Wednesday, February 2, 2011

The Runner's Numb


We’ve all heard of the ‘Runner’s High’.  We know of it, we seek it, and occasionally we reach it.  I’ve been there a few times, and it’s a beautiful thing.
Describing it is difficult, especially to someone that doesn’t run.  I defer to Pink Floyd for a lyric that captures it well:

“There’s no sensation to compare with this, suspended animation, a state of bliss”

Well said Mr. Floyd, or as we friends like to call him … Pink.

Injuries have become an unfortunate recurring theme in my marathon routine, and they have recalibrated the ‘high’ I seek when running.  It’s actually now something that I think of as the ‘Runner’s Numb’.  Fleeting running moments when nothing hurts, nothing aches, each step isn’t analyzed for issues.  When my body declares a momentary truce and the sailing is smooth.  Over the course of the last year or so this sensation has become increasingly rare.  I’m rehabbing from a variety of leg issues right now, so it would seem this wouldn’t be the ideal ‘Numb Season’.  Sunday didn’t agree.

My run started off with the usual tightness and soreness in my hip, knee, and feet, plus some tenderness in my left calf, which is a new present to me from my lower body.  No sharp pain, so I kept going.  I picked a loop just over 4 miles – technically longer than I should be running right now, but still within reason.  At about the 3 mile mark it all clicked.  The head bone connected to the foot bone, and nothing in between put up any resistance.  There was even a good song on the iPod.  Sweet, glorious numbness.

By the time I finished the assorted parts were angry again, but the memory from mile 3 burrowed into my brain and reminded me how it could feel.  How it should feel.  Much like the one good golf shot that gets you back on the course the next time despite the hundred bad ones you sprayed all over the course.

I’m backing off a little on the running to stay focused on my therapy and recovery, but it’s much easier to do this when you know you could run but make the choice to limit the running.  I will not fall into the trap of running more than I should now and breaking down again.  I’m not looking at a race until November, so I need to be patient.  Yes, I’m trying to convince myself of this as I type.  Sure hope it’s working. 

Sending out some strong mojo to Chris over at BQ or Die for his marathon this weekend.  I’m pulling hard for the BQ, since the alternative would significantly cut down on his blog postings, and would be messy for the race clean-up crew.  You stay classy San Diego.

17 comments:

  1. i ran with pain for a full year, not knowing that it wasn't supposed to hurt like that. i'm glad you got that one mile reminder :-)

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  2. Chris, I like to think of it as we're in tune with our bodies. Ah, to run without aches.......... those were the days.

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  3. yes.
    stay focused on therapy and recovery. I know it sucks. trust me.

    BTW - you know I'm loving the PF reference.

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  4. Holy cow, patience is the bane of my existence. Keep on doing what you're doing, I'm right there with ya.

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  5. "... plus some tenderness in my left calf, which is a new present to me from my lower body." My body has given me the same gift but in my right calf.

    Keep up the great work!

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  6. Ah yes patience...it sounds like it's working for you. Keep it up!

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  7. These aches and pains will be the death of you (me).

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  8. This post made me lol twice. First because I was already thinking the golf comparison before I even knew you went there, and second at the Ron Burgundy sign off.

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  9. I've so been there. Glad you were able to feel great again even if it was for only a mile...hoping that you're back there again soon!!!

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  10. I had to laugh at your 'selfish' considerations for Chris'. Nice post. Goodluck on getting back your Runner's high.

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  11. Thanks for the mojo my friend. After careful consideration, I have decided to continue living even if I don't BQ. If you makes you feel any better I only get a true runner's high a few time a year. To me, it feels like flying.

    Darn it, I wish you were 100% healed. BTW, "Which one is Pink"?

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  12. Very well put. I'm having pain issues training for Boston. But there is no way I'm not running it so I go forward, NOT looking forward to my long runs like I did last year. I miss that feeling. Still, after the run and there is pain, the brain feels so good!

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  13. It's hard to be patient, it's not in the human genetic I am convinced, but it is all worth it. 11 months of sheer agony in my heel...I totally understand where you're coming from. Hang in there and keep being positive!!

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  14. You make me realize again how lucky I've been running injury free for many years now. I do reach that high from time to time and relish the moment. Keep it going and stay positive! You'll be 100% again sooner than you think.

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  15. Sorry about the injury! Hope you are recovering well! :0)

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  16. I have no patience. I have hit the runners high a few times. Wish it was more. I did not want to stop running.

    I tagged you with an award on my blog. Go check it out!

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  17. Those moments of blissful running make the crappy ones bearable. Hope the recovery continues and you have more PF moments!

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