High-Octane

You're an animal when it comes to running.... What's wrong with 26 degrees and running outside? Slick gets up at 3:30 am does that in his sleep and he's old as dirt.

Haha, yeah, exactly what he said :)

Pus.....

Okay...okay...I'm a wimp!

its ok to wimp out from a 25 deg you are from Texas no Alaska.

26 sounds balmy! :)

You'll have a chance to redeem yourself tomorrow morning- it'll be 26 again!

Perfect temps! You're only a month past the PR marathon, so your times are stellar. Your body is still a bit tired and you're ramping back up to where you were. How's the toe?

Russ,

The toe is "shot"... Can't really describe it other than it just hangs there. I can't really move it, it's as if the tendons are all torn lose. I had a pop and burn feeling the other day on a run with significant pain and since then just numbness. I am taping my toes together to keep it from just floating on top of the other toes. It just crooks up barefooted and without the tape. Ahhhhh...still hurts!

A good sharp pocket knife can fix this problem...or you could go see a foot doctor and he will take care of it with a good sharp pocket knife! Pretty great times with a limp & numb big toe.

Great run! Crappy toe.

Tom,

That's exactly what the doctor wants to do...plus saw the bone and shorten it! I've had enough cutting and breaks lately.

Man you are flying these days nice run 7:30s yesterday and today these.

it took me a while to figure out EL, but im slow :) keep those miles coming.

Slow? I disagree

Really solid pace, and a nice progression! I always enjoy those foggy runs when it's nice and cool.

Ha ha ... I didn't even realize I had run a progression. My run last Wed was quite faster but this one felt pretty good. Strange that some of my runs lately feel really crappy and then for no obvious reason I'll have a really good one.

I'm at least encouraged that you labeled some of them at marathon pace. The way you are going lately I expected you to say they were slow. Good job.

Flat,

In the past I labeled anything below 8:00 pace as marathon pace. This year I am lowering that to 7:45 since 7:20 is my actual MGP.

I sure wish I could run fast again! This getting old isn't for wimps!!!

you are just crazy fast lately great pace.

Nice run IJR. Really good looking progression. Good luck with the foot!

why the sad face going to Florida ?

Florida sucks. Ha ha, just kidding!

When you live where IJR lives, Florida is just something he puts up with until he can get back home.

I love the freedom of no watch.

Glad you got to stay in tx and enjoy our perfect running winter weather!

Yasir,

I hate not running with a watch. :-(

Joe,

I have enjoyed the high 30's we've been having. I've been able to keep my hands and feet somewhat warm.

Maybe in time it will feel normal to have a crooked toe, and you'll wonder how you ever got along without it...

Solid 10 miles!

I'll take a picture of the toe and post it one of these days. The 10 was my first double digit in a while. I was wanting to run the Austin 3M but I think it would be a waste at this time.

I don't like to run either if I'm not ready, not that I always follow that rule.

man you are tough runner I would go crazy running like I have a rock in my shoe. Nice 10 miler.

FARTLEKY! NICE!

I think I'll run my next marathon like this!

Ha! I would get so annoyed by a guy zinging by me every 3 miles, only to fall back again! That would really mess with my head! I would spend the whole race thinking "What is up with this dude?"

Ha ha...well, that's kinda the way I roll anyway! :-)

They have Disney characters @ every half mile in the Disney Marathon. There was a guy that was getting his picture taken with every character. He would run by me, get the picture (where I would pass him), and then run by me again. Fun times.

I was going to say the same thing, but I see Tom beat me to it. The first time I ran Richmond, there was a guy in a bright yellow duck suit, complete with a duck-bill hat, doing that to me. I was running about a 23-minute PR that day and he kept ripping past me then fading way back; drove me nuts to the point I couldn't enjoy what was happening in my own race. (Maybe that was you, Tom?) Good running, Preston. I was worried about you this morning, I know you like it quite a bit warmer.

It was actually warmer this morning in Billings than in Kingsbury! Way to not only get out there but have a great run. I actually prefer temps in the 30s as it's tough to overheat. Nice run.

Tom,

Callie (my daughter) is actually running the Disney Half in California in May. :-)

Flat,

All I need is a duck suit!

Russ,

I still sweat profusely it's just my hands and feet that I can't keep warm...darn Raynaud's!

please (I just run) don't be that guy. No costumes until October :) I hope the foot is improving.

Nice way to start the week off. How'd the toe feel?

Sounds like a walk in the park!

HB,

The toe is still not good...I'm just running anyway, hoping it won't get worse.

TS,

You caught me...Yes I did walk some. I almost always do (but I don't turn off my watch so I count it as running!) :-) I think that's fair, isn't it?

