Yesterday's treadmill workout at the gym was great! Felt good throughout the whole non-stop 3 mile workout. No left ankle Achilles pain. All evening afterwards I felt fine. And today the ankle feels fine. I am so encouraged. Really encouraged. I am crossing my fingers that my ankle issues are completely behind me.
On the way to work my walking felt normal and I was daydreaming about the NYC Marathon. Sunday is the deadline to submit a lottery entry. My thoughts started wandering positively about training programs, running schedules and weight goals. Let's see what happens!
Yesterday's 5 plus mile run was close to delicious - beautiful weather and cooperative body. The temperature was mid 60s, sunny, dry with nice breezes. The usual first get going and then settle into a nice groove at which time I was just cruising along with no discomforts. Prior to leaving the house I took a warm up shower and popped a couple of Tylenol 8-hour tabs. As I was cooling down and icing, I was thinking maybe I back; thinking maybe there is a fall marathon in my future. Throughout the remainder of the day. everything felt ok. This morning , my ankle feels a little strained. Later I will do some weights and probably skip a run and do just some elliptical or maybe just rest up. I'll see how the day goes.
Today was the 16th Annual 5K RUNDAY to benefit Central Nassau Guidance & Counseling Services, Inc. in Hicksville, NY. This was the 7th consecutive year I participated in this race. The weather was gorgeous, low 60's, dry, sunny and breezy. I did a lot of warm up including a warm shower. When the gun fired I went out moderately and felt just fine all over. I kept pushing as the race progressed and as I continued to feel good. The last 3/4 of a mile I was moving very well and finished in 28:08 (9:03) - not my best but very good for this age and given my recent ankle problems. Throughout the rest of today, my legs have felt just fine. I am so encouraged, so much so I am planning to do a nice easy 5 miler tomorrow.
Yesterday's 3.8 mile run was interesting. Started out with tightness/soreness in my left ankle and I thought I'd have to put up with nagging discomfort the whole way. At around a mile the ankle felt somewhat normal and I was able to pick up the pace and charge ahead. It felt great out on Convent Road - the weather was lovely; sunny with delightful temparatures. By the time I reached home, I was in a groove. My recovery throughout the day was fine. Later in the day I took a nice hot shower and seem to recall that I took a hot shower before the LI 10K two weeks ago. That race was also fine. So, I am thinking that hot showers and stretches should really loosen up the ankle before a run. Don't quite know why its only the left ankle. I think I will go out today and do a run before the weather gets nasty.
Got a 5K run in on Saturday, May 10th and 3 miles in on Sunday, May 11th. Of course, now, I don’t remember anything about those runs. I do recall that Sunday, Mother’s Day, was beautiful. I think I felt ok; went out slowly and got into a rhythm. Seems like that makes for ok running. At the start I did feel some soreness but not too bad and when I am warmed up, I am AOK. Recovery and the next day have also been ok. This is the first time since February that I have been able to run 2 consecutive days.
Last Sunday, May 4th, was the Long Island Marathon Festival of Races, which includes a full marathon, half marathon and a 10K. This year I did the 10K and surprisingly had a great experience. At the start I met up with Steve Runner, who was also doing the 10K with his friend Kathy. The weather was overcast and I went out ok, the body feeling fine. I got into a nice rhythm and proceeded to complete the race in 58:08, the 3rd best 10K I have done out of 14. My race results were a surprise given the months of left side discomfort. Through the race I really did not feel any discomfort and was able run pretty freely. At the finish I again ran into Steve and Kathy. They also had a good race. I was so encouraged that when I got home I registered for a 5K race on May 24th and a 5 miler on June 1st. Let's hope the body continues to cooperate.
I am not really swamped these days yet its hard to find the time to add to my blog; probably because my running is not as inspiring as its been in the past. Last Saturday, May 3rd, I was volunteering at the Long Island Marathon Expo for a few hours. I was giving out bibs, chips and goody bags to the 10K runners. It was Fun!!! Got to meet Steve Runner who was in from Oxford, MA running the 10K. We have a fabulous running community here on Long Island and volunteering in this event is an easy way to "give back." It doesn't even feel like giving back; its about supporting runners and a healthy lifestyle.
Long Island runners are great. There are the ones who come out for the Long Island Marathon Festival of Races every year and there are the regular club members who are at the weekly races all over Long Island. The club members are something else; they just have to run! They have been doing this for years and running events are big part of their lives; many of them have had running friendships for decades - its cool to see the togetherness and community spirit of these people. I have been fortunate to make some good running buddies over the years among this crew. It is a huge added benefit to my running.
