I'd say these shoes have done their dash
It not that I don't like them, I love trail ultra's more than anything else. The freedom, exploring, adventures and being out with friends for the better part of 8, 12 hours or more. There's nothing like it, running through the mountains, around lakes, forests and enjoying the world's wild places.
But for now I’m done. Someone else can have my Kepler Challenge spot, Mal, you’re going to have to run the Reese-Dart without me mate. Western States? probably never again. From now until the foreseeable future, I am not going to attempt anything (running-wise) longer than a half marathon, but hopefully I can walk some trail marathons and ultra-long distances so I’ll still be exploring.
I know that if I don’t give my feet a break now, I run the risk of massive and irreversible injury, comntinued bone loss and possibly arthritis. For now, the best thing would be to gently pad along through the forests, jogging a little here, walking a lot there and keeping active. Maybe I'll be healthy enough in a couple of years to get back in the game, who knows?
Although this totally sucks from a personal point of view, its also a really bad look as the Race Director of a trail ultra. Rest assured, you’ll still see me on the trails and I’ll continue to do my very very best to help grow and promote trail running in New Zealand and the ultra-distance aspect of it.
On the plus side of all this, I work and live right in the middle of some of the best mountain biking, open water swimming and paddling places on earth. It might be time for a new hobby.
Cheers, Paul
November 6, 2010
14 comments:
You know, I think running ultras is something of an unhealthy compulsion. It is for me and a lot of people anyhow. I think I could be very happy never running more than 50k again in my life. So why do I keep signing up? You can enjoy running shorter distances I think, and use the extra time for other fun hobbies. Take care of yourself :-)
Bugger.
Ok, how about some details? You sound like me last year when my plantar fasciitis was at its peak (it's better now, but not the only problem). I think ultras might be better done in small doses (occasional rather than serial), but it's hard for me to get in condition for ultras without doing them fairly frequently. Not everyone has that problem though. So wish me luck at Helen Klein tomorrow (the third 50 mile in two months) I expect to be taking a break afterwards too.
Cynthia
A very "ballsy" and honest bow out of ultras paul. I tip my hat to you. halfs and fulls off road can sustain a runner i believe- and not breaking ones self in the process is a good thing.
I was keen to meet you at the Kepler- but i suppose it can wait until the 100km next year ;) Take care.
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Sorry to hear that.
I was diagnosed with a heart condition which almost ended my endurance sports hobby (and might still end it one day) but I have just learned to slow down and enjoy what I can. Sounds like you are in the same place.
Many cyclists I know were runners who stopped due to injury. So maybe you can take up road biking and still get hours and hours of endurance fun. Next year is Paris-Brest-Paris 1200K bike event (only every 4 years)- maybe you have enough time to get in shape?
Thanks for your kind comments guys. Cynthia - the symptoms are gout (both feet(, heel spurs (both feet), and strained tendons across the top of the foot (right foot). I plan to stick to more barefoot walking - that seems to work very well for me - lucky for me I work right beside a very beautiful forest where barefoot walking is very easy to do.
Paul P, I'll still be at Kepler :-)
Certainly something to be said for walking. It's the only way I can do ultras without continuing knee and achilles problems.
Sounds like you've got some good "multisport" options available there. The only thing worse than having a significant injury is to have a significant injury and no other "outlets".
Hey Paul, it just kills me to read this. I am so sorry for what you must be going through. I believe, however, you have a fabulous, fulfilling Act Two in the athletic world waiting for you. Take care and be well! And whatever happens, don't lose touch with this community.
Really sorry to hear that Paul. Maybe things will heal in your feet with time and you can start trail running again in the future. Thankfully you've got some beautiful mountain biking close by to keep you fit and happy in the meantime.
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Well there's no pressure. Take the time to figure out what you need. A break will do you good. I assume you're on allopurinol for the gout? Maybe tweak the diet somemore to get the purines down? I have the impression that heel spurs in themselves aren't a problem, but anything that gets the inflammation going can cause trouble.
Good luck, and keep us apprised what you try and how it works out.
Cynthia
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Any updates Paul? Are you enjoying your walks?
thoughtful exchange, fellows, those who thought the whole thing. Convenient and accessible. Another would be ordering more!
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