Once again, today was the best run in awhile. I ran the loop plus from Lloyd Hall to the Art Museum. That was the full scheduled 9 miles. I haven't run that far since the half marathon at the beginning of the month.
It was extremely hot and that had me a little worried. It was in the low 70s, after being in the mid 40s a week ago. I did drink before the run, but probably should've taken in more.
I started off slow, but picked up the tempo after a few minutes. I changed tempos throughout the run and that was a big help. I ran hard from about the grandstand to the Strawberry Mansion Bridge along Kelly Drive.
I then went slow for awhile. I picked the pace up again at the 44 minute mark on the way back. I made it a point to run hard for 10 minutes. By that time, I was at the Girard Avenue Bridge on West River Drive.
I cruised from that point on. A guy passed me, but he was going to quickly to try to hang onto. The change of paces was a big help. My legs felt good all throughout.
I did get side stitches. That's something I used to have problems with, but it hasn't been an issue much since I started running again. I think it was from eating hot dogs for lunch an hour and a half before the run. I also took a GU Energy Gel and I'm sure that didn't help.
The side stitches weren't a big issue until the cool down. I could barely run as I finished the loop and made it Lloyd Hall. I took a drink there and made it back to the Art Museum.
I was so thrilled to complete the run. I wasn't sure if I would be able to, especially after not feeling so great early on. I did have some chafing under my arm and a blood blister on my foot, but I survived.
My goal when I started running was to lose 25 lbs and get down from 180 to 155. Even though it wasn't my normal weight, I did hit 155 when I weighed myself after the run. I'm getting closer and closer to 155 being my actual weight. I still want to drop another 10 or 15 lbs though.
I'm very happy with my progress this week. I still don't feel too strong, but I've been able to complete my training runs for the first time in awhile. Hopefully that'll continue the rest of the week. I bought some orthodics today, but not sure if I'll use them now. My leg is still sore, but it's not a big problem. The stretching is really helping.
Tomorrow, I have a 5 mile run scheduled. I'll probably run an out and back along West River Drive. I'm holding out hope that I can finish the long run this Saturday.
9 miles - 1:16:02 (8:27 pace)
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Speeding Up Again
Today was one of the best runs that I've had it weeks. I ran over the 5 mile route with little trouble. I've been going slowly lately to be cautious. Today, I decided to push myself some more.
I think going slowly was stressing my muscles differently and causing all sorts of new pain. My hip and leg got a little sore towards the end, but it was minor. Stretching before and afterwards was a big help again. After a couple days off, the leg had been tightening up beforehand. I need to do a better job of stretching during rest days.
The temperature has been freezing lately. I decided not to attempt biking in the cold and rain on Sunday. It was in the 40s for a few days. Today, it warmed up into the mid 60s. It was actually almost too hot out there. Luckily, there was a nice breeze.
I started off the run by going at a nice clip. I ran fairly hard and smooth throughout. My legs felt weak, but I kept pushing. I passed quite a few people along the route.
I thought for sure I'd tire out, but I never really did. I slowed some at the end, but still ran strong. I didn't know where the turn around was supposed to be so I ran to the St. Joe's Prep boathouse and back.
For a little while, I thought about slowing down more or even quitting. I stayed mentally tough though and made it through the run. Certainly a lot of my issues are physical, but can't let them get to me. I need to be smart, but tough. I think this run will be a real confidence booster.
I ran in the afternoon again. That really is great from my leg muscle. It gets loosened up. It makes it a lot harder to want to run though. Getting up and running the same time every morning was good and made for a great start to the day. After lunch, motivating myself to get out the door is becoming difficult.
Tomorrow is a scheduled 9 mile run. Hopefully it can be another strong day and I can finally shake the injury bug. I don't plan on pushing like to day, but I still need to run fairly hard. These next two weeks are crucial and I need to make the most of them. I will probably run the loop tomorrow, plus Lloyd Hall to the Art Museum.