What are you going to do about that BIG TOE?

TS,

How did you know I had a problem with my big toe too? I just have a floating bone chip in it from breaking my toe when I was about 12. That's why it's so crooked. I am hoping both my big toe and the second toe just fall off!

Nice run, man.

I'm starting to think it would be a shorter list, if you just list the things you have NOT broken.

That wild bull riding is dangerous business......

If he thinks wild bull riding is dangerous he ought to try being married to a redhead for almost 30 yrs..... now that's living dangerous!!!!!

nice long run I hope the toe is getting better.

Tom K,

Besides the big toe I never really broke anything until I started running and biking...can't understand why this is more harmful to my body than riding and roping. :-(

Hillbilly,

I'm not going to touch that comment!

Yasir,

No...not really.

Nice run. Where is Kingsbury? I grew up in Katy, Tx.

Rhett,

Kingsbury is near Austin/San Antonio, Katy is close to Houston. Probably 150 miles apart.

Gotta be pleased with that one, Dude! That 10k pace progression is really solid!

Really impressive especially for 2 days after going the furthest distance in a long while. You're looking solid.

I'ts like you are racing every day I don't know how you do it. Solid running lately.

Yasir,

I love to race...I hate to run!

Nice run but I'm just the opposite I love to run but hate to race. Maybe not hate but I love to just run a lot more. I get so nervous before a race especially a local race that it takes some of the fun out of it.

I wish I had a 3:18: in the bag for 2016.I'm really hoping to hit a 3:30: at the 2015 Boston.

nice running IRJ

Thanks Tom,

My birthday is in May so I'll still be in the 50-54 category but no worries I've got the 3:18 already in the bag.

That's a great 3-mile block, nice going! That'll stimulate some good improvements.

That's what I'm looking for ... "to stimulate some good improvements"! I'm tired of this same old mundane stuff! :-)

Nice run after yesterday's harder run. I was just looking at your splits from yesterday. Is your 10 K pace really around 6:30? If so, you should be able to do 7:00 pace for a marathon without any problem. Looks like you are having a good week. Keep it up.

Rhett,

I'm probably overly confident and as you can see I've only run one 10K but I do believe I can run 6:30 pace 10K and close to a 3:00 marathon...that's if my old body holds up long enough!

Confidence is good and the way you are running right now you should have no problem with breaking 3:16 in your upcoming marathon. Which one are you doing, Irving or Big D?

Leaning toward Irvin...mainly because of my busy schedule. Wanta run it with me? :-)

I would run with you I just run if you slow down. another good one

Yasir...Okay, but I really don't think I'd have to slow down. You're just getting started and have some really fast marathons to come!

Talking about just getting started. You have an amazing running resume IJR for having just started in 2010... and you're crazy fast for someone in their 50s.

Rhett,

My body may be 55 but my mind is like....30 something. :-)

Even Burt? :)

Good job taking the rainy day to cross train.

visted simple runner's blog she is gonna do great on her first marathon. sorry about all the cats and dogs this morining:-)

Thanks for the shout out. I've gotten some nice comments on my blog. Very nice group of runners!! Question for you. Do you use hammer gel or something similar? I use hammer gel and consume a packet every 3 miles. A half marathon is one thing, but for a full, that's 8 packets. Should I try to eat something else along the way to help prevent an upset stomach? I made peanut butter/oatmeal balls and ate one between each gel packet and it seemed to help. Open to other ideas based on experience. Thanks!!!

Hey Simple Runner,

I usually use Gu gels, I seem to like them better and also most races have that brand along the course for hand out to the runners. (You should be able to find out what they are offering along the course on the marathon website.) I follow the rule of 1 Gu per 45-60 minutes. I've read and I think been told that more than that your body really can't process or actually use. I know, from past experience, too may Gu's will upset my stomach. I do all my long runs with no Gu's to make my body learn to use the fat and resources it has in reserve. I would tend to lean on the side of less than more when it comes to fueling. There are too many side effects that can happen with trying to put stuff in a stressed stomach when running. I would practice drinking some Gatorade as this is what is almost always offered on the race course too. This will give you the extra electrolytes if needed but with the cool weather you will probably not have a problem with that.

I'm hoping a couple of my blog friends will comment on this too as they have much more experience that me and may be able to point you to some articles related to the subject.

One last thing I do know and that is don't change things on race day. Whatever you are comfortable with...go with it! But, in the meantime do some experimenting on your longer runs and see if you may be overdoing the fueling.

I'm with IJR. I like Gu the best. They seem to be a bit smaller and easier to pack around too. I take one every 4 miles starting at mile 3 for marathons since usually aid stations are every 2 miles. I drink water at the aid stations where I take a gu and Gatorade and water at the other aid stations. I do use gu when training on any run over 12 miles but on training runs I take them every 5 miles and only drink water. It's all trial and error to see what works best for you. Good luck Simple Runner.

