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Wednesday, July 20, 2016

A Runner's Gotta Do...

I came home from work Monday and told my husband I was "this close" to a nervous breakdown.

Life 1, Wendy 0.

How do non-runners deal with stress?

I'm pretty sure I have some ideas about that. All of them tempting. None of them healthy.



I've been dealing with this latest flare of PF by taking time off the road. This latest break has lasted 3 weeks. I did run that 10k a few weeks ago, but other than that, I've behaved myself.

Normally when I take time off from running for injury, I'm ok. But this go round? I'm struggling. Probably because this injury has lasted so long. On Monday, I hit critical mass.



I had a horrible day at work. After work, I drank more wine than I should have. Ok, it wasn't all my fault. The waitress kept refilling my glass. Not that I was saying no...

But in my wine-induced fog, I made a decision.

Damn you, PF. I would put on my shoes and run in the morning.

I didn't set my alarm, but I woke up at 5:45. I would not go to the pool to run. I would stick to my resolve and run for real. This was all about therapy. A mental image of Green Speedo helped me stay strong.

I decided to run 3 miles. Maybe 4 if I felt ok. I promised myself to go slow. And bonus points--I would stop at the playground to do my upper body work.

I started out slow but the legs soon settled into my normal pattern. I checked my watch and I was running at a nice easy pace. I felt good. A tiny bit of heel pain but nothing more than that. I stopped twice to swing like a monkey from the bar at the playground. And then I came home.

4 miles. 8:55/mile. Best of all, I felt like myself again. All day. On my game. Kickin' ass and taking names.

Today's Wednesday Word is pragmatic. And I think this run completely fits.

I knew what I needed to do.

I ran.

Do you ever buck advice and just do what you know is the best thing to do? 

 I'm linking up with DebRuns for Wednesday Word which is pragmatic. I didn't think I'd have a post for today. Life is funny like that...











Also with Wild Workout Wednesday! Nicole, Annmarie, Jen, and Michelle host the best linkup around!

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86 comments :

  1. CarlaJuly 20, 2016 at 6:31 AM

    Girl, I feel you. I think ages one through 40 were me bucking every single grain of advice I received. It's only been the past seven years I have slowly learned and I needed to break myself first :-)

    ReplyDelete
  2. jillconyersJuly 20, 2016 at 6:35 AM

    Plans. Advice. Schedules. If my body and mind tell me otherwise all that goes out the window. I was so happy to read that the run went well. Feels good to kick ass again doesn't it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wendy at Taking the Long Way HomeJuly 20, 2016 at 7:28 AM

      It sure did feel good. But I also realized that if I want to continue to have my stress reliever in my life, I need to take it easy for now.

      Delete
  3. CocoJuly 20, 2016 at 6:45 AM

    I ran when O shouldn't have last summer - when I was in Philly and Denver. It probably set my full recovery back but I had to do it! Glad your run went well!

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    1. Wendy at Taking the Long Way HomeJuly 20, 2016 at 7:29 AM

      It could have gone so badly, right? The fact that I can walk pain free this morning is a really reassuring sign. I promise to take it easy.

      Delete
  4. Kim at Running on the FlyJuly 20, 2016 at 7:05 AM

    Ha! I totally get you on this!! I, on the other hand, want to run...but know I have to let my body recover...pragmatically speaking. And, it actually feels kind of good to not have "mileage" and "potential injury" laughing at me (this week) LOL Stay strong!!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Wendy at Taking the Long Way HomeJuly 20, 2016 at 7:29 AM

      Well, after running 36 miles in one day I think you deserve a break!

      Delete
  5. deborah @ Confessions of a mother runnerJuly 20, 2016 at 7:11 AM

    You know best what you need to do for you! Sometimes you just have to do it. I am sorry that you are having such a rough time right now. Wish I lived close enough to bike with you. Your event coming up sounds really fun. Hang in there girlfriend!

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnnmarieJuly 20, 2016 at 7:27 AM

    I can TOTALLY relate to having lots of those days lately. So happy you were able to go back out for a run and it felt okay- makes such a difference for your mental mindset!

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    1. Wendy at Taking the Long Way HomeJuly 20, 2016 at 7:30 AM

      I was like a new woman all day. It felt good to feel like myself again. Way to reset the brain.

