Cool Running for the Week of October 27th

[BigRunner]

Back at it! No more slacking

8 miles in.

3 weeks of mileage ramping up.
3 weeks of taper.
Marathon #8 in Memphis!!!

Who else is loving the cooler temps?


RichF

[ttdriver]

Oh boy, Rich, when you say COOLER temps, that is serious stuff ! This morning in Tampa, driving in to work 42 degrees on my car thermometer!! BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!

I didn't walk or run today. I am trying very hard NOT to push the foot right now and just let my physical therapy have a chance to work its magic. I have to say after 3 days of no running, and 2 days of therapy, the pain is GREATLY reduced ...

My therapist is very pleased with the progress I've made in just 4 visits and frankly, I am shocked at the flexibility I am getting out of this toe ... I am so praying the progress continues ...

I haven't given up hope entirely of running that March 1st marathon ... we will see how it goes for a few more weeks .. I figure if it continues to improve, I can start training in earnest by mid-Nov and still make it ... otherwise, there will be OTHER marathons to run eventually ...

I SIMPLY WILL NOT SAY I HAVE TO GIVE UP RUNNING ALL TOGETHER ....I can't. I won't.

The doctor is hoping for range of motion to 35% with the toe .. the therapist thinks I'm already at 20-25% after 4 visits .. and he is thinking more like 40-50% ... normal is about 65% .. hey if I can get 40%, I will be very happy ...

Its come a long ways already.....pray for me, will ya!?!

I SIMPLY HAVE TO RUN.

Betty

[BigRunner]

I'm prayin' for ya. Work hard with the physical therapy folks. They're miracle workers. I've had physical therapy three different times after a major car accident. Each time I was amazed by the improvement I made. You will be stronger for all you've gone through.

Thursday: 5 miles
Friday: 5 miles


RichF

[ttdriver]

Aw, Rich, thank you!

I *know* the therapy is the ticket .. but oh man, how it HURTS! UGH.

Today I didn't have therapy, but I did walk 2 miles on my own ... PAIN PAIN PAIN. Came home and got in the hot tub for awhile to loosen things up which helped.

Tomorrow I plan a 10 mile bike ride for a little cross training. We'll see how that goes.

I really miss running.

Betty

[BigRunner]

Two laps around the track to calibrate my Polar foot pod...

Then 3 miles in.


RichF

[ttdriver]

Saturday, 10.2 mile bike ride.

Sunday, 6.5 mile bike ride.

I am hoping that pedaling my bike will help strengthen my foot without the pounding of running (Lord knows I'd MUCH rather be running!) But hey, if I can get a good cardio workout from biking, its better than nothing, right?

I want to TRY not to run for another week and see if the foot improves. After last week's 5k, I paid for it in PAIN for a full week. I honestly think I have to be PATIENT and not try and do too much too soon. Albeit a tough assignment for me !!

I haven't ruled out the March 1 marathon yet, but truth is, if I don't run it this year, there's always 2010 ... We shall see how it goes.

Betty

[BigRunner]

12 miles in.


RichF

[Lyssie]

I put in 3.2 miles today (out of my 10mile planned run). My first real Half is in 3 weeks, and I was too lazy/depressed to go outside and run last week which has really set me back... along with the fact I pulled my calf somehow. Anyway, I really missed the alone/thinking time, and will be back out running tomorrow.

[BigRunner]

The alone/thinking time is huge. With a busy work life and family life, it seems like the time running is the only time I have to get my thoughts together.

3 weeks is still enough time to get some quality runs in. Everyone hits patches of "I don't want to run". Hopefully you're past it now.

RichF

[ttdriver]

No running, tough as that is to say.

On a happier note, the foot seems to really respond well to the bike riding, so I'm gonna keep up with that.

The therapist is very pleased with my increase in overall foot (and toe) strength. He is advising AGAINST running, at least for the short-term and although it kills me to say it, I agree with him....

DID I SAY THAT??????????

Betty