2.16 miles of hell

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.

Riverbound Race Series 15k

The 15k. I really enjoy this distance. It's long, but not too long. So, I had taken most of the previous three weeks off from running. I did a barefoot run (3 miles) about a week in and then last Wednesday tried out the legs with a 4 miler and then raced on Saturday. However, I had done a fair amount of mountain biking to supplement my fitness. My shins were suprisingly quiet during the entire race. The right knee got uncomfortable, but I have gotten used to that one.

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.

I started thinking about the middle miles at this point. I like them. They are what make a longer run a longer run. They are the ones that test you, and push you. I knew that they could also break me, so I tried out a stragety. If I was behind someone that I wanted to pass, I would see if I could "regain my breathing". (The phrase my head came up with.) If I was behind them and had breath control, I would be allowed to pass them. This stragety seemed to work well, and didn't let me get my ass kicked by trying to go too hard. There was no hurry, and I was running for the experience. (I had to put in the back of my mind the part of me that likes the push-until-you-drop-experience.) Basically this is how I completed the rest of the race. If my breathing got out of control, I'd slow my pace. I walked the steep hills. I didn't judge myself for it. I even decided to walk at mile 8 for 50 steps so that I could have a good finish. (I'm a counter.)

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!

It was a great race. I didn't have that horrible negative self-talk this time. I started slow and enjoyed the run. At the finish I had no idea how I'd done, and I didn't care too much. I had really enjoyed the run. When you're off for weeks, getting to do a long run is a gift. I'm actually looking forward to the half marathon. (I was dreading this run, just a bit, despite all the good people I knew I'd see.) Christina actually ended up getting sick at mile 4, and left to get ready for her wedding that afternoon. I also met Pearce, a new friend who discovered my blog while searching about the riverbound series. Brian ended up having a good race - I believe his injury stayed under control. Abby and Missy I believe had fun - and both finished 2nd in their age group.

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.

Roads are my meat-grinder

So, the shin splints have gotten me. Again. (Ultimately why Shut-In didn't happen last year.) I had switched to a majority of roads for about two weeks, some to save gas, some to try and utilize my location for what it is, and some to run with my Smoky Mountain Relay friends. I'm not sure what actually did me in, but the roads, speed drills against my friend Marc, or different shoes could all be likely reasons.

I found myself having to back out of some races, and back off in others. I have decided to do just a half marathon in LeHigh Valley, and am not going to get the Triple Lakes run in at all. My friend Brenda has told me to pick the one I want to focus on, and not worry about the others. Easier said than done, but I'm trying.

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.

It's heartbreaking. I don't feel like I have gotten the outdoor time I need, despite a 9 hour hike yesterday. I have discovered that it's not the outdoor time, it's the type of outdoor time. It's the running. It's the love of the feeling. So I am limiting myself - or trying to. Shut-In training starts the first of August. I got the email last week. Heal heal heal. Don't start with an injury. I'll run it fast or slow if healthy, but not if injured.

Here's to you, land of trails, may I run with you soon.