I stopped by RunTex and bought a new pair of running sneakers. They are ASICS GEL-KAYANO® XII (TN600), and they cost me about $125 which included a 10% discount because I’m taking a running class. I changed brands to try something new, and because Nike dropped their Kantara line. I wanted high cushioning, and high stability. I tried Brooks, and Mizuno too, but the most comfortable were the ASICS sneakers.
Having only arrived back from California yesterday, having run once last week, wearing my running sneakers all last week on my trip, staying up until 11:15 PM then having to get up at 5 AM – nevertheless I decided to do the long run today at 6 AM. It was the familar St. Edwards long run through the hills and dales of south Austin. It went pretty well, but then I didn’t push it. I ran by myself so I could keep it slow. It took me 1:41 to complete the 10 miles (about 10 minutes per mile). I felt a slight burning sensation in my ankle, but it was slight enough that I could ignore it. However, I was careful with each step throughout the run.
I’ve been traveling and haven’t run since last Monday. Maybe I’ll do the long run tomorrow and see how the ankle feels. The run is a recovery week of 10 miles. This might be pushing it since (1) I need new sneakers, and (2) I’ve gained weight over the past week which will stress my ankle. Hmmm, I gotta think about this.
I’m in California at my son’s apartment in Santa Rosa which is north of San Fransisco about 60 miles from the Golden Gate bridge. I haven’t run since last Thursday, the day I left to drive here. Today I woke about 8 AM and went running. I found a nice trail along a creek and ran out 20 minutes and back 20 minutes. I could feel my ankle but it’s a bit better. Yesterday I went on a hike at a state park. The uneven ground and rocks probably wasn’t good for it. So today I felt it. I don’t know what I’m going to do, especially about the course and the Chicago marathon. Right now I’m still going to Chicago, but I’m thinking that I’m not going to go for time, just to complete it and enjoy myself.
I’ve been on vacation traveling and have not run since last Thursday. No morning runs, no long runs, nada, nothing, no running. To make matters worse I’ve sat in a car for 2 1/2 days barely moving. This might help my sore ankle, and it’ll probably crush my ability to run Chicago.
So on Monday I ran only 3 miles around my neighborhood. Mile 1 was OK, and at the end of the mile I stopped and stretched my legs while holding on to a stop sign. I was barely feeling the burn in my ankle. Then on mile 2 is began to burn more so again I stopped at the end the mile to stretch it. Finally on mile 3 I could feel it with each step. So far it’s not getting better – it’s always there. The only thing that’s increasing is my weight. When I get depressed I eat and when I stop running I get depressed. That isn’t a good combination.
Today I exercised on my stationary bike to keep pressure off my ankle, then did some weights. Tomorrow is my “new” beginners class and they’re doing a time trial. So I sent a note to the coach saying I won’t attend. I gotta keep it easy for about two weeks, and then see what’s what.
To aid in my recovery I did not do a long run today. Ugh! I miss doing it.
Well I had my second message today and it was just as intense as the last one. Boy can she make me squirm. She worked my left calf and foot very well. She wants me to continue my stretching and return in two weeks. As part of our discussion the therapist suggested I greatly reduce my mileage over the next two weeks. This means that I’ve got to drop my goal of qualifying for Boston at Chicago, and switch classes from the qualifying group to another less intense class such as the Wednesday evening beginners group. I’ve been coming to that opinion too, but had been putting off the decision. Well now is the time to decide. So I’ve sent a note to my current coach, Mac Allen, telling him my decision. Then I contacted Carolyn asking her if I can get into the new class. Also I’ll only run 3-4 miles a few times a week which means no long runs on Saturday morning for a few weeks. Ugh! This is very depressing, but I have to get better.
Tuesday night’s class at Zilker park was more of the same, but I tried not to stress my ankle, yet afterwards I really felt it, and iced it at home which helped. I don’t know what I’m going to do. Maybe I should drop back to an easier class. This is really starting to get to me. One more massage on Thursday and then I have to make a decision.
Date: Monday, June 19, 2006; Workout: Easy 5 miles
Date: Tuesday, June 20, 2006; Workout: Meet at RunTex Riverside @ 6:30 p.m.; 2 sets of 10 x 50 m downhill at Zilker soccer fields. 7 miles total
Date: Wednesday, June 21, 2006; Workout: Easy 6 mi or cross train (XT) 1 hr; XT=bicycle, weights, water running, elliptical training, swimming, etc.
Date: Thursday, June 22, 2006; Workout: Easy 6 mi
Date: Friday, June 23, 2006; Workout: off
Date: Saturday, June 24, 2006; Workout: Group run at the RunTex Riverside store at 6am: 14 miles “East Side Loop” at an easy pace. Afterwards: seminar in the annex on “Shoes and Custom Foot orthodics for a Successful Marathon” by Bill Stone, RunTex shoe expert and board certified Pedorthist. Attandance incentive: Forward Motion Pedorthics will raffle off one free biomechanical examination, gait analysis, shoe fitting and one pair of custom foot insoles worth $300
Date: Sunday, June 25, 2006; Workout: Easy 6 mi w/ 4 – 5 strides (strides are 50-100 mtr accelerations at 5k-10k pace effort with 50-100 mtr slow jog in between)
WEEKLY TOTAL = 44 MILES
