Monday, October 15th:
Off
Tuesday, October 16th:
6:00 pm, 58 degrees, 50%, 10mph. Maple Shade Loop. Brooks Ravenna 3.
8k steady progression - NW
Started easy, gradually picked up pace on the way back and really opened up the last 2k. Phenomenal finish.
Wednesday, October 17th:
6:35 pm, 58 degrees, 60%, calm. 2x Neighborhood Loop. Nike Structure Triax 15 Shield
6k easy - BOF 4:52 (5:10 4:53 48 51 50 37)
Felt like I was floating the whole time. Good arm action the last km.
Thursday, October 18th:
9:00 am, 52-57 degrees, 75%, 5mph. Figure 8 Pennypacker Loop. Brooks Ravenna 3.
10k slow - NW
Not sure if it was the quick turnaround from last night's run but I felt absolutely lethargic with no energy on the run today. I kept waiting for things to click, but I never got that feeling. Regardless, I hung tough and ran at a slow pace that felt manageable. It's a good thing I didn't wear my watch today because I probably wouldn't have liked what it told me. Glad I am listening to my body instead. It will probably thank me tomorrow.
6:15 pm, 62 degrees, 80%, 10-15mph. Big Neighborhood Loop. Nike Structure Triax 15 Shield.
4k easy progression - BOF 4:59 (5:18 00 4:53 46), 4x 75m strides at 5k pace
Impending thunderstorm tonight and tomorrow forced me to get in a second run this evening. Much smoother session than this morning. Let the progression happen and threw in some strides afterward. Felt good to really open up for the first time in a while, even in short bursts. My prize is I get an extra day off tomorrow - woohoo!
Friday, October 19th:
Off
Saturday, October 20th:
7:00 am, 57 degrees, 90%, calm. Haddonfield Store Run +. Brooks Ravenna 3.
12k moderate - BOF 4:44 (5:10-4:34)
Incredibly strong from the first step. Having Denning's company made a huge difference. Handled hills very well, and had tons left in the tank at the finish.
Sunday, October 21st:
5:50 am, 49 degrees, 75%, 10mph. Kelly Drive. Brooks Ravenna 3.
8k easy progression - BOF 4:54 (5:19 01 4:56 53 52 47 48 33) 4x 75m strides at 5k pace
Got in my early morning run before riding 30k on the bike with the team for their last long run before NYC. Cold, windy, and dark this morning, but let the pace come and finished strong with some strides after.
Weekly Total: 48km
Another solid week. Aside from Thursday AM, every run felt pretty good, the long run on Saturday felt great, and it was nice to throw some strides in at the end of a couple easy runs. Now that I essentially hit 30 miles for this week, I can think of myself as a "real" runner again. :)
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Monday, October 8, 2012
Base Training, Week 4
Monday, October 8th:
5:45 am, 44 degrees, 85%, calm. Coles Rd - back. Brooks Ravenna 3.
6k easy - NW
Chilly, groggy start. Kind of shuffled through the first 2k or so, but got into a solid rhythm on the way back. I know I am a real runner again when I can get up at 5:30 am on Monday to get in my run before an 11 hour work day!
Tuesday, October 9th:
6:20 pm, 58 degrees (misty), 90%, 5-10mph. Big Neighborhood Loop. Brooks Ravenna 3.
4k steady - NW
Maintained a little faster tempo this evening. Groin felt tight from the cold weather - more of a soft-tissue tightness than bone pain. Will monitor, but didn't seem to worsen during the run or after.
Wednesday, October 10th:
5:45 pm, 62 degrees, 50%, 5-10mph. Merchantville Loop w/1x Franklin, St. James. Brooks Ravenna 3.
6k easy - BOF 4:43 (4:52 34 42 50 45 39)
Super smooth from the first step. Weather was perfect. Really found my stride the last 1.5k.
Thursday, October 11th:
4:35 pm, 60 degrees, 35%, 10mph. Big Neighborhood Loop. Brooks Ravenna 3.
Perfect weather again. Not quite as sharp as yesterday, but awfully close. Again, felt so smooth the last 1.5k.
Friday, October 12th:
9:00 am, 45-50 degrees, 70%, 5-10mph. P.P-Grove-Hopkins-P.P.-Croft-Hopkins-Grove-P.P. (Figure 8 Loop). Brooks Ravenna 3.
