Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Not popping back like usual
It's been 3 days and my knee still isn't cooperating. After ice it's great and I can party all night but once that has worn off things aren't so great. It is better and the discomfort isn't as bad as Saturday afternoon, but still. Usually I have a few aches after running but after a good ice soaking they go away. This time it's not going away. I might actually have an issue. Hope not. If it's not better by this weekend then I'll make an appointment. Bummer. I was doing so well. I don't need this setback to mess up my progress. Oh well. We will see.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
And you thought I didn't like the cold
Over the last few weeks I have complained about running in the cold. I'm sorry, I didn't mean it and I take it all back. Saturday I ran in 69 - 72 degrees of Pea Soup. The overall temp was not bad but it was very muggy. All I could do was think about how nice the run was the day it was 30 degrees. Once you got moving that run was very nice. With this run, moving just made it worse.
Even with the weather I did a really great job with this run. It was a little over 8 miles. With it being the holidays all of my people decided to blow off running with the group. So I was out there by myself. I should clarify that. There were other people running with the group but they are all faster than me and the group I lead so really quickly my group is left behind. I had my ipod so I was not without something to do. I know you are thinking what kind of statement is that. You're running, of course you have something to do. But it's not that simple. I need to give myself a distraction so my legs will keep moving. That's why I like running with other people. They talk and it gives me something to do so I don't have to think about how much I can't breathe or that my legs don't want to do up that hill.
The run itself was interesting. The first half was flatish and the second half was rolling hills. I lost a little time initially on the hills but managed to get back to my normal pace. I have run the rolling hill part before and yesterday was the best I have ever done. So hooray for me!!!
Overall I felt really good while running and pretty good once it was over. Last week I tweaked something in the back of my right knee but it didn't bother me on the run at all. It was nagging a bit when I got up this morning but seems better now that I warmed up some. I keep icing it so I think it should be fine. We'll see over the next few days.
All I can say is be careful what you wish for. :-)
Even with the weather I did a really great job with this run. It was a little over 8 miles. With it being the holidays all of my people decided to blow off running with the group. So I was out there by myself. I should clarify that. There were other people running with the group but they are all faster than me and the group I lead so really quickly my group is left behind. I had my ipod so I was not without something to do. I know you are thinking what kind of statement is that. You're running, of course you have something to do. But it's not that simple. I need to give myself a distraction so my legs will keep moving. That's why I like running with other people. They talk and it gives me something to do so I don't have to think about how much I can't breathe or that my legs don't want to do up that hill.
The run itself was interesting. The first half was flatish and the second half was rolling hills. I lost a little time initially on the hills but managed to get back to my normal pace. I have run the rolling hill part before and yesterday was the best I have ever done. So hooray for me!!!
Overall I felt really good while running and pretty good once it was over. Last week I tweaked something in the back of my right knee but it didn't bother me on the run at all. It was nagging a bit when I got up this morning but seems better now that I warmed up some. I keep icing it so I think it should be fine. We'll see over the next few days.
All I can say is be careful what you wish for. :-)
Monday, December 15, 2008
A little help for my new friends
Saturday was 7.5 miles with the running group. I got 3 more runners this week. Two of them are new to running and this was going to be the most they ever ran in their lives. I really remember those days. One women was having some troubles but we slowed down a little and she rallied and did great. She was so excited when we finished that she hugged me for helping her make the mileage. That made me remember when I was starting out and how Pete would drop back with me so that I wouldn't give up. It really feels great helping somebody become a runner.
I think next week we do hills. She may not be so happy with me when that run is over.
I think next week we do hills. She may not be so happy with me when that run is over.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Volunteering is really alot of fun
Sunday I volunteered for one of the hardest half marathons that we have here. It was awesome!!!
The running group sponsored a water stop at the race. This race is really hilly and nastiest hills are in the last 5 miles (which is wrong, just wrong). The race is called the Decker Challenge. Do you know that some people have the gall to do it twice! TWICE. That's called a Double Decker. The first time is crazy, the second is insane.
These people were awesome and it was great to actually see elite runners up close. When I race I am so far in the back that I never see the fast guys. We got to cheer on the everybody and it was alot of fun. I will definitely volunteer again.
The hardest part was it was cold that day. Getting dressed was tricky. It's different when you run in the cold. I expect to freeze a bit in the beginning since I know I will warm up once I start moving. But this time I was going to be standing around and needed to have a more consistent level of warmth. I started out with 5 shirts, 2 pairs of pants, wool sock, 2 pairs of gloves, a scarf and a hat. I ended up with 2 shirts, 2 pants and the socks.
While I was handing out water and Gatorade, my really fast marathon friends were running there first Ultra. 31 miles!!!! So I have to give props to shortestamiga and nospinzone. You girls rock and I am so proud of you.
The running group sponsored a water stop at the race. This race is really hilly and nastiest hills are in the last 5 miles (which is wrong, just wrong). The race is called the Decker Challenge. Do you know that some people have the gall to do it twice! TWICE. That's called a Double Decker. The first time is crazy, the second is insane.
These people were awesome and it was great to actually see elite runners up close. When I race I am so far in the back that I never see the fast guys. We got to cheer on the everybody and it was alot of fun. I will definitely volunteer again.
The hardest part was it was cold that day. Getting dressed was tricky. It's different when you run in the cold. I expect to freeze a bit in the beginning since I know I will warm up once I start moving. But this time I was going to be standing around and needed to have a more consistent level of warmth. I started out with 5 shirts, 2 pairs of pants, wool sock, 2 pairs of gloves, a scarf and a hat. I ended up with 2 shirts, 2 pants and the socks.
While I was handing out water and Gatorade, my really fast marathon friends were running there first Ultra. 31 miles!!!! So I have to give props to shortestamiga and nospinzone. You girls rock and I am so proud of you.
Back with the running group
Saturday was my first run with the group since the race. We did 6 miles of rolling hills.
I'm back leading the group for the next half marathon cycle. I didn't realize how much I missed the comfort of the group until Saturday. I have a whole new group of people and they seem pretty good. They are a stronger group than last time so I have my work cut out for me. I think I can keep up.
The hills were easier this time. Not easy but easier. The fact that it was 30 degrees probably didn't hurt. The last time I did this route it was in Sept and 85 degrees. It was scenic and pretty. This is the first time that I had a chance to look at the scenery. Usually I'm too busy trying not to die. So that part was fun.
I'm back leading the group for the next half marathon cycle. I didn't realize how much I missed the comfort of the group until Saturday. I have a whole new group of people and they seem pretty good. They are a stronger group than last time so I have my work cut out for me. I think I can keep up.
The hills were easier this time. Not easy but easier. The fact that it was 30 degrees probably didn't hurt. The last time I did this route it was in Sept and 85 degrees. It was scenic and pretty. This is the first time that I had a chance to look at the scenery. Usually I'm too busy trying not to die. So that part was fun.
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