waned, I missed a few runs but still completed more than I had for other recent training periods. Finding the pacing was difficult for me for the longer hard workouts. I mentioned it several times in my journal, but I believed at the time (and still do) that it was a mental focus issue more than a fitness issue. All that is to say, I had a few doubts in my head about how the race would go.
Going into the training, I had a goal of breaking 1:20 which would have improved my POT for Disney. You assessed my fitness to establish a goal 1:22:30. A few weeks before the race, my husband asked when my legs got so sexy (maybe that's TMI?). Anyway, I was pretty sure my goal wasn't attainable anymore so I had decided that at least I would get that small victory. In the end, I finished in 1:18:21 which is better than I could have imagined. On top of achieving the time goal and improving my POT (which turned out to be a moot point), this training cycle gave me a great base to work from for the WDW marathon.
Thank you for that! And thank you for all your encouragement and advice along the way! I know I could have done a better job with my marathon training, but your positive attitude and knowledge let me forget that on race day and trust the training I had done. Who knew someone could enjoy running for 26+ miles with only running up to 16 miles in training? I’m a believer and a testament to that ideology now.

 

[DopeyBadger]

Just wanted to say thanks all. I knew you guys would understand best where I'm coming from.

Sounds like the right call. Hope you have a speedy recovery, and I think fitness loss will be minimal. I've always been surprised by how quickly I bounce back when I need to take a little break due to injury or illness.

Thanks! If I'm lucky enough to keep the time off under a few weeks, then I'll be good to go by Spring/Summer for sure.

Time off is tough, but it definitely sounds like the right call. I hope the rest helps and your calf is back to 100% soon!

Thanks! It certainly wasn't an easy decision coming from this type A personality.

Yes, this doesn't seem like just a taper madness mind thing. Sounds like something is off. I really hope rest is all you need, so you can get back out there to your running happy place!
If you start feeling down about the time off just let us know and we'll cheer you up. Focus on the opportunity to have some extra free time to go on adventures with G and Steph.

Feel better!!!!!!!!!

Chicago will be worth the healing!

Thanks! It just didn't feel right given not a single run since coming back felt good. While not an easy decision, I think it will be the right one in the long run.

Oh no, I hope you feel better soon!! I’m a big believer in trying Physical therapy and strength training to help heal.

Thanks! Lots of RICE in my future. It's hard to say exactly what I need to change since I have no clue what the root cause is. But added in additional strength training, primarily for my quads and hamstrings has been on my mind post-Dopey.

It's definitely a tough decision, but the right one! Wishing you a speedy recovery, coach!

Thanks!

I hope that it doesn't take too long to recover and have everything get back to normal.

Thanks!

Sorry about the injury Billy. Its a great call to shut it down now and get that resolved! The thing is finding the cause of the issue!. I hope you will report back that you are healthy and running again very soon. I am also dealing with that knee issue and i will be taking it day to day! I haven't gone for a run since Houston but we will find out more in the coming days!! Again, Smart move to shut it down and work to resolve the issue!

Get well soon!

Agreed on all accounts! Hoping the knee feels better. When do you think you'll start running again and do we need to think about pushing the 8 week 5k time trial training a bit further out?

Injuries are certainly frustrating, but it sounds like you know your body and what it needs, so it's probably the right call to nip it in the bud now. Hope it's nothing serious and will heal with a little extra time off.

Thanks! Hoping that a few days here saves me quite a few that could have happened later.

Good call - I'm sure the rest will make you stronger in the long run!

Thanks! That's certainly the hope!