      Delete
  7. SoniaJuly 20, 2016 at 8:04 AM

    Glad you had a good run. Yes, I've ignored advice and it's always a gamble if my choice is the "best" way or not. :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Michelle @ www.movinitwithmichelle.comJuly 20, 2016 at 8:13 AM

    Glad you were able to run. I did the same thing last night (only 2 miles, but still) and was so excited to post on my fb that I actually RAN. LOL. I too, was nearing my breaking point. And ahhhhh to the wine induced fog. Welcome to my life, lol

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    1. Wendy at Taking the Long Way HomeJuly 20, 2016 at 8:24 AM

      It's kind of bad, the wine thing. But I can't say no...

      Delete
    2. Michelle @ www.movinitwithmichelle.comJuly 20, 2016 at 9:39 AM

      Oh gosh, you aren't alone. I had thought about giving it up while my husband is deployed. That thought passed VERY quickly, LOL!!!

      Delete
  9. AnonymousJuly 20, 2016 at 8:21 AM

    The hill repeats I ran Tuesday? They came after a night of 5 hours sleep and a previous day filled with incredible stress.

    And I know conventional wisdom is to skip your run in those conditions. But I needed it. So I feel ya. Hope it doesn't set you back, either.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Wendy at Taking the Long Way HomeJuly 20, 2016 at 8:25 AM

      Nope. I feel good this morning. Hitting the yoga mat as we speak.

      Delete
  10. UnknownJuly 20, 2016 at 8:22 AM

    Running really is the best cure for a bad day or days. Glad you were able to work out some stress.

    ReplyDelete
  11. TeamarciaJuly 20, 2016 at 8:41 AM

    Ooooh I'm glad you ran and that it felt good and was just what you needed! I always override the "rules" where I see fit. You know your body (mental and physical) best.

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    1. Wendy at Taking the Long Way HomeJuly 21, 2016 at 6:23 AM

      I'm so glad I went too. Actually, my doc told me I could try it out if it felt better. Not pain free, but better. I guess it's the new norm for me...

      Delete
  12. Connie Ciampanelli - RIJuly 20, 2016 at 8:51 AM

    No I don't buck advice, but neither would you have if you didn't feel completely confident that you were physically up to it. Not too far at a relatively easy pace (for you !) did the trick. You'd have stopped if your foot was causing you pain. I'm so happy for you.
    (On my four mile walk last Sunday I just had to break into a brief---1/4 mile---run, but my sabbatical is self-imposed. Yet I know to a much smaller degree how you felt).
    Yippee!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wendy at Taking the Long Way HomeJuly 21, 2016 at 6:23 AM

      I'm sure you miss running too!

      Delete
    2. Connie Ciampanelli - RIJuly 21, 2016 at 7:15 AM

      I was going to say, "You have no idea," but of course, you do. :(
      I'm still considering starting all over again from day 1 once I complete my walking half marathon. S/B in September. Crossing my fingers.
      Words can't express how I miss being a real part of the running community and not sitting on the sidelines long term.
      We'll see.....

      Delete
  13. Megan @ Meg Go RunJuly 20, 2016 at 9:10 AM

    Oh man, I have BEEN THERE where all I needed was a run just to feel like myself!! I totally understand your decision.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Wendy at Taking the Long Way HomeJuly 21, 2016 at 6:24 AM

      I've had to take time off from running but I've never needed a run as badly as I did on Tuesday! I'm going to try it again today...

      Delete
  14. Runs With PugsJuly 20, 2016 at 9:23 AM

    :hug: So I am decidedly NOT a doctor, but I don't think it's the worst to run on PF. To be honest, my PF never hurt during the actual running, probably because the fascia was getting nice and stretched out. Obviously, you have to listen to your body and be smart, but I found that rolling, stretching and icing, combined with activity, was the thing that got me better. It is completely healed in my left foot and only slightly nags in my right, depending on what's going on. I hope that you find the same.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Wendy at Taking the Long Way HomeJuly 21, 2016 at 6:31 AM

      I love that you posted this comment. The sports medicine doctor I'm seeing said the exact same thing. I had to stop because of the severe pain that fall on the rock caused. Now I"m back to just plain old PF. We'll see how things go.

      Delete
  15. DarleneJuly 20, 2016 at 9:34 AM

    I would have done what you did . Glad it turned out well.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Nicole @ Fitful FocusJuly 20, 2016 at 9:44 AM

    I get stressed and in a mental fog when I can't run, and knowing the only thing that will help is running doesn't make it better. I'm so glad you were able to go for a pain-free run and clear away a bit of life's stupidness haha

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    Replies
    1. Wendy at Taking the Long Way HomeJuly 21, 2016 at 6:36 AM

      Oh man, the stupidness has been getting to me. I need to develop a thicker skin. Until that happens, I'll just keep running.

