At the conclusion of my last post, I pledged to run 5 or 6 miles on Friday (didn't happen) and 11 or 12 on the weekend (proud to report that I did run said miles).
Friday evenings are always difficult for me to run. I'll admit it - my mind is not in the game. It's nowhere near the game. At 4:30pm (every Friday), I sit at work, watch the clock, wait for 5:01, and I'm out the door heading straight to the co-op to pick up Emelyn. We then rush home to meet Greg and have some good old fashioned family fun. Running just isn't a priority on Friday, unless I can fit it in during the day, which almost never happens. This particular Friday varied only in that we rushed to the Friday Artwalk instead of back home, but you get the picture - no running!
After schlepping off Friday's run, I vowed to run Saturday while Emelyn napped. The day started innocently enough. We went to Gymnastics, then on to Saturday Market. Upon arriving back home, Greg put her down for a nap (which took about an hour!) while I was supposed to be getting ready to run and then, of course, go run. Instead of donning my running wear and trotting out of the house, I saw it more fit to lie down on the couch. I would continue in said location, in said position for not one, not two, but THREE HOURS. That's right. I took a three hour nap on Saturday. From 2pm-5pm, I slept with reckless abandon. I did wake from time to time to the sound of Greg being productive around the house, but otherwise, I remained comatose.
Now - you may think I was full of remorse and a healthy degree of paranoia when I woke. You may imagine that I experienced a tinge of fear when I realized what I had done (or not done rather). Perhaps you would conclude that I was stressed and angry with my slacker action. Well, I am somewhat ashamed to inform you that you would be wrong. I did not look back. In fact - I woke, went straight to the Market of Choice (fabulous grocery that is walking distance from my house) to get treats to put on the grill for dinner, as well as treats to create a tasty drink I read about in Imbibe magazine.
You may have some questions swarming through your mind for me: Was I in denial that I was supposed to run 11-12 miles the following day? Was I in denial that in 7 short days I'd be running a half marathon? Will I share the drink recipe that so appealed to me, that I consumed an alcoholic beverage (ok, I had two of them) the evening before a LONG run? The answers are yes, yes, and YES! Drink recipe at the end of this blog entry.
I will say that I did indeed do one thing properly on Saturday, and that was carbo-load. I consumed enough food to feed at least 4 people. We grilled steak and zucchini, mashed potatoes, and two drinks that contained two whole peaches EACH.
So, Sunday began with the traditional "Hungry-Man" breakfast of loads of good-for-you food. After breakfast, I ventured to the store with Emelyn to get some bratwurst to grill that evening and ended up having not one, but TWO (with buns) prior to my run, washed them down with a bowl of granola and yogurt. It's like I forget my head sometimes with this running thing. I think it's because I am so afraid to bonk that I just pretend I'm a garbage disposal. I don't know. Any of you who have the misfortune of working with me are aware of how much I lament about the worst side effect of all of this running: the weight I've gained. And gee - I wonder why I've not lost any weight and have in fact gained 5 pounds! Sure SOME of it may be muscle but five pounds is pretty steep!
Suffice it to say that I had enough energy rolling through my blood stream for this run, as well as water. I had hydrated quite well out of fear of those adult beverages from the evening prior. And I needed it - it was 77 degrees and humid (rare to be humid out here) when I left the house for my run at 3pm.
I certainly did not realize how warm it was before I left. I was wearing my knee length spandex and quickly realized that I should have worn shorts. I'd run past people who were wearing sweat pants with T-shirts and instantly felt ill for them. I wondered if my knee-length pants made others in shorts feel hot (and I DO mean sweaty) when I ran past them.
My loop was simple. Run to the bike path along the river. Head West. Cross the footbridge at Valley River, head east. Run all the way to the 1-5 foot bridge to Agate St, to 24th, to Hilyard to 29th to 27th. 11.89 miles. I'd like to take this moment to point out that 11.89 is practically 12 miles - especially when one factors in all of that weaving I did towards the end.
What a beautiful day, too. I will bring my camera with me during my next run along the river and post some photos for those of you who don't live here. After completion of my first 25 minutes where I stop frequently to massage my legs, I felt truly great. It was warm, but the water fountains were everywhere, and I was carrying water. I ate half a clif bar at the one hour mark and kept on trucking. LOADS of people were out training, too. It was fun to see so many runners, cyclists, families, couples, dogs - you name it - out and about.
I think this 12 (It was totally a legitimate 12) was my best run yet. My knees did feel sore after about 10 miles, but they weren't awful. I am sore as I write this and was especially sore Monday morning, but I tell you what - All things considered - I am ready for this half marathon.
Tomorrow is a big day for me. I will log on to the Marine Corps Marathon website and register at 9am. I hope to get a slot - it's first come, first serve, so I have a feeling that it could be somewhat jammed when the gates open, but I'll keep trying. Better to register BEFORE I do the half marathon this weekend and get freaked out waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting (oh.my.god.she is still RUNNING) for Tia to finish the Marathon this Sunday!
I'll try to post my pre-race thoughts on Friday or Saturday. I'll run three miles tomorrow, two miles on Thursday, light cross training on Friday (I did light cross training today, too) and then rest all day Saturday.
As Promised: Sweet Peach
2 Fresh Peaches
1 oz Grand Marnier or GranGala
1 Fresh Lime
3 tsp raw sugar
2 oz Vodka
Muddle peaches, Grand Marnier, Lime Juice and Sugar in a shaker. Add Vodka and ice, shake, strain into cocktail glass.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
A Run Between Friends
Today was my first run in a long, long time with my good friend, Tia. You may recall my mentioning Tia from time to time. I can only hope to be half as good a runner as Tia. Tia comes into work on Monday mornings saying things like "I ran sixteen miles this weekend. I feel great". Stuff like that. You know the type.
So this afternoon, we are at work (I'm minding my own business) and somehow the topic of running comes up. I can't remember how - it's all a blur. Either I mentioned it or she did, but we determined that we are both in fact going to run after work and shouldn't we just run together. Now - TIA recommended we run together.
I have sort of sworn off running with partners for the time being. I am a fish out of water. A non-runner in a runner's world. I simply cannot run without my iPod either. Not to be outdone by the fact that it takes a full half an hour for me to find a stride that works for me. I spend more time bent over massaging my legs, waiting for them to warm up sometimes than I do actually running. Someone like me would most certainly slow down a powerhouse flash of lightening like Tia.
Eventually, I agreed to run with her. First of all, she was planning to run 4, while I planned on 6 so clearly 4 miles were WAY more appealing. In addition, not only did she agree that I could take my iPod to use in case of an "emergency", she also agreed to carry me home if I flat-out collapsed trying to show-off in front of her. Tia is indeed a good friend.
So she emails the route to me from gpedometer shortly before we leave the office. Now, we were running from my house (which is on a hill), so I knew we'd have to do some hills. I did not, however, realize we would do so many hills.
