What Happens when a strength althlete runs 26.2 miles?

June 28, 2010 / Skylar Pond

Rock ‘N’ Roll Timeline:

December 12th 2009- The last time I ran further than a mile- At that time it was as far as I’d ever run: 5 miles for time down 48th to Lowman Park.

October- February 2010- Began training in earnest for the Crossfit Games. Read Mark Rippetoe’s Starting Strength, and Practical Programming. Abandoned all cardio conditioning and focused on my barbell weakness with Texas method linear progressions on all major lifts.

March 2010-Present- After the NW Crossfit Sectionals, began training at Crossfit West Seattle in a strength cycle that runs at 100% intensity for <20 durations. Runs kept under 800 meters and usually loaded down with heavy awkward objects.

May 2010- Got crazy idea to attempt the Rock N Roll Marathon in June- Looked into it- sold out already- forgot about it.

Thursday, June 24th- Research for a blog posting on barefoot running and cheap shoes- Planted seeds in my mind that will later cause me significant physical discomfort.

6 am Friday, June 25th (three days ago)- Participate in my Friday morning patient metcon (The Sevens: 7 rounds for time- 7 #60 d-bell thrusters on each side/ seven inverted burpees.) After which a friend talks me into baniditing/stealing the marathon the next day. (Thanks Jimbo)

Noon Friday, June 25th- Score a marathon bib for $50 on craigslist.

Seriously consider acquiring “running gear.”
Stop by CFWS for support: bought a book to record heavy lifting in. What was I here for again?

7-11pm, Friday June 25th- Date night with Alicia: Nachos, margarita, and Shutter Island.

The Run

7am Saturday, June 26th- Run the Rock N’ Roll with a goal of 4 hours. Someone told me that was “good” and I’m “good” right?

Gear:

The same cheap Nike indoor soccer shoes that I’ve been training in for the last 6 months
A sleeveless Pineapple Classic shirt
Awesome knee-high tube socks

Mile 1-5: Awesome.

Mile 6-10: New PR for distance ran. Trochanter and TFL pain. Still tolerable but noticeably less awesome.

Mile 11-14: Severe foot pain. Experience violent mood swings, bipolar peaks of ecstasy and agony. Re-evaluate my life and abandon initial delusional goals of a 4 hour finish.

New goal: Keep running.

Mile 15: Significant hunger and desperation. Physical and emotional distress. Saved by angel with salvation in a large shining bowl of Gummie Bears.

Mile 16-20: Fight my way uphill joyously chewing gummies.

Mile 21: Locking cramps set in: lose all motor control of my lower
extremities. Develop a new gait- Zombie/ Frankenstein/ Ben Johnson. Begin to receive concerned looks and frantic encouragement from strangers.

Mile 23.5: Break down and walk for the first time.

Mile 24-26: Uphill? Seriously? Head down. Elbows out bull rush for the finish line. This was a super-slow motion bull rush though. (Picture a geriatric power walker chasing down an adversary who has stolen their orthopedic shoes.)

Mile 26: While geriatricbullrushing down the hwy 99 off-ramp toward the finish line, catch inspiration from a WAY FIRED UP Sean O’Donnell.

11:30am, Saturday, June 25th- Finish in 4 hours, 30 minutes, 12 seconds- engulfed by medical staff “Really I’m fine.” who promptly quarantine me in the medical tent as if buffoonery were a contagious disease.

11:31am, Saturday, June 25th- Swear-off cardio forever. Look forward to returning to strength program when I can walk again.

Monday June 28th- Ice feet and heinous blisters continuously. Write ridiculous time-line blog and plan for next act of physical buffoonery/ marathon.

Conclusion #1: The Crossfit Football style training that we do at CFWS is sufficient cardiovascular conditioning to do anything.

Conclusion #2: Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should.

Conclusion #3: My gym needs Gummie Bears.

Skylar Pond

Dr. Skylar Pond is a sports medicine chiropractor in Seattle, Washington. sportsmednw.com

Posted in Blog, training

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Matthew Rangel 2 months ago

I can't say enough great things about my experience with Dr. Skylar Pond! As someone who's active and always looking to stay at my peak performance, I came in with some hip and mobility issues that had been holding me back. From the moment I walked into their clinic, I felt the genuine passion they have for helping people achieve their best physically.

Their approach is unlike any other chiropractor I've been to. I had used the Ring Dinger , which, to put it simply, was life-changing! After just one session, I felt an incredible release in my hips—almost like they were unlocked. I walked out feeling taller, lighter, with more flexibility and a confidence in my movement I hadn't felt in ages. It's like my swagger is back, and it feels amazing to be this mobile and pain-free!

