How Much Discomfort Can I Tolerate?!

Weather - 87 degrees, sunny, humid.

Another hot/humid day. Went out at noon and felt great. Legs 90%, and I forgot about my left foot, which means it is doing well.

Did some more loops at Busey Woods, this time extending it to 3 hard miles - hitting the soft dirt trails at 6:30 pace, and then slowing to 8:30 pace on the boardwalk. Ran the final mile hard around the park, kicking the final 800m.

I am going to miss a circuit race in August (Mahomet half marathon) because I will be going to Door County, Wisconsin for 1 week with my wife. I am looking forward to getting out of town and running some new trails. I plan to do 2-a-day runs while there, and to also follow the Percy Cerutty school of training - running up and down sand dunes in my bare feet. My favorite part of each run will be the end - jumping into Green Bay! It will be like my old Chicago days when I jumped into Lake Michigan after each workout.

I don't have any races scheduled for a while, yet I feel very fit. It seems a shame to not use the positive energy I have accumulated for racing. Maybe I should find an out of town trail race in August. If not, September will offer some racing opportunities.

#259

Weather - 76 degrees, sunny, humid.

Went out early this morning for an easy 5 miles. Felt a little lethargic, but legs were 95%, and no problem with my left foot.

Afterward 3 sets of strength exercises, stretching, and 15 minute walk home.

#260

Weather - 63 degrees, sunny.

A cool morning, unfortunately my energy was low, so I plodded along for a couple of miles. The last 1.5 miles I started feeling better and ran 6:45 pace.

Did 3 sets of strength exercises and some stretching, and 15 minute walk home.

This week I have no training schedule to follow, will probably run a Wednesday speed session, but the other days will just run how I feel.

#261

Weather - 88 degrees, sunny, very humid.

Hottest day of the year so far, humidity was high, after running 5 miles my shorts and shirt were soaked.

Went to the track at 12:30pm and decided to run hard. Knowing I would not last long in the heat, I gave myself a 200m rest so that I would stop after 10 or 15 minutes.

400m - 79 seconds; 200m - 38 seconds; 400m - 85 seconds; 200m 39 seconds; 400m 90 seconds.

After the track I ran to the arboretum, then did some stretching and strength exercises. Walked 15 minutes home.

#262

Weather - 78 degrees, cloudy, rain.

A bit of rain made things seem easy today, I also ran a new route. Legs felt fresh and I ended up doing a rare tempo run. I always seem to neglect tempo runs, and even today I did not specifically have it planned. After a 1 mile warm up I reached the U of I campus and brought the pace down to 6:45-7:00. It felt pretty easy, and I kept this up for 2.5 miles.

I am contemplating running a 12k trail race this Saturday in Palatine. The only thing holding me back is the race site is 3 hours from Urbana. I would have to leave my home at 3:45am, and would not get back until mid afternoon. I am feeling fit, though, and racing season will be over in a couple of months.

#263

Weather - 80 degrees, sunny, slight humidity.

Decided to run a track session with 2nd Wind. Since I will be running a 12k trail race this Saturday I made sure to run an abbreviated workout.

While I was warming up on the infield grass a pleasant looking female runner introduced herself. She had just moved to town from Miami, FL, and was a collegiate runner now in her early 30's who had run numerous marathons. She told me she was training for the New York marathon in November.

The clipboard called for 5 x 1000m with 7 minutes between starts, for me that was about a 3 minute rest. After the 5 x 1000m we were going to run 800m hard on the straights, easy on the turns.

I decided to run the 1000m hard, but once I became fatigued I was going to cut it short. I ended up doing 3 x 1000m, I started the 4th rep and stopped at 400m because I felt I was moving past my comfort level. I did run the 800m at the end of the session.

My energy was low today, did not feel like running hard, so I was surprised that my 1000m times were where they should have been for a 19:15 5k runner : 3:37; 3:42; 3:47. I was getting progressively slower, which was due to my lack of energy. My leg strength was there, but the will was lacking. That is probably going to work in my favor for the race this Saturday because if I was feeling normal I would have pushed harder.

#264

Weather - 78 degrees, sunny.

Ran 1 mile to the track, then a few laps at a moderately hard pace. Afterward 10 x 100m barefoot wind sprints in the infield grass.

#265

Weather - 77 degrees, sunny.

Ran 3.5 miles to the car rental agency. I ran easy, yet the pace seems to be faster than it was 4 or 5 months ago. It is difficult to know if I am going too hard. I watch my respiration, but I wonder how easy it can be if my legs are doing a lot of work.  

