Wow, a new Monday and I have time to tap tap at the keyboard. At least about something I enjoy doing - running. Which, unfortunately, I have not been able to do since the Disneyland HM. Still, maybe the funnest race I have done in the year of running that began with Disneyland HM in 2009. Plus, I don't blame the race for the injury. I blame myself some - I did not ice down post race at all. This and walking around Disneyland for 8 hours after did not help. However, we had a blast.
A few bits and pieces:
Really excited for the upcoming races/events on the schedule. It will be a busy month of Jan. yet nothing I cannot do. As long as I do everything correctly and keep things steady and strong. Even before all the fun in Orlando, Carlsbad and Huntington Beach - Long Beach in October and a trail run added for December.
Crystal Cove 17K Trail Run which is part of the Southern California Xterra series. I wanted to do this last year, but it didn't fit the schedule. This year NO Las Vegas Rock and Roll (sorry Competitor Group, again $145.00 to run the Strip still too much), so Crystal Cove fit perfectly in my schedule after taking a month off races in November (No Snow Canyon HM now, Family/Soccer Schedule conflict). I really like the idea of running a few of the other Xterra events as well. Will see how this one goes first. Near one of my favorite spots on the planet - South Orange County Beaches - I am sure this will be a great event.
New kicks, new training plan. First the shoes - sorry New Balance. I still have two pairs of NB 1062's waiting to use though. Yet, no matter how much product loyalty I have - I had to jump ship. The nagging peroneal says try something new. I have tried the NB 1063's for 30 miles, and they don't do it for me. Not the same.
So, over the weekend I tried on 4 shoes: New Balance 1064's, Adidas Air Ride 2 (I think this was the name), Brooks Glycerine 8, and Asics Nimbus 12. ....and the Kicking winner is ..... ? Well, you know already it was not the NB's. Yet, 1064's are much better than the 1063's. I probably would've bought them if they were the only shoes I tried on.
Okay - the winner - Asics Nimbus 12. Loved the cushioning, plus I really liked how it wrapped around my heel a lot. This edged it over the Brooks Glycerine 8 - the heel box in the Nimbus was perfect. In fact, I walked in the store with my peroneal limp, and discomfort. I left walking without the limp. The shoe just seemed to hit that spot on my ankle perfectly. Will see after some break-in miles. I have not run in them yet. So, even more reason to be excited to start running again!
Running Plan. I have been reading some bits on which is more important - miles run or hours running in Marathon training, and especially Ultra Training. So, here is the plan (those who know me, know I hate most running plans BTW) - I will force myself to take off days after each run day for starters. At my age I think this is crucial for injury prevention. Yet, I hate it. I like running. If I could do it everyday of the week more the better? Well, maybe not though (ask my ankle)? So, depending on the week, it will be only 3-4 runs a week. Only three runs a week? Yikes!!!
Also, while I will always plan out x amount of miles for a long run each week. I am going to be more concerned about how long I am actually on my feet, than the actual miles. I am really curious how more of you Ultra runners feel about this one. Yet, I have read studies which seem to suggest in training, 3.5 - 4 hours seems to be the longest we need to go for optimum results. The issue for me is obvious though - I am at my age now - a Slomohusky. It will take me longer than 4 hours to run 26.2 miles, obviously. Will see how it all comes together. Yet, getting my body used to running longer periods of time seems to be more useful than worrying about the actual miles themselves. This whole thing sounds very debatable and I am sure others have differing opinions. I am curious to hear/read what yours might be? As I said, any Ultra Runners out there reading this - very curious to read what you might think?
Anyway, back to my current reality. I am mending. Much better. Still some discomfort in the ankle area, yet also with Achilles on the same foot. No longer hurts, but very stiff and some tender feeling. I have time now though. Long Beach is no longer for the Full, but now the HM (which have you seen the HM medals for this year - very cool). So, with another week of resting, mending and easy stretching then back at it. Back at it in my new kicks!
Have a great day!
Cheers!
8 comments:
HI! Thanks for the nice comment :).
So for every marathon I've EVER run(until now), I've only run 4 days a week! It does work and it keeps you injury free(uh, for the most part)! That's the FIRST program, have you read about it? I'd love to share the book if you want to borrow it.
Go Ladybugs(and Chargers!)!
A trail race and ultra running sound fun - I look forward to reading about your training!
Take care of yourself! ::hugs::
First off - don't talk yourself into being old. You are prime age for endurance running. In most all longer trail runs here, our age group is close to, if not the most competitive of all age groups.
Second, it's hard to go wrong with the A company - it is not by chance they get the APMA seal on their shoe boxes.
Third, GO TRAILS!!! :-)
You don't like training plans...I LOVE them. I need the structure. I like having something that says "do this today". Sounds like you NEED the discipline that a training plan would bring...in the other direction than I do. I need it to say "Go out today". You need it to say "It's time to stop now".
Sounds like you have a great, full schedule of stuff coming up. Enjoy!
Slomo, you are not old! I only run 3-4 days. After my bad groin injury last year I stepped it back and have been doing much better this year with injuries. I take off the day before and the day after my long run. Makes a huge difference. Good to hear you have such exciting plans for next year!
Yea! See you in Long Beach and at Crystal Cove. Make sure you sign up early for the Xterra. It sells out every year.
Glad to hear that you are on the mend!
Oh man.....NIMBUS LOVE whoo!!! HAHA.....except I'm not loving mine so much anymore. Can't seem to get the usual 400ish miles out of them, and I'm not getting heavier, and they're not getting any cheaper.... we'll see I guess.
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