5.47 miles - 43:19 (7:55 pace)
I think going slowly was stressing my muscles differently and causing all sorts of new pain. My hip and leg got a little sore towards the end, but it was minor. Stretching before and afterwards was a big help again. After a couple days off, the leg had been tightening up beforehand. I need to do a better job of stretching during rest days.
The temperature has been freezing lately. I decided not to attempt biking in the cold and rain on Sunday. It was in the 40s for a few days. Today, it warmed up into the mid 60s. It was actually almost too hot out there. Luckily, there was a nice breeze.
I started off the run by going at a nice clip. I ran fairly hard and smooth throughout. My legs felt weak, but I kept pushing. I passed quite a few people along the route.
I thought for sure I'd tire out, but I never really did. I slowed some at the end, but still ran strong. I didn't know where the turn around was supposed to be so I ran to the St. Joe's Prep boathouse and back.
For a little while, I thought about slowing down more or even quitting. I stayed mentally tough though and made it through the run. Certainly a lot of my issues are physical, but can't let them get to me. I need to be smart, but tough. I think this run will be a real confidence booster.
I ran in the afternoon again. That really is great from my leg muscle. It gets loosened up. It makes it a lot harder to want to run though. Getting up and running the same time every morning was good and made for a great start to the day. After lunch, motivating myself to get out the door is becoming difficult.
Tomorrow is a scheduled 9 mile run. Hopefully it can be another strong day and I can finally shake the injury bug. I don't plan on pushing like to day, but I still need to run fairly hard. These next two weeks are crucial and I need to make the most of them. I will probably run the loop tomorrow, plus Lloyd Hall to the Art Museum.
5.47 miles - 43:19 (7:55 pace)
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Just Another Injury
Well today was supposed to be my 2nd longest run of marathon training. It was supposed to end after 18 miles. Of course, nothing as gone as it is supposed to lately. I felt pretty good after my three runs this week. I didn't fully run them, but ran far enough.
Today, I didn't even make it to mile 8 before I had to quit. I'm finally getting over my hamstring issue. This time, of course I was done in a new injury to my ankle. It seems like every time I solve one problem, another pops up.
The weather was terrible again. It was dark, cold and rainy. The temperature was in the 40s. I ran slowly and easily at the start, along West River Drive. There was a little wind in my face, but overall I was feeling pretty good.
I wore a jacket, hat, gloves and shorts. At times, that was a bit much. I took my hat off, rolled up my sleeves and took off my gloves all at different times.
On the way out, I slowly caught up to a guy. When I got to Falls Bridge, somehow I lost track of him and ended up passing him. I took off my gloves and dropped one of my Fuel Belt bottles. He ended up passing me back. I followed him most of the rest of the way.
I didn't want to get in a race, but he slowed so much that I eventually caught up and passed him. It was as I was catching him that my problems started. I ran on the gravel part of Kelly Drive. As I ran on the uneven surface, I a felt a couple pains in my ankle. I went back onto the paved path and felt better.
I had to use the bathroom and was planning on stopping at Lloyd Hall to do so and stretch a little too. I was feeling a little sluggish at that point. Then as I got to Boathouse Row, a pain shot through my ankle again. It happened on two consecutive steps and at that point, I knew I had to walk and quit.
I might've been able to continue after some rest, but I elected not to risk it. We'll test it out again on the next run. I didn't want to aggravate it again and be much farther from my apartment. I walked home with no other problems. It was a little sore after a long walk this evening.
I don't know what caused this problem now. Maybe it was wearing my shoes too tight. That seemed to stop my foot issue, but now might've caused this problem.
This has just become so frustrating. I have problem after problem. Maybe it's an issue with my shoes. I don't know, but I can't seem to get past the 8-13 mile range.
I used a Fuel Belt again and I don't think it was as much of an issue this time. I only filled the bottles half full. My hip was a little sore from it, but it didn't seem like a big problem.
