Go Long!

A week ago while playing basketball the muscles in my back gradually tightened until i had to stop playing. I've never had back problems before and don't remember any trauma, contact or unusual stretching. For several days I've just tried to take it easy, but improvement has been slow. Today I just said, "Oh forget it! I can't just sit around..." So i went for a run, certainly trying to be careful, but not knowing what to expect. I swallowed a few electrolyte capsules before I went (I thought a problem with cramping and electrolytes I've had in the past might be related). I didn't run fast, but I completed almost three miles with a few stops. My back doesn't feel any worse than it did prior to my run, and in fact it might be a little better. I'll increase my mileage tomorrow to maybe four miles.

I had to go to the capitol to renew my insurance license (inactive, but no sense in wasting all the work I did to get it) and had to park about a half mile away because the legislature is in session. It was snowing a little and I thought, "Ya know, I might as well run. If I arrive all sweaty, who cares? These people don't know me. What are they gonna do, not renew my license because I have sweat on my forehead? Besides, how much am I gonna sweat in a snowstorm." So I ran, renewed my license and ran back to my car.

My back was sore this morning, but after my capitol run it felt a little better, so I drove home, put on my gear and ran 3.6 miles in about 35 minutes. Three hours later and it feels better than it has all week. I'll do a little stretching tonight and tomorrow morning and then do 5-6 miles, maybe a little more, depending on how it feels tomorrow.

I'm pretty excited about feeling better. Now if I could just figure out how to navigate this site, and work my Garmin, and keep my socks from getting floppy, and run without having my nose run also...

I ran five miles today but didn't feel well. Didn't have a lot of energy and ran a very slow pace. I was running into a very stiff wind on the way out. It should have helped my on the way back, but I just wasn't feeling it. It was about twenty degrees and overcast on the Bluff Trail in Syracuse with about two inches of snow. Some parts were clear.

Ran five miles before I went to Pocatello to see the grandkids. Probably won't get my run in tomorrow as I have babysitting duty all day. I'll see what I can do...

Only was able to do two miles because I was snowed in with the grandkids in Idaho, got back late, had to shovel snow and just ran out of time... Goal is to get five miles in everyday for the rest of the week. My back is feeling much better. I'll have to run very early on Saturday. We're planning an up and back trip to Pocatello for Allie's birthday.

Mixed a new sports drink and tried it on run. I think it helped. At least I drank more water. Also worked on my form (a tip I got from the blog) during the last part of my run and it really helped. Was able to do my run in the afternoon when it was a little warmer. That helped, but I want to get start doing 2 a days, so I'm going to have to start running earlier.

Felt a bit stronger than I have for a couple of weeks, so I kicked it a little halfway into the run. I'm feeling it in my legs tonight. Mixed a new formula of sports drink (using dextrose and maltodextrin) today. Only drank half of what I drank yesterday (1L). Not sure if this is the culprit, but I have heartburn tonight... which I seldom get. Analyzed my diet for the last week: I'm okay in most areas, but way low on potassium. I'll boost it in my sports drink and try to eat more fruits and veggies.

I have no idea why running just five short miles is so difficult. Today I felt like I had lead feet (good if you want to get someplace fast in a car, but not so good if you want to get anywhere running). I worked on my diet and hit all the marks. Didn't add protein to my sports drink and it seemed to sit a little better. Have had a bit of an upset stomach tonight but that could be the split pea soup. Legs feel like they've worked, which a mere 5 miles never did to them before... but then, I never ran five consecutive and I've always been in better shape than I am now. Just got to pound it out and be patient, I guess.

Ran 5 in the afternoon. I was tired to begin with and really worried that my legs would make it, but once I got into it it wasn't that bad. Maybe my best run of the week. Kicked it a little at the end. Left foot is a little tender. I'll have to watch that. Made sports drink without protein. It feels better going down.

Ran at 5:30 AM so we can go to Idaho. Felt great to run early again. Over dressed because I thought I was going to freeze to death and it turn out to be very pleasant. A beautiful day for running. I woke up chickens and dogs on the way. Ran out into the Hooper countryside on what are sometimes busy narrow roads. Saw three cars the whole time. Didn't take any juice with me so I bonked at about 5.5 miles. (Plan better next time.) Overall, I think I'm improving. Not back to where I was but the stride is coming back and I'm stumping less. More miles next week.

