January 2012 Running - Snow, stay away!

[Selkie]

My goodness, skhill! Which model VFFs do you wear running?

Icy outside this morning, so I did my first treadmill run in more than 10 years! Felt good, actually, which surprised me, and I was able to keep my pace in check. I was so happy to get in my Sunday 5 miler.

It was nice to wear shorts and a tank, rather than layering up. I worked up an incredible sweat!

[indysteel]

Sigh....I ran for the first time (for an appreciable amount of time that is) since before Christmas. While I wasn't writhing in agony during or after, it's clear that my hamstring injury hasn't gotten much better, despite rest and PT. I see my PT on Wednesday, but I'm not sure he's going to have much in the way of further insight. He's tested and retested me multiple times and is convinced we've correctly identified the injury; it's just not responding very well to any of the treatments.

I haven't been on any of my bikes for a while, mostly because the worst of pain is centered around my left sit bone. We have a bike trip planned for late April--the White Rim Trail in Canyonlands NP. While I need to just try to ride to see how irritated the hamstring gets from it, I'm afraid that if I don't see progress real soon, we're going to have to cancel this trip.

Needless to say, I'm pretty frustrated.

[skhill]

Indy, that just stinks. Kinda sounds like a broken bone would not have you sidelined for as long as the hamstring problem...

Selkie, I've been running in the VFF bikilas-- but only down to temps in the mid-20s, with wool socks. As the one of the stores in town that sells them was having a 10% off everything in-stock this weekend, I now have a new pair! It was back to the treadmill AGAIN this morning, due to thundersorms (in January!!!!). So the new pair now has 4 miles on them.

[indysteel]

Indy, that just stinks. Kinda sounds like a broken bone would not have you sidelined for as long as the hamstring problem...

Yep. I ran into a fellow runner/cyclist whom I know the other day who was sidelined for 18 months with a similar injury. She said it never has fully healed. That bit of information sure didn't make me too happy!

ETA: I really need to read through this thread. I realize that I've only chimed in recently to complain about my hamstring. I haven't followed along otherwise. I apologize for my self-involvement...but regularly reading the running thread was getting me down. I hope you gals understand.

[katluvr]

First run the the week on my "stay-cation". I have plenty of paid time off and did not take any time off during the holidays...I prefer a week off in January to get my self "ready for the year". Usually don't get as much done as I plan. This year my goals for the week are simple:
Run each day
Do something (little or big) around the house daily (also because I have company coming end of the week)
Do something FUN each day.

Today was 4 miles. Garmin was charging so although I had a watch for time, nothing to look at for pace. It was not a fast run but I felt good and had fun!

K

[Selkie]

Selkie, I've been running in the VFF bikilas-- but only down to temps in the mid-20s, with wool socks. As the one of the stores in town that sells them was having a 10% off everything in-stock this weekend, I now have a new pair! It was back to the treadmill AGAIN this morning, due to thundersorms (in January!!!!). So the new pair now has 4 miles on them.

I like the bikilas but I don't run in them (also like the komandos). Enjoy your new shoes!

After work, I plugged out 4 miles on the treadmill (potential icy conditions/freezing drizzle/rain in the morning put the kabosh on my planned run at work).

[OakLeaf]

Well, this week was supposed to be a pull-back week anyway in preparation for the 5K on Saturday, but for periodization purposes it obviously needs to be a pull-back week. I've been sooooo sore for the last few days, between cycling and yoga and errands on the hybrid. I did 11 on Sunday - about four miles of easy barefoot walking on the beach yesterday - today I'll just do a short run with a few pick-ups.



Indy (if you're reading) - totally fair to stay away from the thread if it's depressing you while you're injured! No need to apologize! Just heal up quick.

[indysteel]

Thanks, Oak; I appreciate that. I think I'm going to start following the thread again. I miss hearing about everyone's accomplishments, big and small victories, big and small struggles and whatnot. In that vein, good luck at your 5k!

And Bike Chick, I want to very belatedly congratulate you on your marathon. How amazing!

So, my pain from running on Sunday has been manageable. Not a walk in the park, but manageable. I'm going to try to it again on Wednesday or Thursday and see what happens. If the pain stays at a dull roar, then I'm just going to deal with it. My doc suggested that I could take that approach, but I originally opted to follow my PT's advice to rest instead. I'm just going to take it a run at a time. I'm also going to start using a donut to sit on. My coworker brought in one she used for a tailbone injury for me to try out. The less pressure I put on the tendon, the better. Driving seems to aggravate it the most, likely because of how my car seats are shaped.

This, too, shall pass. Or at least it better. During this down time, I have been working with a trainer on building upper body and core strength. I'm starting to see the return of some muscles, especially in my shoulders and back, that I'm neglected for the last couple of years. I'm no Veronica just yet, but she is my muse.

[Veronica]

During this down time, I have been working with a trainer on building upper body and core strength. I'm starting to see the return of some muscles, especially in my shoulders and back, that I'm neglected for the last couple of years. I'm no Veronica just yet, but she is my muse.

Cool - what a compliment. As a Latin/Greek major I totally dig being someone's muse.

Just remember genetics also plays a part here. I always feel a little guilty (not quite the right word) but developing my upper body was not hard for me. I work hard at it, but I am inclined to be muscular. I'm just maximizing my assets.

I wish running had come as easy.

Veronica

[Bike Chick]

And Bike Chick, I want to very belatedly congratulate you on your marathon. How amazing!

Thank you, Indy. I hate to hear that you aren't improving and are still suffering. I hope you stick around and keep us posted on your progress. That's what we are here for. We are all pretty good listeners and I think a lot of us have been where you are right now. Hang in there.

Holy cow, Kacie! I agree with Indy. I find it hard to wrap my head around that. Good luck on the marathon this weekend.

[7rider]

After work, I plugged out 4 miles on the treadmill (potential icy conditions/freezing drizzle/rain in the morning put the kabosh on my planned run at work).

How's that new treadmill working out for you? Sounds like it's doing well and you're already putting some serious miles on it!

[OakLeaf]

Kacie. Holy !@#$%@. Seriously. You go!

[emily_in_nc]

Kacie. Holy !@#$%@. Seriously. You go!

+1. Simply. cannot. imagine.

I feel proud when I do four miles.

[Selkie]

How's that new treadmill working out for you? Sounds like it's doing well and you're already putting some serious miles on it!

Thanks for asking! We still have the very nice "loaner" treadmill---there was a significant delay from the manufacturer on the model we purchased. It's finally being delivered next week.

Not surprisingly, my form is different on the treadmill. Ended up with a blister on my right forefoot and a very bad bruise on my left hand (I was apparently going faster than the treadmill belt and kept whacking the front bar w/my hand! Bonehead!!). Looks like I was in a bar fight with a hooker!

Was very happy to run outside at work yesterday. A nice 4.2 miler--was warmer than I expected. I would have gone further but my blister pad/protection started coming off.

Are you still putting a lot of miles on your treadmill?

[7rider]

Well, using it regularly, but I don't think I've put on as many miles, in total, as Kacie did last Saturday! Amazing.

Since I use it in the a.m., I'm good for about a half hour, and then I've got to shower, eat, and head to work. So my runs on it tend to be short - 2-3 miles (except for that 5-miler with the new Superfeet that nearly crippled me.). But it's getting used pretty regularly.

Yesterday, I rode my bike home in all daylight. Amazing the difference in the past few weeks (and the benefit of arriving at work early, so I could leave a bit early). Soon, I'll be able to add bricks to my bike commute days - ride home, grab the shoes and head out for 2-3, so my morning treadmill runs will become less frequent.