I'm trying to be cautious and ran slowly this week. Actually, running a different pace this week might've been a problem too. My muscles had to handle different impacts than they were used to. I don't know what the issue is, but it would be nice to get over it.
I really have to stay positive and just keep plugging away. At this point, I just want to be able to get one 18-20 mile run done in the next two weeks. That's a big physical and mental hurdle before the marathon. I wouldn't mind trying the run/walk technique, but that didn't seem to help much a couple weeks earlier. My sore leg just stiffened up.
I clearly didn't respect the marathon and long distances enough. This has been very humbling. I'd like to think I can still finish the marathon and that I have enough time yet to turn things around. I'm really not sure though. I always read about people running 5 hours marathon and think they're slow. At least they can finish though. I'm not sure I can do that, even if I am faster than them.
Maybe this is all just a big test to see how dedicated I am to running. Last time I got injured, I got frustrated and quit. I plan on being in it for the long haul now. I'm not a quitter now. It's going to take a lot more then this to stop me.
I just have to keep going. Tomorrow, I'll try to make up for today. I'm going to bike long again, rather than just an hour ride. I'm going to try to keep next week normal, but we'll have to see. They say that you should have a year of base running done before a marathon and now I see why. I'll be much stronger as I head into the spring marathon. Now it's just a game of survival.
Today, I didn't even make it to mile 8 before I had to quit. I'm finally getting over my hamstring issue. This time, of course I was done in a new injury to my ankle. It seems like every time I solve one problem, another pops up.
The weather was terrible again. It was dark, cold and rainy. The temperature was in the 40s. I ran slowly and easily at the start, along West River Drive. There was a little wind in my face, but overall I was feeling pretty good.
I wore a jacket, hat, gloves and shorts. At times, that was a bit much. I took my hat off, rolled up my sleeves and took off my gloves all at different times.
On the way out, I slowly caught up to a guy. When I got to Falls Bridge, somehow I lost track of him and ended up passing him. I took off my gloves and dropped one of my Fuel Belt bottles. He ended up passing me back. I followed him most of the rest of the way.
I didn't want to get in a race, but he slowed so much that I eventually caught up and passed him. It was as I was catching him that my problems started. I ran on the gravel part of Kelly Drive. As I ran on the uneven surface, I a felt a couple pains in my ankle. I went back onto the paved path and felt better.
I had to use the bathroom and was planning on stopping at Lloyd Hall to do so and stretch a little too. I was feeling a little sluggish at that point. Then as I got to Boathouse Row, a pain shot through my ankle again. It happened on two consecutive steps and at that point, I knew I had to walk and quit.
I might've been able to continue after some rest, but I elected not to risk it. We'll test it out again on the next run. I didn't want to aggravate it again and be much farther from my apartment. I walked home with no other problems. It was a little sore after a long walk this evening.
I don't know what caused this problem now. Maybe it was wearing my shoes too tight. That seemed to stop my foot issue, but now might've caused this problem.
This has just become so frustrating. I have problem after problem. Maybe it's an issue with my shoes. I don't know, but I can't seem to get past the 8-13 mile range.
I used a Fuel Belt again and I don't think it was as much of an issue this time. I only filled the bottles half full. My hip was a little sore from it, but it didn't seem like a big problem.
I'm trying to be cautious and ran slowly this week. Actually, running a different pace this week might've been a problem too. My muscles had to handle different impacts than they were used to. I don't know what the issue is, but it would be nice to get over it.
I really have to stay positive and just keep plugging away. At this point, I just want to be able to get one 18-20 mile run done in the next two weeks. That's a big physical and mental hurdle before the marathon. I wouldn't mind trying the run/walk technique, but that didn't seem to help much a couple weeks earlier. My sore leg just stiffened up.