 

[Sanchez]

It's one of the top rules of mine for running. Trust your gut and listen to your body. There have been plenty of times that I've had little things crop up here and there and I've felt confident that they'd go away or diminish in due time. And every time that's been right. The only real injury I ever had snuck up on me during Lakefront 2016 with little to no warning. But this time, something doesn't feel right. I'd mentioned that something was off right before 2018 Marathon Weekend. A slight calf pain. It hurt during the last few days of running and to and from the airport heading to Disney. Then, suddenly it was fine. I didn't really do anything and the issue was resolved. I successfully ran the 2018 Dopey Challenge with a 5k PR, 10k PR, HM PR, and only 2 min off the M PR. At no time during any of those races or afterwards did I ever get a hint of the same issue prior. Took my standard time off and never had any issues. First run back and it was there again. I'm not sure exactly the root cause or what exactly is the issue. I've continued the easy running for a week now and it's oscillated between being an issue during portions of non-running, to being fine, to diminishing during running, to coming back during running, to coming back during daily time. The best way for me to describe it is the feeling as if I'm running on a stilt on my right leg. At points, it feels like I get no energy return and I'm just running on the bone of my leg. It's not severely painful. But it's just there and makes running uncomfortable at times.

So just like I tell others, I need to listen to what my body is saying. Something is wrong, don't know what exactly, and continuing to run on it hasn't been beneficial. I've rotated through several pairs of shoes at varying levels of stiffness and freshness and there seems to be little difference. So, with that being said, I've got to shut it down for a little bit. Maybe a few days or maybe a few weeks. The end goal of 2018 is Chicago. I'd rather voluntarily take some time off now, then be forced to take time off later. If it ends up being days or weeks, then the loss of fitness will certainly be minimal and something that can be regained well before most of the races. Better to take that time off now at the beginning of training, then having to do it right before a race. I guess in reality I should count myself as lucky. This will be the first time in over 9000 career miles that I've ever had to take an extended period of time off when I had planned to be running.

I am about to break a cardinal rule: weighing in on medical issues I know nothing about. So rather than offer a shot-in-the-dark diagnosis I can only offer support for dialing back training, relate a personal story, and hope that you can solve the problem.

Approximately 5.5 years ago I came off a heavy period of training and started developing occasional cramping and soreness in my left calf. It would come and go and I would schedule runs based on how it felt. It felt like a strain or pulled muscle but the inconsistent flareups puzzled me. Training through the problem did not help. Some months later the pain was too much and only then did I tell my wife who, being the responsible person in our marriage, immediately scheduled an appointment for medical intervention. I had DVT - blood clots. I was shut down for a while and every time I received clearance to start up the problem came back. Two years ago, after two years of limited activity, I was once again cleared and all has been well since that time. Coming back after two years is difficult and when you reach your mid forties it takes quite a while to get to peak fitness.

I am not suggesting that you have DVT (though my symptoms were exactly like yours,) but believe that is it crucial to solve the mystery as soon as possible. I am lucky that my wife forced me to obtain medical treatment as the likely results from ignoring the problem would have been disastrous. Hoping it all works out.

 

[DopeyBadger]

I am about to break a cardinal rule: weighing in on medical issues I know nothing about. So rather than offer a shot-in-the-dark diagnosis I can only offer support for dialing back training, relate a personal story, and hope that you can solve the problem.

Approximately 5.5 years ago I came off a heavy period of training and started developing occasional cramping and soreness in my left calf. It would come and go and I would schedule runs based on how it felt. It felt like a strain or pulled muscle but the inconsistent flareups puzzled me. Training through the problem did not help. Some months later the pain was too much and only then did I tell my wife who, being the responsible person in our marriage, immediately scheduled an appointment for medical intervention. I had DVT - blood clots. I was shut down for a while and every time I received clearance to start up the problem came back. Two years ago, after two years of limited activity, I was once again cleared and all has been well since that time. Coming back after two years is difficult and when you reach your mid forties it takes quite a while to get to peak fitness.

I am not suggesting that you have DVT (though my symptoms were exactly like yours,) but believe that is it crucial to solve the mystery as soon as possible. I am lucky that my wife forced me to obtain medical treatment as the likely results from ignoring the problem would have been disastrous. Hoping it all works out.

I appreciate the personal experience. My first step is to see if it will resolve just with some rest, ice, compression, and elevation. But certainly, how it feels after this will dictate whether I take the next step and seek out professional experience. Sounds like our wives are the smart ones who can better separate out goals and aspirations with sometimes seeing the reality of a situation.

