6/29/06: Two Miles (Running?) at the Park…but 250m in the Pool!

So, after a massage last night, and only minimal pain as I strapped my shoes on, I decided to push myself one last time and see if I was above this injury. Nope…two miles of what I would barely call ‘running’ later, I called it a night.

I’m officially out. For at least a week, and very possibly longer then that. It’s going to be the toughest week of my life.

On the bright side (if there is one) I did get in the pool after the run and log 250m…it felt good and didn’t bother the leg. I plan to hit the pool again on Saturday and try a little biking too to see how the groin feels.

Everyone…please keep me in your thoughts. I know I might sound like I am being very whiny about this situation, but I have never been sidelined for a running injury before and it’s tough to not get depressed and sad about it, especially since marathon season is literally right around the corner…On top of that, Monday marks the ‘official’ start of tri training for me. Any words of encouragement would be appreciated. I know I can make it…I think.

The STATS:

2 mile run

20:00 mins total running

250m swimming

30:00 mins total swimming

Heart-rate: n/a

Weather: mid 80’s, breeze.

6/28/06: SMART run…But not Because of Me!

So tonight was the SMARTie run…it was good to see everyone after two weeks of swimming lessons. I didn’t even try to keep up with anyone though, I just ran my own pace. When I finally met up and talked to Coach Steve mid-run at the Polo Grounds, the prognosis on the leg wasn’t good for me, and of course I already knew that since I had seen the Dr. earlier that day. The Dr’s advice: no running for 3 weeks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But I just didn’t want to believe it. When I talked to Steve, whose words mean more to me then the dumb doctor, said ‘you have a groin injury…you really need to be careful…’ I knew...

I ran back alone trying to be stubborn about the whole situation…I ignored the warning signs with the leg…I then ran into Strider Chip and we chatted and ran a nice clip to the end. The faster I ran, the better I felt. The faster I ran, the more the pain went away. The faster I ran, the more free I felt. And when we finished, I hurt more then I have ever wanted to hurt in my life. AND I KNEW…this is it. I might not be running for a while…I left the crowd when we got back from the run before I could get upset at myself for being a glutton for self-punishment.

The STATS:

5.6 mile run
53:55 mins total running

28.43 there
25.12 back

Heart-rate: n/a
Weather: mid 80’s, breeze.

6/27/06: 3 Miles Recovery Run

I actually got home early today since I am not doing swimming lessons this week (I ABSOLUTLEY need the downtime). Got in 3 miles…slow, of course. I will be seeing the doctor’s tomorrow. I’m scared of what he is going to say, since I know it will not be good. The pain is not subsiding, and running is not getting any easier. WE shall see…

The STATS:

3 mile run

about 30 mins total running

Heart-rate: n/a

Weather: mid 80’s, breeze.

6/26/06: 10 Tough Miles on a Monday Night.

Of course I am still having the leg issue, but that wasn’t what made tonight’s run tough. It’s the fact that I ate a snack (well, fruit) I shouldn’t have eaten before I went to run. It really hurt me pretty good. 4.5 miles of stomach cramps at the end of the run was the worst, although it overshadowed the 5.5 miles of leg pains I had the first half of the run. I had to yell at myself to get through the last 1.5 miles…comeon, I said…1.5 miles is nothing, I can run that in my sleep.

And I got it done. It was tough, but all that matters is that I got it done.

The STATS:
10 mile run

Ave 9:54/mile (slow)
1:39.07 total running

Heart-rate: 165 ave/180 high
Weather: upper 80’s.

6/22/06: Last Brick (for a While).

The impeding rain held off swimming today (booo!) but lended the weather well to a nice, cool run. The park wasn’t very crowded and I ran a slightly different route today, which included sightseeing some very expensive Memorial-Heights homes and a pretty, but old two bedroom house for rent that is going for $1200/month! The best part of the run was that it did rain slightly at the end of my run, cooling me off and ending a the run on an nice soothing note.

Tomorrow is the last day of swimming. I am not sure if I am going to enroll in another session (although I need to!) because I don’t feel like I am improving anymore in the classroom session. I need to simply spend time on my own--swimming laps, kicking and working on my breathing. We shall see. I really enjoy the classes and commoderie…but I miss my running buddies too and getting home before 8pm:).


The STATS:

4 mile run
About 40 mins running

Heart-rate: n/a
Weather: cool. Maybe upper 70’s.

6/21/06: Another Brick--Run/Swim.

This workout felt better then yesterday for some reason and I can’t figure out if it was the increase of carbs in my diet or the nice weather-80’s but with a cool breeze. Anyhow, as much as a bummer as these storms have been in Houston, the weather couldn’t be any nicer for Houston in late June.

