Turf Toe

I have self diagnosed turf toe.  Google says it'll be a pain for 2-3 weeks plus rehab.  Luckily it doesn't hurt when I ride.  So I ride.  Or at least, that was the plan... I've had a rough week.  Regardless, things happened.  And here's a sampling.

The turf toe appeared on Thursday morning when I woke up.  I had no indication that anything that I did the night before caused it.  Coach Scott asked me to be specific, but I didn't feel any pain when I went to bed.  It could have been caused by the one legged squats I did the day before (my big toe is activated quite a bit for stability) or maybe it happened while coaching (a bit of speed work).  My best guess though, is that I was chasing rabbits in my dreams and sprained it then.

The summer marathon team made its way to Clinton, NJ to represent BK in a 15K out there.  They rocked it.  I was planning on running it, and PRing, but the toe, oh the toe.  So I watched and cheered and took some pretty sweet pics instead.  I probably sound like a broken record, but I love being a part of these TNT teams and this season is no exception.  Witnessing the evolution of these individuals as they transition from Jell-O to athletes is pure joy.  Seriously, look at these smiles.

We rule.

I tackled 74 miles on my bike on Sunday.  That's the longest I've gone so far.  It felt pretty good, though the hills totally sucked at the end.  I'm sure that's due to a mix of conditioning and fueling.  Probably also pacing on the hills going out.  I should talk to the coaches about that.  Maybe even show up to a cycling GTS.  Yeah, that'd be smart. 

Today's 70 miles were hard.  Maybe it was because I haven't been on the bike since last weekend's 74.  Or maybe it was because I was wicked dehydrated or because I didn't actually eat dinner last night.  Probably all of these things and more.  But it was my most "efficient" outing- meaning I didn't get lost this time.  I averaged 14.3 mph while moving and it took me 5 hours and 16 minutes door to door.

That's the Tappan Zee Bridge.  Yup, I rode that far, and back.

 On Monday we practiced sighting during swimming GTS.  I learned that I am not very good at it. My momentum is disrupted too much.  I don't have much to begin with so I have to get better at this.  While swimming, Coach Meghan asked, "Can you breathe on the other side at all?"  She called me out.  I guess I'm pulling to one side when I swim and she's worried that I'll veer off and hit a boat or something while I'm in the Hudson.  I can, but I'm not as confident with the not-drowning thing.  I feel a bit more panicky.  She encouraged me to keep practicing.

On Friday, I got in another mile time test (well, 64 laps... not exactly a mile).  It felt awful.  Inefficient. Hard.  So about halfway through, while I was taking 21 strokes per lap and when it was clear I wasn't going to beat my last time- even though I should be able to- I decided to just switch to alternate side breathing and practice getting comfortable.  I did have to pop up a few times and I did choke a couple times.  But I was cruising at 17-19 strokes per lap and I actually did beat my time in the end.  Ok ok, I get it.  This is more efficient.  I'll practice.

Lauren Antonucci of Nutrition Energy led another, more in depth nutrition clinic on Thursday.  It was an hour well spent.  She ran us through potential nutrition plans for our event, discussed the math of it all, and... and... wait for it... encouraged us to eat solid food!  Yes, my dreams are coming true.  She even specifically suggested rice balls.  Hell yes to rice balls!  I'm totally on that.  We discussed front-loading calories (eating more at the beginning knowing that you may not want to take anything in later), sweat rates, salt needs (things I unfortunately learned the hard way), and some fuel options out there.  Did you know there's some customizable fuel that you can order on line?   Sounds fancy.  Too fancy.

Also, I have a wetsuit now.  This shit is getting real.

Today is day 11 with the toe sprain.  It feels much better.  If I were in the NBA playoffs right now (*cough* Jeremy Lin), I'd play.  But I'm not, so I'll continue to rest it.  I hope to be running by Wednesday.