A friend from USAFit/Philly posted this link to our fanpage today. The line that got to me was this one "Maybe I’ll get in peak form eventually, but I’m not rushing it. I’m going to enjoy the open road. And a drink or two along the way." This really boosted my mood. Bagging MCM was by no means giving up on marathons completely but I have been struggling with the question of why this summer has been so difficult. I think the answer is, it doesn't really matter. That's not easy for me to accept. I like to know the reasons for things. But after reading this post I think maybe I can deal.
The next two weeks will be a challenge for me. With company visiting I will not get to do my long runs. I did get to 16 before quitting MCM so I know I can do the half marathons coming up but I can't just stop running altogether and accormplish that. So I've made a committment to do 30 minutes minimum every day. I can run, walk, or other exercise as long as I do at least 30 minutes. I should be able to do that on any day for the next 12 (the length of Cole's visit) and then see where to go from there. I'm not averse to doing more than 30 but 30 minutes is a number I know I can squeeze in somewhere every day.
I'll let you know.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Sunday, August 14, 2011
MCM cancelled
Well it's official now. I will not be running MCM this year. I've put my bib up for transfer and begun a search for someone who might want it.
I went for new shoes this past Tuesday. According to the store I had purchased them in March so they were 5 months old. That was a bit of a lift as I thought maybe that was the issue afterall. But my run on Saturday was still painful. I got to 5 miles before I started to experience pain everywhere from my hips to my toes on both sides. Ugh.
Once at home I took an alleve and a nap and I felt fine when I woke up. I have to face the fact that I'm old and running is going to be harder now. I do believe I have a case of plantar fascitis in my right foot. I hate getting old and I'm finding it rather difficult not to be saddened by it lately.
Trying for a happier note I have three half marathons on the schedule and I'm going to do my best to make all three and to do well. I'm especially looking forward to the Ocean City NJ half with my friends Kristie and Jamie. Finally, Jamie and I will meet. :)
I went for new shoes this past Tuesday. According to the store I had purchased them in March so they were 5 months old. That was a bit of a lift as I thought maybe that was the issue afterall. But my run on Saturday was still painful. I got to 5 miles before I started to experience pain everywhere from my hips to my toes on both sides. Ugh.
Once at home I took an alleve and a nap and I felt fine when I woke up. I have to face the fact that I'm old and running is going to be harder now. I do believe I have a case of plantar fascitis in my right foot. I hate getting old and I'm finding it rather difficult not to be saddened by it lately.
Trying for a happier note I have three half marathons on the schedule and I'm going to do my best to make all three and to do well. I'm especially looking forward to the Ocean City NJ half with my friends Kristie and Jamie. Finally, Jamie and I will meet. :)
Saturday, August 6, 2011
MCM update
I've been considering this for a few weeks now and have all but decided after today's run that I am going to give up my entry to the Marine Corps Marathon. I will use my 24 hour rule (even though today was not a race) and not decide until tomorrow at the earliest.
I've been in a lot of pain after my runs the past few weeks. I'm fine through about 6 or 7 miles and then it hits. I don't feel tired but my feet hurt. Then it works up to my calves and by the time I hit 13 I'm ready to cry. I'm not sure what it is. It could be shoes although this pair probably only has about 200 miles on them. I may go to the running store this week and see if they have a suggestion and perhaps try one more week with new shoes. I am concerned about putting it off too long though. If I act soon I have a chance of selling my bib (MCM allows that). Will one more week make that much difference.
It would be great if it were shoes but I also have to face the fact that I'm old. My body is fighting with me these days and I'm not sure how much more time I need to come out on top.
I hate to give up and if I do it will only be on this race. I'm not ready to give up marathons completely I just have serious concerns that I can finish this one without hurting myself. Regardless I will still do my three half marathons RNR Philly (Sept 18); Ocean city (Oct 2); and Philly Half (Nov 18).
Stay tuned.
I've been in a lot of pain after my runs the past few weeks. I'm fine through about 6 or 7 miles and then it hits. I don't feel tired but my feet hurt. Then it works up to my calves and by the time I hit 13 I'm ready to cry. I'm not sure what it is. It could be shoes although this pair probably only has about 200 miles on them. I may go to the running store this week and see if they have a suggestion and perhaps try one more week with new shoes. I am concerned about putting it off too long though. If I act soon I have a chance of selling my bib (MCM allows that). Will one more week make that much difference.
