Doesn't Get Easier

catch up entry

5:30a inside, sleepy from weekend events, increasing sodium in diet

11:30a outside, felt pretty good, lower abs were feeling little sore, followed run with Ab workout

Back on the running blog again.  I've spent the past year trying to solve an injury I've been fighting for the past 4 years.  I self diagnosed it as a sports hernia along with a groin strain.  I can't believe I ran and raced with the injury for such a long time.  It made running miserable and normal tasks painful, but I wasn't going to pluck down $$$ for a surgery and didn't want to give up running.  So with a little research and self experiment, I finally found a solution that has brought me back.  Hopefully with ongoing maintenance I can keep it from recurring.  For now just trying to build up my base miles again, keep getting stronger, and run a few races along the way.

5:30a outside, perfect weather and energy level was good

11:30a outside, little tired first 2 miles and fine the rest

11:30a outside, pushed the pace just a little (7:18 avg), no pains

Smith Squats 1 x 20, Seated Calf Raise 1 x 20, Ab Workout 2 x 15, Push-ups 2 x til tired

5:30a outside, great cool weather, good energy level, legs had good bounce

11:30a outside, little tired first mile and fine the rest once heart rate picked up

5:30a outside, cool weather, energy level good, legs were stiff though

Noon outside, tired but felt stronger the longer I went, followed up with another Ab workout

7:30a outside run.  Started out slow because right groin was boethering me a little.  Gradually felt better throughout the run.  Most of the miles were in the low 8s pace wise.  Made a couple stops for water.  Last 3 miles were a struggle, little lower ab and inner thigh discomfort, but for the most part legs were just plain old tired.  I have ways to go endurance wise, but did make an agressive move in mileage this week.  I haven't strung together this many miles in a week since early June 2011.  Now will just try to do the same thing next week after a rest day tomorrow. 

3:30p outside run 12.44 mi at 8:30 avg pace

Slept in this morning.  I was wiped out from building a raised garden bed over the weekend after the long run Saturday.  So put the run off until later in the day.  Right hip flexor/groin was still "there" during the first 5 miles, but then went away.  Right side of body has always been the tightest.  Started the run slow with first couple miles with a 9 handle.  Super thirsty during last half of run as it was dry and windy out.  Should have brought water along.  Ab workout after run with some planks for the flexor. 

5:30a outside 8.5 mi run, much slower, no watch

11:30a outside 6.5 mi run, a little faster, but still slower than usual, no watch

Right hip flexor and quad still bothersome first half of run, but then goes away.  More than likely tendonitis.  Also bottom of left foot a little tender from where I stepped on a rock during a race a couple years back.  These are smaller issues though that should go away as the body adapts. 

11:30a outside run easy followed by some weight training.  Did 4 sets for legs and 4 sets for abs. 

5:30a outside ran 9.4 mi on the bike path, slow going this morning, right leg still bothers off and on, not getting any worse

11:30a inside ran 5.1 mi on the TM to take it easy as legs adapt to mileage

11:30a outside, a harder run with hills at 8:30 avg pace.  Hit the down hills fast in hopes of fixing issues with my right front leg.  It only bothers me during the first steps of a run or after cooling down.  Once the leg warms up I don't feel anything.  Pretty sure it's some kind of adductor issue still, but it's slower getting better, I think anyway.

5:30a outside, real EZ 16.25 mi at 8:30-9:00 paces.  Legs felt a little clunky because of run yesterday.  A bit disappointed because had to take a couple breaks for water and walking.  I was hoping to go 20 mi, but just didn't have the umpf as the temp was rising and I was a sweaty mess.  Tough week, hopefully next week will feel better.  Hard to get back what one had endurance wise.

5:30a outside 9.4 mi, right leg/adductor feeling better

Lunch time outside 6.1 mi, right leg/adductor still feeling "ok", I think slow starts are helping. 

Completed my abs routine after run.

5:30a outside 8.6 mi

Lunch time outside 6.6 mi, a bit faster than morning run.  Nothing new to report.  Still have some right adductor and hamstring tenderness that comes and goes.  Not sure what to make of it other than some adjustment pains.

5:30a outside, right leg mostly a non-issue, small flare ups once awhile, getting better

11:30a outside, stiff/tired first couple miles, no problems after.  Smith Squats (105 lbs) 1 x 20, Calf Press (280 lbs) 1 x 22, Wt. Pelvic Tilts + Crunch (20 lbs) 2 x 20

5:30a outside, front of right leg hurt a bit during first half

9:45a outside, same old right leg issue.  Leg Extensions (light, slow negative) 2 x 15

11:30a outside, warm but cloudy out,  decided to run just once today, started to feel really good overall during last 3 miles.  Did some ball crunches and light single leg press afterwards.

7:30a outside, humid conditions and I was tired from the start, managed to eck out some decent paced miles, but I was struggling the last 3 miles.  Just not sure if I'm going to find my legs for the longer runs.  Perhaps it's the overall higher weekly mileage that is draining my Saturday long run plans. Hopefully my endurance comes around so I can get into 20+ miles.  I keep losing weight which should help. 

9:30a outside, felt pretty good throughout

11:20a 12 miles outside, didn't have the stamina of yesterday, but not too shabby

4:30p 3 miles inside, right leg stiff, felt cumbersome, weight training afterward

5:30a outside, real struggle as right leg was tired from squats yesterday & dead legs

11:30a inside, still recuperating right leg and soreness from weights on Tuesday