Run Run Run

Ran at indoor track at Dimple Dell while son played basketball. Nice soft surface. Tried to do one mile fast - which was 8:32 for me, I realize extremely slow for most, but for me pushing myself

Havent been blogging. Have ran once in awhile. Too many critical personal issues to handle which have taken alot of time and energy. No need to discuss them. I know some would say you should and still keep up the regular running program, but only have so much time and Im a strong believer than tomorrow does happen.

Started running some in winter, only to be hit with a new problem, plantar fasciitus in right heel. Wow that has been painful difficult, it came on suddenly and at first I couldnt get out of bed in morning without wanting to collapse in pain. But have been doing a OK (not ideal) job taking care of myself with stretching, icing, ibuprofren and strassburg sock. Have tried to run on softer surfaces where possible. At least I can run now.

So will catchup and fill out some prior blogs and keep slowly working on things. Still have left hip pain but it is tolerable. I realize alot of my problem is need to loose weight, probably need to get closer to 180 lbs instead of the 200 lbs I stay closer too. Maybe Ill go back blogging to improve my motivation.

I imagine Im alot slower with the injury recovery and extra weight, just need to run more for fun and health as maybe Ive finally accepted Im not going to make the 2008 Bejing Olympics. Also no need to try to keep up with the Joneses on the blog (not sure if there is anyone named Jones on the blog anyway)

Today I ran while son was at baseball practice. Abit chilly but OK, found this undeveloped area between 9000 and 8600 in Sandy that I didnt know existed, ran through the trees and on gravel roads, then down to 700 East and then along a service road along golf course.

Ran at Wheeler Farm with son and dog (on leash). Nice area to run, good temp, overcast, trees. Ran the outer loop. Started with stretches. Then ran 5K at effort (for me) - around 33 minutes. I was at least consistent with 11 minute miles. Took 5 minute water break and ran 4 more miles at 13 minute pace. I realize these times are slow compared to most, but they were OK for me and that was long distance. I at least tried. Heel plantar problem was tolerable. I did get a bloody right little toe for some reason

Stopped at animal pens at end. the pigs were fascinated with my golden retriever. Two small donkeys also ran with us when we went by their enclosure. My golden sure wished he was free with all the ducks around

Ran at Flat iron Park a little in snow waiting to see if sons baseball game was a go

Ran a little at Buttercup Park

Ran a little at Flat Iron Park at sons baseball practice (yeah I could run more at his practices, but it is just as important to watch him - he is only a young boy for awhile (and Ill be an old man for a long time))

Well my first race of the year. Good to be back running again. I was slow, but did OK, actually I got 2nd in my age group which isnt bad as it was the larger age group 50 to 59, although my son pointed out not everyone has parents as old as me. The race was to earn money for his school so it didnt attract the big runners although they did have nice prizes and 195 runners. I did get a nice looking medal.

It was probably a tougher than average 5K. First it actually was 3.19 miles long according to my Garmin and I tried to cut the tangaents tight. Also there is a fairly steep hill for the middle segment. Weather was good for running but I dressed too warm with a long sleeve that I probably didnt need. I also didnt push as hard as I could fearing injury since Im trying to recover. I was 29 minutes something. My right heel with my plantar fasciitus hurt at the start and a little on the downhill part, but I was hobbling afterwards. After going home and icing it was better.

I felt OK running although my hip joints also bother me - again probably loosing some weight would help but its probably also aging (55 years). The race is similiar to the Sandy Blessed Sacrament 5K. Was typical scramble at start, but I just went my speed. Doing a better warmup of 1/2 mile seemed to help more plus doing more stretches than I usually do helped (still need to do more). First 1/3 is kind of level, 2nd 1/3 uphill and last 1/3 downhill. As expected my fastest mile was downhill (less than 9 minutes), then the flat, and then the uphill although Im not bad at keeping a somewhat consistent speed.

I got more roadkills than those that got me, I was also able to keep several from passing me. Some of son's classmates tried to race me, but I only he beat me. I was surprized that I got 47th of 195 runners which was good for me (even though yes several were non-runners).

Recovery was OK, am tired but not exhausted. Sore but not incapicatated. Son is insisent running 1/2 marathon next week. Not sure if that is good idea for me - I dont want to get injured worse when trying to recover as Im not sure if plantar on right heel can take 13 miles of asphault. But I dont want a 10 year old to run without me in same race. Any suggestions here? - Would running a slow 1/2 marathon be too much for my plantar fasciitus problem?

Son did well winning his age group and finishing 6th overall of 195 runners considering he has only ran a little for training (except for other sports)

I improved in my mileage this week which is good considering my schedule