I clearly didn't respect the marathon and long distances enough. This has been very humbling. I'd like to think I can still finish the marathon and that I have enough time yet to turn things around. I'm really not sure though. I always read about people running 5 hours marathon and think they're slow. At least they can finish though. I'm not sure I can do that, even if I am faster than them.
Maybe this is all just a big test to see how dedicated I am to running. Last time I got injured, I got frustrated and quit. I plan on being in it for the long haul now. I'm not a quitter now. It's going to take a lot more then this to stop me.
I just have to keep going. Tomorrow, I'll try to make up for today. I'm going to bike long again, rather than just an hour ride. I'm going to try to keep next week normal, but we'll have to see. They say that you should have a year of base running done before a marathon and now I see why. I'll be much stronger as I head into the spring marathon. Now it's just a game of survival.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Beautiful Day (for me)
Not exactly what U2 had in mind, but I thought it was a beautiful day for a run. There's just something about running in the rain that I love. We were hit by a Nor'easter today. Instead of the typical 66 degrees, it was a high of 44 with lots of rain. It was just like the first part of Game 5 of the World Series last year.
I guess I love this weather because I like to see who else is crazy enough to be out there with me. For the over half hour run, I counted a grand total of 7 other runners. Most were well dressed. One was crazy enough to wear a short sleeve shirt and shorts. I noticed he turned around quickly after passing me.
It was a tough day to dress actually. I knew I was overdressed, but figured it was better than being under dressed and soaked. I wore a light jacket, long pants, a hat and gloves. Walking over to run, I felt comfortable, so I knew I was wearing too much.
The attire actually worked well early on. I felt really good, especially after stretching beforehand. I ran along the Schuykill Banks from Lloyd Hall. I actually ran all the way home, so I wouldn't have to walk back in the rain.
Most of the run went smooth. I did struggle towards the end though because my wet clothes got heavy. Most of the time, they made me hot, but there were some big wind gusts too.
Overall, I ran pretty comfortable. My leg really didn't bother me much. I was surprised at how little soreness I had after yesterday's long run. I think the extensive amount of stretching is really helping. I took quite a few minutes to do so again after this run. My legs feel better now than they have in weeks. Still some soreness there, but they feel like they're improving.
Another thing that might've helped was tying my shoes tighter, especially my left shoes. I made sure to really tighten the laces all the way through. That gave my left foot a lot more support and my ankle and foot were no longer sore. Hopefully it is what helped my leg too.
I'm really interested to see how I feel after Saturday. That'll be huge in my recover. If I can finish the long run and feel anywhere near how I do afterwards, that'll be huge. I'm going to do a couple loops around the Schuykill and let my body dictate how far I go. I'd love to get the full 18 mile run in, but not sure I'll push anywhere near that far. I'm looking more at 15 or 16 miles again.
4.2 miles - 36:31 (8:42 pace)
I guess I love this weather because I like to see who else is crazy enough to be out there with me. For the over half hour run, I counted a grand total of 7 other runners. Most were well dressed. One was crazy enough to wear a short sleeve shirt and shorts. I noticed he turned around quickly after passing me.
It was a tough day to dress actually. I knew I was overdressed, but figured it was better than being under dressed and soaked. I wore a light jacket, long pants, a hat and gloves. Walking over to run, I felt comfortable, so I knew I was wearing too much.
The attire actually worked well early on. I felt really good, especially after stretching beforehand. I ran along the Schuykill Banks from Lloyd Hall. I actually ran all the way home, so I wouldn't have to walk back in the rain.
Most of the run went smooth. I did struggle towards the end though because my wet clothes got heavy. Most of the time, they made me hot, but there were some big wind gusts too.
Overall, I ran pretty comfortable. My leg really didn't bother me much. I was surprised at how little soreness I had after yesterday's long run. I think the extensive amount of stretching is really helping. I took quite a few minutes to do so again after this run. My legs feel better now than they have in weeks. Still some soreness there, but they feel like they're improving.
