Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Wednesday Workout Update

I have a 10K race coming up soon, so it's kind of important for me to run at least six miles beforehand...maybe even a couple of times.  But until last Saturday, the last time I hit six miles on my Garmin was a month ago - oops.  A bit of slacking off combined with some post-surgical* non-running meant that my long run on Saturday was probably going to be a challenge, and boy howdy, it sure was.

Not that the run didn't have its good points.  For the first time in a long time, I ran with a group!  I set out with CC, Julia, and Diane, which was fun - we got to catch up and that made the miles go by a little easier.  Plus, there's something about running side-by-side with good friends that invokes the runner's cone of silence, where we can spill our concerns without fear.  Group running can be good therapy, and Saturday's run definitely was for me...it's great to get instant feedback and support from my peeps right when I need it.

That said, my legs were thrashed by the time we finished.  You'd think I would know better by now, but in my mind, taking 10 days off wasn't anything to make me consider, oh, perhaps not jumping in for so many miles on my first day back...of course not.  I've been running for years now - what difference could that time off really make?  I was the idiot who went for it, and my legs were so sore afterward, plus my right hamstring that sometimes gives me a tugging ache near my glute was hurting midway down the back of my thigh - ugh.  A familiar pain is one thing, but a new pain?  That's worrisome.

After our run, we went to Blue Baker - I think there were 11 of us, and it was just so much fun to sit and eat and talk and move around in various conversations.  Much as we try to control ourselves, we get a little loud at times and at one point, the baker walked by right as we all were laughing.  We apologized for being so loud and he said that he loves it.  Even though we do go to other places for breakfast, I think that Blue Baker will always be our version of Cheers.

********************

I ran yesterday, just my usual 2.5 miles around the neighborhood, and I didn't feel any worse pain in the hamstring - but it's not completely pain-free, either.  I'm doing my hamstring stretches plus using my BFF Buffer on that spot, and both help, but my wished-for instant cure hasn't happened just yet, dangit - my leg is tender.  I also met up with my former running buddy Jenny for a walk; she can't run anymore, but we've been trying to establish a walking routine, not only for exercise, but therapy, of course.  And I'm not sure which is more beneficial, to be honest!
Can I just say that I'm impressed with the composition of this shot?  The curving path behind us, the greenery, not to mention our happy faces...Jenny is a professional photographer, and she even takes great selfies!


*post coming soon about this, I promise.

17 comments:

  1. Running is weird. I have had times when I've taken a week off and my body feels so good that the first run back was FABULOUS - so good to the point where I ran longer than intended. Then I've had times where, CRAP THIS SUCKS. Haha.

    Nice to see Jenny! You know, I love a good walk as a compliment to running. I hope you guys can work that out.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JENNY! Yeah, it's always good to spend time with her, and it's cool that some of my old-school readers remember her. :)

      Delete
  2. I wish I had a post run crowd to hang out with like you do!

    I have an 11k coming up that I know I'm not ready for. I've only ran 4 miles in the past weeks. Uh oh!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I feel your worry, but I'm sure you'll do fine with the 11K!

      Delete
  3. It is funny how sometimes you take time off and it's rejuvenating and other times you feel like crud getting back into it. Your group sounds like a blast to be with!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Nice cap:) Loving the shirts too....2 of my faves Renegade Run Club & BCS Fitness! Still can't thank you enough for recommending BCS Fitness.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The cap IS nice, I agree! ;)

      I'm so glad you like BCS Fitness - I was actually thinking about going back for a month this summer, but if I can't do anything with my stupid wrist, it might not be worth it. Still, I do miss those crazy workouts and the group camaraderie.

      Delete
  5. Yes, I hate taking time off cuz you get out of shape so quickly. Good for you getting back out there. it helps to have running friends.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'd be just like you though Shelley, I'd think "what's the big deal taking 10 days off?" and jump with both feet back to it!

    I was shocked when I got a notification that you posted on Instagram - and like Rachel, I knew it would be about running, Paco or knitting!

    ReplyDelete
  7. That is really a great shot of you and Jenny! Sometimes I read about women doing half marathons without training ahead of time! You had a little necessary blip in training, but you will be right on track for your 10K.

    ReplyDelete
  8. It's always something, isn't it? I just want to run my marathon in 4 weeks but things keep popping up. Enough already!

    ReplyDelete
  9. How cool that you still meet up with Jenny. I remember you were gym buddies before you started running.

    Hope the leg heals soon, keep my fingers crossed!

    I am still trying to get back at running. I only run once a week and still stuck at week 2 of C25K. I ran yesterday and that was 10 days since my last run. Surprisingly my legs always are fine even though I don't run that much.

    ReplyDelete
  10. The whole Blue Baker thing sounds so fun! And I bet you guys were the fun kind of loud, not the obnoxious kind.

    It does seem like after 40 fitness seems in large part a battle agains injuries. Glad to hear you are keeping up the fight!

    --Crabby @ crankyfitness.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. I really want to hit the 5k mark and I'm working on that - walking only. So your struggle with the 6 mile run is a good reminder. I just need to keep working. Keep up the good work! Inspired!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I am so envious of you that you have a group of ladies to run with. You are so right about the bond that is found between runners. Good luck with your 10 K

    ReplyDelete
  13. I have to get back to running consistently because I hate the first runs after not being our running. Well....hate but feel so great!

    ReplyDelete

Comments are now moderated to prevent spammers from leaving, well, spam - but rest assured that as soon as I read a real comment, I will publish it. So please, comment away, even though the blog is officially closed. Thanks!