So Tired...

Saturday was another long run day.  We did not motivate until about 3 in the afternoon and ate very little throughout the day...so much for the lessons learned last week!  I also only had a two work out week so I am hoping that I have learned! 

We ran the Riverbank Trail by our home, down to VRC, and back.  The loop itself was so beautiful along the river with lots of wildlife.  There were a ton of people out.  It is amazing what a little sun does in this town!  The weather was perfect.  We did our 5 min. warm up, rotated between 3 min. runs and 2 min. walks, and finished with a 6 min cool down.  My legs were not at all happy with me and I felt like crap the entire run.  This was a good reminder that not all runs can be good ones.  Sure did not help at the time, though, especially when I felt like dieing the entire time!

Today I sucked it up and got on the treadmill.  Another 55 minute session down.  Same drill: 5 min warm up, 3 min run/2 min walk intervals (9 to be exact), and a 5 min cool down.  I felt sluggish but I am glad that I did it.  Hopefully it will make this weekend's long run more enjoyable...a girl can hope, right?!  3.09 done!

41.29 miles down and so much more to go!

Water Time

So I was right about yesterday needing to be a rest day for my left ankle/foot but I really want to stick to my training schedule.  I took yesterday off to let my sore ankle rest.  Today I have been walking much better, so that's relieving! 

I had a fun scare that made it look like I would not work out today.  My neck started to ache and it felt like I had an instant ear ache.  My awesome accupuncturist got me in for an office visit and made it feel so much better!  I went from being totally fine to turning into Quasimodo in 30 minutes!  I am still a little stiff and sore but SO much better!  Thank you Matt Sieradski!

Today was a cross training day so I got my tush in the pool because I still could get a workout without freaking out my foot or neck too bad.  I felt so strong in my breathing which was very nice, my form can still be improved upon.  I pushed while still taking it pretty easy and got in my 30 laps (.57 mile).  My shoulders felt worked pretty early in the swim but my legs felt nice and strong. Even better, my foot/ankle actually felt better when I got out of the pool.  So glad I was a fishee this afternoon!

Tomorrow is a rest day and I hope I can run again on Thursday.  Feeling good!

Saturday Long Run

After missing most of the week's workouts and all of the previous week, I was a bit nervous, especially because Dan and I did the run at night...after a decently large late lunch.  Note to self, do runs first thing in the morning and do not eat a large meal before the run!  We left the house at 6:50pm and I am so glad that we did.  By that time, it was really easy to make excuses not to run!  But off we went in our neighborhood with a five minute warm up, five mile run, and five minute cool down.  The whole thing took us about an hour and a half with total distance of 5.45 miles.  Our pace was a little slower than normal but I am okay with that considering we went from a three mile long run to a five mile long run!  I just can't believe that we actually ran a five miles!

The only downer is that my left foot and/or ankle, it's hard to tell, is very stiff and sore.  I think my new insoles have thrown my left foot.  Today's workout may be cross training or walking just to make sure everything is okay.  Just waiting to see how the pain is later this afternoon.

Another 8.2 miles for the week with a grand total of 34.10 miles!

First Day Back

I was nervous all day regarding how my first workout would be after my week off.  My time was longer with an extra interval, 8 instead of 7.  I was looking forward to a run with my new insoles yet dreading what might be...  I was also very nervous about the first run with the new insoles.  Dr. James said I should break them in for a few days or even weeks.  No surprisingly, I tried them out on the first run anyway...

Thankfuly, everything went very well.  I felt relaxed and strong in my run, even with the extra 5 minutes.  I managed another 2.77 miles on my shoes and felt like I could do more.  The insoles were a little uncomfortable on my arches but not too bad, very doable.  Best yet, my shins are not killing me!  I was a bit nervous about that, too.  All in all, it was a good first day back!

Miserable Malalignment

And I quote from Dr. James, "You have Miserable Malalignment."  Best news from yesterday, NO SURGERY.  I need to try out orthopedics inserts and do some hip strengthening exercises but no surgery.  My hip sockets are turned outward so that the muscles, bones, etc. compensate for the malalignment.  He said that's just how God put me together and there's not a whole lot that can be done.  Just cope and continue to train smartly.  Wahoo!  Sorry Mom, you did not make me perfect!  :)

This week has turned into an unofficial off week while we have worked on the crazy tile project.  I think the tile project should count as cross training strength training.  Have you ever moved backerboard/cement boards, tile boxes, mortar buckets, grout bags, etc.?  Pure evil!  And then there is laying the backerboards down, lifting one at a time, getting the mortar down, moving the board back, screwing the darn thing in, and finally taping the seams.  Holy Cow!  What were we thinking?!  Oh, yeah...it will be so much better than WHITE carpet! 

Back to the races next week!

A Bit Nervous

Missed work outs...I missed Monday and Tuesday work outs because my knees were still and sore.  Today is a rest day so I am feeling a bit lazy even though I have good intentions.  I really wanted to work out yesterday but just knew it was not going to happen with the tenderness in my legs.  I did get some strength training from lifting bags of mortar and tile boxes...oh the joys of home ownership! 

I finally made the appointment that I have been dreading for a while.  I see an orthopedic doctor tomorrow to see what is going on with my legs.  Keeping my fingers crossed I don't need surgery and nothing is too bad.  But, it's still scary to just wait and I am sure more waiting will be involved.  My hope is that I will not need surgery but that physical therapy will do the trick but who knows...

Long Run #2 and Renovations

On Saturday, I had my second long run.  I started at the Valley River Inn and ran towards Autzen on the River Bank trail.  The trail was mostly concrete which my poor knees did not appreciate.  The weather was overcast and sprinkling on and off at 45 degrees which my poor leg muscles did not appreciate.  This was my first run in less than ideal weather which I probably just need to suck it up and get used to because, well, I live in Eugene, Oregon.  The fun part was that there were still a lot of runners out on the trail.  I really do love that Eugene is so runner friendly with a great running community!  We started the run at 9:30 in the morning, did a 5 minute warm up, ran 3 minutes/walked 2 minutes for a little over 3 miles, and then finished with a 5 minuted cool down.  All in all, it was pretty good.  I finished the week with another 9.11 miles under my belt. 

Sunday was my rest day that turned into a renovation day.  We officially started our tiling project by ripping out the not-so-white carpet, the carpet padding, the staples, and the tile in front of the fireplace.  Man were we tired last night!  Today I am a bit stiff and sore, not sure if it was from the run, lack of rest, or the renovation.  Either way, I am taking today off to rest.  My knees are feeling a bit stiff and sore and the goal is to not get injured.