Running again

It has been a really long time since I ran. I mean really ran. On November 20 I ran 13.1 miles. Since then, I haven't run more than two or so. I have been battling injuries. My knee seems to be fixed. Thankfully it was a muscle issue and not a joint issue. I got clearance from the PT to run again, but my Plantar Fasciitis flared up. I could barely stand or walk. The Strassburg Socks made a huge difference.

After a week or so without pain, I decided I could try and run today. Robin (my boss at Fleet Feet Sports Monterey) had a group run this morning with the new 5k-ers, so I thought I'd tag along. I shot out ahead, which was good because the guy ran faster than the group so he followed me and knew where to turn around. I ran 3.08 miles in 32:10, for an average pace of 10:27. The best part? I did not feel pain in my knee or my feet!

When I got back to the start I knew I had a few minutes, so I decided to do some strideouts. Just a set of two. My lungs were struggling and I didn't want to push my tired legs too much, but I wanted to see what I could do. I did 30 seconds max and then one minute cool down and repeated it. My paces were surprising. First max: 6:25! First cooldown: 10:44, second max: 7:57, second cooldown: 11:19. That was 0.32 miles in 3:00.

My total run for the day was 3.4 miles in 35:10. I am happy that I did not hurt and I am pleased with my overall performance. I have lost some fitness (mostly cardiovascular) but I was able to run the entire time. It is good to know that nearly two months off (or mostly off) did not affect my ability to run 3 miles in one shot. I was feeling it at the end, though. My lungs were not happy with me. I'm really happy with the 6:25 pace. Yes, it was only 30 seconds, but I have never broken a 7:00 pace, at least to my recollection, at any time. To have broken it by that much for that long and on tired legs is super!

As I sit here post run, I can feel a little twinge in my right arch. I don't think the PF is fully gone, so I now know that I need to ease back in. I was planning on starting Half Marathon training next week, but I think I need to go one more week with a few short runs before I delve into fully training. I need my feet, not just for running but for work and life, so I have to be really careful. I signed up for the Santa Cruz Half Marathon on April 1. If I can get a 10 mile training run in before then, I'll feel OK about going into the Half. I have a little bit of time to get ready.

I tried a gel today. Six or seven years ago they made me horrifically nauseous. Today they were quite tasty! I am happy to know that they are available as an option for training and races.

It was a little chilly this morning, but the view was incredible. You just can't beat this!