10k easy - BOF 4:55 (5:17 01 4:48 5:03 4:49 49 5:12 4:43 51 38)
Nice rolling trail/road loop, maintained a pretty even effort despite the undulations, felt strong the last 2k. Funny how 10k seems like such a long run right now when that used to be my recovery day. Still, I can feel it coming back.
Saturday, October 13th:
5:00 am, 35 degrees(!), 70%, 0-5mph. Moorestown. Brooks Ravenna 3.
6.5k easy - BOF 4:54 (4:59 56 48 53 56 56 53)
Had company this morning with Colleen and John - first group run in over 6 months! Very chilly, but pace was very comfortable/conversational. Rode 27k on bike for the rest of their long run - man was that cold! Good thing about starting at 5:00 am is the 8:05 am finish.
Sunday, October 14th:
7:40 am, 52 degrees, 80%, 0-5mph. Merchantville Loop. Brooks Ravenna 3.
5.5k easy - BOF 4:58 (5:12 00 4:57 53 53 47)
Steady rhythm. Nice crisp, fall morning. Little heavy-legged from the week.
Weekly Total: 42km
I finally ran almost the equivalent of an entire marathon for the week! Now all I have to do over the next 7 months is shorten the recoveries to zero and increase my pace per km by 45 seconds. If only it were that easy. :)
5:45 am, 44 degrees, 85%, calm. Coles Rd - back. Brooks Ravenna 3.
6k easy - NW
Chilly, groggy start. Kind of shuffled through the first 2k or so, but got into a solid rhythm on the way back. I know I am a real runner again when I can get up at 5:30 am on Monday to get in my run before an 11 hour work day!
Tuesday, October 9th:
6:20 pm, 58 degrees (misty), 90%, 5-10mph. Big Neighborhood Loop. Brooks Ravenna 3.
4k steady - NW
Maintained a little faster tempo this evening. Groin felt tight from the cold weather - more of a soft-tissue tightness than bone pain. Will monitor, but didn't seem to worsen during the run or after.
Wednesday, October 10th:
5:45 pm, 62 degrees, 50%, 5-10mph. Merchantville Loop w/1x Franklin, St. James. Brooks Ravenna 3.
6k easy - BOF 4:43 (4:52 34 42 50 45 39)
Super smooth from the first step. Weather was perfect. Really found my stride the last 1.5k.
Thursday, October 11th:
4:35 pm, 60 degrees, 35%, 10mph. Big Neighborhood Loop. Brooks Ravenna 3.
Perfect weather again. Not quite as sharp as yesterday, but awfully close. Again, felt so smooth the last 1.5k.
Friday, October 12th:
9:00 am, 45-50 degrees, 70%, 5-10mph. P.P-Grove-Hopkins-P.P.-Croft-Hopkins-Grove-P.P. (Figure 8 Loop). Brooks Ravenna 3.
10k easy - BOF 4:55 (5:17 01 4:48 5:03 4:49 49 5:12 4:43 51 38)
Nice rolling trail/road loop, maintained a pretty even effort despite the undulations, felt strong the last 2k. Funny how 10k seems like such a long run right now when that used to be my recovery day. Still, I can feel it coming back.
Saturday, October 13th:
5:00 am, 35 degrees(!), 70%, 0-5mph. Moorestown. Brooks Ravenna 3.
6.5k easy - BOF 4:54 (4:59 56 48 53 56 56 53)
Had company this morning with Colleen and John - first group run in over 6 months! Very chilly, but pace was very comfortable/conversational. Rode 27k on bike for the rest of their long run - man was that cold! Good thing about starting at 5:00 am is the 8:05 am finish.
Sunday, October 14th:
7:40 am, 52 degrees, 80%, 0-5mph. Merchantville Loop. Brooks Ravenna 3.
5.5k easy - BOF 4:58 (5:12 00 4:57 53 53 47)
Steady rhythm. Nice crisp, fall morning. Little heavy-legged from the week.
Weekly Total: 42km
I finally ran almost the equivalent of an entire marathon for the week! Now all I have to do over the next 7 months is shorten the recoveries to zero and increase my pace per km by 45 seconds. If only it were that easy. :)
Monday, October 1, 2012
Base Training, Week 3
Monday, October 1st:
8:00 pm, 64 degrees, 60%, 0-5mph. Neighborhood Loop x 2. Adidas Adizero Tempo 4.
