2010 Resolution

2010 Resolutions

I suppose everyone sets resolutions for each New Year. I chose to start early, around Thanksgiving, and started a training plan through RunnersWorld SmartCoach.

SmartCoach is a computerized, generic training plan that is formulated based upon a recent race time (from 1 Mile to 1 Marathon), current (self-ascribed) fitness level and the number of weeks allowed to reach your goal.

Since my goal is to run the Marine Corps Marathon in October, I chose a 16 week half marathon program. Once I get that on the web, I'll reference and comment on it.

Anyway, instead of a half marathon, I'm running the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile race on April 11th. My goal is to finish. I have no clue what my time will be since I haven't run that far since high school!

DC United v Real Madrid

Today's a fun day. DC United plays Real Madrid for the 2nd time in 5 years. Last game, in 2005, the final score was tied at 1. a score that the Madrid team captain, Raul Gonzalez does not acknowledge...an achievement for DC United especially when the MLS All-Star team lost to Real Madrid in Spain that same year.

Real Madrid concludes its training with this game against DC United. Real Madrid defeated Toronto 5-1, with Raul collecting a brace during that game.

With Christiano Ronaldo (Portugal) and Kaka (Brazil), as the current and former world footballer of year winners, Real Madrid has the decided advantage. The combined salary for these two players this year exceeds the entire DC United salary over the last 13.5 years!

The game will be played at FedEx field instead of RFK. This is a fan's choice game and one in which DC United can bring in much needed cash that can, hopefully, be applied to a soccer-specific stadium.

Vamos United!

Massage, Yoga and Muscle Pulls

Well, it's been a while since I last posted; at least, it feels that way. Over the past two weeks, I've been dealing with a severe calf pull of the left inside calf. The pull stopped me cold in mid-stride two weeks ago. After kneading and stretching the calf, I tried to run it off...BIG MISTAKE.

A half block later, I turned around and hobbled home. The only aerobic exercise I could manage was on the elliptical. (Good news there: finally went below 10 minute/mile pace.)

During the week, I used Yoga and rolled my calf to regain flexibility and de-cramp the muscle. I increased intake of water, electrolytes and Potassium to prevent cramping.

Last Sunday was bright, sunny making me hopeful that I could run again. The calf felt good, so I decided to try an easy run to gauge the current state of injury. I found that an easy pace focusing on form did not cause pain or cramping. Things were looking up! Until a bit past the 1 mile mark where the same calf cramped suddenly. I stopped immediately and walked home.

That night, I received a massage that concentrated on my legs. When the masseur worked on my left calf, I had to ask him to stop for a few seconds due to the pain. The calf was sore to the touch for the next 4 days. Today (Friday), the calf is the first day that the calf does not ache upon touch. After stretching and Yoga, my calf is not contracting on each step. All good signs, but it's best to wait before trying to run again.

Until we meet on the road...

Workout Expectations

When I was younger, I remember the feeling of rnning from strength, where the stride came easy and control over the workout intensity was quantifiable.

Now, while I may plan to do striders, I am so caught up in keeping my feet from slapping the ground...something that never happened when younger...that I forgot to do striders!

And my quads are sore from the pounding. Looks like I need a day off. Sigh!

I can't wait until I settle into a routine where my expectations for a planned workout have a reasonable chance of being realized.

Today's Distance Run

Today's workout was my distance run. I am trying to break through 5 miles, having broken 4 miles during last weekend's DC Capital Striders 8K race in Georgetown (sunset run).

Today's run started in Zone 3, which is conversational pace and maintained that pace for the first 2.5 miles. After that, the course which was flat became an up and down course.

After deciding to attack the hills, I literally melted at around 4 miles and, based upon my heart rate monitor, had to stop after 4.8 miles. My heart rate was off the scale and the heat had already gotten to me.

So, another distance run that fell short of my goal. Hmmm. Can't wait until I am fit enough to go 10 miles at conversational pace. Guess I've got to be patient. I am grateful for the time I have running...at least my body is lasting.

Until next time.

It's a Beautiful Day For a Run

Where to start. I hate the suburbs. what started out as a nice town on the fringe of suburbia has morphed into a highly populated suburb with multi-lane roads and attendant traffic jams.

What makes living here bearable?

This does.

It's drizzling. The sky is overcast. But the temperature is moderate.The birds are singing. Traffic hasn't started to clog the roads yet. I am healthy.

In other words, a beautiful day to run.

National Running Day

Yesterday was National Run Day and I did run. Other than putting in 4 miles and feeling good about it, I didn't notice anything different about the day.

Lately, I've been hit by a few joint-specific injuries on both knees and left ankle. that's a bit discouraging and is cause to pay attention to the answer to "how I feel?"

I wish my stride came as easy as it did when I was younger. But it doesn't. I wish I were more flexible than I am now. But, I'm not.

guess the only thing to do is keep putting one foot in front of the other and pray that my joint pain is rust that will dissapear over time.