Insoles would be helpful...
(a quick pop-culture note: apparently, Scarlett Johansson was in Tucson this week...)
It's an hour and a half drive from Tucson to the top of Mt. Lemmon in the Santa Catalina Mountains, a nearby sky island of trees criss-crossed by trails. Many acres have been charred by recent wildfires, but the mountain - and the small community of Summerhaven at the top - is springing back to life.
I decided I would be willing to spend the time and gas money to make the trip in order to get 12 miles in. I missed my Sunday run (ARGH!), and wanted to make up some miles. I wound my way up, up, up, singing along with Edie Brickell and the New Bohemians. I was excited and ready and just before I pulled into Marshall Gulch - a favorite picnic area/trailhead at the top - I realized I forgot my insoles.
I recently bought a new pair of Montrail Hardrocks, a pair of Sauconys and one pair of Superfeet insoles. One pair of insoles, to be shared between both shoes. One pair of insoles left in the Sauconys, which were at home, 90 minutes away.
I scrounged around through my car, desperately seeking something - anything - I could use for insoles. I tried stuffing some scraps of materials in my shoes, but it didn't work. I slowly lowered myself back into the car, and as I wound my way back down, down, down the mountain, the empty silence of the car was broken by my sobs.
Melodramatic? Yes. And so heartfelt. I was heartbroken. I wanted and needed that run. I am worried to death about not running enough for my upcoming 50k. I am worried about time and about money and about the fact that gas costs $3.06 per gallon. I am stressed out, at my wit's end with some personal things, and I needed space. I needed the meditation, the release, the comfort and endorphins from that run, and I didn't get it. I did get a good cry, though.
On a more positive note, I did manage to get out for 8 miles after work one day this week, which was nice. I headed out - even though it was 90 degree heat. I went to Sabino Canyon, where I saw five deer, a gila monster and I heard some sort of heavy breathing/high-pitched screaming/otherworldly chill-inducing noise. Mountain lion? Doubt it at 4 pm. But to see deer at that time of day was also unusual, so who knows. I followed the run with an ice bath, which felt fantastic, although next time I'll get two bags of ice. A leg message followed by some stretching also felt great.
On that run, it felt good to be out there, even though it was hot. I needed to feel that sense of toughness, to know I was still capable of such things. I found comfort in being out there in the heat, taking precautions to keep myself cool and hydrated and my electrolytes in balance. It was like coming home, being in the heat and taking care of myself. Sometimes I need reminding that I can do this sort of thing. That I have strength. That inner core of determination and grit that has gotten me through my life, my ultras.
Too bad I couldn't use that strength to conjure up some insoles.
Comments
Oh, dear, what a bummmer...but really, next time go without an insoles, even if at some point you'd need to walk. They usually useful for downhill - remember that run I did in the Gorge not long ago with Mike and Gail and had to take insoles out? I made 27 miles in empty shoes and only one blister.
But now that you can't go back...I am so glad for 8 miles during a week! That's a biggie! You just take one step at a time, you'll be ready. Love and hug to you. I saw you in my dream last night, like I am calling you - must have sensed a post:)
Posted by: olga | May 25, 2007 03:00 PM
I know exactly the emotions you speak of. Next time will be better! I do recommend one of the foam rollers for your hip...it's at least worth a try!
Posted by: Javamom | May 25, 2007 03:28 PM
I gotta say forgetting just the insoles is much worse than forgetting the shoes entirely. I'm glad you ended up getting in a run, even though it was freakin' hot.
Don't forget the pop tarts tomorrow.
Posted by: Mike | May 25, 2007 03:38 PM
I'm with Olga - I probably would have just gone without, and see what happens. Too late for advice now, though...
Hang in there with the training. I hope things come together for you soon.
Posted by: Donald | May 25, 2007 05:28 PM
Sorry your run didn't work out :( I know you will do well though in your upcoming 50k!
