Short run

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Today I ran out of time again getting ready for Thanksgiving. My husband was back later from work so I only had about half an hour to work out. I ran 2 miles on the treadmill in the early evening. Fortunately I had also spent about an hour walking the dogs and done some cleaning at the barn. My calf muscles are a little sore from running in the boots yesterday so it was good to have a shorter workout.
Tomorrow I'll do another MAF test.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MARCH_ 11/23/2011 3:58PM

..."calf" muscles.. HaHaHaHa!! Barns are full of great work/exercise! Report Inappropriate Comment

MOBYCARP 11/23/2011 3:42PM

Your calves hurt from running in boots . . . and you've been a regular runner for a long time. Hmm. Gives me something to look forward to when I have to change my footwear to run in the snow. Thanks for the heads up! Report Inappropriate Comment

KRISZTA11 11/23/2011 2:47PM

That's a lot of exercise, well done! The barn seems to be an inexhaustible source of upper body strength training : ) Report Inappropriate Comment

Running in snow boots

Monday, November 21, 2011

I decided to try my fairly lightweight snow boots for running today since I need something for when the snow gets really thick and my minimalist shoes won't work. I started with 2 miles since the weight of the boots worked like ankle weights and I could feel my hamstrings a little more than usual afterwards. Overall my form felt similar to me as what I do in my water shoes, except for the heel touching down earlier. The boots have about a 1/2 inch heel but have a flexible sole with some tread but without any arch support, lots of toe room.
Feedback on running form welcome!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

OFGREENGABLES 12/22/2012 1:01PM

thanks for posting - i'm about to try this Report Inappropriate Comment

SUNONMAPLES 12/12/2011 9:53PM

Coming in late on this but, considering that they're boots, it looks to me like your form is terrific! (I think I can tell occasionally, that they are heavier than your regular shoes, that's all). I am no expert though. I like the idea of gaiters and "real" running shoes too. Maryland doesn't get very much snow so I'm pretty safe, but I'm gonna have to google for snowshoes made for running! So cool! Report Inappropriate Comment

JSPEED4 11/26/2011 6:17AM

With a heel, you may need to use a shorter stride; icy patches on the ground can make it important to be more upright! Oh, well. Life happens. Report Inappropriate Comment

MCCOURTT 11/23/2011 12:16PM

Facing the same issue, in terms of what to wear this winter. Right now I'm looking at three options, switch to trail running shoe, treadmill :-(, and indoor running track. I'm some what luck that we don't get a lot of snow, in southern Ohio. Hoping I will only need to deal with the snow few times this winter. I'm think the boot idea, is a good idea, and since you already do minimalist shoe, other than the tops of the boot rubbing, that is nice solution. (Be safe) Report Inappropriate Comment

PDQ1203 11/22/2011 9:53AM

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HOUNDLOVER1 11/21/2011 8:09PM

Robin, I can only imagine what it would feel like to have to run in combat boots, I bet I would get shin splints, too. They are probably 2-3 times as heavy as my snow boots, LOL, I guess I have nothing to complain about. Report Inappropriate Comment

ROBINC821 11/21/2011 7:49PM

I also am not an expert by far in form. I am an expert in running in boots.... Combat boots to be exact. I developed shin splints related to running in combat boots. Those of course were not built for comfort but function. Just make sure your boots fit well and offer proper support to keep any injury away. Not that shin splints were any big deal just got sore.... I kept running anyhow Congrats on finding a good cold weather solution to keeping up the outdoor runs!! Report Inappropriate Comment

MARTHASPARKS 11/21/2011 7:48PM

You looked like your form was good to me. You are really dedicated to run in the snow! Report Inappropriate Comment

HOUNDLOVER1 11/21/2011 7:35PM

MOBYCARP, thanks for checking in. Hope you'll find something that works for you. It just occurred to me that it's probably possible to run in regular trail running shoes with gaiters. Someone also gave me the suggestion of running in snowshoes that are made for running. Report Inappropriate Comment

MOBYCARP 11/21/2011 7:19PM

I'm not an experienced enough runner to have anything constructive to say about your form. I hope the boots work out for you, and I hope I find something that works for me when the snow arrives here. Report Inappropriate Comment

HOUNDLOVER1 11/21/2011 7:00PM

GETFITTOLIVE, Thanks for your input. The boots have deep tread and very good traction on snow and when it gets icy I put my winter spikes on as well. Report Inappropriate Comment

GETFIT2LIVE 11/21/2011 6:44PM

You definitely are a brave soul to run in boots! I hope they have good traction--I worry about slipping when I'm out in snow as there is often ice underneath. From what I saw, your form looks pretty good; just be careful when you're out there under those conditions. Report Inappropriate Comment