 

[KSellers88]

Sending healing thoughts your way!!

 

[acefields23]

Sunday, January 7th – A Coach’s Review

View attachment 294392


Name: Anon #5
Marathon Weekend Race: Dopey Challenge
Training Plan Duration: 16 weeks
Continuous or Run/Walk: Continuous
Days per Week: 6
# of Hard Days: 2
Peak Week Duration: 8:34:20
Peak Week Mileage: 51.5 miles
Peak Single Run Duration: 2:34:34
Peak Single Run Mileage: 16 miles
Testimonial: Suffered shin splints during training. Status of races unknown.

Pretty sure this Anon #5 was me...

First off, HUGE congrats on the sextuple PR... After witnessing firsthand the physical, mental and familial devastation that can occur during those fateful four days (especially considering the early mornings...) I stand in awe of your performance...

Second, apologies for not getting a testimonial into you in time to include in your write up. If it's not too late, let me say publicly that the training plan you provided to me was A+ top notch fantastic. As the above descriptor mentions I unfortunately got shin splints at the peak of my second to last, longest and hardest training block so that derailed actual run training significantly...

BUT, DoperB walked me through options and calmed me down by convincing me I had enough in my legs to finish upright (which was the goal) due to a large endurance background already built up (including marathons, Ironmans, etc) - basically he advised me to spend the similar time that I would have been running on non-loadbearing cardio activities, such as the elliptical and the erg rower to maintain my cardio fitness.

DISCLAIMER: I did this primarily on the rower, and it was really boring...

I spent upwards of 120 minutes on the rower and for a last long workout split time between the elliptical and rower - for every workout, six days a week, I would keep my HR in the target zone during on of those two activities until the last week before the races where I got the all clear from my physio (two treatments per week with a therapy regimen combining electronic stimulation, massage and ice and intermittent KT taping) to commence running in short spurts. For the last four weeks before the races my longest actual run was 5 miles...

But having followed my plan almost perfectly, I felt incredibly prepared to go out easy and kill the races - which is exactly what happened! No PRs to speak of but I finished every race continuously running (slowly, for me) only stopping to walk aid stations. I finished the marathon in 4:59 which was about an hour ahead of any realistic goal I had going into the weekend given my inability to get on my feet and I attribute it all to the amazing plan that the Head Badger Dope put together for me. And I had an absolute blast every. Single. Race.

Who knows what would have happened had I been able to run the last four weeks, but all-in-all I couldn't have asked for a better preparation plan or, more importantly, better experience that that plan allowed me to have.

And all this for free?? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! Thanks DB!

(Oh, I should also mention this was in the middle of a family reunion that saw full, busy park days Wed, Thus, Fri and Sat...)



(Best marathon finisher photo I've ever taken

 

[sourire]

Sending healing thoughts your way and wishing you a very swift recovery!!! I know this had to be a very hard decision, but I'm so glad you are listening to the body. Thinking of you, Coach!!!!

Best marathon finisher photo I've ever taken

This pic is all sorts of awesome. Thanks for sharing!

 

[pixarmom]

@DopeyBadger, so sorry to hear about this. Wishing you a speedy recovery!!

Pretty sure this Anon #5 was me...

First off, HUGE congrats on the sextuple PR... After witnessing firsthand the physical, mental and familial devastation that can occur during those fateful four days (especially considering the early mornings...) I stand in awe of your performance...

Second, apologies for not getting a testimonial into you in time to include in your write up. If it's not too late, let me say publicly that the training plan you provided to me was A+ top notch fantastic. As the above descriptor mentions I unfortunately got shin splints at the peak of my second to last, longest and hardest training block so that derailed actual run training significantly...

BUT, DoperB walked me through options and calmed me down by convincing me I had enough in my legs to finish upright (which was the goal) due to a large endurance background already built up (including marathons, Ironmans, etc) - basically he advised me to spend the similar time that I would have been running on non-loadbearing cardio activities, such as the elliptical and the erg rower to maintain my cardio fitness.

