• About
    • Meet Joel
    • The IMPOSSIBLE Shirt
  • Speaking
  • Giving

IMPOSSIBLE ®

Push Your Limits | Do Something Impossible

  • Home
  • Impossible List™
  • Blog
    • Archives
  • Gear
  • Apps
    • Running + Fitness Calculators
    • Move Well – Mobility Exercises
    • Cold Shower Therapy
  • Podcast
  • Events
  • 777
You are here: Home / 777 / Recalculating

Recalculating

November 5, 2014 By Joel Runyon 29 Comments

Recalculating

A few weeks back, I went on a trip to LA a few weeks back with my best friend.

We threw our destination address into Google Maps and started following the directions for another adventure.

At one point, we missed a turn and our Google Maps monotone navigator got to announce somewhat passive aggressively, “recalculating.” Somewhat subtlety indicating that we had missed one of our turn-off points.

We had missed the mark, but sure-enough – we recalculated the next steps from where we currently were (instead of where we expected to be) and figured out how to get back on track and continue on towards our destination.

A few minutes back from our anticipated trip, but definitely nothing fatal.

If you’ve been on a road trip of any sort & used a GPS – you probably can relate. The destination hasn’t changed at all, but the routing has changed a bit.

Some people I’ve traveled with I know would get morbidly upset about missing the mark and blow it into a huge ordeal (do yourself a favor and don’t travel with these people). Luckily, I had a good travel teammate on board, so we made a joke of it every time our navigator piped up:

recalculating

Instead of it being an ordeal, it turned out to be fun.

4575979c-1

***

About a month ago, I was down in Chile running the Patagonia International Marathon.

24 miles into 40 mile race, I rounded the corner, the 25–30mph winds shifted and came at me from the side.

It blew me halfway across the road and I lost my footing heading downhill. As I did, I rolled my ankle.

I’ve rolled my ankle in the past, but this was different. I had decent momentum behind me and since I was on a downhill, I rolled my leg past my ankle and hurt it pretty badly. It was different than anything I’ve had before.

I limped for a good 3–4 miles, before realizing I still had close to a half marathon left still and kept pressing on.

As I “ran”, I could feel the tendon grinding up against the outside of my ankle before snapping back into the groove and sending a shooting pain from the bottom of my foot, through my ankle to just below my knee. Every time I went up a hill, I could feel the tendon it pop back out repeat the process.

I finished the race and was happy to have 1/7 of the races done, but I was a bit worried about my ankle (as I mentioned in the wrap-up).

I took some time off in Chile after the race and when I arrive back in San Diego, I gave it a rest for a week before deciding to test out a run.

I could barely eek out a mile.

I thought maybe it was a fluke, so I iced & stretched and did some strength work before trying it again.

I couldn’t even make it down the street – I had to see a doctor.

I hate going to the doctor.

That was about two weeks ago.

Over the last two weeks, I’ve found out that I’ve pretty well damaged my peroneal tendon (which runs from the big toe, through the ankle, to just below your knee).

To explain exactly what’s going on with my ankle – think of wrapping paper ribbon. If you yank it really hard, it doesn’t break or snap – it frays. Instead of a ribbon, that’s my tendon.

I’ve been working with a physical therapist to rehab it pretty aggressively in order to get ready for my next race in Antarctica (and another in New Zealand shortly after).

While we’ve made progress, it’s still not in a place where I can actively put pressure on it or push off of it. In other words – I can barely start running a half mile without it acting up and making me run this awkward-jokey-gait that looks like I’m more of a comedian than an athlete.

After going through the options with my doctor and seeing if there’s anything we can do to speed up recover, the only answer that’s come back is “we need more time.”

I hate that answer.

This weekend, I had to make the tough call to push the Antarctica race and the New Zealand races for the 777 project.

I was supposed to be heading to bottom of the earth in 2 weeks to run 63 miles and now I’m going to be sitting in a doctors office moving my foot from side to side.

Bit of a different itinerary eh?

