posted by Chris Barber
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Sometimes the best training is no training.  I’m going cold turkey.  I’m off running.  It’s the best thing for my training.  I began to realize this when my parents recently asked me, “How is the running going?” and my quick response was, “I think I’m going to become a professional walking.”  I have been frustrated with my running.  I developed Jumper’s Knee, or Patellar Tendonitis, about 4 months ago.  When that happened I took 3 weeks off of running.  It was a tough 3 weeks.  Then after an orthopedist told me I could start running a little bit again I started to run about 20 miles a week.  Well, it’s 4 months later and I haven’t been able to put 4 back to back days of running without taking a break.  I haven’t been able to run double digit mileage without severely hurting my knees.  So now I’m at Physical Therapist #2 and was told I should take 3 months off of running.  While I may not follow that advice explicitly it has motivated me to stop running.  I’m at my running peak and have goals I still want to accomplish.  I want to “take it easy” but stay fit so I can capitalize on my age and body when my knees recover.  I’m always capitalizing on something.

Lift Weights: I’m going to start lifting weights more at the gym so I can do heavier weights.  Not only am I going to focus on muscles that help running, but I am also going to try to add mass to my overall upper body.  I have found that if you add mass, then back off heavy lifting and begin running a lot of miles it really cuts your body down to what muscles your body needs for running.  The rest of the mass is pure muscle and good for flexing or lifting heavy objects.

Stationary Bike: My physical therapist said the stationary bike would be good for me and even recommended taking a spin class.  I’m going to take a spin class at the local University.  There should be some ladies to keep me interested in spin class.  I think this is going to be the best cardiovascular work out for me while I’m not running…the spin class that is.

Swimming: I’ve tried this before and I didn’t really like it.  I like the feeling after a swim, that you’ve used all of your muscles.  I also like that it makes you really hunger, but swimming is boring.  Back and forth, back and forth, back and forth.  There’s a reason why races are usually in a loop.  Water is so boring.  It’s main characteristic is “wet” and you can’t even quantify that.  All water is the same wetness!  Booor-ing.

Yoga: I don’t know about this one, the Physical Therapist suggested it.  Yoga does intrigue me and I do need to concentrate on my stretching.  I think I’m going to try it once at the local University too.  Yoga will be a challenge for me.  I am great at everything I do except balance.  I’m horrible at balancing.  And spending money.  I’m horrible at that too.  I was once the very first person called down to be a contestant on the Price is Right and never bid correctly on stage.  I never buy anything!

Trail Run: If I do any running it will only be on trails.  I love’em.  I’m thinking about doing it once a week.  It will be a little treat for not running all week.

Race: I’m going to still do some races and see how well I can perform.  I need to compete ito keep me motivated to work out in ways that are not in my comfort zone.  Who knows, maybe I’ll be faster than I was before….if that’s even possible.

Sometimes you’ve got to know when to hold them, know when to fold em.  Know when to walk away.

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