Tough times don't last but tough people do.

I took the last 3 months off from distance runs to help my IT band recoop. This was the first day I got to run outside since October of last fall! Running is therapy, especially running outside enjoying the 50 degree weather!!!

Workout:

• Type: Run
• Date: 01/31/2009
• Total Time: 00:25:00.00
• Calories: 376
• Distance: 3 miles
• Average Pace: 8:20/mile

Workout:

• Type: Run
• Date: 01/30/2009
• Total Time: 00:25:00.00
• Distance: 3 miles
• Average Pace: 8:20/mile

Started my workout with intense stretching. Worked up to a good pace and felt pretty good. Towards the end of my mile my IT band started giving me heck again, slowed the pace down and stretched good when I finished. Hoping that starting back at MILE 1 (yuck!) and not increasing my mileage too quickly will help with the runners knee. It’s getting colder in the mornings so it is probably the last week or two that I will be able to run outside, I always dread track and tread mill runs - but you do what you have to.

Workout:

• Type: Run
• Date: 11/05/2008
• Total Time: 00:10:00.00
• Distance: 1 miles
• Average Pace: 10:00/mile

Started with 30 minutes of stretching both IT bands… definately sore, but the stretching helped. Doing PT 3 x a week to strengthen - so far so good. My physical therapist suggested starting with 5 min runs 3 x a week and adding 5 minutes every week…. Hard to do when you have been running for 60 -90 minutes a day. I felt like I was just getting warmed up and my 5 minutes was up. I know I have to follow this regimen though. It is going to be a slow recovery!!!

I have set some new goals for myself… Next spring I am going to be running in either the Brookings or Lincoln Half-Marathon and in October 2009 I am going to compete in my first Marathon.

Workout:

• Type: Run
• Date: 10/28/2008
• Time: 17:30:00
• Total Time: 00:10:00.00

I am supposed to be having an MRI tomorrow - but over the weekend I saw a P.A. who works in orthopedics (cousin of mine, comes in handy!) Anyway… he messed around with my knee and doesn’t think I have torn or injured anything, but thinks I have ITB syndrome… AKA runners knee. Positives and negatives to this diagnosis… no mri needed, no surgery, but a PAIN to get over! Takes time, time, and more time… Hoping to start back SLOWLY this week. Ive researched and experts say start off slow- run 5 minutes 3x a week and stretch for 30 minutes before and after, adding 5 minutes per week… That is a long build up of minutes and miles! I’m shooting for my first full marathon next spring! Wish me luck!

I haven’t been updating on my workouts lately because all they consist of is walking and weights… not exactly fun. I injured my L knee about 4 weeks ago when I was running and have been working towards recovery. The marathon I was planning on running is tomorrow It sucks to think of the miles and hours that I put in to have an injury so close to the race. Been resting, icing, “nsaid-ing” but none of this has helped. Im having an MRI done tuesday so hopefully it will be more good news than bad and I can start running again!

Workout:

• Type: Run
• Date: 09/23/2008
• Total Time: 00:25:00.00
• Distance: 3 miles
• Average Pace: 8:20/mile

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence is then not an act, but a habit.”
Less than 25 days until my first half marathon… I’m nervous just thinking about it, but very excited to see how my training has pain off. Any advice for a first timer?

The weather was perfect for running today - mid 70’s with a breeze. Did a good 10mile run. Mile times were consistent. Got to see a couple deer, a turkey, and gulp… a snake! Yuck, but that made me run faster! My leg muscles are stronger than they have ever been and my lung capacity is at its peak - felt really good starting out, but about mile 7 I started getting terrible knee pain. Hurt almost to the point of walking, but walking hurt worse so I trudged on. On my long run days this is starting to be a pattern. Im icing, taking ibuprofen, and doing some lunges to strengthen… Any other suggestions!?

Workout:

• Type: Run
• Date: 09/14/2008
• Time: 17:00:00
• Total Time: 1:35:00.00
• Distance: 10 miles
• Average Pace: 9:29.62/mile

Workout:

• Type: Run
• Date: 09/09/2008
• Total Time: 00:35:00.00
• Distance: 4 miles
• Average Pace: 8:44.78/mile