MVI_3181.MOV.Still001 copy

***

The more challenging your goal, the more unknowns there tend to be. That means the more difficult goal you have, the more you’ll have to recalculate throughout the process.

I’m convinced that one of (if not the most) useful skill in life, entrepreneurship, athletics. Anything. If you want to do the impossible – you gotta recalculate constantly.

The reason is that when you start out – you have such a small idea of what is out there. There’s a ton of known knowns (things you know you know), and known unknowns (things you know you don’t know), but there’s also a ton of unknown unknowns (things you don’t know you don’t know).

You get a goal, make some plans and start working on it, but if you’re a human living in reality with any sort of ambition, it’s not long until the situation changes and you have to start recalculating.

Plans change. Situations change. Life is a constant variable. The only thing that’s constant is you.

Rapidly learning, adapting and recalculating are the only skills that apply to every situation – no matter the subject. If you can do that – you can take on anything.

Learn. Adapt. Recalculate.

But keep going.

***

I don’t have a history of getting injured. In fact, apart from some minor things I’ve had to ice over the years – I don’t have any major injuries I can recall at all.

It’s pretty embarrassing to even admit I got jacked up with a fluke injury caused by a gust of wind (okay, it was pretty strong, but still – wind!). I’d rather have a cool story about getting chased by a Puma or something.

I knew injury was going to be a factor in this project from the beginning, but I figured it’d be something like a hamstring, knee issue or some other problem from overuse. I didn’t think it’d be from a freak wind accident – but I’m rolling with it.

I cancelled some plane tickets (vouchers for the win) and am rejigging some of the schedule for the 777 project next year (we’re still on schedule to finish in 2015, but we’re working on figuring out new dates for Antarctica & New Zealand).

My days are currently packed with physical therapy, rehab, strength training and getting my tendon back to a point where I can put pressure on it & push off of it without hobbling.

In other words, I’m doing the best to do what I can, where I am, with what I’ve got.

***

2dc933e3

I think we made a couple more wrong turns along the way, but my buddy and I finally made it to our destination in LA. Despite or because of the constant prodding of the Google Maps now-familiar voice: ”recalculating. Sure, we missed our initial time frame at first, but we arrived (and had a pretty good time along the way). It was definitely the scenic route and I’m glad we didn’t call off the whole trip because of one turn.

Which is a good reminder:

Just because you missed a turn, mile marker or goal doesn’t mean the trip is over and it doesn’t mean you have to start over.

You can still keep going. You don’t have to give up. You just have to recalculate a bit. That’s what I’m doing with 777.

Barely 1 race in and I’m sidelined by a stiff breeze (are you kidding me?!).

But…

I’m working on reminding myself:

Most people don’t really fail, they just give up too soon.

I’m still in the arena and it’s not over yet. I’m just doing a bit of recalculating.

Tweet
Pin
Share
0 Shares

Filed Under: 777, Adventures, Fitness, Gritness

About Joel Runyon

I started IMPOSSIBLE to push myself to try to live a life worth writing about by pushing my limits, living an adventure & telling a great story by doing the impossible. You can get free updates in your inbox via your new favorite newsletter, free fitness training tutorials, and see all my businesses at Impossible X and our philanthropic efforts at Impossible.org

Comments

  1. Lacey says

    November 5, 2014 at 5:30 pm

    Agreed. The ability to adapt is perhaps the best quality to have/learn. You’ll get there, you always do 🙂

    Reply
  2. Kevin says

    November 5, 2014 at 5:32 pm

    Hey Joel,

    Really sorry to hear about your injury, but I love the post and your positive attitude towards recalculating and not giving up. Many people in your shoes would toss in the towel and say “This wasn’t meant to be”, but guess what, IMPOSSIBLE things rarely are meant to be! Keep up the great effort and you will complete the 777 goal!

    Reply
  3. Alan says

    November 5, 2014 at 5:34 pm

    Minor setback brother. Love the transparency…you’re going to crush this. Give you more time for fundraising and PR!

