January 2012 Running - Snow, stay away!

Ran Friday morning on the trail at work, it was about 35 degrees with a brisk wind. Felt great, physically and mentally, probably because I had to circle swim with a super pokey person during my morning swim. As a consequence, I had extra energy.

Outdoor running this weekend is a big ????? Right now, there is a coating of snow on the ground and freezing rain in the forecast. I'm hoping it warms up enough on Sunday to melt whatever accumulates on the pavement! I'm not digging the idea of my first treadmill run of the year.

Figured out why my right toes have been so very very cold-- I've worn a hole clear through on the first toe in my beloved VFFs. I was hoping to get them to 1500+ miles, but that might not happen. Thinking of trying duct tape, but that's not going to wear well on the sole... Might be time to go shopping!

The weather outside was marginal, cold light rain, so I went to the treadmill. I did 8 miles, in about 1:15. The weird thing was that the whole time, I was the only woman in the room. It was just me and a bunch of old men...

My goodness, skhill! Which model VFFs do you wear running?

Icy outside this morning, so I did my first treadmill run in more than 10 years! Felt good, actually, which surprised me, and I was able to keep my pace in check. I was so happy to get in my Sunday 5 miler.

It was nice to wear shorts and a tank, rather than layering up. I worked up an incredible sweat!

Sigh....I ran for the first time (for an appreciable amount of time that is) since before Christmas. While I wasn't writhing in agony during or after, it's clear that my hamstring injury hasn't gotten much better, despite rest and PT. I see my PT on Wednesday, but I'm not sure he's going to have much in the way of further insight. He's tested and retested me multiple times and is convinced we've correctly identified the injury; it's just not responding very well to any of the treatments.

I haven't been on any of my bikes for a while, mostly because the worst of pain is centered around my left sit bone. We have a bike trip planned for late April--the White Rim Trail in Canyonlands NP. While I need to just try to ride to see how irritated the hamstring gets from it, I'm afraid that if I don't see progress real soon, we're going to have to cancel this trip.

Needless to say, I'm pretty frustrated.

Indy, that just stinks. Kinda sounds like a broken bone would not have you sidelined for as long as the hamstring problem...

Selkie, I've been running in the VFF bikilas-- but only down to temps in the mid-20s, with wool socks. As the one of the stores in town that sells them was having a 10% off everything in-stock this weekend, I now have a new pair! It was back to the treadmill AGAIN this morning, due to thundersorms (in January!!!!). So the new pair now has 4 miles on them.

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Originally Posted by skhill

Indy, that just stinks. Kinda sounds like a broken bone would not have you sidelined for as long as the hamstring problem...

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Yep. I ran into a fellow runner/cyclist whom I know the other day who was sidelined for 18 months with a similar injury. She said it never has fully healed. That bit of information sure didn't make me too happy!

ETA: I really need to read through this thread. I realize that I've only chimed in recently to complain about my hamstring. I haven't followed along otherwise. I apologize for my self-involvement...but regularly reading the running thread was getting me down. I hope you gals understand.

First run the the week on my "stay-cation". I have plenty of paid time off and did not take any time off during the holidays...I prefer a week off in January to get my self "ready for the year". Usually don't get as much done as I plan. This year my goals for the week are simple:
Run each day
Do something (little or big) around the house daily (also because I have company coming end of the week)
Do something FUN each day.

Today was 4 miles. Garmin was charging so although I had a watch for time, nothing to look at for pace. It was not a fast run but I felt good and had fun!

K

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Originally Posted by skhill

Selkie, I've been running in the VFF bikilas-- but only down to temps in the mid-20s, with wool socks. As the one of the stores in town that sells them was having a 10% off everything in-stock this weekend, I now have a new pair! It was back to the treadmill AGAIN this morning, due to thundersorms (in January!!!!). So the new pair now has 4 miles on them.

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I like the bikilas but I don't run in them (also like the komandos). ;) Enjoy your new shoes!

After work, I plugged out 4 miles on the treadmill (potential icy conditions/freezing drizzle/rain in the morning put the kabosh on my planned run at work).

