Setting goals and falling short due to unplanned interruptions makes for tough waters to navigate. As a runner who’s thrived on determination and pushing through adversity for years,  it’s hard when an injury draws my training to a screeching halt. Ironically there’s always something of beauty and appreciation waiting on the other side of injuries.

Years ago I left my hometown. Perhaps I had a chip on my shoulder. Running gradually became a way to “prove” to myself that I could be something greater than what my childhood depicted. Transcending the many days being picked last in gym class and hiding in the shadows of a big brother is a tough road to travel. What all those experiences created is an older driven person constantly, quietly striving to be the best. Why such deep thoughts? Earlier this year, I signed up for the Boilermaker 15k which is just outside of my hometown in Utica, NY. It’s significant since this was the first road race I ever ran.  After 17 years, I’m now going back home to race the Boilermaker.

An unscripted interruption, an injury, has sidelined my training for this important race. IT band tendonitis is the diagnosis. This tricky, painful injury has literally disrupted my training since early April (about same time the magazine cover story hit – significant? well that’s another story). In the last two weeks I’ve been able to run again, but nothing more than an easy run. Earlier this week I exclaimed to my wife in frustration: “If I can’t do really well in this race, then I’m not going to NY!”. Her reaction was lovingly tough and a bit more mature than my statement. “Yes, you will be going. You’re signed up. You’ll run.” This simple exchange opened my eyes to the fact that I’ve been training for too long to prove something to someone else. Somehow, along the miles, I’ve poured more energy into using running to prove my worth than to simply love the sport and be thankful for the sheer ability to run.

This week ends with the vail lifting. I’m striving to run for the love of running. I’m sure this is just the first step, but I believe this week is another building block toward a healthier future of running. Thank God for injuries and healing. And, yes, the Boilermaker is definitely on in less than 60 days!

Weekly Training Log

Monday – Rest (nursing our sick little one and lack of sleep sideline the day)

Tuesday – Day 78 Run Commuting: 12 miles (run to client meeting then back to studio – preview Nascar Hall of Fame Opening Ceremony on the way back – Fun!)

Wednesday – Day 79 Run Commuting: 10 miles (morning coffee meeting – no show > meeting friend for workout – missed them > pick mail – too early and forgot keys > tough morning)

Thursday – Bike Commuting: 14 miles (morning coffee meeting > off to client meeting > back to studio)

Friday – Day 80 Run Commuting: 13.5 miles (bank deposit and notarizing docs > mail drop > uptown to drop off SBE Business Certification docs > back to studio)

Saturday – Rest

Sunday - Day 81 Run Commuting: 5 miles (run home from the YMCA – 5 x 2:30 tempo pace with 2:30 rest between intervals)

Weekly Mileage

Run Commute: 40.5 miles
Bike Commute: 14 miles

Total Mileage To Date

Run Commute: 777 miles
Bike Commute: 14 miles

Tip of the Week

The best laid plans sometimes take you down the most unexpected roads. Luckily, while different, the road usually takes to you to the originally planned destination and sometimes as a changed person.