Sunday, August 8, 2010

Heel Pain/Biking/Speedway Race Expo

I ran 12 miles on Thursday in Burlington on the bike path.  This was a step back week.  The first 9 miles were great and then the heel pain began.  I had a great pace for the first 6, quite good  for the next 3 and so so for the last 3 but overall pace was good.  It was humid but bearable.  BUT when I was at 6 miles I went to have a Luna moon and a crown came out. This did not exactly make my day. I go to the dentist tomorrow and will find out just how bad it is!  And by bad I mean expensive. (It was fine, he was able to cement it back in.  The fillings will need to be replaced but this is soooo much better than replacing a crown.)

Now it is Sunday and I haven't run since Thursday. I decided  I really needed to listen to my body (even though I have been ignoring it for weeks) and stop running.  It kills me as I am someone who follows a training plan to a t.  I am panicked about running a marathon not fully trained but figure if I don't do this I may not be able to run it at all.  I am going to take a week off from running.  And then evaluate. I may try it again in a week and see.

So Sat. and today I got my bike out of the hay barn (truthfully) and rode.  Yesterday I rode 10 miles which I know isn't much for you bikers but for this runner in hilly country 10 miles seemed fine. Today I went 12 and a friend went with me!  It was a glorious morning - for any sport.  The temp was perfect, it was crystal clear and the scenery was to die for even if it is the scenery I see every day.  I looked around and took it all in as if I was a tourist to my beautiful state.

Yesterday I went into school and started setting up my room.  Once I start going it feels a bit like summer is over but I won't go in each day until I have worked out, gone on line, done what I want to do.  It is fun to start seeing my coworkers I haven't seen all summer. I do work with a lot of great people.  I have told myself I want to do one fun thing each week and I am trying to find some people to go rafting (without much success.)  Last week was the Speedway Race.  This coming week is also my birthday (and I LOVE my birthday) and I always run on the bike path. I was scheduled for 20 miles but that won't be happening. I will probably bike it though which is what I used to do before I became a runner.  The bike path and I have celebrated many birthdays together.  If I am biking I can carry a bit more with me (a book) and really take my time.

Last night my hubby and I went to the local A+W in an antique convertible with a friend.  It was a blast. I haven't been to the A+W in years!  It was a beautiful evening.

I also promised a report on the race expo from my Speedway 5K. Well, State Police Races don't really have expos but the race was near Tilton where the factory outlets are. It would be foolish to drive all that way and not multi task and do something else.  So I created my own Expo!

A Nike Outlet - what could be better! And I returned one pair of Tempo shorts so these were FREE!

Two new wicking sports bras

I got two pairs of sneakers, not to run in but to wear. If I am going to have to wear this type of shoe more for my orthotics and to help my heel heal, I am going to have some sneakers I like. I have no idea of the last time I just bought sneakers with no thought to stability etc. I have been wearing my old Brooks adrenaline which are too worn for running.  Everything I bought is running related!  New school/work clothes?  Who needs those!


These have quite a bit of purple!  I want colorful shoes!


Another follow up to my last post.  I haven't heard from PD yet but I am sure he will be calling soon.  

24 comments:

LMC said...

I think you'll be OK when you get back from one week off. I don't think that's long enough to lose to much of the training you've already done, particularly if you are still biking. I did that when I trained for Columbus last year and I actually felt great after the week off and I was able to jump right back into training. But, I know, everyone is different. Love the "Expo" gear, such a pretty blue!
BTW, you are a great advocate for your state. Each time you describe your routes there or show pictures, I want to move there immediately! (Vermont, right)?
Have a great BIRTHDAY week!

misszippy said...

Love the blue running gear! Do you think you have plantar fasciitis? Let me know--I am a pro at it and have been managing it in one foot for a full year now. I have lots of tips and tricks to handle it!

Fran said...

I love your new running gear.

I think it's good that you listen to your body. I'm like you I have to follow my plan otherwise I get insecure if I can do it. I had to listen to my body today too and decided to take a step back in my schedule by two weeks. That's not a problem since I won't be running a half before April next year at the earliest.

Ewa said...

My problem with listening to my body is not knowing if am not just being lazy and looking for excuses to take it easy. But often enough, when I thought I was overcoming my laziness I would end up injured.

Julie said...

This post makes me want to go shopping for more running stuff! My daughter and I were going through my dresser and pulled out all of my clothes. She thinks that it is so freaking crazy that I have more running clothes than normal and work clothes:)

Actually, we have a Nike outlet close to where we live. Kay needs more tempo shorts and the Nike outlet always has great deals:) Maybe I need a few new items too!

