A good half and new runners
After all my talk on Wednesday I didn’t run down to my parents on Thursday; I drove. My mother had some jobs for me to do so it wasn’t really right to go down in sweaty gear. So instead of feeling guilty about my parents I felt guilty about not running. Great.
It’s a long weekend here so lots of people were away, but there was a small group of us who agreed to meet at 8 am on Saturday for 13 miles. It meant a 6.20 wake up but I got myself together and got to the venue on time, fed and watered. I was slightly concerned about the weather as it was due to be warm at 17 or 18 degrees, but there was no direct sun and a bit of light rain so it was much better than last week.
I ended up doing the whole 13 miles with two women, Aoife and Barbara, and I can honestly say it was the easiest 13 miles I ever did. The difference company makes is unbelievable; it stops you thinking about yourself and how you are feeling. We chatted about all sorts going round, and we had never really talked to each other before. We had a nice circular route around the Park, and stopped at about 4 miles and 10 miles at our water stop, where I took a gel each time. I carried a bit of water with me as well. So I felt fine by and large. My back felt a bit tight towards the end which was disappointing, but reminds me I need to ramp up my strength work.
My knees also reminded me that I needed new runners. Going down one of the hills in the Park my right knee felt a bit dodgy. I need to do some foam rolling on my IT band, torturous though that is. But I went down to my local running shop yesterday and got new runners. Because I wear orthotics they recommended Brooks and New Balance. I wasn’t keen on the Brooks so went with the New Balance. The only thing I don’t like is the long laces – all the runners had really long laces. I find them very awkward as you have to tie them up out of your way. The last Brooks I had had much shorter ones and I much prefer them. I suppose I could change them.
I had coffee with the other runners when we finished and went home for a cold bath. I am officially converted. Just the cold tap, all my gear on, cup of coffee, 30 minutes. It really helps the muscles so, while I was tired all day Saturday, I had practically no stiffness the next day, a bit in my back only. So all in all it was a very successful run. Halfway there now. Gets serious now with the mileage and the body is feeling ok, so I need to look after it more to make sure it stays that way.
That’s terrific. You know you’re doing something right when even the long runs feel good. Do you do planks – good for the core and the back – and so equipment needed.
Thanks! Yes I am doing planks, building them up so doing them on my knees but do feel I’m getting stronger but clearly more work needed.
Wow, nice. Since that’s currently my Everest, I can’t help but be a little envious of your casual tone when you say “oh, yeah, we only did 13 miles” 🙂
I would never say only because it is a long way, but it gets easier!! Especially with company. How are you getting on with your training?
I am trying not to hate it, actually. I plan to change up my long runs so I’m not scaling the hill on which I live at the end (no approach to our place is downhill or level). So I hope that’ll help. Either way, there’s only a couple more months and then I’ll be done one way or the other.
Yes avoiding hills a good idea. Sometimes running is very hard but generally it’s worth it. Do you have someone you could do your long runs with? A bit of company makes a huge difference
No, I don’t. Running’s always been a solitary thing for me — I generally space out and let my mind wander.
Foam rolling an IT band is a thankless task, mainly because it can’t be done. Of course, foam rolling itself is a good thing, and can work out knots in muscles and generally give your legs a good rub down. But the IT band as such is impervious to a foam roller. Just the nature of the beast really. Plenty of good stuff online (once you get past the basic ‘foam rolling is great!’ articles). There are also plenty of good exercises to do if you do suffer with IT band issues (which are not fun at all). again, online has some good stuff. A lot of it focuses on core strength and hips/glutes.
Great progress on the running.
I don’t think I have IT band issues per se – just went out in my new runners and knees felt ok. Core strength key for me and need to do more of that. How are you fixed for next week?
Currently compiling a first aid kit! 🤭
Hopefully you won’t need that! Best of luck – am looking forward to hearing all about it.