When we left the house, the first thing we did was go West, which happened to be UP a humongous hill. I decide to keep my mouth shut and just grin and bear it. I focused on the reward that was the downhill on the other side. Little did I realize, however, that there are loads of little undulations in the roads to the west of me. I felt constantly like I was going uphill. Finally, after 30 minutes of listening to Tia say "I do love hills" each time we'd approach one, I said to her "Well, you are a freak of nature". I meant for this to sound like a joke, but believe you me - it is difficult to project sarcasm when you are out of breath.
Tia was a good sport. We had to stop for me to stretch exactly 1,000 times for the first 25 minutes or so. All in all, though, we must not have been too slow. We were out for 45 minutes and we ran 4.2 miles. I swear half of it was uphill in one way or other, too. Maybe I'm exaggerating, though. I don't know.
I did not need my iPod. Tia can run and talk quite well, so we had lively conversation and it kept me distracted enough from the misery in my legs. My feet felt extremely heavy again, as they did in the middle of last week, and they also felt very tired.
Funny thing, which I kept to myself: The last hill we climbed (which was a mammoth) sort of pushed me over the edge of discomfort and I felt great finishing off the run. I did not tell Tia. I don't want to ruin my street-cred as one who dislikes hills.
My plan is to run tomorrow as well, and then do only some minor walking and weight training on Saturday. On Sunday, I plan to run either 11 or 12 miles. The half-marathon is in ten days! Whoa!
So this afternoon, we are at work (I'm minding my own business) and somehow the topic of running comes up. I can't remember how - it's all a blur. Either I mentioned it or she did, but we determined that we are both in fact going to run after work and shouldn't we just run together. Now - TIA recommended we run together.
I have sort of sworn off running with partners for the time being. I am a fish out of water. A non-runner in a runner's world. I simply cannot run without my iPod either. Not to be outdone by the fact that it takes a full half an hour for me to find a stride that works for me. I spend more time bent over massaging my legs, waiting for them to warm up sometimes than I do actually running. Someone like me would most certainly slow down a powerhouse flash of lightening like Tia.
Eventually, I agreed to run with her. First of all, she was planning to run 4, while I planned on 6 so clearly 4 miles were WAY more appealing. In addition, not only did she agree that I could take my iPod to use in case of an "emergency", she also agreed to carry me home if I flat-out collapsed trying to show-off in front of her. Tia is indeed a good friend.
So she emails the route to me from gpedometer shortly before we leave the office. Now, we were running from my house (which is on a hill), so I knew we'd have to do some hills. I did not, however, realize we would do so many hills.
When we left the house, the first thing we did was go West, which happened to be UP a humongous hill. I decide to keep my mouth shut and just grin and bear it. I focused on the reward that was the downhill on the other side. Little did I realize, however, that there are loads of little undulations in the roads to the west of me. I felt constantly like I was going uphill. Finally, after 30 minutes of listening to Tia say "I do love hills" each time we'd approach one, I said to her "Well, you are a freak of nature". I meant for this to sound like a joke, but believe you me - it is difficult to project sarcasm when you are out of breath.
Tia was a good sport. We had to stop for me to stretch exactly 1,000 times for the first 25 minutes or so. All in all, though, we must not have been too slow. We were out for 45 minutes and we ran 4.2 miles. I swear half of it was uphill in one way or other, too. Maybe I'm exaggerating, though. I don't know.
I did not need my iPod. Tia can run and talk quite well, so we had lively conversation and it kept me distracted enough from the misery in my legs. My feet felt extremely heavy again, as they did in the middle of last week, and they also felt very tired.
Funny thing, which I kept to myself: The last hill we climbed (which was a mammoth) sort of pushed me over the edge of discomfort and I felt great finishing off the run. I did not tell Tia. I don't want to ruin my street-cred as one who dislikes hills.
My plan is to run tomorrow as well, and then do only some minor walking and weight training on Saturday. On Sunday, I plan to run either 11 or 12 miles. The half-marathon is in ten days! Whoa!
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Nine Is Fine
I haven't been blogging all week, as you may have noticed. You may have assumed that I was running, however, and that I would catch up with posting on the weekend. You are half correct: I BARELY ran this week.
On Monday, I had no intention of running after running 10 miles the day prior. Tuesday, I fully intended to run on my lunch hour but forgot proper socks, which IS a deal breaker for a run these days. Wednesday, I didn't have time to run during my lunch hour, so Greg and I decided to run after work with Emelyn in the stroller. It proved to be a terrible run for me it was only 4 miles (HA! Still can't believe that seems short), but I never got my stride down. My legs hurt the entire time, AND I lost Greg and Emelyn after I had asked them to go ahead of me - I'd stopped to stretch for about the 4th time - and they disappeared. I found them at home later.
Something magical happened on Wednesday night, though. I'm not sure what it was, however. I woke on Thursday morning to ZERO soreness in my feet. Could it be that taking it easy this week actually helped me? I'm not sure because I DID run on Wednesday evening. I thought it must have been the decided overall week of light duty, so I didn't risk it - I rested Thursday - no running or cross training. Friday I fully intended to run after work, but (eagerly) accepted an invitation to have cocktails with Greg's boss and his wife after work, so two glasses of wine later, we went out to dinner and I put any thought of a run behind me.
Saturday - I cross trained - 30 minute walk on the treadmill and weight lifting. Sunday - I was to run 9 miles. I was of course nervous - only one run this week and it was a horrible experience. The weather didn't help matters either. You may recall that last Sunday in Eugene was 80 degrees and sunny. Today - 40 degrees with a mix of rain and hail. There was also two inches of snow on the ground this morning (but it quickly disappeared). I believe we call this a "wintry mix" in the Midwest. In Western Oregon, we don't call it anything - because it never happens - especially not in late April.
Not only were a light running week and the weather not on my side, I wasn't on my side either. I had eaten properly - starting with a huge carbo load Saturday night, great breakfast, and leftovers from Saturday night for lunch, but I hadn't really planned my day out right. It wasn't until 4pm that I went for the run. I wasn't even sure how hydrated I was (but lucky for me, I had done that right as well). I didn't even chart my course until just before I left the house, which is when I actually decided for sure upon the nine mile distance. Last week, I was certain I'd knock out 11, but after this week, I played it safe - 9 would do just fine.
As I was leaving the house, I asked Greg to keep his cell phone on and within earshot - just in case I had to call him from the side of the road and beg to be picked up. He laughed and told me not to "let the sound of my own wheels drive me crazy". I started running down the street with the Eagles tune "take it easy" (the song from which Greg's quote was lifted) zooming through my mind. I thought about what it meant - and Greg was (as per usual) exactly right. I was my biggest liability on the run today. I had doomed it before I even started the run - and don't I deserve more credit than that?
