Good Ol' Running Stupidity Syndrome (RSS)

Two weeks ago, I came down with a case of Good Ol' "Running Stupidity Syndrome," or what I refer to as "RSS."

It was a mild Sunday morning and I had no major commitments aside from writing training programs for coaching clients. So, I decided to go for a long run (10-16miles), which I often do every 7-10days. After my usual ten minute fitness walking warm up, I broke into a conversation pace run, which initially took me along Lake Washington Blvd before heading through the Arboretum near the University of Washington. Upon exiting the Arboretum, I arrived at the base of 24th Ave, which is a long hill (~1.5miles) that is relatively steep (~7-8% avg incline). 

Up to that point in my run, I was maintaining a solid clip before having to contend with "The Monster." While it's not the steepest hill in Seattle, it's definitely a long, arduous climb along uneven pavers from start to finish. Despite having done this run in the past, I never completed the entire hill in a continuous manner because it's a beast. For some odd reason, however, I was feeling motivated and courageous and decided to run the entire hill at a relatively fast pace as a test of mental fortitude. Amateur hour!

As I fought my way to the top of the hill, I felt a sense of accomplishment and was finally on the homestretch as the rest of the run was predominantly downhill or at least level. This was not my longest run in 2015, but the most challenging between hills and pace.

After arriving home, I took care of some errands and light yard-work before finally dialing things back. Early that evening, however, I started to experience pain and tightness along the inner aspect of my foot and ankle region just below the bony part of the inside of my ankle. Right then and there, it became readily apparent that I was dealing with a case of RSS. 

To offset my poor decision making, I was forced to rest the next 2 days (by some standards not classified as a "running related injury"). Fortunately, I was able to cycle, lift, and swim as these activities did not reproduce any symptoms beyond a 1-2//10 discomfort with a few lower body movements.

So, the next time you are interested in having an overly ambitious training session or happen to feel unusually motivated, air on the side of caution. Longevity in running demands consistency, sound decision making, time for adaptation, and understanding it as a skill. 

Onward!