You know, injury talk can be the worst. I mean, if it bores me, then it must bore everyone else in the world. It’s so self-serving, but I guess that’s what we do. We talk about what’s on our minds and pain is important:
Me: “You’ll be happy to know that my knee is still a little jacked.”
You: “Well, this prick I work with is really getting on my nerves.”
Me: “Oh, wow. Yeah, I haven’t been sleeping much lately!”
You: “Really? Yeah, like today when he punked me right in front of my boss.”
Me: “Man, Yeah, I don’t know if it’s something I’m eating or money issue stress.”
You: “Sometimes I just feel like kicking him in the nuts!”
Me: “I’ve been meditating more and even thinking about going to church again because it’s wearing me down.”
You: “I called in sick today because I couldn’t face that asshole.”
Me: “I don’t know, maybe I just need to change my diet back to gluten free.”
You: “Speaking of gluten, I’d like to kick him right in the ass!”
Me: “Maybe I’ll just call my father and tell him he’s forgiven.”
You: “Well, I guess I’d better be going.”
Me: “I hear you. Good seein ya!”
And so it goes.
I think this is why I like writing. You either have to listen to what I’m saying or walk away. Either way, I win!
So, last night was my first run in a while, and am happy to report, four miles with East Nasty and no knee pain. In fact, I felt better after that run than I have after any run in recent memory. I think it had a lot to do with rest, but mainly the strengthening exercises and an ongoing lust for my foam roller.
I had about 30 minutes to spare before the run, so I ran a little Jive Talkin‘ through the speakers and did a slew of warm-up work. Everything from pushups and situps to running in place and jumping jacks. I also did some hip flex and ass strengthening exercises (which are paying off nicely by the way). By the time I left for the run I was sweating and wearing knee wraps.
This injury could be a blessing in disguise. After powering my way from not running at all to a half marathon and eventually an Olympic Triathlon, I am finally getting a grip on balance and smart approaches, including the warm up.
In this way running is a lot like writing. They tell you to sit down and write for ten minutes or so and that’s when you’ll actually be saying something worth reading. In other words, warm up your brain. (In other, other words, I probably shouldn’t have published this crap!).