I ran just under five miles this morning at about 11:00 AM. My Garmin ran out of juice, so I had to estimate, but I was able to drive the course for mileage. I ran "around the block" at the Nature Center. It was a beautiful day and I actually felt pretty good throughout the run. I was worried because I still felt the effects of Saturday's run a little, more in my calves than anywhere, but I felt great after only a quarter of a mile. My stride is coming back and I felt like I was running faster than I did all last week without any more work.

My calves are probably sore because I've concentrated on leaning forward just a little and landing mid-foot instead of on my heels. I'm getting better turnover and efficiency, but the change, even though it's slight, is working my lower legs just a little more.

I ran a second time this afternoon at about 3:30. I went west from the house on the old route past the new golf course. It was a balmy 57 degrees, so I ran in shorts and a couple of long sleeve shirts. The run felt great and was mostly uneventful except for the monstrous mud puddle next to the roundabout where Ivory is putting in the homes. I had to walk through that on the way out and on the way back.

They've had that road closed for so long I forgot the mileage. I wanted to run 3 but after checking with Google realized I'd run a little over four. That makes 10 for the day! If I feel okay tomorrow, I'll keep it up and be very grateful I got to my daily goal so soon. I want to add some daytime, recess miles and then I'll start moving afternoon miles to morning so I run 10 all at one time on a consistent basis. Big plans!

I had to move my consulting meeting (David) from afternoon to morning, so I missed my morning run. In order to build my miles, I decided to combine my runs and go long this afternoon. If I'd have run twice or maybe three times I could probably have done ten miles today, but since I'm still building and I only had one shot, I decided to try about 7. It worked out fine. I'm settling into a good stride, landing more mid-foot and getting better turnover. My speed is improving although I'm trying not to pay much attention to that... not until I feel comfortable with 70-80 miles a week and I've reached my "running weight."

It was a beautiful day, about 45 degrees. I saw other people running in t-shirts and shorts. They must be more warm blooded than I. Tights, three layers on my core, gloves and a stocking cap still felt pretty good to me. I hate being cold!

Had a little pain in my left arch early in my run, but it had gone away by the end. Felt the urge to whiz towards the end, but when I went into the bushes I had nothing. Nothing! Just stood there like a kid with stage fright. Obviously I must be a little dehydrated ("if you're not sloshing, you're joshing; not ----ing, you're missing" with apologies to anybody who reads this and feels it's not family friendly), but I don't feel dehydrated and I drink enough water to get up in the night a couple of times. So, I'll ask the bloggers about hydration. Let's see what they have to say...

I hoped to run 7.0 but came up short because I didn't have my Garmin with me and couldn't remember exact distances on the route. I got out late (about 11:30AM. I went west from Clinton past the new Ivory golf course. I shared the run with an eagle or an osprey which kept flying from pole to pole in front of me. His effortless flight was inspiring. Regardless, the run was difficult and I was dragging near the end. I was "stumping" a little in spite of my best efforts to watch my form. I have a blister on the second toe of my right foot to show for it. I'll try to get out to do 3.5 miles this afternoon.

I ran the loop around the nature park and then north towards the school until the trail heads west. i parked my car in the park next to the roundabout so I was able to get fluids at about mile 3.5. The wind was horrible and in spite of clear skies it was pretty cold. Yesterday's snow had drifted all over the trail so I ran in snow and ice about 40% of the time. On my second leg, when I headed west past the school, I ran for about a quarter of a mile in 8-12 inches of snow. It was a great workout for my legs and probably good for my feet. I started my run at about 2:00, so I didn't get a second one in today. I'll probably only get one run in tomorrow, so serious two-a-days will have to start next week.