      Delete
  17. Janelle @ Run With No RegretsJuly 20, 2016 at 9:48 AM

    I'm glad you had a strong run...it sounds like it was just what you needed. I've been realizing more that I need to run when I'm having a bad day. I always feel better when it's done.

    ReplyDelete
  18. ShelleyJuly 20, 2016 at 9:56 AM

    Sometimes, you just NEED your normal. Glad the run went so well for you in all ways!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Wendy at Taking the Long Way HomeJuly 21, 2016 at 6:38 AM

      Running has always worked well for me, and this run really proved that it's still the best medicine.

      Delete
  19. Pete BJuly 20, 2016 at 10:28 AM

    Simply awesome that your run worked wonders for you. Every run I've ever done has improved my mood. Anyway that's how I've dealt with my PF - just run.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Wendy at Taking the Long Way HomeJuly 21, 2016 at 6:38 AM

      I was shocked at how well the run helped. It's been a long time since I've had a run that made me feel that good. And it was only 4 miles!

      Delete
  20. AnaJuly 20, 2016 at 11:17 AM

    I am glad your run went well!

    Last night I did a group run that stopped at 3 breweries. It made me think of you! Most of the group had a beer at the first stop at 1.5 miles, then we went to the next brewery. It made me think of you having a beer after races!

    ReplyDelete
  21. MarshaJuly 20, 2016 at 11:18 AM

    I had a meltdown yesterday myself. My knee is not coming around. Thankfully I've been biking a lot, but I just want to run. Last week I tried a little and it went okay then all of a sudden my knee is back to super painful. I just cried and cried yesterday! I know how you feel. I just need to run. run without pain and risk of further injury.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Wendy at Taking the Long Way HomeJuly 21, 2016 at 6:39 AM

      Oh, Marsha, I'm so sorry to hear this. Sending hugs and healing vibes your way.

      Delete
  22. julie WunderJuly 20, 2016 at 12:36 PM

    Sometimes a run is just what you need! Glad you were able to get a few miles in without hurting yourself. I totally understand where you are coming from!

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  23. RachelJuly 20, 2016 at 1:27 PM

    So glad you got a great run in! But sorry you were losing your marbles beforehand... injury is tough!!

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    1. Wendy at Taking the Long Way HomeJuly 21, 2016 at 6:41 AM

      I think it was more life than the injury itself that was making me lose my marbles! Running's always helped smooth out the rough edges for me. Whew.

      Delete
  24. UnknownJuly 20, 2016 at 2:27 PM

    Like my first run back. My back had hurt all weekend, then got a little better, and I just decided Fuck it. I'm going. I need this. I was terrified the whole time, but it was everything.

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    1. Wendy at Taking the Long Way HomeJuly 21, 2016 at 6:42 AM

      I totally thought of you when I wrote these last 2 posts. Anxiety needs running, right?

      Delete
  25. Ange // Cowgirl RunsJuly 20, 2016 at 3:15 PM

    I'm constantly running races when I shouldn't, but I do it anyway. But I do it fully aware it could cause problems :)

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  26. BeckyJuly 20, 2016 at 4:59 PM

    I'm glad you got a good run in! Injuries on top of regular life drama can just be too much.

    ReplyDelete
  27. UnknownJuly 20, 2016 at 5:03 PM

    At this point, I can't imagine going 3 weeks without running... there really is nothing else like it.... I don't have to do long runs, but I need a good 5 -6 mile run regularly to be ok. I think the longest I've gone in the last couple of years without a run due to minor injury was 5 - 6 days, and it was hard. Hopefully you continue to be ok as you ease back into it.

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    1. Wendy at Taking the Long Way HomeJuly 21, 2016 at 6:43 AM

      I'm going to try to hold back and just keep running now. Ease back into it is the key.

      Delete
  28. HoHo RunsJuly 20, 2016 at 6:21 PM

    Therapy for our mental state is so necessary. Glad to hear it went well! Hopefully you'll be back to running full time soon.

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    1. Wendy at Taking the Long Way HomeJuly 21, 2016 at 6:44 AM

      I think it's going to be easy runs until I start training for PCB!

      Delete
  29. Lisa @ Running Out Of WineJuly 20, 2016 at 6:53 PM

    Glad you made the decision to just run and that you felt like yourself after! You know your body and what it can handle.