6k easy - BOF 4:50 (5:14 4:48 44 43 46 42)
Like a metronome. Unbelievable how quickly it is coming back. It is a peaceful feeling to have control and restraint over the overwhelming desire to do more than I am doing. Patience feels good and right.
Tuesday, October 2nd:
7:25 pm, 68 degrees, 95%, 0-5mph. Big Neighborhood Loop. Nike Structure Triax 15 Shield.
4k easy - BOF 4:52 (5:08 4:52 46 41)
Ran on a heavy stomach, but still had a great rhythm. Humid, foggy night was kind of cool with the headlamp on. Felt like I was cutting through the air.
Wednesday, October 3rd:
6:50 pm, 78 degrees, 80%, calm. Maple Shade sign and back. Adidas Adizero Tempo 4.
5k easy - NW
It's been a REALLY long time since I have run in a dew point north of 70. It still really sucks. I didn't even bother to wear a watch - just took it VERY slowly.
Thursday, October 4th:
4:00 pm, 76 degrees, 80%, 0-5mph. Big Neighborhood Loop. Nike Structure Triax 15 Shield.
4k easy - NW
Felt much more acclimated to the weather today. More energy than yesterday.
Friday, October 5th:
8:50 am, 62-68 degrees, 70%, 0-5mph. Chapel-Embassy-CH Blvd Loop + Triangle. Nike Pegasus 28+.
8k easy progression - BOF 4:52 (5:21 03 4:55 51 49 48 44 31)
One of my favorite rolling routes with some turns and hills to breakup the tempo. Felt strong on the big uphill and resisted the urge to run faster the last 2km, even though I felt it within me. "Controlled and relaxed aggression" the last km.
Saturday, October 6th:
7:20 am, 62 degrees, 90%, 0-5mph. Big Neighborhood Loop. Nike Pegasus 28+.
4k recovery - NW
Listened to my body and common sense and took it very slow today. Will probably do the same tomorrow. Looking forward to an off day on Monday or Tuesday. Just glad I have developed consistency in training already.
Saturday, October 6th:
7:40 pm, 62 degrees, 55%, 10-15mph. Big Neighborhood Loop. Brooks Ravenna 3.
4k easy - NW
Got a 90 minute + nap in this afternoon which was a great refresher. Also snagged some new running shoes so, in light of tomorrow's ugly rainy forecast, I thought tonight would be a great night to break them in and take a total rest day tomorrow. LOVED THE FIT AND FEEL OF THESE SHOES. It's like Brooks designed them specifically for my feet. Thanks, Brooks! :)
Sunday, October 7th:
Off.
Weekly Total: 35km
Put together a nice 11 day streak without too many aches and pains. Felt awesome on my "long" run, and after a forgettable effort this morning, totally redeemed my week with a great run this evening in my new shoes. Now I get to spend a rainy Sunday with the family, relaxing and doing nothing. Gotta love it.
8:00 pm, 64 degrees, 60%, 0-5mph. Neighborhood Loop x 2. Adidas Adizero Tempo 4.
6k easy - BOF 4:50 (5:14 4:48 44 43 46 42)
Like a metronome. Unbelievable how quickly it is coming back. It is a peaceful feeling to have control and restraint over the overwhelming desire to do more than I am doing. Patience feels good and right.
Tuesday, October 2nd:
7:25 pm, 68 degrees, 95%, 0-5mph. Big Neighborhood Loop. Nike Structure Triax 15 Shield.
4k easy - BOF 4:52 (5:08 4:52 46 41)
Ran on a heavy stomach, but still had a great rhythm. Humid, foggy night was kind of cool with the headlamp on. Felt like I was cutting through the air.
Wednesday, October 3rd:
6:50 pm, 78 degrees, 80%, calm. Maple Shade sign and back. Adidas Adizero Tempo 4.
5k easy - NW
It's been a REALLY long time since I have run in a dew point north of 70. It still really sucks. I didn't even bother to wear a watch - just took it VERY slowly.
Thursday, October 4th:
4:00 pm, 76 degrees, 80%, 0-5mph. Big Neighborhood Loop. Nike Structure Triax 15 Shield.
4k easy - NW
Felt much more acclimated to the weather today. More energy than yesterday.
Friday, October 5th:
8:50 am, 62-68 degrees, 70%, 0-5mph. Chapel-Embassy-CH Blvd Loop + Triangle. Nike Pegasus 28+.