Ha - love it! I didn't even try to run on Leon creek today as I knew it would be whitewater rapids over there. Now that's it's over I bet you're glad to get in a really solid 18 miler.

That is too funny. Thankfully 18 fits your training cycle. If this were a month ago you probably would've been struggling but you were ready for it.

A pleasant surprise !!!! Nice run

Maybe you should soak your shoes and socks in freezing water before the next race! Nice long run.

Great run. To run mp for the last 3 after that far is exceptional.

Wow, you got faster in the second half of the run after you took the plunge!!!

This is a pretty amazing run, I hope you know that.

Thanks all,

I think I'm moving in the right direction. Still hoping to break 3:16 this spring and 3:10 next year! :-)

You are not just going in the right direction you are flying man. Another quality run.

Nice run. I wish I was up to your splits. But I'm guessing that they will come back as time goes by......

The question I have is; is this tape job effective for you? Have you tried other tape methods?

My question is, how'd you hurt it in the first place?

Nice run this morning. It is funny how sometimes a little faster pace feels easier. That was me this morning.

I have been watiting for those toe pics you promiste you are way togugher runner than I could be. I hope it goes a way

Tom,

I've tried several ways wrapping it. This method actually has a two strips of tape that wrap around the toe and are taped along the bottom of my foot to the heel to hold the toe down. This seems to work okay but as you can imagine nothing is comfortable.

Rhett,

Don't know how I actually hurt it. It has been getting worse and worse for months. I actually gave it a rest for a couple of months (back when I broke my scapula...that's another story). I've been to the foot doctor a couple of times and he basically said it would need to be operated on, cut the bone and shorten it in the toe. I think it's just a deformity.

Is 9 miles the magic number for now :-) how faster are you trying to run now slooow down for me please. you are doing something right my friend.

No watch is nice every once in a while.

How is your toe tape job holding up?

Man you're on a "Roll" Good job.

You can claim any time you want since the run was sans time piece....

Looks like a nice easy longish run with a good strong finish. Well done.

IJR, you have some good running in the books this week, lots of quality miles.

8:00 ap and you were lethargic. Really

The finish is strong with this one. (in my best Yoda Voice.)

Why don't you move to Kentucky then we could train together. Nice run.

maybe it's all the miles this week getting you down......suck it up and go for a run!

I tend to find the groove when the run is almost over too. 13 miles -- not bad for a Thursday!

Thanks Guys!

HR, Wish I did have someone to run with.

TK, I heard that voice in my head as I read you comment. :-)

Gotta keep up the physique for the ladies.

Guns and roses.

Way to keep it all in motion

less is more enough said 7:55/19 miles take that :-)

That is a good day. Negative split I presume?

That is great. April is a long way off for your next race. Seems like you are good to go right now, doesn't it?

Nice work - glad there is someone to run with out in your neck of the woods. Sometimes I think they need a running equivalent to match.com for us to find that "special someone!"

Great run Preston!

SlowJoe, that's a great idea! Since 2010 I've run with someone else fewer than 15 times. I'd rather run alone than with someone too fast or too slow and I don't know who matches up with me. So I just run...solo.

Long runs always way better with a partner. Nice running and nice pace for that distance.

Flat,

I think about 3:30 neg. split. :-) That's the way I roll.

www.runnermatch.com

WOW you put in a lot of marathon pace. You are tough man.PR baby

Boom, Boom, Boom - Bang, Bang, Bang! Waht to keep up the great training...

Great mileage this week!

No kidding. Nice miles!

I just run fast. really didn't you just run 19 miles. wow

+1 to all comments. :-)

Zippy finish! Strong work.

Good job. You're racking up the miles this week.

Ditto on all the comments!!!

great progressive splits.

Killing it this week, man!

Great run, excellent last mile, great week. Is April almost here?

By the way, how do you like your Altras? I've been thinking of getting a pair.

Russ,

Today it was supposed to be 32 degrees this morning but only dropped to 42. That's the main reason I ran longer. :-)

As long as the weather stays like this April can wait (for me anyway).

I am trying the Altra's because of my foot/toe problem and the fact that I was having trouble finding a shoe that was wide enough at the front of my foot. My foot/toe problem is too far gone for anything to really help but that's another subject. The shoes are comfortable and I like them but I'm still having trouble with the look. with the foot shaped toe they just look really weird! :-)

I was going to ask what is your secret? , but there is no secret you just run your *** off. those miles look really good for a 15 miler. if there a secret please email me :-).