The STATS:

4 mile run
About 40 mins running

about 350m in the pool
1 hour or so…

Heart-rate: n/a
Weather: 80’s with a breeze.

6/20/06: 4 Miles before Swimming!

It was hot and humid today. My legs felt pretty good considering my long run on Sunday. My hip flexor is still giving me problems though. It feels like it needs to ‘pop’ but when I try to pop it, it gets sore. Maybe I have just aggravated it and it won’t loosen up. Any ideas? It’s getting to the point where it’s affecting my form. Hmm. I have a doctor’s appointment next week so I am going to ask if I can get a sports medicine referral and see if I can get some help. At least some preventive help, since this really hurts and is not really going away. I need to break into my new shoes too, that may help.

The swimming is going better then last week. I finally feel comfortable in the pool and can swim about 25m without stopping. My form is getting better but my breathing still needs a lot of work. Right now I am cheating on my breaths which causes everything to fall apart. I need to practice as much as I can if I want to get better. It can get really fustrating though, being 25 and feeling like I can’t swim at all!

The STATS:

4 mile run
About 40 mins running

about 300m in the pool
1 hour or so…

Heart-rate: n/a
Weather: hot and humid. Stock.

6/18/06: Slow 9 Miles at the Park…Post Rain Run!

I barely waited the rain out and was out the door late Sunday night to get in 11 miles…well that was the plan. Two things put a wrench into that plan: the outrageous humidity (100%) and the fact I felt like crap. I just need to simply give myslf more time to recover from workouts now that I am pulling all these brick/combo workouts.

It was quiet at the park, sans a few brave souls that didn’t allow the humidity and distant storming to scare them off. I felt like it was a game of “Runner Survivor” as I completed loop after loop…the heat got worst and I felt worst-not to mention my dumb right leg is still acting up. I was stopping for water every 1.5 miles and even brought those fun sports beans with me for an electrolyte replacement. After 9 miles of torture though, enough was enough. I went home. Oh well, I’ll make up the 2 miles this week. AT LEAST I GOT OUT AND DID IT...

The STATS:
9 miles

1:29.13 total running
ave 9:54/mile (SUCKS!)

Mile1: 10:16
Mile2: 9:49
Mile3: 9:48
Mile4: 9:48
Mile5: 9:58
Mile6: 10:02
Mile7: 9:17
Mile8: 9:56
Mile9: 10:15

Heart-rate: 166 ave/ 181 max
Weather: 100% humidity. No breeze. Upper 80’s.

6/17/06: Brick Workout of Different Color-the bike/run!

Swam for about 10 minutes yesterday until the impending weather of doom (all 5 minutes of rain) forced us out of the pool. Oh well. Today consisted of 10 miles on the bike and 3.5 miles of running, in that order. Was suppose to meet up with the Striders in the AM but the weather wasn’t looking so good and I had some house chores to take care of before I went to work out.

So I rode from my house to Memorial Park, two loops around the picnic loop, and back. Mind you, this is basically the same route I run. Well, it’s a whole new world on a bike. Not to mention, bikes (although mine is a hybrid with mountain tires), don’t do too well on sidewalks!!! I guess that means no running OR biking on sidewalks from here on out, lol. The ride there was slow, I walked a lot of intersections and avoided every bump to save on my bottom. Then by the time I got to the park, I got my confidence back, and rode hard for a little while. It was fun, and there was hardly anyone there so I had free roam. The ride back was ok, but it was getting dark. I need to bring my blinker for next time.

Then the run after was a new experience as I ran by my house to 'cool off.' My legs were a little crazy, but my butt was done for! It turns out the bike gave me some new bruises, yuck. Sorry to share…just a fact of the matter. I ran okay, but I was a little tired and dehydrated. Hopefully I will have fully recovered by tomorrow for an 11 mile run…ekk!

The STATS:

3.5 mile run
About 35 mins running

1:23 on the bike
about 10 miles (I’M SLOWW!)

Heart-rate: n/a
Weather: warm. Mid 80’s. 100% humidity.

6/15/06: Another Brick Workout—Swim/Run!

Although I have been told it’s easier to run then swim, I would rather save my energy for the pool, I guess. My freestyle stroke is getting better, but man-oh-man, my shoulders have been achy! I forgot in how bad of shape my upper body is in! Running was a little better then yesterday, but I am having issues with a big knot in my right calf and soreness in my right hip flexor. Ugh, not a good sign. I will keep stretching and massaging and hope it helps.

The STATS:

3.5 mile run
About 35 mins running

1 hour in the pool (maybe 300m of swimming?)
Heart-rate: n/a Weather: warm. Mid 80’s.

6/14/06: Another Brick Workout—Run/Swim!