It would be great if it were shoes but I also have to face the fact that I'm old. My body is fighting with me these days and I'm not sure how much more time I need to come out on top.
I hate to give up and if I do it will only be on this race. I'm not ready to give up marathons completely I just have serious concerns that I can finish this one without hurting myself. Regardless I will still do my three half marathons RNR Philly (Sept 18); Ocean city (Oct 2); and Philly Half (Nov 18).
Stay tuned.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
I O me
This is Tuesday so it must be Museum Steps workout night. Julius and Michelle from Phillyfit were there too. The group in total was a pretty good size considering just coming off the holiday. We met Giselle originally from Texas who is going to law school at Drexel. She was in much better shape and faster than us; but that's ok.
Today we did 5 up and downs; 4 around the ramps; 5 more up and downs and one suicide up and down. We finished up with some balance work and 20 pushups. Oh and it was 91 degrees out according to the Peco tower.
At the end I owed me 1 circuit around the ramps; 1 up and down and 10 pushups. I'm really going to have to get better at full pushups because bent knee pushups hurt on the hard sidewalk. I did my make up work and then Julius and I did a slow jog down hill back to Lloyd Hall. Julius also did the extra around the ramp with me.
Today we did 5 up and downs; 4 around the ramps; 5 more up and downs and one suicide up and down. We finished up with some balance work and 20 pushups. Oh and it was 91 degrees out according to the Peco tower.
At the end I owed me 1 circuit around the ramps; 1 up and down and 10 pushups. I'm really going to have to get better at full pushups because bent knee pushups hurt on the hard sidewalk. I did my make up work and then Julius and I did a slow jog down hill back to Lloyd Hall. Julius also did the extra around the ramp with me.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Blue Trail - Ridley Creek State Park
This morning I set out to run on the Blue Trail at Ridley Creek State Park. Over the years I've hiked all of the trails at RCSP although in recent memory mostly the yellow and white trails. I studied the map before I left to get my bearings and then off I went. The blue trail is an out and back lollipop trail and, as I quickly found out, is not as well travelled as the others in the park. It is overgrown in some spots. I didn't mind that although I did a very thorough tick check when I got back to the car.
It begins with two decently steep descents with a small flat in between the two. I knew I'd be power hiking those on the way back. After that it settles into an up and down meandering. Next time I'll bring the camera. It had rained over night and I drove through a shower on the way to the park so the trail was wet but not messy muddy and the trees and bushes were lush and dense with humidity. RCSP is generally a quiet place to begin with and when you get on the trails it is even more so. I spooked a chipmunk in one spot, met another runner going the opposite way and one hiker with his two -fortunately friendly - dogs. On the return trip there were several fisherman out.
Fortunately I did not run into any kids on their bikes. They are not supposed to be on the unpaved trails in the park but I know they do it anyway. There were a few bad accidents in recent years. The kids thinks it's a cool place to get a thrill ride on their bikes. Unfortunately for them it's not cool it's just plain stupid given the steepness and lack of sightlines.
I really enjoyed the run. I did have to power hike the last 1/4 mile back up the hill to the parking lot and had to slow down to practially a walk in a few very rocky spots and to jump over a few tree limbs. I also went gingerly over the makeshift bridges because my shoes were so wet that I didn't want to slip but other than that I kept moving and feel really good about this run.
It begins with two decently steep descents with a small flat in between the two. I knew I'd be power hiking those on the way back. After that it settles into an up and down meandering. Next time I'll bring the camera. It had rained over night and I drove through a shower on the way to the park so the trail was wet but not messy muddy and the trees and bushes were lush and dense with humidity. RCSP is generally a quiet place to begin with and when you get on the trails it is even more so. I spooked a chipmunk in one spot, met another runner going the opposite way and one hiker with his two -fortunately friendly - dogs. On the return trip there were several fisherman out.
Fortunately I did not run into any kids on their bikes. They are not supposed to be on the unpaved trails in the park but I know they do it anyway. There were a few bad accidents in recent years. The kids thinks it's a cool place to get a thrill ride on their bikes. Unfortunately for them it's not cool it's just plain stupid given the steepness and lack of sightlines.
I really enjoyed the run. I did have to power hike the last 1/4 mile back up the hill to the parking lot and had to slow down to practially a walk in a few very rocky spots and to jump over a few tree limbs. I also went gingerly over the makeshift bridges because my shoes were so wet that I didn't want to slip but other than that I kept moving and feel really good about this run.
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