    Reply
  4. Matt Luedke says

    November 5, 2014 at 5:45 pm

    Hey Joel,
    Best of luck with your recovery. In high school track, I had a hamstring injury that would come back now and then at the worst possible times. I remember the most frustrating part was not knowing how much was mental vs. how much was physical, and if pushing through it would only make it more serious or not. It was a tough lesson for me in recalculating, so I share that with you. I hope your recovery goes well!

    Reply
  5. Todd Merkel says

    November 5, 2014 at 5:54 pm

    Hate to say it but time is the only cure for these things. Took me about 6 months to recover after a year of too many marathons, races, and long runs. It took me 6 months to recover. Since you’re young and virile, I assume you’ll be back on track in a month. But take your rest and don’t injure it

    Reply
  6. Mark says

    November 5, 2014 at 5:55 pm

    What a perfect reminder for me to see today. I’m getting better at remembering it’s the journey that makes the adventure, not just the destination. You’ve got this man. It’s just going to make the finish that much more awesome.

    Reply
  7. [email protected] and the Beach says

    November 5, 2014 at 6:19 pm

    This was just what I needed to read today. Thank you! Your race is my job/project search. I’m pushing as hard as I can and I have experienced many setbacks along the way, so I’m just going to recalculate and keep going! Hope your ankle heals soon!

    Reply
  8. Nancy Sansouci says

    November 5, 2014 at 7:23 pm

    Hang in there Joel…you’ll get there!!

    Reply
  9. Laura says

    November 6, 2014 at 12:49 am

    There is no doubt in my mind you will get there. Rehabbing a serious injury (and what you’ve done is serious) is a bear. But I bet you will come out of this even stronger than before. Best of luck!

    Reply
  10. Debbie says

    November 6, 2014 at 1:11 am

    Loved this article. I can relate cause I broke my wrist at the beginning of my most hectic skydiving season which put me out for the whole season. So gutted. Thank you for the inspirational article!

    Reply
  11. shawn maxim says

    November 6, 2014 at 1:42 am

    You’ve got the attitude correct, keep adjusting until you reach the goal my friend!

    Reply
  12. Tom says

    November 6, 2014 at 6:16 am

    Sorry to hear about the injury Joel. It sounds like you’re in the right mental position though!

    I suppose it’s important to remember when doing the impossible, that you can sometimes be knocked down by the improbable. But impossible is never supposed to happen overnight right? That’s why most people don’t even attempt it.

    Hope you have a quick recovery

    Reply
  13. Monique says

    November 6, 2014 at 6:49 am

    Thank you for this article. I do hope you recover soon. I will refer back to this whenever I think of giving up because of road blocks. I love that quote: “Most people don’t really fail, they just give up too soon.”

    Reply
  14. helen marshall says

    November 6, 2014 at 7:42 am

    thank you for writing this xxx

    Reply
  15. millia says

    November 6, 2014 at 8:48 am

    a very good motivating write-up…just what i needed at this point in my life. And its true, travel reveals the true nature of a person.

    Reply
  16. sharon says

    November 6, 2014 at 8:59 am

    Thanks for the encouraging reminder. Here’s hoping you will soon be going on track again.

    Reply
  17. Jenny Sansouci says

    November 6, 2014 at 9:01 am

    You’re awesome. And I’m glad you didn’t get chased by a Puma.

    Reply
  18. Elaine says

    November 6, 2014 at 9:55 am

    Joel, sorry to hear about your injury. Hope you heal up real fast. I have no doubt you’ll see this project through.

    I have found that when one project gets stalled, it gives me a great opportunity to re-assign some time to another priority focus. Maybe now you can make leaps forward in the fundraising part of the 777 Project? This week, I’ll do some sharing of that awesome video you made after Patagonia!