Great job on the biking...I can't wait to make my final choice. I am hoping to have a bike no later than next week:)

To answer your question on if Kay and I planned on matching for our 5k race. The answer is no...I gave her the only XS racing singlet that I own and it just turned out that it was similar to the one that I had on:)

Jill said...

Hum....now you have me a little confused as to what exactly my heel pain IS. From what I've read, Plantar Faciitis hurts mostly when you start out but feels a little better after you run. As with you, I have the opposite problem, I'm okay till about 10 and then WHAM! But I haven't had it diagnosed due to this insurance disaster (hopefully in 2 weeks) so in my own self-diagnosis, I ruled PF out... err. Anyhoo, I'm glad you're being cautious (me too) and taking it easy. I like to follow plans to a T also and it is hard to fall from that plan...but your heel isn't going to let you train properly without giving it some time so you gotta do what you gotta do. You still have time to crank out some great training :).

I am back to work two days next week for registration/meetings and then back for good on the 17th - unlike. Where did summer go? You had some great trips and experiences, which I'm sure are tucked tight in your memory bank...I am sure you'll have a blast your last couple weeks. And rafting is fun (though I won't go anymore b/c I'm constantly cold in CO waters) .. hope you get to go!

HUGS to you! You are such an amazingly tough woman!!! Have a wonderful birthday week!!! :)

Christina said...

I start work tomorrow, lots of meetings with the other Early Childhood staff, teachers, aides etc. I rested my legs this weekend. I think the cause of my shin troubles were a combo of tempo runs and lots of inclines. Gonna take my legs out for a spin tomorrow a.m. on the treadmill at 0% incline and will see how that go.

Good luck on your heel. I think you made a smart move by resting this week.
Have a wonderful birthday week and may all your wishes come true for you.

Marlene said...

Sounds like you are making the right call giving yourself a little rest. I hope it helps!

Awesome on the bike ride. 10 miles is a big deal in my books!

Char said...

Looks like you had a lot of fun outlet shopping. Better than an expo!

Middle Name Marie said...

I think taking a week off will be good. Imagine not taking a week off and developing an injury so bad that it takes you out of the race completely. I say the week is a much better option :)

I totally get the "following a plan" thing though. I am the same way.

BTDUB--awesome outlet score!

Monica said...

Love, Love, Love your pretty blue running outfit. Sounds like you had a great bike ride. I'd love to bike, but it hurts my "girly" parts. :)

MCM Mama said...

Hope your heel feels better soon!

I'm heading to my parents' this week and one of my favorite things about where they live is the outlet mall. LOL

HappyTrails said...

I LOVE "play" clothes and shoes, too - who needs the other stuff? I prefer to wear my play clothes anyway. I hope the heel thing gets better soon with a little down time. The bike will keep you fit - just get after it. I have had just a little heel twinge - it feels like the back of one of my heels is bruised - not sure what it is, although I am pretty sure it is running related. My, my - summer has certainly flown by too quickly but you sure squeezed your money's worth out of it with all of your great trips and races - thanks for continuing to share! Have yourself a fabulous birthday, you and the bike path!!! :-)

Unknown said...

I was thinking about you on my long run today and I was wondering if you'd tried rolling your foot on a tennis/baseball? I also bought a little roller with raised threads and I roll on if after every run. It massages and stretches your whole foot.
Happy Birthday and it likes like we're all back to school in some manner this week! The time has flown by!

Johann said...

Listen to the body...always the right thing to do, but so frustrating! I hope you get over this problem soon. I don't know if I'll manage even 10 miles on a bike right now.

Amy said...

Rest is always a good thing - and one week won't mess your training up. I really hope you get the heel figured out and are able to have a wonderful birthday celebration!

Lindsay said...

Glad you are able to bike in the meantime and aren't totally sidelined! Hopefully your wisdom and patience to rest will pay off quickly. Fingers crossed for you!

Tricia said...

great gear

Molly said...

I think it's smart that you're taking a little break, believe me, I know how hard it is. You don't want to make it worse. The bike was a good idea for cross training!

Anonymous said...

Great Expo Picks! So sorry your heel is giving you trouble, but your body will thank you for the break, and you'll come back faster than ever! ;)

Darlene said...

Check these reviews - I bet you do this next year - http://www.active.com/running/north-creek-ny/race-the-train-2010#Reviews

Emz said...

I love the new digs.

Thanks for the comment on ART - I will certainly be asking him about this!! Thank you!!

Katie A. said...

You're a smart runner and lady - taking a week or so off won't impact your training. Better safe than sorry!
And where did the summer go? Boo! Love the new Ascis :)

Heidi said...

I think it's wise to listen to your body and take some rest time. I'm currently having the same concersation with myself but haven't yet come to that conclusion. I have to be sure that it's actual rest I need and that it's not just an excuse, or that I can't find another way to resolve it. Hope you heal up quickly.