Well,
I have finally made through all of my training runs, at least to the end of the schedule. I ran my last run this evening after work. I went tot he YMCA and since it was nice, I ran outside on the road in front of the Y. I did a simple 1 mile out and 1 mile back loop. I ran it at a pace slower than my target MP. It was really strange stopping after 2 miles, I did not even feel like I worked out. I took a shower and headed to the church for ensemble practice feeling good and ready to run.
Looking back I completed a total of 63 runs of the 76 for a total of 340.7 miles. I have run through sub zero weather, having ice form on my hair, beard, and eyebrows. I have run in the rain, the sun, the dark, on roads, tracks indoors/outdoors. I have run alone, with friends, and in races. I have climbed stairs and climbed hills. I have fought through injuries to my ankle, and knee, foot pain and leg/muscle pains. Why? Not for the training, or self improvement, or for the pig - really. All of these were side benefits of all of this. The reason that I run, is for my family. I want to be around to see my kids grow up, share a long loving relationship with my wife, and enjoy all of the blessings God has given me that I have done nothing to deserve.
So, I hope to finish the "Flying Pig" on Sunday and maybe do so in under 5 hours. Whatever the outcome, I am just blessed to be able to participate in the race.
Thanks again to all of you that have supported my efforts, you truly have been a blessing to me. The blog will be reflections on the marathon, unless I blog about my girls running the kid marathon on Saturday.
In Him,
Tim Vogel
Philippians 4:13
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Run #71 - Taper 3 miles
Hello all,
Well since I was home with a sick child, went into Bethel and ran the walking track for my taper run. It ended up being 3.1 miles. It was cool when I got on the track (about 50 degrees) at 6:45am. The sun was not quite up and it was a great morning to run. There were not many other people on the track (1 other runner and 2 ladies walking). This was supposed to be an easy run, slower than my target MP. My pace ended actually being right at my target MP. for the entire run.
Tomorrow is my last taper run before the pig. Blog at everyone again soon.
In Him, Philippians 4:13
Well since I was home with a sick child, went into Bethel and ran the walking track for my taper run. It ended up being 3.1 miles. It was cool when I got on the track (about 50 degrees) at 6:45am. The sun was not quite up and it was a great morning to run. There were not many other people on the track (1 other runner and 2 ladies walking). This was supposed to be an easy run, slower than my target MP. My pace ended actually being right at my target MP. for the entire run.
Tomorrow is my last taper run before the pig. Blog at everyone again soon.
In Him, Philippians 4:13
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Run #70 - Taper 4 miles
Hello all,
Well only 2 runs left before the pig and I am feeling great. We drove part of the course over the weekend (last part coming into Cincinnati on route 50 and route 52 to Pete Rose Way) and it looks pretty flat. I should not get confused like last year and start my final kick too early since it is a straight shot into the finish.
My run this morning was only 4 miles. I hit the YMCA at around 5:45am and was on the track. My runs are supposed to be "easy" paces, but yet again I ran way faster than I should be. I ran a negative split for the 4 miles with an overall average pace of 11:06/mile which is 14 seconds under my target MP and 60+ seconds under the pace I should have been running. My first mile was 11:23/mile and miles 2 and 4 were both under 11 minutes. I walked an additional 1/2 mile and then stretched out before hitting the showers and heading to work. Tomorrow is a 3 mile "taper" run. With only 2 runs left before the pig, I am getting excited and anxious.
Will blog at everyone tomorrow.
In Him,
Philippians 4:13
Well only 2 runs left before the pig and I am feeling great. We drove part of the course over the weekend (last part coming into Cincinnati on route 50 and route 52 to Pete Rose Way) and it looks pretty flat. I should not get confused like last year and start my final kick too early since it is a straight shot into the finish.
My run this morning was only 4 miles. I hit the YMCA at around 5:45am and was on the track. My runs are supposed to be "easy" paces, but yet again I ran way faster than I should be. I ran a negative split for the 4 miles with an overall average pace of 11:06/mile which is 14 seconds under my target MP and 60+ seconds under the pace I should have been running. My first mile was 11:23/mile and miles 2 and 4 were both under 11 minutes. I walked an additional 1/2 mile and then stretched out before hitting the showers and heading to work. Tomorrow is a 3 mile "taper" run. With only 2 runs left before the pig, I am getting excited and anxious.
Will blog at everyone tomorrow.
In Him,
Philippians 4:13
Monday, April 27, 2009
Run #69 - 10 miles (last of the "long" ones)
Hello all,
Well I ran my last long run on Saturday. IT was 10 miles and was the longest run I have done in 4 weeks. This worries me since I missed my 18 and 20 mile runs due to injuries. The longest run I have completed going into the Flying Pig is only 18 miles. Anyhow, Saturday morning I got up and ate a breakfast of wheat toast with peanut butter and honey on it and headed tot he dam where I run. A friend who is running the half marathon joined me (well we both met there and he ran faster than me). I started out with the dreaded "ascent" that I have talked about before. IT goes from the very bottom of the dam up and out over 2 spill ways. I wanted to put my knee and ankle to a final test. The run went well. I used the strategy that I am going to employ fort he pig, stopping about every mile or so (simulating water stations) to get a drink and start back up. Using this system, I was still a little slower than I hoped, but ran the fastest long run of my entire training to date. With no pain, I call it a successful run.
