Last time I wrote about heading back to the basics of ChiRunning to break a couple of bad habits. Well, it's been worth it. After spending almost a week's worth of runs at the track do drills and a few laps, I headed back to the street on Sunday and had good results.
Well, Tuesday's and Thursday's runs were even better. My times are getting better, but more importantly, I'm not working nearly has hard. In fact, the last two runs I haven't had to take any walk breaks. I don't know if that's from the improved technique or my inappropriate sinus tachycardia has calmed down. Who know? Who cares?
I did have one odd thing happen on Thursday. I was planning a 4-miler and was running comfortably when at 1.5 miles, it felt like a knife stabbed me in the right hip/butt cheek. I tried to make a microchange or two, but nothing helped. It didn't happen with each step, but that was part of the problem. It was intermittent so I couldn't figure out what was causing it.
Even though I was about as far from home as I could get, I knew I had a choice -- I could stop and walk or I could keep pressing it and probably hurt myself and not run for a week or two (something I know all too well from experience with other pains.)
As much as I hate the idea of walking home, I decided to to exactly that. Actually, I tried to stretch out first to see if I could get rid of the stabbing pain. No luck.
So I started walking. I gave it a half-mile and decided to try running slowly again. I shortened my stride more than usual and gave it a little test. Hmm...no pain. So I kept going -- gently at first and then a little faster. I even managed a big hill (big for me) and now problems.
Got my 4 miles in and never felt the stabbing pain again. Still don't know what it was. I only know it's gone except for a little stab earlier today when I was teaching. I'll see how it goes tomorrow. I'd like to get 4 in again tomorrow, but we'll see.
Maybe finally, I am working with my body. Instead of mind over body, it's mind with body. I have the rest of my life to increase my mileage. And I'm now realizing it will all come a lot faster if I pay attention to what feels right.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Two steps back
Every once in a while, we have to take a step backward to move forward. Or in my case two steps back.
I had the chance to work with a ChiRunning instructor for a short time the other week. I'd been feeling like my running wasn't as light as it should be. Turns out, I picked up a bad habit or two like bending slightly at the waist and a bit of an overstride when I first start to run.
So I backed way off my mileage and headed the track to practice drill after drill until I could feel the changes in my form. I'm always surprised how hard it is to be a beginner again, leave a watch or Garmin behind, and focus only on form rather than achievements (meaning time, speed, distance). I have absolutely no reason to have any kind of running ego, and yet I have trouble reigning in the monster.
After three track workouts, I ventured to the road yesterday and it all started to come together. I'm still slower than usual, but it's coming -- and I expect to be able to add back my mileage quickly.
Here's hoping the step backward is done and it's onward from here.
I had the chance to work with a ChiRunning instructor for a short time the other week. I'd been feeling like my running wasn't as light as it should be. Turns out, I picked up a bad habit or two like bending slightly at the waist and a bit of an overstride when I first start to run.
So I backed way off my mileage and headed the track to practice drill after drill until I could feel the changes in my form. I'm always surprised how hard it is to be a beginner again, leave a watch or Garmin behind, and focus only on form rather than achievements (meaning time, speed, distance). I have absolutely no reason to have any kind of running ego, and yet I have trouble reigning in the monster.
After three track workouts, I ventured to the road yesterday and it all started to come together. I'm still slower than usual, but it's coming -- and I expect to be able to add back my mileage quickly.
Here's hoping the step backward is done and it's onward from here.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Dragging but running well
Saturday yoga class was great. I did a headstand for the first time. I think my abs are finally starting to work. The chiropractor has been teaching me how to isolate different sections of my abs. Apparently, I've been using my hip flexors and back muscles everytime I should be using my core.
Also Saturday, Ohio State University won. And maybe best of all. I finally had energy all day. Then after a good night's sleep on Saturday night, I was exhausted again on Sunday. I spent all day trying to work up the energy to go on a 5K.
Finally, about 5 p.m. I decided it's now or never. The first quarter mile, I wondered whether I'd make a mile but then it all came together. Great run. Go figure.
I think it's all about hydration and maybe PMS. Haven't been drinking enough water and too much soda. Still too much soda today, but a lot more water.
Tomorrow, 3 or 4 miles, I hope.
Also Saturday, Ohio State University won. And maybe best of all. I finally had energy all day. Then after a good night's sleep on Saturday night, I was exhausted again on Sunday. I spent all day trying to work up the energy to go on a 5K.
Finally, about 5 p.m. I decided it's now or never. The first quarter mile, I wondered whether I'd make a mile but then it all came together. Great run. Go figure.
I think it's all about hydration and maybe PMS. Haven't been drinking enough water and too much soda. Still too much soda today, but a lot more water.
Tomorrow, 3 or 4 miles, I hope.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Taking the Plunge
I have heard people talk about taking ice baths after a particularly long run, and have even seen photos, but I never thought I'd give it a try. The only things I like cold are my drinks and my ice cream. I haven't like the cold since I got frostbitten as a child.