Race tomorrow, it will be interesting to get up at 3:00am, I better get to bed....

#266 

Weather - 66 degrees, cloudy, bit of rain.

A good morning for a trail race - cool (for august) and a bit of misting rain.

The night before the race I was planning to get to bed by 9:30pm so that I could get 6-7 hours of sleep. But at 9:00pm I got a call from my sister-in-law - her 19 year old son was in a serious car accident, and her husband was out of town on business. She had no car to get to the accident site, and she was hoping my wife could give her a ride. However, my wife was out of town for a couple of days visiting her father. Fortunately I had the rental car which I picked up that day, so I drove her to the accident. Luckily her son had only minor injuries, but the front end of the car was destroyed. Also, it was his fault, and I think this and the shock of the accident was the reason he was sitting on the curb crying when we arrived.

I arrived home a little after 11:00pm and didn't fall asleep until almost midnight. I woke at 3:15am, and made the 3 hour drive to the race. I arrived a little before 7:00am, so no problems finding the race site.

I warmed up on some of the race trails and found them to be good for running - a wide swath of crushed limestone was to be the main route of the race. It was relatively dry and in good condition. Considering I had gotten 3 1/2 hours sleep, and then had to drive 3 hours, I felt surprisingly energetic. I figured this was due in part to race day adrenalin, so I was hoping it would last me throughout the race.

The runners, about 100 of us, lined up at the edge of a large meadow, and they sent us on our way. I was feeling relaxed and confident, and I can't recall having had such a clear picture in my head of my philosophy of racing and running. Life consists of thoughts, ambitions, the will to achieve and to experience something good and positive. There are an infinite number of reasons, outlooks and attitudes one can take toward any activity. I have a solid philosophical foundation, and this carries over to running. As I ran through the meadow and into the woods, my body and mind were loose and ambitious, the goals of the day set in my feelings and emotions - 1) allow the mind to do its job, which was to be focused in the moment and to make lightning quick decisions; 2) allow the body to run its natural pace; and 3) to remain detached, observing the things around me as the race unfolded. Each of the runners on the course were focused upon their own outlooks and attitudes, each one no doubt unique. I sometimes wonder how successful my philosophy is - does it allow me to reach my potential on any given day?

Feeling a wave of confidence and fun enveloping me, I enjoyed running the first two miles with a free and easy stride. I looked at my watch as I crossed the 2 mile marker, 13:40 - a 6:50 pace. That is a quicker than normal start for me, but it felt good.

After the 2 mile mark the race became more intense. The course was a consistent dose of moderately sloped hills, and I needed to monitor my effort on the ups and downs. I was crushing the downs, allowing my legs to open up and fly. I took the ups conservatively, slowing a bit, trying not to overtax my reserves.

There were a number of runners who challenged me from mile 3-7.5. A woman in her mid-20's battled me for about 20 minutes. I would pass her on the downs, or put in a surge to leave her behind, but a couple of minutes later she would re-pass to my surprise. I would then tuck in behind and follow her pace for a couple of minutes, and then surge again. I felt a sense of competitive pleasure when I surged and passed her, each time going a little bit faster and longer, wondering if she would be able to cover my move. After one of these surges I tucked in behind another woman in her early 20's. She was wearing elite runner garb - tight shorts, and a narrow tight top – which allowed me to observe her finely strung muscles which were moving with a rhythmic force. I followed in her wake for a few minutes, and then the other girl pulled beside me. This time she seemed hesitant to pass. Maybe she was intimidated by the other woman. We were a tight trio as we ran through the hilly woods, a light rain falling on our hard working bodies.

During miles 3-finish I began taking greater risks than I normally would in a race. I was eager to push myself to the edge, hoping not to fall over. This year most of my races have been evenly paced throughout the entire distance, but today I was surging, battling other runners, testing my limits. I had to fight the fear that I would go too fast for too long and then collapse. The thought of being re-passed by runners passed earlier is not pleasing - it exhibits a faulty plan, poor tactics, and that I don’t know what I am doing. Eventually, though, some risks have to be taken if one wants to improve, and if one falters, slows, and is passed, well, what of it? So I convinced myself to confront the edge of my running ability, to experience the exhilaration and pain of running faster than normal race pace, all the while trying to remain in control.

