Shamrock, Week I forget...!

I really cannot remember which week of training this is. Maybe because I have not really been running. Not much any way. I just checked the calendar and it is Week 5. In case you wondered.

I really probably did try to do too much too soon after being off running since MCM. But my foot felt so great by December 27 that I practically started up like I had never had any time off. And I am paying for it now it seems. My heel hurts a little most of the time. Then I run and while it does not seem to get worse while running, afterwards and the next day I really feel it. Oh well. Tomorrow I am going to try Active Release Technique (ART) on it to see if that helps. I really do not want to get another getting cortisone shot. Oh well, I will just hope for the best. I know the Shamrock Marathon weekend is only 49 days away. Maybe ART will do the trick! Worst case scenario – maybe they will let me down grade to the half. But I’m still hoping for the full!

So, since my last post on January 11 what has happened. Well first, I was supposed to run in a fun location where I’d run before: Key West! Sadly, my foot really, really hurt so that did not happen. I was pretty bummed. I did however do a lot of walking and was not a complete slug! The trip was awesome, the weather perfect, and the wedding I attended just lovely. All worth not running. Returning home though – to slush and wintry mix when we got off the plane - was no fun! The ride home from the airport was trecherous!! And I did not swim for nearly two weeks! But it was good as always to finally get back in the water on Tuesday night. And last Sunday was really cool! I finally got to attend the 3-hour bike spin at the YMCA National Capital! I went with Carol and Pam. I was surprised how fast the time passed, especially since I have not had much time on the bike.

And on a fun note, I’m trying something new¸ training-wise. I’d been talking to a Z-mate, Sally, and she had asked me if I was interested in going in on some group/individual trianing. This will take our Team Z training to another level and add for some personalization for individual strengths and weaknesses. I had actually be thinking about doing something like that but not sure where to get started. After a couple of e-mails and phone calls I am now doing just that!

Last Saturday I went and had a bike VO2 Max test done. Considering my lack of bike time lately (noted above) it was not as horrible as it could have been. And on a positive note, my watts were slightly higher than they were nearly two years ago. Yay! Yesterday I did a swim test to determine my Threshold pace. Then last night I did my first bike work out on the program! Next up – maybe on February 5 – will be my run VO2 Max test. Anyway, between now and then I’ll be following my tailored program and hopefully getting my foot healed all at the same time. (Fingers crossed on the foot…)

This weekend, starting Sunday, great fun is in store! My son Patrick recently found out he was accepted at Auburn University for the Fall 2011 semester. We are going down to Auburn on Sunday afternoon for a couple of days. There is a tour on Monday, hopefully some sightseeing, and a little visit with an old friend. We will return Tuesday afternoon. He is a just little excited…but first he has to run in a couple of events at the Virginia Tech Invitation (Indoor) Track Meet today and tomorrow!

Happy and Healthy Training!

Shamrock , Week Two...

Well, it was an OK training week, all things considered. I did not run as much, but that’s ok. I realize my heel is not completely healed so I need to be careful. And not run as much/overdo it.

Monday night was Yoga, as usual. It was the first night of the new session! Tuesday morning I accidentally slept in and missed swim practice. Bummer. But then had a very long overdue dinner with a friend that night! But I did get about 4 miles in on Wednesday. Then, on Thursday I not only swam in the morning but got in my very first Team Z spin class at night! And it did NOT snow. Friday I rested, per my schedule. :-) Saturday called for 14 miles. I met up with Carol and Pam to tackle the Mt. Vernon trail. My first time ever running there. And guess what? It snowed! Funny though, it was just starting as we got started. I think we ran in the snow – up to an inch at times – for about an hour. By the time we finished the trail was actually starting to clear. Anyway, I did not do the workout as written (different paces at different times) but just managed to average my long run pace for the entire 14. I’ll take it. Sunday I had signed up for the team time trial down at Prince William Forest Park. But...due to the crazy weather it was called off. I decided to go to morning swim practice then followed that with a 1 hour spin. It was a good training weekend!

So far this week I’ve gone to Yoga and done a 3 mile treadmill run. I hope to swim tonight, but we’ll see what happens with the weather and whether or not swim is cancelled. Personally, I am keeping my fingers crossed because I was really looking forward to swimming tonight! Plus my son has a late class and he and I both don’t want it to get cancelled as the semester just started this week. Tonight is his first night in a new class!

Anyway, this weekend I get to do my long run in a different location. I have run there once before...and am very much looking forward to running there again!

Happy and Healthy Training!

*And I see that it is snowing NOW!!!*

Cool Giveaway!

Heather from "Run Faster Mommy" is giving away a very cool water bottle!

Check this out!!

Back later with my Friday update...I hope!

Happy & Healthy Training!!

Shamrock, Week One...

Happy New Running Year! It feels so good to be running again! Well, what can I say – without jinxing myself – week one went pretty well. I can’t believe I hadn’t really run (outside the Doggie Dash and the Santa Shuffle) for 2 months! Of course, I did modify the week’s workouts some. My two runs during the week were both shortened slightly. And on Friday I completely forgot the core work! I did however spend an hour and 15 minutes in the pool. It was not constant swimming but easy stuff and working with Jeff on stroke development. So I actually swam 4 times last week – JCC 1x and Z 2x. But I did not get on the bike. At all.

On Saturday morning Carol picked me up for a race in Leesburg. The REHAU Resolution 10K. We did a 2 mile warm-up, then a 10k, and then I did a 2 mile cool down while Carol the stud did the 4 mile workout. Sunday morning I ran another 5k – the BRATS Frozen 5K. Fortunately it was not frozen! After week one I do feel my heel a bit, but it is nothing bad. I’m continuing to ice and stretch it, just to be on the safe side. I feel my legs after all this running though. And it is a wonderful feeling!!!

Speaking of biking, I see there is a time trial coming up on Sunday. My last ride (!) was at the team time trial on December. So bad, I can't remember when it was! I made it two of three loops. Gee... I must do better! I am on the waiting ist for the 3-hour spin at the YMCA for Sunday. If I do not get into the spin I guess I will plan for the TT. It will do me good! I think I will plan for the Thursday night spin at Bonzai... I wonder if they are calling for snow, like the last time.

Anyway, today starts week two of Shamrock training, and I’m ready for it!!!

Happy and Healthy Training!