Getting Stronger

Today's run was the only one of the week.  My classes have begun and I'm not sure how many days a week I'll be able to fit runs into.  With this in mind, my goal is to do a speed workout during the middle of the week and a long run on the weekend.

I set out to the YMCA with a goal of 13 miles.  Everything was fine for the first four miles and then my left shin started acting up.  Shin splints are something I don't have much experience with.  After 5 miles, I stopped for a few seconds and stretched the legs.  I hit the 5 mile mark in 50:12.  I grabbed some powerade and a Powerbar gel and set off again.  At this point I was thinking that my new goal for this run was 15 miles.  There were no problems until mile 8.  The ball of my right foot suddenly felt like there was no cushioning between the bone and my shoe.  This feeling set off alarms in my head and I knew this run was in jeopardy if that feeling remained.  As in life, I'm a pretty patient person so I waited to see if the situation would work itself out and it did.  I finished the second 5 miles in 50:06.  At this point, I felt really good and knew I'd get that 15 miles done.  I consumed another gel and some water and started the last leg of the run.  I wanted this leg to be faster than the others, so I increased my pace.  I don't know if it was because I had initially stated that the goal for this run was 13 miles or because I increased the pace, but I was tired after 13 miles.  I kept going and got through the last 2 miles to clock the last 5 mile leg in 47:28. 

I know that I'm increasing mileage far too fast, so I plan on doing a cut-back run next weekend--maybe 10 to 12 miles.  There's something liberating about not being tied to a running schedule.  I used to have my daily runs planned out and I would try to stick to the schedule no matter how I felt.  Now, I just run when I can, and I pay attention to the messages my body gives me.  One thing I'm looking forward to is cooler weather.  I can't wait to hit the roads so I breathe fresher air and can look at something other than the Great-Grandmas that frequent the YMCA.   

I'm a runner again

Over the last 2.5 weeks, I've been building up my mileage.  I began with 2 miles a day and then moved up to 3 and 4 miles over the next two weeks.  Last Saturday's long run was 5 miles.  Today's long run was 10 miles in 91:12.  I guess I violated the 15% rule.  I did it on the treadmill because the heat and humidity are just too much for where my conditioning is at.  I read that you lose 100% of your conditioning if you don't do anything for 6 weeks.  I had somewhere between 6 and 8 weeks off and I believe that statistic.  The first week back was a real struggle.  I also believe in muscle memory.  The cardio conditioning may have gone, but the muscles still retain some memory of what they used to do.  I think this is what has allowed me to increase my mileage and speed so quickly.  I felt good during today's run, and had to stop myself from going further.  I really wanted to go 13, but I was already doubling my previous longest distance and didn't want to risk injury.  If things go well this week, I'll try for that 13 miles next weekend.  Hopefully, I'll get back to 20 miles again in 5 weeks or so, and then to 30 miles in another 5 weeks after that.  I don't really care about how far or fast I go during the week.  The only run I care about is the long run.  The only reason I'm keeping track of the other runs is to let me know how many miles I've put on my shoes.  Anyway, it feels good to be back. 

Another Beginning

My insane summer is over.  If you remember, I entered an accelerated Master's program that devoured my life for the last 7 weeks.  Not one run was to be had.  I have a 2 week respite before classes begin again.  I'm hoping that these won't be as intense.  I set out yesterday afternoon with a belly full of Coke Zero and a Chipotle chicken burrito.  It was 108 degrees and the wind was blowing something fierce.  After 100 meters, I was breathing like I was giving birth.  It was one of those grind it out runs.  I managed 2 miles in exactly 20 minutes--I had to hurry at the end to get that time. 

Today, I set out with a belly full of Diet Coke and pizza.  The temperature was a much nicer 96 degrees, but the humidity was pretty high--no wind though.  After 200 meters, I was winded, but kept the pace up.  This one was also difficult, but didn't feel as hard as yesterday--possibly due to the lack of wind and heat.  Anyway, today was the same 2 mile course, but I finished it in exactly 19 minutes.  That's pretty weird to have back to back runs end on exact times like that.  I have no plans other than to try and increase distance.  I'm still planning on running the Old Pueblo 50 miler in March.  I'm going to try and catch up on reading your blogs too.