Yasir,

The secret is:

1) Good genes (which I know you have)

2) Work hard (which I know you do)

3) Run really slow at first and then really fast at the end. :-)

Ha ha ... I really don't know what I am talking about I Just Run...

Let's not get genetic here :-) you are killing it sir I hope the foot pain goes away.

Great progression run IJR! You smashed it that last mile. You're on fire! Keep rocking it. Stay healthy my friend.

Nice start to the week....

Perfect. I love slow and enjoyable. You have a good month going.

Rhett

please re-read.... "not" was not a typo! :-)

I did mis read that. Well. Good for you keeping it slow even if it wasn't fun. I've come to learn that the slow miles are just as important, if not more important than the fast ones.

That sounds terrible. The important part is that you finished it. Those miles will pay off.

Nice run, sorry to hear about the foot. Yesterday I talked to a guy at church who may have what you have. His toes were dislocated and just limp (sounds like yours). He had surgery last month where the toes were put back in place and temporary steel rods inserted in the toes to keep them straight and get the blood flowing correctly. I think the rods are in 6-8 wks before being removed. Hopefully it's not what you've got but sounded similar. He too is a runner and not using his toes had a big impact on the pad of his foot which caused him to have the surgery.

Sorry to hear about the foot pain IJR. Good job toughing out what sounds like a painful run.

It's ok to complain about your foot it's what you use to run right? That been said why 9:16 on mile 2 I don't remember the last time you ran a 9:00 mile :-) still waiting for that email

There is a 175' elevation rise on mile 2 ... tried to take it easy and run by effort not pace.

You complained and we listened!

Not a good reason don't let it happen again :-)

Wow, this is a tough crowd with no sympathy... Hang in there!!!! By the way nice run

Russ,

That's what it is. :-(

Preston, that's no good! I'm not sure what use that toe is anyhow. If you tie a string around it real tight maybe it will just fall off. It works for tails.

Hoping and praying for the best solution for you.

Getting ripped!

You're running a good amount miles again this week. Keep it up!

Just running...10 miles! When you get to that point, you know your fitness level is high.

True story, run safe and smart!

yah just 10 miles!!!

Great run!

Wow do you ever watch the speed signs. Great effort on the last 2 miles.

I've attempted going out at goal pace saying I'll slow down and run with someone if it doesn't feel good. Seems like you can never convince yourself to slow down though once you get going.

If I start out with Callie I think I'll be able to just hold back and run with her. :-)

Good luck and have fun! Nice to have her back, I'm sure.

Enjoy the race.

That is a great time, but contrary to what you said it wasn't unpredictable. I noticed you ran almost that fast earlier in the week for the last two miles of a 7-mile run. Plus, you have to be the first guy to ever qualify for Boston with a 5K, that's very special.

6:38 6:35 6:15 nice pacing. Passing everyone to second place had to be fun. You on fire I cant wait what other surprises you have for us this spring. Great race

Nice race. Good pacing and it seems like given where you're at in your training cycle, it was pretty expected. Looks good to me! :)

I like the "Boston Qualifier" announcement. That must have been cool. I hope you made engine noises as you went by everyone!

1 sec. off legit PR, has to 1. make you wonder about that first half mile, and 2. tell you that you are in really good shape right now. Great race.

Sorry, missed the turkey trot race from last year. Still, though, really fast.

Way to go! How far was the 1st place guy ahead of you? If you would have started on the starting line, maybe you would have won it all.

Get better, that was a nice 5k on sat.

Dang, sorry to hear that. Staying healthy is tough this time of year...

Hard to breathe when you run with a cold. Get well.

Looks like you broke up the monotony of the TM miles.

Coming off of this nasty cold I though breaking it into a few smaller runs would be better.

I think that's a great idea. You're still getting the miles on your legs even though the cardio might not be ready.

That was a fast cold. Are you already feeling better?

Nice run.

Not back on track back flying on track great run. Like you said start slow and fly at end :-)

Nice run. Looks like you're making up for missed miles. :)

Oh yeah, that's a good one.

Glad you're back to feeling better. Nice run!

Nothing like 15-16 miler to get kick started in the right direction! Nice finish.

Boy you had your HR up there at the end. Must have felt good....to stop.

How's it feeling today?

Ya, what's the updated prognosis on that bum big toe?

The toe and foot are not good. Very swollen Saturday and Sunday with what looks like some bruising on the top of my foot. Today, Monday, it feels like there's a big lump on the center/ball of my foot. I'm afraid I've been wasting all of this time the last few weeks fighting through the pain and keeping on running to try and run another marathon this spring. All of my current goals are dropping off. I've got business trips and vacation the next three weeks so I can't really go to the doctor. He's just going to say operate anyway. I guess I'll just struggle through the next few weeks and maybe try to tough out a half marathon (with no PR goal in mind) before I go under the knife or retire from running.

focus on getting healthy. My best wishes

doesn't sound like this big toe and foot issue is going to get well and go away on it's own! Better bite the bullet and see your podiatrist or orthopedic specialist sooner than later.....

