Sawtooth or Bust!

Well, this season has pretty much been a bust. It went from my "breakout" season to my "breakdown" season (LOL). But, oh well, it's not like I'm the only person who ever lost a season to injury. So, no more bellyaching about it. Time to move on and see what I can make of this year!!

The past couple of weeks I've been able to get out on the trails to fast walk and jog with minimal discomfort. The osteitis pain is at bay, but the groin still gets sore after workouts and the hips are chronically tight. Nonetheless, I'm extremely grateful and happy to be out on the trails again in any capacity, despite not being at 100%.

Thanks goes out to Bill Pomerenke, who has become my training buddy lately and got me back on the trails. He too, has been nursing a groin injury. During our fast walks/jogs we've been tossing around ideas about the possibility of finishing a 100-miler power walking the hills and flats, while running the declines. There's a lot of pros and cons about the idea in theory. One of the hardest things to do when "running" a 100-miler is maintaining a conservative pace so that you don't blow up. Perhaps a steadier and less dramatic pace falloff could be accomplished using the more walking and less running strategy? I'm sure a lot depends upon how you've physically prepared, as well as the course, but who knows? Ultramarathoning is somewhat of an enigma, with no absolute wrong or right ways to train and race.

So far, we've managed a decent pace each time we've gone out, including 13 miles at The Murph in 12:23 pace this past Saturday. Granted, 13 miles at The Murph is not 102 miles of SHT, but it at least gives us an idea that it may be plausible. Future plans for putting the idea to more rigorous testing include longer distances at Afton, possibly 100K, as well as some time on the SHT itself. I think it will be very fun and interesting to see how one feels mentally and physical over much longer distances using this approach. I do know one thing for sure though, you won't be winning any races this way. But, no matter, because for me it's all about crossing the finish line and grabbing that red jacket.

At this point, this approach would be my only possible strategy for finishing Sawtooth, as I don't foresee being near 100% for another 6 - 8 weeks, if even that soon. In addition, for personal financial reasons, I've taken a PT gig at the Roseville REI which runs through the Labor Day weekend. Consequently, my available training and racing time will be significantly reduced. Therefore, I'm planning on only doing Sawtooth this year, with the caveat that my groin is fully recovered. Otherwise, I'll just have to consider the season a total loss racewise and focus on continuing to recover for next year. Either way, I'm good with whatever happens and I'm truly excited to face this challenge with a new approach. You just gotta roll with the punches and enjoy what life gives you, right?

That being said, I wish those running Ice Age and Superior in the coming weeks the best of health and luck!!

Still seeing red......................................

Switcheroo!

Zach Pierce and I will be trading places at next week's Zumbro 100. Zach has spring fever and was just itching to run instead of volunteer. I okayed it with R.D. Larry Pederson, and he agreed to let us swap places. So, it's a win-win-win situation. Zach gets to run 100, I get to volunteer and have a good time out in the woods at Zumbro Bottoms, and Larry keeps his field and crew intact. Wee-ha!! Mentally, it's a relief knowing that I won't even be thinking about running the race and can just focus on resting and healing however long it takes. I've got another volunteer gig coming up in May at the Ice Age 50, where I'll be helping haul water to the aid stations. If ya can't race - volunteer!

Zumbro Limbo

Just a quick update for folks out there. I'm still in limbo regarding running at Zumbro. Last week I did a test run of 5 miles and it was very uncomfortable and slow. I also had video analysis of my running gait performed at Tria, as well as further PT evaluation. The video analysis showed I was favoring my right leg (no surprise there with the injury) and further evaluation was unable to reproduce the pain I experience while running. Consequently, I've been referred to another doctor at Tria who specializes in running injuries. That appointment isn't until April 6th.

Overall, I feel I'm making a little progress. The "knot" I used to feel in my right groin is gone, but I'm still getting feelings of tightness and occasional burning. I plan to give it short test on Wednesday to see how it's progressing. I also need to consult with my GP to get my thyroid medication dosage increased. I tell ya, it's only been just over 2 weeks since I've been able to run pain-free, but it feels like a month. How anyone doesn't go completely mental after not running for longer that is beyond me. I'm bouncing off the walls crazy right now, just dying to get back on the trails.

As far as Zumbro goes, I'm still very doubtful - not because of conditioning, but because of the risk of reinjury. 100 miles is A LOT of stress on the body and you need to be 100% healthy to finish without hurting yourself. Any small weakness will be greatly amplified. At this point, I really don't want to be out of commission any longer than I already have. Reinjuring myself and having to go through the recovery process all over again would be devastating at this point, not to mention that it would likely take longer the second time around.

That being said, I hope everyone out there is staying healthy and enjoying perhaps the driest and warmest March in memory. Best wishes go out to fellow blogger and runner Kel who is recovering from an achilles strain. I was glad to read many folks were out at Afton having a great time enjoying this early Spring treat of pleasant weather. Looks like Matt Patten is all fired up and ready to go for Zumbro, knocking out a PR for the 25k loop at Afton. Attaboy!!

