Run run run 11/08/09 - 11/14/09

[indigoiis]

I thought I'd start this week's thread off. I ran in my new Vibrum classics on the trail I will be running a race on in a couple of weeks. I took my time and went gingerly as the rocks and acorns and roots - they do hurt when stepped on, there's no way around it. Although it was really good to run this way and keep everything relaxed and learn to bend my knees and up my cadence and all that. I will be racing in trail running shoes, though, for sure. What's good is that I mapped out the trail in my head, and I know that if an injury is going to happen, it's going to happen because I'm wearing shoes! Lots of ankle-twisters on that trail. With the VFFS, I was really keen to avoid ankle-twisters but in a race situation I'm not going to be able to scan ahead so easily.

I am glad I bought the VFFs! Thanks to all here for the inspiration. I probably overdid it at 8.5 miles but I am not hurting now (wait til tomorrow?)

Riding tomorrow and Tuesday, and running on the road on Wednesday and Thursday. Maybe a short trail run Friday.

Indy

[Urlea]

Indi- I'm glad you are enjoying the VFFs. I agree with your assessment though, there are definitely advantages and disadvantages to wearing them. While I am logging more miles in mine, I don't think they will be my primary running shoe. The awesome part is how it helps correct your form so that when you do wear standard running shoes again your form reflects that.

When is your trail race?

Yesterday was a beautiful sunny 60F day, I wasn't planning a run but when we get days like this in late fall it's a must. So, I slipped on the VFFs, my new LS tech-top, my hydration belt and hit the street with the goal to go as far as I wanted/felt good. As it turned out it felt fantastic & I had difficulties ending the run at a little over 11miles. That's my longest run in the VFFs. Everything in my body felt/feels amazing accept for a few blister spots. Unfortunately my running "thorn" is that I blister easily. It seems every runner has their issue & that is mine. I still haven't figured out what I need to do to prevent them.

[Becky]

I'm not quite ready to try VFFs (yet! ), but I did run a lap today in my new training flats, just to start getting used to them. It was quickly apparent that my left foot still heel strikes ever so slightly (but not like it used to!). I could actually hear it in my cadence- pretty darn cool IMO. I hadn't noticed it previously in my normal running shoes.

I think switching to less structured shoes will pay off in the long run, but I'm being really cautious with it for now.

[OakLeaf]

It's World Run Day!

Mile repeats for me today, x 2. I was kind of sore from the beat-down I got on the bike yesterday, but managed to keep a reasonable pace.

70 degrees, sunny and only light wind. Wowza.

[katluvr]

I'm posting cross weeks here...technically my Sat. run belongs in last weeks thread.

Sat. AM did a 4 miler. I was still very tight from my workout with personal trainer (or is it the miles I am logging?)
I felt pretty good. (Slept in til 7:30 ish). 43:30 total time. So pretty good. But was very stiff after. Darn tight hamstrings!

Sunday was a 7 miler. I did have 2 big (and strong) beers Sat. night (I need to quite that). But not sure it was the libations that did me in. (I have some gatorade before bed to help w/ the dehydration). I was just tired. Legs heavy, tight. I decided to keep it really slow. But for a 7 miler all I wanted was to get it done! Did not enjoy at all. Took to long (30 second-ish) stretch breaks. It as slow and not very pretty!
Very glad to put running shoes away for a day!

Goals for this week:
More rest
Keep on schedule so I don't run 4 days in a row
Keep all runs "slow" and "easy" this week. (Even hill night)
No beers on Sat. night before 9 miler.
Total mileage this week will be 28 miles.

[Jolt]

Didn't run at all this weekend--was working and didn't really have time. This afternoon I had a CPR class at work and decided to run there and back (a distance of probably 2.5 miles each way). It was a good way to get my workout in as part of something I had to do anyway, and good practice for running on the roads. It's fun using running as another transportation option, but I still like trail running better than city running--having to deal with people and traffic makes a run less of a stress reliever.