When the three of us reached a somewhat steep, twisting downhill, the elite-garbed woman braked with her right foot, slowing a bit. At this moment my reaction was to put in a sprint surge, and to gap the 2 women. I broke wide right around the turn, and ran an all-out sprint. The downhill was about 250m, and when it ended I had passed another runner who had a 35m lead on me at the start of the hill. Later, after the race, he came up to me and said - "you were flying!"

After this longish sprint burst I needed to focus on my breath, trying my best to keep it manageable. I was risking the race here, as there were still 3 miles to go. I slowed somewhat when I reached the flat, and wondered if I would be re-passed by the 3 runners I had just passed.

I now had to battle a series of hills. About 75m ahead was a runner who had passed me at the 2 mile mark. He looked strong, and I was surprised that I was gaining on him, as he did not seem to be slowing or faltering. I approached a steep downhill of about 300m and began sprinting again. I was still trying to recover from the previous surge, and now I was pressing further, uncertain how much more I could tolerate. When I reached the bottom there was no time to recover, because a steep 300m uphill needed to be climbed. As I approached it I experienced a large flow of adrenaline – the kind that not only gives the body strength, but also inspires the will. A quote from Ryan Hall suddenly flashed in my head : “I had reached a juncture at this point in the run: either I could get discouraged with the reality that I am not able to think myself into sprinting up the hill or I could accept, and even relish, in the pain and discomfort running throughout my body, embracing the pain as part of my mission. Then something happened that I have never experienced during any painful running session: a smile slowly crept across my face. It was kind of a weird reaction to have, but for some reason I felt very alive and there was a new joy that I found in simply going all out. It was a great feeling to know that I was pushing myself to the max, that at this moment I had looked deep into myself for strength and used whatever I could muster.” I had come to a crossroads in the race, and for a few seconds as I began the ascent, I pondered what move I should make. Should I slow down and keep my reserves in check, or should I attack the hill and go even further onto the edge? Goal 2 was to allow my body to run at its natural pace, and it was screaming to go. In an eye-blink I found myself moving faster, my legs churning viciously. I did not want to think about the consequences of this folly, but maybe it wasn’t so stupid after all – for a few moments as I climbed the hill all out, it was as Ryan Hall had written, the exhilaration to be maxed out, pushing into a new realm of pain, fear, and perhaps, ecstasy. About mid-hill I passed the runner and wondered what his thoughts were – “that jackass is gonna crash!”; “, I’m toast”; or, “god damn it, I’m going with him!”

Reaching the top of the hill, I was met with a smaller hill, not as steep. I tried to maintain the pace, finally lessening the intensity upon reaching a flat patch of land. There were 2.5 miles to go.

I saw a runner 50m ahead, he looked strong. Too tired for another surge, I just put my head down and ran. 2 miles did not seem too bad. Maybe I had passed through the pain unscathed. My pace must have been steady because I was now 20m behind the runner. I realized that if he made a move I would be too far behind to cover it. I willed myself to do a mini-surge so that I could get to within 5m, and once behind him I felt better about my chances of finishing strong.

Now that I had a leader to follow, I began to relax, no longer having to measure the intensity of pace. I would only move ahead if he slowed suddenly. With 1 mile to go the runner I had passed on the hill made a surge and got behind the two of us, we were now a trio running single file. We were running a 6:40 pace, waiting anxiously for the moment when one of us would make a break. My plan was to press at the 7 mile mark. Having practiced 800-1000m repeats at the track for the past two months, I wanted to believe that I could cover 1 x 800m in 2:50-2:55.

When we reached the 7 mile post the leader quickened his pace. I refused to let him go, and we were now into it, fighting for the finish. I realized I was running at 400m repeat pace with 700m to go. I contemplated slowing down because the leader was going too hard too soon, to keep up I was going to need to run back to back 400m in mid 80 range. But I instinctively covered the pace, my stride lengthening from a wave of end-race adrenaline. I lost sense of the runner behind me and did a quick look-back. We had dropped him.

The two of us kicked out the final 400m through the meadow, with 200m to go I thought I was going to be able to find another gear, but it wasn’t to be. I went into the chute in 50:10, 2 steps behind, beating my 12k PR by 1:22.

#267

Weather - 78 degrees, sunny.

I ran from the rental car agency to the arboretum, removed my shoes, and ran 4 loops (3 miles) barefoot. I monitored my left foot, because last week when I ran 4 loops barefoot it felt weak during the final loop. Today I had no problems, and ran the final loop at 6:45 pace.

#268

Weather - 78 degrees, sunny.

Beautiful day, no humidity. Ran to the park and Busey Woods at a relaxed pace. Ran the final mile around the park in 6:00.

