Last Sunday, I ran the 15k Men's Health All-Terrain race in Sta. Elena. The course was both beautiful and challenging taking you through darting zigzags and rolling hills with nice views of the golf course and open fields.
I must admit though that I didn't expect the strain it would have on my knees. It was probably because I was constantly shifting while trying to choose where to step with constant thoughts of ACL in my mind. Unlike running on the road, I could not get a consistent rhythm on my strides. By the 8K mark my right knee was already painful perhaps for compensating for my left. Past the 12th I stepped on what I though was shallow mud but quickly realized I was wrong as I twisted my right ankle on a camouflaged rock. That's when I though, "Shit, I forgot to tape!" hahahaha. After a few more meters, I decided to call it a day and walked the remaining 2.5-3K to prevent any serious injury. I finished at a shameful, 1hr57mins. that Mayi, Caecilia, and Franics thought I got lost in the trail. hahahaha. Thanks for the vote of confidence guys.
This proved to be the right decision though because today, after 4 days of rest, ice, and arcoxia (hahaha), the pain in my knee is gone as well as the swelling on my ankle. There's still a little bit of stiffness and discomfort though but I think I'll be able to bike and swim this weekend and hopefully run next week.
At the end of the day, inspite of it all, I had a blast. Given the chance, if they'll have it again, I'll be back. But this time I won't be a fool and will come more prepared. Ay naku...lesson relearned.
Footnote: No pain nor strain felt in my hamstrings!!! Yessssss!!!
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3 comments:
Nice post Jamike. I haven't tried trail running yet, but for a new runner like me who is so injury prone, I think it's better for me to stick with road races for now. You made the wise decision to just walk after you injured yourself. Sometimes one mistake can cause you the whole running season instead of a week or two to nurse an injury. I added your blog to my favorites if you don't mind.
Thanks for dropping by Bong. Actually, this is only my second, official trail run. I ran 8k in San Mateo before but terrain was completely different. It was a steep climb and a steep descent so I wasn't running all the way. Others were jogs on the beaches of Boracay and trails in Calatagan Batangas. Vacation runs. hahaha
Thanks for adding me to your blog roll. I'll add you as well.
Have you tried active release technique use by chiropractors. It really help my knees and my back. It hurts like a mother, but the ease from stiffness and pain is instant that I ran a 10k after ythe treatment.
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