Holding Back

Unless you're unusually lucky, or practice perfect form each time, if you work out regularly at some point you'll feel some strain, if not outright pain, worst of all injury. It doesn't matter what type of activity ( running,weights,etc).This doesn't mean give it up in order to avoid it.People sitting at their desk all day often end up with neck and back pain, typing on a keyboard can cause carpal tunnel syndrome of the wrist (all of which I've experienced from previous jobs). Hell, you can fall on an icy street or even miss a curb and fall, leading to foot injuries. Locking yourself away is no life.
As I've mentioned, my tib-fib complex ( ankles) started to act up again in the past week and a half. I'm not limping but I can feel things. Pain is from 2-4. I don't blame running per se. It 's my form ( I've reverted to toe first, making noise,pronating,etc.). So this week I kept up running but cut my distance big time. Tuesday I just did 1 1/2 miles in the morning and 1 in the evening ( 4 x 1/4 on the beach),Wednesday 5, Thursday 1, and Friday 2. I also concentrated on form, trying to run softly, quietly.  Unfortunately my time went up in each case. I was averaging about 8:15 per mile. It's definitely hard to swallow. But I knew this would allow me to continue to run. This morning,Saturday, I decided to go for 6 miles instead of 7 or 9 (like last Saturday).Remember, last weeks 9 miler was 1:15, along with painful ankles. Well my 6 miler started off smooth, remembering to "run tall", land mid- forefoot, keep my head and chest up,etc.I wouldn't focus on time alone. Well I was surprised when I turned around at the half way point and my watch showed 24:14. I thought , I might make it under 48:00. I ended up making it in 47:16. While far from any record, it was an 8:00 or better pace. Pain wise, I was also only a 1 or 2. This is what we want. By cutting back but continuing, I was able to finish the week good. Like country singer Kenny Rogers sang "you got know when to hold em"! Seriously, If I hadn't backed off, and gone for a 9 miler today, I really believe things would have turned out far worse. I might have ended up out of commision for who knows how long, or at least a depressing, disgusting time.If you're struggling with something a good idea is to reduce it but keep it up, then come back.
Till next time.