Still seeing red.......................

Duh-Oh! Zumbro a No-Go?

Twelve days ago I had my fastest training run since I started running ultras, easily cruising along at even 8-minute flat splits for 12 miles along the Theodore Wirth Parkway. When I had finished I felt as great as I did at the start. Nothing hurt before or after the run. My confidence level in my preparation for Zumbro was at an all-time high. The hard work and persistence of training out in the cold and snow all winter was paying off big. Well, after 12 of the best training weeks and best training day of my ultrarunning career, things came to a grinding halt.

The following day I awoke to tightness in my hips and a slight soreness in my groin. I had experienced similar symptoms before after some tough 20-mile workouts, so I wasn't worried. However, as I started out on my run that evening, it was apparent that something was wrong. The first 5 minutes of the run was very painful, with sharp shooting pains in my groin, near the beltline. I pushed on through and eventually the pain subsided and I was able to run a decent 8:15 pace the remainder of the run. Since then, I haven't run....................

Last Wednesday I went to see a GP to get checked over. Since that last painful run the week before I had a constant tightness in my lower right groin/ab, and every time I tried to jog it was very, very painful. The doc checked me for a hernia, but found nothing. I was referred to Tria Sports Clinic for evaluation and treatment the next day. After a brief consultation on Thursday, I had my full evaluation on Friday with my PT, Valerie. After an hour of twisting my hips and legs into every conceivable position and trying to recreate the pain I was experiencing while running, she was puzzlingly unsuccessful. The worst part was that every time I flexed a muscle, it almost immediately cramped up. I'm talking everything - calves, hammies, quads, hips. It was a nightmare.

At this point, the early diagnosis is most likely a strained or injured psoas muscle. One of the other chronic symptoms I've had prior to and since the injury is a burning along the right hip, right upper buttock, and down the outside of the right thigh, indicating that something is placing pressure on a nerve. To complicate matters, my thryoid is definitely feeling low. I've been a bit fatigued moreso than usual the past 3 weeks. I initially passed it off as just my training and the time change from daylight savings. However, the cramping during my evaluation, along with stiffness in my hips and irritability raised the red flag of my thyroid crapping out on me again, just as it did this time last year (and all year for that matter). I did get my blood drawn during the visit with the GP to check my thyroid levels, and I'm still impatiently awaiting the results. Since I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, I've always accurately self-diagnosed the drop-offs, so I'm expecting that it's low and I'll be having my medication increased for the 4th time in a year.

Needless to say, I'm rather frustrated and disheartened right now. I have no definite diagnosis nor prognosis to returning to full activity. I did get the "okay" from my PT to try and run. Being out of town this weekend I didn't get a chance to go for a run, but I did run around my aunt and uncle's backyard with my son, flying kites. And I have to say, it was rather painful. Nonetheless, I'm going to have to give it a longer go this week. My usual training day to start the week is Wednesday, so I'll find out then. The worst part of this whole "injury" is that I can walk without any pain whatsoever, and do most anything else as well. But, the minute I start running it hurts like a mothereffer. I'm afraid that unless I make a miraculous and speedy recovery within the next two weeks, Zumbro will be a no-go. If so, I'm mentally okay with that because my main focus this year is Sawtooth. If I only run one race this year, it has to be Sawtooth and and I don't want to do anything that will jeopardize that. So, if I have to take more time off to heal properly, that's what I'll do. I hope everyone else is enjoying good health and the wealth of runnable trails out there.

Still seeing red......................................................

Keys to Success - Part 1: Desire

One of the most asked questions by beginning ultramarathoners is "How do I train?" To which I would respond, "Do you want to or would you like to be an ultramarathoner?" The key difference here is between "like to" and "want to".

Too often when people try to reach goals, they start off with the "I'd like to" attitude. "I'd like to quit smoking", "I'd like to lose weight", "I'd like to retire when I'm 50", so on and so forth. We've all said or have heard someone else say the exact same things before, and the usual outcome is failure. Why? Because of a lack of desire.

The biggest difference between "like" and "want" is the level of desire and commitment to success. I'd like to retire when I'm 50, but truthfully, I don't want to give up all of the things and work as hard as I'd have to in order to do it. The same goes for any goal. If you truly want something, you'll find a way to get it.

So, be honest with yourself. Do you really want something or would you just like it? If you are going to be successful at achieving anything, you have to want it, and I mean WANT it. Don't fool yourself and waste your time with a half-hearted effort. Want it, and want it badly.

That being said, I WANT to finish the Sawtooth 100 this year, and as you can tell from my training thus far this year, I'm putting my desires into action.

Still seeing red.................................................

Favorite Olympic Moment - Polish Pride!