So, therefore, three blocks from my home, I picked my head up and put all the negative thoughts behind me. Before I knew it - I was zooming AND I had zero leg pain. I even felt great prior to the magical 25-30 minute acclimation period. I could hardly believe it. I ran for the entire run. Well, that's not exactly true - I stopped in the law school to use the bathroom, and then I stopped under an overpass on the bike path because it was hailing sideways towards me and I had to shake out my rain jacket. But otherwise - all run, all the time. I was gone for an hour and 30 minutes. I was stoked. felt great, save a little bit of knee pain the last 1/2 mile.
I felt so great, in fact, that I was able to enjoy the moment and look around at the people, places, and things completing my experience. There weren't as many runners out (gee, I wonder why? Could it be the hail?), but there were two notables. One woman who started running near Autzen Stadium. I watched her out of the corner of my eye each time the path curved - she was behind me. She ended up passing me. I let this happen, thought being that hey - there will literally be 1000s of people passing me in two weeks for the Eugene Half Marathon and I'd better get used to it. A little later on - like a mile after she passed me - I passed her again as she massaged her shins on a park bench.
And then - there was a family - Mom, Dad, and little itty bitty baby. The mom was SUPER in shape. I noticed her calves from what seemed like half a mile away. She was running back and forth past the dad and stroller, as dad was shouting out technique tips. About 5 minutes later, she zoomed by me. And I mean she was tearing up the bike path. I looked behind me just to make sure there wasn't a nuclear fire ball coming towards us. She looked like the bionic woman. I could see for about a half mile. Every time she came towards someone, they could not help but do a double take. She was really zooming. I was just glad to be running pain free.
This week was light on running, but LARGE on lessons. I learned that rest is a good thing. I'm wondering if I should only do three runs per week instead of the 4 I have been doing. Luckily, I have plenty of time before the marathon to figure this stuff out. After today, I feel pretty good about this whole running thing. I might actually (gasp!) become one of them.
On Monday, I had no intention of running after running 10 miles the day prior. Tuesday, I fully intended to run on my lunch hour but forgot proper socks, which IS a deal breaker for a run these days. Wednesday, I didn't have time to run during my lunch hour, so Greg and I decided to run after work with Emelyn in the stroller. It proved to be a terrible run for me it was only 4 miles (HA! Still can't believe that seems short), but I never got my stride down. My legs hurt the entire time, AND I lost Greg and Emelyn after I had asked them to go ahead of me - I'd stopped to stretch for about the 4th time - and they disappeared. I found them at home later.
Something magical happened on Wednesday night, though. I'm not sure what it was, however. I woke on Thursday morning to ZERO soreness in my feet. Could it be that taking it easy this week actually helped me? I'm not sure because I DID run on Wednesday evening. I thought it must have been the decided overall week of light duty, so I didn't risk it - I rested Thursday - no running or cross training. Friday I fully intended to run after work, but (eagerly) accepted an invitation to have cocktails with Greg's boss and his wife after work, so two glasses of wine later, we went out to dinner and I put any thought of a run behind me.
Saturday - I cross trained - 30 minute walk on the treadmill and weight lifting. Sunday - I was to run 9 miles. I was of course nervous - only one run this week and it was a horrible experience. The weather didn't help matters either. You may recall that last Sunday in Eugene was 80 degrees and sunny. Today - 40 degrees with a mix of rain and hail. There was also two inches of snow on the ground this morning (but it quickly disappeared). I believe we call this a "wintry mix" in the Midwest. In Western Oregon, we don't call it anything - because it never happens - especially not in late April.
Not only were a light running week and the weather not on my side, I wasn't on my side either. I had eaten properly - starting with a huge carbo load Saturday night, great breakfast, and leftovers from Saturday night for lunch, but I hadn't really planned my day out right. It wasn't until 4pm that I went for the run. I wasn't even sure how hydrated I was (but lucky for me, I had done that right as well). I didn't even chart my course until just before I left the house, which is when I actually decided for sure upon the nine mile distance. Last week, I was certain I'd knock out 11, but after this week, I played it safe - 9 would do just fine.
As I was leaving the house, I asked Greg to keep his cell phone on and within earshot - just in case I had to call him from the side of the road and beg to be picked up. He laughed and told me not to "let the sound of my own wheels drive me crazy". I started running down the street with the Eagles tune "take it easy" (the song from which Greg's quote was lifted) zooming through my mind. I thought about what it meant - and Greg was (as per usual) exactly right. I was my biggest liability on the run today. I had doomed it before I even started the run - and don't I deserve more credit than that?
So, therefore, three blocks from my home, I picked my head up and put all the negative thoughts behind me. Before I knew it - I was zooming AND I had zero leg pain. I even felt great prior to the magical 25-30 minute acclimation period. I could hardly believe it. I ran for the entire run. Well, that's not exactly true - I stopped in the law school to use the bathroom, and then I stopped under an overpass on the bike path because it was hailing sideways towards me and I had to shake out my rain jacket. But otherwise - all run, all the time. I was gone for an hour and 30 minutes. I was stoked. felt great, save a little bit of knee pain the last 1/2 mile.
I felt so great, in fact, that I was able to enjoy the moment and look around at the people, places, and things completing my experience. There weren't as many runners out (gee, I wonder why? Could it be the hail?), but there were two notables. One woman who started running near Autzen Stadium. I watched her out of the corner of my eye each time the path curved - she was behind me. She ended up passing me. I let this happen, thought being that hey - there will literally be 1000s of people passing me in two weeks for the Eugene Half Marathon and I'd better get used to it. A little later on - like a mile after she passed me - I passed her again as she massaged her shins on a park bench.
And then - there was a family - Mom, Dad, and little itty bitty baby. The mom was SUPER in shape. I noticed her calves from what seemed like half a mile away. She was running back and forth past the dad and stroller, as dad was shouting out technique tips. About 5 minutes later, she zoomed by me. And I mean she was tearing up the bike path. I looked behind me just to make sure there wasn't a nuclear fire ball coming towards us. She looked like the bionic woman. I could see for about a half mile. Every time she came towards someone, they could not help but do a double take. She was really zooming. I was just glad to be running pain free.
This week was light on running, but LARGE on lessons. I learned that rest is a good thing. I'm wondering if I should only do three runs per week instead of the 4 I have been doing. Luckily, I have plenty of time before the marathon to figure this stuff out. After today, I feel pretty good about this whole running thing. I might actually (gasp!) become one of them.
Monday, April 14, 2008
The Perfect Ten
First let me assure my readers that while I haven't been blogging, there have been plenty of goings-on in my humble running world. Second - let me warn you - this is a longer post. I've got much to report.
I know I have been complaining quite a bit about all of the discomfort of this newfound "hobby" of mine. I decided that in order for me to keep going with full faith and confidence in myself, I needed to figure out if it was the beginning of an injury, or just incessant, unjustified complaining of only minor to medium soreness.
I made it my mission this past week to investigate the pain I was having in my feet and my ankles/lower legs. I started at the Eugene Running Company, where I had been fitted for my shoes about two months ago. Knowing that the shoes should last for at least three hundred miles, the aching was probably not their fault directly, but rested rather with those who recommended the shoes on that fateful day in late January.