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  30. UnknownJuly 20, 2016 at 11:39 PM

    I so understand how you are feeling Wendy. Yesterday I ran after taking 2 days off and it felt like an eternity. I'm always thinking about how non-runners are dealing with their stress. I run to clear my head and calm my system - running is so therapeutic. I always need to run 5 or 6 miles. Those are my favorite distances. BTW my PF was acting up during yesterday's run as well. I got a bit nervous - I don't want it to come back!I feel bad that you are still struggling with it. So painful! Great Running Post as usual Wendy! So much food for thought!

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    1. Wendy at Taking the Long Way HomeJuly 21, 2016 at 6:45 AM

      For now, I"m going to stick to 4-5 miles. Fortunately (really!) it's super hot, so I can't go fast anyways.

      Hope your PF stays away! I wouldn't wish this on any of my runner buddies.

      Delete
  31. VITA Train for LifeJuly 21, 2016 at 4:45 AM

    Good for you and so glad the run was pain free!!! Running, cycling, swimming - it's definitely my anti-anxiety and life coping medication and sometimes, you just need a good dose :-) Hope you can be out there on the regular soon!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Toni @ Running, Loving, LivingJuly 21, 2016 at 6:10 AM

    Glad it went well. I have absolutely bucked advice and done what I need to do, like you said a runners gotto do.....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wendy at Taking the Long Way HomeJuly 21, 2016 at 6:46 AM

      My doctor told me runners are the worst to treat and this is why!

      Delete
  33. Wendy at Taking the Long Way HomeJuly 21, 2016 at 6:41 AM

    I knew you'd understand! We'll have a lot to talk about when we meet this winter!

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  34. Fairytales and FitnessJuly 21, 2016 at 8:01 AM

    So glad it went well and I'm sure you were happy to get out there and do your thing! Just don't over do it now!

    ReplyDelete
  35. coach-daddyJuly 21, 2016 at 10:50 AM

    Good that you trusted your instincts, and still took precautions. Seems like a great compromise. I think that's where the best solutions lie. Not one way totally or the other. You can't sit still any longer - but you can't go out and do what you might be capable of. In the end, nothing's hurt, and you feel better inside.

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    1. Wendy at Taking the Long Way HomeJuly 21, 2016 at 2:39 PM

      It was like someone flipped a switch in my brain and washed away all the bad stuff. Truly amazing.

      Delete
  36. UnknownJuly 21, 2016 at 12:05 PM

    Sometimes you just need to bite the bullet and do what you gotta do.
    Wine therapy. Chocolate therapy.... yeah, that works sometimes too for all of us.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Mary Beth JacksonJuly 21, 2016 at 3:25 PM

    Good girl! I am impressed you got out there and got it done! You still feel ok?

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    1. Wendy at Taking the Long Way HomeJuly 21, 2016 at 7:53 PM

      I do! I ran again today. Not perfect, but at least I can walk without pain. I'm going to take it easy.

      Delete
  38. Rachel @ RachelMcMichael.comJuly 22, 2016 at 4:43 AM

    I totally agree!! Sometime you just have to do what feels right. I am glad your heel didn't flare up on you, and you were able to complete your run!!!

    ReplyDelete
  39. ElizabethJuly 22, 2016 at 11:35 AM

    I totally relate to this post. I've been having a rough go of it at work in addition to being sick. I would love to be able to just go out there and run! Sometimes you need to follow your instincts!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wendy at Taking the Long Way HomeJuly 22, 2016 at 12:34 PM

      I hope you are starting to feel better. Crazy how sick you were.

      Delete
  40. Sue @ This Mama Runs for CupcakesJuly 25, 2016 at 2:22 PM

    Yay!! Such great news to hear! Glad you had a great run!

    ReplyDelete
  41. DebbieJuly 25, 2016 at 6:12 PM

    I'm so happy you were able to get out and run. The hard part will be easing back into it rather than being tempted to go full speed ahead. You know what you're doing, so I'm sure you'll be smart, and pragmatic, about your approach.

    Thanks for linking up, Wendy!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wendy at Taking the Long Way HomeAugust 5, 2016 at 12:00 PM

      The weather is holding me back from going fast or far right now. It's kind of a hidden blessing, I think...

      Delete
  42. Lê Thị MậnAugust 5, 2016 at 10:42 AM

    I also try to run daily to improve my health. Thanks for you sharing in this post.

    ReplyDelete