Tempo Run

Not.

My hamstring issue is NOT resolved. I geared up and headed to the top of the bridge for a little stretch. As soon as I started running, the left hamstring tightened and signaled extreme pain. I tried to trot it out a bit - but the pain was such that I was limping more than running.

Since riding my bike didn't have an adverse effect, that's the plan for this week. Tuesday upper body weights, and Thursday Yoga as usual, cycling for the cardio. Runner's World says "ice for 20 minutes 3x's a day and rest. Hamstring strains take 1-3 weeks to heal." Neat. ELEVEN WEEKS till the Bill Seymour Half Marathon. I hope I'm ready!

Sunday Cycling

Cycling - 13 miles / 59:00

I've been off for a few days. That little nag in my calf sort of crept up the back of my leg and turned in to a big bad hamstring strain. Yeouch. The bike ride didn't hurt a bit today, so that's good news. I wanted to do 15 miles, but lost the bike trail in an unfamiliar neighborhood, so turned around just after 6 or so and headed home.

Nutrition note - I took a Larabar with me on my ride today. I had a couple of bite on the way out, and finished it up after I turned around. Had no problems with my tummy, but wished for a little more water. Eating while cycling sure is different than while running!

Bunny Run

3 miles / 33:15

Another beautiful, morning run with the bunnies and the squirrels. Wore the Vibram's and the calf sleeves. My left calf is feeling pretty sore - may have to assess my footwear choices for my long run on Friday. Don't want to over-do this "gradual" transition.

Not sure if I will get my Yoga in tomorrow or not. Vacation Bible School has been a fun replacement for my evening workouts this week - albeit a little hard on the cross training schedule. I'm really committed to making the training for this Half Marathon injury free. I have a conservative mileage ramp planned and am including one day each of Yoga, Cycling, and weight training each week. I SO wanted to run more than 3 miles this morning - BUT - I've planned my work, now I need to work my plan!

On a nutrition note - I've upped my calories a little to see if I can burn off this last 15lbs stuck to my tummy and hips. So far, so good - the scale is moving again and I'm not teetering on the edge of starvation all day.

Tempo Run

4 miles / 46:11

Mile 1 - 12:10

Mile 2 - 10:48

Mile 3 - 10:45

Mile 4 - 12:20

I had a little recovery jog in between miles 2 and 3, so the average pace is a bit elevated. I'm happy with my "comfortably hard" pace, and hope to continue with the tempo run on Mondays. Wore the Vibrams, a little difficult today - considering I just ran 5 miles in them on Friday. My left calf protests more than the right, for some reason. Calf sleeves = yes, new cute purple hat = yes.

Considering making the full conversion to the minimalist running. I've tried to run in my Mizuon's and they always feel like bricks strapped to my feet. Look out, calf muscles...this might be a long few weeks!

Cross Training Cycle

Cycling - 10.5 miles / 53:00

What a beautiful morning for a bike ride! I have to admit, hauling out of bed before 6 on a Sunday is difficult no matter how many times I do it. It seemed like it took me about 3 miles to even warm up...but once those legs were warm and that heart was pumping...WHHEEEE!!!

I headed south today to explore a new trail. I did have to ride a little over a mile on a busy street to get to the trail, but at 6am, traffic was non-existant. I had intended to ride down a different trail that ended up being closed. No problem - I just rode until my RunKeeper app told me I was at 5 miles and then turned around. I live in one of the most bike/run/walk friendly cities in the country! Beautiful, paved trails with plenty of water fountains, benches and parks along side.

My next long run will definitely be down this trail. And, in case you care, there were plenty of wooded areas in case you need an emergency pit stop. :D I've never had to resort to anything like that - but it is always in the back of my mind! Silly, I know.

Long Run Friday

5 miles - 58:55

IN MY VIBRAMS, YAY!

Happy with this run. This is the pace at which I hope to run my race on Labor Day. I ended up on the treadmill, so I figured I would log some soft surface miles in the minimalist trainers. I have been researching more about barefoot/minimalist running and found that short, staccato steps are extremely beneficial. I practiced this today, and by the end of my 5 miler, I felt great and my calf muscles only slightly protested.

Thursday's Workout = P90X Back & Biceps

Working the glamor muscles, baby. Fifty minutes of curls, hammers, lawn mowers and pull ups. Oh, and Tony Horton making jokes. It went by fast and felt like a rest day.

Barefoot Running

I have been trying to re-train myself to run with more efficiency and less injury. Some people have expressed concern that I am going to take off and run down a glass strewn highway in only my toe-nail polish.

Not.

I am trying to slowly retrain myself in these, to strike less on my heel and will be running longer distances in light weight trainers such as these.

Here's a video that sums up what I am trying to achieve. Study up a bit on the benefits of Pose or Chi Running and look to the future of injury free running!