8k easy progression - BOF 4:52 (5:21 03 4:55 51 49 48 44 31)
One of my favorite rolling routes with some turns and hills to breakup the tempo. Felt strong on the big uphill and resisted the urge to run faster the last 2km, even though I felt it within me. "Controlled and relaxed aggression" the last km.
Saturday, October 6th:
7:20 am, 62 degrees, 90%, 0-5mph. Big Neighborhood Loop. Nike Pegasus 28+.
4k recovery - NW
Listened to my body and common sense and took it very slow today. Will probably do the same tomorrow. Looking forward to an off day on Monday or Tuesday. Just glad I have developed consistency in training already.
Saturday, October 6th:
7:40 pm, 62 degrees, 55%, 10-15mph. Big Neighborhood Loop. Brooks Ravenna 3.
4k easy - NW
Got a 90 minute + nap in this afternoon which was a great refresher. Also snagged some new running shoes so, in light of tomorrow's ugly rainy forecast, I thought tonight would be a great night to break them in and take a total rest day tomorrow. LOVED THE FIT AND FEEL OF THESE SHOES. It's like Brooks designed them specifically for my feet. Thanks, Brooks! :)
Sunday, October 7th:
Off.
Weekly Total: 35km
Put together a nice 11 day streak without too many aches and pains. Felt awesome on my "long" run, and after a forgettable effort this morning, totally redeemed my week with a great run this evening in my new shoes. Now I get to spend a rainy Sunday with the family, relaxing and doing nothing. Gotta love it.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Base Training, Week 2
Monday, Sept. 24th:
7:45 pm, 60 degrees, 40%, 5-10mph. Neighborhood Franklin Loop. Nike Structure Triax 15 Shield.
5k easy - BOF 4:58 (5:12 4:50 54 55 59)
Incredibly relaxed and easy the whole run. Felt like I could have gone another 5k. Night running is very fun when the weather is perfect and there are hardly any cars on the road.
Tuesday, Sept. 25th:
Off.
Wednesday, Sept. 26th:
6:50 pm, 73 degrees, 80%, calm. Neighborhood Franklin Loop. Nike Structure Triax 15 Shield.
5k easy - BOF 4:51 (5:11 4:48 50 50 37)
Had to unwind from a stressful day. Maintained a pretty steady pace throughout and then intentionally picked it up the last km.
Thursday, Sept. 27th:
5:20 pm, 74 degrees, 65%, calm. Plymouth-Sussex Loop. Nike Pegasus 28+.
4k recovery - BOF 4:53 (5:10 4:54 52 36)
Felt very sluggish, although the results say otherwise. I felt like I was moving about 20-30 seconds a km slower. I guess that's a sign I am improving?
Friday, Sept. 28th:
8:45 am, 70 degrees, 90%, 5-10mph. SB Field - Pennypacker - Grove - Croft Farm - Bridge and back. Nike Structure Triax 15 Shield.
7k even effort - BOF 4:50 (5:23 4:54 44 50 44 36 37)
Got to run on hilly trails this morning - a welcome break from the neighborhood streets. Maintained a pretty even effort, even though the splits show a steady progression. I did start to labor and push the last km, working on maintaining form/posture. I think humidity was the silent killer on this run.
Saturday, Sept. 29th:
6:45 am, 60 degrees, 80%, 0-5mph. Maple Shade sign and back. Adidas Adizero Tempo 4.
5k easy - No watch
Best I have felt in several days. Running without a watch always gives a higher feeling of freedom. Once I establish familiar routes at all of the various km distances, I will abandon the watch for my easy runs.
Sunday, Sept. 30th:
5:50 am, 56 degrees, 80%, calm. Manayunk. Nike Pegasus 28+.
4k easy - BOF 4:56 (5:18 4:57 48 44)
Cool, calm, and relaxed the whole way. Felt fantastic, especially for the early morning hours. Joined Colleen, John, Price, and Oleg for their 23 mile long run at 6:30 am. Bike ride felt great, managed all the climbs very well. Can feel myself getting stronger.
Weekly Total: 30 km
Rounding back into shape nicely. Down to 173 lbs already. While I am progressing little by little each week, it is mentally encouraging to have the snowball effect of momentum on my side.
7:45 pm, 60 degrees, 40%, 5-10mph. Neighborhood Franklin Loop. Nike Structure Triax 15 Shield.
5k easy - BOF 4:58 (5:12 4:50 54 55 59)
Incredibly relaxed and easy the whole run. Felt like I could have gone another 5k. Night running is very fun when the weather is perfect and there are hardly any cars on the road.
