Good luck! 🙂
blog
As most of you know, the last time I raced was a dismal performance at the 2014 New York City Marathon. The race was a bit of a disaster, but I felt lucky to come off it without any real soreness or injury. About a month after NYC I started to get back at it and doing easy track sessions. I started to feel some pain in my knee. At first I could manage it, but after spending most of December cross training and patching together runs, I realized something was very wrong. In January I was having surgery on my meniscus. This was a blow to my psyche and was not how I had envisioned starting 2015.
I was not thrilled being stuck in bed after surgery.
I started my comeback from surgery as quickly and as safely possible. Then I had a setback when we had the snowiest February on record. My knee was not happy about all the slipping, and I had to back off and cross train again. During this time I made a promise to my coaches. As soon as the knee swelling went down, I would come back as slowly as they wanted. I would be silly conservative and I wouldn’t push anything. My goal is to make a third Olympic team in 2016, so why would I be worried about rushing into fitness now? The new goal became to not have another injury from February 2015 until the Olympic Marathon trials in February 2016. The last time I was healthy for a full year? That would be 2009, before my son was born.
Things have been going great and I have really been enjoying my training and running. I have backed off in mileage and shifted to try to get a little speed back. I had no intention of racing anytime soon, but the last few weeks I’ve felt pretty good and started to get an itch to get out on a track and see where I am at. So, I am racing the 5,000 meters tomorrow night at the Hoka One One Middle Distance Classic. I am not expecting to run the world standard of 15:20 or to even qualify for the national meet by running 15:26. My hope is to run something around 15:40, dip my toe into the racing waters, get information, and go back to Boulder to put in more work. I am excited to be spiking up, but this is the very first step in a long road back from nearly 5 years of injury and frustration. Yes, I am hoping to only run within 45 seconds of my 5,000 meter personal best, but for me I am excited. I am healthy, my training has been consistent, and I am happy. As long as I stay this way, the next year could be my best in a long time. Thanks for the support as always and hope you are doing great in your endeavors as well! -Kara
Right before the stitches came out!
Good luck! 🙂
All the best Kara.
Good luck on your race, Kara! Always rooting for you. You are an inspiration!
Hi Kara! That is great to hear you are recovering well and getting back to racing. I am having surgery on my meniscus next week, and I am very nervous how it will affect my running in the future. Did it take you while to get back to running after surgery? Now that it’s been a few months do you notice it during or after runs? Thanks for being such a fighter and inspiring me to keep my head up in times of injury! Best of luck—catie:)
Good luck. Keep inspiring, keep running, stay healthy.
You got this! Thank you for being honest and real about where you’re at, it inspires me to keep moving towards my goals!
Kara, I JUST got injured and sidelined for almost two months. Thanks for sharing this, it was just what I needed to hear (I’m wrapping my pity party up as we speak :)). Have a great run!! We are all cheering for you!
Good luck with the race and hoping for your continued healing so that we will see represent our country again.
I needed to read about being smart in training right now. Thanks for sharing this and GOOD LUCK!
My 18 yr old daughter is passionate about running but has suffered through one injury after another, and has watched one track and cross country season after another be thrown away. Kara, your blog is an inspiration for her! Because of your honesty in sharing your experiences, both physical and emotional, my daughter is finding it easier to stay positive and continue to look forward. She is learning to take the good with the bad and to not let the setbacks define who she is as a runner or as a person. Her passion for running is as strong as ever! Thank you so much for the positive impact you have on young women and young athletes. I hope you know what a difference you make.
Hammer a nice comfortable race pace. The journey continues.
You’re a rock star, Kara! Congrats and good luck! Sending good vibes your way:)
Best wishes. Your determination is admirable. I recal your new year’s resolution to focus and train like the pro that you are. I am sure that you will achieve your goals and not only quslify for the olympics in 2016..but you can medal. Got for it…smartly.
Much love from a flock runner. I am right there with you on a super conservative comeback. I had my first “workout” in about 6 weeks tonight, after a few rounds of prolotherapy in my leg. Just a few laps in the pool but it was magic, as I’m sure your race will be tomorrow night. Big things in the future make the temptation of right now bearable. Head up, wings out!
Run smart and enjoy your race! #runhappy
So so so so excited to hear you’re racing! i can’t wait to watch and see how well you do! Good luck! CHEERING from PA!
If there is a person who can come back strong, that would be. You have strong desire, strong will and resiliency. Be smart and take your time in your return. All the best and I believe you will make the Olympic Team.
good luck with your race! You are an amazing inspiration!!!
Good luck! I tore hamstring 5 years ago after qualifying for Boston and NYC marathons (at age 58!). The recovery is slow and running non-existent at times. All kinds of treatment but ultimately, perseverance and willingness to keep trying at this incredible sport gets me through the pain and, at times, despair. You inspire many!
Good Luck! You are one of my running Hero’s and glad to know that you are taking the time to heal properly. Does anyone know if this race is going to be available to watch online? I love watching the elites compete.
Good to have a modest goal… good luck
Love it! Wings out and have fun!
Hi. I’ve followed you for a very long time. I am only a year younger than you, but developed a nerve condition that prevents me from ever running again. I was not an amazing runner, but I could medal in normal 5ks, and I really loved it. I’m happy to be able to simply walk again, but I’m so glad you get to run still.
I’m totally rooting for you. I hope that you have a great time, learn a lot, and come away feeling successful. I wish I could have the jitters of waiting for the gun to go off. Enjoy it!
I have meniscus surgery scheduled for June 1st. Will also follow docs orders to be back by the fall I hope!
Hope to see you on the Olympic stage again soon.
Kara hearing you being patient and positive After 5 years of injury is really helping me as I just past 1 year of not running due to an injury. At times I wonder if I will ever run again.. I miss it like mad. So thanks for being so open, honest and an inspiration.
I think at age 38 it is time for you to step off the track…and get a real job.
Kara, I just found your blog and I LOVE it. You are inspirational. I look forward to seeing you on the Olympic stage!
Kara, please know that you are amazing. You don’t have to prove a single thing to a single person. Run free, and with joy, and with the confidence that comes from staying true to yourself. You will fly!
Thanks for the inspiration Kara! You give me hope ; ) All the best with your journey! Hope to see you in Rio!
You are inspirational! This will be your best year yet, I know it!
chasingoliviacrew.wordpress.com
Run with your heart Kara and you will do awesome. I am cheering for you!
P.S. I just read the rude comment from Kevein and your reply. Don’t listen to that jerk. He is just jealous and doesn’t even deserve to be on your website . Motherhood is a full time job in itself. I know as I have a young son too. And to train for the Olympic Trials Marathon is even more than a full time job. I totally admire you for that. You have an extreme talent and gift and you will make that podium at the Olympic Trials. I wish you the best of luck!!!
America is lucky to have you. You are awesome! Train hard and “Rock you” at the Olympic Trials!!
Comments