I Prefer the Dark

Most weekdays, I go running WAY early. It is usually nice and dark when I head out. It is also nice and quiet -- no other runners around. I've decided I make a much better solitary runner because I'm so stinking competitive. Whenever I see another runner, I ALWAYS compare my speed to hers/his. I also ALWAYS think I need to be faster than she/he. I believe I've mentioned before that I am not a fast runner, but I certainly tend to think I'm Marian Jones when it comes to another runner in my path. Sometimes it takes all of my conscious effort to stop my brain from thinking that I need to outrun the unsuspecting foe. The worst is when I get passed, especially when the person who passes me seems to be running at a turtle's pace, because of course that means that I am running at much slower than a turtle's pace. On Saturday, I was injured and was super, extra, way slow. Everyone passed me - the old guy, the one chubbier than I, the one with a dog, the soccer player, and the super sprinter. I had to concentrate on my book, think of taking it easy on my leg, and cheer those runners on. Good for them for getting out of bed! Good for them for running faster than I was running! Good for them for not turning around to stick out their tongues and mock me!

Speed Racer

I haven't written about my running in some time as it's not very exciting. I go around and around the nearby park every morning. I rarely see anyone. On Fridays and Saturdays I go later because my husband doesn't have to work those days. Today I started out about 45 minutes to an hour later than usual. I also headed away from the park for a longer run. I didn't see any other runners until I was about 3/4 done with my run. I was seriously into my book, not paying much attention when a man raced past me. My only thought was that he was complete marathon material. I could see every muscle in his legs flex at each step. His quick stride was so natural and effortless. And his speed! I noticed my silly little shuffle in the shop windows and almost giggled at my reflection. No one would think me marathon material if they saw me running. Ah, well, at least my knees are not sore after the hills today!

Can't wait to hear about the L.A. Ragnar!

What pace to race?

O.K. I'm sorry I've got so much to say.

I feel like I've taken over this blog.

So someone else, please post soon!

On Tuesday, when I ran for 50 minutes at a very easy pace I knew I could maintain, that ended up being 14:33 minute miles.

Yesterday, Thursday, I did 3-10 minutes intervals with a 1 minute rest in between.

Since it was this type of workout, I thought I would push myself more and I did the first two 10 minute intervals at an 11:57 and an 11:47 a minute average pace.

I was still feeling pretty good so I pushed it even more and did the third one at a 10:09 pace.

Of course these were done after I had taken a long time to warm myself up.  I don't know if I'm really odd but it takes me a long time to really warm up.  I had warmed up by walking over a mile!  I am going to try to do this on race day too.

Anyways, I called Lindy afterwards because I was really confused as to what pace to try and run this 10K that I have coming up next weekend.  15 minute miles? 14? 13? 12?  11?  10?  Yeah, right!

After talking with Lindy I think what I'm going to do is attempt to get a time for a 5K on my first training session next week and plug that in to the Runner's World formula and hope that will help me.

Another thing though, that is strange for me about this 10K is that I have yet to run that distance in my training.  In the past when I ran 5Ks or the one 10K, I was running those distances all the time.  So this feels strange to me, not knowing how my body is going to react!  Not that I would know for sure anyways but I think I would have a better idea!  I told Lindy, I see why you don't run Marathon distances all the time in training, but for a 10K, why not?  But it seems like most training plans are not set up that way.  Anyone know why?  I know this one in particular is designed for someone who is starting from a no running spot, so I can kind of see why this one isn't that way, but so many seem this way.  Any advice on how to figure out how fast to go?

Yesterday I went to the Running Store to see if I needed new shoes.  He said I was way overdue.  When I asked how he could tell he pointed at the bottom of the shoe that would be under my sole and pointed out the missing rubber.  He said the inside cushion wears out before the outside cushion does so the fact that your outside cushion is shot means you inside cushion is way gone.  So I've got new shoes!!  Yeah!  It's hard for me to get new ones when the uppers still look so nice but I suppose it is not the upper part that is the most important part of a running shoe!

Perhaps the shoes will help with my achilles issue and another pain in my shin on my other leg that has started to bother me.  But I'm not relying on the shoes I went ahead and made an appointment today with another physical therapist.  The one I went to before was someone I had known and probably specializes in backs.  This new one I am going to is a Sports Physical Therapist and recommended to me by "the guy" at the Running Store.  He told me his achilles issues are gone because of this PT.  So I have some hope!

This PT is out of network with my insurance, so it is not going to help out unless I get to $5,000, which better not (can't) happen!  The first visit is $170 and subsequent ones are $70.  Yikes, double yikes, triple yikes!  But I don't know what else to do!  Except stop exercising, but I've tried that for 3 months last fall and I still have issues!  Even though I've been very good to follow this incremental training program!  So I feel like my back is against a wall!

I have an appointment on Monday and am excited to see what he says.  It sounds like he wants to get to the root of the problem which is what I would like to know, the other PT just really treated the symptoms.  So here's to hope for total healing!

OK, I'm done, so now someone else post quick!