So... I learned last fall that mountain lions actually start coming out in the later afternoon. I used to think not until after sunset but that's not always true. It was good to know so now I am more alert in the afternoon that I might have been before I learned that...
Posted by: Jessica | May 25, 2007 06:23 PM
Angie,
I have one pair of superfeet for two pairs of shoes too. I'm always afraid I'm going to end up away from home and discover I left them in the other shoes. That is such a bummer. I'm beginning to think it might be worth spending the $$ on the second set of insoles.
And, gas here today was $3.35 - down from $3.42 a week ago. Dang, that's spendy!
Posted by: backofpack58@yahoo.com | May 25, 2007 07:21 PM
Whenever I venture to wear "pretty" shoes (which is not often) I positively panic about the thought of forgetting, finding out only when I am at the gym or heading out for my run.
The things we go through, eh?
Posted by: Sarah Elaine | May 26, 2007 07:04 AM
Whenever I venture to wear "pretty" shoes (which is not often) I positively panic about the thought of forgetting, finding out only when I am at the gym or heading out for my run.
The things we go through, eh?
Posted by: Sarah Elaine | May 26, 2007 07:04 AM
You CAN do it! : )
I use the superfeet insoles too, but only for my road shoes. Maybe you can keep the insoles that come with your shoes in the trunk, just in case.
Posted by: Sarah | May 26, 2007 09:20 AM
That doesn't sound melodramatic to me. We all have our moments. Sorry you missed out on your run, but I'm sure you'll catch the mileage soon.
Posted by: Renee | May 26, 2007 10:49 AM
Aww Ang... I am so sorry for the stress, the stormy feelings, the lack on insoles... just everything taht you are going through right now.
(((hugs)))
Posted by: RunnerGirl | May 26, 2007 12:09 PM
Yeah... I once stood at a trail head, looking up at Mount Rainier holding two left boots (I don't know why, but I have two identical pairs of hiking boots). That sucked. I know how you must have felt.
Posted by: Runningdoctor | May 26, 2007 06:25 PM
I don't know a whole lot about insoles, but I'm betting that if they were that important, then you made the right call in not running without them. Getting an injury is going to set your training back a whole lot more than missing one run.
And yes, we all have those moments...no matter how hard we try not to admit it...
Posted by: Chad in the Arizona Desert | May 27, 2007 08:51 PM
8 miles in 90 deg heat?1? You're one tough cookie. Glad to see that you were able to bounce back from that momentary "setback" with the forgotten insoles incident. You're doing great! Go PCT 50K!
Posted by: E-Rod | May 27, 2007 09:47 PM
I know what you mean about the gas thing (which is higher here, but it's all relative). I guess I should be grateful I just use shoes and no insoles.
I used to think Scarlett J. was one of the more grounded actresses, then I read about how she threw a super fit because the airport took her tube of red lipstick and she refused to get off the plane without it. Maybe she'll check into rehab to cure her extreme vanity :-).
Posted by: Anne | May 28, 2007 03:27 PM
Perhaps a 2nd set of insoles is in order, but maybe you've already thought of that. Don't despair, that run will be there the next time you need it.
Posted by: darrell | May 28, 2007 09:25 PM
Angie-
It's been too long since I've checked out your blog. And, it's been to my utter detriment.
Too bad about those insoles. If there's any consolation to be found, I'd venture to say that at least you didn't discover you were without those insoles on race day. And sometimes, without necessarily realizing it right away, those setbacks serve a useful purpose. Often enough, they make you better and stronger, if only through steeling your resolve.
It sounds as if you rebounded strongly, though. And, for that, you deserve a pat on the back.
Take care. I'll be seeing you on those trails at Javelina. They'll be that much better for your presence.
Posted by: Kirk Fortini | May 29, 2007 10:30 AM
Thanks for all the inspiration and positivity in the face of adversity.
I think I would have gone nuts and tried to run barefoot . Presumably ending up with some sort of sharp piece of wilderness stuck in the soles in my feet.
Posted by: troy | May 30, 2007 12:52 AM