Running: Week of Oct 19

[tjf9]

I forced myself to take another day off. I will be walking at lunch, though.
I am antsy to run but at the same time, I know that I should rest.

I have the opposite problem - I haven't felt like doing *anything*. I'm chalking it up to a recovery week. I've got a cross race this weekend, so that'll get the blood pumping. And when I fall over nearly dead at the end, I'll be reminded why I need to work out during the week.

[Jolt]

Yesterday's run was the best I've had in a long time. I was going to a friend's house to hang out for the evening and did my run on an easy trail near her house before going over there. I only ran for about half an hour and would have been happy to go longer but it was getting really dark on the trail starting about halfway through the run (I didn't realize it would get that dark that early--I started about 5:45). Fortunately, it was a pretty easy trail so there wasn't too much to trip on in the dark (and I think the lack of visibility helped me make sure to pick up my feet). It was sort of a fun adventure but I don't think I will make a habit of running trails in the dark, at least without a buddy. BTW, all everybody's races have inspired me to sign up for one a week from today--I found out about an "English-style XC race" in Amherst that sounded like fun so I'll give it a try. It's 3 miles, on a farm, with "fences and hay barriers" to negotiate along the way. Much more fun than a road race IMO. Will have to let everyone know how it goes!

[OakLeaf]

Jolt, that sounds like great fun!

I went for a little jog today, first time since Sunday's half. I'd only intended to do three laps of the one-mile trail, but I didn't want to stop. So four miles, slow and easy.

Now I need to choose my first 26.2... Disney and Melbourne are too soon. The spring marathons up north, although they're not super hilly, would mean coming right back to race in the hills after training in the flats all winter. Doesn't sound like much fun. Waiting 'til Columbus next fall might be the most sensible thing, but I'd really like to have the summer for cycling and not worrying about marathon training. Miami in March?

[Crankin]

Miami in March sounds good. I think it would be hard to train for a marathon and ride at the same time. Of course, this is coming from someone who can barely ride after running 4 miles.
OK, tested out the new shoes. Bunion/blister problem is solved. Yay! They are lighter/less cushioning and generally felt great.
Next issue, severe soreness after my run last week. Well. after running yesterday, I stretched like crazy, used the foam roller and woke up with only a little residual soreness in my hamstrings. It's more at the bottom of the hamstring. I did a 16 minute yoga warm up before going out the door and I decided I need more of a walking warm up, which is hard for me; I didn't lose enough running fitness to have to walk/jog a lot, but maybe I should. Anyway, I walked the first 3/4 mile, down the steep hill and walked/ran another 1/4 mile. I then ran about 2.5 miles, maybe 3, including some significant hill work, although the majority was on a flat, very bumpy sidewalk. About half way, my left hamstring really started cramping, but slowing and walking made it feel worse. And my hip problem flared up, but it's not as bad as it could be. I came home and attacked the hamstrings and hip with the foam roller and did various other stretches.
I'm a little worried that my hip might be related to the osteoporosis issue (in the health thread), but since it started only after increasing my mileage last summer, I am not sure. Also not completely convinced it really is a disc issue. I guess maybe I should go for that MRI.
Well, I'm not stopping the running even though I am damn slow and seem to be injured half of the time.