I decided to run then swim today. It was brutally hot outside and probably not the smartest thing to do. It took all my energy it seemed to run for 35 minutes, but I did it. Swimming went better today then yesterday…didn’t swallow any water today, lol.

The STATS:

3.5 mile run
About 35 mins running

1 hour in the pool
(maybe 250m of swimming?)

Heart-rate: n/a
Weather: warm. Upper 80’s.

6/13/06: My First Day of Tri Training: the Swim/Run!

So despite better judgement (haha), I decided to take the figurative and literal plunge and sign-up for adult swim lessons. That’s right…me in swim lessons. So, after being away from the pool for over 15 years, I decided to give it another try. After all, 1/3rd of a triathlon is swimming!

I am taking classes through the Red Cross at the Memorial pool the next two weeks. My instructor Dawn is tough, but very caring towards us. She already has us swimming laps! (well, ½ the pool, length-wise). I did ‘okay’ but it’s going to take me a little while to remember all the nuisances of swimming. I keep swallowing water and getting water in my goggles, lol. Beginner problems that I know I will be laughing at down the road.

Well, after a rousing hour in the pool, I decided to make this a combo workout and quickly changed into my running clothes and went out for a 3.5 mile run around the neighborhood by the Park. I figured I would be tired, and sure enough, my legs felt a little fatigued. Plus I was a little dehydrated (forgot about drinking bottled water at the pool-although i drank plenty of pool water!) so I wasn’t running my best. HOWEVER! I got out and did it. An hour in the pool and 35 minutes of running…and I still have to bike? Yikes…I had better start hitting it now!

The STATS:

3.5 mile run
About 35 mins running

1 hour in the pool
(maybe 200m of swimming?)

Heart-rate: n/a
Weather: cool. Nice.

6/12/06: Long Distance Run Out and About…

Two things stood true about this run: it was hot, and it felt so good to simply run and let my thoughts spill over into my legs. Again, I didn’t run for time or even to run a certain pace. I let my legs do it all. What’s funny about having that mentality with a run is that I tend to run strong throughout the run…and I am usually able to push the last few miles strongly! This certainly speaks volume when it comes time for Marathon training. If I can keep a relaxed and steady pace for the Marathon the first half…then the 2nd half (in theory?!) should be okay and relaxed as well. Overall, a great run and a fantastic moral booster.

The STATS:
10 miles

1:35.26 total running
ave 9:33/mile

Heart-rate: 165 ave/185 max
Weather: warm, but bareable!

6/10/06: Dublin Dr. Pepper 10k! Not a PR, but good times!

So I reallllly needed to get out of town for a few days, and this race couldn’t have come at a better time. I stayed Friday night with a friend in Gatesville, which is about an hour and 15 minutes from Dublin (Dublin, TX that is!) I figured that Dublin was about 2 hours from Gatesville though, and I left Gatesville at 5 in the morning, only to arrive at the starting line at 6:30am!!! Lol, the race wasn’t until 8am. And oh, how I wish it would have started at 7am instead of 8am!!! Wow, that hour might have made all the difference in my race…

Before I get any further into my race report, I must mention that I don’t think I have been to many other towns here in Texas that have had AS NICE of people as the town of Dublin. Also, the packet goodies were superb and the best I ever gotten anywhere (next to the Houston Marathon, that is), including a fishing-type folding chair, two shirts (and the race shirt is a REALLY nice yellow shirt that I plan to actually wear!), a small knapsack, and other assorted cool things-(two things of sunblock! Jelly Belly Dr. Pepper beans!) Woohoo, I was thoroughly excited. The goodies alone made this race worth it!

The race, with its 8am start time, went off with a small hitch-a bunch of young kiddos from Austin were late to register so the officials delayed the race until 8:15 or so. Ouch, ouch, ouch. I was a little grumpy about that…the temperature was rising by the minute. The course, for the most part, was flat, and although there were bumpy and uneven roads at some points, about ½ the course was shaded! WOOHOO, but it still was hot…I found myself fighting the heat at mile 2 and again at mile 4. And it was really the sun that wasn’t too fun…blah.

I managed to pick up the pace at mile 3 to make up some time, but I just didn’t feel in best race form…not doing speedwork this week hurt me a little I think. Having issues sitting heavy on my shoulders personally hurt me. And the heat…okay, so yeah it sounds like I am making excuses now. Not my best race, but I never gave up…I even managed to surge past the girl that tried to pass me in the last 200 meters…URGGH nothing makes me more pissed then getting passed right before the finish line! I saw her later after the race and she looked a little dejected. (Sorry? I think?)

