two steps forward - one step back

Well - this screen shot from Daily Mile perfectly depicts what I mean by this blog post.

sigh...I had such a great month in January and it quickly fell apart.

January was my first month of official training for the Platte River Half  Marathon - every week I increased my mileage and sped up my speed work.   I was so stoked to be close to the 100 mile mark!

I was able to hit all my mileage goals and speed goals that Darren set for me.  I was looking at breaking 100 miles in February.

Then I strained my adductor muscles during the last interval workout in January.  :(

I was probably tired from the race 2 days previously and they were the most aggressive intervals to date - with a faster pace and longer duration.  The workout was tough and I was *barely* able to complete it - but I successfully hit the targets.  However, my right glute decided to stop firing and my adductor muscles took over and were strained in the process.

So February consisted of a ton of PT (ultra sound, e-stim, dry needling).  The first week in Feb - I rested.   The 2nd week in Feb - I attempted running super easy for the total of 8 miles in 2 days.  It was too early and I had to take off another 6 days and then was able to string together 10 miles in 3 days.

The 3rd week of Feb - I was finally getting back on track and ran 15 miles for the week - super easy.   On Monday of this week - I was able to incorporate some strides into my 4 mile run and they felt pretty good.   I don't think I'll be doing any long intervals for the next week or two as my adductors still feel kinda fragile.   If I am careful and cautious - I should be back on the road to recovery and just focus on getting in some good consistent miles.

Injury Attitude Decision
I decided not to spend any energy being angry, frustrated and jealous during my recovery.

Once upon a time I would have been angry at myself, my body and the world for being stopped dead in my tracks with this injury.   In addition, Dave has been upping his miles and having great runs.  His speed is increasing and his cardio fitness is growing leaps and bound.   In the past I would've been extremely jealous and bitter that he was improving as I was going backward.  To top if off - since he started running 5 months ago - he's lost 20 lbs and his belly is as flat a board!

But I can tell I truly did make the decision to accept things as they are and focus on what I can do to get better as I am not feeling those negative feelings.   I wrote a blog post about decision making back in 2008.   And I find it still holds true for me.

                                 from Merriam-Webster's online dictionary
                                decide
                               1 a: to make a final choice or judgment about
                               2: to bring to a definitive end

So during this 'one step back' month - I haven't been angry or frustrated.   I haven't whined and complained.   I've truly have been happy for Dave when he tells me "i went out for a 6 mile run and I felt so I good I extended it to 10 miles".    I'm lucky I can ride my bike (easy) and that I have been able to make progress.   I've learned a few new things about my body that I can carry with me in the future.  And I'm happy Dave is enjoying running so much and is making such great progress.   And from my perspective - I like him having running as a hobby instead of beer brewing/drinking - which has been his main hobby for the last 3 or 4 years.  ;)

Speaking of more steps backward....

I am playing in the 10 ball pool league in Denver on Tuesday nights.   Yowza!  I can't believe how bad I am...I mean I'm probably am still better than the average Joe Blow off the street - but still...

On occasion - I'll catch a glimpse of my former self (glory) and I'll make some great shots.  But that's where I am right now.  I have digressed to just shot making without any intention of attempting to get shape on the next ball or balls.   I do NOT have that level of skill anymore.

The stats from last week show I'm exactly mid-pack...I feel slightly embarrassed and chagrined.

I really have no excuse because the minute I step in my house I'm confronted with a 1960s 9' Brunswick Gold Crown with double shimmed pockets and Simonis cloth.   And I rarely ever play on the thing.

Seriously - here's what my living area looks like...

yep - I knocked out the walls to my 3rd bedroom so this puppy would fit.

I live like a little kid.

And with the fancy custom pool case

with my name stamped on the top...you gotta have some pool skills (or balls) to carry this thing out in public

means that maybe I should make use of my toys???    The goal for the next 10 weeks is to practice at least 5 hours a week (compared to the 25+ hours in my previous life) and maybe - just maybe - be able to graduate from 'shot making' to actually playing position.   we'll see....