Already seen him twice...I just don't like the prognosis. Stupid TOE!

Dang. It doesn't have to mean retirement though! maybe you'll bounce back quicker than you think.

If he cuts it off you will weigh less! It just depends on how long the doc wants you to stay off your feet after the procedure? And you've got two full marys coming up in April !!!! I wish you the best no matter what you chose!

Have you been to the doc for that foot yet? I broke my little toe last week, fortunately I don't need that one for anything. It is a little achy all the time but it only hurts bad if I touch it.

Hey Preston what's the latest on the toe??? Good news I hope.

Preston, sorry to hear what's going on with your foot and toe. The words of Winston Churchill come to mind: "Never give up! Never, never give up!" I hope you're able to keep your spirits up.

Come on! You mean the guy that has come back from a broken collar bone, is going to hang it up over a toe? This can't be! Hope you recover soon, man.

Any updates?

The more I stay off my foot running the more sore it's gotten.

I wish I knew what to say but I don't except that I feel your pain knowing what it's like wanting to run and can't. Hang in there!!!!!

Thanks for the update Preston as I've been worried about you. That'll continue, but good to hear you got in relatively quick to a foot doc and they should be able to give you some good advice for your future. Come up to Montana and run when you're healed!

Toe looks bad, toenails look better than mine, if that is any consolation. Get through this quickly please, but don't cut it off!

I feel like that toe might be one of things you don't think you need until you don't have it anymore!

Thanks for the update. A lesson for all of us to run through our injuries, and never stop. Heal up!

I asked the doctor if I should have rested it more and he said it probably wouldn't have made a difference in the long run...He was probably just trying to make me feel better. :-)

Put your socks on man! Hey that toe doesn't look all that bad, matter of fact I wish my toes looked that good. Go get a second opinion and make up your mind and get on with it! Hey I've got 45 days left till Boston....with your toe like it is I'll bet your glad you don't have to worry about doing Boston on it!!!! Hey, go get it fixed and get back on the road!!!!

Looks like that little piggy... (puts on glasses)..... Stayed home.

YEAAAHHHHHHHHH!

Get well soon, man.

how are doing with you toe

Good luck IJR. I hope you will be back chasing us all down soon.

Hows the little piggie doing?

No new news on the toe...doctors appointment next week. Hopefully surgery soon after.

please keep the updates coming cant wait to see you rocking the road soon.

Boooo!!!! Sorry to hear it IJR. What's the prognosis after surgery?

thanx for the update. Best wishes on friday what ever get this thing to go away.

Crapola. You'll be back with a vengeance.

Oh no! Prayers for a quick recovery.

Ah, crud. Any word on the timeline for returning to running?

MRI today. Visit the doctor next Wednesday for evaluation and operation. Plan. the best option is to just sew the torn tendon back. The second option requires cutting the bone and wrapping another tendon around the top of my toe...or something like that.

The first option sounds like a lot less recovery time. Cutting bones should definitely be plan B, or C.

What rattletrap said.

As much as it stinks, glad you have some answers. What does the doc think about you returning to running after the surgery?

Good luck and Gods speed! Take the least invasive procedure and then get your stuff together so you can run the 2016 Boston Marathon with me....Ya know what I mean?

Bummer man! Makes me feel like a whiner with my shin splints. Get well soon!

At least you will be on your way to being mended and running again. Best wishes.

Hey you do know that you can still do some cross training while you having that pedicure done? And you can continue to talk to us here on the blog.....Ya know what I mean!

Just checking for updates.

Good luck with that. We have surgery at my house all of a sudden too (not me), never a happy time. For whatever it's worth, I think doctors are always conservative with those sorts of predictions. Their opinions are based on the statistical mean of the patients they see, not super fit people like yourself who are literally 1 in a thousand. My back doctor was certain that if I ever ran again it would be at a shuffle, even though he is a runner himself, yet I hope to be challenging a PR in Boston in 3 weeks. I'm pretty sure you'll be back better than ever.

What Flatlander said.

Good luck Preston, heal up fast!

thanks for the updates im not a doctor but you are running really fast again.

Thanks for the update. God speed for a correct fix and quick healing.

Good luck. What would happen if the amputated it? Would you be able to run then?

Good luck and God bless, and I know that you will do the right thing for you Bro-Preston! and don't forget to keep us in the loop, ya know we all care!!! FYI, I had neck surgery on 3rd of March and it's been a real pain in the neck getting trained up for Boston......

