6 Miles and a Glance at Nutrition

We ran 6 miles this morning, the longest distance I have ever run. Sure, I used to run a lot when I was younger, but never a distance like this.

I felt really good about the run, though I forgot about the downhill rule of shortening your pace and my knee was not happy about it; but no worries, I recovered thanks to coach JoJo's excercises.

I'm looking forward to expanding to 8 miles, coming soon.

We talked a bit about nutrition after this morning's run. This will be a greater challenge than breaking down the endurance walls, because for those who know me I surely love the junk food.

Here's to better things to come!

A Saturday of Running and Stretching

Last Saturday we extended to 5 miles. Piece of cake. It's nice to see it is getting easier.

Coach Joanne showed us some yoga stretches after the run, which are always fun to do on small islands of grass in a stripmall parking lot.

We also learned some dynamic stretches prior to the run; stretches where you are in motion while stretching your muscles. I think I tapped into some muscle use I never had before, because my legs were killin' me Sun - Tue and I couldn't do my routine Monday morning run so I biked it.

Back on track this morning though. Got in 3 miles before work!

After a 10-Day Respite

I hadn't run for 10 days. I ran on 5/20 and then took vacation, opting for the "I'm on vacation so I'm not doing anything" clause that I just now made up. But, when I ran yesterday I felt pretty good.

It's getting warmer, and I'm not looking forward to running in the heat.

Meeting with the Trainers

We had our first meeting with the Team in Training last Saturday. Got some good tips on strengthening the muscles to cushion the knees (yup, I need that). Talked a bit about what we will be doing the next few months, and then we went on a 3-mile run through a pretty nice area. It sure felt like more than 3 miles, but I think that's because it was unusually warm and I felt like I was cooking in my own skin.

Joanne, the trainer, is crazy-athletic, which I guess is good. We know we're in good hands.

I had a good time hooking up with everyone in the group. Nothing like a little esprit de corps on a Saturday morning.

Haven't Run Since Last Week

Went on vacation last Thurday and returned yesterday. I ran on Thursday but haven't run again since so needless to say, tomorrow is going to be unpleasant.

Early a.m. Run, Leg Unhappy

We got up about 6am this morning for a run. It was chilly at first but it wasn't as bad as the last early morning run.

I angered my right leg a bit. It started to give up on me when we were nearly done. I don't think I stretched enough. We got there, had a cursory stretch, then went about it.

Tried Gu's shot blocks, or whatever they are called. Nasty. Not as nasty as the gel. Nonetheless, they do what they are supposed to so I shouldn't complain too much.

Hot Saturday Run

Did our run Saturday but we ran late morning and it had already been heating up. I felt like an engine in the red with just a few droplets in the radiator, i.e. I was quite warm.