Afterward 3 sets of strength exercises, stretching, and 35 minute walk home.

#269 

Weather - 82 degrees, sunny.

Perfect day, ran to the track for some short bursts. Ran 1 mile at theshold pace, then 11 x 100m wind sprints barefoot in the infield grass.

I am looking forward to a hard track session tomorrow.

Afterward 3 sets of strength exercises, stretching, and 15 minute walk home.

#270

Weather – 78 degrees, sunny.

Track workout with 2^nd Wind, 8 x 600m with the first 400m at 5k pace, and the final 200m at a faster kick pace. The rest was shorter than usual, about 2-3 minutes.

2:08, 2:09, 2:08, 2:08, 2:10, 2:09.

The first 6 were run at a consistent pace, I hit the 400m mark at 87-88 for each.

The final two I wanted to risk a faster pace, I passed the 400m mark in 79-80, however, I had to stop after 500m because of exhaustion. This shows improvement, because 79-80 is rep pace for me, and I was able to extend it to 500m for each one.

#271

Weather - 78 degrees, sunny.

Easy run today around Busey Woods and through the park. The final 7 1/2 minutes I ran 6:00/mile pace.

My easy runs are now ending with 5-8 minutes of hard running. It does not  take much out of my body, yet it forces it to adjust to the habit of running fast. The more fit I become, the more I can do. Patience is the key.

#272

Weather - 78 degrees, sunny.

Ran to the arboretum and did 2 loops (1.5 miles) barefoot. After putting my shoes back on, I ran the final 7 1/2 minutes at 6:00 pace.

Afterward 3 sets of strength exercises, stretching, and 15 minute walk home.

Tomorrow we leave for Door County. I hope to do a lot of running, hiking, and photographing.

I will try to find a local library so that I can keep this blog updated, if not I will write down my daily workout sessions on paper and input them when I get back next week.

#273

Weather - 57 degrees, sunny.

Ran 3 easy miles at 6:45am before leaving for Door County.

#274

AM

Weather - 62 degrees, sunny.

First morning in Door County was beautiful. Drove to Peninsula State Park and ran 5 easy miles on a segment of the Sunset Trail.

PM

Weather - 80 degrees, sunny.

Returned to Peninsula State Park with my wife, and we traveled the Sunset Trail, her on  bicycle, me on foot. My plan was to run 2 x 4 mile loops, starting at Nicolet Beach. The first loop I felt energetic and ran one of my best sessions of the year - 4 miles between 6:15-6:30 pace. Rachel was having trouble keeping up with me.

When we finished the first loop I took a plunge in Nicolet Bay. I can't think of many things which are more healthy and refreshing than jumping into a cool lake after a hard run.

The second loop I took it a little easier, averaging about 7:15 for the 4 miles. This time Rachel got her revenge and I trailed her most of the way.

#275

AM

Weather - 63 degrees, sunny.

4 easy miles at Peninsula Park. Not sore from yesterday's double session.

Afterward 4 sets of strength exercises at Nicolet Bay.

PM

At the library now, planning to travel to Whitefish Park this afternoon to run up and down sand dunes.....

The dunes were beautiful, but closed to hiking and running, so I decided to run 4 barefoot miles along the beach. It was very pleasant getting the feet wet while listening to the pounding surf.

After the run a refreshing jump in the lake to end a great day.....

Tomorrow morning if I am feeling good I will plan to run 15-20 miles at Peninsula Park.

#276

AM

Weather - 58 degrees, sunny.

Perfect weather for a long run. Started at 6:15am at Peninsula Park, finished 2 hours 30 minutes later. Ran 2 x 9 mile loops through woods and meadow. Very soft trails, the scent of pine and hemlock permeating the fresh air. Felt good the whole way, kept a consistent pace, did not get tired. My right achilles had a slight twinge/ache at mile 12, but after stretching it felt fine.

After the run I jumped in Nicolet Bay and let the water cool my fatigued leg muscles.

Hiked 4 miles in the late morning at Newport Park with Rachel, it felt good to stretch the legs with an easy activity. 

PM 

Weather - 68 degrees, sunny.

Ran 4 easy miles at Peninsula Park. Legs stiff for the first mile, the last 3 miles felt normal, was able to run 7:30 pace easily.

#277 

AM

Weather - 57 degrees, sunny.