Tuesday, Sept. 25th:
Off.
Wednesday, Sept. 26th:
6:50 pm, 73 degrees, 80%, calm. Neighborhood Franklin Loop. Nike Structure Triax 15 Shield.
5k easy - BOF 4:51 (5:11 4:48 50 50 37)
Had to unwind from a stressful day. Maintained a pretty steady pace throughout and then intentionally picked it up the last km.
Thursday, Sept. 27th:
5:20 pm, 74 degrees, 65%, calm. Plymouth-Sussex Loop. Nike Pegasus 28+.
4k recovery - BOF 4:53 (5:10 4:54 52 36)
Felt very sluggish, although the results say otherwise. I felt like I was moving about 20-30 seconds a km slower. I guess that's a sign I am improving?
Friday, Sept. 28th:
8:45 am, 70 degrees, 90%, 5-10mph. SB Field - Pennypacker - Grove - Croft Farm - Bridge and back. Nike Structure Triax 15 Shield.
7k even effort - BOF 4:50 (5:23 4:54 44 50 44 36 37)
Got to run on hilly trails this morning - a welcome break from the neighborhood streets. Maintained a pretty even effort, even though the splits show a steady progression. I did start to labor and push the last km, working on maintaining form/posture. I think humidity was the silent killer on this run.
Saturday, Sept. 29th:
6:45 am, 60 degrees, 80%, 0-5mph. Maple Shade sign and back. Adidas Adizero Tempo 4.
5k easy - No watch
Best I have felt in several days. Running without a watch always gives a higher feeling of freedom. Once I establish familiar routes at all of the various km distances, I will abandon the watch for my easy runs.
Sunday, Sept. 30th:
5:50 am, 56 degrees, 80%, calm. Manayunk. Nike Pegasus 28+.
4k easy - BOF 4:56 (5:18 4:57 48 44)
Cool, calm, and relaxed the whole way. Felt fantastic, especially for the early morning hours. Joined Colleen, John, Price, and Oleg for their 23 mile long run at 6:30 am. Bike ride felt great, managed all the climbs very well. Can feel myself getting stronger.
Weekly Total: 30 km
Rounding back into shape nicely. Down to 173 lbs already. While I am progressing little by little each week, it is mentally encouraging to have the snowball effect of momentum on my side.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Base Training, Week 1
Monday, Sept. 17th:
7:40 pm, 70 degrees, 60%, 0-5mph. Plymouth Place-Sussex Loop. Nike Structure Triax 15 Shield.
4k easy - BOF (4:59/km)
It's been a long road (5 months!) since I had to stop running due to multiple pelvis stress fractures. For the past 4 weeks, I have been slowly extending a walk/jog routine to the point where I can safely run easily for twenty minutes. So far, so good. I plan on adding about 5k to my weekly mileage until I find a comfortable max mileage zone. Nothing other than easy runs for at least another 6 weeks, and then only striders for awhile. At any point that I feel anything other than a normal ache in my pelvic area, though, I am going to stop running until it feels normal again. No more 5 month hiatuses - they really suck! 5 day hiatuses sound much more reasonable now.
Tonight was actually my fourth day in a row of steady running, so I am due for an off day tomorrow. At the point of jinxing myself, it's good to be back.
Tuesday, Sept. 18th:
Planned day off. Perfect timing. End of the world thunderstorm rolled through in the afternoon and rumbled through the night.
Wednesday, Sept. 19th:
7:15 pm, 65 degrees, 45%, 5 mph. Neighborhood Loop. Adidas Adizero Tempo 4.
3k easy - BOF (4:53/km)
Legs felt much more spry after my recovery day. I think the lighter shoes helped also. I may run in my lighter shoes more often for now, as I get a better "feel" for my running and don't feel so clunky. My form feels more natural, if that makes sense.
Thursday, Sept. 20th:
3:55 pm, 73 degrees, 45%, 5-10 mph. Maple Shade sign and back. Adidas Adizero Tempo 4.
5k easy - BOF (4:53/km)
My breathing remained easy and it felt like I intentionally held back the pace. Still, I did notice some lower leg soreness today. While yesterday I felt very light, today I felt like my feet didn't have enough cushion. I was surprised to see my average overall pace was the same as yesterday - it felt like I was running slower, which I guess is a good sign. My weight is down to 176 lbs from a summer time high of 184 lbs, so I am happy about that. About 10 lbs. more to go before I am in "fighting" shape. I am just happy to be making progress.