But yesterday, I thought I'd give it a try for two reasons:
1. The inside of my right ankle has been a little cranky after longer runs
2. After almost every run, my upper back between my shoulder blades will sweat for up to 2 hours. Ridiculous. I wondered if an ice bath would reduce my body temp.
So after yesterday's 7-miler, I filled the tub with cold water and went to the freezer for a load of ice. I have to admit it wasn't really all that bad. I didn't load it with 5 lbs of ice or anything but it was plenty chilly.
The result? Excellent. No back sweats. And my legs, knees, ankles, everything below the waist feels great. Even at yoga this morning my body felt more open.
I read the other day that sugar can cause inflammation in the body. Since sugar is one of my favorite food groups..what? Sugar isn't a food group? Maybe not on your food pyramid, but it's the bottom layer on mine, followed by chocolate, dairy, fruit and more chocolate.
I noticed after eating about 25 chocolate chip cookies last weekend, my knees were sore two days later, so maybe there's something to this sugar thing.
I thought for a second about giving up sugar but the ice baths seem a lot easier.
Oh, and by the way, the run was great. I tried to relax more and slow down to a 12-minute mile. Worked beautifully. The key really is relaxing.
But yesterday, I thought I'd give it a try for two reasons:
1. The inside of my right ankle has been a little cranky after longer runs
2. After almost every run, my upper back between my shoulder blades will sweat for up to 2 hours. Ridiculous. I wondered if an ice bath would reduce my body temp.
So after yesterday's 7-miler, I filled the tub with cold water and went to the freezer for a load of ice. I have to admit it wasn't really all that bad. I didn't load it with 5 lbs of ice or anything but it was plenty chilly.
The result? Excellent. No back sweats. And my legs, knees, ankles, everything below the waist feels great. Even at yoga this morning my body felt more open.
I read the other day that sugar can cause inflammation in the body. Since sugar is one of my favorite food groups..what? Sugar isn't a food group? Maybe not on your food pyramid, but it's the bottom layer on mine, followed by chocolate, dairy, fruit and more chocolate.
I noticed after eating about 25 chocolate chip cookies last weekend, my knees were sore two days later, so maybe there's something to this sugar thing.
I thought for a second about giving up sugar but the ice baths seem a lot easier.
Oh, and by the way, the run was great. I tried to relax more and slow down to a 12-minute mile. Worked beautifully. The key really is relaxing.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Love/hate reading running blogs
I love reading running blogs, but I’m not sure they are good for me. Having been both a high school and college athlete, I have certain expectations for myself. I generally pick up new activities fast, however, running has never been one of them.
I played one season of field hockey – as a fullback -- in junior high because it required the least running. I’d have played goalie if I could have. I would curse at the 1/3 mile warm-up we ran each day. The other fullback and I even took a shortcut every time the coaches weren’t looking.
In high school, I played volleyball, basketball and fast-pitch softball, sports that might require explosive spurts but no long sustained running. I’m old enough that conditioning was pretty much a joke when I was in school. In college, I played volleyball. Lots of conditioning but not much long distance running.
Over the years I ran off and on – more off than on once I hit about 30 – thanks to constant shin splints and back pain. Then a couple of years later, knee pain really stopped any chance of running – until I found ChiRunning. It gave me my running life back.
Now I’m running farther than I did in my 20s, have no pain and am thrilled. So what’s the problem you ask? Speed – or lack thereof. I’ve been back at this for 2.5 years and I’m not getting any faster. Now that wouldn’t be so bad if I was clocking an 8-minute or even 9- or 10-minute mile.
I don’t want to “race.” I just want to run with friends who all run at 10-min miles or less. And then I read these blogs and how everyone’s improving. Oh, yeah, I know, I know. We all have to work within our own limitations. And certainly I have a few.
Not only do I have injuries but apparently I have a little heart thing that sends out megawatts of adrenaline when I run, no matter how slowly. I don’t get heart palpitations or anything. But my heart rate goes to 100 percent of max or more in a few miles even with a 12-minute mile
I get inspired by these other speed demons, but it’s frustrating too. Maybe I should stop reading. Or maybe I should accept my limitations and be grateful I’m running again. There was a time when I didn't run because the doctor asked me not to because of back trouble. Back then, I’d have given anything just to run 3 miles three times a week. Now, I do that and more. But running is like a drug – I want more. I want a half marathon. I want a marathon.
Maybe all of this is a great lesson in humility, appreciation for what I do have, and learning to accept myself. And maybe I’m just having one hell of a pity party today.
Wow, I’m sitting here writing this little rant about poor pitiful me and I have totally forgotten something that really matters. My cousin is lying in a hospital bed praying he'll walk again after a fluke accident during our "dry hurricane" 9 days ago. I think I’ll shut up now and be grateful that I can walk or run, fast or slow, a lot or a little.
Hang in there Johnny. I believe. I believe you will walk again. I believe you will run that marathon someday.
I played one season of field hockey – as a fullback -- in junior high because it required the least running. I’d have played goalie if I could have. I would curse at the 1/3 mile warm-up we ran each day. The other fullback and I even took a shortcut every time the coaches weren’t looking.
