June 12, 2005

Limbo

It's been three solid weeks now with no running. I've been wearing the temporary orthotics Dr. Maharam gave me and will start therapy this coming week, too. I hope to be back running very soon.

In the meantime, I've been on vacation -- and since my running shoes were lost in transit by UPS until today the lack of running was semi-enforced and my vacation has truly been one of R&R. I'm kickin' it on the beach in South Padre and preparing for my return to New York via motorcycle. Then it's back to business, work, and all the rest -- including running, I hope. I have no wish to jeapordize my healing knees by doing something stupid before going to therapy and having Dr. Maraham look over the orthotics.

However, I do feel in limbo. I guess most of the physical conditioning has slipped away now, though my mental conditioning remains intact, I believe. And I think the physical should come back more easily this time, once I'm back in training. Whether I will be ready for a fall marathon or not remains to be seen.

My sister wants to do Phoenix in February. I'm not up for that, I don't think --too hot, even in Feb. And my broker wants me to come out to Las Vegas and do that one -- again, no dice. But I hear Philly's marathon isn't exactly fantastic and I don't think I made the lottery for New York. So I don't know...maybe once I'm back in training, I'll simply work out a very LONG training period for the next Flying Pig or something and in training concentrate not only on long-distance endurance, but starting to get shorter times and a more consistent training schedule, one with four days a week this time, instead of simply every-other-day. If I can knock this knee thing, I believe I can start getting in the right balance of increased mileage, speed workouts, and all the other consideration that go with the next big goal: a sub-five marathon, perhaps even a sub 4:45!

And don't tell anyone this, but I've decided I'm going to lose the beard sometime soon and perhaps even my long hair. It's been a pain in the butt here in South Padre, with all the water and wind, and it would make running a little easier, too. I'll think about it.