Dr. Skylar Pond is extremely knowledgeable, always explaining each technique and how it benefits the body. He goes beyond just the adjustment, tailoring advice on stretches and strengthening exercises to keep things aligned and moving well. It's clear that their priority is long-term health and performance, not just a quick fix.

If you're an athlete, someone who just wants to move better, or even if you’re just curious about what chiropractic care can do for you, I highly recommend Dr. Skylar Ponds office, Sport Medicine Northwest.

...

Nick Richardson 3 months ago

Dr Pond is the best Chiropractor I’ve ever been to and a fantastic guy as well. I had a disk herniated in lower back went to him for the Ring Dinger and got unbelievable results. I’ve sent my family and friends to him and same thing. Basically eliminated years of complex back pain and problems. Unbelievable and couldn’t speak highly enough of everything they do.

Jennifer Curtis 4 months ago

Dr J and the whole team over at Sports Medicine NW have been amazing. They have helped me to move again. I am regaining strength that I once had. I feel heard when I am there. I would highly recommend them.

Erika Ray 6 months ago

Dr. J and the whole team are amazing!

Cindy Abrahamson 9 months ago

I’ve never in my life experienced anything more exhilarating and freeing than I did with Dr. Pond and the Ring Dinger! I’ve been in the Army for 14 years and I’ve just been in so much pain from my neck, shoulder blades, and lower back. Years of rucking, running around with heavy equipment and, lifting wrong has taken a toll on my body. I couldn’t sleep due to the extreme pinching in my neck. My PCM keeps telling me to see physical therapy and stretch and nothing seemed to take the pain away.

I did a little deep dive and found Dr. Pond and his technique of decompression using the Ring Dinger. I’ve seen nothing but amazing results from people who have had this done so I decided to jump on in and give it a try!

My first appointment was absolutely euphoric. I would describe it as a “life changing” experience. The extreme lower back pain was completely gone and the whole upper back/neck pain went from an 8 to a 2. It literally took my breath away because I haven’t felt pain free for over 10 years. I slept like a baby for the first time in over 5 years and woke up rejuvenated.

My second appointment was scheduled 2 weeks out and was just as amazing as the first adjustment! I knew what to expect and it decompressed the remaining dull/achy pain in my neck.

I went back for my last adjustment the following week and let me tell you…. I felt like a million bucks when I walked out of that office! I feel like I’ve lost 10 years of pain and can live my life again.

I just want to say if you’re in constant aching, excruciating, or even pinching pains.. go see Dr. Pond. Go get the Ring Dinger done! You won’t regret it. You don’t have to live a life with constant pain. It’s not normal so don’t make it the norm!

I’ll be making quarterly visits to just keep my old bones aligned! You can’t put a price on your physical and mental health. This has been absolutely life changing. I’ve been telling my military friends who struggling with extreme back pains and they are all excited to give it a go!

Streaky Bacon 9 months ago

My father who has been to over 30 chiropractors in his life said that Dr J is the best he’s ever been too and has started making the 3.5 hour drive from across the state to see her. She also always compliments me on my sweet drip so she gets bonus points on top of helping me through my recovery process on my back. Anyone who hasn’t had the “Ring Dinger” needs to look into it because it is life changing!

Vincent P 9 months ago

I am a 31 y/o guy who has suffered from chronic back pain for 15 years. I have done everything from high end chiro, physical therapy, acupuncture and sports message on a regular basis with zero relief. I had a dull ache (3 out of 10 pain) literally 24/7 no matter what position I was in. I was even tested for ankylosing spondylitis because nothing else had helped!

This inescapable discomfort had been grinding me down for over a decade and was slowly eroding my will to live. I even considered getting street drugs to help with the pain.

I can honestly say without hesitation that the Ring Dinger has saved my life. After the very first treatment (1 of 3) the ache was GONE. Not even a lingering or intermittent sensation remained between my appointments. I am writing this after completing all three of the decompression treatments and I have zero discomfort for the first time in 15 years. And yes the relief lasts…. Dr. Pond and his team have everything you need to feel and stay well. This place is the last-stop-shop!

Amber Wagner 4 year ago

Skyler is truly gifted. He takes his practice seriously and has an exceptional talent. He's extremely friendly and genuine. His office offers a wide variety of services. Originally I found his office because I was seeking graston, but that's just the tip of the iceberg. His rehabilitative approach and knowledge will keep you loyal to his office. And if for some reason you injure yourself, he will absolutely find time to see you. I cannot say enough about his talent. Thanks for getting me moving again!

What Happens when a strength althlete runs 26.2 miles?

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