Anyhow, the post party was very family-oriented and it felt like a small carnival-tons of fun! And of course, all the Dublin Dr. Pepper you can drink! I don’t even drink carbonated beverages, but it tasted soo good after that long, hot race. I checked out results and even being almost 20 seconds slower then my 10k PR, I was able to squeek out 3rd place in my age group, 21-25. (Not the usual age-groups I am use to, but I was happy). I went and changed (they were even offering showers at the high school) and took a nap on a bench in the shade until the award ceremony. It was the happiest and most content feeling in the world. Until I got up, that is, lol.

I got a 6 pack of Dublin Dr. Pepper as my prize and decided to call it a day and hit the road. Part of me wanted to stay all day and meander around the roads of the small town and be nosey. But mostly, I was tired and needed to get some much needed sleep and home cooking so I headed back towards my parents in Copperas Cove. (Sidenote: I ended up sleeping 16 hours that night after a much needed massage!) Overall…a fantastic day, if even not for racing, for taking it easy and enjoying life!

The STATS:
6.2miles
51.15 official time

ave 8:15/mile
3rd place 21-25 age group

Mile1: 8:18
Mile2: 8:26
Mile3: 8:21
Mile4: 8:03 (this mile felt really good for some reason)
Mile5: 8:23
Mile6: 8:15
Mile.2: 1:28 (strong finish for me)

Heart-rate: 183 ave/192 max
Weather: 80 degrees and then some. Pretty warm.

6/7/06: Polo Grounds Run with SMART

Tonight was a terrific run with the SMARTies…it gave me a chance to talk at length with Strider Lee. Lee is a triathelete that is contemplating completing an IronMan event sometime in the future, best wishes to him. He is truly an inspiring guy to talk with. Anyhow, we talked nothing but bikes and swimming for about an hour, lol. It was cool to pick his brain about stuff…stuff I know nothing about!!! He and Strider Loren are getting on my case about the sprint tri coming up early July in Katy…I just don’t know if I will be ready be then. More info on this soon…

The STATS:
5.6 miles

50:43 total running
27:08 there
23:35 back

Heart-rate: 173 ave/197 max
Weather: 80 degrees or so. Warm.

6/5/06: Long Polo Grounds Run by Myself

There was nothing I wanted more then to be myself tonight…so I ran the old and favorite familiar route at the Polo grounds and around Memorial and tacked on an additional mile. I didn’t keep track of my splits, since I really didn’t care how fast I was running. The run was very relaxed and soothing. They need to all be like this.

The STATS:
9 miles

1:24.52 total running
Ave 9:25/mile

Heart-rate: 144 ave/184 max
Weather: 80 degrees or so.

6/4/06: 6 Early A.M. Miles on a Sunday!

Since I simply haven't had the time to run much (working an 8-8 schedule the past week at the new school), and i needed to get in the miles before tonight's Nine Inch Nails concert, i did the unthinkable and woke up early (well, 8:30am!) and got some miles in near the house.

I had meant to be out the door an hour earlier, and as you can imagine, by 8:30am, it's already getting pretty hot. I ran out in the Briargrove neighorhood today (basically, the housing subdivision next to where I live) and stayed as close to the shade as possible. No point in having visions of Beach to Bay replay again in my head...

The first three miles were great and I saw another runner making the rounds through the quiet neighborhood. It's always a good feeling when you see other runners out there doing their thing...almost inspiring. And did I mention morning people are very friendly and actually wave and say hello?! Wow...I miss this.

Overall, a good run. The last 3 miles were hot and I went into survival mode. Luckily, i brought a bottle of water with me so i was okay. Had i been out another 30 minutes, I don't know how fruitful my run home would have been. I most certainly would have walked at some point. Ugh. Looking forward to 9 miles tomorrow night back at the Park and then my 10k this upcoming weekend...bring on the mileage!

The STATS:

about 6 miles
55 minutes total running

Heart-rate: n/a
Weather: cool, mid 70's at start. about 80's at finish.

6/1/06: AND Another 3 Mile Run near the House!

I ran my usual 3 mile route, but backwards this time to mix things up. It was a good run, I felt a good spring in my legs, which means they are eager to go for a long or hard run sometime soon...maybe this weekend? We'll see. Gotta finish this teaching gig first.

The STATS:

about 3 miles
30 minutes total running

Heart-rate: n/a
Weather: cool, 80's?

5/31/06: Another 3 Mile Run near the House!

Another 3 miles around the house. It was late tonight but better then nothing. I wore my blinker and ran on sidewalks as much as possible to avoid getting ran over. I miss running at the Park for some weird reason. Looking foward to getting back to 'better quality' runs soon.

The STATS:
about 3 miles
30 minutes total running

Heart-rate: n/a
Weather: cool, mid 70's.