Ran west from my house past Ivory Homes and the new golf course to the intersection 1/2 mile west of the main road into Hooper, went south to loop around that block and return home by retracing my steps from the main road home. Had to run on the main road for 3/4 mile with afternoon traffic. I thought I might get run over. It's very narrow with no place for runners and high speed traffic. Pretty uneventful run except for that stretch of near death running. Didn't stop during the run except for the mud hole by Ivory's model home. Slow pace (about 10 minute miles), but I'm building and that was my goal. I'm not going to worry about time until I've run several 70 mile weeks. It was cold and this was a stretch. I think I'll go to SLC early tomorrow and get 10 in familiar territory on the JRT.

Drove to Salt Lake to run the JRT from 48th to Gardner Village and back. Ran into Dr. Shaw, which was a delight as I had been hoping to track her down. She warned me that Murray to Gardner Village had not been plowed. That third of the run was a mess on uneven, poorly packed snow. I slip-slided for about three miles there, but it was probably good for my feet and lower legs. Other than that, I ran pretty well getting into the 8 minute mile range in the last few miles. I actually overtook a runner, only to find out she was running 24 miles today. (Big accomplishment!) Spent the afternoon with Mom and Dad in Provo.

Ran west from the house at about 8:30. Ran 8 miles at about a 10 min/mile pace. It was cold, but for the most part the run felt really good. I picked up the pace several times and felt good during most of the run. Ran in my new Brooks shoes. Had to loosen the left laces halfway through and that solved the pain in my foot, mostly. I had a pretty sharp pain between the third and fourth toes on my left foot when I finished, but it went away when I was through, so I'll watch for it this afternoon. It's President's Day and Dalene is home from school. We're going to lunch but, hopefully, I'll still get my nutrition and be able to do a couple more miles this afternoon. That's my plan.

Went out at 4:00 and ran 2.5 miles west to the Cranefield Roundabout and back. I have blisters on 2nd and 3rd toes of my right foot. Ran in my Asics shoes this afternoon with thin socks, running shorts and three shirts. It was a little cold but with a stocking cap and gloves it felt pretty good. Ran just under a 10 minute pace.

I just feel tired. I didn't want to run and performed poorly. I ran the Bluff Trail from the church, through the Golf Course, past the school and back. I didn't do it without stopping. My left foot began to hurt at about mile five and for some reason all my toes have blisters even though I slathered them with Vaseline and wore thinner socks. I wore my Asics, so I'll have to watch for that. It was cold to start but warmed up half-way through my run. No energy. Could be water, restricted diet, recovery from yesterday and Saturday, a bug, a bad biorythmn. Anything.

Worried about the blisters on my toes, I decided I'd at least cross train this afternoon, so I went to lift weights. I did an upper body workout with less weight than I was doing prior to my back problems in January. After I lifted, guilt got the best of me so I ran 2 1/2 miles on the treadmill at a very slow pace. It was a little easier on my feet (I was in my Brooks). Blisters are still ugly and the pain in the ball of my left foot persists. I'll see how it is for my morning run.

Maybe I'm getting a cold. I just felt tired all day. Running was drudgery. I was only able to do 8. Blisters and a pain at the base of my fourth toe on my left foot were partly to blame, but lethargy is also at issue. I'm driving to Las Vegas tomorrow, so I probably won't get a chance to run at all, which might be good for me. If it's mental maybe I can get some aggression back. If it's physical, perhaps a day's "rest" will do me good.

Didn't run because of Las Vegas trip. Tried to fit it in in Vegas, but time was just too tight.

Got home from Las Vegas at 4:00 AM. Went for a short run in the afternoon, but my foot was hurting a little so I decided to try to rest it for a longer run tomorrow. I don't know what's wrong with it. The metatarsal joint on my fourth toe snaps when I walk now.

I did the long loop from the Nature Park in Layton. I felt pretty good during most of the run. My left foot was a little tender but didn't really hurt badly until the last mile. I wanted to run a little more but packed it in at 8 because of the foot. I'm gonna hafta get it looked at. It's just about the strangest injury I've ever had (although I really haven't had that many).

I didn't run because of my foot. The clicking is at it's worst when I walk barefoot on tile. I went to the running store to try some inserts for the ball of my foot. They seemed to help some, but they were just so extreme I couldn't imagine running very far in them. I took in my current pair of Asic 2120's and we decided they've broken down a little, particularly on the left foot. So I ended up buying a new pair of 1130's (a little less support, because it drives me crazy) 1/2 size longer & 1/2 size narrower. They felt good in the store, I'll see how they work out on Wednesday. I won't run tomorrow because I'm headed to Wyoming at 5:00AM and don't expect to return until the wee hours of the morning on Wednesday.

