YHC thought about putting out a poll sometime ago to see how many people thought that YHC has run a Half Marathon or more. Never did (though many people thought that YHC had), but finally signed for the Kinetic Half. Only to have it canceled due to the recent pandemic 2 days before the race. YHC hadn’t really run more than one hour in quite a long time, so knew it would be a challenge! Was really looking forward to doing the event and checking that box! Other PAX had been training for their first Marathon. There was talk of doing it virtually around Greenville. YHC figured if they are going to do a Full, then YHC could do Half with them and check that box!
So on March 28th it was set. YHC told String Bean, he would join him on his 2nd Half of the Marathon and would meet at 0730. YHC rolls out of bed around 0700 and sees 2 missed calls and messages from String Bean that he may be early and to get there sooner. YHC left the house without shoes and socks on (would put them on, on the way). Got to the launch around 0720, String got there around 0730. He wanted to make sure YHC was there. First lap of the Half wasn’t bad. Was trying to keep String motivated for the last lap and found out YHC was getting slower and slower. It was then String who sacrificed his pace to keep YHC going and motivated. We finished, his family was cheering us on to the finish line. YHC stopped right at 13.1, no matter where the finish line was. Knew sitting down was a bad option right away, but did after awhile and didn’t think YHC would get back up with the way the muscles were firing. We also had 3 other guys complete their first Marathon (Aquaman, Hot Spot, and Silverback). Half-Pipe ran the second half with Aquaman and Spalding ran a 3/4 Marathon (ran the first half, took a break, and ran the last lap). Really awesome to complete this these guys! Fleet Feet also had a few PAX running a Marathon (including Harry Potter, T-bone’s M ran along side of him during stretches).
YHC knew a shower would feel good and icing would be necessary! The rest of the day was a struggle, but knew there would be some recovery time. Put out the post on Social Media and tagged Kinetic due to it being their event. They said YHC should come in to get the knee straight. Decided to go to Chiropractor on Monday and he said that YHC was really out of whack! Later that day the discomfort was a little more than before, due to things being out of aligned and then YHC trying to use the right side now that they were. Being as stubborn as YHC can be, didn’t try to make an appointment till that Friday with Kinetic. They set one for Monday and YHC was ready! Got the confirmation call on Sunday. Then about an hour later, they called and said they would be closing for awhile due to the Pandemic. Thankfully, we have a PAX that is a Physical Therapist. YHC texted him and he set a virtual appointment for Tuesday. Since Virtual was the only option it would have to due. Crazy Horse has a good plan and puts YHC through the ringer every week (had third appointment today). Last week during the appointment, he even had YHC get on the bike and video (he shared it on Instagram). HIGHLY recommend using Youngs Physical Therapy if you are feeling ANY issues (heard other guys rave about them before and now YHC will)! Hoping to get some “hands-on” treatment soon…
Stretch put out on Twitter that some PT ECU Students were looking to due some studies on a runner with an injury. YHC fit that build and reached out. They wanted YHC to do a video of running about 20 yards vertically out and back, also horizontally. YHC has chosen due to the discomfort to not run since the Half. Did the running for the video and it actually felt ok. Met virtually with the Students on Saturday and did some new exercises and they gave YHC some homework. YHC also gave them access to his Apple Workouts and followed on Strava. Will meet with the Students again tomorrow for their final assessment.
YHC asked the One Million Dollar question to Crazy Horse at the end of today’s session. Asked if YHC could try running again. Crazy Horse’s reaction was priceless. He said, “that’s the F3 coming out in you.” He understands that it’s somewhat more mental then physical. He gave YHC a modified plan that will be started ASAP…
Backstory of YHC’s injury. In the Summer of 1993, YHC was in a Gus Macker Basketball tournament (3 vs 3) in his hometown of Kalamazoo, MI. Trash talking was on from the other team and pushed YHC to the limit. YHC came down with the ball and right knee buckled. Needed crutches to move at all. Went to the doctor on Monday, they did an X-ray and said it was just a sprain. Years later it continue to give YHC trouble. YHC worked at a local practice and they had an MRI machine. In 2002 (9 years later), YHC had an MRI and immediately they said ACL was torn. They said YHC has worse Arthritis then many 60 year old patients (YHC was only in his 30’s). YHC did the PT like a Banshee because he was missing Softball during that season. Made it back for Softball in the Fall, but still continued to have some discomfort. YHC has been back to the Orthopedist over the years and they said everything looks fine. YHC asked about the alternatives and there weren’t any. YHC asked about Knee Replacement Surgery and they said if that was done, YHC would be limited to physical activity afterwards. That’s going to be put on hold till absolute necessary. YHC has tried to do some maintenance throughout the years, whether it’s Chiropractic, some PT with Stretch, Normatec, Cryotherapy, Light Therapy, rolling, etc. Osteoarthritis is what YHC has and has made physical activity tough! On a plan that will help make YHC stronger, but hate that wasn’t here before!
Named the title of this post, Iron Man! Many of the PAX have referred to YHC as Iron Man. It’s somewhat true, often times Iron Man had to make adjustments to his armor and such is true in YHC’s case.
Want to thank all of the brothers that have reached out via in Person, Social Media, text, and phone calls! We aren’t meant to be alone and grateful for you all! YHC has really missed exercising (pandemic hasn’t helped the motivation)! YHC has done rucked and ridden the bike that’s about it since the Half (besides ALL the PT exercises).