Hey everyone,

Been reading this thread for weeks now and figure it is time to introduce myself.  I was a long time runner (dabbler) until '98 when I injured my knee playing basketball.  When they went into to fix it they didn't find much cartilage and was told pretty emphatically no running or sports that involve running.  I've mostly followed that advice, more because of lingering pain then being smart and following doctors orders.  My wife and I have always done at least 1 race a year (Palo Alto Weekly Moonlight Run - because we've done every one since it started).

Last year my oldest son had me read "Born to Run".  I loved it and much of it made sense to me.  It also gave me the thought that if I switched to a barefoot running style I might be able to run again relatively pain free.  This has turned out to be mostly true.  My problem knee has been holding up really well.  The bad news is that my calves, good knee and feet have taken a beating.  Early on pulled right calf muscle, took several months to get past that.  Ran Bay to Breakers for first time in 10 years in 2010.  Soon after thought I developed a stress fracture and took off 2 months to let it heal.  Started building up again when my good knee had a problem (jumper's knee).  That cleared up, got a good 7 weeks of training in when I thought I had another stress fracture.  Had a doctor look at it and tests were negative on the stress fracture.  After much research it looks like the nerves in my feet are a bit sensitive to the pounding, but I've found that ice works wonder.

So, now we're into this year and I'm finally getting going again when I strain my right calf muscle again.  That was 6 weeks ago, about the time I found this thread.  I've been working through the strain (lots of ice).  My training times are about where they were before the foot problems kicked in 6 months ago and getting ready to do the 5K at the Oakland Running Festival tonight.

Just wanted to add that it has been inspirational for me to read this thread.  Looking at the weight loss (not a problem for me) and time improvements is very encouraging.  At 52 I know my best running days are behind me, but I'm feeling like I can make drastic improvements and all of you are my role models.

Ray

Ray,

I just finished battling calf issues too. What really helped for me was daily use of my foam rollrer and weekly massage therapy.

It took about 4 weeks but it feels great now. Tomorrows half will be the test. I will see what pace I can run at & that will tell the story.

Great job, Kirk! I hear the weather was cool, great running weather. Was the course as flat as advertised? I think I'm going to enter next year. There was just too much going on this year.

Good Golly Kirk, you are one fast dude!!  That is awesome! We all are so proud of your accomplishments.

Where did that put you in AG?  It had to be pretty high.

Marie

Kirk, excellent job!

I'm working through calf muscle problems right now, too.  I think Rcuriel- Ray and I could compare notes.  I hope I don't get quite so far into the injury part, but I am deeply sympathetic.  I'm following the BF path too, and got there in about the same way after reading BTR.  I think my calf muscle problem is just a developmental glitch and that it's being aggravated by an old chainsaw wound from the mid-80's.  Massage and rest will set me right in time for my 10 mile race next weekend and then for my 1/2 Marathon on 1 May. 

My goal for the HM is 100 minutes, right behind Kirk.

Congrats Kirk!

My 5k went well.  Didn't quite get my stretch goal, but was close.  Did finish 1st in age group.  Even better, calf feels pretty good, a little tight but not overly so.  Rain let up about an hour or so before the race, so it was dry mostly - just a few puddles to avoid.

Got to watch my wife and son do the half marathon today in Oakland.  They both did better then expected, so it was a very good weekend of running.

Ray

Chuck ....woohoo!!! You did awesome too!  Congratulations!! New PR!!! 

Ray, welcome and a great big pat on the back for your race results too.  You have had to overcome a tremendous amount of adversity to get to where you are. Tell wife & son "good job" for me.

Marie

Great job, JoAnn!!! I love reading your race reports. I feel like I'm running right along w/ you.

Marie