Baton

Left Ankle's Eternal Comfort

So old man has started the return to running.  Physical Therapist has given the green light to go easy till Grand Canyon.  He forced me, with threats of a pending MRI, to add some protection. I now have a crutch, in the form of a fairly rigid ankle brace.  I feel like I am a step closer to runner's retirement.   Hopefully I still have thousands of trail miles still I ahead before I buy the road bike (note: I am not shaving my legs when that day arrives).

I was eager to get 3 grassy miles in, and test the ankle and its lifelong straight jacket.  My running partner called, and insisted I join him for a few miles.  I warned him I could be running at record slow pace, where racing a tortoise wasn't a guaranteed victory. After a bit of a pause, he decided to invite me for some loops around the soccer fields AFTER he finished the meat of his workout. I agreed.

2 hours later, after the office unleashed the Friday 3:30 surprise workload beast on me.  The Kraken simply overwhelms you, over-riding any hopes at starting your weekend even a second early. After sending off the disgruntled text to my running companion, I battled the beast with all my might, determined to not let this monster eat away at my entire afternoon.  It relented at 530pm.  At this time, another opportunity arose, via the serenade of my daughter.  My favorite words drummed through her young vocal cords - "Dad can we go run?" 

Her Favorite Running Outfit
She makes pink look so stylish!

I was joined by my two future training partners for 1.5 grassy miles.  My daughter, Brenna has the concept of pace down. She can pull off 1.5miles without much of a pause. My German Shorthaired Pointer (Ainsleigh) however, starts off similar to a sled dog, yanking on the leash as if I was the sled in the Iditarod.   I've learned to deal with this for the first 1/2 mile of most of the runs with her.  By then I am safely away from civilization and she is taken off leash. 

Dumbo?

I don't push to get Brenna out the door for runs with me. I don't want to be that running parent who pounded the running passion out of their children.  She asks me whenever the mood sparks her. However,  during the run, I have found my coaching instincts kicking in.  As I hear her complaints, typical of any runner. "Dad I have a cramp, can I stop", I provide her encouragement.   "Let's run a little slower together".  It typically lasts only a minute or so before she is back to full conversation. 

Today's run encorporated a race, a good 200meter catch game.  Those that know her and I, recognize the competitive zeal we both share.   I had about a 25yrd headstart (she was distracted previously by something), so I challenged her to beat me to the soccer goals up ahead. Despite complaints, she found the motivation and energy for a go at it. I reminded her to pace it, not to sprint early and tire out. She did great!  Caught me with only a few choppy strides remaining to the finish.  Upon finishing, coach arrived again.  "Don't stop,  let's jog slowly".  She was silent, except for the heavy breathing for only a minute.  Then back to the chatty little LaBranche she is.

My Daughter's impression of a Superwoman
FastCory jump!

At some point, this girl is going to be a very special running surprise to a coach.  I'll do my best to keep the desire to run in her while slowly dolling out tips I've learned from the trade.  The potential is enormous in her, and I can't wait to see her dominate the track scene.  School records maybe? The family baton will be dusty,  but it will be handed to another LaBranche in a few years.  Then I can retire on the road bike.

Hold on ankle...we are not done quit yet.

Her velcro shoes kept falling off, not out of convenience I might add

Hurdles

"Next ankle sprain and we send you for an MRI. I am concerned that your tendon may lose its connectivity and we'll have to check it."

My wife had to comfort me for a couple hours after my physical therapist made that statement. To a runner, those words were like a sledge hammer pounding through my granite will.  My goals suddenly seemed in jeopardy.

"If I can't run trail, I won't run at all"  were words I've said on numerous occasions...and flashed in front of me  Do I really mean it?  If I can't run, what will I do with myself.  Heather has already learned, I am a real SoB when I take time off.  I need a milestone to go after. The fear of going where runners go after retirement,  the road bike, was flashing warning signs.  I need to do something to elongate my ultra running career.  Missing out on WS100 is like missing your own graduation.  Putting years of training and building a legion of coherts - can't end because of an ankle sprain, can it? 

My physical therapist suggested I pick up an ankle brace from CVS.  I had several therapist suggest the same back in August.  I avoided it, for fear that it would cause an issue during the run, primarily blisters.  This time, I went out immediately and have worn it for several days now.  Against PT orders, I even jogged a few feet to see if the brace inhibits my running gait. I am thrilled to report, this brace doesn't appear to hinder me one bit,  and provides solid lateral stability.  Final test will be on a grass run in a week. 

The bike purchase can wait...

What's Next

Nearly a full week since the sprain, and no running.  I found this period to be refreshing, as I rarely have so much time between races.  2012 was a quiet racing year, largely due to the fact. Had qualified for 2013 Boston in October 2011.  I did run my first ultra that February, and first Marine Corp.  I also had my first dealings with lung clots. This year however has a different feel.   May, ignoring my grand Canyon R2R2R run on the 17th, has a runner's inter-seasonal break feel.  In my youth, my coach would mandate 2 week downtime between seasons. No running. Ironically, the ankle sprain has brought about my 2nd week off in 4 weeks.  I may take a few more days, and slowly ramp up to June. 

I am actively assembling a training plan for my PR assault at VT50 in late September.  My goal to complete a marathon or more in all 50 states will go on hold with this return to Vermont. Having spent some energy on racing options for my training partner and I, I decided on a return to a familiar course would be best suited for a 50mile PR.  Weather has varied greatly each of the last 3 years, so I do go in cautiously. If they are ideal,as it was in 2013, and I put in the training - a sub 8hr should be reached.   A stretch target has been established of 7:30.  I am in a different place than last year, which was simply to finish under the cutoff.  Having finished in 9:00, and learned so much this past 9 months, I seemed to posses the confidence of a cheetah chasing after down a cow, who's up in age, and tied down.  

Without numbing you with details, the summer will be committed to a 'trial of miles' (courtesy of Qeunton Cassidy) period.  I will emphasize hills and slow endurance.  Weekend excursions with my buddy, Sean, to the mountains will take place.   He even wants to complete a Presidential Traverse this summer, another bucket list item.   My VT50 training commences June 1st as I begin the ramp up to a couple of 100 mile weeks in August.  12 weeks of strength and endurance work, with September geared towards quality and recovery.   I look forward to increased downhill runs and many....many 3hr 'standard' runs.   My goal is to complete several 5 to 6 hour long runs before the race.  Mentally keying off on completing 30+ mile training successfully at race pace. Knocking off an hour will most come at the expense of walking, so learning how to climb without exerting too much effort will be important. Uphills will not be made up of power strokes and running on my toes.

Another change will be to seriously address core strength and flexibility.  I will assemble a morning routine, based on what my Physical Therapist has been showing me.   Regular post run stretching will the norm, as will the pre-run warm up.

Running in the summer is a huge challenge.  I am a cold weather runner.   I have the gear, and having grown up training in these New England winters, I have the skin for it. I will emphasize identifying routes with water....but not that standing, bug infested stuff (read: No Airline Trail).  I have water bottles, and water packs. 

Come race day, look for the dark tan runner.   That's me.