Splintered Spirits

According to the American Academy of orthopedic Surgeons, 13.2 to 17.3 percent of all running injuries have been attributed to shin splints. As I write today, I'm concerned that I might soon join this group. The past week of training has undeniably been the worst since I began. I can easily toss out a laundry list of excuses that have been bouncing around in my mind. I refuse, however, to use the word excuse. As a past linebacker coach used to bark, "excuses are like rear ends (edited).....they all stink and everybody's got one." I prefer the term "issues."

Excessive amounts of holiday food, long work hours, tight muscles and a Christmas Eve H. Upman Robusto cigar could be significant factors contributing to my issues. Whatever they are, my main issue at the moment is a case of throbbing shins that feel like somebody is taking a sledge hammer to my legs upon each step. I'm reluctant to admit it, but this pain has lead to mental whining, sunken shoulders and a strong need for that grizzled old coach to yell "suck it up, Nancy!"

I learned from my thorough medical research (typing "shin splints" into Google) has that I'm most likely experiencing the early stages of medial tibial stress syndrome(shin splints). The recommended treatment involves rest, anti-inflammatory drugs, the ubiquitous ice bag, and a beach front vacation. One of these is not an option. One of these is simply a fantasy. So I've decided to start popping ibuprofren with my corn flakes and to begin a closer relationship with my frozen friend. I'm hoping that the New Year will bring an end to this obstacle that I've hit. If not, at least stop the whining, for everybody's sake.

Comments

Not only am I a rookie marathon runner, I'm a rookie blogger. I just realized that readers of this site have been making comments for the past couple months. Unbeknownst to me, these comments were sent to some virtual storage room awaiting my review. Apparently, I have editorial control over these comments prior to publishing them. Outside of my often objectionable uncle, I don't expect to be invoking these powers. I just published the past comments....please continue your participation, I appreciate it!

100/1000

The following milestones were recently surpassed in the Run With Rorai campaign:

100: On the tail end of a Christmas Eve run through Midtown Detroit, I logged my 100th mile of training. I celebrated this accomplishment by opening a freshly wrapped bag of ice that Santa left for my aching legs.

1000: The fundraising campaign officially topped the $1000 mark as a flurry of donations came down the chimney of the Run With Rorai head quarters. I tipped a glass or two of holiday cheer in celebration and in thanks. After these holidays, the number of dollars raised in this campaign is in close competition with the number of sticky buns consumed by the campaign staff. A special thanks to Grandma for the carbohydrate laden goodies. They don't exactly top the list recommended training foods, but I'll gladly cheat.......even with Grandma's sister's "second place" sticky buns.

Naughty and Nice

The past few days I've gotten more training running from store to store frantically buying Christmas gifts than on the actual pavement. Rumor has it that the big man from the North Pole is an avid runner and has been spotted from time to time in the lead pack of some very prominent races. The thought of a jolly ol' fat man running around the North Pole with a moisture wicking Santa suit got me thinking about my own "naughty and nice" list:

NAUGHTY:

1. Howling wind and snow - it's making my face look like that freezer burned pork chop that's been chilling in the back of my freezer all year

2. Hummers - No other vehicle on the road seems to reek more havoc on my road-side training than these gargantuan, gas guzzling rides. Exception: Hummer driving donors to the Run With Rorai campaign.

3. Christmas cookies - everywhere I go, somebody is force feeding me cookies and sugary treats; all of which stick to my belly like a lead brick and make a mile seem like a marathon.

4. Non-plowed side walks - I've learned that attempting to run on ice and snow packed sidewalks is an ankle injury waiting to happen. It also forces me to run in the streets where item #2 comes into play.

5. Cotton work-out clothing - my drawers are stocked with all sorts of moisture absorbing shirts, pants and underwear that work hand-in-hand with painful bouts of chafing.........not very merry.

6. Ice bags - work wonders for prevention of long term pain, but make this list for the short term discomfort. Also after an hour run in 10 degree temps, icing my knees and ankles isn't exactly on the top of my Christmas wish list.