Friday, Sept. 21st:
10:45 am, 71 degrees, 65%, 5 mph. Pennypacker Trail Loop. Nike Pegasus 28+.
4k recovery - BOF (5:11/km), 2k: 10:43, 2k: 10:01
Great relaxed run on the local trail (and one of my favorite high school stomping grounds). No stress at any point during the run. Intentionally started very slow, gradually picked it up at the turnaround and finished feeling great. Best run yet since my return.
Saturday, Sept. 22nd:
5:50 am, 60 degrees, 90%, 0-5 mph. Coles Rd. and back. Nike Pegasus 28+.
6k easy - BOF 5:12 (5:38 08 09 06 04 05)
Little rough with the early morning start but found a nice rhythm after the first km. My first run of more than 30 consecutive minutes since April 15th. That's a victory in my book, no matter how slow I am currently moving.
Sunday, Sept. 23rd:
7:00 am, 56 degrees, 65%, 10 mph. Neighborhood. Adidas Adizero Tempo 4.
3k easy progression - BOF 4:55 (5:10 4:52 4:43)
Loved the cooler temps this morning. No real soreness from yesterday - able to just focus on form and "moving faster." Very relaxed. Nice way to end the week.
Weekly Total: 25 km
Solid first week back. Still some occasional muscle soreness in my right groin, which is to be expected after the long layoff. Strengthening my core/hams/glutes/quads and slowly building up the running should work that out. The good news is that so far I haven't had any bone pain, which I have come to learn is very different than muscle pain.
7:40 pm, 70 degrees, 60%, 0-5mph. Plymouth Place-Sussex Loop. Nike Structure Triax 15 Shield.
4k easy - BOF (4:59/km)
It's been a long road (5 months!) since I had to stop running due to multiple pelvis stress fractures. For the past 4 weeks, I have been slowly extending a walk/jog routine to the point where I can safely run easily for twenty minutes. So far, so good. I plan on adding about 5k to my weekly mileage until I find a comfortable max mileage zone. Nothing other than easy runs for at least another 6 weeks, and then only striders for awhile. At any point that I feel anything other than a normal ache in my pelvic area, though, I am going to stop running until it feels normal again. No more 5 month hiatuses - they really suck! 5 day hiatuses sound much more reasonable now.
Tonight was actually my fourth day in a row of steady running, so I am due for an off day tomorrow. At the point of jinxing myself, it's good to be back.
Tuesday, Sept. 18th:
Planned day off. Perfect timing. End of the world thunderstorm rolled through in the afternoon and rumbled through the night.
Wednesday, Sept. 19th:
7:15 pm, 65 degrees, 45%, 5 mph. Neighborhood Loop. Adidas Adizero Tempo 4.
3k easy - BOF (4:53/km)
Legs felt much more spry after my recovery day. I think the lighter shoes helped also. I may run in my lighter shoes more often for now, as I get a better "feel" for my running and don't feel so clunky. My form feels more natural, if that makes sense.
Thursday, Sept. 20th:
3:55 pm, 73 degrees, 45%, 5-10 mph. Maple Shade sign and back. Adidas Adizero Tempo 4.
5k easy - BOF (4:53/km)
My breathing remained easy and it felt like I intentionally held back the pace. Still, I did notice some lower leg soreness today. While yesterday I felt very light, today I felt like my feet didn't have enough cushion. I was surprised to see my average overall pace was the same as yesterday - it felt like I was running slower, which I guess is a good sign. My weight is down to 176 lbs from a summer time high of 184 lbs, so I am happy about that. About 10 lbs. more to go before I am in "fighting" shape. I am just happy to be making progress.
Friday, Sept. 21st:
10:45 am, 71 degrees, 65%, 5 mph. Pennypacker Trail Loop. Nike Pegasus 28+.
4k recovery - BOF (5:11/km), 2k: 10:43, 2k: 10:01
Great relaxed run on the local trail (and one of my favorite high school stomping grounds). No stress at any point during the run. Intentionally started very slow, gradually picked it up at the turnaround and finished feeling great. Best run yet since my return.
Saturday, Sept. 22nd:
5:50 am, 60 degrees, 90%, 0-5 mph. Coles Rd. and back. Nike Pegasus 28+.