HOUNDLOVER1 11/21/2011 6:06PM

Thanks! I'm going slowly, only did 2 miles in these boots today and will do the other miles in my regular minimalist shoes. Report Inappropriate Comment

YA_YAYA 11/21/2011 5:54PM

You are brave to wear boots to run. I would caution you to make sure you have the proper support. Running takes a toll on your joints and muscles so you want to have the best support possible. Your form looks good but make sure you tuck your butt in and lift your knees. It will increase your stride and help prevent injuries. Good luck! Comment edited on: 11/21/2011 5:55:04 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

Still no running

Sunday, November 20, 2011

This is the longest break that I've had from running since I started the Maffetone method, 4 days without running. I'm not sure if it's the weather or just busyness but I feel physically tired. I was on my feet all day moving bags of feed, walking dogs, cleaning out at the barn, cleaning the duck barn and planting some tulips before the ground freezes solid so I've had no lack of exercise, just nothing to get my pulse up. Yesterday there was no ice skating lesson because of Thanksgiving break so my daughter and I walked around the mall for a couple of hours.
I've done better making sure I drink enough and got myself a large insulated mug to take on car trips.
Tomorrow is my day off so hopefully I'll finally get a good run in.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SHAPEUPNOW1 11/24/2011 10:02PM

I still have to congratulate you for your activity!! So don't beat yourself up!! Report Inappropriate Comment

HOUNDLOVER1 11/21/2011 1:35PM

Thanks Tweety, Kriszta and Martha, I'm gearing up for a run today. Still trying to figure out how many clothes to layer with the snow and cold. Comment edited on: 11/21/2011 1:36:12 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

MARTHASPARKS 11/21/2011 10:45AM

I hope that you get a good run in soon! I know you miss it! Report Inappropriate Comment

KRISZTA11 11/21/2011 3:21AM

But you had a nice day, with a lot of walking and physical activity - good for you : ) Report Inappropriate Comment

TWEETYKC00 11/21/2011 12:21AM

I bet you can't wait for your run. Sometimes things just happen that can keep us from the exercising that we want, but as long as you're getting in some kind of exercise, that is alright. Report Inappropriate Comment

Reflections on running and races

Saturday, November 19, 2011

I was much too busy to do any running the last two days. I did a lot of thinking about running, though, especially the fact that running, like almost any enjoyable activity, can become addictive.
It may not even be the running itself that's addictive in some cases, but rather the feelings of success that comes with winning races. I hear of people who go from one race to the next without regard to recovery and they know better. This reminds me of the addictive quality of video games. You win (or at least you feel you won) and you move up to the next level. Winning or improving one's time can be all-consuming to the point where people neglect their job, their friends and their families. When running and/or racing becomes addictive it hurts everyone, the runner and people around him/her.
Now that I'm a runner I wonder at what point passion for a hobby ends and obsession or addiction starts. Are there cases where I want to discourage people from running even if I know they want me to cheer them on? Can my running a certain number of miles or my participation in races be seen as encouragement by some people to give in to their addictive behaviors in the same way that I might influence an alcoholic by drinking alcohol in front of them? Of course everyone is responsible for their own choices but I still want to encourage others to do things that are good for their health.
I feel the same about eating. If someone is normal weight but maintains their weight through abnormal eating patterns I don't want to cheer them on, I want to help them get healthier.
Some people are reluctant to start an exercise program because they associate it with pain or at least discomfort. There is a lot of language among runners that justifies that expectation. Just read a couple of race reports and there will be more talk about pain, struggle, exhaustion and fear of bonking than the joy of running, the exhilaration of feeling one's body move smoothly over the ground. Usually these race reports end on a good note, but sometimes barely so. They almost remind me more of some stories I've read of people who beat cancer (and the treatment that goes with it) than of stories of adventurers who found something beautiful they want to share with people. There are quite a few exceptions of course but I'm talking about the typical experience. There is no question that we can learn a lot from adversity in our lives, but to create that adversity ourselves, in our free time?