So, shoes in hand, I ventured into the store. They immediately sprung into action and had me walking and running in the store, on the sidewalk, on the treadmill, you name it - to see what was the matter. They determined that I probably need more cushion yet in my insoles for longer runs. The shoes I bought apparently aren't strong enough for my feet. They gave me (I repeat - at no charge - gave to me) a pair of Super Feet insoles and recommended I try them for a short run, a medium run, and then a longer run if all went well. I thanked them and vowed to hit the treadmill (it had been pouring down rain with no end in sight) on my lunch break the following day. In addition, I scheduled myself an appointment at one of those really fancy-pants sports medicine clinics - this one is called The Slocum Center - just to make sure I was being super whiny and was not in fact getting a serious injury. My appointment wasn't until Thursday, however.
On Tuesday, then, I took an Ibuprofen and hit the treadmill. Besides being completely bored for a half an hour, I had a decent run. I was amazed at how much better my feet and my legs felt. I had minimal swelling in my legs and my feet didn't hurt at all. Hurray for Superfeet!!
I tried to run on Wednesday without the Ibuprofen because I was feeling so confident in the new insoles. There was a break in the clouds, so I headed outdoors on a 4 mile route. This proved to be a bad choice. I made it exactly two blocks before I turned around due to excruciating pain. Keep in mind that I was yet uncertain as to the cause of said pain. Instead to keeping a stiff upper lip, I limped back to the gym and gleefully completed an hour of weight training. I was not discouraged. I was merely attempting to be patient with the process.
Wednesday, I chose to rest. I had back to back appointments during work, and then immediately after. Thursday was my appointment with the Orthopedist.
Let me just say - if you live in Eugene and are at all curious - check out the Slocum Center. It's a brand new facility - it opened late last summer. Upon walking in, you are not only met with the aroma of coffee and pastries from the on-sight coffee shop, but also a friendly person who's job it is to say hello to you, and then point you in the right direction. I was very pleased with this excellent service. I headed to the top floor to see my physician. After what seemed like 1000 X-rays, I sat in the waiting room for a little while, and then sat for a little longer in the exam room.
Once the Dr. was in front of me, I became very talkative. I found myself telling her every little detail about this whole marathon thing. How I haven't ran much at all for ten years and my friends and I decided to do a marathon. I've been following a training schedule. I'm not sure if my aches and pains are normal, or if I've got an injury. I disclosed all info on my stress fractures from ten years ago. I told her more than she wanted to know, I'm sure. In fact - I'm not sure she knew what hit her. She seemed a little stunned to be honest. She sat in front of me while my legs dangled in front her. She poked along the bones in my feet and legs to see where the hurt was. She then showed my all of those X-rays. Final verdict: I AM being a whiny cry-baby. there's nothing wrong with me aside from a little tendinitis on my lower legs and planter fascia on the bottom of my feet. She sent me out the door with some handouts for stretches and exercises to help with the pain. Let me tell you what - I could not have been more pleased. Sure, it stung a little to learn that I was being a whiner, but it was the best diagnosis of all possible outcomes.
Friday, I crammed in a 5.5-6mile run after my lunch appointment, but before I had to be at the preschool to help set up for the art show. All felt good. Not great. I had some getting-used-to to do with those Super Feet. They are heavier than my featherweight Nike Zoom insoles and they require one more eyelet of my shoe to be laced. I did not figure out the latter concept until well into the run. I just felt slower. My legs felt heavier. I have read that Bill Bowerman, the legendary UO track coach who co-founded Nike along with Phil Knight, was "obsessed" with the weight of the shoes his team wore. He'd go to drastic measure to shave even half an ounce. Upon reading that little statistic, I must admit, I thought it a little over the top. Suffice it to say that I now understand a little more about Mr. Bowerman's preoccupation with shoe ounces. Even a tiny bit of weight makes a difference.
My Friday afternoon run was also in the heat. I think it was about 70 degrees. Full sun. BEAUTIFUL day. I ran ten minute miles. I felt OK, but not super. I was encouraged, though, that my legs and feet felt fine for most of the run.
On Saturday, I felt good enough to plan a ten mile run for Sunday. I figured that hey - even if I had to take a cab, I'd make it back home in one shape or form. I was a little nervous because I skipped the long run the week prior. Two weeks ago I had run a fantastic 8 mile loop and felt great, though, so I knew it was possible to run a little longer.
The eight mile run taught me a couple of things: #1: Stop and stetch and massage those calves at 2 miles. It pays dividends for the remainder of the run. Even if I stop for three whole minutes - it's worth it. #2: drink water every 15-20 minutes, even if I don't need it. #3: Bring a snack - I almost ran out of fuel at 1 hour 10 minutes during my 8 mile run. #4: Carbo-load all day Saturday and drink plenty of water.
So - with these guidelines in mind, I spent Saturday mentally and physically preparing myself for Sunday's run. This weekend, the temperature kicked up a notch, too. It was almost 80 on Saturday and probably low to mid-70's on Sunday. I factored the rising temps into the water equation.
I planned my route and packed my fanny pack with a water bottle and two boxes of raisins. I left the house at about 12pm. I budgeted for two hours. I knew I would not sail through the middle of this run as I had the 8 miler, and I had a feeling I'd need more walking and/or stretching breaks.
My first two miles, as per my prediction, were really, really slow and really, really awful. I hadn't taken my Ibuprofen soon enough, so I still felt a lot of the leg and ankle pain. This went away - or I just forgot about it - relatively quickly. I stopped after two miles and stretched for a few minutes, massaged those tendons, found a motivating tune on my ipod, and headed towards the river bike and running paths. I noticed that I had logged about thirty minutes at this point! Those first two miles are certainly not my strong suit!
I was amazed at how many people were out and how many of them looked like they had already run several miles before I encountered them. It felt good to be going after it. It also felt good that the city water fountains are on and plentiful. It seemed like every 20 minutes I passed one. It also seemed like I was crossing the footbridge all the way on the far side of the rose garden in no time. Once on the other side of the river, I had this uplifting thought: I was running on the part of the path that I see when driving on I 105 towards Springfield. Whoa. That was mind boggling to me because that path IS SO FAR FROM MY HOUSE! I live in South Eugene. I was a little girl far from home!
I checked my watch and I had been running for 45 minutes, so I decided that now - before I needed it - would be a good time to eat my first pack of raisins. It was a little humorous to me because I was eating while running past nice restaurants full of people, who were eating lunch and watching people like me run or ride by. I wonder what they thought of me as I chewed raisins, ran past them.
