Running into trouble...week of 11/30/08

[eclectic]

I can't believe I am posting on a running thread

I am a runner wannabe. Mainly to finish sprint tris. I ran enough to do that 2 years ago but then quit last year. I am back at it as of this fall.

Sooooo to make a long story longer - I had done the c 2 5k program and it worked well - I can now do a slow 3 miles.

THEN I got on runnersworld.com and printed off a 5 k training program. That is what I am working on now - I am on week three. 2 miles, 3 miles, 4 miles easy pace. Last week was 2, 2, 3

Due to cold and ice I am running on a 1/8 mile indoor track. (I not only dislike the treadmill - I DESPISE it)

On Saturday they had an outdoor fun run for the Red Cross. I was able to complete 1.5 miles w/ no problem (slow - 16 min for 1.5 BUT I did pass people and they were running!)

Some ladies I know were running too. They are about my age w/in 7 years (I will be 52 this month) they said their goal was to finish 1/2 marathon this spring. I thought if they can do it I can do it Soooooo that is the new goal beyond a sprint tri AND it has bumped my sprint tri to an Olympic length - it is always the running that holds me back.

I am not a natural runner who enjoys it. I never ran my first mile until I was 46 years old. (last week I swam 2 miles 2 days in a row, running 2 miles about killed me)

My aerobic base is pretty good from swimming and cycling but my muscles and joints really complain.

I hope my body holds up to do this, I have accepted the fact that I will repeat weeks if necessary and Runnersworld explained how to modify the pace and speedwork for beginners

One great thing is I can do the same distance and speed and my HR has finally dropped!

I will be a runner, I will be a runner, I will be a runner, I will be a ru. . . . .

[katluvr]

Welcome Eclectic!
I, too, was never a runner until 4 years ago. Hated running. Always out of breath. So I was in my early 40's when I started. 5 years ago started cycling and lost weight. Then SO started running 5Ks..and I watched. I thought I could either say on teh side line watching, or get out there and run. And that is what I do! I like the longer distances, cuz I am slow. Just PR'ed in my last 1/2 Marathon.
Most folks start out wrong by running tooo fast, so just keep it slow. Yep I love races where folks "run" past me, but I pass later when they are walking. I think is you just slow you pace a bit you can run teh whole thing!
So welcome to the running thread. I myself need to get back to the biking thread and this year...a TRI!

[Jolt]

sure will - maybe I'll start my own thread.

BTW I was never in pain but the nagging ache was making me paranoid - afraid that my tendons might start breaking down with chronic inflammation. And that I might need to take oral anti-inflammatories or even better, injections to stop these once and for all. So I asked if it would be a good idea taking some oral diclofenac and the doc said this wasn’t a true inflammatory reaction.
So, since I can bear the pain (it’s not even pain), I’m not taking anything.

Boy, am I looking forward to some release. Even if it sends me jumping to the ceiling (had some previously so the jumping bit is in my future).

You might want to look into that trigger-point workbook I mentioned in my previous post--sounds like the kind of thing that might help you self-treat some of your issues. You're right about the release being painful sometimes! The good thing about knowing how to self-treat is that you can get after things when they first start to bug you, and nip them in the bud before it gets to be unbearably painful to work on them.

[alpinerabbit]

Oh yes, Jolt - I found them.

Trigger points, I know at least half a dozen on my right leg personally (intimately). But it's at a point where I can't get rid of the tightness on my own.
I actually like the "good kind of hurt" when I hit one.

And I want to run again, free from being afraid of hurting myself.

[eclectic]

I haven't been good - what with a head cold and recurring irritations along my thigh.

I finally visited the sports doc.

She examined me and diagnosed mostly severely hardened muscles (front of thighs, shins, butt), mediocre flexibility and weak core.

She prescribed a PT regimen starting out with manual therapy turning into building core strength and a running program (they'll even go to the track with me). Since I'll be paying this out of my pocket I know what I want for Xmas: PT money.
Heck, my core strength is already so much better. She should have seen me before the past 3 months of yoga.

Alpine I would like if you would start a thread so we can see what is happening.

