Have You ever tried to explain something to someone who doesn't understand? Try telling someone who doesn't run about your injury situation. I was talking to a friend recently about my heel and how as soon as it's almost better, I always wind up running on it and making it worse. Of course my friend says "Well just don't run." I looked at him like he was stupid or something..I'm sure he was thinking the same about me. You see, I don't know how to "just not run". I try and I try. i cross-train, even swim though I swim like a rock. But nothing seems to satisfy like lacing up the running shoes and hitting the pavement. The only reason I'm not running on it now is I raced on the 4th, it hurt terribly, and i was slower. When it starts effecting my times, i've got to seriously re-evaluate. I started with zero running skills and went all out on everything i've done to date. The results were improvement, but lots of little nagging injuries. Maybe now i'll take the time to become a student of... Read full entry
GWPeaches says:
Keep the faith buddy. Be patient. Taco reminds me week after week to stay patient, heal and when I'm healed, come back stronger.
Taco says:
Coy I think our body types.....strong, powerful, muscular, lean and sexy might require more maintenance than other runners....
at least that's what I keep telling myself......one thing for sure...pain hurts!
Coy says:
awww..i bet u 2 say that to all the guys!!!! haha! I got great friends!
I have been hampered by heel pain for the past 6 weeks. The last 3 so bad that I wasn't able to run. I've tried every remedy from the funky sock with the straps to ice bottles to stretches to ibuprofen....but today i read an article about treating the cause of heel pain. It explained how most heel pain gets misdiagnosed as plantar fasciitis. It also said that instead of treating the heel, you should treat your back calf muscle which runs from the back of your knee to your achiles. So I used a foam roller on that and rolled it out for 15 minutes..and the pain is 85% gone!!!! Awesome!! I can't wait to get back out there and run!!!
It's now been three weeks since I've run, and the pain in my heel is not subsiding. I've tried the strausberg sock at night, rolling heel over an ice bottle twice a day, stretching every chance I get, and eating enough ibuprofen to explode a liver. The only training I've done is on a bike or in a pool, except for the weight and core training I always do. I'm beginning to wonder if in fact this injury will ever heal?
I tried an easy 3mi. last night for the 1st time and it was horrible. My quads felt like they weighed 1,000 lb.s each( wonder if thats from all of the biking?). My foot that was injured seemed to underpronate so much it literally felt like it should have been attatched to my other leg. i had to really focus to keep it straight( Wonder if I need motion control shoes, or at least one for my right foot) I ran about 8:15 pace which is 1:15 slower than race pace and my cardio was there..but my foot wasn't...my body wasn't...my mechanics were terrible and it all felt awkward l... Read full entry
ok do the crime do the time.....I ran in broke down Nike's and wound up with a Fascia strain??..but then like an Idiot (an OCD type Idiot) I ran 3 races on it..1 with the same Nike's...and have been banished once again to the No Run Zone...which translates to the NO Fun Zone for me and those around me....I mean I've seen the people in the gym who spend alot of time getting their cardio by means of an elyptical trainer or stationary bike...and thats great for them..I mean my hats off to anyone who gets off the couch...but for me..the elipticals out (hurts my heel)...and i've put hours on the spinbike and it puts me to sleep and hurts my butt...Theres the Run For The Pies tomorrow and I'm like drooling, wishing I could do it.....But I know ultimately, my goal is Boston...and not letting an injury heal sufficiently could be the thing that keeps me from getting there..So right now I suck...i'm climbing the walls and my butt really hurts...but hopefully i'll be back logging miles soon....mi... Read full entry
Taco says:
you mentioned your butt hurt twice in this blog............
..........??
Coy says:
Hey Taco...thanx 4 dropping by!!! Yeah you're right it is a pretty sorry excuse for a blog!!! It would have been better, but I can't concentrate...cuz my butt really hurts....
