The 5 Week Taper

What's one to do with an injury 5 weeks prior to the big dance?  What are the choices?  a.) continue to run and risk further injury  b.) cry like a baby and use it as an excuse to withdraw from the race  c.)  enjoy some extra taper time and show up at the start line nice and rested and hopefully injury free.  I am going with "C" all the way.

I don't know exactly what happened.  I've trained for this race for months injury free, symptom free, pain free.  Last weekend at Horseriders, out of the blue, I started experiencing pain in my Achilles and calf.  I finished the 27 miles I signed up for and I'd say about 20 of the miles were pretty painful.  Good practice pushing through the pain for KM or stupid move on my part - I'm not sure yet.  I knew I didn't want to practice quitting.  I ended up with a lot of swelling and bruising so decided to give it a rest for a bit.  I've been icing, elevating, and popping anti-inflammatories.  I am taking a break from running until it feels fully recovered or June 2nd, whichever comes first.  Only 31 days away! 

Though it's difficult not running, I feel surprisingly at ease.  I feel physically ready for KM, well aside from this little injury.  I feel mentally prepared for the challenge.  I know that I am going to wake up on June 2nd, pin on a bib, and move forward for 100 miles or 30 hours.  I understand a lot can happen over the course of 100 miles and I will address those things as they're thrown at me.  Self-doubt or worrying about what might happen is not an option right now.  I have complete confidence in, and am so thankful for, my rock star crew and pace team - Eric and Leah.  I have run many miles with them and have an amazing level of comfort in their ability to keep me moving and focused on the goal.

I am really looking forward to this day.  There will be so many people from our little running community out there running or supporting or cheering - but I think mostly running!  It's going to be a 100 mile long party - WOOHOO!!!  Bring it on.