After my shoulder kerfuffle I was told in the vaguest of terms to start moving when I felt like I could. Not really any timeline or guidance on when to get back to the actual running. So, I made my own plan. Just call me Dr. G.
Running Rx
The program was extremely scientific and detailed, always progressing toward my ultimate goal. The plan for my road to recovery:
- Step 1: Rest a.k.a. sit on couch and eat exclusively finger food (fork hand was in that darn sling!)
- Step 2: Eventually stop wearing sling, regain feeling in my neck
- Step 3: Resume eating utensil intensive foods and tie my own shoes
- Step 4: Remember where gym is located
- Step 5: Walk on treadmill until swinging my arms no longer elicits stabbing pain
And what do you know? It has worked like a dream!
I had a few realizations during the process. First, I obviously missed my calling as a sports medicine professional. Second, was an appreciation for some good old fashioned treadmill work.
Treadmill: The Black Sheep of the Running Family
Time for the most entertaining form of writing… pros and cons list!! If you can avoid falling off the edge of your seat in anticipation, I promise it will be worth the read.
Pros:
- A great way to build mental stamina. I recently heard a pro ultra runner describe his love for treadmill work. He sees the treadmill as an excellent way to test mental toughness. You can hit ‘STOP’ and head home at literally any time. Choosing to keep going is an active decision.
- Specific training on inclines or pacing that isn’t possible in the wild. When out on the trails it is practically impossible to figure out your exact incline and controlling pace is not a perfect science. When you hop on a conveyor belt, those things can be controlled with the click of a button.
- Testing new shoes. I have purchased a new pair of trail running shoes that are better in winter conditions and will be great for Sinister 7 this summer. In the past I have ended up with serious buyer’s remorse after shelling out for shoes. Not this time though! I get to try out the shoes for up to a month (inside only) before making my final decision. Would not be possible without the treadmill.
- No ice.
Cons:
- Quite boring for those longer distances. My gym has eight treadmills, only one points at a TV. So, I am either stuck staring at a wall, or if I am lucky, watching some random show that the gym has decided I must see. Some “favorites” so far are wrestling, poker and news. Not exactly my entertainment of choice.
- The most obvious downside is no running with the crew. I do not know anyone at the gym. There are a couple of people that I exchange a nod and smile with, but no one I actually talk to. The support and energy of the YYC Run Crew is definitely missed.
All in all…
Am I suddenly super pumped for those treadmill runs? Not necessarily. But I definitely have more of an appreciation for the benefits. The treadmill is going to be a great tool for my training.
Time to hit the dusty conveyor belt!