Well, this week was supposed to be a pull-back week anyway in preparation for the 5K on Saturday, but for periodization purposes it obviously needs to be a pull-back week. I've been sooooo sore for the last few days, between cycling and yoga and errands on the hybrid. I did 11 on Sunday - about four miles of easy barefoot walking on the beach yesterday - today I'll just do a short run with a few pick-ups.



Indy (if you're reading) - totally fair to stay away from the thread if it's depressing you while you're injured! No need to apologize! Just heal up quick.

Thanks, Oak; I appreciate that. I think I'm going to start following the thread again. I miss hearing about everyone's accomplishments, big and small victories, big and small struggles and whatnot. In that vein, good luck at your 5k!

And Bike Chick, I want to very belatedly congratulate you on your marathon. How amazing!

So, my pain from running on Sunday has been manageable. Not a walk in the park, but manageable. I'm going to try to it again on Wednesday or Thursday and see what happens. If the pain stays at a dull roar, then I'm just going to deal with it. My doc suggested that I could take that approach, but I originally opted to follow my PT's advice to rest instead. I'm just going to take it a run at a time. I'm also going to start using a donut to sit on. My coworker brought in one she used for a tailbone injury for me to try out. The less pressure I put on the tendon, the better. Driving seems to aggravate it the most, likely because of how my car seats are shaped.

This, too, shall pass. Or at least it better. During this down time, I have been working with a trainer on building upper body and core strength. I'm starting to see the return of some muscles, especially in my shoulders and back, that I'm neglected for the last couple of years. I'm no Veronica just yet, but she is my muse.

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Originally Posted by indysteel

During this down time, I have been working with a trainer on building upper body and core strength. I'm starting to see the return of some muscles, especially in my shoulders and back, that I'm neglected for the last couple of years. I'm no Veronica just yet, but she is my muse.

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Cool - what a compliment. As a Latin/Greek major I totally dig being someone's muse. :D

Just remember genetics also plays a part here. I always feel a little guilty (not quite the right word) but developing my upper body was not hard for me. I work hard at it, but I am inclined to be muscular. I'm just maximizing my assets. :)

I wish running had come as easy. :rolleyes:

Veronica

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Originally Posted by Veronica

Cool - what a compliment. As a Latin/Greek major I totally dig being someone's muse. :D

Just remember genetics also plays a part here. I always feel a little guilty (not quite the right word) but developing my upper body was not hard for me. I work hard at it, but I am inclined to be muscular. I'm just maximizing my assets. :)

I wish running had come as easy. :rolleyes:

Veronica

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I don't have bad genetics in this regard either, at least as they relate to my upper body. I did a fair amount of resistance work and a lot of yoga a few years ago and was thrilled when people kept telling me how "cut" my arms looked. Of course, I was also a bit leaner then, so you could see my muscles better. Regardless, I love the physical and mental payoff that you get from weight and core work.

My legs are a totally different story, however. The only time they looked even vaguely muscular was during my high school track and cross country days. I also weighed 100 pounds then, too. So, yeah; that isn't gonna happen again by a longshot.

I am very much in the peak of my double IM training. I ran 29 miles on saturday. Not going to lie, that's exhausting! But I have to learn to drag myself on and push through it (so I rode a century sunday :p )

I have a marathon this weekend.

I am seriously out here in a new world of training!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Veronica

Cool - what a compliment. As a Latin/Greek major I totally dig being someone's muse. :D

Just remember genetics also plays a part here. I always feel a little guilty (not quite the right word) but developing my upper body was not hard for me. I work hard at it, but I am inclined to be muscular. I'm just maximizing my assets. :)

I wish running had come as easy. :rolleyes:

Veronica

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You work hard and you know it!!!

I am always impressed too.

It hit me while running this morning that maybe the reason my speed and stamina are so much better now than during the fall is because I've finally put those 10 lbs back on. And I feel better too.

I'm not superstitious, but... When my run takes me past the house where Jefferson Davis, president of the CSA, lived while a college student, I always go on the other side of the street. But today, I got stuck on the "wrong" side. So I departed from my planned route to go past the church Abraham Lincoln went to when visiting his in-laws, just in case bad karma might be following me. Ended up going about 6 miles, and it's a beautiful day:)