Running is like riding a horse: There is no way to get in shape for it except to do it. When I get back in the saddle after a long period away from riding, I’m guaranteed to have sore inner thighs and a stiff lower back the next day. Same with running: No matter how much I prepare to run through cross training and physical therapy, there is no substitute for actually running and no way to avoid running’s version of back-in-the-saddle soreness. For the past two-plus months while injured, I’ve cross-trained religiously on the stationary bike and elliptical, plus did upper- and lower-body strength training and physical therapy on my lower legs. As soon as I got out of the cast, I adopted a daily routine of PT exercises such as heel raises, step-downs, and range-of-motion and balance movements to re-engage the stiff and atrophied right ankle. In spite of that, I experienced all the soreness of a newbie as I started running slowly and carefully these past two weeks, building up in 10-minute increments at the track. My Achilles tendons screamed, my hamstrings protested, and long-dormant shin splints flared up. I’m sure that rapidly approaching 40 has something to do with it; the body loses its elasticity and fluidity. I need WD40 for all my joints. (more…)

I ran my first mile in 9 weeks. I walked our dog, Teddy, to the Piedmont High School track, tied him up, and tentatively stepped down the stadium stairs while gripping the handrail. (I’m so cautious when walking now, scared I might fall.) Fog hugged the San Francisco skyline but the sun was burning off the marine layer here in the East Bay. Kids from my kids’ grades gathered in the center field, enrolled in a summer lacrosse camp, and I vaguely hoped I wouldn’t see their parents or anyone else I knew because I didn’t want anyone to witness my stiff jog, which I might have to abandon after a mere half-lap if any sharp pains cut through my foot. (more…)

I’m not sure who will read this blog, and I don’t know if I’d feel more relieved or disappointed if the answer is “no one.” Whoever views this, hello and welcome. This marks the first entry in what I hope will chronicle a two-pronged comeback: as a writer and as a runner. Both writing and running have been on hold due to inaction and injury, which has eroded my confidence in my ability to get my mind and body back in shape. I’m feeling stupid and stiff, wondering how I’ll ever regain a sense of flow at the keyboard or striding out on the trail. (more…)