The Long Run

I figured that one full week with no running was enough.

Jenny returned from her 8 mile run this morning and it was still quite nice outside.  I decided to give it a try.  I was going to run with the kids, they didn't feel up to a run but agreed to bike alongside me.

 I did an out and back course for a total of 2.26 miles.  I kept the pace very easy.   During the return trip the back of my left calf started to hurt so I slowed down to where it did not hurt.

If my calf is not hurting tomorrow, I'll try a little bit farther.

Average pace: 10:33
 

After yesterday's short run I decided to take one more day off from running.

Did some cross training instead.  21 minutes rowing machine and 10 minutes on the arc trainer.

I'll try for another run tomorrow. 

I ran a little bit farther today than on Sunday.   My left calf started hurting a little bit, but then at 2 miles it was feeling better.  Pace was faster than on Sunday but still at an easy pace.

I'll try a little bit farther next time. 

Average pace: 8:48 

Non-running day.

10 minute warm-up on the arc trainer, followed by upper body weights.  I had not done those for quite some time, felt good.

Didn't go too heavy or try to do too much.

 I'll run tomorrow.
 

I feel like I am getting back to normal finally.

I wanted to do at least 5 miles today, a small increase from my last run. About a mile into the run I thought that at least 5.5 would be good. On the way back I took an extra turn to add a little bit more onto the run to end up with a little bit over 6 miles.

My easy pace feels like it is getting back to normal.

There was still some residual soreness in my left calf but it is bothering me less and less and shows up much later in the run. Not speeding up definitely helps, so I'll have to not go any faster until it is all gone.

It was still somewhat warm out but in a nice way, about 75°, not bad even when in the full sun.

Average pace: 8:34

I warmed up inside first with 10 minutes on the arc trainer followed by some light stretching.

I went outside to start my run. My legs felt dead and it was very humid outside. The first mile felt horrible but things gradually got better. By mile 4, I was feeling ok and finished the run on a more positive note than when I started it.

Runs don't always feel so good for me when starting out, this is what kept me from running for years. But I'm glad I know how to get past the early parts of a run and keep going.

I went back inside after the run and did some lower body weights. Felt even better after that.

I ran into Joe and we talked about doing Jacksonville together which would be great.

Jenny was doing the 5 mile run.  It was all off road with lots of hills.  The race is located in San Antonio, FL.  As far as hilly terrain goes, this is pretty much the place to go in this area of Florida.  At about 5:00 am it was raining pretty heavily so it didn't seem certain that the race would still be on - at least not for the kids.

So, the kids and I were just doing the 1 mile fun run.  We came in fourth place for adult/child groups.  Noah had such a determined look on his face coming into the finish chute that the crowd  just had to cheer for him.  There were dog/human teams also.  It was a lot of fun.  My weekend long run would have to wait one more day.

The out and back one mile course was pretty hilly too, although not as bad as what Jenny had to face on her 5 mile course.  She did well also, averaging an 8:54 pace despite all the hills and other challenging off road terrain.