Another thing that might've helped was tying my shoes tighter, especially my left shoes. I made sure to really tighten the laces all the way through. That gave my left foot a lot more support and my ankle and foot were no longer sore. Hopefully it is what helped my leg too.
I'm really interested to see how I feel after Saturday. That'll be huge in my recover. If I can finish the long run and feel anywhere near how I do afterwards, that'll be huge. I'm going to do a couple loops around the Schuykill and let my body dictate how far I go. I'd love to get the full 18 mile run in, but not sure I'll push anywhere near that far. I'm looking more at 15 or 16 miles again.
4.2 miles - 36:31 (8:42 pace)
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Around the Loop Again
Today, I ran most of the Schuykill River loop. I started at Lloyd Hall and stopped at West River Drive right where it goes over the river. It was about 7.5 miles.
Originally, I planned on some boring running at Temple's track. I went to the subway and the Fairmount stop doesn't have a token machine and the one at Spring Garden didn't take change. That was all I brought and only enough for two tokens. Rather than go back to the apartment and get money, I just decided to run the loop.
Again, my left ankle felt funny early on. I really don't think my shoe was tied tight enough and that bothered my foot later on. After going really slow at the start, I picked it up.
I ran fairly well on the way out. I went with a relatively slow and comfortable pace. I can only slow down so much though. Right as I got the St. Joe's Prep boathouse, I caught up to a guy that ran by me when I was walking before my run and warm up. Obviously he was going slow, but it was amazing that I caught up to him.
I felt pretty good as I got to Falls Bridge. I was slow and it seemed like the run took forever, but my legs were okay. As I got towards the end though, they really started to lose it. The week off made this long run tough.
I couldn't have run much farther and I elected to play it safe and just stop early. I'm planning on doing more than one loop on Saturday and quite frankly I'm not sure how I'll pull that off. I was beat at the end of this one. Both my legs started to get sore in the last half mile or so.
I didn't look at my watch until the end. I started the stopwatch, but changed the setting to the time for most of the run. I tried not to run too hard at any point. It wasn't easy, but it felt great completing the workout. I took extra time to stretch afterwards (as well as before).
The weather is starting to get frustrating now. Yesterday, it was sunny and the temperature wasn't bad. It turned out to be very windy by the river though. Today, it was cloudy and unseasonably cold. There was no wind though, so the weather was actually much better.
Obviously the cold weather kept people away though. It's interesting to watch how people dress. Some are way overdress already and some are probably underdressed like myself. I wore a short sleeve shirt and shorts. I did throw on gloves and that was a big help.
By the end, I was actually warm and sweating in the gloves. They were much needed as I walked to the river though. That's the hardest part. I walk quite a few blocks before getting to the run.
The shirt I had on had small holes in it. It's really a good thing that it wasn't windy. The wind is such an X-factor. Even if it's not windy at the apartment, it can be windy at the river.
Tomorrow is a scheduled 5 mile run, but I'll probably just do 3 or 4. I'm a little sore right now, particularly in my injured left leg. I just have to make it through the next few weeks.
I've been thinking about getting a massage. I wasn't sure where to go and googling it didn't help. It would be great, but not sure it's worth the money either. I might try taking an ice bath after Saturday's run. That was is scheduled for 18 miles, but I'll likely do 15 or 16 (if I make it that far).
7.5 miles - 1:05:11 (8:41 pace)
Originally, I planned on some boring running at Temple's track. I went to the subway and the Fairmount stop doesn't have a token machine and the one at Spring Garden didn't take change. That was all I brought and only enough for two tokens. Rather than go back to the apartment and get money, I just decided to run the loop.
Again, my left ankle felt funny early on. I really don't think my shoe was tied tight enough and that bothered my foot later on. After going really slow at the start, I picked it up.
