Leaping through Feb - 29 days of Running!

[skhill]

I was sitting on my yoga mat before class this evening, looking down at my arms and it occurred to me why I was so ... bleh .. on this morning's run.
A needle mark in my right elbow reminded me that I gave blood yesterday at noon. I was running down a pint.

...and that's why I've pretty much stopped giving blood. They keep calling me, even though I've told them I won't be in until the first week of April, after the HM. I often don't make it through the screening anyway, due to having a healthy bp and pulse. Why don't they harass the sedentary instead?

My body has apparantly decided that 8:45/ mile is the only pace it wants to run at. That was fine for today's 4 miles, but I'm going to have to slow it down somehow for tomorrow's long run...

[emily_in_nc]

Very hot and sunny this morning even at 7 am. Squeaked out a 5K on the beach, but it was torturous. Absolutely drenched afterwards, but the pool sure felt good!

[yellow]

kat, hang in there. I think most of us have been in the same place (with running or biking or something else). Nothin' wrong with taking a little break.

It's looking like spring here, too. In fact, this winter has felt like one very long spring to me. As a consequence, the trails are a freakin' mud (and ice) fest. Back out to the island for me this weekend since that is the only trail system that seems to drain. Hubby and I did venture on to the trails in the foothills of the mountains this week and while it wasn't the stick-to-your-shoes kind of mud, it was still incredibly demoralizing. Those trails need a couple more weeks of drying, I think. I'm sure we'll get more rain just as the drying happens.

Happy running!

[Selkie]

Wonderful running weather this morning: sunny, brisk, bracing wind! Warm enough for capris again. Ran 5.4 miles (becoming my regular mileage for running at work).

We might get some snow or a mix this Sunday. I'm hoping the storm takes a more southerly track and misses DC-proper. Every time I watch the forecast, the damn storm changes its track!

[skhill]

The same storm is supposed to be visiting us here in KY. Current snow predictions right here are anything from a dusting to 8 inches...

But today's beautiful. Finally, I got do do a long run outside!!!! 10.3 miles; the first 8 were easy and the last 2 were tough. If those 2 miles hadn't been predominately uphill, I'm sure it would have been a lot easier. And bringing along something to eat would have helped too...

[OakLeaf]

I'm not running today. There, I said it.

Yesterday's spirited ride did a great job of reviving my legs after my long run Thursday, but I still had a little bit of soreness when I went into today's very strenuous yoga class, and on top of 12 miles on the commuter to and from the farmers' market and the yoga studio, now I am just wrung. out.

Speedwork tomorrow morning. Accountability post. I'm not quite sure yet what workout, but probably one of the ones that was in this month's Running Times - some good ideas there.

[7rider]

...and that's why I've pretty much stopped giving blood. ...

Normally, I give platelets which is not as "draining" as whole blood. But I have low platelet counts and can only give twice a year. They're scraping the bottom of the donor barrel with me, but they still need me. Consequently, and because I did some competing last year, I rarely gave whole blood. I figure tho that this was probably the only time I could give as I should be back in counts by my April 1st event.

However, I think today I'm still not back since my Wednesday donation. I did 6.6 today - my longest single run ever I think (I once did 5 & 2 during a Duathlon training day with a bike ride in the middle). I either am still feeling the effects of my donation or I have to come to the realization that I can't run or will never be in shape. I was pooped. Run/walk/run/walk/jog/shuffle. That was pretty much the sum of it.

Well, as with my skiing: it's never pretty, but I get it done!

[Selkie]

Sometimes when it starts to feel lousy, you have to remind yourself that you are doing yourself good (building endurance, strength, mental toughness, etc.). The unpleasantness is worth it in the long run. Well, as long as you let yourself recover properly from an effort where you push it and don't end up with an injury.

I've seen you, Seven, and you are in great shape. And you are a runner. The good thing about being a runner is that success is measured in the simple act of running and not giving up. Who cares if you can never run a 6 minute mile? You just do your best and celebrate the fact that you are going longer distances, staying injury free, and improving your form.

My husband is inspiring. He's a chunky 50 year old whose been running for years. He does not look like a runner, but he's completed several marathons and half--marathons. He's slow, his form is all his own, but he keeps getting out there and enjoying it. This morning, he ran in Rock Creek Park at sunrise and enjoyed every minute.

[katluvr]

Selkie, your husband sounds like me! I always feel like an impostor (sp?) because am am short, stout, could lose a few pounds, etc. But I enjoy (most of the time) running and love the longer distances because endurance not speed is my friend. But in my head I am and hope to be a slender, lanky runner! Ha!

K

[katluvr]

Got up at 5 to drive approx 45 to start of trail run to be there when gates opened as parking is a prime (ugh). It was worth it. Weather was overcast and VERY humid so not the best running weather. Took it nice and easy running with my SO. Nice event, good way to start the day!

So I notice when running on trails i probably hit more mid foot that heel, especially when I'm running a bit slower or thru more technical parts of the course. I am thinking of buying a minimalist trail shoe. I know I don't do trail runs much but thinking I may try to do more. So recommendations on a minimalist shoe? I most likely will stick to between 3 - 5 miles right now. And does one wear socks with these shoes? I don't want to go the 5-fingers route but just more of a minimalist shoe.

Thanks!
K

[OakLeaf]

Well, when I went to bed I was thinking about 1-minute bridge repeats with 3 minute intervals. But I woke up with a really stiff back, plus I have a full day ahead and the bridge is almost three miles away. So, back to my old 1 minute sprints x 10 with 1 minute rest. It felt decent and at least I got a little speedwork in like I promised.

[Selkie]

Kat -- I think there's an advantage to having a lower center of gravity! Endurance, not speed, has always been my friend, too (there are advantages to being stubborn---we don't give up).

Got out earlier for our sunrise Sunday run (DST starts in a couple weeks, doesn't it?). Cloudy, chilly but not uncomfortably cold. I decided to go 5.5 miles and felt pretty good. Trigger points in my right calf need attention, as I was getting a little bit tenderness in the back of my ankle. Treated them with the stick and my tp-therapy roller when I got home.

Lots of birdies singing. Spring is in the air but a wintry mix is in the forecast.