I am not into my last 3 taper runs before the pig on Sunday morning. I asked for 2 prayers. First for thanksgiving that I am healed enough to even run the marathon and second for everyone at church to say an extra prayer for me on Sunday at the start of service (10:00am). I figure I will be at about mile 18 at that point and will need all of the support I can get.
I also want to take a moment to thank anyone and everyone who has followed my writings and rantings in this blog. While I have been doing this as kind of a "keepsake" of my training for my first marathon, it has also been a way for me to have a kind of "accountability partner" since I did not have anyone to train with for the full marathon. Thanks everyone!!! I still have 3 runs to blog about as well as my marathon experience and recovery.
In Him,
Philippians 4:13
Well I ran my last long run on Saturday. IT was 10 miles and was the longest run I have done in 4 weeks. This worries me since I missed my 18 and 20 mile runs due to injuries. The longest run I have completed going into the Flying Pig is only 18 miles. Anyhow, Saturday morning I got up and ate a breakfast of wheat toast with peanut butter and honey on it and headed tot he dam where I run. A friend who is running the half marathon joined me (well we both met there and he ran faster than me). I started out with the dreaded "ascent" that I have talked about before. IT goes from the very bottom of the dam up and out over 2 spill ways. I wanted to put my knee and ankle to a final test. The run went well. I used the strategy that I am going to employ fort he pig, stopping about every mile or so (simulating water stations) to get a drink and start back up. Using this system, I was still a little slower than I hoped, but ran the fastest long run of my entire training to date. With no pain, I call it a successful run.
I am not into my last 3 taper runs before the pig on Sunday morning. I asked for 2 prayers. First for thanksgiving that I am healed enough to even run the marathon and second for everyone at church to say an extra prayer for me on Sunday at the start of service (10:00am). I figure I will be at about mile 18 at that point and will need all of the support I can get.
I also want to take a moment to thank anyone and everyone who has followed my writings and rantings in this blog. While I have been doing this as kind of a "keepsake" of my training for my first marathon, it has also been a way for me to have a kind of "accountability partner" since I did not have anyone to train with for the full marathon. Thanks everyone!!! I still have 3 runs to blog about as well as my marathon experience and recovery.
In Him,
Philippians 4:13
Run #68 - Recovery 6 miles
Hello all,
Sorry about posting this so late, but it was a busy weekend at the house. Last Thursday (23/Apr/09) was my 4th recovery run. I was planning on running 6 miles (2 miles further than the day before) and trying to run at a "Tempo" pace (30 seconds under my target MP). I hit the track at 5:30am. I started out at a pretty good clip. My first mile was 35 seconds under my tempo pace and I was feeling good so I kept going. After the first 3 miles I took a quick bathroom break. My average was 34 seconds under my tempo pace (over a minute under my target MP)!!! When i got back up to the track (roughly 2 minutes), I could not get back into a good groove. My fist mile was 13 seconds under my tempo pace and the next 2 were closer to my target MP. The average for the second 3 miles was 15 seconds over my tempo pace. I was very happy with my overall average though of 45 seconds under my target MP, especially since I am still in the recovery phase.
Friday was a rest day and Saturday was to be my last long run and the longest run I had done in 4 weeks due to injuries. That blog later on today.
In Him,
Philippians 4:13
Sorry about posting this so late, but it was a busy weekend at the house. Last Thursday (23/Apr/09) was my 4th recovery run. I was planning on running 6 miles (2 miles further than the day before) and trying to run at a "Tempo" pace (30 seconds under my target MP). I hit the track at 5:30am. I started out at a pretty good clip. My first mile was 35 seconds under my tempo pace and I was feeling good so I kept going. After the first 3 miles I took a quick bathroom break. My average was 34 seconds under my tempo pace (over a minute under my target MP)!!! When i got back up to the track (roughly 2 minutes), I could not get back into a good groove. My fist mile was 13 seconds under my tempo pace and the next 2 were closer to my target MP. The average for the second 3 miles was 15 seconds over my tempo pace. I was very happy with my overall average though of 45 seconds under my target MP, especially since I am still in the recovery phase.
Friday was a rest day and Saturday was to be my last long run and the longest run I had done in 4 weeks due to injuries. That blog later on today.
In Him,
Philippians 4:13
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Run #67 - Recovery 4 miles
Good evening everyone,
Well another day, another recovery run and yet another glimmer of hope for catching that illusive pig. This morning my goal was to continue ramping up my running by doubling my distance from yesterday. The plan was to run 4 miles at an "easy" pace.
It was cold again this morning when I got to the YMCA at 5:30am. It was 38 degrees, but not raining. I hit the track and started on my run. Like yesterday I settled into a comfortable pace, trying make sure that it was slower than before. I had my music on and just ran with the beats (trying to pace with a variety of music is difficult to say the least. When I finished my run, I walked another mile talking with a friend that I see on the track from time to time.