In high school, I played volleyball, basketball and fast-pitch softball, sports that might require explosive spurts but no long sustained running. I’m old enough that conditioning was pretty much a joke when I was in school. In college, I played volleyball. Lots of conditioning but not much long distance running.
Over the years I ran off and on – more off than on once I hit about 30 – thanks to constant shin splints and back pain. Then a couple of years later, knee pain really stopped any chance of running – until I found ChiRunning. It gave me my running life back.
Now I’m running farther than I did in my 20s, have no pain and am thrilled. So what’s the problem you ask? Speed – or lack thereof. I’ve been back at this for 2.5 years and I’m not getting any faster. Now that wouldn’t be so bad if I was clocking an 8-minute or even 9- or 10-minute mile.
I don’t want to “race.” I just want to run with friends who all run at 10-min miles or less. And then I read these blogs and how everyone’s improving. Oh, yeah, I know, I know. We all have to work within our own limitations. And certainly I have a few.
Not only do I have injuries but apparently I have a little heart thing that sends out megawatts of adrenaline when I run, no matter how slowly. I don’t get heart palpitations or anything. But my heart rate goes to 100 percent of max or more in a few miles even with a 12-minute mile
I get inspired by these other speed demons, but it’s frustrating too. Maybe I should stop reading. Or maybe I should accept my limitations and be grateful I’m running again. There was a time when I didn't run because the doctor asked me not to because of back trouble. Back then, I’d have given anything just to run 3 miles three times a week. Now, I do that and more. But running is like a drug – I want more. I want a half marathon. I want a marathon.
Maybe all of this is a great lesson in humility, appreciation for what I do have, and learning to accept myself. And maybe I’m just having one hell of a pity party today.
Wow, I’m sitting here writing this little rant about poor pitiful me and I have totally forgotten something that really matters. My cousin is lying in a hospital bed praying he'll walk again after a fluke accident during our "dry hurricane" 9 days ago. I think I’ll shut up now and be grateful that I can walk or run, fast or slow, a lot or a little.
Hang in there Johnny. I believe. I believe you will walk again. I believe you will run that marathon someday.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Routine runs
Nothing special to say. I'm not sure the recovery week last week really has made much of a difference. I didn't feel especially refreshed this week.
I got in a good 4-miler on Tuesday and 3-miler today. I really didn't think I'd do all that well on Tuesday. When I went out to run, I was kind of achey especially my left knee. But I made a microadjustment to my ChiRunning technique and the twinge passed easily. During the first mile, I thought I'd be lucky to finish 2 miles, but after that first mile, I found my rhythm and was good for the 4 and could have done more.
Today, both knees were a little achey. I realized on Wednesday that part of the problem with my knees is not enough water. I've been drinking 60 to 80 oz a day and for two days I had only 40 oz. Really makes a difference -- at least for me. My younger sister says water lubricates her knees. I'm beginning to agree with her.
Tuesday and today's runs were under beautiful skies, although today was in the low 80s and felt even hotter. Still, really good runs and I'm happy -- and pain free.
I got in a good 4-miler on Tuesday and 3-miler today. I really didn't think I'd do all that well on Tuesday. When I went out to run, I was kind of achey especially my left knee. But I made a microadjustment to my ChiRunning technique and the twinge passed easily. During the first mile, I thought I'd be lucky to finish 2 miles, but after that first mile, I found my rhythm and was good for the 4 and could have done more.
Today, both knees were a little achey. I realized on Wednesday that part of the problem with my knees is not enough water. I've been drinking 60 to 80 oz a day and for two days I had only 40 oz. Really makes a difference -- at least for me. My younger sister says water lubricates her knees. I'm beginning to agree with her.
Tuesday and today's runs were under beautiful skies, although today was in the low 80s and felt even hotter. Still, really good runs and I'm happy -- and pain free.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Recovery Week
I just completed my first real recovery week. Oh, I've taken recovery weeks before. You might know them better as "injuries." This was actually a planned recovery week.
My Type A says more is better -- always. My body says stop listening to your Type A; she's an idiot.
So for the first time, I actually backed off my mileage for a week. It wasn't easy. I wanted to go further each day. I was sure I was going backwards in my training. I'm still waiting to see if I pay for backing down the miles or if it pays off.
Down deep, I know it was a good idea. There have been too many times when I kept increasing my mileage only to tweak something here or there and be forced into a recovery week.
So one step forward -- choosing to have a recovery week. Go me!
My Type A says more is better -- always. My body says stop listening to your Type A; she's an idiot.
So for the first time, I actually backed off my mileage for a week. It wasn't easy. I wanted to go further each day. I was sure I was going backwards in my training. I'm still waiting to see if I pay for backing down the miles or if it pays off.
Down deep, I know it was a good idea. There have been too many times when I kept increasing my mileage only to tweak something here or there and be forced into a recovery week.
So one step forward -- choosing to have a recovery week. Go me!
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