Baker's Square

Last night's run was great. I didn't plan to go any certain time or distance, in fact as it turns out I decided that running to Baker's Square and back seemed somehow appropriate (considering I feel ike a tubby bastard as of late).
I felt myself moving swift, like ninja, through the tough suburban streets. It was drizzly, just a little spit really. That rain was a nice way to keep cool though; see, we've been having this heatwave, and by heatwave I mean it's been in the mid sixties most of the week. For winter in Chicago, that's really hot. So the little rain that came down was welcomed, it kept me feeling cool and comfortable during the run. About that run. I knew I was cruising along pretty good. My legs felt light, and my lungs capable. I got slightly winded a couple of times and knew that I was pushing it a little hard, so I eased up and settled back into a more reasonable pace.
In the end, my pace was still pretty quick. 2.8 miles in 24:18, that's an 8:41 pace. Like I said, I knew I was cruising along pretty good.

Next? I think I'll rest for a day or two.

I ran again

Just like Nader, I ran again. This time though, I was in Pennsylvania. Which someone forgot to tell me is hilly as a mutha! If you've read my "about me" (and frankly if you haven't why are you reading this entry?), then you know I am in Chicago; nicknamed the "Windy City" and not the "Hilly City" for a reason.

Chicago is flat. F. L. A. T. I never realized just how flat it is here. I used to think that running here was a challenge. It sure seemed like I was pushing myself; granted to run a hill workout your best bet it so go to the local parking garage. That was all until I ran in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania is hilly. Not like "the hills are alive with the sounds of music" hilly, more like the hills want to punish you hilly. I thought I'd go for a couple of nice short runs; didn't want to set a distance goal or anything, and being on vacation in a place I've never been sure helped that.

My two runs turned out pretty well, despite the hills. First run was 26 minutes with no idea how far I went. The second was 39 minutes, again with no idea what distance I covered. Both times my legs felt tired near the end of the run, but neither time did I hurt excessively the next day or two.

I think I may have finally started on the road to recovery, mental recovery. Just running for the sake of running. No goals, no times, no "must do" distances....just running pure and simple. Being a simple man, this simplicity pleases me. It's starting to go back to what it's supposed to be, and I couldn't be happier.

P.S. I think I need new shoes.

Question:

Strike on the forefoot and risk plantar faciitis, or heel strike and risk injury via the plate?

In reality doc says the ankle plate is strong and that I am healed enough to run as I used to run. In my head, I'm still all wonky. All concerned that I am going to re-injure myself if I heel strike.

I didn't really share it, but my last Tampa run hurt me. I figure I had acute plantar faciitis following my run. It resolved itself in a week or so (lots of babying the foot, lots of limping). The cause? Best I can tell it was from my form. More accurately my bad form. Later in the run my calves started to tire; I'm simply not used to those distances on my forefoot. Late in the run, my form changed and I started not just striking on the forefoot, but also dropping to the heel after striking. This caused a lot of flex in my arch. Strike, flex until heel touches, flex again on the push up, then repeat. All that flexing probably stressed my plantar fascia. So, yeah it seems I caused my last injury because my head is not yet fully healed.

I have a therapy plan. You know, as a psychology major I am somewhat qualified to come up with a therapy plan ;-)

My therapy? I'm going to try running in my old heel strike form. Short distances first, then maybe I'll go longer; provided I feel right. After all, I started striking on the forefoot simply to avoid the heel strike, since it seemed to be placing a lot of stress on my ankle.

On a separate note, I started a new job last week and it is amazing. Nothing like having to learn two new software packages under the gun. I get to learn a programing language and a new OS, all kind of on the fly. But damn it, it's exciting!

No real post...

just a funny picture. Apparently an oldie, but a goodie.

Tampa

I'm tired of it.