Week 1 of a new decade is almost done! For runners everywhere, this is a time of renewed focus, race planning, and PR-dreaming. For me, however, I’m putting that on hold. As well as 2019 went (new PRs in every distance), I am changing my focus a bit for 2020.
Injury Update
I’ve suffered through a hamstring injury since August 2019. High hamstring tendinopathy is the official diagnosis. I was able train through it by icing, avoiding hills, and avoiding strength training (especially any hamstring loading). After my goal race in November (a marathon PR – 2:55:56), I took my usual 10 days off completely and started to ease back. I thought that break would cure my hamstring woes and enable me to train normally again.
It didn’t happen.
It hurt again. I visited a physical therapist who gave me some ideas and some hope. That was 6 weeks ago now and no real changes. I’ve been running 4-6 times per week still (all easy pace as recommended) and while it’s not painful to run, any elevation change or strength training aggravates it a lot.
I decided I need to try something new by taking some time off. No more running or cross-training and just focus on the PT exercises. How long? As long as it takes!
A New Focus
I’m excited to use this as an opportunity to coach more athletes. Not running for 2 hours a day really frees up the schedule! Last year, I built some really great coaching relationships. I’ve always wanted to take on more. I’m careful though about the workload I take on since each athlete takes time. More time now equals more athletes and more focus on coaching in general! The mission here has always been to provide high quality affordable coaching to any athlete who is committed to a goal. Let’s make it happen in 2020!
Personal Life
We made it through the holidays! The kids go back to school tomorrow and I’m praying I don’t get the colds that have been passed around my house lately. My one year old finally started sleeping through the night in the last couple months (my kids have all hated sleep until they were about 2!). The drawback, however, is that now he gets up (for good!) at around 6am instead of 7am before (including the nighttime waking up). This is a new challenge since 5:30-7am is normally my time to run/workout/whatever I need. We’ll find a way though, we always do!
