Leaping through Feb - 29 days of Running!

[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.

[indysteel]

Had a decent 3.5 mile run yesterday at my usual pace. Unless and until my hamstring totally stops hurting, I'm not going to increase my mileage or pace. It is hurting less and less though, so I'm encourage. Unfortunately, today I feel like poo. We've been playing around with the dosage for my anti-thyroid medicine, and while in some ways I think I'm at a good spot with it, in some other ways, I'm not sure. My heart rate seems to be spiking rather easily today with any degree of movement. Resting, it's fine (55-60 bpm), but if I move, it quickly goes over 100.

I ended up having a meltdown this morning about it. I hate, hate, hate feeling like something other than myself. I wish I could test my relevant thyroid levels like a diabetic can check for blood sugar. Instead, I sort of have to wing it until I get blood drawn again, and there's a lag when you correct your dosage. As "luck" would have it, I actually am scheduled for blood work this week, so I'll see where my levels are.

Anyway, I just wanted to vent. Thanks for reading!