Monday, June 4, 2012

Not Gonna Happen


The title of the post came to mind a half mile into my brick run yesterday. I was doing a test run to see if I could make the start line for the Escape to Alcatraz triathlon this coming Sunday, my all time favorite race. Arriving home, I was in such denial that I set out again just to make sure. I ran about a quarter of a mile before I had to turn around, but this time, I couldn't even jog home but had to walk it in. I'm injured. Here's how it went down:

The Wednesday following my last race about two weeks ago, I wanted to do a 14-miler to get in some mileage for my upcoming half ironman. About 4 miles into the run, my achilles felt a bit tight, but I chalked it up to minor post race aches and pain. The achilles progressively got tighter but I really wanted to get the 14-miler in. I made it to the half way mark and the turnaround and charged home. The achilles was pretty darn tight at this point and I had to keep my foot flexed and turned outward on each stride recovery to avoid pain. Somehow, it never occurred to me to stop. I had tunnel vision and the only thing I could see was the number 14. Well, I made it to number 13 and the pain was so bad, I couldn't even walk. I had to hitch a ride home. Once home, I iced it and didn't run until yesterday's test run. Apparently, since my achilles was tight, it put a lot of pressure on the ligament that runs along my inner ankle to carry the load. And this ligament cannot handle a lot of load, and well, I've gone and injured myself from doing one of my favorite races. And no half ironman either. In fact, I'm basically done until September since I'm traveling most of mid July and mid August. Time to do a lot of calf raises and work on being a "lifestyle" athlete. Where's that tennis racket?

11 comments:

Steve said...

Sorry Kiet. :(

Beth said...

Boo! Hope you heal up quick and aren't too bummed in the mean time. If I know you, I know you'll find a silver lining and find new adventure until you are back in racing action!! :-)

mtanner said...

BOO! I was pretty sure I was going to see you in 3 weeks! I so hate that darn tunnel vision- sometimes it is a blinder. Rest up. I played tennis in high school?

JC said...

Great attitude MR. Sorry about the injury that sucks but not your attitude!
Now onto the good stuff - where are you travelling too?

Michelle Simmons said...

Blah. Sorry to hear that! Lower leg injuries suck. They can definitely come on pretty suddenly but you can also get rid of them fairly quickly if you're diligent with those eccentric dips. Good luck!

Charisa said...

Feel better soon!!

Libby said...

just come to FL so I can fix you up :) oh and stop catastrophizing! plenty of races to come. just keep listening to your body. you will be fine! the best laid plans....

Genevieve said...

Ugh. So sorry to hear that, Kiet!! Take care of yourself...and give yourself a little break sometimes. You deserve it!

Katie said...

Boo! So sorry to read this, lower leg injuries are the worst! Heal quick!

Matt said...

Senor, major bummer. heal up fast and keep your spirits up!!

Kathleen @ ForgingAhead said...

Oh Kiet, I'm so sorry to hear about this injury. You were doing so well listening to your body and going easyish on the heavy duty training.