After a long time away from running due to either injury or illness I used the 2014-15 Winter Trail Run Series from Northwest Trail Runs to try and get back into shape somewhat and get back into running a bit of distance. I managed to volunteer at every single one of the seven events this year and was able to run in five of them. I missed one due to the distance being a bit much for me at the time and another due to just not feeling well enough to run even though I had registered. I got to run the Carkeek Cooler event with Kristen and the Absolution Run with Chris so it became sort of a family series too this year.
I definitely improved over the course of the series. At Carkeek Cooler I had to walk quite a bit and the 5k was about my limit, my pace was only right around a 12’31 pace. By Frost Eagle I was able to do an entire 5 mile run in nasty conditions and was down to a 10’17 pace. My fastest was the Ravenna Refresher where I was running at an almost normal 9’37 pace. Overall in the series standings I ended up 17th among men out of 438. Of course only 33 finished 4 or more events and the top 4 scores are counted but still, not bad for guy with numb feet and who is still sick.
What I’ve learned getting back into running some this past few months:
- I cannot possibly go longer distances until I get over SIBO. I am having a very hard time maintaining weight as my activity level increased. In fact, I’ve dropped 3 lbs. I cannot afford to drop in the past few weeks.
- Tied to the weight loss is the fact I really can’t fuel during events either which is going to set a distance limit on me. I need to stick to a very low carb diet so most race fuel is out of the question. Yes, I’m mostly burning fat at this point but I think I’m incapable of the distance where ingesting more fat is going to help me out.
- My feet can’t handle much more than 5 miles either. I am running with more and more pad with the Altra Lone Peaks and Olympus but for a few days after a long run my feet really hurt for a few days. Not just the numbness but neuropathic pain and sensitivity to the point where it hurts to walk especially in the early mornings. This is no bueno and I would rather be able to walk 10 years from now than to run today. I’m trying some new treatment for me feet to see if it helps out. Evidently running is no longer forbidden with neuropathy and may actually help but like all things moderation is the key and I need to know my limits.
The Winter Series has me rethinking my plans for the year. I had hoped to do a half marathon this season but I think running one is out. I think I could walk a half or 25k but right now I think running one would be too much given my precarious weight and feet condition. If I stick to the 5k-10k range I think I’ll be OK as long as I’m careful and don’t overdo it. Next up is the Spring Watershed run and I’m debating on whether or not to actually run that one, it will depend a lot on how I’m feeling and if I can get some weight back on in the meantime.