When I looked at my times and averaged out my pace over the 4 miles, I was excited to see that my pace average out to 5 seconds per mile faster than my target MP. It was equally exciting since the run was supposed to 45-90 seconds/mile slower than my MP.
Again, after running I was not sore at all and felt good, not winded at all.
With each run, I feel stronger and more confident that I will catch hat illusive pig and earn my first 26.2 medal.
I will blog at you all again tomorrow after my run. i am hoping to get 6-7 miles in and try to run it at my tempo pace (30 seconds under my MP) but I am not going to push it. i am still on the road to recovery and would rather run slow and steady than not at all.
In Him,
Philippians 4:13
Well another day, another recovery run and yet another glimmer of hope for catching that illusive pig. This morning my goal was to continue ramping up my running by doubling my distance from yesterday. The plan was to run 4 miles at an "easy" pace.
It was cold again this morning when I got to the YMCA at 5:30am. It was 38 degrees, but not raining. I hit the track and started on my run. Like yesterday I settled into a comfortable pace, trying make sure that it was slower than before. I had my music on and just ran with the beats (trying to pace with a variety of music is difficult to say the least. When I finished my run, I walked another mile talking with a friend that I see on the track from time to time.
When I looked at my times and averaged out my pace over the 4 miles, I was excited to see that my pace average out to 5 seconds per mile faster than my target MP. It was equally exciting since the run was supposed to 45-90 seconds/mile slower than my MP.
Again, after running I was not sore at all and felt good, not winded at all.
With each run, I feel stronger and more confident that I will catch hat illusive pig and earn my first 26.2 medal.
I will blog at you all again tomorrow after my run. i am hoping to get 6-7 miles in and try to run it at my tempo pace (30 seconds under my MP) but I am not going to push it. i am still on the road to recovery and would rather run slow and steady than not at all.
In Him,
Philippians 4:13
Run #67 - 2 miles (the next steps to recovery)
Hello all,
Yesterday was my second "recovery" run. I planned on running2 miles and seeing how the knee held up. I arrived at the YMCA at 6:00am. It was cold (38 degrees) and rainy when I got out of the truck, which made me even more thankful that I have an inside place to run. I hit the track and settled into what felt like an easy pace. When I checked my time at my first mile it was 10:29 - 51 seconds UNDER my MP (marathon pace). I just kept on running at the same pace (or so I thought). When I finished my second mile the pace for it was 10:02!!! I decided to run a 1/2 mile "cool down" and it was at an 11:00 pace, still below my MP. Needless to say I was really psyched about the run. My knee felt great. There has been no pain to date and I am doing what I was told, ramping myself back up slowly.
Today's run was to be a 4 mile run. You'll have to read the blog later today to hear about it though.
Still in the hunt for that pig!!!
In Him,
Philippians 4:13
Yesterday was my second "recovery" run. I planned on running2 miles and seeing how the knee held up. I arrived at the YMCA at 6:00am. It was cold (38 degrees) and rainy when I got out of the truck, which made me even more thankful that I have an inside place to run. I hit the track and settled into what felt like an easy pace. When I checked my time at my first mile it was 10:29 - 51 seconds UNDER my MP (marathon pace). I just kept on running at the same pace (or so I thought). When I finished my second mile the pace for it was 10:02!!! I decided to run a 1/2 mile "cool down" and it was at an 11:00 pace, still below my MP. Needless to say I was really psyched about the run. My knee felt great. There has been no pain to date and I am doing what I was told, ramping myself back up slowly.
Today's run was to be a 4 mile run. You'll have to read the blog later today to hear about it though.
Still in the hunt for that pig!!!
In Him,
Philippians 4:13
Monday, April 20, 2009
Run #66 - 1/2 mile trial run
Good morning,
A quick post about my 1/2 mile "trial" run this morning. I hit the YMCA at 6:30am and went up to the track. My goal was to complete what the doctor said, an easy 1/2 mile. I walked a 1/4 mile and then started running. I was REALLY nervous about the run. I wanted everything to be OK, but was afraid that it would not be. I started out at a slow pace and slowly increased it to what felt like my "easy" pace. I was amazed when I looked at my time. The first 1/4 was a 3:03 and the second 1/4 was a 2:41. It was also hard to stop after on 1/2 mile, but I did. I walked a 1/4 mile cool down and then stretched and hit the showers.
My knee feels great. No pain and I felt strong running, with the exception of taking 8 days off. My goal is to ramp up to my 10 mile run on Saturday by running a little more each day Tuesday-Thursday. Then take Friday off to recover beforet he long run.
My goals for the Flying Pig are still alive:
A quick post about my 1/2 mile "trial" run this morning. I hit the YMCA at 6:30am and went up to the track. My goal was to complete what the doctor said, an easy 1/2 mile. I walked a 1/4 mile and then started running. I was REALLY nervous about the run. I wanted everything to be OK, but was afraid that it would not be. I started out at a slow pace and slowly increased it to what felt like my "easy" pace. I was amazed when I looked at my time. The first 1/4 was a 3:03 and the second 1/4 was a 2:41. It was also hard to stop after on 1/2 mile, but I did. I walked a 1/4 mile cool down and then stretched and hit the showers.
