February 5th - The 100M Commitment

Much has happened in the world of "g"-running this past year. First, I'm a confirmed UltraRunner! I have three 50-milers and two 33-milers under my sneaker inserts. Last year I learned what happens when one schedules ultras too close to one and other, and this will help me train for the VT 100M on 7/19/08... did I say... train for the VT 100M?

Cardiac Update:
At last writing, my local cardiologist had not look favorably upon my ultra-running. He was concerned about my coronary artery disease (CAD) and the possibility of plaque dislocation or an artery rupture during an ultra. I took his advice for a second opinion, and on 1/31/08 I drove to Hartford Hospital (CT) to meet with a specialist, Dr. T - a cardiologist who specializes in CAD and athletes. I had an amazing experience.

From my assessment and conversation with Dr. T, I learned I will have risk attached to ultra-running due to CAD - as suspected by my cardiologist, Dr. W. However, as awful as this sounds, I'm in very good medical shape and it's a highly remote/unlikely possibility that I would experience a cardiac event of this nature during an endurance event... like the VT 100M. The reality... there is no research on ultra-athletes and CAD.

I've never had a stroke, heart attack or heart damage. I've been on statins for 4+ years, and my LDLs are ~60. I understand the signs of a cardiac event. Should I have any of these symptoms during an ultra event, I will carry aspirin (to chew for the purpose of dissolving a clot) and nitro-caps (to enlarge all arteries and allow for the immediate improvement of blood flow). I always run with ROAD I.D. I see myself as having a green light to run the VT 100M.

Achilles' Tendons Problem:
Before I entered the serious world of running, I dilly-dally on the treadmill for 1-2 miles, 2-3 times a week. I really thought I was goin' somewhere. At about the same time I began to experience early morning, climbing out of bed, ankle stiffness that lasted only a few minutes. I assumed it was just old(er) age settling in.

Over the last 2 years, as I cranked out the running miles, that stiffness and tenderness became pervasive and eventually so painful I sought the help of a chiropractor who specialized in orthotics for runners (8/07). Coupled with a change in my running shoe to compensate for mild pronation, my Achilles' tendon problem lessened, but never stopped.

As I cranked-up my running this season with 50+ mile per week, last month my Achilles' tendon problem worsened. In response to my crying, C-Team referred me to a chiropractor (Dr. D.) who practices Active Release Technique. Here's what I learned after two sessions.

1) Although orthotics seemed to help reduce my Achilles' soreness, I developed severely tight calves which contributed to maintaining my Achilles' pain.

2) My first and second treatments focused on breaking up scar tissue in the muscles from my calves down to my ankle.

3) Already, I've noticed significant improvement when running in the form of less calf and Achilles' tendon pain/stiffness.

The 100M Commitment:
With a cardiac green light to run, and the significant gain and promise of ending my Achilles' tendon problem, I have enough initial information to make a commitment to run the Vermont 100 Mile in July. To date, I've registered to run my first 100K on 5/20 (34th Jack Bristol/Lake Waramaug Ultra) and I've mapped out my training schedule in preparation for my first 100M. Yikes!