I ran fairly well on the way out. I went with a relatively slow and comfortable pace. I can only slow down so much though. Right as I got the St. Joe's Prep boathouse, I caught up to a guy that ran by me when I was walking before my run and warm up. Obviously he was going slow, but it was amazing that I caught up to him.
I felt pretty good as I got to Falls Bridge. I was slow and it seemed like the run took forever, but my legs were okay. As I got towards the end though, they really started to lose it. The week off made this long run tough.
I couldn't have run much farther and I elected to play it safe and just stop early. I'm planning on doing more than one loop on Saturday and quite frankly I'm not sure how I'll pull that off. I was beat at the end of this one. Both my legs started to get sore in the last half mile or so.
I didn't look at my watch until the end. I started the stopwatch, but changed the setting to the time for most of the run. I tried not to run too hard at any point. It wasn't easy, but it felt great completing the workout. I took extra time to stretch afterwards (as well as before).
The weather is starting to get frustrating now. Yesterday, it was sunny and the temperature wasn't bad. It turned out to be very windy by the river though. Today, it was cloudy and unseasonably cold. There was no wind though, so the weather was actually much better.
Obviously the cold weather kept people away though. It's interesting to watch how people dress. Some are way overdress already and some are probably underdressed like myself. I wore a short sleeve shirt and shorts. I did throw on gloves and that was a big help.
By the end, I was actually warm and sweating in the gloves. They were much needed as I walked to the river though. That's the hardest part. I walk quite a few blocks before getting to the run.
The shirt I had on had small holes in it. It's really a good thing that it wasn't windy. The wind is such an X-factor. Even if it's not windy at the apartment, it can be windy at the river.
Tomorrow is a scheduled 5 mile run, but I'll probably just do 3 or 4. I'm a little sore right now, particularly in my injured left leg. I just have to make it through the next few weeks.
I've been thinking about getting a massage. I wasn't sure where to go and googling it didn't help. It would be great, but not sure it's worth the money either. I might try taking an ice bath after Saturday's run. That was is scheduled for 18 miles, but I'll likely do 15 or 16 (if I make it that far).
7.5 miles - 1:05:11 (8:41 pace)
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Back on My Feet
After taking off since last Wednesday, I ran this afternoon. I did my scheduled 4 mile route along Kelly Drive. Instead of the usual morning run, I decided to wait until later in the afternoon. I read a few times where this is a better time to run because your legs are loosened up.
Having said that, I really didn't enjoy running in the afternoon and I'm not sure I'll continue it. It's not that it was bad, it's just harder to motivate myself to get up when I'm sitting around and watching TV. I'd much prefer to get up, eat and get it out of the way. That's definitely the best way for me to not skip runs.
My leg has felt much better lately, so the rest was a help. It still feels tight from time to time when I walk, but I'm no longer limping around. It felt really good as I walked to Lloyd Hall.
The leg was pretty good throughout the run. There was some minor soreness during and afterwards. I probably wouldn't have even noticed it when running if I wasn't looking for it.
The thing that bothered me early on was the outside of my left ankle. It starting bothering me right off the bat with my first step. I never had an issue there before. After about half a mile, it went away.
I ran with only a few minor aches. I was surprised with some soreness in my calves. All in all though, my legs felt pretty good. It it did seem a little weird after not running for nearly a week. I didn't push myself though, instead I took it easy.
I made sure to stretch beforehand. That's something I haven't been doing. I did even more extensive stretching when I was done, including when I got home and did my ab workout. I want to do all I can to keep my legs strong and loose.
The headwind was a real pain on the way out. It's getting to be that time of year where it gets very windy around the river. That's going to be very frustrating during the marathon. At least I'll be used to it. I have a fancy material T-shirt that I bought the other week and it proved to be quite wind resistant. That was nice. The wind wasn't a problem on the way back and it was ideal running conditions.
I finished solidly, not pushing myself too hard. It felt good to get that out of the way, but the real tests are yet to come. I need to see how my leg responds to see where I'm at. I hoped it would be 100% healed when I got back to running, but it isn't.
