Running For My Life

Workout:

• Type: Run
• Date: 11/18/2007
• Time: 08:00:00
• Total Time: 00:18:00.00
• Distance: 2 miles
• Average Pace: 8:59.73/mile

Workout:

• Type: Run
• Date: 11/17/2007
• Time: 07:30:00
• Total Time: 1:12:00.00
• Distance: 8 miles
• Average Pace: 8:59.73/mile

Workout:

• Type: Run
• Date: 11/16/2007
• Time: 05:00:00
• Total Time: 1:47:00.00
• Distance: 12 miles
• Average Pace: 8:54.92/mile

I had every intention of continuing my streak of bravery by running outside in the dark this morning.  However, it was 22 degrees with 20 mph winds, so I opted to head down to the basement and go 10 miles on the treadmill.  Hopefully it will be a little more tolerable outside tomorrow morning so I can get back outdoors.  Prior to this morning, I had done 5 straight runs outside, which is a record for me this time of the year.  I think I am getting over my fear of running in the darkness…..at least until I get bit by another dog!

Workout:

• Type: Run
• Date: 11/15/2007
• Time: 05:00:00
• Total Time: 1:28:45.00
• Distance: 10 miles
• Average Pace: 8:52.54/mile

Can someone tell me how to add a picture to a post? I see the insert/edit image button, but then there is also the “upload files” section which allows you to upload a picture from your computer, but it’s not clear what to do with the picture once it’s uploaded.  Thanks.

I decided to take a day off from strenuous exercise and just did 30 easy miles on my air bike this morning.  I also did my usual weight lifting and stretching.  Hopefully the “break” will be good for my bum knee.

Workout:

• Type: Cycle
• Date: 11/14/2007
• Time: 05:00:00
• Total Time: 00:58:58.00
• Distance: 30 miles
• Average Speed: 30.53 mph

I injured my right knee about a month ago while attempting to mow the lawn and kick a ball to my dog at the same time.  My leg moved at an awkward angle and something popped.  It wasn’t very painful at the time, then it got inflamed.  Later that day, after I applied some ice and popped a few ibuprofen,  I was able to pull it together enough to finish third in a 5K race, then the next morning I ran another 5K.  I then took a few days off because my knee was still swollen.  After the break, I continued to run and a few weeks later the post-run swelling subsided and things were back to normal….but only for a few days.

Now for the past week I have been experiencing some pain and stiffness in the same knee, but above the kneecap, not below like it was originally.  It doesn’t bother me when I’m running; more after I’m finished, or even several hours later (like right now…some 12 hours after I completed my morning run).

I just wish I knew what to do about this.   On one hand, it’s not interferring with my daily runs.  On the other hand, what if I am making it worse?  I just hope I can make it 5 more weeks, which is when I am starting a 10-day scheduled break before my Boston Marathon training begins.  That should give it an opportunity to heal (assuming it’s nothing major).

The worst-case scenario is that it continues to get worse and the damage is so severe that I can’t train for Boston.  The best-case scenario is that it magically gets better.  At this point, I am just hoping that it doesn’t get any worse and then I’ll deal with it after I run Boston in April.

I know most people would advise me to take a break, but at this point I’m not sure that will help.  But maybe it can’t hurt??

Workout:

• Type: Run
• Date: 11/13/2007
• Time: 05:00:00
• Total Time: 1:28:42.00
• Distance: 10 miles
• Average Pace: 8:52.54/mile

Workout:

• Type: Run
• Date: 11/12/2007
• Time: 05:00:00
• Total Time: 1:28:40.00
• Distance: 10 miles
• Average Pace: 8:51.76/mile

I typically like to push the pace on my long runs, doing miles in the 7:15 to 7:45 pace.  Not any more…at least not until I start my official training for Boston in January.  I have decided to slow it down a bit and just concentrate on piling up miles.  So this morning I did 17 miles (I had originally intended to do 16, but due to some bridge construction I had to add a mile) at a pokey 8:55 pace.  I pretty much ran even 9:00 splits until the last 2 miles.  I felt decent at the end, but sometimes it seems like my legs feel more sluggish after a slow run than they do after a fast run.

It was another beautiful morning….I wish everyone could see the incredible beauty in this part of the world…it’s stunning.  Picture rolling hills and winding paths and fall colors……to quote David Lee Roth, “this must be just like living in paradise”.  Maybe it is!

Workout:

• Type: Run
• Date: 11/10/2007
• Time: 06:00:00
• Total Time: 2:31:35.00
• Distance: 17 miles
• Average Pace: 8:54.92/mile

I am finally rebelling against myself and these crazy 10-mile treadmill runs with no music or TV.  On Tuesday I decided to flip on the TV and see what I could find.  I discovered that Star Trek re-runs air on TV Land at 5 a.m. and, even better, they are closed captioned, so I can run and read and watch at the same time.  I am not a big sci-fi kind of guy, but those shows  make for great entertainment (”Captain, set phasers to stun….”).  An hour goes by very fast.

This morning I continued to mix things up by running outside, which is something I typically don’t do at 5 a.m. this time of year.  With the time change last weekend, it gets light around 6 a.m. so only the first hour of my run was in the darkness instead of the entire thing.  I carried a flashlight and didn’t have any problems with dogs or critters sneaking up on me.  I stayed on the roads until it got light, then I switched over to the gravel running path.  It was a bit cold at 28 degrees, but it felt good to get some fresh air.

Since my venture outdoors was such a success,  I think I’m going to continue to try to get outdoors during the week (weather permitting) and see how that goes.  And it will be nice to give my treadmill a break.  I gave it “last rites” in February and it’s still going.  I bought it about 8 years ago for $299 at Sears and it has given me thousands of miles of pure running pleasure!

Next up is a 16-mile run, tomorrow morning.  It’s supposed to be cool and windy, but at least I can get outside again since it’s the weekend.  I am going to try to get out by 6 a.m.  Later in the day, I am going to go for a swim at the local high school pool.  Sunday is my day off and I am going to the Packers-Vikings game.  Go Packers!

Workout:

• Type: Run
• Date: 11/09/2007
• Time: 05:00:00
• Total Time: 1:29:44.00
• Distance: 10 miles
• Average Pace: 8:58.12/mile