Running Update

In honor of my first "long" (ish) run since the Indy Mini, I thought I'd give a quick running update. (This is another one of those self-indulgent posts I write just for my own records. Feel free to ignore.) :) 

This summer, we joined the local gym as I mentioned in this post. This has meant luxurious running in the air conditioned comfort along with access to Bravo and the Real Housewives (my favorite is New York). Don't you have a treadmill in your basement you ask? Why yes. We do. But, our basement doesn't have child care (nor a TV) and I'd rather run without having to stop and break up arguments or make drinks. 

I do find it ironic that we decided to join the gym during one of the coolest summers I can remember. 

Running at the gym has allowed me focus more on some speed work. Part of the program that was set on my initial visit included an interval session on the treadmill which is super nice because it just automatically changes speed when necessary. I've also been lifting weights twice a week based on a plan the trainer said would build leg strength. (Side note: My cardio test was sky high compared to my peers. My leg strength was below average! Sounds like weights are just what I need!) 

I mentioned in the earlier gym post that I would like to clock a mile under 7 minutes. I've been working on that too. Once a week, I run three miles - each at a faster pace. I set the speed at my goal pace around 1.9 miles and then I go for it. I started at 7:42. On Thursday, I did 7:28. (Mile 1 = 8:30, Mile 2 = 8:00, Mile 3 = 7:28). And, I wasn't totally dying. I think if it were my only mile and for good reason, I could get under 7 right now. For now, I'll keep chugging away. 

It's been quite nice to log faster times and fewer miles. My ultimate hope is that by the time I start training for my fall races, my work this summer will result in faster training times even on my "easy" runs. 

Thanks to Google, I have self-diagnosed myself with achilles tendonitis however. Here's what MayoClinic.com has to say...

Achilles tendinitis is an overuse injury of the Achilles (uh-KIL-eez) tendon, the band of tissue that connects calf muscles at the back of the lower leg to your heel bone.

Achilles tendinitis most commonly occurs in runners who have suddenly increased the intensity or duration of their runs. It's also common in middle-aged people who play sports, such as tennis or basketball, only on the weekends.

What?! I'm going with the first part of that description. Either way, I'm trying to pay attention to it and slow down when it bothers me. The worst part is getting out of bed in the morning. Ouch! 

I'm also going to head on over to Amazon after posting this to buy a new pair of shoes. Nothing exciting, just the same version of the pair I have now - Brooks Ghost 6. I should probably just go ahead and switch to the 7 but I know these work and they're now on sale. I realized on my run today that I've been wearing these since November which means they probably are overdue to be retired. 

I have also signed up for my third race of the year. I'll be running the Indianapolis Half-Marathon on October 18th. I did the full marathon last year and the half the year before that. I guess it's kind of becoming a tradition! My mom and I will run this one together again which will be great! And, Tom's running too. This race will be a training run for two weeks later, the Indianapolis Monumental Half, which is a new one for me. I was supposed to run it five years ago, but got pregnant with Jack instead. This is my "goal" race and the one in which I plan to get into the 1:40's. This will also be the race that rounds out my 2014 goal of 4 half marathons.  

Finally, I've been starting to think about how I will hit 5 races in 2015. Four wasn't too tough but five definitely approaches one every other month territory. So far, I'm thinking it will be something like this... February - San Diego, May - Indy Mini, September - Bird in Hand, Pennsylvania (Amish Country!), October/November - maybe the same as this year? I wish there were more races in June and July but it's just too darned hot! 

If you've stuck with me this long, I'm impressed. I think I'm finally cooled off enough from my HOT run tonight that I can finally take a shower! Until next time...