So I tried something new.
In light of my upcoming inaugural triathlon, (in addition to the fact that I have worked and not done any exercise in 4 days), I decided to do a hard bike ride, then tack on a few miles running. I have done both before, but I always run first because I feel I would be less likely to be injured if I am running strong and biking weak. So...
When I bike, my right knee always gives me some weird trouble. I don't know how else to describe it. Occasionally my left has patellar pain too, it always goes away when I stop biking. So I went on my bike ride, a little after noon so it was hot as crap.
I have heard there is some threshold you meet at 90 minutes of exercise so I wanted to be running after I had reached that threshold. (I don't really know what I am talking about, I guess I need to do some research.) I ended up doing a little over 11 miles in 91 minutes (not overachieving here). Bike Portion Well, I took a little time in loading up my bike and switching shoes... and off I went.
My right knee felt like someone had put glue into the joint. It was incredibly stiff and painful. And it wasn't just that outer part that usually hurts when I run, it was the entire freaking joint. So, 0.11 in, I walked. I stretched that knee and popped it about 12 times, thinking this would loosen it up. Over the course of the 2.16 miles, I walked multiple times. My average pace was 10:30. Run Portion There goes my 22:00 5k after the swim and bike sections I was hoping for.
It was really frustrating. I wanted to keep running, but I was exhausted. I'd walk for a bit, then felt great, like I could run and actually pick up the pace, but about 75 steps in, I'd feel exhausted again. Every time. It was kind of funny, in a way. I hadn't had anything but breakfast, but I don't think that was it. That's a transition I am going to have to get used to. I wasn't too hard on myself though. It was a first, and that's how they go sometimes. It's good because it gives me something to work on.
And now for my quick ADHD pharagraph...
I don't really sweat incredible amounts - especially my face. Even if it's 90 degrees, I usually just bead up on my face. Today I don't know why, because it was only 83 or something, but I was pouring sweat. Come to think of it, I did drink my CamelBak dry. It was awesome though, I love to sweat. I drove a ways up Bent Creek Gap, and sat in the river for about 10 minutes to cool down my legs.
Therefore, my plan now, is to try and bike just even a little, before each run. I kept thinking of that triathlon I watched on Universal Sports. They were flying. I figure this will get me into incredible shape, because it totally kicked my ass today. We'll see.
This is the record of my love for trail running. I express my influences, experiences and transformations that have been brought to my life.
"The woods are lovely dark and deep, but I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep." ~Robert Frost
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
Riverbound Race Series 15k
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I was excited about going to this race because of the people I would see. I was meeting my friend Brian, who I hadn't seen since the DuPont half. Christina would be there with a unique perspective, since it was also her wedding day. My 2nd and 3rd cousins Missy and Abby would also be there - racing the 5k. Coming back from three weeks off, I figured I'd just take my time, and enjoy the company.
Knowing the mistake that had made the 10k so miserable, I started slow. I did not try and get in front of anyone here. Brian and I ran together and caught up on eachother's running lives. We chatted races, injuries and experiences. It made almost 4 miles go by very easily. Brian also shared the pour-the-aid-station-water-on-your-head stragety. At first it felt weird, but Charlotte in July made it a necessity. It really helped me to keep my body temperature down! I was planning on taking my time, and enjoying this experience. At this time, the entire wave we were in began to slow. There was an article in one of the magazines I get, about the middle miles. Apparently this is a place where the miles slow for everyone. I was fine for a bit, but then got antsy so I picked up the pace, and continued on my own.
The race ends around the "river". It's out in the open. Once I got to this part, I was pretty tired. I had been pushing decently for nearly an hour and a half. I knew I didn't have much of a kick left in me. There was a guy on the side observing, so I asked him if anyone would be able to overtake me. He said "no - you're wide open". Ahhh. I just kept my pace until the end. I saw Abby and Missy on the side cheering and I smiled. I love my family!
I ended up 2nd in my age group. My time was 1:27:42. I think I was about 10 minutes behind the first girl in my age group. (wow!) I was pleased. It was fun and I enjoyed it. I hadn't run over 4 miles in weeks. Good run. I appreciate the gift.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Roads are my meat-grinder
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I have been biking and hiking. I tried a barefoot trail run because I knew it'd make me go slow, and ended up breaking my toe. I have gotten up to almost 3 miles barefoot each run so I don't think it was anything to do with the shins, just the Universe telling me to keep resting.
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Here's to you, land of trails, may I run with you soon.
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