6k easy - BOF 5:12 (5:38 08 09 06 04 05)
Little rough with the early morning start but found a nice rhythm after the first km. My first run of more than 30 consecutive minutes since April 15th. That's a victory in my book, no matter how slow I am currently moving.
Sunday, Sept. 23rd:
7:00 am, 56 degrees, 65%, 10 mph. Neighborhood. Adidas Adizero Tempo 4.
3k easy progression - BOF 4:55 (5:10 4:52 4:43)
Loved the cooler temps this morning. No real soreness from yesterday - able to just focus on form and "moving faster." Very relaxed. Nice way to end the week.
Weekly Total: 25 km
Solid first week back. Still some occasional muscle soreness in my right groin, which is to be expected after the long layoff. Strengthening my core/hams/glutes/quads and slowly building up the running should work that out. The good news is that so far I haven't had any bone pain, which I have come to learn is very different than muscle pain.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Out came the sun and dried up all the rain...
I have been hesitant to post anything the last few weeks for fear of jinxing myself. But I have been very slowly working my way back. Today I completed 4 sets of 2:00 walking/3:00 jogging for a total of 20:00 moving. I covered just over 2 miles. I had no pain. I am starting to feel whole again.
When I get to continuous running, I will start publishing my efforts. Until then, I will slowly climb up the spout again and smile.
When I get to continuous running, I will start publishing my efforts. Until then, I will slowly climb up the spout again and smile.
Monday, August 20, 2012
The Slow Road Back: On a Bicycle
I still have about 6-10 weeks of healing to go before I am cleared to start (slowly) running again. The good news is I am now cleared to ride a bike. The better news is Janine splurged and bought me a nice road bike: a Raleigh Detour 3.5. Not a fancy schmancy racing bike or anything, but a nice comfy commuter bike - perfect for amateurs like me.
What I am happiest about is that I can now accompany my running friends on their long runs and assist them with their fueling and pacing. My first go was this past Saturday, when I met Tom, Colleen and John over at Lloyd Hall in the city for their hilly 20 mile long run. Mind you, 6:50/mile pace is much easier on a bike than it is running, but when those 20 miles include multiple serious climbs, let's just say it wasn't easy keeping pace for the entire 20 miles. Four months of relative inactivity caught up with me by the end, and my glutes were really feeling it. But it was awesome just being back out there and feeling like I was doing my part for the group. John had his best long run yet of his NY marathon training cycle, and it was great to be a small part of it - he couldn't thank me enough for being his fuel guy.
Yesterday, I was sore but not terribly so. I did a bunch of yard work for about 3-4 hours, which wiped me out. Nonetheless, I did manage an easy 4 miles or so of riding in the evening while taking care of some work errands.
Today, I felt refreshed and rode 10+ miles to Moorestown Running Company and back. I moved my seat up a couple of inches, which made a noticeable difference on the small hills. I can deliver much more power with less effort in the new position. I think my plan will be to ride for the amount of time each day that I used to run. No set schedule or anything -- if I am sore I'll take the day off, if I am feeling good maybe push the effort a little. It's just nice to not have to sit on a couch all day and to re-develop some semblance of an exercise routine.
What I am happiest about is that I can now accompany my running friends on their long runs and assist them with their fueling and pacing. My first go was this past Saturday, when I met Tom, Colleen and John over at Lloyd Hall in the city for their hilly 20 mile long run. Mind you, 6:50/mile pace is much easier on a bike than it is running, but when those 20 miles include multiple serious climbs, let's just say it wasn't easy keeping pace for the entire 20 miles. Four months of relative inactivity caught up with me by the end, and my glutes were really feeling it. But it was awesome just being back out there and feeling like I was doing my part for the group. John had his best long run yet of his NY marathon training cycle, and it was great to be a small part of it - he couldn't thank me enough for being his fuel guy.
Yesterday, I was sore but not terribly so. I did a bunch of yard work for about 3-4 hours, which wiped me out. Nonetheless, I did manage an easy 4 miles or so of riding in the evening while taking care of some work errands.
Today, I felt refreshed and rode 10+ miles to Moorestown Running Company and back. I moved my seat up a couple of inches, which made a noticeable difference on the small hills. I can deliver much more power with less effort in the new position. I think my plan will be to ride for the amount of time each day that I used to run. No set schedule or anything -- if I am sore I'll take the day off, if I am feeling good maybe push the effort a little. It's just nice to not have to sit on a couch all day and to re-develop some semblance of an exercise routine.
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