*** I am afraid of the treadmill. My heart races even before I turn the stupid thing on. The test is now... can I run again? ****
Today is my first time running (more like slow jogging) since my stress fracture. I formulated a plan: 5 min walking warm-up, 5 min jogging at a 12 min/mile, walk two min, jog 5 min, and so on. I'm trying to follow doc's orders and ease back into it. I don't want to go through the pain again...so I'll be patient. But, the past five months of no running has been terrible!
My fist jogging cycle felt good. I thought, "Do I feel pain?" NO. "How's my heart rate and breathing?" FINE. Good start!
I cycled into the walk, and then was happy to move the speed back up to my mediocre 12 min/mile pace. I counted the minutes, and decided that five minute cycles was just not enough. I grabbed a notebook from the treadmill next to me, and covered my time display. Then, I just ran. I wanted to speed up, but held back - no need to be stupid about this.
Today was the Gate River Run. This is the event that motivated me to start running several years ago. It still took a couple of years to actually run my first Gate. I finished the 2004 race with a net finishing time of 1:54:00. Today, on my fourth Gate (I missed 2005 because of the military), I finished with a 1:39:42. I do not hurt today. This year, I was comfortable, relaxed and confident in my stride. I have never felt that way before in a race.
The day started off very windy, and the wind increased from there. Around mile 3, the course runs right next to the river. (This is my most vivid memory of this morning.) The river was angry. Fast moving, white capped peakes encompased the river. Waves spashed up over the road. The water was cold as it sprayed over my right shoulder, and drenched my shoe. Water splashing over the riverbank was a most beautiful sight. I only hope the other runners took a moment to appreciate the beauty the way I did.
The "green monster", or also known as t... Read full entry
Bridge day again. Nice cool start, I love it when my arms are cold, because of the wind over the bridges, while the sweat runs down my neck. I feel so alive.
The gap is closing. I am still last, but not quite so far behind. My motto for the Main St. bridge (2nd lap): "Watch out, here I come!" - I push it until I want to quit, then push it some more. This seems to work on the Main St. Let's see if I can implement this strategy to the Acosta (that blasted thing). I will be better than that stupid bridge yet. I walked 10 paces up it this morning, it got the better of me... I thought, "What the hell am I doing?!?!" From there, I ran the remainder of the way up... I actually picked up the pace about half-way through. I really need to quit psyching myself out.
Saturday is the Gate... strategy - start slow, keep that pace for two miles, then allow myself to pick it up.
Next week - San Diego - wonder if I can find some awesome places to run out there???
I hate having to run around sprinklers that are watering the pavement. Enough said.
My run today was slow and easy. Actually, very easy. It felt great. I didn't push it, and my running time shows. But, I needed a relaxed day where I wasn't trying to catch up to the group. Plans for later today - arrive at work early, actually take a lunch break and head to the gym for some resistance training.
Running - getting better
Weight - sucks, and I don't care
Mood - awesome on running days
Relationship - still single, but it's OK
I had a great run today. Bridges. Cold. Windy - perfect! I started off with my normal "let's pace myself to just make it over this stupid piece of architecture." On my second time over the Acosta, I zoned out. I was in Never-Never land watching a bat fly over my head. Then, wow, I'm cresting the bridge. On the way down, I realize that I didn't push it. I only 'made' it over. I nexted promised myself that from that moment on, I was going to push it over every bridge. So, I pushed it over the Main St. Almost called it quits and walked over the crest, but an encouraging teammate would not let me walk (THANK YOU!). Result: I pushed it over the bridge. It felt great! I can hardly wait until next Thursday. I want to see how hard I can push it over all 4 trips up a bridge. I will not give up. I deserve it! I am elated - I am improving.
Then..... I reviewed the photos from the Ortega River Run (last weekend). AUGH! I hadn't realized just how dumpy I look. This is unacceptable. Those thighs ha... Read full entry