My knee feels great. No pain and I felt strong running, with the exception of taking 8 days off. My goal is to ramp up to my 10 mile run on Saturday by running a little more each day Tuesday-Thursday. Then take Friday off to recover beforet he long run.
My goals for the Flying Pig are still alive:
- Finish the entire marathon (26.2 miles)
- Finish in under 5 hours
I will keep everyone posted on my progress this week. I am still int he hunt for that pig!!!
Peace,
Philippians 4:13
Friday, April 17, 2009
Thank God for Miracles!!!
Hello all,
I wanted to get this post out yesterday, but ran out of time. First of all, I want to thank everyone for your prayers and support. It seems like when you put things in God's hands, it works much better than going at it alone.
Yesterday (Thursday) morning, I collected my x-rays and climbed into the van to head to my appointment with the orthopedist. I was down about what I was expecting to hear - a long recovery and/or surgery. But, I really had spent since Saturday preparing myself for it. I had held out hope for running the pig, but was already making plans for a fall marathon, looking seriously at the Detroit marathon in October.
When the doctor walked into the room and asked what happened, I explained how I was training for the Flying Pig and was on my last "long" run when... (you've already read it). He told me his wife was a marathon runner and that he thought we were crazy to want to run that far and asked me if I was planning on running the Flying Pig. I said, "I was planning on it until this happened, now I don't think I'll be able to." His response floored me!!! He said, "Well, my goal is to get you to be able to run it." He looked over my knee, felt all around i, moving it, jerking it, all that jazz. He said that my tendons felt good and that I may have "tweaked" on of them since I had some pain twisting the knee to the inside. He also thought that I could have pulled a "rudimentary" muscle in my calf that runners typically damage, which can feel like an ACL tear when it happens, and that I may have had a "baker's cyst" in the back of my knee, from a meniscus tear at some point, that may have ruptured (thus the "pop" and swelling).
He then gave me several options:
The final thing that I want to say is "Job was a patient man" - for those of you who follow this blog and went the Catholic Central (Mr. Faulkrod's class). I have recently felt like Job, adversity at every tune in the past few weeks, but I will keep handing it over to God.
Thanks for your prayers.
In Him,
Philippians 4:13
I wanted to get this post out yesterday, but ran out of time. First of all, I want to thank everyone for your prayers and support. It seems like when you put things in God's hands, it works much better than going at it alone.
Yesterday (Thursday) morning, I collected my x-rays and climbed into the van to head to my appointment with the orthopedist. I was down about what I was expecting to hear - a long recovery and/or surgery. But, I really had spent since Saturday preparing myself for it. I had held out hope for running the pig, but was already making plans for a fall marathon, looking seriously at the Detroit marathon in October.
When the doctor walked into the room and asked what happened, I explained how I was training for the Flying Pig and was on my last "long" run when... (you've already read it). He told me his wife was a marathon runner and that he thought we were crazy to want to run that far and asked me if I was planning on running the Flying Pig. I said, "I was planning on it until this happened, now I don't think I'll be able to." His response floored me!!! He said, "Well, my goal is to get you to be able to run it." He looked over my knee, felt all around i, moving it, jerking it, all that jazz. He said that my tendons felt good and that I may have "tweaked" on of them since I had some pain twisting the knee to the inside. He also thought that I could have pulled a "rudimentary" muscle in my calf that runners typically damage, which can feel like an ACL tear when it happens, and that I may have had a "baker's cyst" in the back of my knee, from a meniscus tear at some point, that may have ruptured (thus the "pop" and swelling).
He then gave me several options:
- Ignore it for now since I was healing well
- Have physical therapy
- Get an MRI and see what is going on, but if it is a pulled muscle there would be nothing else to do.
I asked him, what he would do and he said ignore it for now. He said I am getting better and to start back running on Monday (1/2 mile at the most) and see how it feels. Then ramp back up to my distances since I am in the taper phase of my training. He did not see a reason why I could not run the pig. He prescribed an anti-inflammatory and said if it was not getting better or worsened next week while running to call and we would to the MRI and get together to discuss options. He said they could be from limping through the marathon on a pulled muscle to surgery if it was more serious.
Well, I will keep everyone posted. I plan on doing just what the doctor ordered, running a 1/2 mile on Monday and go from there. The knee has felt good over the past couple of days. I will post again on Monday after my trial run and let everyone know how it is doing. Only 14 days and 7 scheduled training runs left to the pig.
The final thing that I want to say is "Job was a patient man" - for those of you who follow this blog and went the Catholic Central (Mr. Faulkrod's class). I have recently felt like Job, adversity at every tune in the past few weeks, but I will keep handing it over to God.
Thanks for your prayers.
In Him,
Philippians 4:13
Monday, April 13, 2009
Runs #61 to #65 - Only 3 weeks to go!!!
REPOST - Since my original one did not post for some reason!!!
Good afternoon everyone,
As I look ahead to my last 3 weeks of training, I lay here on the couch in my living room with my left knee elevated and iced, I feel that my hopes of running the Flying Pig (my first full marathon) are ending. I am still holding on to a VERY THIN thread of hope, but the knife edge is pressing against it. First, let me review last weeks runs.
