21 February 2011

Pullman Winter 50k #4 (a.k.a. The Achilles)

Saturday was the last of the Pullman Winter Series runs.  We had our biggest group yet, despite temperatures hovering in the low 20's at 8:00am. 

I had the great pleasure of meeting fellow blogger Mike and his family.  He came down from Spokane to do a couple loops as he's preparing for his first 50k in April. 

Last week I was cautiously nursing a tender Achilles. I was thinking of maybe not running any loops at the 50k (7.75 mile loops) - just hang there and cheer people on.  I had a nice 8-mile run Wednesday night with my buddy Joe at a 7-min pace, so it didn't seem like it was too big of an issue, but I wanted to be extra cautious.  I had similar tenderness/discomfort on the same leg last summer about two weeks before my marathon PR; I just took a few days off and gave it some good rest.  Last Saturday, I skipped my 30-mile run just to be on the safe side.  I ended up deciding that I'd do at least one loop of the 50k and see how things felt.  Things didn't seem to be getting any worse, so I ran another loop.  And then a third.  I could have gone on for another lap, but the discomfort was enough that I decided to end my day at 23.25 miles (results).  Two days later, it's still tender. I probably should have not run at all on Saturday.  But I'll give it a few days off completely.  Ice. Rest. Pizza.  I'm not going to start worrying until next Monday if it's still tender.  I think it will be okay.

Low 20's at the start. Photo courtesy of Tales of the Runner.

With Mike from Tales of the Runner.
Beautiful day.
Sadie kept an eye on the bighorn sheep each loop.
Icing my leg.

I'll have a detailed Atacama Crossing informational post up by this weekend.

In the meantime, keep running RESTING!

-Scott

12 comments:

  1. i was still sound asleep at 8. maybe this wednesday ill finally show up at the group run. Palouse Brewery right? 5:30?

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  2. I prescribe two tubs of icecream--one to eat, and one to ice the achilles. And cookies, of course! :)

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  3. @Genesis - Yes, Palouse Falls Brewery at 5:30 on Wednesdays. Hope to see you there!

    @Holly - Warm cookies cure all. :)

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  4. Rest Rest Rest what runner wants to hear that.. Not me.. Hang in there..
    Good Job on the 23 plus though.

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  5. I wish I could have been there. So glad there was such a great turnout and that you made such a smart move with your Achilles. Good race; beautiful day.

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  6. I'd advise you see a physio ASP,
    better safe than sorry!
    Hope the injury clears up and you are O.K. for your adventure .

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  7. Great photos as always. Hope that achilles behaves itself.

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  8. Great event, well done Scott! Rest well. I'm looking forward to your Atacama informational post.

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  9. Scott: Thanks for hosting the 50k.
    It was nice to meet you and Sadie. You should be on the taper for Atacama, so take it easy on that achilles!
    ...Mike

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  10. I like your new racing shoes. Should have a few PR's in them...

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  11. Take care of that leg! Chile is getting close. Do you need a list of acceptable gifts for me from Chile? If not, BEER IS FINE! :-)

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  12. That little countdown clock keeps ticking away, and pretty soon you will be in Chile. You have been waiting for this for so long, and it is almost here!! I am SO excited for you (and anxious...)

    8 more days...!!!

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