Coy
These are the times that try Brookes Soles! It was the hottest of times! it was the muggiest of times! Summer is here...Woooo Hoooo! cuz I love the beach and the sun and everything that go's along with it...but whew..ooooooohhhh! Man. it definately doesn't do much for the run..hot, slow and sticky-icky!!! yep, yep with the heavy atmosphere too! Gotta hydrate hydrate hydrate...
But back to the note to self...Coy don't be stupid!!! 3 races on the plantar fasciitis and its not getting any better....chill out and let it pass!!! The Marathons not till December..You have time stupid!!! Chillax!
I remind myself of lyrics to a certain alternative song that says, "Looking back at me I see that I never really got it right". My unwiilingness to admit that another runner is better than me has created several problems for myself. In this running community and in another commmunity I belong to my EGO has been a major downfall. Anything good thats happened to me in running or in life in general has been a result of humility. And the last two and a half years have absolutely been a gift. I have accomplished much, some would call it a miracle for someone who came from the streets I escaped from, and they are right. It's a miracle I can take little credit for. But, I can take credit for nearly throwing it all away. Over my 42 years of life, 30 of them were spent living wrong and putting very harmful substances into my body, including a pack a day of nicotine. I was delivered from this way of life and given an opportunity to do something I love. Run!!! Then I was connected with a great g... Read full entry
I'm just getting back to running after almost a 5 week layoff..needless to say I was a basketcase the whole time...My first 2 days were slow and painful. It seems I've lost a good part of my cardio and my stride doesn't feel quite right. But, you know those 2 days were like being in paradise. I love everything about running, especially running with the group. I even love the blisters I get on my feet. I love the diet, the glide, the getting up in the wee hours of the morning to meet with other insane people who love to run as well. I love the feeling in my lungs that tells me I better stop, and the fever in my head that doesn't let me. I love my crazy team mates that no matter how poorly I do tell me how great I'm doing. I love the hurts I get after the run, and the ibuprofen I take for it. I love the medallions hanging on my wall, and the possibility for future ones. I love El Guapo, but mostly I love having another opportunity to run again!!!
In the depth of winter I finally learned
that there was in me an invincible summer....
Out of defeat is born a victory....another place...another opportunity.........Round III....soon
disclaimer:i don't claim to be a writer...if you enjoy my blogs..great... if you don't enjoy my blogs..thats understandable..but heres some advice...don't read them....peace
My biggest worry going into this week was finding Albany GA. Considering the fact that I get lost here in Jacksonville, FL, it was a pretty reasonable concern. Thanks to my good friend Peanut lending a hand and mapquests directions, I only made one wrong turn. I managed to get to packet pick-up on time Friday night. After downing some chow, a Michelob and a gatorade chaser, I tossed and turned for most of the night. I woke up 3 hours before the race and ate a banana and a snickers marathon bar.
This was to be my second attempt at qualifying for Boston. I was more excited than nervous. I have been running better than ever. Some friends from El Guapo arrived and met me at the starting line armed with camera's, video recorder and tons of enthusiasm. The start was interesting as the starting line was on a hill. I thought that to be odd especially since it was advertised a flat course. But by GA standards I'm sure it was very flat, just not like Jacksonville, FL.There wasn't a start gun, b... Read full entry
Tuesday, 26 February 2008 - Written by Coy[profile]
Well, thank God I am healthy this time around. Back in December for the Jax Bank Marathon I felt like I was Dying. There was no way I could have run the last 10 days prior to that marathon. i wasn't even sure I could run the marathon.
