Breaking new ground or the same old path Oct 15-21

[HillSlugger]

First run in 2 months, so I think that qualifies as "breaking new ground".

On Tuesday my knee doctor gave me the OK to resume running. So today I headed to the gym at the pool to use their treadmill, thinking it would be easier on my body while I'm starting back up (it was my first time ever using a treadmill and I've got to say that running the treadmill is far worse that riding the trainer stand in my basement. It's mindnumbingly boring without a TV and there was no fan or air movement). I was surprised to be able to run without needing any walk breaks. While running my ankles were complaining more than my knees. Now, everything aches a bit, including my knees. I've iced them once and will need to do it again later.

Finally tally: 2 miles in 25:52.

[roadie gal]

I was really angry at my bank yesterday. So I got on the treadmill to burn off some steam. (It was about 45 degrees and raining, with a 20 ph wind.) I was aiming for 11 miles. I was so angry that I did 12! That's the only good thing that came out of the day.

[teigyr]

For those on the treadmill for over an hour, I commend you! I get bored and hot.

Thanks for the treadmill responses. I do use a small incline and I try to vary it. Running on the treadmill IS more difficult for me because I'm always in fear that I'll step partially off the tread but then again I'm not graceful.

I did about 3.5 miles this morning. I need something to cover my ears! It was 45 deg out and while I was fine after I warmed up, my ears still hurt. I finished in 38 minutes but I had to walk a bit after the hills. I got so I can run up the hills (yay!) but I now have to walk for about 30 seconds after each one just to get my HR back down. The day will come when I don't have to do that, I am sure.

[kelownagirl]

I went for massage and again was told not to run. Ok. No more running until this is totally gone. I am going to walk instead. This sucks when I am so motivated. I am afraid of losing my enthusiasm (and fitness) if I can't work out for so long.

[Jolt]

Went for a nice 50-minute run on the Midstate Trail, on a different section than I usually run. According to my trail guide, I covered about 1.75 miles each way making my run a total of 3.5 miles. That is pretty slow, but I think a fair amount of it had to do with the number of stops/wrong-turn corrections (there were a lot of side trails) I had to make--the trail was hard to follow in places. I would estimate my actual pace was probably somewhere around 12 min/mile, which is still not exactly speed-demon territory. This makes the comments I got from passersby today rather amusing--one woman said "wow, you're awesome!" as I was running along a road trying to find the trail crossing (my reply was "well, right now I'm just trying to figure out where I"m going :-), and as I was running downhill at one point a guy remarked to his companions "wow, she's going fast!". I think I scared a group of hikers I passed on the way down that hill--I went to the left-hand edge of the trail to give them plenty of room, and proceeded to trip on a rock and then stumble over some more rocks as I tried to stay on my feet (which I was able to do, thankfully). I think they thought for sure I was going to take a rather spectacular digger, which I almost did, and I heard at least one "uh-oh" from one of the group. I then turned around and said "Yes, I did have a nice trip!" trying to make a joke out of an embarrassing situation.

[roadie gal]

We are definitely into autumn around here! After the fridgid rain/snow (schmizzle, according to a friend of mine) 2 days ago, it was 55 sunny degrees with no wind today. So I went for a run outside.

I put on my new LOUD tights: baby blue background with a gold snakeskin pattern on them. Whew! ... and ran for 56 minutes, 5.9 miles. Lots of hills. I'm beat... but it was so nice to be outside.

A quick comment on long treadmill runs: Good running music is essential. I put 5 discs on shuffle and go. It's the only way I can stay sane.

[limewave]

Dh did another speed run with me. It's been fun running together. He pushes me to go hard and fast for 1 mile, walk 2 blocks and repeat for 3 to 4 miles.

And got up early for a 5 mile run. I forgot how much I enjoy the early morning runs once I drag myself out of bed. Maybe I'll try to get back in the habit . . .