Run #61 - "Quality" 6 miles. Tuesday morning I got up and went to the YMCA to run. My training called for a quality 7-8 miles, but since I had the foot problems on Sunday, I decided to limit the run to 6. I ran 7 Yasso 800's (1/2 mile splits separated by a quarter mile job) and the average was below my target time by a couple of seconds. This may not sound to impressive, but the 6th split was at my marathon pace (30 seconds over my target time). After the run I felt great. I had no pain in my ankle or feet.
Run #62 - "Easy" 5 miles. Wednesday morning was to be an easy 3-4 mile run. This means 30-90 seconds slower than my target MP. I got to the YMCA and started my run, I got into a rhythm and as I was finishing my 4th mile, a friend that runs at he YMCA came up n the track so I ran another mile with her, talking about life and generally catching up. I finished my run and walked another 1/2 mile as a cool down feeling great with no pain and not feeling winded. When I checked my pace later that morning I discovered that I had run at a pace 10 seconds faster than my target MP. I was really excited then!!!
Run #63 - "Tempo" 7 miles. Thursday morning I get to the YMCA and started out on my tempo run. This is a run is to be at a pace 30 seconds under your MP. My training plan called for a 6-7 mile run so I decided to try to push for the 7 miles. I started out at a good pace and maintained that for the first 5 miles. At mile 6 I slowed down to give myself a quick break and reset my Mp3 player. That mile ended up being 1 minute slower than my MP and 45 seconds over my target for the run. I kicked it in for the last mile and finished it faster than my first mile. Then I walked another mile for a cool down while talking to a lady who was walking on the track. For the third day I felt great, no pain, not very winded, and my average pace time was 5 seconds under my target. If I dropped the mile that I slowed down, it was 55 seconds under my target.
So, with 3 of my best runs under my belt and feeling great I went to the Podiatrist to have my feet looked at for the pain I had on Sunday's run. I found out that the problem was most likely caused by not replacing my running shoes soon enough. The Dr. gave me some OTC inserts with added height in the out soles. I put them in my running shoes and wore them to work on Friday to see how they felt. It made a world of difference and I was now ready to tackle y longest training run on Saturday - 20 miles. My plan was to run from Xenia to my home town of Springfield on the bike trail. It would be 20 miles point to point. I was also pumped about the possibilities of having netted 40 miles in 1 week!!!
Saturday morning, we headed out towards Springfield and Laurel asked if I would drive. When we got to Xenia, Laurel dropped me off downtown near the trail and with my camel back, water belt and several power gels, I set off towards Springfield. Running through town was a little rough. I had to stop several times for crossing traffic and when I stepped off one curb I felt a tinge in the back of my left knee. It hurt enough to impair my gait a little. I stopped at about 1 mile at the McDonald's on the north end of Xenia to use the restroom and walk off the pain. When I started out again it was better. At just over 2 miles into the run I felt a "pop" in the back of my left knee that stopped me dead in my tracks. I could not bear any weight on my left leg and was in a lot of pain. I tried stretching it out and resting, but nothing helped. Fortunately I was 50 yards from the "Old Town Reserve" park and a crossroad. I call ed Laurel and told her that I could not run and needed to get picked up. She came to get me and we were off to Urgent Care.
At urgent care the initial assessment was that all of the tendons were fine, but that I had ruptured my bursa and would not be running anytime soon. The doctor was a real "arse" (I don't swear so you get my drift). He sent me on my way in a knee immobilizer, which he and the nurse put on WRONG, and said to take ibuprofen, follow RICE (Rest Ice, Compression, Elevation) and follow up with my primary care doctor on Monday.
On Monday, I called my doctor and they sent me for an x-ray. This morning they called and said the x-ray was negative except for some minor arthritis and referred me to an orthopedic doctor. That brings us to where I started.
I fear that my hopes for the pig are gone. I am going to start looking for a "contingency" plan marathon in the fall so that I can get a marathon in this year. Please send a prayer or 2 this way. I could use a miracle.
Will keep you posted....
In Him,
Philippians 4:13
Good afternoon everyone,
As I look ahead to my last 3 weeks of training, I lay here on the couch in my living room with my left knee elevated and iced, I feel that my hopes of running the Flying Pig (my first full marathon) are ending. I am still holding on to a VERY THIN thread of hope, but the knife edge is pressing against it. First, let me review last weeks runs.
Run #61 - "Quality" 6 miles. Tuesday morning I got up and went to the YMCA to run. My training called for a quality 7-8 miles, but since I had the foot problems on Sunday, I decided to limit the run to 6. I ran 7 Yasso 800's (1/2 mile splits separated by a quarter mile job) and the average was below my target time by a couple of seconds. This may not sound to impressive, but the 6th split was at my marathon pace (30 seconds over my target time). After the run I felt great. I had no pain in my ankle or feet.
Run #62 - "Easy" 5 miles. Wednesday morning was to be an easy 3-4 mile run. This means 30-90 seconds slower than my target MP. I got to the YMCA and started my run, I got into a rhythm and as I was finishing my 4th mile, a friend that runs at he YMCA came up n the track so I ran another mile with her, talking about life and generally catching up. I finished my run and walked another 1/2 mile as a cool down feeling great with no pain and not feeling winded. When I checked my pace later that morning I discovered that I had run at a pace 10 seconds faster than my target MP. I was really excited then!!!