Maybe most runners don't enter races, maybe they just go out and enjoy nature. Some of them run because of the beneficial effect running has on weight reduction and weight maintenance. I personally use races more as markers that give me feedback on my running ability from time to time. I also enjoy seeing other people run and can learn from watching them.
I guess I'm wondering if we are truly "Born to Run", benefitting physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually from moving forward at a faster pace than walking. If we are, then it seems to me that many people who have covered a lot of miles have not learned yet what joys running has to offer. But maybe I'm just an addict in the making.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

HOUNDLOVER1 11/19/2011 12:22PM

Thanks everyone for the comments. I don't do a lot of races. 2 half-marathons, maybe a marathon this year and probably a couple of shorter ones. For me none of them are really races as I go at the same easy pace I use in training for first 1/2 of it and then, if I feel like it, I'll go a little faster to see what I can do. I'm also too slow to win anything anyhow so there's no temptation there at least for the next couple of years. My favorite is trail running for sightseeing, in the same way that people go hiking for the nice views. I'm not so sure that injuries stop people from competing enough. I've read and heard many stories of people who run for years through pain, sometimes medicated, until one day their injuries are so debilitating that they have to stop. Many stresses on the body are not visible to the eye. Joint problems can be ignored for years, a chronic rise in cortisol levels will affect the whole body and increase risks for many diseases including cardiovascular and endocrine. I thank God that I can run but I won't let running become my God. Happy Trails to everyone Report Inappropriate Comment

MOBYCARP 11/19/2011 11:53AM

I wrestle with similar issues. I know I have a tendency to push harder, which results in burnout, fatigue, and/or injury. Walking is no problem, because time limits keep me from overdoing it; but now I'm a newly minted adult-onset runner. I need to be mindful of the fact that enough is enough, and more isn't always better. I don't know where the sweet spot is for me yet; but I envision getting to a point where I run 3 or 4 times a week, and the times/distances are fairly consistent. I've got one 5K under my belt, and I've signed up for a 10K. At this point, I don't know whether I'm going to like organized races enough to make them a regular habit. Your cautionary tale argues that I should not attempt them every week, and perhaps no more than one a month. But I'll probably find out how many I should do by overdoing it and having to back off. Report Inappropriate Comment

PASTAFARIAN 11/19/2011 11:36AM

I think you're speculating about non-existent people. I don't know anyone addicted to winning races - and I'm in a running club with 4000 people. Anyway, anyone who becomes compulsive quickly gets injured. Hence the consequences would quickly break the cycle. Are you seriously thinking you personally are obsessed? You're neglecting important things? What's your racing schedule like? Report Inappropriate Comment

INTHELOOP 11/19/2011 10:04AM

I go to "runs" for the energy of the crowd and to be a part of it all...and like you mentioned, to check my progress. Im planning my first HM next May - I think I am addicted to the endorphins. Report Inappropriate Comment

PEACOCK15 11/19/2011 8:15AM

I agree with a lot of your sentiments. I've done some races simply because of the views or what my running buddy calls the Fun Factor! There aren't too many times I get to be with my thoughts and have me time and that's what hooked me was the freedom I have when I run. I love to challenge myself and also just get out when I can. Wise words, thanks for sharing. Gonna go for a run now! Enjoy your Saturday. Report Inappropriate Comment

MARKSTIPANOVSKY 11/19/2011 6:01AM

Thanks for sharing -Good luck with staying focused and reaching your goals... Report Inappropriate Comment

KRISZTA11 11/19/2011 5:26AM

I agree. Running is addictive. I find myself running almost every day. If weather is sunny and warm, then I run because it's ideal conditions. If it's cold, or windy, then I run so that I can I don't miss the opportunity to adapt to winter conditions : ) So often there is no rest day. I guess I'm on the right side: 30-45 minutes 4-5 times per week, because it is fun and makes me feel good; and it does not compromise my work and family life, and never attended a any real life races. But indeed it is bad if running takes over and endangers health, working performance and personal relationships, and we all should beware early signs. Report Inappropriate Comment

DIDMIS 11/19/2011 2:47AM

I wish I could run. I do good to walk some. Run while you can. Report Inappropriate Comment

Dehydration fixed - better run

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

It occurred to me on the way to the gym this morning. I did not drink anything when I went to bed and I waited until well after 9 am to have a cup of tea. I did not drink very much yesterday, either, or this whole past week, because when it's cold outside I don't feel like drinking cold water and I was not home enough to make tea. I'll have to remember to bring a thermos from now on. Funny that I also gained two pounds over the last week. I think I ate instead of drinking, an old bad habit that restarts whenever the weather gets cold.
In any case, when I noticed I started drinking about 20 minutes before the beginning of my run and continued drinking throughout the run and finishing about 28 oz. of water by the end of it.
I also realized that my calves were still a little sore from ice skating two days ago.
Here are today's results:

Mile 1: 4.0 mph
Mile 2: 4.0 mph
Mile 3: 4.0 mph
Mile 4: 3.9 mph
average speed 3.98 mph
average heart rate 133 bpm

I suspect that the first two miles my body was not sufficiently hydrated yet.
I know I never would have figured this out if I had run without a heart rate monitor to notice the subtle changes.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

KKINNEA 11/16/2011 6:51PM

It's amazing the role hydration plays! Report Inappropriate Comment