I really need to get through this next three weeks. After that, it will be my taper period. Then, I can relax and won't mind missing a run here and there if I have to.
Tomorrow's run is scheduled for 9 miles, but I'm going to take it easy and likely only run 7. To ease my legs on the long run, I'm going to run on Temple's track. That's going to be very boring, but will reduce the impact. I'm also going to reverse directions after every mile. Saturday's long run and recovery will be the biggest test. I'll probably cut that run from 18 miles to 15 or 16 miles.
It feels great to be back and hopefully good things are ahead. I still have a bit to go until the marathon and I can see the finish line. I just need to take it easy, be more cautious and patient. Hopefully, that'll keep me injury free.
4 miles - 34:59 (8:45 pace)
Having said that, I really didn't enjoy running in the afternoon and I'm not sure I'll continue it. It's not that it was bad, it's just harder to motivate myself to get up when I'm sitting around and watching TV. I'd much prefer to get up, eat and get it out of the way. That's definitely the best way for me to not skip runs.
My leg has felt much better lately, so the rest was a help. It still feels tight from time to time when I walk, but I'm no longer limping around. It felt really good as I walked to Lloyd Hall.
The leg was pretty good throughout the run. There was some minor soreness during and afterwards. I probably wouldn't have even noticed it when running if I wasn't looking for it.
The thing that bothered me early on was the outside of my left ankle. It starting bothering me right off the bat with my first step. I never had an issue there before. After about half a mile, it went away.
I ran with only a few minor aches. I was surprised with some soreness in my calves. All in all though, my legs felt pretty good. It it did seem a little weird after not running for nearly a week. I didn't push myself though, instead I took it easy.
I made sure to stretch beforehand. That's something I haven't been doing. I did even more extensive stretching when I was done, including when I got home and did my ab workout. I want to do all I can to keep my legs strong and loose.
The headwind was a real pain on the way out. It's getting to be that time of year where it gets very windy around the river. That's going to be very frustrating during the marathon. At least I'll be used to it. I have a fancy material T-shirt that I bought the other week and it proved to be quite wind resistant. That was nice. The wind wasn't a problem on the way back and it was ideal running conditions.
I finished solidly, not pushing myself too hard. It felt good to get that out of the way, but the real tests are yet to come. I need to see how my leg responds to see where I'm at. I hoped it would be 100% healed when I got back to running, but it isn't.
I really need to get through this next three weeks. After that, it will be my taper period. Then, I can relax and won't mind missing a run here and there if I have to.
Tomorrow's run is scheduled for 9 miles, but I'm going to take it easy and likely only run 7. To ease my legs on the long run, I'm going to run on Temple's track. That's going to be very boring, but will reduce the impact. I'm also going to reverse directions after every mile. Saturday's long run and recovery will be the biggest test. I'll probably cut that run from 18 miles to 15 or 16 miles.
It feels great to be back and hopefully good things are ahead. I still have a bit to go until the marathon and I can see the finish line. I just need to take it easy, be more cautious and patient. Hopefully, that'll keep me injury free.
4 miles - 34:59 (8:45 pace)
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Long and Wet Ride
I rode for nearly two hours today to replace my scheduled 12 mile run. I did two loops around the river, plus one time around the Schuykill Banks out and back. I did this to allow my injured leg to heal.
Everything started off pretty well. There was a crew meet, so I had to use the road on some parts of Kelly Drive. Luckily, they closed the road. People block the paths too much during events and are ignorant. One lady stood, chatting and blocking the path at one point. Of course she was a University of Delaware fan.
The real issue on the way out was the wind and rain. In certain sections it was incredibly windy on Kelly Drive. There was a light rain going out on both loops. It was weird because the rain stopped and the sun came out while I was on West River Drive. When I got back to Kelly, it rained again.
