How Much Discomfort Can I Tolerate?!

AM : Weather - 46 degrees, sunny.

Pleasant and cool morning, ran 4 easy miles through the park and Busey Woods. My Legs are starting to recover from 2 hard weeks of training. Quads still a bit sore, but getting better every day. They should be 95-100% by race day this Saturday.

Late AM : Weather - 52 degrees, sunny.

Stopped at work after my initial run earlier today and put in a couple of hours. The reason I did this is so that I can come in later in the mornings this week if I decide to do a 5 or 6 miler beforehand. After work I ran 6 miles through the park, around Busey Woods and the cemetery.

Inspired by Lybi, I decided to try barefoot running. I also recently read an article about Newton running shoes (http://www.newtonrunning.com/)

The company states :

"When you run barefoot you naturally land on your forefoot. Newton Running shoes were developed to make your feet think they're barefoot and increase your performance.

The sole of Newton mimics your own, allowing your foot to move freely and promote a forefoot impact."

I thought about this and decided I could not know the truth of their statement because I had never run barefoot before.

When I arrived at the cemetery I removed my shoes and socks, and ran gently in a large plot of open grass. I twice ran 200M, then 200M back. I decided I was not landing on my forefoot, but rather on my midfoot, with a slight heel strike. I loved how running barefoot felt, my feet and legs had less stress, and I could not discern any quad soreness, but when I have my shoes on the soreness is evident. I put my shoes back on and ran into Busey Woods. I was inspired to again remove my shoes and socks, and to run a mile loop barefoot. The dirt trail felt wonderful on my feet, and my running motion felt more efficient. By the end of the mile I could feel the skin on my forefoot begin to burn, so it will take some practice to get the skin used to the friction. The best place to run would be the golf course fairway, so I will need to get there early in the morning before the golfers get started. I would like to incorporate barefoot running as part of my training, if anything just for the joyful feel of it.

#163

z.m. - #77

Weather - 38 degrees, cloudy, rain.

A cold and wet spring day made for a refreshing run. When I got to the golf course I removed my shoes and socks and ran 1000M on 2 fairways. The cold, wet grass chilled my feet as I ran comfortably and freely.

My energy is still down from the hard sessions, I have 5 easy days before the race to get it back.

#164

z.m. - #78

Weather : 47 degrees, sunny/cloudy.

Ran easy to the arboretum. When I arrived I removed my shoes and socks and ran 1 mile barefoot in the grass. Afterward I ran easy and threw in 5 x 100-300M accelerations.

My legs feel better today than yesterday, and my energy level is on the upswing. Felt good doing the accelerations, had some nice power and ease in my stride.

I can feel a difference in the way I am running just off of 3 very short barefoot running sessions. After putting my shoes back on and resuming shoe running, I can sense my feet landing differently, trying to land mid-foot while avoiding the shoe's heel. The shoe heel is hard to avoid, however, because it is so big. Maybe I should look into getting shoes that have a flat heel. Racing flats are an option, but I am don't know how they would hold up to training miles. It is something to ponder.

#165

z.m. - #79

Weather - 67 degrees, sunny.

Ran 4.5 easy miles through the park and Busey Woods. At the end of the run I did 8 x 100-300m accelerations, then removed my shoes and socks and ran barefoot 1200M at the cemetery and golf course. I ran a 300M acceleration barefoot, I was able to get to top speed, it felt nice!

Afterward 4 sets of strength exercises, stretching, and 45 minute walk home.

My legs felt strong today, they are about 90% recovered, and my energy level went up another notch. Tomorrow it should be even better.

#166

z.m. - #80

Weather - 72 degrees, sunny/cloudy.

4 Easy miles around Busey Woods and the park. At the end of the run 5 x 200-400M accelerations.

My legs are feeling good, energy level high. Looking forward to racing on Saturday.

#167

z.m. - #81 

Weather - 68 degrees, cloudy, windy.

Ran 3.5 miles to the car rental agency. Felt a bit tired because I ate a big meal beforehand. Will get some good sleep tonight and am looking forward to putting in a big effort tomorrow.

#168

z.m. - #82 

Weather - 52 degrees, cloudy, very windy.

Another race with tough conditions. I had to throw out my time goal of 6:50 per mile because of strong winds (25-35mph). I was still able to beat last years time by 32 seconds, with a pace of 6:54 per mile. If the wind was moderate I am guessing I could have averaged a 6:45 per mile which would have knocked about a minute off of my time.

Overall I am pleased with how it went. I felt fresh and strong, and my pace was consistent throughout. The wind was pushing somewhat at my back for the first 3 miles with a semi-cross, but since I start races moderately, I was not able to take full advantage. After mile 3 the rest of the race was against either a cross wind or directly into it. At mile 5 it was directly into my face, and I probably ran that mile in 7:45. It got a little better at mile 6 with a direct crosswind, but its strength continually pushed me so that I was running bent.

I was not passed by anyone in the race, and I was able to pick off 10-15 runners as the race progressed.

Last year I placed 43rd, and this year 29th, so that may be a better indicator of my improvement this year.

#169

z.m. - #83