    Cheers,
    Elaine

    Reply
  19. joe dubiel says

    November 6, 2014 at 10:50 am

    I have lots of injuries. The real trouble starts in ones 60’s. I’m now 73. I’m still surfing and paddling canoes and playing golf but I have to nurse many injuries. My worse are my hips and knees. Of course I should add in my neck, shoulders and back. I’m real careful with my ankles as I’ve hurt them in the past. I’m about to go paddling my one man canoe and later we plan to play golf.
    so good luck, but be careful. I’m still taking cold showers.
    Joe

    Reply
  20. Annie Crow says

    November 6, 2014 at 1:21 pm

    Loved this, and exactly what I needed as I contemplate picking up some long-held (and frequently discarded) dreams again. Like Elaine’s comment above about how this might be opportunity to work on another part of your overall mission. Thanks for the inspiration, and hope your ankle mends well.

    Reply
  21. Eric says

    November 6, 2014 at 2:51 pm

    Hey Joel! You’re genius, finally found someone who discovered the right words and the right order to put them in which catalyzed activating my will, I’ve always had immense potential but just needed a spark to inact it. I’m on day 7 of the cold shower challenge and everything is improving, memory, temperature control, more energy and even my decisiveness which was my biggest problem. Your cause is something I truly believe in and had a suggestion in mind to help with your recovery. Sensory deprivation tanks(aka Restrictive Environmental Stimuli Technique) would decrease the immense stress gravity (the biggest stressor of the human body) exerts on the muscles, tendons & organs as well as reduce the amount of information we absorb & interpret through our senses, in order for your body to heal as if you were sleeping but more efficiently since gravity is out of the equation. It will relax all your muscles, tendons and organs as well as your mind. As an idea of how well it worked for my friend who displaced a tendon in his shoulder, he was so excited to use it, that he didn’t realize his arm was in no pain and he had full range of motion. Although eventually the pain gradually comes back, but not as pronounced, so I believe if you continually had this experience, it would help you in the recovery process.

    Reply
  22. Eric says

    November 6, 2014 at 3:30 pm

    Hey Joel! You crazy guy :p Finally found someone who chose the right words and put them in the right order, your content is allowing to put the potential I knew I had, (but could not will myself to do anything with it), to good use. As for recovering from your injury, I do have a suggestion, continually using a sensory deprivation tank (aka Restrictive Environmental Stimuli Technique) which reduces the immense stress, gravity exerts on our muscles, tendons and organs which in turn will allow your body to heal with the constant bombardment of information we absorb and interpret. As a way of showing you what I mean, when my friend displaced a tendon in his shoulder, I brought him to have the experience and without realizing it, he had full range of motion in his arm with any pain or pressure while he was in the tank and couldn’t believe it. Thing is, eventually the pain comes back, but not as bad. I believe if you continually do this, you will recover at a faster pace. Then again, you might already be using it.

    Reply
  23. Doug says

    November 7, 2014 at 7:15 am

    Joel,

    Really sorry to hear about the injury. A setback like that before just one big race can be a huge blow to morale, so for it to cause recalculation of two races in the middle of such an amazing project must be really tough. Good for you to not get too discouraged.

    Now it’s just part the story, and making 777 that much more epic. Best of luck with recovery, I look forward to following along.

    Oh, and for people who haven’t been to the Patagonia, maybe they don’t understand, but that wind down there is gnarly! An injury from the Patagonia wind is just as badass as getting mauled by a puma. 😉

    Reply
  24. Greg says

    November 9, 2014 at 11:18 am

    Great stuff! I’m a week out from Ironman Arizona, and when I signed up for this race I was planning to have a PR day. In April I started a new job that involved significantly more hours and travel than I expected. It simply wasn’t reasonable to keep my personal expectations so high, given the time & energy I had to work with. I went through my own recalculating period. Now I’m focused on having a fun time, giving my family a good show, and getting to the finish with a big honkin smile on my face.