No running. I covered the entire state of Wyoming going to a seminar in Lander with David. I did get to meet Robbie Jackson for the first time, which seemed to make the trip worth it. She's just getting back into running with a goal to run Boston next year for her 50th. We'll have to do some running together.

I went to pick up Scott's truck for him in Salt Lake and decided to run (in my new shoes) on the JRP. I ran south from 12800 S, past the hot springs and into the new subdivision. My favorite house is for sale again. It took a couple of miles to get the laces adjusted on my new shoes. I really like them and could tell immediately that they were more springy and probably easier on my feet than any of my others. I still had pain in my left foot and stopped a couple of times to "walk it out." After my run, my feet actually felt pretty good, although I'm feeling a little pain tonight. I did spend an hour in the grocery store in my street shoes tonight, so that might have something to do with it. If I don't get relief in a couple more days, I'll get in to see the doctor. I just don't want to have to lay off. I really feel like I'm starting to make some progress, even though I've had to cut back on my mileage. Except for the foot, the run felt good today. It was 55 degrees today, so that obviously feel good as well.

Foot clicks when I walk. No running until I see the doctor.

Went to Idaho to take truck to Scott. Hoped to run AM but don't trust foot. Will see doctor on Monday.

No running until I see the doctor. In Idaho, no chance to cross train. This has been a tough week because I was starting to feel progress in my running and had some good tunes (finally) on my iPod. We'll see what the doctor says tomorrow.

No running. Dr's appt tomorrow.

Went to Doctor. Have Tamiflu. Also had foot x-rayed. No visible fractures. Doctor/PA is dumber than a post. Had no clue about injury and suggested I find a podiatrist.

There is a click between my third and fourth toes. All symptoms point to Morton's Neuroma. Click when foot is manipulated is called Mulder's Click and is pretty definitive for MN. PA should have known.

Will see a specialist to get orthotics. 1 more week of rest. Short runs after that to build up. If problem persists will have it reexamined and possibly look at surgery.

May lift tomorrow, depending on Tamiflu symptoms. I don't want to spread bugs around the gym. No running until I can do it without "clicking."

in Denver for a meeting with ECS and able to squeeze in a run early in the morning. I ran up a hill from the hotel that seemed to go forever. I didn't want to run too far, because I didn't know what my foot would do. i also didn't know what kind of condition i was in, so i tried to take it easy. The uphill challenge was fun, however, and I had to kick it in just a little. The downhill loop was even more fun because of the gentle slope, so i was able to run with a long stride and cover some ground. I wanted to run longer, but kept it short because of the injury. Finished the run in about twenty minutes. I'm supposed to run with Robbi tomorrow.

Robbi was unable to run. I was dressed and ready for her at 6:30. After she called, I fell asleep in my running clothes. I woke up just in time for my meetings, so no run today.

Okay. So I haven't run in almost three weeks. I was diagnosed with Morton's Neuroma. i gave myself some time to rest and to pursue treatment options. Conventional therapies don't offer much hope, so I've decided to do what seems most logical to me-- strengthen my feet. I plan to do this by changing my gate so that I land toe-heel-toe, more like I used to when I was younger (and when I was sprinting), and to exercise my feet by walking on my toes barefoot whenever possible, running barefoot or at least in Vibram Five Fingers (I bought a pair yesterday) in progressive amounts until I can run my daily one mile breaks without shoes. i also plan to transition out of my cushioned shoes and get rid of all my control shoes. It occurs to me that by progressing to more and more expensive shoes, I've made my feet lazy-- in essence running in casts (or caskets) for the last three years. It's a wonder my feet aren't dead!

So today, I ran 4.5 miles on my toes. I could feel it working my calves, the outsides of my thighs, the top of my right knee and a little in my hips. My neuroma didn't seem to bother me (I ran in my home-made orthotics and my new, cushiony Asics) but the ball of my right foot just under my big toe became a little tender towards the end. A pair of toe socks will probably help align the toes on that foot and I'll bet the pain goes away. (Plus I'll continue with my foot strengthening program and I'm confident I"ll see results.)