NICE

1. The generous Run With Rorai donors -- I can't say thanks enough

2. Winderwear - please see ealier post; I don't feel comfortable discussing the state of my underwear in any greater detail.

3. TNT Coaches/Staff - A special thanks to Coach Ken and the entire crew for their patience and willingness to teach a linebacker how to run more than 10 yards at a time.

4. Wilco - This Chicago band has been in my MP3 player for the past two months and helped me stay outta mind outta sight from daily stress and gives me a shot in the arm on those days when I wake up feeling old

5. Comerica Park - My favorite running route takes me past the home of Detroit's professional baseball team and always seems to provide refuge from the wind and elements. This would have topped the list, if the beer stands were open all winter long. By Opening Day, I'll be knocking out 20 mile training runs like opposing batters routinely knock hanging curve balls into the right field bleachers. Apologies to my fellow Tiger fans for the gratuitous slam, I speak the truth.

6. EWD - my underrated and supportive training partner who first dragged me outside and broke me into winter running. Now she's wondering what she got herself into.

About The Charity

I thought it was about time to share a little more detail about the charity that I'm volunteering for. I encourage you all to review the impressive amount of information contained in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's web site. Especially interesting is information specific to the diseases the society is fighting: leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services. The Society's mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Since its founding in 1949, the Society has invested more than $424 million for research specifically targeting blood cancers.

Bloody Run

Parent's Creek - The Bloody Run (photo courtesy of The Detroit News)




The snow that is bombarding Detroit is making it a challenge to map out a running route without having to break out snow shoes and an ice pick. On many streets, the only pavement showing its face is in the middle of the road where trucks and Hummers rarely yield to runners. I decided to avoid the risk of death by visiting a place where the dead are welcomed. Elmwood Cemetery is the oldest continuous non-religious cemetery in Detroit where its first residents moved in in 1846. It is a beautiful place filled with century old tombstones, obelisks, and memorials to many of Detroit's pioneers and war heroes. My favorite story, however, pre-dates the cemetery. Parent's Creek, which runs through the grounds, is famous for a battle fought on July 31, 1763 during the French and Indian War. Chief Pontiac's Natives defeated the British Redcoats, and as the story goes, blood ran through the stream for weeks after the battle - thereafter dubbed "Bloody Run". From the marathon stories I'm hearing, runners will experience their own bloody run if their not armed with ample amounts of vaseline, band aides and other anti-chafing materials. A great place of Detroit history, and without Chief Pontiac's boys after me, I enjoyed a peaceful run amongst the dead.

Running Facts You Might Not Know

According to Runner's World magazine participation in marathons and half-marathons has grown more than 36 percent in the last five years. Needless to say, there are a lot of crazy people out there ripping up pavement with their Asics everyday. With any popular sport, comes tons of interesting (and mostly irrelevant) facts and information that are published in magazines, guides and promotional materials. Running is no exception. The following is a list of facts I've stumbled across along my training path. Please add your own comments and toss out your own useless facts.

Running Facts:

1. The risk of having a heart attack during a marathon is one in 55,000. (Journal of the American College of Cardiology)

2. Runners who played ball sports (ie football) as kids had nearly 50 percent fewer stress fractures than runner who didn't. Stanford University researchers found that runners who played ball aports had "greater and more symmetrically distributed bone mass." (Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine)

3. Physically active people have a 60 percent lower risk for Alzheimer's disease than coach potatoes (The Lancet Neurology - Sweden)

4. Athletes dressed in red are more likely to win events than athletes wearing another color. (Nature)

5. There are 26 combined bones, ligaments, tendons and muscles in the human foot (Nike Ad)

6. In terms of on-site media coverage, the Boston Marathon ranks behind only the Super Bowl as the largest single day sporting event in the world. More than 1,100 media members, representing more than 250 outlets, are expected to request and receive media credentials in 2006. (Boston Athletic Association)