Never once did I feel like I was going to die, nor did I ever entertain the thought that "this is too difficult". I often felt very hot and salty, but it wasn't too bad. I think the water was key to this, as well as that little pack of raisins. Once I crossed the bridge and headed towards Campus, I really felt a sense of accomplishment. I was noticeably a little slower than I had been in the middle of the run. My legs continued to feel heavy. Around mile 8.5, my left knee ached, as did my left hip, but only a little, and only when I stopped for stop-lights, silly as it may sound. This oddity kept me moving . . . so hey - whatever it takes. Nothing like a little knee pain while immobile to keep one running.
When I finally saw my house - almost two hours later - I couldn't believe I had actually run ten miles. It was insane. I didn't even feel terrible, save a small bout of IBS, which I'm told is common when one runs long distance if one eats certain triggering foods the day prior (in my case, I blame a burrito from Saturday Market). You may wonder why I'm disclosing this to you, but hey - I'm telling you for your own safety and well-being. I certainly wish I had been warned before embarking on long-distance runs.
So a ten-miler is now under my belt. I can now say I've run ten miles. I've never done that before. I suppose the good/bad thing about all of this - It's just the beginning! I've got loads of long runs ahead of me. I feel pretty comfortable with the Eugene Marathon (well, half in my case) on May 4. 10 wasn't easy, but I did it and I know I can do 13. I am in love with my Super Feet. I have not been as enamored with footwear for quite some time. This past week has made me feel responsible and proactive as well. I did my research on my injury, checked all the boxes to make sure I wasn't acting foolishly and pushing myself too hard and I am all set to go.
I must admit - this is not all fun and games. Yes, I did run ten miles on Sunday. Yes, I finished said distance in one piece and have lived to blog about it. And yes - there are raisins, Superfeet, and cool tunes on one's iPod. But there's another side of the actual run itself. I have felt very sore today and yesterday my legs felt like Jello. I went to see CATS as my "reward" after running yesterday afternoon. I scored a pair of free tickets from work. I figured that it would be nice to sit and veg for two hours at the performing arts center to watch the Broadway in Eugene rendition of CATS. As it turns out - I left after an hour. Partially out of fear that I wouldn't be able to get up after another hour, and partially because I had no clue what was happening. I couldn't follow the plot at all (I have since learned that there is, in fact, no plot). And then this morning - I hit the snooze button an unprecedented three times. My poor little dog was as confused as ever and literally sat and begged for me to get out of bed and let him outside. I was too afraid to move out of fear that bad things would happen when I rolled out of bed.
Time and movement healed the stiffness and soreness in my legs, as you may have guessed, but I have maintained a somewhat gingerly stride today. All in all (thanks to Superfeet), I've recovered nicely. I'm (what??) excited to try 11 or 12 next week. Not sure I understand what that means, but I'm guaranteed to find out!!
I know I have been complaining quite a bit about all of the discomfort of this newfound "hobby" of mine. I decided that in order for me to keep going with full faith and confidence in myself, I needed to figure out if it was the beginning of an injury, or just incessant, unjustified complaining of only minor to medium soreness.
I made it my mission this past week to investigate the pain I was having in my feet and my ankles/lower legs. I started at the Eugene Running Company, where I had been fitted for my shoes about two months ago. Knowing that the shoes should last for at least three hundred miles, the aching was probably not their fault directly, but rested rather with those who recommended the shoes on that fateful day in late January.
So, shoes in hand, I ventured into the store. They immediately sprung into action and had me walking and running in the store, on the sidewalk, on the treadmill, you name it - to see what was the matter. They determined that I probably need more cushion yet in my insoles for longer runs. The shoes I bought apparently aren't strong enough for my feet. They gave me (I repeat - at no charge - gave to me) a pair of Super Feet insoles and recommended I try them for a short run, a medium run, and then a longer run if all went well. I thanked them and vowed to hit the treadmill (it had been pouring down rain with no end in sight) on my lunch break the following day. In addition, I scheduled myself an appointment at one of those really fancy-pants sports medicine clinics - this one is called The Slocum Center - just to make sure I was being super whiny and was not in fact getting a serious injury. My appointment wasn't until Thursday, however.
On Tuesday, then, I took an Ibuprofen and hit the treadmill. Besides being completely bored for a half an hour, I had a decent run. I was amazed at how much better my feet and my legs felt. I had minimal swelling in my legs and my feet didn't hurt at all. Hurray for Superfeet!!
I tried to run on Wednesday without the Ibuprofen because I was feeling so confident in the new insoles. There was a break in the clouds, so I headed outdoors on a 4 mile route. This proved to be a bad choice. I made it exactly two blocks before I turned around due to excruciating pain. Keep in mind that I was yet uncertain as to the cause of said pain. Instead to keeping a stiff upper lip, I limped back to the gym and gleefully completed an hour of weight training. I was not discouraged. I was merely attempting to be patient with the process.
Wednesday, I chose to rest. I had back to back appointments during work, and then immediately after. Thursday was my appointment with the Orthopedist.
Let me just say - if you live in Eugene and are at all curious - check out the Slocum Center. It's a brand new facility - it opened late last summer. Upon walking in, you are not only met with the aroma of coffee and pastries from the on-sight coffee shop, but also a friendly person who's job it is to say hello to you, and then point you in the right direction. I was very pleased with this excellent service. I headed to the top floor to see my physician. After what seemed like 1000 X-rays, I sat in the waiting room for a little while, and then sat for a little longer in the exam room.
Once the Dr. was in front of me, I became very talkative. I found myself telling her every little detail about this whole marathon thing. How I haven't ran much at all for ten years and my friends and I decided to do a marathon. I've been following a training schedule. I'm not sure if my aches and pains are normal, or if I've got an injury. I disclosed all info on my stress fractures from ten years ago. I told her more than she wanted to know, I'm sure. In fact - I'm not sure she knew what hit her. She seemed a little stunned to be honest. She sat in front of me while my legs dangled in front her. She poked along the bones in my feet and legs to see where the hurt was. She then showed my all of those X-rays. Final verdict: I AM being a whiny cry-baby. there's nothing wrong with me aside from a little tendinitis on my lower legs and planter fascia on the bottom of my feet. She sent me out the door with some handouts for stretches and exercises to help with the pain. Let me tell you what - I could not have been more pleased. Sure, it stung a little to learn that I was being a whiner, but it was the best diagnosis of all possible outcomes.
Friday, I crammed in a 5.5-6mile run after my lunch appointment, but before I had to be at the preschool to help set up for the art show. All felt good. Not great. I had some getting-used-to to do with those Super Feet. They are heavier than my featherweight Nike Zoom insoles and they require one more eyelet of my shoe to be laced. I did not figure out the latter concept until well into the run. I just felt slower. My legs felt heavier. I have read that Bill Bowerman, the legendary UO track coach who co-founded Nike along with Phil Knight, was "obsessed" with the weight of the shoes his team wore. He'd go to drastic measure to shave even half an ounce. Upon reading that little statistic, I must admit, I thought it a little over the top. Suffice it to say that I now understand a little more about Mr. Bowerman's preoccupation with shoe ounces. Even a tiny bit of weight makes a difference.
