I'm back on track for the 75+ for RLS!

Joseph Kenney here and I'm back! Yes, I've been away for some time due to a few injuries. Shortly after my last blog post I not only re-injured my right knee but injured my left knee as well. I was devastated and had a very difficult time knowing I would be unable to complete my 75 miles for RLS.  It turned out my right knee was no worse than before. I was suffering from an additional I.T. band strain but the patellar tendon was still in the same shape. My left knee, however, is now damaged but the tendon tear is much smaller than on the right side. Additionally the misalignment of the patella is causing quite a bit of pain.  I contacted the filming crew in NY and informed them of my injuries and cancelled the filming project. It was a decision that has plagued me since.  Lance Armstrong was said that pain is temporary and quitting is forever. It was this quote that has re-ignited my passion for completing this RLS run. I am still preparing to complete the 75 miles. I may not be able to run it but will certainly complete the distance no matter how long it takes. Those suffering from RLS at night have no option to quit in the middle of the night nor should I have the option to quit. My training has changed dramatically since I'm unable to do much with my legs at this point. I continue to focus on visualization and working my upper body. I would appreciate your prayers and support in the coming weeks.  

Please check out a few of the projects I have been working on at www.whatisrls.org. 

75 + For RLS: Tough Day.

75 + For RLS: Tough Day.

Tough Day.

This morning's training didn't go as planned. I've become accustomed to making last minute changes due to illnesses / injuries but this morning's run was one I would like to forget. I left home at 3:30 am for what was planned as a 6 hour run. The primary objective was to simply lengthen the time on my feet ant the secondary objective was mileage.  I felt great for the first 6 miles and then I started to feel my shin splints coming on. My left shin was in severe pain by the end of mile 7.  It was bad enough by mile 8 that I turned around and started heading back home. This is something I've never done and speaks volumes for the discomfort I was in.  As I headed back home I decided to keep moving forward. My mind was battling against itself for the next 10 miles when I started experiencing additional trouble in my right knee.  It appeared my body was finally giving in. My left shin was screaming with pain and my torn patellar tendon was calling it quits. I called upon even ounce of courage I had and pressed on the next 8 miles. I did finish 26.2 miles or marathon distance but I didn't hit my original objective of 6 hours. I finished today's training in 3 hours and 55 minutes. It would appear my body needs a break from the running. I will sit down with Rye as well as my Doctors to discuss the next few weeks and my plans for the RLS run in September.  

Egg Whites and Ham

Today's upper body workout included bench press, bent over rows, lat pull downs, shoulder press, dumbbell flies, curls and an ab workout. We did the ab exercises in sets of 75. Yes, 75 reps for a set. Again building off of and focusing on the # 75!  The workout included traditional crunches and v-ups with a medicine ball. 

Rye has been great to work with and I recommend each of you take the time and check out his website at www.ryefit.com. I would also ask that you take the time to read an excerpt from his new book "Egg Whites and Ham" and then order a copy for yourself as well as a close friend or family member.

To Film or Not Film...that is the question!

I received an offer last Thursday from an ad agency in New York to film the 75 miles for RLS run in September. I have mixed feelings on the issue. On the one hand it will help accomplish what I set out to do and that is raise awareness for RLS. On the other hand it will cloud the solitude that I wibut shed to preserve in the run for awareness. It's entirely possible that the filming will distract me from focusing on finishing and my original intent for running this distance. I have much to discern.

Today's training was a lower body recovery workout that included squats, romanian dead lifts, good mornings, lunges and ab workout.  Rye backed off the weight but left enough resistance to still have meaningful benefits.

Today's therapy included low level laser balancing between the right knee and right cerebellum. Additionally we utilized color therapy & blinking light glasses to help balance my natural right side dominance.

Duct Tape!

Hello from Nebraska. Joseph Kenney with another training update. I'm suffering from shin splints in my left leg. We shot the legs with the laser therapy and my therapist applied 10 inches of kinesiology tape on both my left and right shins. This tape is amazing stuff and adds considerable stability. It's the next best thing to Duct Tape! The therapist utilized electrical stimulation to my right knee as well as the low level laser therapy to balance out the cerebellum and the knee. 

Many of you have asked how best to support or participate in the 75 miles for RLS Run in September.  The RLS foundation in Rochester, MN has a very dedicated staff that has given me tremendous support this past year.  They have established an area on their site discussing my run. Please go to www.rls.org and search for Moonlight Walk for more information. The Restless Leg Foundation is the best source for current information regarding advances in research and medication for those of us battling this monster each and every night.

I discovered a great site for anyone suffering from RLS that is looking for exercise options.  Check out www.stanford.wellsphere.com for great training tips, discussions and support for the RLS community!

A Marathon for the 4th of July

Happy 4th of July from the Heartland. Joseph Kenney here blogging after a refreshing 26.50 miles on the 4th of July.  The purpose of this morning's run was to simulate my strategy for the RLS run.  My plan this morning was to eat every 5 miles and take in 12 ounces of fluid.  As for the hills? I took them pretty easy but quickly picked up the pace on the flats and downhills. It was evident at the 2 hour mark that my mind is much stronger than my body. I clearly need to focus on putting more time on the road but I'm appreciative of the visualization training working as I was told it would.  No more training today and my hats off to all of my fellow veterans past and present that have given service to our country. I am a 4th generation service member and graciously served 8 years in the armed forces. I've served in 3rd world countries and am so thankful for what we have. I hope you are too. Happy 4th of July!