Ok now for a question - what are severely hardened muscles?
I am surprised to hear about the weak core w/ all the swimming and biking you do. AND I would hate to see what would be said about my flexibility somewhere between High school, babies, and now it disappeared!

[eclectic]

Welcome Eclectic!
I, too, was never a runner until 4 years ago. Hated running. Always out of breath. So I was in my early 40's when I started. 5 years ago started cycling and lost weight. Then SO started running 5Ks..and I watched. I thought I could either say on teh side line watching, or get out there and run. And that is what I do! I like the longer distances, cuz I am slow. Just PR'ed in my last 1/2 Marathon.
Most folks start out wrong by running tooo fast, so just keep it slow. Yep I love races where folks "run" past me, but I pass later when they are walking. I think is you just slow you pace a bit you can run teh whole thing!
So welcome to the running thread. I myself need to get back to the biking thread and this year...a TRI!

Thanks! ! ! it is good to hear someone else started later too, is still doing it and surviving!

Many congrats on first completing a 1/2 and also on PRing it! Whoo hoo! ! !

I hear you on the too fast part - that was my goal for the last tri I did - to run all the time no matter how slow - I did do it! I figured speed will eventually come. I have a HR monitor and watch the numbers and try to hold it in zone - sometimes when a good tune comes on I find myself speeding up but I slow down when I check. Like I said I am a #'s geek.

Have you done a tri yet? They are a BLAST ! ! ! The most fun competition I have done in my life. AND I really like all the Triathletes I have met - so far no snotty ones in the bunch. All helpful and kind.

[yellow]

I'm enjoying the cooler temperatures...we've been able to run routes that are too hot in the summer.

My running buddy and I made a new movie for November (click on the "view in high quality" option). Subsequent to this, I got a new, real video camera, so the next movie(s) should be a dramatic improvement (I'm also demoing some real movie-making software; as the November Adventure demonstrates, controlling volume is difficult with the software I was using).

The trails are starting to get a little muddy and we've had to run with headlamps. I'm looking forward to the snow as it's much less messy (and will probably reflect the light a little better)!

[eclectic]

Wow Yellow that is soooooo fun! Thanks for posting that!
I am JEALOUS. What a great place to hike/run. (I would be hiking it not even attempting to run)

Thank you thank you thank you

can't wait to see the next installment made w/ the new camera!

[kacie tri-ing]

What a fun video! I loved it!

[OakLeaf]

Cool video! Looks like great fun.

DH wants to know where's the link to your Garmin tracks.

[yellow]

Thanks, all. We have a lot of fun making the movies. We usually make them on days when we're running long; gives us lots of excuses to stop!

Oak, I don't have the tracks posted anywhere, but can email them to you if you'd like. PM me with your email (I thought I had it but apparently don't).

[eclectic]

I have been fighting body aches and sniffles but today I made it to the Y and got my Sloooooow 4 miler done. BUT no walkers passed me

I am excited I could do it w/o stopping, my HR stayed down and I could talk if i had to.

Tomorrow will be the true tale when I see how sore I am.

I went in the hot tub and steam room after and that cleared my head out some. Right now I feel pretty good, surprisingly. May be, just maybe my running muscles are finally getting stronger!

now next week doesn't seem so scary

[jesvetmed]

Fun to read your progress, Eclectic!
Great work!

[Urlea]

Well I was finally healthy enough to run this afternoon. Only a few miles today, but it's a start.

It's been quite a while since I've run in 5degree temps, but it was bearable with the right gear. Speaking of which...



I purchased a new running jacket on sale last week. Figured you might enjoy the delightfully tacky print. At least I wont be hit by a car.

Anyway *hugs* to those of you feeling under the weather. Hope you feel better soon! And thanks to those who advised rest. I got plenty of it this week and seem to be on my way to 100%ish healthy.

[eclectic]

VERY stylish Urlea! I think it is really cute! good for you for braving the outside temps! I haven't done that yet.

Glad you are feeling better and back at it.

I see you are in Fargo. I am in Minot. My pie in the sky dream this year is to finish a 1/2 marathon. A coworker from here said to do the Fargo one in May as it is well run and a lot of fun. Sounds better than the Trestle valley one here w/ "road kill hill"
Do you run the Fargo one? if so let us know when registration opens - thanks