El Maco has
already made an excellent and “on the Spot” recap of the Adelsö-Träkvista long
run.
So here is
a recap from my own perspective.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/221176312
What could
I do when my good old friend and sports mate Mr L with very short notice invited
to this totally crazy long run on Adelsö-Munsö ! This was too cool to miss, although I was
very, very unsure about my running capacity after 7 years of hip injury and
just recovered. I also only had had a 7K run in my new Luna sandals as
mentioned in earlier postings and only 13.5km recently as the longest run for
years. But here I was on the starting line, tired after a stressful week, a bad
night sleep and a slight headache. In addition I had a slight pain in the right
calf and sore hip joint muscles after recently beginning with Taekwondo. Basically,
I felt rotten and not in the mood of running. But I knew from experience that sometimes
such a rotten feeling can change to something good a few km’s into a run. I
also knew that I had been training good for 2 years with alternative training
exercises and gradually increasing running, so on the other side I was hopeful.
Off we went and Mr L and El Maco just
began on the predefined pace on 6 minutes per km. It was like they just pushed
the start button for the 6 min/km pace. I (and maybe 3.19.57 and El Fernan)
would prefer to start slower and with the slightly uphill route in the beginning
I felt my pulse going up too fast. It was a tough start for me but after 4 km’s
the engine was warmed up and I could start to relax and just enjoy. The sandals
felt just perfect and nice to run with from the beginning. The rest of the race
was a joy ! I felt strong all the way and the feet and sandals worked fine. The
headache was gone, the hips felt fine and the calf was ok. The longer I ran the
better I felt. I thought for myself before we started that everything over 15km
would be a bonus. Just to be able to run with those guys who share the
dedication of long distance running was a bonus.
We passed
15km, and I asked myself if I wasn’t feeling tired? No, - Ok let’s continue. And so it went on km after km. After passing 18km I was starting to be
afraid of getting injured - I mean, the longest run for several years was
13.5km which I did three weeks ago. Everybody knows that increasing distance
more than 10% per week is unwise. Here I’m approaching 20K and continuing, how
far should I dare to go? Should I take a chance to continue risking a new
injury? Was I at risk? These thoughts went thought my mind many times at this
stage. But I felt so good and it was so FUN ! I loved every second.
I now
started to realize that this run could become the final proof that my hip
injury is history, gone. And my seven years long dream had come true – I CAN DO
LONG RUNS AGAIN !
To the ferry
it was 21.4 but El Maco suggested that we stretched the route an extra 2K in
order to kill waiting time for the ferry. I decided to join as I still felt ok.
No pain, and the sandals had become my best friends, they were just wonderful
to run with. I would not have been ready to do such a long run completely
barefoot, so these sandals have really proved to be good for me.
So when we
arrive the ferry harbor I thought I had done enough and retired from the race.
Sat myself into the car and relaxed. After a few minutes, someone (I think it
was Tobbe) asked me if I was finished and I said that I think so, but then I
said maybe not…I don’t understand why, but the words just jumped out. My day
had been so fantastic and I didn’t want to stop running. I still felt that I
could run more. So I did – off the ferry and after a one km I felt stronger
than ever. I was so happy being able to do long run again, I was happy for my
sandals working so good with me. I suddenly caught myself increasing the speed
and felt myself running faster and faster without effort. I only leant forward
and the pace increased and it felt like I was flying ! I can honestly say that
I have never felt the running being so effortless before. It was unforgettable.
I don’t know if it was some kind of “runners high” or just pure happiness or what
it was but I will never forget it. I tried to put words to this to Mr L and El
Maco and wondered if I should slow down back to our 6min/km pace. And they
answered that yes, it would be wise to do that because otherwise “somenone”
would be in trouble soon ! So we slowed
down to 6min/km and continued. Later, we were approaching the 26.5 km service
station, the last hill was long and steep (at least it felt like that) and I
got very tired - so I decided to stop here. Happy and tired. What a day !
Finally free from injury.
My decision
to convert to barefoot running in July 2011 and the past two years dedicated
long term alternative training paid off at last. The last brick in the build are
the Luna Sandals, they are just wonderful to run in. Today, two days after the
run I feel no pain or stiffness, only normal fatigue after a long run.
I want to
thank my physiotherapist Delani who believed in me two years ago and got me
into alternative training exercises.
I also want
to thank Frasse (my present coach and physiotherapist) who gave me the “brutally
tough” stabilization exercises in December 2011 and May 2012.
And of
course, thanks to Mr L, who came up with the wild long run plan - and El Maco,
3.19.57 and Fernando who made the run so pleasant and fun.
But most of
all, thanks to Marre, Tobbe and Philip who prepared and waited at the service
stations along the road with all drink, food and smiles. And a special thanks for the hospitality of the
Mr L family who after this long demanding day, served an excellent barbeque
dinner, cold beers and good wine and accommodation.
So much of nice reading. We would also like to thank you & Philip, that took your time to come here. The consept is well worth to try again in the future :-)
SvaraRaderaGreat thanks for your participation, and why not use our "all time high" table for your unique run, and note it under "Beat this if you can" :-)
L./.
Totally inspiring to read this! I am so happy for you and your sandal running really inspires me. Now that even Mr Legend might go for it even I might try it.
SvaraRaderaLets plan for next run! This has to be done again!