Tuesday, December 31, 2013

"Don't Look Back"

Way back in the Dark Ages (1970's), yours truly was a middle school student just discovering his love for playing the drums......music was EVERYTHING to me (clearly the beginning of a life-long passion).  My favorite band was Boston....a bunch of local dudes who created an iconic sound with their self-titled debut album in 1975.  I played that thing ENDLESSLY.....practically wore it out......and learned all of the drum parts to every song.  We all figured the follow-up would come out quickly.....but we waited.......and waited.......and waited..........and waited........until finally, in late summer 1978, they came out with their second album......titled "Don't Look Back".





2013 was the worst year of my running life...............I'm pretty sure I started the year not fully recovered from running the Hartford Marathon in October 2012, which then led to on-going injuries throughout the year to follow.  My right foot was in such a painful state back in March that I had to basically shut down my training for the Vermont City Marathon in May. I still tried to run it, but that was pretty much the end of my year.  Yes, I "ran" a few 5K's toward the end of the summer/early fall, but my times were the slowest of my life.  Now, my feet are fine, but my right knee is in nearly constant pain, causing me to shut it down again and potentially seek out a medical solution.

So where does it leave me as I look forward to 2014?

I'm not going to look back........as the view SUCKS!

I'm only going to look forward to better things in 2014........not going to be foolish and make ANY predictions, as I truly have no idea of what I'll be able to do and when I'll be able to do it....all I think I'm going to do is try to maintain a positive outlook and try to just get myself started again.  That's all.....

Here's to a great year ahead!


6 comments:

  1. My new favorite saying "Don't look back, you're not going that way" might just sum it up. Wishing you a better 2014, and hoping you can find a way to continue to run! xo

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  2. This reminds me that I still need to listen to the new Boston album.

    You will do great in 14.

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  3. Great attitude and strategy Bill! The view can only get better :)

    Happy New Year!!

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  4. My two cents:

    1) Patience. The knee problem can be sorted out. Don't push to hard on the knee until you do. You can do permanent damage if you are too hard on it.

    2) Core strength training...a strong core helps stabilize everything. Can't put a V8 engine in a car with a weak chassis or you tear it apart ;)

    3) Form issues. I recommend Chi Running...it is super efficient and if done properly has zero overstriding. (one of the main (but not only ) causes of knee issues. You don't have to go for the 'Chi energy' stuff...just the form ;)

    4) PT person (preferably a running oriented!) they can help find problems that are causing the knee pain.

    5) You might go to an ortho person but be very very suspicious of what they say. Mostly they do knee and hip replacements on old folks and don't know crap about running. But if you have to see one to get forwarded to a PT, then do it 8)

    Here is to a healthy 2014...and way beyond!
    -paul

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  5. Wishing you lots of good things and a healthy 2014!

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  6. You have the right idea Bill! Take it easy and hoping to see you out strong again in 2014! Happy New Year!

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