Despite shoddy coverage by NBC (in my humble opinion), there were some unforgettable moments that struck me during this year's Winter Olympics. First was Shaun White's unbelievable half-pipe gold medal performance. Not only did he blow the field away, but rather than lay low on his 2nd run since he already had the gold in hand, he went all out and topped his first run. Second was the US men's hockey team surprising an over-confident Canada squad in their first meeting. The youngest team in the Olympics played with unmatched enthusiasm, heart, and grit. Then there was the amazing finish in the men's classic cross country ski 50K event. I don't think I've ever seen such intensity during a sprint finish as displayed by Norway's Peter Northug and Germany's Axel Teichmann. But, the most memorable moment for me was watching Poland's Justyna Kowalczyk edge out Norway's Marjit Bjoergen in a photo finish in the women's 30K cross country ski event. Both exchanged the lead down the final straight with each thrust of the ski poles, keeping everyone on the edge of their seats until Justyna's final efforts gave her a win by 0.3 seconds. Being half-Polish (Grabowski and Pankowski on my father's side) it was a great moment in sports history as Justyna became the first Polish woman to ever win a winter olympics gold medal. Gratulacje, Justyna!!!

Gold for Justyna! Photo by NBC Sports


Polish-American Athletes of Note in the Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame

Baseball

• Oscar Bielaski (2005)
• Stan Coveleski (1976)
• Moe Drabowsky (1999)
• Mark Fidrych (2009)^[1]
• Steve Gromek (1981)
• Ted Kluszewski (1974)
• Tony Kubek (1982)
• Whitey Kurowski (1988)
• Bob Kuzava (2003)
• Eddie Lopat (1978)
• Stan Lopata (1997)
• Greg Luzinski (1989)
• Bill Mazeroski (1979)
• Barney McCosky (1995)
• Stan Musial (1973)
• Joe Niekro (1992)
• Phil Niekro (1990)
• Tom Paciorek (1992)
• Ron Perranoski (1983)
• Johnny Podres (2002)
• Ron Reed (2005)
• Jenny Romatowski (1999)
• Al Simmons (1975)
• Bill Skowron (1980)
• Frank Tanana (1996)
• Alan Trammell (1998)
• Alex Wolochowicz (1990)
• Carl Yastrzemski (1986)
• Richie Zisk (2004)

Basketball

• Vince Boryla (1984)
• Carol Blazejowski (1994)
• Mike Gminski (2003)
• Tom Gola (1977)
• Mike Krzyzewski (1991)
• Mitch Kupchak (2002)
• Bob Kurland (1996)
• Red Mihalik (1996)
• John Payak (1982)
• Kelly Tripucka (2000)

American Football

• Danny Abramowicz (1992)
• Pete Banaszak (1990)
• Steve Bartkowski (1993)
• Zeke Bratkowski (1995)
• Bob Brudzinski (2005)
• Lou Creekmur (2001)
• Zygmont Czarobski (1980)
• Mike Ditka (2001)
• Forest Evashevski (2000)
• Frank Gatski (1989)
• Jim Grabowski (1993)
• Jack Ham (1987)
• Leon Hart (1988)
• Vic Janowicz (1987)
• Ron Jaworski (1991)
• Joe Klecko (1999)
• Ed Klewicki (1982)
• Frank Kush (1998)
• Ted Kwalick (2005)
• Johnny Lujack (1978)
• Ted Marchibroda (1976)
• Lou Michaels (1994)
• Walt Michaels (1997)
• Dick Modzelewski (1986)
• Mike Munchak (2003)
• Bill Osmanski (1977)
• Frank Piekarski (2005)
• Bob Skoronski (2000)
• Hank Stram (1985)
• Dick Szymanski (1994)
• Frank Szymanski (1995)
• Frank Tripucka (1997)
• Steve Wisniewski (2004)
• Alex Wojciechowicz (1975)

Boxing

• Bobby Czyz (2009)
• Stanley Ketchel (1984)
• Teddy Yarosz (2005)
• Tony Zale (1975)

Source: Wikipedia, National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame

A New "Spin" on Bad Cholesterol

A year ago today I changed the way I eat. Having done quite a bit of research, I adopted a low-carb eating lifestyle. That's not to say I don't eat some bread here and there or some pasta or a few spuds. Being an ultramarathoner one has to maintain their glycogen levels, and failing to do so is just shooting yourself in the foot.

Anyway, I digress a bit....

One of the most fascinating and relevant topics I've researched the past year is that regarding blood cholesterol - how it's produced, affected by diet, measured, and calculated. With a father and father-in-law who both have had heart surgery, as well as a close friend who this past year was prescribed blood statins for high cholesterol, understanding the whole cholesterol phenomena has been important to me and eye-opening. Here's a link to a recent article that I found at Richard's blog, "Free the Animal", (see Good Reading on the Blogosphere links) titled 'Bad cholesterol': It's not what you think. It covers new technology used to analyze LDL (bad) cholesterol and is helping pinpoint the what causes heart disease. Good stuff!

Enjoy and feel free to comment.