Surprisingly, after three weeks, the cardio aspect of my workout didn't seem to bother me. I'll try to build up slowly though, so i don't become injured again. I guess I can only go as fast as my little feet will carry me.

How far we have fallen!

We diagnosed Morton's Neuroma in my left foot almost three months ago. I purchased a pair of Vibram 5 Fingers and began running in them in order to strengthen my feet. (I didn't like the idea of cutting out nerves while my feet just kept getting weaker-- the traditional treatment.) But I've since had problems with cramps, first in my left calf and last week in my right. This is a recurring problem I've had for more than fifteen years, so I can't say it's just related to the 5 Fingers, in fact the left calf incident came when I was in running shoes.

I'm definately having to adjust my running style with the 5 fingers, but it's not new. I ran with a mid to forefoot plant when I was in my twenties, so I guess it will just take a while to build up... if I could get any consistency in my training. Injuries have definately set me back.

I'm lifting twice a week now, and watching my diet very carefully. I'm probably a little low on daily calories, but I'm trying to get down to "race weight" and don't need that many calories since I'm not getting in any significant mileage. I hope to be able to start accumulating mileage next week. I'll start with maybe five miles a day and build from there. 

I ran a full 3.5 miles today! I started out slowly and built gradually, running 1.75 out without stopping. At the turnaround, I took a few minutes to stretch and then ran almost all of the way back without stopping. I paid attention to the way my calves felt and stopped a couple of times just to make sure they weren't cramping. I ran in regular running shoes, which I think I'll continue to do on my daily "long runs." On my shorter runs (1-2 miles) I'll wear the 5 Fingers and see how that builds. Next week I'll try a pair of trainers or racing flats for my afternoon runs. I may be able to build up to 100 mile weeks, yet, although it might take all summer.

I had another run today with just one stop at the turnaround. It felt good, although I don't think my pace was all that fast. I'm not in very good shape as I felt lactose buildup in my legs from lifting yesterday and running on Wednesday. Nevertheless, it felt good to be able to run almost four miles without having to stop because of an injury. 

I ran in my Asics and can just tell that there is too much cushioning. I'll get some trainers next week and continue to build miles in my Five Fingers. 

I ran the west side of the mosquito trail (Bird Refuge) in my Solomon trail running shoes. Since it's the first time I've run the trail (dirt road) I didn't know how long it would be. It turned out to be a little over three miles each way. I also haven't run in the shoes before. I noticed that the long (second) toe in my right foot hurt after the run but wasn't worried. Two day's later I had a blackened nail that I will lose. It hurts! No problem with the calves, however.

My brother-in-law, Ron, was in town so I took him with me to lift this morning. While he was finishing, I got a mile in on the treadmill. I ran in my Five Fingers. This afternoon I did the middle loop at the Nature Park on Bluff Road (3.5 miles). I ran a little faster than usual but felt a twinge in my right calf a couple of times so I stopped to walk it out to make sure it didn't go any further. I ran in my Asics and still wonder if all that cushioning and support aren't the cause of my cramping problems. I'll run in the dirt in sandals tomorrow. I didn't today because it rained. 

I ran the east leg of the Waterfowl Preserve and then went west and cut through the middle back to the start. The gravel road on the east is pretty rough because it has a lot of rocks, the middle road is mostly dirt so it's easier on the feet, although it's not very even, so my ankles get a good workout. I worked on my tan while I ran on the dirt road.

I ran in sandals again and didn't cramp in my calves although I felt a little tenderness from Monday's run. I didn't wear socks and I have blisters on my toes to show for it. I'm surprised that I have more than when I ran last week. I probably ran a little faster, although I didn't wear my Garmin, so I don't really know.

I don't know if I can run longer in sandals because of the footbed or because I'm running on trails. I haven't worn sandals on pavement, yet. 

I ran the loop at Howard's Slough once again in sandals. This time I tried wearing socks. More blisters, although they were on the top of my toes, not on the bottom like before. It doesn't make sense because these are open toed sandals. The only thing that could have been rubbing the top of my toes was the sock. I don't get it.