Weather is too fine! Surprisingly my legs felt normal this morning, so I decided to run 1 x 9 mile loop at Peninsula Park. The Hemlock Trail is my favorite so far - silent woods, big trees, plenty of solitude, and a soft mossy surface make for enjoyable running.

The final 5 miles I experienced that peculiar sensation which occurs after a long run - supercharged respiration - I was able to cover the 5 miles at 6:45-7:00 pace with easy breathing, it felt too easy.

Afterward I jumped in Nicolet Bay, swimming for 10 minutes. Then 3 sets of strength exercises and stretching.

PM

I am in the library at Sister Bay, will now drive to Whitefish Dunes with Rachel for some beach running and swimming. What a great day so far....

Weather - 78 degrees, sunny.

Drove to Whitefish Dunes and found some accessible dune trails. Ran twice up Mt. Baldy, then did two loops of an unbelievably lush landscape redolent of sweet pine and drenched in golden summer colors.

When I hit the beach my energy was not expended, so I ran 4 miles along the shore barefoot. As I ran along at an effortless 6:45 pace, I realized that this day was one of the most spectacular of my life - running 9 miles through forest trails in the AM. Boating on a sundappled lake with Rachel in the late morning. After a nap more running through beautiful dunes and then barefoot flying along water's edge - it was not only the immense and differing beauty that was enveloping me, but the supreme state of health and fitness that I was experiencing. The ability to run and run and run without getting tired or injured is a blessing.

To end this special day Rachel and I had a great dinner at Mission Grill, I broke my vow of vegetarianism for one day and ordered fish. It made my body feel a bit odd, but it was good nonetheless.

#278 

AM

Weather - 58 degrees, sunny.

1 x 9 mile loop at Peninsula Park. Energy a bit on the wane the first 4 miles, then I started feeling normal and ran at an easy 7:45-8:00 pace for 3 miles. My body took over and decided to run the final mile at 6:15 pace. It was a thrill to pass two people riding bicycles on the trail as I neared the lake.

After the run I jumped into Nicolet Bay and let the cool water soothe my legs. I then did 3 sets of strength exerecises and stretching.

Will soon drive back to Whitefish Beach and do some more dune and beach running. My energy has been endless this week....

PM

Weather - 78 degrees, sunny.

Ran 6.5 miles on the back dunes trails, twice up Mt. Baldy, then 2 miles barefoot on the beach. Was starting to feel fatigued the last mile, so will run a short loop tomorrow to help my legs recover.

After the run jumped in the lake and cooled off my legs, it felt great.

#279

AM

Weather - 62 degrees, cloudy, humid.

4 easy miles at Peninsula Park. Felt ok, legs not sore, but energy is finally beginning to wane. Will probably run 4 more this evening.

First day of humidity here, I sweated more in 4 miles than my 18 mile long run a few days ago.

After the run 3 sets of strength exercises and some stretching.....

PM

Weather - 75 degrees, sunny.

Recovered nicely for the evening run, ran 7 miles at Peninsula Park. Legs a bit weary from the higher than usual mileage, but no soreness. 

After the run jumped in Nicolet Bay to cool the legs. 

#280

Weather - 68 degrees, raining.

Final run in Door County was a good one - 10 miles at Peninsula Park in rain. Ran on the forest trails from 6:05-7:30am.

Rachel and I stopped at the Sister Bay Cafe for breakfast before leaving town. While eating 3 big pancakes I mentioned to Rachel that my total mileage for the week was 99.50 miles. I then jokingly told her that the holy grail of training was a 100 mile week. Rachel asked for the car keys, and as I handed them to her, I asked her what she needed them for. She replied, "you are not leaving Door County until you run 1/2 mile more so that you can reach 100 miles." I laughed, and readied myself for a short 4.50 minute run along Sister Bay on a full stomach.

I never thought I would have the strength to run 100 miles in a single week, and even more odd is I am not sore or tired from it. It feels like I ran a normal 50 mile week, nothing special. I think if I would have set a goal of 100 miles this week, I would not have reached it, but having instead followed how I felt for each run, I was able to get there without trying. Each run was a joy, a challenging struggle, but not a strain. I think I am finally learning how to run.

#281

Weather - 72 degrees, sunny.

Back home and back to the usual running routine. 4.5 miles through the park and Busey Woods, felt a bit stiff the first mile, then loosened up to normal 8:15 pace. The last 1.5 miles was 6:30-6:45 pace.

Will run easy and short all week, looking forward to a nice recovery.

I might run a small 5k at Crystal Lake Park this Saturday if I feel 100% recovered.

#282

Weather - 75 degrees, sunny.

