Good morning, guys! Hope you all had a fun and relaxing weekend. We have a very special treat for you today at Reineke Ramblings; John is going to start contributing his two cents to the blog! Woot! Here is his first post =] Enjoy!
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Hello all,
Since Sam has been blogging for just about a year now I figured it was time that I chime in and tell it how it really is! Just kidding, but I did figure it would be fun to try my hand in the blogosphere.
Most posts from me will likely be running or triathlon related with a little bit of fatherhood sprinkled in. My first blog is no exception.
I have been trying to get into competitive sports again ever since I hung up my soccer cleats after 19 years. It turns out there is not a professional soccer career for a mediocre player with two bad knees, who knew?!
So, after watching Sam do a few half marathons and other races I decided to give it a try. Like most runners, I started with a 5k and the obsession (with race medals) grew from there. 4 years later I have ran a hand full of half marathons, 5ks, a 25k and my first full marathon last October.
I think at this point I would consider myself a “runner”; however, running is still not automatic for me. It takes a lot of persuading to get me out at the crack of dawn when my bed is so warm… I think this is something most runners have to fight but no one really ever talks about (we just like to gloat to everyone about our run once it is over).
One thing that has really had me down lately are injuries, which I never actually thought could happen in a non-contact sport. If you are also a non-believer, run a marathon and let me know how it goes! During training for the Detroit Marathon last year I was sidelined for a few weeks with horrible pain in my soleus, which has also carried over to my current training for the Flying Pig Marathon. Luckily, the guys at The Running Lab turned me on to Trigger Point Therapy, which so far seems to be helping a lot (I will keep you all posted). Once I started feeling good about that injury, I got amped for my long run this weekend. However, when I finished my 14 miles I took my shoes (and athletic tape) off my feet to find out I had blisters the size of silver dollars on each foot… So, yet another setback. In response to this, I decided to retire my current shoes (Brooks Pure Cadence) and try the Newton Distance, which I hear nothing but great things about. Here’s hoping for the best, especially considering the race is in less than 2 months. By the way, I would never recommend switching shoes like that in the middle of training but there is no way I can continue with these blisters (I’d show you, but Sam said I wasn’t allowed!)
Long story short I am really trying to enjoy being active but with a little guy, job and struggle with motivation it’s harder than it looks. I think that will be all for today. I will periodically give updates on how things are going with marathon and triathlon training.
Thanks for checking in!
John
