My knees are sore. Not long term, debilitating sore. But 'oh-you-gave-me-a-pounding' sore. The pavement is unforgiving this time of year.
Did I really write a post about the benefits and general injury-freeness (it's a word, trust me) of Chi Running??
Actually, I have been quietly dealing with a right IT band achiness for the past few weeks but this area is really not very sore this morning. So, things are not a total loss. It had been killing me after recent 5 and 7 mile runs but not so much after this 15 miler. It could be that my different running technique is alleviating some pressure. Or it could be that I switched to shoes with quite a few less miles on them. Inevitably, when I start feeling leg soreness, the shoes are the culprit. One of these times, I'll switch the shoes out before this happens. But, shoes cost money and I want to soak every last mile I can out of them. I'm currently rotating three old pair in this training season. There's a couple miles left in all of them somewhere. And, really, once a pair sits for a week it magically adds a couple more miles doesn't it?
Yesterdays' run was my first in a long time in the redesigned Asics 2120's. I had been using the 2110's which were great shoes. The 20's have a stiffer mid sole. I'm not a fan. I may look at some Nimbus's next.
All in all, I was pretty happy with how the run went. I tried to hold a consistent 7:30/pace and just relax and practice some Chi running techniques. I was surprised to find myself wearing down around the 12 mile mark but, considering the wind and 5 lbs of clothing I was wearing, I managed alright.
15.01 miles
1:52:03 time
7:28 pace
I'm staring down the barrel of my training plan gun. This is the start of my maximum mileage weeks. As I've mentioned, I'm going to take it a wee bit easier in the build up to Boston to be a little fresher on race day. However, these next 3 weeks is where the big long runs will be run. This weekend, a nice 19 miler is planned. I'll try to remember to issue the Engage Legs command before rolling out of bed next Monday.
If there is a running God, I pray to thee:
Please make winter go away
Please send some 40+ temperature days
Please make the frozen ground thaw
Please redirect the wind elsewhere
Your humble servant.
Six weeks to Boston!
7 comments:
Don't push those shoes too far. You're in the thick of it with miles and you need to stay healthy. What's a pair of shoes if it gets you to Boston in one piece? :D
I know what you mean about letting them sit though and they have some more miles in them. Mine has been that I didn't want to muck up the new ones too bad in crappy weather. :D
Good luck with these weeks. You are going to do great!!!
I hear Vanilla at Half Fast is in the market for an Arch Nemesis. I nominated you. You're fast and you're witty. I'm not sure if you have a mean bone in your body, but I thought you might be able to give him a hard time. :D
When I said I was going to try a tri, my nemesis (Scott Keeps Running) asked me if I had made out a will!!! :D
the foam roller, while painful, has given my IT band issues great relief.
next time, fire up the legs before rolling out of bed :).
later.
Nitmos,
The Asics 2110 must be the official shoe of the Steers Distance Project as I am training in my 4th pair of that model as we speak.
-tange
i loved the poem/prayer...just when i thought it might rhyme, you follow up "thaw" with "elsewhere." not that i don' disagree with your thoughts about old man winter. i just keep telling myself this is making me uber tough come august...right?
You are doing a great job and doing the Steers proud!!
Great blog. I admire you for gutting out the long Michigan winter. As a former resident of Okemos, I feel your pain. Keep it up!
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