You'll be back running for sure! No doubt in my mind.

just checking !!

You'll be back. With a more Aerodynamically designed toe! Secret weapon - The Stealth Toe!

Before reading what Flatlander said, I thought, sweet! If your doctor's saying, "that's the hope", he's saying yes. As a doctor, he's got to be conservative in his predictions. You'll be rockin' in no time.

"So get to blogging"

Good luck buddy! Keep us posted.

Good luck on the surgery Monday. You'll be back to running soon. Take care and keep us all posted.

I sent up a prayer for you today and He said He had it covered (ROM. 8:28)

Happy Easter Preston! Good luck tomorrow. You'll be back to running in no time.

Best wishes tomorrow. I'm Sure it'll turn out perfectly.

Good luck today!

Hey remember to write "do not cut" on your good foot.....good luck

Sounds like it went ok. We'll just start calling you the 6 million dollar man.

Speedy recovery!

Joe, that would ruin his amateur status. Congratulations, Preston, sounds like it went great, really good to see you blogging.

Good to hear things went well. Keep us informed on the speedy recovery!

good luck with airport security now :) glad it wen well. Dont worry about catching up you gonna pass us in no time.

With the new performance enhancing spring toe, you are going to be flying by us all as soon as it is healed. :)

Bionic High-Octane Preston!

Glad it went well! Here's hoping and praying for a quick and full recovery.

We have the technology. Better than he was before. Better, stronger, faster.

Get well soon, man.

Wow! Pretty neat pics. I don't know much about foot surgery, but that looks pretty clean. Doesn't look like he sliced any more than he had to. Maybe hold off on this weekends LR though.

Here's to quick healing. I can't believe he wouldn't give you the extra spring. Where's his sense of adventure?

you are tough and crazy doing all that running on it before surgery that's look serious. I thought you were just a whiny :) you dont need extra spring you fast enough.

FRANKENFOOT!

Heal up, soon. We need you back around here.

really cool photos, thanks for sharing! So how long before the doc says you can go try that foot out! Has he got you putting any weight on it yet? Nice to see those x-rays, gives a better picture of what you were telling us!!! Get well really soon!!!

Holy cow! Looks painful. Heal up fast.

Wow! Can you walk around on it yet? Hope it's one on those things that looks more painful than it actually is...

Heal fast!

Thanks for checking in on me guys. I had to take three days off work to keep it elevated. Since then it's not been too bad. I can walk as long as I just walk on my heel (I have one of those big metal, foam, velcor boots). I used a cane for a few days to get around.

The doctor hasn't told me how long before I can run but I did ask him if he got it fixed good. He said "I think so" and I said "good because I'm sure going to test it!" His reply was "you runners!!!".

I've always wanted a cane...

Glad to hear the recovery is coming along good. Did running actually cause this injury or was it something else?

Why didn't you ask the doctor for one of those four wheeled walker things....you know the ones at the old folks home! (-:, (-:, (-:' . Get well soon...

I like how you posted these pictures in the future. Great pics, thanks for sharing. Glad the healing is moving ahead, praying for a quick full recovery. With the help of a 4 wheeled walker....

I hope you are healing ok just checking on you.

Hows the foot coming along?

Everything is healing well...I think. Just hobbling around with a big boot on my foot!

Hey, just checking in to see if you've started running yet. ;) Just kidding. Hope all is well!

Matt,

no but I'm hobbling really fast!

some speed work out might help the healing! just checking on you :)

that foot still looks like it hurts....whats new?

Foot is healing well. I'm still in a boot until next week I think.

Those are looking much better than last pics. Glad you are getting back.

Hey IJR, That foot sure looks better. Get some absorbine jr and use it on your foot, this stuff really works good.Have you been doing the "RICE" thing regularly on these dowgs?

Those look better than mine at this point, although that is a low threshold! Great to see the improvement.

Thanks guys...I'm trying to come back!!!

Golf clap from Montana. Nice job foot.

I bet it feels good to be back doing something again. I hope the doc had good news.

Moving is good. This should be a fun process following you getting back to your normal self. Good luck with the doc

Alright! I was tired of clicking on your blog and seeing that stitched up foot picture. No boot sounds good - easy does it and you'll be right on time to enjoy this Texas summer.

Yes!

15 miles into a marathon.. Funny stuff. That's awesome you're moving again. Foot looks great!

I assume that means the doc said things are healing well? Any time table to running? If it's not some time soon you may have to change your running blog name to IJustCrosstrain. :)

Doc says it is looking fine, just a lot of scar tissue to deal with. .. And BTW, I take offense to the "IJustCrosstrain" comment...I'm coming after you!

