Back to Training

I never intended to take a break from training. Normally, I schedule plateaus in my yearly schedule, but the complete drop-off this past Nov/Dec was depressing for this runner chic. Between plantar fasciitis (PF) and pneumonia, someone up above was telling me to take a break. I grudgingly obliged...

Have you ever LAID DOWN on a treadmill
after running?? Yeah, it's HOT like a heating pad!

I have slowly been building back my running mileage base. The PF has occasionally reminded me of its presence, but pretty good for the most part. I continue with strengthening exercises for the lower leg, and the foot roller has a permanent spot by the couch. I've completed three long runs since the new year. Each time, I'm nervous of the results, but as with anything, each run feels better and better. Consistency is key. With each passing week, my endurance builds.

I've been avoiding the Garmin or anything that times my runs. I know I've been slow on the comeback. I can feel my body moving slower and don't need to see the numbers to reinforce that. It's depressing and I'm trying not to let it mess with my head. With Old Man Winter being nasty this year, I've been forced onto the treadmill more than I'd like.  I cover up the time/speed displays, but as a veteran runner, I know by the setting what speed I'm doing (6.0mph is 10 min/miles). Through the weeks, I've noticed a slight increase of pace which is encouraging to keep on keeping on.

Back in the pool!

In addition to running, I've added swimming back into the mix. (I signed up for an Olympic triathlon in July.)  Oh-brother, swim is a sport that gives me mixed emotions. I'm not good at it, but it is good for me. The cardio exercise without impact is simply invaluable in my training. With every swim, I feel the whittling around my core and the strength in my arms/shoulders/back. It makes me feel strong, yet fluid. By no means am I a "swimmer", but I try my best. Right now, I'm doing intervals of 4 laps of freestyle swim (which exhausts me), followed by a lap of water jogging. I repeat the sequence for 40 minutes. I'm usually in the pool with older pool walkers during the day. They are much nicer to me than the "swimmers". The other day, one guy told me I looked graceful. I almost spit pool water in his face at how much I laughed.

When it comes to biking, I really miss my rides outside. I don't have an indoor trainer (yet) so Spinning classes fill the void. I am a Spin instructor at my gym, and it has been my happy place this winter. I love the ability to ride with friends of all fitness levels. We have a lot of fun in the Spin room, plus it's a fantastic cross-train for running. I'm hoping come spring, I'll be able to smoothly transfer over to rides on the road bike.

If you've read my blog for any extent of time, you know my focus  to #RaceAll50. I've got 19 states done already, but it's getting expensive to say the least. So when the opportunity arose to win a trip to a state I haven't raced yet, I jumped at it!  I've received some nasty messages about it, so let me say this... By no means do I think I'm better than any other blogger or deserve it more than anyone else, I would just love the chance to run Napa Valley in CA!  In fact, I've been voting daily for my other friends in the contest. The 'Run to Napa' voting runs until Feb. 24 and I would greatly appreciate your daily votes.  If I win, another trip to ZOOMA Napa Valley will be given away here on the blog, so there's a bit of incentive for you too.  Click here to vote.  Please know that I appreciate it more than you know!