My Friday afternoon run was also in the heat. I think it was about 70 degrees. Full sun. BEAUTIFUL day. I ran ten minute miles. I felt OK, but not super. I was encouraged, though, that my legs and feet felt fine for most of the run.
On Saturday, I felt good enough to plan a ten mile run for Sunday. I figured that hey - even if I had to take a cab, I'd make it back home in one shape or form. I was a little nervous because I skipped the long run the week prior. Two weeks ago I had run a fantastic 8 mile loop and felt great, though, so I knew it was possible to run a little longer.
The eight mile run taught me a couple of things: #1: Stop and stetch and massage those calves at 2 miles. It pays dividends for the remainder of the run. Even if I stop for three whole minutes - it's worth it. #2: drink water every 15-20 minutes, even if I don't need it. #3: Bring a snack - I almost ran out of fuel at 1 hour 10 minutes during my 8 mile run. #4: Carbo-load all day Saturday and drink plenty of water.
So - with these guidelines in mind, I spent Saturday mentally and physically preparing myself for Sunday's run. This weekend, the temperature kicked up a notch, too. It was almost 80 on Saturday and probably low to mid-70's on Sunday. I factored the rising temps into the water equation.
I planned my route and packed my fanny pack with a water bottle and two boxes of raisins. I left the house at about 12pm. I budgeted for two hours. I knew I would not sail through the middle of this run as I had the 8 miler, and I had a feeling I'd need more walking and/or stretching breaks.
My first two miles, as per my prediction, were really, really slow and really, really awful. I hadn't taken my Ibuprofen soon enough, so I still felt a lot of the leg and ankle pain. This went away - or I just forgot about it - relatively quickly. I stopped after two miles and stretched for a few minutes, massaged those tendons, found a motivating tune on my ipod, and headed towards the river bike and running paths. I noticed that I had logged about thirty minutes at this point! Those first two miles are certainly not my strong suit!
I was amazed at how many people were out and how many of them looked like they had already run several miles before I encountered them. It felt good to be going after it. It also felt good that the city water fountains are on and plentiful. It seemed like every 20 minutes I passed one. It also seemed like I was crossing the footbridge all the way on the far side of the rose garden in no time. Once on the other side of the river, I had this uplifting thought: I was running on the part of the path that I see when driving on I 105 towards Springfield. Whoa. That was mind boggling to me because that path IS SO FAR FROM MY HOUSE! I live in South Eugene. I was a little girl far from home!
I checked my watch and I had been running for 45 minutes, so I decided that now - before I needed it - would be a good time to eat my first pack of raisins. It was a little humorous to me because I was eating while running past nice restaurants full of people, who were eating lunch and watching people like me run or ride by. I wonder what they thought of me as I chewed raisins, ran past them.
Never once did I feel like I was going to die, nor did I ever entertain the thought that "this is too difficult". I often felt very hot and salty, but it wasn't too bad. I think the water was key to this, as well as that little pack of raisins. Once I crossed the bridge and headed towards Campus, I really felt a sense of accomplishment. I was noticeably a little slower than I had been in the middle of the run. My legs continued to feel heavy. Around mile 8.5, my left knee ached, as did my left hip, but only a little, and only when I stopped for stop-lights, silly as it may sound. This oddity kept me moving . . . so hey - whatever it takes. Nothing like a little knee pain while immobile to keep one running.
When I finally saw my house - almost two hours later - I couldn't believe I had actually run ten miles. It was insane. I didn't even feel terrible, save a small bout of IBS, which I'm told is common when one runs long distance if one eats certain triggering foods the day prior (in my case, I blame a burrito from Saturday Market). You may wonder why I'm disclosing this to you, but hey - I'm telling you for your own safety and well-being. I certainly wish I had been warned before embarking on long-distance runs.
So a ten-miler is now under my belt. I can now say I've run ten miles. I've never done that before. I suppose the good/bad thing about all of this - It's just the beginning! I've got loads of long runs ahead of me. I feel pretty comfortable with the Eugene Marathon (well, half in my case) on May 4. 10 wasn't easy, but I did it and I know I can do 13. I am in love with my Super Feet. I have not been as enamored with footwear for quite some time. This past week has made me feel responsible and proactive as well. I did my research on my injury, checked all the boxes to make sure I wasn't acting foolishly and pushing myself too hard and I am all set to go.
I must admit - this is not all fun and games. Yes, I did run ten miles on Sunday. Yes, I finished said distance in one piece and have lived to blog about it. And yes - there are raisins, Superfeet, and cool tunes on one's iPod. But there's another side of the actual run itself. I have felt very sore today and yesterday my legs felt like Jello. I went to see CATS as my "reward" after running yesterday afternoon. I scored a pair of free tickets from work. I figured that it would be nice to sit and veg for two hours at the performing arts center to watch the Broadway in Eugene rendition of CATS. As it turns out - I left after an hour. Partially out of fear that I wouldn't be able to get up after another hour, and partially because I had no clue what was happening. I couldn't follow the plot at all (I have since learned that there is, in fact, no plot). And then this morning - I hit the snooze button an unprecedented three times. My poor little dog was as confused as ever and literally sat and begged for me to get out of bed and let him outside. I was too afraid to move out of fear that bad things would happen when I rolled out of bed.
Time and movement healed the stiffness and soreness in my legs, as you may have guessed, but I have maintained a somewhat gingerly stride today. All in all (thanks to Superfeet), I've recovered nicely. I'm (what??) excited to try 11 or 12 next week. Not sure I understand what that means, but I'm guaranteed to find out!!
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Ups and Downs
I re-read my most recent post, which was written 5 days ago. I left my readers believe that I had finally reached the green green pasture and things were looking up for me.
Well, that isn't exactly the case.
So Tuesday evening, I gave blood. I have committed to donating every 60 days to the Lane Memorial Blood Bank. Why? Because it's an easy way to give back to the community and it is, after all, the gift of life. So enough about that. I crammed a 3.5 mile run in Tuesday because I knew I wouldn't be able to run for another 48 hours. The blood bank tells you to wait 24 hours before resuming your normal physical activity, but for me, it always takes longer. I'm typically still a yellow color for at least 24 hours, after which time I begin to gain my strength back. I am never able to reach my normal activity levels, however, for at least two days, sometimes three.
So there I was, Thursday evening - 48 hours post donation. Greg and I decided that since it was such a beautiful evening, we would run to the day care with the jogging stroller, pick up Emelyn, take her on a four mile run ending at the park, where we'd all eat (we even packed provisions) dinner, swing, slide, be merry, etc. You get the idea. This would have been a brilliant plan, except for one thing: In the past 48 hours, my body had forgotten how to run.
