Feeling Good

One of the things I love so much about running is how much of it is a mind game.

During April and May and much of June, I was struggling to run with my injuries and the less I ran or exercised, the worse I felt. It was a long way to fall; from 100km to being able to barely limp 2km. I felt my fitness slipping away every day and I didn't want to start all over again. I've done that too many times before - work hard, get fit, see improvements, get injured, gain weight and lose fitness.

But now I've decided to let it all go and stop focussing on where I was but where I want to be and this small perspective shift has made a world of difference to my attitude. Instead of saying 'I only ran 3km' I'm saying 'I ran 3km'. I will slowly build up to half marathon fitness again by mid October.

I'm feeling quite good on my runs. I'm not fast, but that's OK - that will come. My breathing is comfortable, my legs feel a little tired, but I like ending my runs thinking I could do more. This time I WILL follow the 10% rule (i.e. not increase my runs by more than 10% per week) and just because I CAN run further, doesn't mean I should.

One of the most challenging things about running? Training my pup to NOT trip me up. She's getting much better and is loving my return to running even more than I am. Here's a pic of her 'roaching'. Ah, if only I could sleep like that, anywhere, anytime...

Slowly slowly

I am pleased to report that my post Trailwalker injuries are finally under control and I have just completed 2 x weeks of 3x3km runs without pain in my achillies and ankles and the usual cramping tightness I develop in my calves and soleus.

My ITB issues were sorted within 4 osteo visits and I'm continuing to receive at least monthly acupuncture and massage treatments. I have a stretching program to follow every day and it feels damn good to be pounding the pavement again (and grass when possible) . Today I managed 3km in 17:20 which is a time I haven't run anywhere close to since March.

I'll do three more 3km-3.3km runs this week and follow up with a slightly longer run on Sunday.

If I continue to improve and run injury free, I'd like to think about preparing for a half marathon in October and beat my PB of 2:06:57. I know I can go sub 2:00. I don't think I'll be in Australia for the Melbourne Marathon this year as we'll be going to Korea for much of October and I've found quite a few half marathon options. It will be wonderful to run in my old stomping ground.

The only hiking I've done was about 6 weeks ago when Bec, Vee, Vee's sister Alana and I hiked around Lysterfield Lake Park. Not a great place to hike - a little boring and not at all challenging. It would be OK to run around or take the mountain bike out for a spin but I won't bother going back for another walk. My ITB had trouble around the 8km mark and by the time we finished about 9km later, I was in considerable pain but I pulled up quite OK the following day. It's good to test the boundaries but 17km proved too far.

I'm looking forward to volunteering at the You Yangs Ultramarathon at the end of the month. The 'Youies' are not far from home and it will be good to finally put something back into the running community other than event participation.