7. An average man has enough energy in his fat stores to run non-stop for 3 days at 15 miles per hour. (bbc.co.uk)

8. 12 of the world's top-20 distance runners are members of the Kalenjin tribe of northwest Kenya. (bbc.co.uk)

9. Runners report average yearly injury rates from 24% to 68%, of which 2% to 11% involve the hip or pelvis - (van Mechelen, W. in "Running injuries: a review of the epidemiological literature")

10. 13.2 to 17.3 percent of all running injuries have been attributed to shin splints (American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons)

True Fighters

One of my goals in creating this blog was to help answer the inevitable question of "why are you doing this?" As I've sent out over 200 letters and email messages explaining what I'm doing and the charity I'm doing it for, the question still remains, why? I wish I could share on these pages the responses I've received the past few days. The stories of strength and courage from my friends and family who have either personally fought Leukemia, Lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma or who fought with a loved one through these diseases, leaves little doubt as to why I'm raising funds and training for this event. I hope within the coming months to share in greater detail some of these stories. Until then, I want to thank each of you who has written in support. I am truly honored that so many have asked that I keep someone in my thoughts throughout this program. I especially want to thank my family. From Detroit, to Toronto, to Windsor, North Carolina, Mississippi, Arizona, you continue to give overwhelming support and make me very proud. These diseases have affected loved ones in our family, but will prove no match to the strength and fight in you all.

Running Lingo You Might Not Know

As I'm training, I'm also meeting many veteran runners. Most have been welcoming and more than willing to share bits of advice and insider information. Most amusing, however, is the language that runners use to describe certain aspects of their sport. I will use this page as a sort of glossary, and update when I learn more. I'm adding this page as a link on the right side of the page. Feel free to critique the authenticity or validity of my definitions and even add some of your own in the comments below. I'm taking them straight from my sources, most of which will remain anonymous.

RUNNING LINGO:

1. "THE WALL" - a physical/mental breakdown during a long run such as a marathon that makes life a living hell when attempting to finish the race.

2. Clydesdale - a runner who is of the larger body type. The cut-off point for retaining this status is 200lbs/91kg or greater. For most of my athletic career this weight was considered anything but "large"

3. Goomies - the smorgesborg of treats provided to runners at the finish line of an organized race. These usually consist of bagels, bananas, yogurts, energy drinks, funky cookies and whatever a corporate sponsor unloads for all to dive into. My personal favorite are the fruit popsicles and smoothies.

4. Plantar Fasciitis - a running injury that involves a great deal of heel pain due to inflammation of the thick ligament of the base of the foot. A tight, inflamed plantar fascia can cause pain when walking or running, and lead to the formation of a heel spur. I hear this injury being talked about from runners like concussions are talked about in football. Both I want to avoid.

5. Fartlek - Swedish word describing a training method where the runner varies his/her pace significantly during the run. It is usually regarded as an advanced training technique, for the experienced runner who has been using interval training to develop speed and to raise the anaerobic threshold. I just think the name itself is both hilarious and wrong.

6. Wicking - Refers to technical fabrics that move sweat away from the skin to the outer surface of the fabric, where it evaporates. These fabrics, unlike cotton, are ideal for distance runners because they do not absorb sweat and remain lightweight throughout a workout. Although nice and comfy, these fabrics reek like something fierce after just one sweaty use.

7. Dick Cheney Racing Strategy - deployed when one thinks they have the race won before it starts. I stumbled across this term at 10ktruth.com in an attempt to verify my earlier definitions. There are multiple cowboys from the current White House administration that could be used interchangeably.

8. Pheidippides - According to legend, Greek courier who ran the 24 miles (39 kilometers) from Marathon to Athens in 490 BC with news of a Greek victory over the Persians. After delivering the message, he collapsed and died. I'm hoping my Vancouver finish is a tad less dramatic.