The wind was really bad near Falls Bridge too, but I pushed through it both times. I was happy to see more bikes out in this rain, than the rain a few days ago. I have so much respect for everyone out there biking and running in the rain.
I rode at a nice and easy gear. I had to go slower up some slight hills and when going into the wind, but I also went up a gear when going downhill. I didn't push my legs too hard and they felt very good. Rarely did I actually notice my sore leg/hip.
On West River Drive, I hit a walk towards the end. Luckily, I was going towards them and was able to navigate through them. On the second loop, I tried the path first, but it was crowded too so I had to dart around a few people on the road.
I thought I had another flat as I was nearly finished. It turns out it was just the rough pavement. The air in my tires was still good. I ran smoothly through the rest of the rainy route.
I ate some GU Energy Gel and a breakfast bar too. I didn't feel like I worked that hard, because my legs weren't sore. However, after getting off the bike, it was evident that I did get a nice workout. I was and am very tired. The lack of pounding on my knees was nice.
I still really don't like riding though. I don't mind doing it to relax, but I don't enjoy cycling for a workout. Riding at a lower gear is better though.
My leg is feeling much better and the cycling is clearly a big help. I'm still not sure what I'm going to do next week. I might bike instead of doing all those runs too. I want to make sure I'm fully recovered. I'll likely do less mileage than scheduled when I do come back. I won't try to run until my leg feels completely healed when I'm walking.
Tomorrow will be an hour bike ride before heading to the Eagles game to tailgate. Tuesday and the rest of next week is still up in the air. I need to make it to the marathon healthy, so I can have a decent finish. Even if it's not my best, I want to still run well. Healing is the number one priority right now.
20.3 miles (1:46:00)
Everything started off pretty well. There was a crew meet, so I had to use the road on some parts of Kelly Drive. Luckily, they closed the road. People block the paths too much during events and are ignorant. One lady stood, chatting and blocking the path at one point. Of course she was a University of Delaware fan.
The real issue on the way out was the wind and rain. In certain sections it was incredibly windy on Kelly Drive. There was a light rain going out on both loops. It was weird because the rain stopped and the sun came out while I was on West River Drive. When I got back to Kelly, it rained again.
The wind was really bad near Falls Bridge too, but I pushed through it both times. I was happy to see more bikes out in this rain, than the rain a few days ago. I have so much respect for everyone out there biking and running in the rain.
I rode at a nice and easy gear. I had to go slower up some slight hills and when going into the wind, but I also went up a gear when going downhill. I didn't push my legs too hard and they felt very good. Rarely did I actually notice my sore leg/hip.
On West River Drive, I hit a walk towards the end. Luckily, I was going towards them and was able to navigate through them. On the second loop, I tried the path first, but it was crowded too so I had to dart around a few people on the road.
I thought I had another flat as I was nearly finished. It turns out it was just the rough pavement. The air in my tires was still good. I ran smoothly through the rest of the rainy route.
I ate some GU Energy Gel and a breakfast bar too. I didn't feel like I worked that hard, because my legs weren't sore. However, after getting off the bike, it was evident that I did get a nice workout. I was and am very tired. The lack of pounding on my knees was nice.
I still really don't like riding though. I don't mind doing it to relax, but I don't enjoy cycling for a workout. Riding at a lower gear is better though.
My leg is feeling much better and the cycling is clearly a big help. I'm still not sure what I'm going to do next week. I might bike instead of doing all those runs too. I want to make sure I'm fully recovered. I'll likely do less mileage than scheduled when I do come back. I won't try to run until my leg feels completely healed when I'm walking.
Tomorrow will be an hour bike ride before heading to the Eagles game to tailgate. Tuesday and the rest of next week is still up in the air. I need to make it to the marathon healthy, so I can have a decent finish. Even if it's not my best, I want to still run well. Healing is the number one priority right now.
20.3 miles (1:46:00)
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