Anyway, the calves were great and even though I'm not going to worry about speed until I get to 70 or 80 miles a week, I did run faster and even kicked it quite a bit at the end. It felt good.

I missed yesterday because of time commitments and will probably miss tomorrow. Hopefully I'll be able to get in a long run on Saturday... although I don't know what shoes to wear. Running shoes on pavement mess up my calves. Sandals on dirt hurt my feet. Maybe I'll try running shoes on dirt and do a mile or two in my Five Fingers on pavement. 

I played basketball this morning at 5:30. There were just six of us, but we played full-court, so it was a good workout. We played for an hour. I'm guessing I ran 3 miles.

I lifted at 7:30. I've modified my lifts so I can do my workout in about 40 minutes. I'm still trying to figure it out, but have used suggestions from the blog to cut back. I'm not really trying to add muscle at this point anyway.

I ran the Waterfowl Conservation middle trail at 11:00 AM. I did the whole thing (7 miles) in my Five Fingers. I didn't expect it to be so hot and even though I wore a wide brim and was only in the sun for 90 minutes, I got burned. I've been out longer than that already, but I guess I've done it later or earlier in the day. I go to the doctor for some spots I suspect are skin cancer tomorrow. He'll see my sunburn and say, "No duh!" It was stupid to get burned. I just didn't think I was out that long.

I had to go 3/4 mile on the rocky road before I hit the middle trail. It was bearable on the way out, but on the way back it nearly killed me. I got blisters (another first) on the bottom of my feet and it was hot, so all in all it was a rough day.

My new strategy will be to wear sandals or running shoes on the rocky roads and switch to Five Fingers on the dirt, at least until the puncture weeds start to seed out. Then I don't know what I'll do.  

My feet were beat all to heck today, but I thought I could get in some running on the pavement which I did: 3 miles each way on the Bluff trail. Not fast, but without stopping except to stretch at the halfway point. Blisters hurt but weren't too bad. Running shoes, pavement, no complications.

4.5 uneventful miles on the Bluff Trail in running shoes.

My son, Jeff, graduated from Lewis and Clark Law School on Saturday, so I ran a quick five miles around Lake Osweego and through the neighborhoods by our hotel before we went to the ceremony. It was raining just slightly for part of the run, but the scenery was spectacular, the roads were not busy and there were a lot of hills which broke up the run and added interest. I can see why there are so many runners in the Portland area. It was a cold day (55F) but perfect for running.

In other news, I ate horribly for the last half of the week because we were traveling and I have no self control. Now I've got to concentrate on eating right.

Got back from Portland late last night. Woke up to serious rain, (Utah rain is serious, Portland rain is just mist) so I postponed my run 'til afternoon. Ran a 6.5 mile loop on the Bluff Trail and through the Eaglewood neighborhood at about 5PM. The run was slow and arduous until about mile 5. I guess I just had to get all the junk from the Portland trip out of my system. Hope to increase mileage considerably this week.

Ran the short loop of the Nature Center at 6PM. I passed some Scouts on bikes. The first one said, "I could walk as fast as you're running!" He could have been right. It felt really slow, although I checked my Garmin at the end and I was running a 7:30 pace. Maybe I just felt slow. I don't know because I didn't start my watch. Oops! Everything seemed really hard today. Maybe I'm just getting readjusted from the long weekend.

Played one hour of full-court, 3-on-3 basketball this morning at 5:30. I worked pretty hard and will count that as 3 miles. I ran just under two miles at noon in my Five Fingers. I'm starting to get a pain in my arch in my right foot-- will have to watch for that. I also ran six and a half miles in the afternoon in the waterfowl management area. I ran on the gravel road in my sandals (about 1 mile) and then on the dikes (dirt) in my Five Fingers. I got blisters, again, and have mosquito and horse fly bites all over my body. Next time I'll wear repellant. 

 They did a big burn in the management area, so all the land west of the dike is burned.

My throat is really sore. I know I'm getting something. I've tried to take extra Vitamin C and have tried to force fluids. I took Ibuprofen before my run this afternoon. A side benefit may be that it seemed a little less painful than usual. Hmmm.