Sunday, March 3, 2013

Back in the Hokas Again

I ran both days this weekend.  Yesterday I walked 3 and ran 1 mile on the treadmill.  The treadmill never looked so good.  No potholes to worry about and I could stop at any time.  The mile I ran was the slowest mile I ever ran on the treadmill but it felt so good.

Today I went back for more and felt ever so much better. Today I ran 3 miles with 2 miles of walk breaks peppered in there. I could go somewhat faster and it felt completely good. I am wearing an ankle brace which helps me at least mentally.  I am so happy to be running again.  I know I have not been shy about my preference for biking but in Vermont the love of biking only takes you so far in the long off season. The trainer just doesn't cut it and that wasn't feeling so great either.

Last week I swam 4 mornings.  I could tell my ankle was really improving so I skipped Friday with a short walk/run on Saturday in mind.  Swimming was CRAZY this week. It was like January 1 and everyone had just made that New Year's Resolution. But people it is March.  Why are you coming so early in droves now?  I was at the pool before 6 the other morning and there were already 9 cars there and two women got out of the car next to me.  The pool is not a big one.  So far I have been able to get in but it's much more fun when not so crowded. I am glad I can reduce it this week and get some serious aerobic workouts in. It is hard for me to make swimming particularly aerobic with my lack of speed and whatever it is I am missing.

Now I am wondering what I do about my half marathon training plan.  My first spring half is mid April. I don't feel I'll be ready for that but I have two more in the spring.  I know people miss two weeks all the time and keep going but since I have options I am rethinking this.  I have one on May 5 I think which is 9 weeks away.  I am thinking maybe I will go back to week 4 of my training plan and train "hard" for that one.  Then I also have one on May 29 or so and I could do that one but both Emily and Jameson will be racing it and I would like to just have fun and not worry so much about my time.  The trouble is May 5 is a hilly one but a goal to do better than last year would be a worthwhile one IMO.  Thoughts?  How long have you missed and jumped back into a training plan?  I am not sure how completely I can do it even now.  This week will be a bit of a trial and error for me.  I am still a little hesitant going down stairs and I can't do my stretches yet.
Unplugged Half - not feeling I'll be ready

Maple Half - hilly but at a good time

VCM - just want to enjoy the day

I also registered for two races this summer.  I have been looking and looking and looking at the Shipyard Half in Portland, Maine.  I like the course, the medals, the brewery putting it on. Those are good reasons right?  I don't know about a half in mid July but oh well.  I also registered for the Biggest Loser race at the end of July.  Link on my sidebar for either of these races if you want to know more.  This race is rather unique (involves a chairlift ride) and I couldn't resist. It is a 5K or a 15K.  The problem is it is the day after my triathlon I have registered for so I went with the 5K option.

Love signing up for races!

Love running again!

What's rocking your world right now?

11 comments:

HappyTrails said...

Hokas are good to be in!!! :-)

Char said...

My first thought was 'of course you'll be ready for your April race' and then I realised that it was already March so I understand why you're hesitant. How did it get to be March so quickly?

I still think you could finish the April half but it would just be a "for fun" event. I did my half last year off only one long run and finished and your base of fitness is good. It really depends on how quickly that ankle heals.

Karen said...

So glad you are running again! Hooray for healing ankles :) Weird about the pool. I wonder what that was all about - a sudden interest in swimming? I agree, swimming is so much better when the pool isn't crowded!

Liz said...

Hmm - I'd be concerned about jumping back into training so quickly, but as Char says it really depends how quickly your ankle heals - it could be fine.

I love the sound of the race that includes a chairlift! Different and fun!

Ransick said...

Woohoo on running again! Listen to your body building back up. No reason to risk injury.

Kate Geisen said...

If you're feeling better, you could always run/walk April if need be, race May 5, and enjoy VCM. That would be my thought, anyway.

So glad you're running again! :) I've been spending a TON of trainer time...I so miss biking outside. Have a plan to this weekend, so fingers crossed! Oh, and my bike is being delivered TOMORROW!!

Cinthia said...

Wah! I want to shop at an outlet store but alas, they have none up here. Loved viewing your purchases, especially the jacket and the dresses. Totally my style.
I haven't been running much either, though luckily I'm not injured. Hope your ankle heals soon.
Cheers,

Darlene said...

So glad you are back to running. Can't wait to see you on July 28 if not sooner.

Kandi said...

Maybe a lot of people started swimming this month in preparation for tri season?
I'm glad you're running again! I would suggest what someone above said about doing a run/walk for the April race, racing the May 5th race, and then enjoying VCM.

Runner Leana said...

So glad to hear you are back to running and that your ankle is improving! Sounds like you have some fun races on the horizon! It all depends on how quickly you are able to come back as to the feasibility for running a half next month. Just obviously you don't want to push it too much or else you may set yourself back.

Unknown said...

I am thinking it might be better to skip the first one so that you have more time to heal. It would be ashamed to get re-injured while training or racing and have to miss the other race.