Today I am blessed with being healthy and running better than I ever have ( well except for PT in the corps 20 yr.s ago). That is a blessing, but also makes it difficult to taper. Running with the group to the track this morning, I tried to stay at the back and just take it easy, but not less than 1/2 way there I had opened it up about 1/2 speed. Then on the track I was alotted one set of 4x 300's. After that i found myself getting jealous of everyone elses workout. They seemed to be taunting me to catch them if I can. After the run back from the track, I was dry. I hadn't even worked a good sweat. I know this is what I'm supposed to be doing...and its way better than being sick( at least I got to hang out and support my team mates) but it's really hard ... Read full entry
Monday, 18 February 2008 - Written by Coy[profile]
Let me start off by paying tribute to a bunch of my courageous El Guapo Teammates. Yesterday was the innaugural Running of the 26.2 with Donna Deegan for Breast Cancer research Marathon in Jacksonville, FL. It turned out to be one of the most grueling run's I've ever witnessed. It started later in the day and the Sun was already up. The temps rose to the 80's and there was little to no breeze. These El Guapo Warriors not only toughed it out, but one young lady qualified for the Boston, while another shattered her P.R. by nearly 20 minutes, and another proved her metal by showing determination that was unyielding despite the fact she was physically ill she carried her head high through that finish-line. Then there were the 1/2 marathoners who not only roughed it through probably the hotter end of the course, but were so very supportive of everyone there. I credit one of these ladies with saving an elderly runners life when she found him disoriented, an obvious victim from the heat. She ... Read full entry
Tuesday, 29 January 2008 - Written by Coy[profile]
Gone is that glazed over Bronchitis fed stare. No longer am I confined to a treadmill. I've gotten a reprieve, and have rejoined my El Guapo Running Family, because they have indeed become like family to me. I've been back a little over a week now and feel strong. Some of my friends from the group and I road tripped to the Nations Oldest City for a 5k Saturday. It was cold, rainy and nasty, and I shocked everyone...well maybe not everyone but definately myself...by posting my best 5k time ever. This just threw gasoline on that little competitive spark i keep inside that 1000 yard stare. Sunday followed with a semi-long run with the group and this is the first time a run after a race didn't hurt but actually felt good. So it's time now...I'm healthy, running pretty well, and I've got enough time to add distance to get ready for the Snickers Marathon In Albany GA on March 1st. Those El Guapo Elites let me know I've been dogging it on the way to the track today, and they're right. If I ex... Read full entry
Well, if you've been tuning in to Coy's blogs you've been educated on some facts about Coy. Like "That boy ain't right", "He's pretty stubborn", and most recently "He's a big crazy mess when he doesn't run". Now beaten into submission by suffering through all of those days without running( Mainly due to the 12 degree bridge run, and some snow runs while i was in Michigan for the Holidays), I've become a closet treadmiller. This is a mortal sin if you live in Florida. That sin is compounded if you belong to a running group and you put yourself out there to be the Macho Marine protector, and all of a sudden the group is braving the elements without you.Yep, they suffer through the cold and rain and I secretly(not anymore i bet) run on a treadmill in a gym. While they are pushing each other on track day..I'm manipulating the treadmill up and down to simulate their workout. On Thursday while they are running bridges..I'm playing with the incline button. They are being there for each other ... Read full entry
And My minds playing tricks on me Homie!!! Now I know I'm definately
the slowest in the group by now...also the craziest..I' ve had random
thoughts on how I could get faster during this no-run stint...I've
considered having my butt surgically removed and sewn onto my forehead.
This would take away my counterweight and make me top-front
heavy..virtually falling forward all of the time...my legs would then
have to move faster to keep me from falling on my face/butt and i
definately would be faster...... ...then I remembered i'm the single
guy, and unless i wanted to stay that way forever(hmmmmmm) ...then again
I could constantly wear my bandanna.... .....God help Us...I hope I run
soon!!!!
Tuesday, 08 January 2008 - Written by Coy[profile]
It's undoubtedly crazy to even admit this, but when I am unable to run, I struggle with the spirituality of everyday life. I know better than to complain about not being able to run because I have bronchitus. There are so many of us out for more severe reasons, and many running right through issues. I just find it rather interesting how off-center I can become when I don't get my running fix. I'll check the message board a million times, perhaps to live vicariously through others' stories of their workouts. I'll read blog after blog of motivating sometimes heartbreaking personal journeys and alternate between cheering and being envious. I offer support to my fellow group members( whom I 've grown to love), while secretly worrying if they've gotten faster than me. I just know I'm the slowest in the whole group by day 2!!!! And my work and personal life, forget it. I'm normally a grounded, accepting, respectful guy. However three days without running and I'm unbearable to deal with. I'm ... Read full entry
Friday, 28 December 2007 - Written by Coy[profile]
Hope sees the invisible, feels the intangible, and achieves the impossible........
