Training Update, With Some Motivation!

My hip injury has fully subsided and I was able to put in 40 miles last week. I was able to catch the injury quick and get back to running slowly after only 2 days off. I started off the recovery with stretching and light strength training for the legs. I was doing 10 single leg squats, followed by 25 dips with no weight. I did this just 3 times last week and felt great after the third. After the first day my legs were pretty sore from not incorporating any type of strength training in my training regimen. I also ran my first 3 days on the rails to trails out near Tybee, I felt that the softer impact from the trail would feel better than the asphalt on the road. I started Tuesday with 4 miles, Wednesday with 5, and Thursday with 8 miles. I felt really great on each run, especially since my average pace for each run was between 9:45-10:05 per mile( Ultra-marathon pace). The feeling of just being able to get out and run last week was great, I wasn't going to let that injury stand in my way, again. I ended up taking Friday off running as usual, so I would be well rested for my long tempo on Saturday and Short tempo on Sunday. When Saturday came I was more than ready to go out and get a run in that was faster than my pace during the week. I love running slow and controlled, but I've always loved my tempo days more. I ran 10 miles Saturday morning at an 8:15 pace, I also ran another 6 miles that afternoon for a recovery, which was a really nice way to end the day. I ended my week on Sunday with 6.5 mile run around Wilmington Island.

After being injured just 10 days ago, I'm glad to be back at it. I feel like by having confidence in a strong recovery and not throwing in the towel when you're down is the only way to get stronger, physically and mentally. With the help and confidence I was given by fellow readers and friends to guide me through my recovery was very appreciated. To know that you are not alone when you're out there running or even when you're put on the sidelines from an injury is a wonderful thought. We as runners have this positive vibe of energy that surrounds each one of us. We will always give advice to one that is in need of assistance. We will slow down our pace and fall back to stick by your side and motivate you to the finish when you're feeling that urge to stop.  We will be your pacer and support team in a 50 mi, 100mi, or whatever distance you decide to challenge, and never think once about quitting. We will always push ourselves closer to the edge of our own limitations, because once you've crossed that line you set yourself up for new limits to reach. Always run with confidence in yourself, and remember that you are only what you set yourself up to be. Become fluent in what you want to achieve, not only in running, but in life. Always go for the gold, and become a better "You" tomorrow.

Until my next blog...   "Stay Strong...Never Stop Moving Forward!"

(Two and a half weeks left of training until the taper week before the Bad Marsh 50K..)

Stupid @%$# Hip....

Training for the Bad Marsh 50K coming up in June has been a real treat. I decided to sign up for the race 8 weeks out and now with only 5 weeks left I've developed hip bursitis, once again, in my left hip. This past Saturday I went to for my normal long run with my local running group (Savannah Striders). When I first started my warm up lap around Lake Mayer I noticed my hip popped and felt awkward, It was literally only 20ft until I felt it. I walked to the sideline and held on to a sign and did some side and front leg swings trying to loosen up my hip. It felt fine afterwards, So I decided to keep going. During the entire run I felt great, No pains at all. I completed 13.11 miles in 1:53 and made a PR in a training run for my half marathon. I was pumped and beaten at the same time. It wasn't until later that afternoon I had even felt any pain in my hip. I went home after the run, showered and refueled, then took a well deserved nap. After waking and walking around my apartment I started feeling a "pop" in my hip. I had felt that before about a year ago from over training for the Rock N Roll Savannah Marathon. I instantly took some glucosamine, fish oil(anti-inflammatory) and aleve, before telling myself I may have hurt it again. I'm not sure if it is hip bursitis or torn cartilage, whichever it is, it has become more painful through the day and about the same today (Sunday). I didn't participate in the group run this morning, even though it is my favorite run of all, The Savannah Bridge run, I need to take some time off. Not the best time at all, especially since the 50K is not far around the corner. I'm going to be on the bike this week doing cross training and also a lot of stretching and icing. Hope the healing goes well and I'm going to keep training smart and try to beat this thing without getting to down about not running, Because as a runner you know the most depressing thing for you is when you "Can't" run.

                                                ~Stay Strong...Never Stop Moving Forward~

Because It's Hard...(Running The Edge)

I picked up a new book recently called "Running The Edge" by Adam Goucher and Tim Catalano. I'm only 6 chapters in, but this book is highly recommended for runners, especially for those who want more out of running. The book is non fiction more like a "self-help" (in a way). It states facts through Tim a Psychology teacher and running coach and Adam who ran 13 years professionally. They talk about how to become a better runner through living a better life. We have 5 stories in our lives and these are our education, career, family, friendships, and passions. Each one of us is living with all these stories at one time, It's just a matter of being successful or unsuccessful in each of them. Adam and Tim call it your "Distance Maven". Finding your edge, your tipping point and going past it to not only open a door to a new success, but to overcome a challenge you've placed upon yourself. It's about not giving up no matter how hard it is, We do the things we do in life because they "ARE" hard! Running a marathon isn't by any means easy nor is a Half marathon. Many of us will pursue running a marathon someday, they are enchanted by the idea because they know it provide an extreme test of their strength and determination. If running were easy tens of thousands of people wouldn't pay money to register for local 10K races or commit to the huge amount of time to train their bodies to withstand the beating of an ultra-marathon. So running is hard, Yes, and that's exactly what makes it irresistible to those who understand.

Challenging ourselves to events and races that involve physical and mental pain is something only runners can understand. It's mental game we all play and the only way to win is to never give up and never tell yourself it's too hard. It is human desire that infiltrates almost every population. Video gamers want to be at the top of the charts in Call of Duty or blast through Halo on Legendary mode. Why? Because it is Hard! People like to do things just to see if they can. The harder the challenge or more difficult the obstacle, the smaller the number of people who have what it takes to succeed, the greater the feeling of satisfaction gained from doing it. Running is hard enough all by itself. The drive by taunters screaming "Run, Forrest!" as you measure the road one stride at a time do not have what it takes. The millions who know they should run or at least exercise a little to take care of their bodies don't have what it takes. they cannot get off their couches or out the door for more than three consecutive weeks following a New Year's resolution. They cannot ascend to the top.

Just by being a runner you have already succeeded in doing something many cannot. But to become a distance maven, you will need to demand even more from yourself. you will need to dedicate yourself to a higher set of standards in a quest to become a better runner and better human being.You will continue to challenge yourself by completing interval sessions with an all-time best personal average, getting that elusive PR in a 5K and running further and faster than your previous self could.