It's progress!

Elliptihell miles count triple when you're in a boot. Nice! Just don't overdo it. Not that you would ever think about pushing the envelope....

Oh, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

That is pretty sweet you're moving again.

Happy birthday!

life is returning, slowly but surely...Yea!

You're knocking down those elliptical miles nicely. 3 weeks are going to fly by and with all this elliptical you are going to be in nice running shape.

Good to have you back

Good to see you getting after it.

Yeah Preston.. Good stuff. Hope you're feeling good!

Have you been doing the RICE thing on that puffy foot?

Your probably one of the tougher dudes around. You do not = wuss.

You kinda need your toes for running...once the swelling goes down hopefully. Sorry you have run on the horrible elliptical...I hate that thing but it's something.

You are definitely tough in my book.

Good to see you moving. You are not a wuss. I think your problem you too tough. You ran with this injury for over a year.

That's some long-lasting swelling - did they say it would take this long to go down?

They grow up to quick. Where does the time go? Congratulations!!!! You're not losing a daughter we're gaining a son.

Congratulations, that is very exciting for your family.

Congratulations on your daughter's wedding! I hope everything goes well tomorrow. Don't step on her foot when you dance with her in your massive boot. :)

Wow!

Congrats to you both!

That is great news! Be sure to keep your tongue in your mouth for all the pictures!

Wow that pic tells how proud you must be today congrats to both of you.

Happy times! Tongue in & no twerking.

Congrats! On the miles and the wedding :)

Congratulations! Hope you enjoyed the special day & have a fast recovery.

Congratulations on your daughter getting married Preston. VERY exciting stuff. Hope you had a memorable day.

Good luck to all of you...

Sorry for all the chaos out there. My daughter's husband is in San Marcos right now and it definitely isn't pretty. Hang in there.

Wow, sorry to hear about the flooding. So glad nobody was lost and you're able to help those whose homes have flooded. Water is a powerful force of nature.

Congrats to you and the family! Stinks to follow up a wedding with the weekend we just had, glad everyone is ok.

How's the drying out going? Best wishes and prayers coming your way.

Keep up the great fight!

Hopefully everything is turning around down there. Scary stuff.

Wow, that sounds terrible! Glad to hear nobody was hurt.

thinking of you and everyone out there please keep the updates coming.

What's new with you?

Hey, have you been doing any rodeo stuff?

Hi guys,

I've been on vacation for 2-1/2 weeks. We went on a cruise in the Mediterranean (Italy, Greece, Turkey).

I still haven't been able to run. My foot is still too sore but it is getting better. I did cycling class two days on the cruise and actually ran one mile on the treadmill but it wasn't very good. Hopefully I'll be back in a few more weeks.

All else is good except for the 17 pounds I've gained! :-)

Cool photo! Good job logging a few running miles. Be careful. What kind of bike did you buy? Anything fancy?

Hi Rhett,

I bought a Trek road bike. Really nice bike but not the very top of the line.

I bet that trip was amazing.

Sounds like pretty good news on the foot too. Cycling will help you out with the weight too, but for the love of God, keep it under 50 mph this time!

Very cool about the running! I've been (impatiently) waiting for an update, hoping against hope that your foot would feel better soon. Looks like it's finally happening. Take it easy on the come back as you seem to only have one speed: go! And I second Joe's comment about the bike.

I'm really happy for you to get back to physical activity. Although it really bugs me that after 1 week of light eating you weighed less than me at the height of my 50M training.... I need to stop eating so much crap.

Cool, Trek makes nice bikes. I hope you enjoy it and...No crashes!

You took a cruise to Pittsburg? Awesome!

Man, be careful out there. I'm glad you're back.

Wow. Awesome picture. That kind of stuff is really fascinating. Looks like you had an awesome trip.

Madone 9? ;)

Jealous.....

Good to see you back. Be careful out there.

it's all good as long as you didn't crash it!

I have found that I need to avoid steep hills as much as possible - even with bike shoes it still puts to much strain on the foot.

At least you are able to do something now to keep from going crazy. :-)

Congrats on getting in a run! Sorry it has been a tough road for you of late.

Nice miles Preston!

So you rode your road bike, but did you rid your road bike of road-rash-inducing injuries? Hopefully. If so, good riddance!

Nice Job getting the run in - hopefully felt good to get it done!

Way to ease back into it!

Ya, when are you going out for a long ride?

Keep up the good work.....one day at a time.And you'll be back before you know it! 2 miles on a TM, I don't know how you do that!

No pain = go, really hopeful news for your foot. Once you can exercise an injury without regression, it usually seems to heal up in short order, or so my doctor relatives tell me.

