4 February 2008
Less is More
Posted by Bob Estes under: Bob Estes .
My recent posts have been all about being injured and temporarily out of the running game. I have compensated for this by showing up at the Y almost every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday to keep the elliptical machine company and of course spending time talking to some of my running comrades. OK, I admit it I really like to talk. I never thought it possible but it’s true. It’s been fun seeing Nick, Chaz, and Deb get faster and spending that good quality BS time with Mike and Terry while I wait for a machine to open up.
This past Saturday started by sending everyone off to run from the DDH YMCA. It was great seeing all of you who showed up from Run Gazelle and some of my other friends from the DDH Running group and of course my fellow Road Warriors. It would have felt better to join all of you on the run but, c’est la vie. It was great seeing and talking to you all. To add a twist to a favorite quote by Nietzsche; “A good Runner possesses not only his own spirit but also the spirit of his friends.”
Since I have started working out again, I have managed to ramp up the cardio to include swimming on the days that I don’t ride the elliptical and or arc trainer. I’m not the fastest swimmer but, it’s helping me establish new endurance goals. The pain is dissipating in my lower back and hip and I have started to focus on my core. These are of course Physical Therapy approved core exercises that I am using to gain strength in my lower back. I plan on using all of this new found core training long after I return to running to decrease my chances of re-injury. I have also started seriously planning to lose more body weight. I would love to be 10 - 15 % lighter when I start running again.
And to think, all of these good things have come from my being hurt. I can’t say that I enjoy not running. I can say that there have been many unexpected benefits to this setback. I believe that there were some things that needed to change with my attitude and training. Injury has a way of forcing you to really focus on making adjustments. This reminds me of yet another Nietzsche quote; “What does not destroy me makes me stronger.”If this finds you healthy and in the midst of good hard training, I am happy for you and hoping you take full advantage of your good fortune. If you are dealing with injury or another setback, take heart. This too shall pass.
Live life like your life depended on it.
3 Comments so far...
Shelly Says:
6 February 2008 at 8:34 am.
Bob–what a great quote you threw in there about the spirit — I haven’t heard that one before–I love it! As always, you exude such a powerful attitude even working through your injury–I really hope you see the same strength in yourself that we have all been seeing in you! You will come out of these next few months even stronger than before–I have no doubt!
Shirl Kohl-Martin Says:
9 February 2008 at 8:55 pm.
Bob, you have been a great inspiration and your support for everyone is very much appreciated!
Hope you are will soon! We look forward to having you back and running with us…when you can!
Shirl
hazy spectator Says:
20 February 2008 at 12:11 pm.
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