DISCLAIMER: I did this primarily on the rower, and it was really boring...

I spent upwards of 120 minutes on the rower and for a last long workout split time between the elliptical and rower - for every workout, six days a week, I would keep my HR in the target zone during on of those two activities until the last week before the races where I got the all clear from my physio (two treatments per week with a therapy regimen combining electronic stimulation, massage and ice and intermittent KT taping) to commence running in short spurts. For the last four weeks before the races my longest actual run was 5 miles...

But having followed my plan almost perfectly, I felt incredibly prepared to go out easy and kill the races - which is exactly what happened! No PRs to speak of but I finished every race continuously running (slowly, for me) only stopping to walk aid stations. I finished the marathon in 4:59 which was about an hour ahead of any realistic goal I had going into the weekend given my inability to get on my feet and I attribute it all to the amazing plan that the Head Badger Dope put together for me. And I had an absolute blast every. Single. Race.

Who knows what would have happened had I been able to run the last four weeks, but all-in-all I couldn't have asked for a better preparation plan or, more importantly, better experience that that plan allowed me to have.

And all this for free?? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! Thanks DB!

(Oh, I should also mention this was in the middle of a family reunion that saw full, busy park days Wed, Thus, Fri and Sat...)

View attachment 298238

(Best marathon finisher photo I've ever taken

This is truly an amazing photo - love it!!!

 

[dis_or_dat]

Sorry to hear, but it's important to heal yourself before your BQ attempt. I wonder if we have the same injury. My calf has been hurting since attempting to get back to 7 min miles and running 3 miles a day with no breaks for 3 months. I took 4 days off in Disneyland while you were PRing Dopey and then 2 additional days because of the flu, but still in pain. I'm running but at a dramatically slower pace and find myself limping as fast as possible for the first mile and then it becomes bearable the 2nd mile. I can walk without limping now, but occasionally taking the stairs is painful or my leg almost feels like it's about to give. I have no problems with toe raises, so it's unlikely a gastrocnemius thing. Probably should take more time off, but I hate not running and plus my baby is starting to nap a little longer so I want to take advantage of it!

 

[mrsg00fy]

It's one of the top rules of mine for running. Trust your gut and listen to your body. There have been plenty of times that I've had little things crop up here and there and I've felt confident that they'd go away or diminish in due time. And every time that's been right. The only real injury I ever had snuck up on me during Lakefront 2016 with little to no warning. But this time, something doesn't feel right. I'd mentioned that something was off right before 2018 Marathon Weekend. A slight calf pain. It hurt during the last few days of running and to and from the airport heading to Disney. Then, suddenly it was fine. I didn't really do anything and the issue was resolved. I successfully ran the 2018 Dopey Challenge with a 5k PR, 10k PR, HM PR, and only 2 min off the M PR. At no time during any of those races or afterwards did I ever get a hint of the same issue prior. Took my standard time off and never had any issues. First run back and it was there again. I'm not sure exactly the root cause or what exactly is the issue. I've continued the easy running for a week now and it's oscillated between being an issue during portions of non-running, to being fine, to diminishing during running, to coming back during running, to coming back during daily time. The best way for me to describe it is the feeling as if I'm running on a stilt on my right leg. At points, it feels like I get no energy return and I'm just running on the bone of my leg. It's not severely painful. But it's just there and makes running uncomfortable at times.

So just like I tell others, I need to listen to what my body is saying. Something is wrong, don't know what exactly, and continuing to run on it hasn't been beneficial. I've rotated through several pairs of shoes at varying levels of stiffness and freshness and there seems to be little difference. So, with that being said, I've got to shut it down for a little bit. Maybe a few days or maybe a few weeks. The end goal of 2018 is Chicago. I'd rather voluntarily take some time off now, then be forced to take time off later. If it ends up being days or weeks, then the loss of fitness will certainly be minimal and something that can be regained well before most of the races. Better to take that time off now at the beginning of training, then having to do it right before a race. I guess in reality I should count myself as lucky. This will be the first time in over 9000 career miles that I've ever had to take an extended period of time off when I had planned to be running.