You see, as soon as Greg and I left our house, I could only manage a stiff, bouncy, mostly straight-legged sort of hop. It's like my knees forgot how to bend. After a while, I began to loosen up somewhat, but I never felt OK. On top of that, my feet were aching so badly, I felt they were going to fall off. Like there was no circulation. This could be due to my wearing thicker socks than usual, but it could also be because my blood volume was still somewhat low and there was none left for my feet. I don't know. I do know, however, that my inability to get moving was making us late to pick up Emelyn, so Greg had to run ahead while I hobbled alone to catch up.
I stretched, massaged my legs, and took some deep breaths when we loaded up Emelyn (who was SO excited to accompany us on a run AND go the park all in one evening). I felt like I'd be fine to run from that point on, but as it turned it, it wasn't to be. I couldn't catch my breath. Couldn't bend my knees, could hardly stand on my aching, no doubt blue feet. We decided not to push it and cut the run short. I don't even think we logged 1 mile. All of this and Greg was to run a half marathon in Portland on Sunday. Sort of a crappy final run before a race, but he didn't seem to mind. He's a real runner. The type who's so good, things like that don't bother them. It should be noted that his half marathon time was 1:51. 8 and a half minute miles. Go Greg, GO!!! Perhaps some of this talent will rub off on me one of these days!
I decided to rest on Friday. Doesn't make much sense to force the issue.
Saturday morning we were leaving for Portland to go to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, and then on to stay over night with friends from law school, one of whom was Greg's race companion for the half marathon. I was determined to get a run in, though, so off I went early Saturday morning. This three mile trek was the strangest yet. And I do mean strange. I suppose the best way to describe it is "very Eugene".
Here's how it all unfolded:
I left the house not knowing what to expect, but I figured it couldn't possible be worse than it was Thursday evening, so I really had no way to go but up. I did notice that I was still having difficulty catching my breath, but all was OK. I would make it. I was very careful to stay straight and avoid shin splints, though I eventually did get a round or two of them. Still, not so bad. I hit the bike path and was really cruising. I think I started going a little too fast, too soon because my energy really started to slip. As I was beginning to slow down, I arrived at the end of the path, which leads into South Eugene High School's parking lot. I had forgotten - until that moment when I saw all of the TV news crews and thousands of people waiting in line - that Hillary was speaking in Eugene today. I do have this emotional connection to Hillary. I don't know why this is. I suppose I'm just really proud that a woman has made it this far to the White House. I don't know. But whatever the reason, it certainly is a good motivator. I was then determined to continue on at my pace if Hillary is still going strong. I began to think of how exhausted she must be. The LEAST I could do was keep on a running the same pace, right?
As I continued on through the South Eugene High School parking lot and past all of the people in line, I felt really good. I kept up the pace for about 11 more blocks, at which point I was just about half-way through the run. I sat on a covered bus bench and stretched a little - just for good measure. Here's where it gets weird. I stretched my legs, massaged my shins, rocked back and forth on my sitz bones. A guy walked up to me and decided to offer that I shouldn't wear short pants in this weather. He was a transient/homeless person. I deduced that he was just trying to make conversation, but he didn't stop to chat - he just kept walking. As it turned out, he was with three others, who were more or less in a single file line. As the last one passed me, he BLEW POT SMOKE IN MY FACE and stared me down as I sat and rocked on my bottom on the bus bench. Is that not hilarious? I literally was completely gobsmacked. I have never ever had that experience before - and I go to Saturday Market a lot.
Still a little bewildered and feeling lucky that I wasn't breathing quite so hard and deep at the time of the "assault", I head back towards home. My stretch was a good move. I was able to really work out the kinks in my shins and I had a good stride going for the remainder of the run. Lately I have been seeing celebrities of sort during my runs and Saturday Morning's run did not disappoint. Coming towards me on the bike path was Pete Defazio. He's our US Representative and a pretty cool guy. Eugene politicians are more often than not beloved (or despised for that matter) and Pete is no different. You know you are untouchable when your campaign ads are merely you driving an elderly person across the border to Canada in your classic 60's car for prescription drugs. Seriously. There may be other ads, but I don't remember them. He must have been in town for the Hillary rally.
All in all, I felt good during the run on Saturday morning. I knew, though, that I would not be running 9 miles this weekend. I did run 5.5 miles tonight. It went OK. It rained on me, but I'm sort of getting used to it. It should be noted that as I was running back home Saturday towards Pete Defazio, I was also running towards high gusts of wind and pelting rain. It's not my preference, but it's not so bad either.
My run tonight was more experimental than anything. Emelyn didn't take a nap today, so she went to bed around 7pm. This freed me up to run this evening, when I wasn't sure I would be able. I ended up doing a pretty decent loop. I did no preparation today as far as eating right, drinking a lot of water, etc, so I sort of just went for it to see what would happen. It wasn't great, but wasn't terrible. Nothing weird happened, though, so that's good. I didn't hardly see anyone out running either. I was gone for about an hour. I took it easy.
I hope this week finds me back where I left off last Sunday and Tuesday. I hope to do 10 miles this weekend to make up for missing the nine miler today. I do enjoy the running - more than I expected. It's funny - all of this preparation for one day - the Marathon. I wonder if I will keep running, or if I will be glad to retire my shoes. I suppose that decision will be made after I cross the finish line in October.
Well, that isn't exactly the case.
So Tuesday evening, I gave blood. I have committed to donating every 60 days to the Lane Memorial Blood Bank. Why? Because it's an easy way to give back to the community and it is, after all, the gift of life. So enough about that. I crammed a 3.5 mile run in Tuesday because I knew I wouldn't be able to run for another 48 hours. The blood bank tells you to wait 24 hours before resuming your normal physical activity, but for me, it always takes longer. I'm typically still a yellow color for at least 24 hours, after which time I begin to gain my strength back. I am never able to reach my normal activity levels, however, for at least two days, sometimes three.
So there I was, Thursday evening - 48 hours post donation. Greg and I decided that since it was such a beautiful evening, we would run to the day care with the jogging stroller, pick up Emelyn, take her on a four mile run ending at the park, where we'd all eat (we even packed provisions) dinner, swing, slide, be merry, etc. You get the idea. This would have been a brilliant plan, except for one thing: In the past 48 hours, my body had forgotten how to run.
You see, as soon as Greg and I left our house, I could only manage a stiff, bouncy, mostly straight-legged sort of hop. It's like my knees forgot how to bend. After a while, I began to loosen up somewhat, but I never felt OK. On top of that, my feet were aching so badly, I felt they were going to fall off. Like there was no circulation. This could be due to my wearing thicker socks than usual, but it could also be because my blood volume was still somewhat low and there was none left for my feet. I don't know. I do know, however, that my inability to get moving was making us late to pick up Emelyn, so Greg had to run ahead while I hobbled alone to catch up.