Run #63 - "Tempo" 7 miles. Thursday morning I get to the YMCA and started out on my tempo run. This is a run is to be at a pace 30 seconds under your MP. My training plan called for a 6-7 mile run so I decided to try to push for the 7 miles. I started out at a good pace and maintained that for the first 5 miles. At mile 6 I slowed down to give myself a quick break and reset my Mp3 player. That mile ended up being 1 minute slower than my MP and 45 seconds over my target for the run. I kicked it in for the last mile and finished it faster than my first mile. Then I walked another mile for a cool down while talking to a lady who was walking on the track. For the third day I felt great, no pain, not very winded, and my average pace time was 5 seconds under my target. If I dropped the mile that I slowed down, it was 55 seconds under my target.
So, with 3 of my best runs under my belt and feeling great I went to the Podiatrist to have my feet looked at for the pain I had on Sunday's run. I found out that the problem was most likely caused by not replacing my running shoes soon enough. The Dr. gave me some OTC inserts with added height in the out soles. I put them in my running shoes and wore them to work on Friday to see how they felt. It made a world of difference and I was now ready to tackle y longest training run on Saturday - 20 miles. My plan was to run from Xenia to my home town of Springfield on the bike trail. It would be 20 miles point to point. I was also pumped about the possibilities of having netted 40 miles in 1 week!!!
Saturday morning, we headed out towards Springfield and Laurel asked if I would drive. When we got to Xenia, Laurel dropped me off downtown near the trail and with my camel back, water belt and several power gels, I set off towards Springfield. Running through town was a little rough. I had to stop several times for crossing traffic and when I stepped off one curb I felt a tinge in the back of my left knee. It hurt enough to impair my gait a little. I stopped at about 1 mile at the McDonald's on the north end of Xenia to use the restroom and walk off the pain. When I started out again it was better. At just over 2 miles into the run I felt a "pop" in the back of my left knee that stopped me dead in my tracks. I could not bear any weight on my left leg and was in a lot of pain. I tried stretching it out and resting, but nothing helped. Fortunately I was 50 yards from the "Old Town Reserve" park and a crossroad. I call ed Laurel and told her that I could not run and needed to get picked up. She came to get me and we were off to Urgent Care.
At urgent care the initial assessment was that all of the tendons were fine, but that I had ruptured my bursa and would not be running anytime soon. The doctor was a real "arse" (I don't swear so you get my drift). He sent me on my way in a knee immobilizer, which he and the nurse put on WRONG, and said to take ibuprofen, follow RICE (Rest Ice, Compression, Elevation) and follow up with my primary care doctor on Monday.
On Monday, I called my doctor and they sent me for an x-ray. This morning they called and said the x-ray was negative except for some minor arthritis and referred me to an orthopedic doctor. That brings us to where I started.
I fear that my hopes for the pig are gone. I am going to start looking for a "contingency" plan marathon in the fall so that I can get a marathon in this year. Please send a prayer or 2 this way. I could use a miracle.
Will keep you posted....
In Him,
Philippians 4:13
Monday, April 6, 2009
Run #59 and #60 - Easy 6 miles and foot pain - WHAT NEXT?!?
Hello again,
I am finishing up my back log of blogs for last week. Run #59 was supposed to be a long/easy run (16-18 miles) and run #60 was an easy 3-4 miles. Since I am still nursing back my ankle, my plan was to flip the runs and walk at the horse park on Saturday and see how it felt. Then Sunday, I was going to run a 10 miler to phase back into long runs.
Saturday at the horse park went well. Although the day started out cold (39 degrees), it wormed up nicely by mid afternoon (67 degrees). We walked all around the park and the ankle did surprisingly well. At dinner time I cut off the wrap I put on and it was till doing well.
Sunday, my plan was to go run after church at the dam (where the dreaded "ascent" is located). I was planning on running the upper loop twice and taking a walking/water break every 3 miles to simulate the water stations on the marathon route. The run started out well. I was running on the lower end of my targeted range for the first 3 miles. At mile 3 I walked for about 40 seconds while I got a drink of water and then started back up. I felt strong. The break had given me a boost of energy and I was running well until about a mile into it - then the pain started. The outside of my right foot (same one that the ankle sprain is on) started hurting. There was sharp pain near the wrapped area. The pain continued until I stopped and cut the wrap off of my ankle. It was rolled and really tight on my foot. Once I got it off, it was back to running smoothly. My pace was better than my first 3 miles and things were going well until about mile 2 then the pain came back. This time in both feet. It was not as intense, but still hurt. The longer I ran the more painful it became. At mile 6 I was visibly limping and my stride was suffering from the pain. I decided to call it a day and head home.
I have had pain off and on on the outside of my feet for the past 3-4 months. I have generally attributed it to just being old and needing to replace my running shoes, but I have new shoes and the pain seems to be getting worse. I was frustrated wit my Sunday run because I was feeling fit both physically mentally to go the other 4 miles, but my feet hurt so bad I had to stop. I have made an appointment to see a podiatrist this week and get to the bottom of my pain. Once I get the pain issue resolved, I am confident that I can complete the pig - maybe in under 5 hours.
