cheryl

I'm slowly working my way back into running.  I got on the treadmill for 65 minutes, walking mainly, but throwing in some running along the way.  I ran comfortably without pain at 5.0mph and 2% incline for quite a while.  I tried to get faster, and by the time I hit 6.0mph I was feeling pain in the hamstrings.  It just feels like they need to be able to stretch out more and then there wouldn't be pain.  So I have to keep working at getting them more flexible.  So for the time being, I may be slow, but at least I'm running again, which feels good.

I think I'll just put down 3 miles every day.  It doesn't really matter what I put, I'm not doing a whole lot of running but I am cross-training a lot, so whatever.  I did manage to get on the treadmill and walk/run.  Every day I try a little faster.  I'm really trying to work on form, trying to relaxxxxxxx.  Everytime i think "relax" I seem to get more tense.  I think that may be the root of my problem, I'm too stiff and tight.  So the key word is "relax," run at whatever speed I can stay "relaxxxed."  I guess that's my word for today.  RELAX everyone.

Another walk/run day on the treadmill.  My hamstrings feel just a little tight and sore, not too bad.  I'm actually thinking I may be able to return to the group soon.  One or two more weeks of easy running, then I may venture back with them.

I did another treadmill walk/run workout.  This is getting kind of boring, isn't it.  Boring for anyone reading my blog, but actually fun for me because it's just great to be running again.  I did some faster running also, that was the best.  Hopefully things will keep feeling ok.  I also went to the Rec Center and spent 20 minutes on the stairmaster.  That is the best workout of all.  I always say I'll keep it easy just to get me to get on it, then I always have to push it at the end, to where my legs are wobbling when I finish.  Always glad when it's done.

I went to Lisa's class at the Rec Center and we worked on lower body strengthening.  It was fun.  It's always fun, I'm always glad when I go, it's just sometimes hard to get there at 5:30am.  Then I lifted weights upstairs with Peggy and Debbie for a few minutes after that.  Later I did another treadmill run/walk thing.  I'm slowly starting to run more than I walk, I think.  I'm still working on "relaxing."

It was a busy day for me.  First, my 9-year old had his championship football game today.  They had a great season, only losing one game, and they avenged that loss last week, playing a great game.  We all had high hopes they would win the championship, but alas, they came up short, losing 7-0.  What does it take to win a championship?  I've now been there three times with my two boys, but they've lost everytime.   Maybe I'm the jinx.  Maybe next time I'll just stay home.  Anyway, that took up most of the morning.  Then I of course had to watch the BYU game, which helped take some of my pain away, but not entirely.  I then felt I had to do some yard work or I'd feel terribly guilty, so I did that.  Finally, I got on the treadmill and got in a pretty good run, 26 minutes non-stop, and then a few minutes more after taking a walking break.  I would say I had minimal hamstring pain during the run.  I may just have to learn to live with always having a little pain, I can't see being totally pain free anytime soon.  I can deal with a little pain.  So we'll see how next week goes, and then decide if I can return to the group.  I haven't run outside in so long because I hate the cold, so I wonder how I'll handle it.