    Just a suggestion on your injury. I had a similar tearing injury to my Achilles tendon, and went through PRP (platelet rich plasma) therapy. I was back to running hard in about 4 weeks. It may or may not be appropriate for you injury, but it’s worth asking about…

    Reply
  25. Kurtis says

    November 16, 2014 at 8:38 am

    Perhaps we make too much of calculating and planning. It can be part of the enjoyment, and it can be utterly worthless and so much time wasted.
    As always, inspired by your post, and remembering that once you can fully envision the goal in your mind, the planning becomes simple. The doing is hard, but as long as you don’t lose sight of the endgame; the journey can be a spontaneous and unintentional series of amazing misadventures.

    Get well soon.

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Self-Compassion & Resilience | Budget and the Beach says:
    November 6, 2014 at 9:29 pm

    […] Joel from Impossible: Recalculating […]

    Reply
  2. State of the Impossible - October 2016 / IMPOSSIBLE ® says:
    October 13, 2016 at 5:00 am

    […] for good reason!). I’ll be sharing the behind-the-scenes of what happened with the delay (beyond the injury) the last few months in an upcoming post, but in the interest of not burying the lede too […]

    Reply
  3. Lessons In Surrendering - Healthy Crush says:
    October 26, 2017 at 5:53 pm

    […] As far as “how” to let go of the control you’re attempting to have on everything in your life, I can’t write that prescription. I can say, however, that simply setting the intention to surrender and allow life to guide you can be the first step. Saying a prayer, asking for help with surrendering gently, asking to see the gifts when they’re presented to you. Considering that, hey…maybe there’s another way. You know, as your trusty GPS says when you make a “wrong” turn – “recalculating.”  […]

    Reply
  4. Impossible FM #018: Recalculating / IMPOSSIBLE ® says:
    February 17, 2018 at 1:33 pm

    […] In today’s episode, I talk about a powerful lesson I learned the other day about recalculating.  […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

the-impossible-shirt

Hi, I'm Joel Runyon


I created IMPOSSIBLE to help people push their limits by taking on impossible challenges and living a good story.

Follow @joelrunyon

My I recently finished running 7 ultra marathons on 7 continents and raised nearly $200k for Pencils of Promise. Read more about my story here.

Subscribe & Listen To The Podcast

How To Start A Blog Walkthrough

how-to-start-a-blog-guide
impossible abs

no-excuse-workout

cold-shower-therapy

The 777 Project

THE IMPOSSIBLE FAMILY

  • IMPOSSIBLE • Blog + HQ
  • IMPOSSIBLE Fitness • Tutorials & Training
  • IMPOSSIBLE Podcast • Podcast
  • IMPOSSIBLE X • Businesses
  • IMPOSSIBLE.org • Giving
  • IMPOSSIBLE Gear • Apparel + Supplements

"How To" Guides

  • How To Start A Blog: The Definitive Guide
  • How To Start A Podcast: The Definitive Guide

Looking For Something?

About The Impossible Shirt

IMPOSSIBLE®

  • Impossible X®
  • Impossible.org
  • Impossible Gear™
  • Impossible Fitness ®
  • Impossible Nutrition ®

RECENT

  • Vulnerability is Overrated
  • 12 Things I’ve Learned From Running IMPOSSIBLE ® For 12 Years
  • How I Got In The Best Shape of My Life at 35
  • Why I Created Impossible Sleep™
  • It’s almost too late

Inspiration

  • An Unexpected Ass Kicking
  • How Bad Do You Want It?
  • The Iron & The Soul
  • The Only 2 Real Excuses Why People Refuse To Take Cold Showers

We Built a School! (2012)

impossible-pop-school

And We Built 7 More! (2017)

777-project

| Copyright © 2022 | Built on Genesis & Hosted By BlueHost | Affiliate Disclosure | An Impossible X Company

IMPOSSIBLE®, the IMPOSSIBLE® logo, IMPOSSIBLE HQ®, IMPOSSIBLE X®, IMPOSSIBLE Nutrition®, and IMPOSSIBLE Fitness® are registered Trademarks of IMPOSSIBLE X LLC.

The IMPOSSIBLE List™, Push Your Limits™, and Cold Shower Therapy™ are trademarks of IMPOSSIBLE X LLC.