I will keep you all posted on my saga. Tomorrow I am going to try and get 7 miles in before work. If things hold together, I am going to try to do my Yasso 800's, but we will see how the feet/ankle are in the morning.
Peace,
Philippians 4:13
I am finishing up my back log of blogs for last week. Run #59 was supposed to be a long/easy run (16-18 miles) and run #60 was an easy 3-4 miles. Since I am still nursing back my ankle, my plan was to flip the runs and walk at the horse park on Saturday and see how it felt. Then Sunday, I was going to run a 10 miler to phase back into long runs.
Saturday at the horse park went well. Although the day started out cold (39 degrees), it wormed up nicely by mid afternoon (67 degrees). We walked all around the park and the ankle did surprisingly well. At dinner time I cut off the wrap I put on and it was till doing well.
Sunday, my plan was to go run after church at the dam (where the dreaded "ascent" is located). I was planning on running the upper loop twice and taking a walking/water break every 3 miles to simulate the water stations on the marathon route. The run started out well. I was running on the lower end of my targeted range for the first 3 miles. At mile 3 I walked for about 40 seconds while I got a drink of water and then started back up. I felt strong. The break had given me a boost of energy and I was running well until about a mile into it - then the pain started. The outside of my right foot (same one that the ankle sprain is on) started hurting. There was sharp pain near the wrapped area. The pain continued until I stopped and cut the wrap off of my ankle. It was rolled and really tight on my foot. Once I got it off, it was back to running smoothly. My pace was better than my first 3 miles and things were going well until about mile 2 then the pain came back. This time in both feet. It was not as intense, but still hurt. The longer I ran the more painful it became. At mile 6 I was visibly limping and my stride was suffering from the pain. I decided to call it a day and head home.
I have had pain off and on on the outside of my feet for the past 3-4 months. I have generally attributed it to just being old and needing to replace my running shoes, but I have new shoes and the pain seems to be getting worse. I was frustrated wit my Sunday run because I was feeling fit both physically mentally to go the other 4 miles, but my feet hurt so bad I had to stop. I have made an appointment to see a podiatrist this week and get to the bottom of my pain. Once I get the pain issue resolved, I am confident that I can complete the pig - maybe in under 5 hours.
I will keep you all posted on my saga. Tomorrow I am going to try and get 7 miles in before work. If things hold together, I am going to try to do my Yasso 800's, but we will see how the feet/ankle are in the morning.
Peace,
Philippians 4:13
Run #58 - Easy 7 pushing toward recovery
Good evening everyone,
This post is from last Thursday evening. I had ensemble practice at church and did my run between work and practice. Typically my evening runs are not the best, but my goal was to get miles on my ankle and see if it would hold up.
When I got tot he YMCA at 4:30pm, it was 65 degrees and the rain had held off. I ran outside on the access road that the Y is on. It is a 3 mile loop from overpass to overpass. I ran at an easy pace (30-60 seconds over my marathon pace) and was able to maintain that pace for the extent of the run. My ankle felt pretty good. There was no pain and on the 2 occasions that my foot placement caused the ankle to almost buckle, it withstood the shock and did well.
We are headed to the Kentucky Horse Park on Saturday so I will get a good amount of walking in on my ankle. My plan is to try and get a 10 mile run in on Sunday and see how the ankle holds up.
Blog you soon,
Philippians 4:13
This post is from last Thursday evening. I had ensemble practice at church and did my run between work and practice. Typically my evening runs are not the best, but my goal was to get miles on my ankle and see if it would hold up.
When I got tot he YMCA at 4:30pm, it was 65 degrees and the rain had held off. I ran outside on the access road that the Y is on. It is a 3 mile loop from overpass to overpass. I ran at an easy pace (30-60 seconds over my marathon pace) and was able to maintain that pace for the extent of the run. My ankle felt pretty good. There was no pain and on the 2 occasions that my foot placement caused the ankle to almost buckle, it withstood the shock and did well.
We are headed to the Kentucky Horse Park on Saturday so I will get a good amount of walking in on my ankle. My plan is to try and get a 10 mile run in on Sunday and see how the ankle holds up.
Blog you soon,
Philippians 4:13
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Run #56 - Quality 4.5 miles (done at an "easy" pace)
Hello all,
I am trying to get back onto my training plan I have used for the Pig, but found that I need to make some changes. Missing 3 consecutive runs with an ankle injury has put a slight wrench in my running. So today, rather than trying to run the 7 "Quality" miles (Yasso 800's) that I was scheduled for, I decided to do 4.5 miles at an "easy" pace, just to get my legs, and ankle back up to speed.
I ran on the elevated track at the YMCA. I noticed some pain in the knee of my opposite leg and have attributed it to my body overcompensating for the injured ankle. I was able to maintain a 12:00 mile for the run, which was good.
