Aborted Workout

My plan today was to run 10 to 12 miles this morning and then bike 25 miles this afternoon.   My Ironman training schedule only required 5 or 6 miles but I am signed up for the Kentucky Derby Festival Mini- Marathon in 3 weeks and I planned on more mileage in preparation for that.  

Normally the day before a long run and the morning of the run, I do several foot and calf exercises to prepare.   But I omitted those yesterday and this morning.  I didn't think much about it.  I felt really good and the weather was great.   The run started off great as well.    

At four miles, I still felt really good and stopped for some fluid and a gel pack.   When I resumed the run, I was having some minor problems with cramping, and shin splints and the like but with some adjustments to my form and my speed, I seemed to compensate for all of those issues.   At five miles I again had some minor discomfort which again seems to be okay with a few adjustments.   Finally at six miles, my right ankle started feeling very uncomfortable.  I tried again to compensate but after running another half mile, it was still hurting.   At that point I decided to abort the rest of the run. 

I don't really know if that was the right decision.    On one hand, these endurance events are difficult and there is a certain amount of suffering inherent in the training.   To be able to complete them, you have to get the miles in.   On the other hand, if you sustain an injury, it could be a game ender.   If you need several weeks to recover, you may be unable to participate in your event.  

I feel good about my decision.  After about a half mile, if things aren't going well, I'm not sure I want  to risk an injury that might occur if I were to go another 6 miles.    When I started walking, I discovered that not only was my right ankle hurting, my right knee, and right calf were also acting up.   I think that the 2 mile walk back to the car was good for me and I do not think that I sustained any significant injuries. 

I still think I will be able to do my 25 mile bike this afternoon.   I guess that remains to be seen but I feel good about it.   In the mean time, I plan on doing  my lower leg exercises to see if I can get that right ankle, calf and knee back in shape before the next run.

Wish me luck!  

BTW - If you have an opinion on this, I am definitely interested.  I feel like I did the right thing but I am still learning how to manage all of this.  I would be grateful for any insight or tips.   Thanks!

David