I stretched, massaged my legs, and took some deep breaths when we loaded up Emelyn (who was SO excited to accompany us on a run AND go the park all in one evening). I felt like I'd be fine to run from that point on, but as it turned it, it wasn't to be. I couldn't catch my breath. Couldn't bend my knees, could hardly stand on my aching, no doubt blue feet. We decided not to push it and cut the run short. I don't even think we logged 1 mile. All of this and Greg was to run a half marathon in Portland on Sunday. Sort of a crappy final run before a race, but he didn't seem to mind. He's a real runner. The type who's so good, things like that don't bother them. It should be noted that his half marathon time was 1:51. 8 and a half minute miles. Go Greg, GO!!! Perhaps some of this talent will rub off on me one of these days!
I decided to rest on Friday. Doesn't make much sense to force the issue.
Saturday morning we were leaving for Portland to go to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, and then on to stay over night with friends from law school, one of whom was Greg's race companion for the half marathon. I was determined to get a run in, though, so off I went early Saturday morning. This three mile trek was the strangest yet. And I do mean strange. I suppose the best way to describe it is "very Eugene".
Here's how it all unfolded:
I left the house not knowing what to expect, but I figured it couldn't possible be worse than it was Thursday evening, so I really had no way to go but up. I did notice that I was still having difficulty catching my breath, but all was OK. I would make it. I was very careful to stay straight and avoid shin splints, though I eventually did get a round or two of them. Still, not so bad. I hit the bike path and was really cruising. I think I started going a little too fast, too soon because my energy really started to slip. As I was beginning to slow down, I arrived at the end of the path, which leads into South Eugene High School's parking lot. I had forgotten - until that moment when I saw all of the TV news crews and thousands of people waiting in line - that Hillary was speaking in Eugene today. I do have this emotional connection to Hillary. I don't know why this is. I suppose I'm just really proud that a woman has made it this far to the White House. I don't know. But whatever the reason, it certainly is a good motivator. I was then determined to continue on at my pace if Hillary is still going strong. I began to think of how exhausted she must be. The LEAST I could do was keep on a running the same pace, right?
As I continued on through the South Eugene High School parking lot and past all of the people in line, I felt really good. I kept up the pace for about 11 more blocks, at which point I was just about half-way through the run. I sat on a covered bus bench and stretched a little - just for good measure. Here's where it gets weird. I stretched my legs, massaged my shins, rocked back and forth on my sitz bones. A guy walked up to me and decided to offer that I shouldn't wear short pants in this weather. He was a transient/homeless person. I deduced that he was just trying to make conversation, but he didn't stop to chat - he just kept walking. As it turned out, he was with three others, who were more or less in a single file line. As the last one passed me, he BLEW POT SMOKE IN MY FACE and stared me down as I sat and rocked on my bottom on the bus bench. Is that not hilarious? I literally was completely gobsmacked. I have never ever had that experience before - and I go to Saturday Market a lot.
Still a little bewildered and feeling lucky that I wasn't breathing quite so hard and deep at the time of the "assault", I head back towards home. My stretch was a good move. I was able to really work out the kinks in my shins and I had a good stride going for the remainder of the run. Lately I have been seeing celebrities of sort during my runs and Saturday Morning's run did not disappoint. Coming towards me on the bike path was Pete Defazio. He's our US Representative and a pretty cool guy. Eugene politicians are more often than not beloved (or despised for that matter) and Pete is no different. You know you are untouchable when your campaign ads are merely you driving an elderly person across the border to Canada in your classic 60's car for prescription drugs. Seriously. There may be other ads, but I don't remember them. He must have been in town for the Hillary rally.
All in all, I felt good during the run on Saturday morning. I knew, though, that I would not be running 9 miles this weekend. I did run 5.5 miles tonight. It went OK. It rained on me, but I'm sort of getting used to it. It should be noted that as I was running back home Saturday towards Pete Defazio, I was also running towards high gusts of wind and pelting rain. It's not my preference, but it's not so bad either.
My run tonight was more experimental than anything. Emelyn didn't take a nap today, so she went to bed around 7pm. This freed me up to run this evening, when I wasn't sure I would be able. I ended up doing a pretty decent loop. I did no preparation today as far as eating right, drinking a lot of water, etc, so I sort of just went for it to see what would happen. It wasn't great, but wasn't terrible. Nothing weird happened, though, so that's good. I didn't hardly see anyone out running either. I was gone for about an hour. I took it easy.
I hope this week finds me back where I left off last Sunday and Tuesday. I hope to do 10 miles this weekend to make up for missing the nine miler today. I do enjoy the running - more than I expected. It's funny - all of this preparation for one day - the Marathon. I wonder if I will keep running, or if I will be glad to retire my shoes. I suppose that decision will be made after I cross the finish line in October.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Theory in Practice
So Tuesday I was set to test my theory of leg pain. I discovered on Sunday that while running with my back arched and my chest out, I was straighter, faster, and had zero shin splints.
I typically break into this stride after about 20-30 minutes of running. When I had begun each run, I would start slowly. I realzied that when deliberately running slowly, I would sort of hunch my back a little, causing my arms to stay closer to my chest. This, I think, must put extra weight on my legs, causing extra effort and fatigue.
On Tuesday, then, I charted a 3.5 mile course. My goal: To begin my run slowly, while putting into place my full on running stride. Five minutes into the run all was good. After 10 minutes, I still felt OK. I typically would experience swelling at the minimum after a while. However - as it turns out - my theory worked. The straighter my back and the more I kept my chest up and my arms out, the better I felt. What a relief! I'm actually looking forward to my next run!!
Tuesday evening was my bi-monthly blood donation, so Wednesday was a day off. I was going to lightly cross-train today just to take extra caution with the blood levels, but I feel pretty good. I may do a light run this evening with Greg and Emelyn to put this theory to the test again. If not - I will attempt it on Friday.
I feel like I'm moving forward and making progress again. I even notice a difference in leg soreness during the day. I swear that since I began this running venture, something has hurt every single day, all day. Said pain is diminishing, so I certainly hope that trend continues!
I typically break into this stride after about 20-30 minutes of running. When I had begun each run, I would start slowly. I realzied that when deliberately running slowly, I would sort of hunch my back a little, causing my arms to stay closer to my chest. This, I think, must put extra weight on my legs, causing extra effort and fatigue.
On Tuesday, then, I charted a 3.5 mile course. My goal: To begin my run slowly, while putting into place my full on running stride. Five minutes into the run all was good. After 10 minutes, I still felt OK. I typically would experience swelling at the minimum after a while. However - as it turns out - my theory worked. The straighter my back and the more I kept my chest up and my arms out, the better I felt. What a relief! I'm actually looking forward to my next run!!
Tuesday evening was my bi-monthly blood donation, so Wednesday was a day off. I was going to lightly cross-train today just to take extra caution with the blood levels, but I feel pretty good. I may do a light run this evening with Greg and Emelyn to put this theory to the test again. If not - I will attempt it on Friday.
I feel like I'm moving forward and making progress again. I even notice a difference in leg soreness during the day. I swear that since I began this running venture, something has hurt every single day, all day. Said pain is diminishing, so I certainly hope that trend continues!
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