My plan for the balance of this week is to run every other day and work on increasing the mileage rather than speed. My goal is to be able to complete my last long training run next weekend. It is a 20 mile run and I am planning on running from Xenia to Springfield on the bike trail. I have incorporated a new strategy into my distance runs that I read about in some training information from a friend. I try to stop (well walk) every 3 miles while I get some water. The breaks are only for about 30 seconds (simulate walking through the water stations on the marathon course). The premise is that you are able to keep hydrated and fresh so you can push a little more between stations. This strategy worked on my last run - my poor diet the night before is what did me in. I am still taking a power gel every 9 miles or so as well.
Blog at everyone soon,
Philippians 4:13
I am trying to get back onto my training plan I have used for the Pig, but found that I need to make some changes. Missing 3 consecutive runs with an ankle injury has put a slight wrench in my running. So today, rather than trying to run the 7 "Quality" miles (Yasso 800's) that I was scheduled for, I decided to do 4.5 miles at an "easy" pace, just to get my legs, and ankle back up to speed.
I ran on the elevated track at the YMCA. I noticed some pain in the knee of my opposite leg and have attributed it to my body overcompensating for the injured ankle. I was able to maintain a 12:00 mile for the run, which was good.
My plan for the balance of this week is to run every other day and work on increasing the mileage rather than speed. My goal is to be able to complete my last long training run next weekend. It is a 20 mile run and I am planning on running from Xenia to Springfield on the bike trail. I have incorporated a new strategy into my distance runs that I read about in some training information from a friend. I try to stop (well walk) every 3 miles while I get some water. The breaks are only for about 30 seconds (simulate walking through the water stations on the marathon course). The premise is that you are able to keep hydrated and fresh so you can push a little more between stations. This strategy worked on my last run - my poor diet the night before is what did me in. I am still taking a power gel every 9 miles or so as well.
Blog at everyone soon,
Philippians 4:13
Run #55 - The Heart Mini Marathon
Hello again,
Well, as of Friday the doctor did not have the results of my x-ray of my ankle from the previous Wednesday. The ankle had been feeling better over the past day (I could go upstairs with no pain, and coming sown stairs was less painful) and I was getting around better. Since I had picked up my timing chip at the expo (and bought a new pair of Asics running shoes), I decided to go downtown and walk the 5K race and skip the 15K mini. I wrapped the snot out of my ankle with vet-wrap (a cheap alternative to Koban) and headed downtown.
When I got downtown Sunday morning it was a beautiful day for running. The temperature was 41 degrees with a windchill of 30 and it was windy. I got down to the starting area and walked a little and took a quick "gingerly" jog to see how my ankle was feeling. At about 3 minutes before race time the rain started falling.
When the race started, I started out at a slow pace (or what I thought was a slow pace). At the first mile marker I was 50 seconds ahead of my marathon pace with no ankle pain!!! I kept on going and maintained a pretty good pace. At the last mile marker I decided to push it and finished my last mile in 10:09, which was very exciting for me given my ankle issues and the fact that I only need to maintain a 11:25 mile to meet my second marathon goal (finish in under 5 hours).
I went home and took some ibuprofen, ate lunch and headed back out to coach 2 soccer games alter that afternoon.
It looks like I am still in the running for the pig!!! My first goal for the Pig is, of course, to finish the entire 26.2 miles.
Peace everyone,
Philippians 4:13
Well, as of Friday the doctor did not have the results of my x-ray of my ankle from the previous Wednesday. The ankle had been feeling better over the past day (I could go upstairs with no pain, and coming sown stairs was less painful) and I was getting around better. Since I had picked up my timing chip at the expo (and bought a new pair of Asics running shoes), I decided to go downtown and walk the 5K race and skip the 15K mini. I wrapped the snot out of my ankle with vet-wrap (a cheap alternative to Koban) and headed downtown.
When I got downtown Sunday morning it was a beautiful day for running. The temperature was 41 degrees with a windchill of 30 and it was windy. I got down to the starting area and walked a little and took a quick "gingerly" jog to see how my ankle was feeling. At about 3 minutes before race time the rain started falling.
When the race started, I started out at a slow pace (or what I thought was a slow pace). At the first mile marker I was 50 seconds ahead of my marathon pace with no ankle pain!!! I kept on going and maintained a pretty good pace. At the last mile marker I decided to push it and finished my last mile in 10:09, which was very exciting for me given my ankle issues and the fact that I only need to maintain a 11:25 mile to meet my second marathon goal (finish in under 5 hours).
I went home and took some ibuprofen, ate lunch and headed back out to coach 2 soccer games alter that afternoon.
It looks like I am still in the running for the pig!!! My first goal for the Pig is, of course, to finish the entire 26.2 miles.
Peace everyone,
Philippians 4:13
Runs #52-54 - The Long Recovery
Hello all,
I am doing this quick post so that I can keep my run count straight. Since I screwed up my ankle on Tuesday (24/Mar/09) I did not run the next 3 runs that week. I did however run the 5K portion of the Heart Mini Marathon. That is in the next post.
Philippians 4:13
I am doing this quick post so that I can keep my run count straight. Since I screwed up my ankle on Tuesday (24/Mar/09) I did not run the next 3 runs that week. I did however run the 5K portion of the Heart Mini Marathon. That is in the next post.
Philippians 4:13
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