It's a new year and time for a new goal. My goal is actually the same pretty much. I did not succeed at my first attempt to qualify for the Boston. But, if you've learned anything about Coy so far, you know he is stubborn!!! I don't give up! And I know a whole team of Runners who don't give up( They kick ass to be honest!) So I'll be logging alot of miles with my El Guapo Friends while I decide on my next opportunity! South Florida??? NY??? Philadelphia?? NJ??? Michigan??? Wherever it may be...Hope comes with me..and the "Bring It" will have been brungeth!!!!!
Sunday, 16 December 2007 - Written by Coy[profile]
There were no fanfares, or Marching Bands. Pyro-technics did not fire off as I neared the finish line. I didn't capture the land speed record. But what I felt as I finally crossed that line neartly brought tears to this grown mans eyes.
For 20 weeks on and off I had tried to prepare for this day. Making many mistakes along the way. If it weren't for my wonderful friends in The El Guapo Running Club, I would be clueless, and probably suffering with some serious injury. There were comical sometimes tragic moments that have etched the memory of these 20 weeks in my mind forever, and new friends that have made them oh so special.
There were several aches and pains along the way, typical of anyone who runs distance...ankles, knees,plantar fasciitis, blisters etc. etc......And one very non-typical spider bite that almost ended it all...twice. It brought on a staff infection which kept me sidelined for 3 weeks in September,and just recently 10 days and just healed Friday. Once again, the g... Read full entry
Saturday, 15 December 2007 - Written by Coy[profile]
Hearts Thumping, Bloods Pumping, Minds Racing
Trying to relax and carb up,but all i'm doing is pacing....
My friends and team mates don't want me to do it. I've missed the last 10 days with an ankle strain coupled with staff infection.Theres another marathon coming up in February. My reasonable side says they're right. I would not have my best performance. February isn't far off. Its better to do this 100%. But I'm Coy. I never said I was reasonable. I only know how to do one thing...and thats "Bring It"..even if I don't have it. I don't have alot of ability or experience. I run on heart and not smarts. Might be my downfall...might not...guess we'll find out in the am......Either case I'm excited for a bunch of team mates who do have an outstanding chance of qualifying for Boston..And others who are shooting for P.R.s in both the Marathon and the 1/2.....No matter how I do...I will be cheering them all on!!!
Wednesday, 05 December 2007 - Written by Coy[profile]
11 days till Jax Bank Marathon, and I was going to have a hard time tapering. I love to run. It keeps me sane. So, God has decided to help me out with that. No running for the next 10 days....ok thats a little more taper than i would have chosen...but hey I'm not in charge.......but i won't back down..no i won't back down
Wednesday, 28 November 2007 - Written by Coy[profile]
A friend of mine told me about a certain pair of aasics that were on sale at Sports Authority. I wasn't really interested in that pair, but she informed me that they also carried my all time favorite aasics gel cumulus possibly on sale. When i got there i found that they did have the shoe, but apparently no one who shopped there wore size 13's. The Orange Park Mall was right down the road, so I drove there to check out Dicks sporting Goods.
When i walked in the shoe dept. there they were. They were perfect, but I knew high classed running shoes like them would not be seen with a runner like me. They did not have the cumulus, so I told the sales person to check on 2 models of aasics and an adidas for size 13. She came back with the 2 aasics, no adidas. I tried on pair after pair, repeatedly sending her to the back to find another and always picking up that 1st pair that caught my eyes with the big price tags.Finally the sales girl suggested, "you know we have those in a 13". I tremb... Read full entry