3 easy miles through the park and Busey Woods.

After the run 4 sets of strength exercises, stretching, and 35 minute walk home.

#283

Weather - 66 degrees, sunny.

4 easy miles through the park and Busey Woods.

After the run 5 sets of strength exercises, stretching, and 35 minute walk home.

I weighed myself today, first time since the winter, and saw that I am 10 pounds overweight. I was surprised because I have been running so well lately. I don't think I have ever been overweight and fit at the same time. I can blame it on my recent eating habits, which has included more cheeses and dairy, and a few sweets. I guess I can't eat with impunity even if I can run 100 miles in a week. I am confident that in 2 months I will be back to a good running weight if I cut out the fatty foods. I am motivated because I have been setting PR's with the extra weight. I should be able to gain some more speed when my weight goes back down.

 #284

Weather - 82 degrees, sunny.

My seasonal allergies started this week, and last night was my first bout of asthma. It woke me at 4:00am, allowing me to get only 5 hours of sleep. I was dragging at work this morning, and my 3 easy miles felt like 6 hard ones. I will go to bed early tonight and hopefully get a full nights sleep.

#285

Weather - 82 degrees, sunny, humid.

Energy was a bit better today, but still recovering from last weeks high mileage. Ran 3.5 miles, the final mile pace was 6:45.

Last week my mental and physical state was on a mountian top, but this week I have sunk into a valley. Low energy, fatigued muscles, allergies and asthma have initiated a fast decline. I will continue to take it easy until I feel better.

I don't have much enthusiasm for racing a 5k this Saturday, but the race is only a mile from my house so it will be hard to pass up.

#286

Weather - 83 degrees, sunny, humid.

My energy felt higher today, probably because I had a respite from night asthma for the past couple of days. Muscle fatigue is still lingering, so I feel about 75% overall. Ran 2 miles easy, then worked hard for 1.5 miles at 6:30-6:45 pace.

Afterward 3 sets of strength exercises, stretching, and 35 minute walk home.

I think I will end up running the 5K tomorrow at the park if I get an asthma-free sleep tonight. I won't be 100%, but I will follow my usual strategy of allowing my body to set the pace.

#287

Weather - 68 degrees, sunny.

A nice morning for a race. I felt pretty good jogging to the park, about 80% recovered, which is better than I have felt all week. My goal was to allow my body to set the pace. I had little desire to push myself too hard today.

The initial pace was moderate, and I was able to get to a comfortably hard pace at the halfway point, which I passed in 10:10. The second half I never went beyond the comfortable pace, and I finished in 20:20, which is my slowest 5k of the year.

This 5k indicates that my racing season is coming to a close. I plan to run 2 more races, the Wild Wilderness 7.5 mile trail race in September, and the Farmdale 33 mile trail race in October. After Farmdale I will take a month of easy running, and in December begin to build a new base.

This year has definitely been a success, and I am looking forward to my first ultra marathon. I have not put in super long runs, but my training has been consistent for 10 months, so I should have the strength to finish the race, although my time will most likely be mediocre. Running 5-6 hours in autumn woods will be pleasant and beautiful, at least for the first 3 hours.

#288

Weather - 83 degrees, sunny.

After yesterday's race the bottom of my right foot felt cramped. When I walked home from the race the cramp was not too bad, but I noticed it.

When I rested at home the front part of the heal became tight, and it remained that way. I iced it, then went for a walk in the evening. It loosened up on the walk, but when I returned home and sat down it tightened up again.

I checked the internet and found that the symptoms match plantar fasciitis. It is too early to know if that is what it is, so I will have to monitor it closely and hope for the best.

Rather than worry about it, I did what I have done for the past 10 months, go for a run. I walked a half mile before beginning to loosen the foot, then ran 4 miles. The foot loosened sufficiently to where I barely noticed the tightness. I even ran the final 800m hard, just to see.

After the run I did 3 sets of strength exercises, stretching, and 35 minute walk home. During the walk the foot was not too bad. When I got home it became stiff, so now I am icing it.

I am not sure how this will turn out. I may have to stop running for a while if the pain becomes progressively worse. Or, if it remains the same, I can at least run 4 miles a day until a change occurs. From what I have read it can take up to a year for it to heal. I don't know if running is bad for it or not, but I will run as long as it allows me to.

I am still planning to run the Wilderness race in 3 weeks if the foot does not worsen. As for the 33 miler, I have two months until race day, so by then I will have a better idea of what I can do.

#289