Maybe all this running stuff really is catching up with me.
I tried the ice MA-sage this morning. It seemed to help some, but I don't have time to ice myself down under every two hours. I have a life. Sort of.
I am going to try and get some arch supports for my regular shoes and see if that helps. Another trip to Fleet Feet. Yeah!
Maybe it was something I ate today.
Maybe it was all that annoying water I drank.
Maybe all this running is finally catching up with me.
Whatever the reason, today I felt like I had a break through. It was a three-and-a-half mile, 34 minute, non stop romp. And while I was tired at the end, I chose to stop, not forced to stop because I was gasping for air.
The last week or so my runs have just been terrible, leaving me wondering if this was ever going to get easier. Even more concerning was if I could possibly be ready to attempt a 10K by the end of March. Until about two hours ago I thought I was in serious trouble. I know I still have a long, hard road ahead, but today's run made me feel like this is not impossible.
Michael's Tips For Running Through The Neighborhood:
1-Dress Appropriately
2-Bring A Spare Key
3-Bring An ID
4-Make Sure You Are Hydrated
5-Use The Bathroom BEFORE You Run
I didn't quite adhere to my own list Saturday, and it cost me about $53.
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I've only been running outside on Saturday mornings for a few weeks, but I thought I already had the routine down. Today, however, it was cold, but I figured I'd be all nice and warm once I started running and got the blood flowing. So I picked out a pair of shorts and a thin long sleeve shirt and felt I was weather appropriate.
I've also read it is important to bring some form of an ID when you run. I was never really sure why. A just in case sort of thing I'm assuming. I guess if you get hit by a car or fall in a ditch or something it makes it easier to identify your body. Whatever, I brought it. I fetched a spare key, did a quick stretch and I was out the door.
It only took a few minutes to realize I should have worn more clothing. The wind was stiff and my lungs were burning from the cold air. It did eventually get bearable, but I would have been way more comfortable if I had some running pants or something. Whatever, I wasn't that far from home, I thought. Its not like I was going to stand outside and freeze to death.
Until I got home, when I realized the spare key I brought was actually my spare car key. I was locked out of the house, and with my cell phone inside I couldn't call anyone I know who could help. I eventually used a phone at the gas station down the street and called the local Pop-A-Lock people. So I sat outside my house, freezing, trying to get my post run stretch in and really needing to use the bathroom. It sucked.
But at least I had my ID, which ended up being the only handy thing I brought in my run. I'm not sure the lock guy would have let me in if I hadn't had it.
In conclusion, running outside still kinda sucks. I'm really hoping I start enjoying these more soon.
Over the weekend I broke one of my self-imposed training rules. I got drunk.
The last month and a half or so, I cut out the drinking. It just didn't fit into my new, run-focused life style. Sure there was the occasional drink here and there: a glass (or two) of champagne at New Years, or a beer with a friend while watching the end of football game. The goal was more about moderating than abstaining I suppose, but in most cases it was pretty easy to not drink at all. I've never really been a big drinker. I like more the idea of drinking, the social aspect of it, than the actual act itself. Sure I was the loser in the group ordering Diet Cokes while everyone else downed $2 tall Lone Stars, but that's OK. I suspect I'm usually the loser of the group any way.
Saturday, however, I really just wanted to get trashed. It was the end of a long day at work, I had been out of my comfort zone all week shooting a video project that was quickly taking a nose dive, and I knew my free time would soon be occupied with nothing but packing and preparing myself to move into a new apartment. The bars were definitely calling.
Like most things I do, however, I half-assed it. A tall glass of wine and a few beers later and I was far from trashed. The after effects, however, were still the same. Forgot about the extra calories, its the slowing of the metabolism, the inevitable late-night food run, and the sluggishness the next morning leading to a missed work out that really wreaks havoc on my training. I just don't need it.
So I'm back on the wagon, I suppose. I prefer Diet Coke to Bud Select anyway.