So sorry to hear this. However, it sounds prudent to take some time off to see if that helps. I would also suggest seeing a doctor if this persists. I'm just sending my very best wishes your way!

 

[LikelyLynae]

Yikes! Hopefully you find out what’s bothering you soon. Nothing is harder than not being able to run, but it’s so much harder when it’s forced on you.
Hope you’re feeling yourself real soon.

 

[PCFriar80]

Just catching up and sorry to hear about your pain/injury. Rest is the best solution, but runners don't know what that is. Best advice, have it checked out just to make sure it's not worse than you think it is. Wishing you luck, patience and some cross-training during your recovery!

 

[tmungania]

u

Billy- I will do a run and report back! if the issue is a weak knee, We will definitely push it a month out. Work on strengthening the knee and running ez to maintain fitness! We can then get into the 5k plan. Only time will tell. I don't start Tunnel marathon training Until mid May.

 

[DopeyBadger]

Sending healing thoughts your way!!

Thanks!

Pretty sure this Anon #5 was me...

Not Anon anymore!

First off, HUGE congrats on the sextuple PR... After witnessing firsthand the physical, mental and familial devastation that can occur during those fateful four days (especially considering the early mornings...) I stand in awe of your performance...

Thanks!

Second, apologies for not getting a testimonial into you in time to include in your write up.

Words can not describe the joy I get from hearing from you. Obviously, I feel awful when things go wrong mid-plan. But to hear you were still able to complete the Dopey Challenge is so awesome to hear.

(Best marathon finisher photo I've ever taken

That is AMAZING!

Sending healing thoughts your way and wishing you a very swift recovery!!! I know this had to be a very hard decision, but I'm so glad you are listening to the body. Thinking of you, Coach!!!!

Thanks!

@DopeyBadger, so sorry to hear about this. Wishing you a speedy recovery!!

Thanks!

Sorry to hear, but it's important to heal yourself before your BQ attempt.

Agreed!

I wonder if we have the same injury. My calf has been hurting since attempting to get back to 7 min miles and running 3 miles a day with no breaks for 3 months. I took 4 days off in Disneyland while you were PRing Dopey and then 2 additional days because of the flu, but still in pain. I'm running but at a dramatically slower pace and find myself limping as fast as possible for the first mile and then it becomes bearable the 2nd mile. I can walk without limping now, but occasionally taking the stairs is painful or my leg almost feels like it's about to give. I have no problems with toe raises, so it's unlikely a gastrocnemius thing.

Some of that certainly sounds the same. The stairs resonates the most with me because that's been an issue pre-Dopey and post-Dopey. It's also similar in that in hurts the most in the beginning of the run or when I stop to take a drink and try to get restarted again. While the situations may not be the same, I'll obviously appreciate hearing how you progress (for myself, but also because I'm hoping you feel better soon). The thing that confuses me is that I was able to run Dopey without issue. Why before, then nothing during some really really hard efforts, then a rest for 9 days, and then there it is again immediately when I return? It's hard to figure.

So sorry to hear this. However, it sounds prudent to take some time off to see if that helps. I would also suggest seeing a doctor if this persists. I'm just sending my very best wishes your way!

Thanks! Agreed!

Yikes! Hopefully you find out what’s bothering you soon. Nothing is harder than not being able to run, but it’s so much harder when it’s forced on you.
Hope you’re feeling yourself real soon.

Thanks!

Just catching up and sorry to hear about your pain/injury. Rest is the best solution, but runners don't know what that is. Best advice, have it checked out just to make sure it's not worse than you think it is. Wishing you luck, patience and some cross-training during your recovery!

Thanks!

 

[opusone]

Misery loves company. I’m there with you…

 

[DopeyBadger]

Misery loves company. I’m there with you…

View attachment 298374

Oh no! How?

 

[opusone]

Oh no! How?

Snowboarding in northern Michigan a week ago. Words of advice: if your 14-year daughter says “follow me” in a terrain park, think twice before doing so.