Trail running & new challenges
Back in 2013 when I ran the Vancouver Marathon, I told myself it was my “last marathon”, that I didn’t want to go through that kind of training anymore. I have finished 11 marathons and felt that the time & effort it took was more than I wanted. Looking back on it, I should have been more specific and said “no more 3 – 3½ hour runs!” Training for a half marathon was a lot easier, but heading out on 3+ hour runs took a toll, and I didn’t want to do that anymore. However in the month of October, I completed three runs that were longer than 3 hours … so what am I training for?
This time, it’s a 17-mile (or so) trail race in North Georgia, which takes place on Nov. 12th. Several months ago I decided I would attempt a trail race, because I had never done one longer than a 10k, and thought it would be fun to try something new. A friend recommended Sky to Summit 25k and since it typically sold out within 48 hours, I rushed to sign up for it without reading the fine print (whoops!). I saw that it was in Georgia so it was nearby, it was “only” 15. 5 miles, and I had friends doing it, so I quickly signed up.
As I ramped up my running, I soon discovered that running/hiking on trails took a lot longer than running on roads. You simply go slower, it’s not possible to run fast when you are jumping over logs, roots, rocks, streams and going up & down steep hills. Even though I’m not doing 20+ mile runs, I’ve found that running 15 miles takes at least three hours when you are running on trails, and it’s harder on my body. I feel like I am training for a marathon. And last week when the email came through with final instructions, it stated the race would be between 14-17 miles (I’m hoping for the shorter distance!), will include a stream crossing where the water will be up to our knees (and freezing cold I’m sure), and will include 4000 feet of climbing (my longest training was about 1500 feet of climbing…). We are running/hiking up over the 2nd highest peak in Georgia, so I know I’ll be bringing my phone, so I can take photos of the foliage and call for help if I need it…. I’m pretty sure this race will turn into a 14-17 mile hike and I hope I can finish in the allotted time.
Once again, I am so happy that I am getting adjusted through this process. I’m sore from this training, especially since I’m carrying a hydration backpack, so my neck and shoulders are tired after these long runs. Adjustments to my spine and feet have been helping. And I’ve been getting weekly massages. I rely on chiropractic and massage to help my body through this training. And I’m trying to focus more on proper nutrition to fuel me on these long runs, in addition to my daily diet.
I never understand how someone who is training for any endurance event would not want to include chiropractic care & massage into their schedule. Adjustments can help restore better motion in the spine, which in my experience, results in better performance and less chance for injury. There is less interference in the nervous system (less “pinched nerves”) and better overall feeling and function. It’s so simple. I know I wouldn’t be able to do distance running or triathlons if I weren’t getting adjusted on a regular basis.
When was your last visit to a chiropractor? When was your last massage? Whether you are training for an event or not, if you are an adult or a child, let us know if we can help you.
Dr. Pam
