Emily's training blog

Okay, I haven't been consistent with this blog thing, but I'm coaching at East High and we have the kids keep a blog.  I'm a firm believer in not asking my athletes to do anything that I am not doing myself.  So, here we go again.

I've been struggling with injuries this entire year.  I think I have my alignment issues and calf problems under control finally, so hopefully I can do some consistent running. 

Today I ran 2.5 miles.  I ran the grass loop around Sugarhouse Park plus a little extra to even out the mileage.  I'm just feeling out my right calf since I have had a cramp in it for about a week. 

Tonight I rode my spinning bike for 1 hour just to keep the cardio up.  (1 hr = 5 mi according to my coach)

Met East High team at Sugarhouse Park.  We ran from the park up to 2100E, Down to Parley's Way, under the Underpass, Right on 2700S, down to Alden, over to Parkway, up to 1700 E, and then back to the park.  I ran with the jogging stroller, which always makes the runs challenging, especially up the hills. But, it slows me down so I don't push too hard.  My calf felt pretty good.  I could feel it tightening a little at the end.

After the run we did 3x25 sit ups, and 3x15 pushups.  We did drills, but I couldn't finish them all because Cole was demanding to be held.

I ran down on the Jordan River Trail today, without the baby jogger.  It's amazing how much faster I can run when I'm not pushing 50 pounds in front of me.  I ran 3.75 out  in 25 minutes, and came back in 24 minutes for a total time of 49 minutes for 7.5 miles.  I ran 6:15-6:20 pace for 4-5 of the miles.  I felt strong, but I can tell my endurance needs work.  I started to struggle a bit over the last 10 minutes of the run.  My right calf started to tighten on some of the inclines, but managed to hold together.  Hopefully I didn't overdo it today.  I guess I'll find out on tomorrow's run.  Right now it's massage, stretch and ice.

Met East High team at Sunnyside Park.  We ran a 2 mile warm up around the perimeter of the park and then ran a fartlek ladder (5min, 4min, 3 min, 2 min, 1 min) with one to one recovery for a total of 30 minutes running.  Then we cooled down 2 miles. 

It was nice running on the grass.  My hip got sore by the end, but I had no trouble with my calf. I like having the high school boys to run with because they push me.  Plus, they don't want to get beat by a girl, so I think I push them, too.  Hopefully, we can all make each other better.

Today was our 7/11 run.  We ran a 7.5 mile loop that encompassed 6 Seven-Elevens.  At each one we drank a Slurpee since it was Free Slurpee Day.  Well, the team did.  I chose not to put my body through that kind of torture.  I'm a big wimp.   This was one of the most entertaining runs I have ever done.  It may not have been one of my fastest runs, but we got good mileage in, and we had fun.   That's one thing I want the East High kids to take away from their cross country experience. You can work hard running, but have fun too. 

My hip was a little sore from yesterday's fartlek workout and the downhill running in today's course.  I need to be careful, but it's nice  to be increasing the mileage bit by bit.

Ran on Jordan River Trail, same route as Wednesday with an extra mile added on.  Ran 31:55 going out and 29:52 coming back for a total time of 61:47. (does that add up?)  I felt a little sluggish, but I guess tired legs are expected as I get back into shape.  I don't think the downhill running helped me at all yesterday.  I've got a new sore spot near my tail bone.  I'm excited to get to the point where I can run without worrying that my body is going to fall apart at any minute.