April Showers: Running 4/19 and on

[Crankin]

I also went out to beat the rain, but my run ended up a walk. Something is going on with my left heel. It's not from running. I don't know where it's from. I felt it yesterday morning when I was riding and then for a good part of the morning, when I stood up after sitting for awhile. It doesn't hurt immediately after I get up in the morning. I keep thinking plantar fasciatis, but I've had that and it is presenting a little differently. It's like a dull ache and a spasm when I stand up.
So, I ran down the hill 1.3 miles and walked back up the steep side of loop, another 1.3 miles. Walking made it hurt a little more, but the running seemed to make it ache for a longer time after I stopped.

[colby]

Love the VFFs!

It might be time to replace them, one of the pinky toes has a spot where they appear to be worn through the rubber. Currently, I'm ignoring it. I don't like the Bikila I've worn, maybe the new models would be better, I'm afraid to try. I'll probably get another pair of KSOs and start rotating them in.

Ran last night, just 40 minutes of baseline running, nothing exciting. Followed it up with a nice swim in the pool.

[skhill]

Today's run reminded me of how much I love my hometown. It was a beautiful if an unseasonably cold 34 F morning, and things were almost glowing in the dawn's light under a clear, blue sky. Sigh. Wish I'd had a little more time, but I'd overslept a bit, so ended up going about 7.5 miles, in just over an hour. And I enjoyed every minute of it.

[emily_in_nc]

I had a great run today! It was in the low 60s, full sunshine, a bit of a breeze, and low humidity. Began in a light warmup jacket but quickly peeled it off. Ran approximately 3.25 miles around our building trails at work. It's quite hilly, and this is the first time I've run this trail twice around without having to walk at all. Sure, I was slow up the hills, but I made it.

Since I ran on the treadmill all winter, I'm really enjoying getting outside and challenging myself with the hills. I only run 1-2 times a week since cycling is my main thing, but I'm trying to keep my bones strong, and I think cross training is a healthy pursuit.

[indysteel]

I ran yesterday and today after a couple weeks off due to vacation and vacation "recovery." We did a lot of strenuous hiking on vacation, so I wasn't worried about having lost any fitness. Still, I was pleasantly surprised to feel pretty good during both runs. It was nearly ideal weather for it. I even added a bit of distance today (like maybe a half mile ).

I'm finding myself looking forward to my runs more than my rides. Like today. DH wanted to go for a ride, but I just didn't feel like it. But as soon as I poo pooed the ride, I grabbed my running shoes and was out the door. Admittedly, riding has felt like more of a chore for a while, but it makes me sad that I feel that way. By the time I gear up, I could have been half way done with a run. Anybody else feel that way sometimes? I know some of you are primarily runners anyway....

One other bit of good news is that I've dropped a couple of pounds since I started running. It wasn't an official part of my goal, as I was only up a couple of pounds as it was, but I am a bit happier with my overall appearance having added the running, a toning class at work and a second weekly yoga class to my routine. I'm seeing a bit of muscle definition again.

[colby]

RE: Muscle definition - sexy

Long run today, 16 miles, ramping up. I expect to sleep well. And between the long run, long ride, and regular workouts, be really hungry tomorrow.

[limewave]

8.5 miles for me on Mother's Day. Managed to keep a nice, steady pace. Feeling good and looking forward to kicking some 25k butt on Saturday.

[7rider]

Eureka!

So, last weekend, I did 4.75 miles after a 17 mile bike ride, and I stressed over my splits. I started out at 10:30ish, and each mile was a bit slower, until the last 0.75 miles was a miserable 12:30.

Someone told me to not worry about splits. I'm a new runner - I've been running inconsistently for just about a year. Just focus on heart rate and maintaining a pace that I'm comfortable with over the whole run. Get the miles in and the speed will come later. Like worry about it next year, I'm still building a base.

So yesterday, after my ride home, I tossed on my sneakers, threw my bike Garmin in my back pocket (so I wasn't using my Forerunner and couldn't watch it as I ran), and head out for a easy run around my neighborhood. My intent was to go slow (I have a race on Saturday so I'm winding things down this week) and steady and not stress.

I think for the first time EVER...I finished my run - 2.9 miles in a sloow 37 minutes (what? 12:55 pace?? I haven't even downloaded the ride or the run yet), but I felt...OMG...good. Mentally and physically. Huh.

[skhill]

It's been a tough running week for me. The weather feels more like July than May, and I donated blood this week too. I keep forgetting how much that takes out of me. Yesterday I headed out planning on going 8-10 miles, but ended up going only 4.5. Today I was hoping to get in a shortish long run, about 12 miles, but gave up after 2. My stamina is really affected-- I miss all those red blood cells!

Maybe it's time to retire from donating blood regularly.... Next donation will be my 50th here in my hometown (doesn't count donations while away for college); that might be a good time to stop.