Flirting with Injury on the Headwaters Trail

Lately, my runs have taken on a consistent pattern. I feel sluggish for the first mile or two and then my body suddenly wakes. Then everything pops open and loosens up.  Some people say they like running shortly after they get up in the morning so they can get going before they're fully conscious.  Morning running for me is more the equivalent of someone shaking me awake while they scream loudly.  No matter how much I try to like it and give it a chance, it doesn't return the same affections and patience.

Matt and I began with the rolling hills on our approach to the Elk River bridge.  Today more than usual, I was happy to have a gentler warmup before tackling the main hill, that 1,200 ft. climb over the next two miles.  The gentle warmup felt anything but gentle.  I swear, for the entire 28 minutes it took to reach the river, I thought to myself, This is too fast.  I'm going out too fast.  This won't end well.

Then we began our skyward climb through the recovering Redwood forest.  As we climbed the numerous switchbacks on the trail, the trees grew shorter.  Just as it appeared we would run out of trees entirely, the trail twisted into a gully and revealed towering giants once again.  Most of this was a brisk walk, giving me the same breathlessness than the track workout on Thursday did.  Matt and I marched along without saying a word.  We would have to stop to catch our breath before beginning a conversation.

Matt and I came across two other runners near the turnoff for the final loop at the top.  Later we would catch up to them on the descent.  Matt enjoyed the fact that we only came across people when we were feeling really strong.  We made this look easy.  I'm glad they didn't see me when I looked like I was melting and drenched in fresh beads of sweat.

The grove at the top is likely this hiking trail exists at all.  It is gorgeous.  Once again, as is tradition, I shout to Matt, "This is my favorite spot!!"  I was able to finally catch my breath, after nearly an hour on the trail and was enjoying myself.  The trail wove through and under the giant stumps and it was slow enough going with the corners that it felt extra easy. 

As we rounded a corner, I felt my right foot slip and I rolled my ankle.  Hard.  I heard a loud popping noise and felt the resulting instant surge of pain rush through me.  Immediately, I stopped to assess the injury.  I wiggled my ankle and the pain turned to soreness.  I began walking again and the muscles released.  Nothing was broken or torn.  (Later in the day, it seemed more like my knee took more of a hit, we'll watch it this week and see what happens.) I began running again and everything felt great.  Whew.  I often roll my ankle on trail runs, but it doesn't make a noise or hurt quite like that did.  Hopefully everything will be well for Marquette one week from today.

We continued down the trail at a nice clip, pausing only briefly for switchbacks, careful not to roll my ankle again.  When we reached the river again at mile 8, I was pretty tired but surprised to see that it was well under 90 minutes, I could PR my course time with a 10:00/mi the rest of the way.

I was careful to pace myself through the final miles, stopping to walk less than I think I ever have before.  It was beautiful.  There was also an ocean breeze filtering up the river valley and cooling us nicely.  With half a mile to go, Matt picked up the pace to challenge himself and I did the same, following a bit behind him.  I sprinted to the end and shaved about two and a half minutes from my previous best.  I'm ready for Marquette, rest up quick there right leg! I need you next weekend!

1:57:45
11 miles
10:42/mi.
about 2,000 ft. climbing

Have you ever had any close calls with injury?  
Please tell me your positive stories!  :)