purpleshoe runs

I just…I’m not sure I have any words. This is going so much better than I anticipated…physically, mentally…things are just clicking. I took a spill off a curb in really cute shoes (that I’m never wearing again…jk…but maybe) the night of that 21-miler and rolled my ankle. Luckily Mr. Engineer took excellent care of me and got a hold of a brace, topical anti-inflammatory, and all the ice I needed. We were on a weekend away in the Gold Coast and I ended up having to skip our surfing lesson the following day because it still hurt, but I cautiously laced my shoes up Tuesday since Monday was pain-free. Major crisis averted.

Week 6

Saturday’s run was the hardest I’ve had yet this cycle. My legs felt like lead from the start so I took it a little slower than I have been. It was interesting to see my HR right in line (even a little low for a good portion) but to be struggling so very hard. I really pushed it in Friday’s tempo (last mile was 7:35…umm let’s work on even pacing a little more, maybe?) and I felt it every single one of those 20 miles. Another side stitch jabbed me hard from 15-18 – so I’m making an honest effort to drink ALL THE WATER.

With the exception of my little scare from my inability to walk in cute shoes, I’m (knocks on wood) feeling really healthy. Even the weird hip tightness I was having in week 1 is nearly gone (but I’m still stretching! Kind of a big deal for me.) I’ve started incorporating little bits of strength work because I just cannot for the life of me commit to an actual lifting workout when I’m spending like 10 hours a week on the treadmill. So I’ve tried to hold myself to 10 minutes a day of abs/pushups/possibly picking up something heavy several times in a row (an idea stolen from Green Lightning Running). It’s not a heroic effort, but it’s something I can build on if I make it a habit, I think.

Other notes: GU Chomps are my new best friend. 1 every 15 minutes until I feel like I need a little more (usually ends up being at the 2:30ish mark) and then either 2 every 15 or taken more frequently depending on stomach. Might need to front-load a little more for actual race efforts? All long runs have been done in compression socks – will likely race this way. Saturday’s tired-legs 20 was the first run that’s made me sore all cycle. Not sure if the socks are part of that, but I’m willing to believe it.

My first 70-mile week is coming up soon, and while I realize it’s not that much farther than the 68 I ran a couple weeks ago, it’s still exciting to hit a new milestone with a nice round number.

Wearing flats till May, FYI. Happy running.