So far so good on the come back. thanks guys

Good to see!

Healthy ride! Beats the couch, but not the potatoes. I like potatoes.

Trust me any movement is good when you can. nice to see. Thanks for checking on the sick man lol

Nice workout. It's amazingly hard to come back after an injury but you're doing amazing. Keep up the good work

Nice. Can't keep you down for long.

Your a good man, keep up the great comeback work!

Sweet! How is the foot feeling today?

A little sore today so I didn't run. Biking tomorrow.

Watch out he is back running. Happy for you my friend.

You look great, and a fun morning. I'm sure you have all the bike crashes out of your system by now.

Wow, pretty serendipitous! Just glad you hopped off the bike and didn't try the selfie @ 20 mph.

HA- what Joe said. I was wondering if you had stopped for the selfie! Nice miles, I like the way that worked out.

No more crashes Flat!

I was thinking I wished I had a selfie stick when I took that picture. :-)

40 miles! I didn't even run forty miles last week. Good on you, you'll be back runnin' like a crazy man really soooon!!!

Hopefully that woke you up!

luckily the cycling doesn't hurt the foot, but running still does. I'm really not sure when I'll be able to start some running training.

IJR - as you well know, it all starts out one step at a time. Put your best foot forward and Just Do It! You ran with it hurting so long, you'll be over the pain and back in stride in no time when you get back out on it!

Tom,

That's part of my problem, I don't know when it hurts too bad and I shouldn't be running.

http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20150525-whats-the-prime-of-your-life

Hey Tom,

I really liked the article, especially the comment "People in good health also enjoy about five more years of sexual activity at the end of the life." :-)

Dang foot... Good to see the miles though.

Progress is good!

I would say be careful, but I know you already know that. Looking good.

You are running!!! and biking you gonna pass most of us soon.

Thursday July 16 is tomorrow. Have you got a time machine or are you just giving us all a heads-up? Hey, be careful not to push yourself so hard you have a relapse....Ya know?

Oh ... Man, I have another day in the week! Who says you can't add any time to your life!

You may be onto something brilliant by posting on the wrong days. Nice job!

I hate having flats it messes up the whole ride. I brought me some Gator Skin tires and Mr. Tuffy tire liners and I've not flatted since. By the way nice ride and average.

I'm wondering if getting a flat tire in cycling throws you off your rhythm like having to sprint to a porta-potty when you're running. Hard to get back in a groove.

HB,

I don't think I'm ready to buy new tires since this is my brand new bike and I only have 162 miles on the tires. Actually, as I bought the bike, my wife made the bike shop upgrade the tires to a heftier style. Maybe I need to get some of those liners though.

Matt,

It's a bummer when you have a flat, yes it throws everything off.

Can you make the work week go by faster by posting in the future? That's what I want to know.

Bummer. I hate flats. I get them way too often. That's one of the many reasons why I like running over biking.

Nice mileage, sorry to hear the foot is still bugging you.

Dang, cmon foot!

Stupid foot!

Time and Love cure all.....Hang in there buddie...

Solomon has a great stiff-soled shoe. I tried the Salomon XT Wings 3 and loved them but they were too wide in the toe box for me and gave me blisters. But they were very stiff. Try that or another trail-running shoe. Or maybe Justin Ropers...

Thanks for the advice Russ but Justin Ropers don't have enough arch support.

Faith without works is dead.....Be strong!

Hmm, not sure on the shoes. Sorry about the extended timeline...90% by this fall ain't too bad though. It's miserable hot right now anyway.

IJR, because of the the rocky terrain I'v been running on lately, I've been running in Sportiva Trail shoes. They have a rock plate in the bottom and are therefore very stiff. I imagine any trail shoe with a rock plate in it will give you a similarly stiff shoe.

I don't know about the shoes either, but these other guys sound smart. 90% in 3-4 months sounds great!

Sounds nice and easy. Perfect. Good update from what the doc said, glad to hear he didn't curb anything just set some (tough) expectations. You'll get back to form and have a great Boston, I'm confident of that, so that means you'll hit your stride in the months before.

Glad you're getting after it again. You've had a rough go of it lately. I agree with Russ and look forward to running a couple of warm-up miles with you a day or two before Boston 2016!

Bring yourself back to speed gently....

It seems a daunting task. At this point I'm wondering how I ever ran that fast.

Once you get over the foot thing and can run consistently your speed will return quickly to what you used to do.

Does the foot seem ok now, after your 7-miler?

I'll bet you got thru your 16.25 miles on monday a bunch faster than I did my 18 on sunday...

Joe,

No difference...no improvement, no set-back.

Tom,

But I was probably more tired than you even though I rode a bike and you ran. :-(