Tapered

I’ve been taking it relatively slow for the past two weeks. The hip and knee soreness have reduced considerably – not quite to ancient history as I had hoped. But it is bearable and run-on-able. I’ve been putsing around all week doing 5 miles or less and at slow speeds, but it’s been great.

Yesterday, I did a short 3 miler starting out with the Five Finger KSO’s. I love them as much as the first time, if not more. I intend to use them a lot over the summer. How much, I can’t say yet – I’d still like to see how I feel after 10+ miles in them.

Curiosity got the best of me and I stopped midway through yesterday’s trail to go completely barefoot. As you might suspect, it hurts. Pebbles hurt. Most surfaces but loosely packed dirt and leaves hurt. And those hurt if they have jagged pebbles. Rocks and gravel hurt the most, but by the time I got to that my feet were already numb. And this was after just 1/2 a mile. I have a newfound respect for Barefoot Ted and the like. In spite of the pain, I’m curious to know how much of it I could possibly take and will probably end up trying a few longer runs totally barefoot. What I’m trying to say is – as minimal as the FiveFingers are, they still offer a lot of protection where you need it.

I got Mae out on a trail last night and one more today. The pictures in this post are from this afternoon’s quick 3 miler through some river-adjacent trails in Ann Arbor. All pretty flat, but great just to keep warmed up and ready for tomorrow.

We went to Ann Arbor to get my packet for tomorrow’s 1/2 trail marathon – which I’m really looking forward to. I’m going back and fourth between thinking I should attempt a sub 2 hour finish and thinking of just taking it slow and enjoying myself. After stubbing the toenail off my pinky toe this morning, I may opt for the latter (now two toenails missing from my right foot). In all honesty, I’ll likely start the race with too much excitement, belting out 7:30 minute miles for the first 5 miles (way too fast for me to sustain), then I’ll crash and end up puttering along to the finish line 3 hours later.

Or not, we’ll see.

Gear Review: Vibram Five Fingers

I’m pleased to report that the hip/IT-Band injury is now (almost) history. For now. Got a few good trails in last week but am ready to step it up and hopefully make a good showing at the Running Fit Trail 1/2 this Sunday. Will be practicing the Poto this week after work and I’m exceptionally excited to do a few runs in my new Vibram Five Fingers.

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Life is Good

The past month wore hard on us both. Running injuries and workplace politics left us needing an escape. And as I’m a firm believer in resting when needed in order to lead more fruitful lives when truly needed, now was the time.

I can’t remember the last honest-to-goodness weekend we had. I mean the kind where you don’t work, and you minimize thoughts about work, and you go somewhere unrelated to work. And to be on the safe side, you turn off your Treo which means no work emails and no phone calls and no text messages.

We’ve gone up north so often, and as much as we love the Traverse City and Charlevoix areas, they’re a considerable hike there and back. So why not enjoy our equally beautiful west coast, a mere two hours away? We heard a lot of great things about Saugatuck, and learned that they were all understatements. Great people, amazing food, and beautiful scenery.

It’s 1:30am and pictures speak more than words, so enjoy.

Lake Michigan’s magical healing powers.

Skipping Stones.

Climbing sand dunes and looking out over the beach.

Eh. . . More pictures exist. But I’m still in relaxation mode. Perhaps more to follow.

Recovery, Sorta.

The week of biking and swimming and cross training ended up getting consumed by 15 hour work days. To cope with the ungodly work demands, I also shunned any type of healthy diet and re-addicted myself to the dreaded coffee/beer one-two (coffee to stay awake until you can’t possibly function, then beer to make yourself fall asleep). I also took to drinking sodas to settle my stomach. Relief was short lived.

In the midst of all the work, the injury was well-timed in some ways. On a very serious down side, I’ve done absolutely nothing active for over a week.

So I hopped on a treadmill for 40 minutes tonight, rattling off a very slow and boring 4 miles. I could feel my ITB throbbing with each step as I tried to correct my form. It almost felt like learning to walk again – who knew a week off could be so damaging? By mile two I could feel things smoothing out, and am optimistic about tomorrow’s trail run as well as Wednesday’s and Thursday’s.

A new opportunity has popped up, professionally, and while it’s essentially everything I could want from a job (creative director at the ripe age of 30), I’m horrified at what routine 60 hour work weeks will do to my running – though not enough to dissuade me from trying. It’s tough enough balancing 50 hour weeks, freelance, a girlfriend, and a condo. To that end, I’m amazed at those who find time to run, work and parent.

Speaking of, a gigantic congratulations to the Dirty One for Sunday’s PR in Toledo.

And with that – I go back to work. . .

200 Mile Weeks?

Apparently it’s possible. Running barefoot for some of it. And in about 28 hours per week. . .

Slowing Down, Weak Off

Got a bit over-exuberant finally having dry sidewalks and semi solid trails this week. Earlier on I found myself clocking 8 minute miles for the shorter runs (5 milers) and realized I need to slow it down. Going too fast, too fast, since last year I was averaging 10:30 miles.

And then, as expected, the soreness arrived. A night with 4.5 hours of sleep and the nagging hip pain left me walking at the tail end of a 5 mile trail yesterday.

Some self diagnosis a la Google brings me to the conclusion that I need a week off my feet, just to rest my joints, stretch, and more effectively cross train. Weights, yoga, swimming and biking will ensue – as well as a much anticipated, monthly massage therapy session on Tuesday. Half marathon training run will wait until next Sunday.

Sympathy goes to my lovely girlfriend, who will have to tolerate the mood swings I get from missing a single day of running. Oh what a week it’ll be…