Running up that hill.... Sept. 17-23

[emily_in_nc]

Not a hill, but I just had to tell you running gals that I had two personal bests on the treadmill today -- my first four mile run EVER IN MY LIFE (I'm 46) and my highest speed ever (6.2 mph for a short period - maybe 1/2 mile). I know these are small accomplishments to the experienced runners here, but for me, they are huge. I was an asthmatic and out of shape child, and even after getting into cycling as an adult (since DH was a cyclist), I could never run worth a darn. I started this year (after fracturing my pelvis in a cycling accident in '05) and have slooooowly been working my way up in both mileage and speed. I'm still really bad outside (on the hills), but on the treadmill, I am actually starting to feel like a *runner* now. I also know what "runner's high" feels like!

As I was cooling down today, a guy actually asked me if I was training for a marathon. He was probably just flirting, but I didn't mind one bit being taken for a "serious athlete". Nor being flirted with at my age...

Anyway, just had to share -- I was bursting at the seams to tell someone, but not many here at work would "get it". I knew you would.

Emily

[limewave]

Sounds like a week of accomplishments!

I did speed work at the track this week.
1x400, 2x800, 1x1200 and drum roll please . . . \/\/\/\/\/\/\/ 1x1600 at 8:20/mile pace!

The fastest mile I have ever run before that was 9:10. Now, if I can only keep that pace for a 10k or a marathon

[northstar]

Did my 4.3 mile loop for the last time before my duathlon on Sunday. Felt good...I think I will be tempted to get out for a short, slow jog tomorrow. We'll see.

Think happy thoughts for me for Sunday. I'm nervous, yet excited about all the good it's done for me to commit to doing something healthy.

[michelem]

Congrats Emily! That is so cool! My aunt didn't start running 'til she turned 50 (never really exercised at all before that). She joined the jr. college cross-country team and flourished! She was quite the inspiration to many of the young students.

I'm in my late-30's and just started getting semi-serious about running a couple months ago - training for a 1/2 marathon to raise $$$ for pancreatic research in memory of my aunt. I don't know if I'll ever LOVE running like she did, but I am beginning to find the joy in each little improvement, so I understand where you're coming from!

Keep on enjoying yourself, and feel free to keep sharing you exciting accomplisments with us.

[michelem]

The rain cleared and it was cool (60's) when I got home from work, so I was a bad mom and stuck the dogs back in their crate so I could go do an outdoor run. Did a "short" (approx 7 miles) run in approx. 1 hr. 5 min. More intestinal discomfort.

Wasn't gonna run anymore this week in preparation for the Tahoe-Sierra Century on Saturday, but seeing as the rain (and snow) is supposed to return tomorrow night and last through Saturday . . . glad I went for a run tonight!

[kelownagirl]

Congratulations Emily! You sound a lot like me - a late bloomer. Now we're making up for it!

I'm not running or biking right now and I think the PT and the stretching is making me worse, not better. IT band, piriformis, bursitis in hip. Bad news. My advice to you all, don't increase your workload faster than your body can keep up. I am my own worst enemy.

[roadie gal]

It snowed here late Wednesday night. (Yes, SNOW) So I got on the treadmill yesterday. I put 4 CDs in the stereo on shuffle and ran for 9 miles. 1 hr 23 minutes. Do I get "mental toughness points" for that?

[emily_in_nc]

I'm not running or biking right now and I think the PT and the stretching is making me worse, not better. IT band, piriformis, bursitis in hip. Bad news. My advice to you all, don't increase your workload faster than your body can keep up. I am my own worst enemy.

That's a real drag - so sorry. I had bad ITB syndrome three years ago. Silly me tried to do four centuries in 6 weeks -- no wonder my body rebelled! So, you are quite correct. That's one reason I am increasing the running distances and speed so sloooooowly. Also because I am just too busy to do much more at this point.

Good luck in your healing. Being injured is no fun. I had to stay off the bike for a couple of weeks with my ITB syndrome, then only ride flats for awhile, and short rides. Gradually added back hills and mileage and have never had a recurrence. I've stretched it religiously ever since.

Emily