9. Bandit - Takes part in the race by presumably sneaking onto the coarse of a race without paying the entry fee. (Thanks to Coach Ken for this entry)

10. Ironman - Race featuring a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, and 26.2-mile run. World Championship is held each fall at famous Hawaii Ironman. Although this term refers to more than simply running, it makes the list because I can't imagine a more grueling and insane feat of human ability.

11. Stitch - This term is used to refer to a cramp in the diaphragm muscle just below the lungs. It is a common occurance in beginning runners who are not hydrating properly, or breathing at a controlled rate. I've come to know this nasty little stitch quite well. While it sounds like a Dr. Seuss charater, it's all too real and can make a leasurly run rather uncomfortable.

Feeling Slow From Merlot

"Come, come, good wine is a good familiar creature if it be well used; exclaim no more against it." -- Shakespeare, Othello


The only advice I received from the organizers of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's wine tasting fundraiser last night was, "make sure to sample the wines before pouring them." As a volunteer pourer for this event, I followed this advice and paid for it this morning. I skipped my scheduled training run last night to pour wine at the Detroit Historical Museum and pretended I really knew the difference between a Cabernet and Shiraz. I can tell you that the 2004 Sterling Pinot Noir shouldn't be introduced into the training schedule, unless a killer headache inspires you to run. I drink wine, I enjoy wine, but I'm the furthest thing from a knowledgeable connoisseur. I think I fooled a majority of people who stopped by my table. Regardless, the event successfully raised money for our charity. Big thanks to Harbortown Market, the greatest grocery store in Detroit, and all the TNT volunteers with similar hangovers. I even met a few of my neighbors who swore they saw me running down East Jefferson in a snow storm the other night. I told them to honk and yell for me to "get movin'" next time they see me. I'll just leave the Merlot behind.

And we're off........

I officially kicked off the "Run With Rorai" TNT Fundraising Campaign yesterday. I originally envisioned a huge press conference complete with neon lights, a booming sound system, smoke machine and Kid Rock slamming Stroh's on stage. Then I came to my senses and acknowledged that my office-working, suit-wearing, yuppie coffee drinking lifestyle isn't exactly one of celebrity rock stars. Instead, I proudly mailed nearly 70 letters to unsuspecting friends and family. Spending the early morning hours, stuffing, folding, and stamping letters brought me to realize that many of these potential donors are people that I don't get a chance to spend much time with. I'm hoping that this experience brings me in closer contact with the many good friends and family that I know will offer nothing but support. I'm just hoping this contact doesn't come from visiting me in a hospital. For those of you just joining the campaign.........welcome.

Spittin' Space

Made it to my first TNT Group Run on Saturday morning. I'm going to spare you another description of how painfully cold the weather has been. In fact, in a scary sort of way, I'm starting to enjoy cold-weather training. After a couple of miles into the 6 mile loop at Stony Creek Metro Park, my bones stopped aching and the cold really wasn't an issue.

I learned that my main issue involves pacing. In addition to a thawing body, the 2 mile marker also pointed out that there are certain groups of people in this program who appear to run at a set pace. The benefit of these group runs is to have others there by your side, pushing you, motivating you, providing support. It also simulates race conditions. This helps, tremendously. Outside of the handful of races I've run, I've never had the opportunity to run in groups of people. Saturday gave me that opportunity. I want to give a special thanks to Long Strides, Pony Tail and Tippy Toes for keeping me from applying the brakes throughout the loop. After nearly an hour of trailing this same group, I got to nick-naming for my own amusement. Right now, my idea of pacing involves keeping the group in front of me within visual distance. As the distances get longer, we'll see how this works out.

I'm also learning that I'm developing a serious habit of spitting while running. This combined with the occassional snot rocket may prove damaging to my group running. I also raided the post run buffet of goodies like a toddler in a candy store. Instead of Sweettarts, jolly ranchers, and Snickers bars, I dove into a whole wheat bagel, banana, and Soy-protein power bar.