Go Long!

I ran my 10 miles in two "laps" today. I went out to see a property in West Weber, but got stood up by the realtor. While I was there I ran five miles. But then I had to take a couple of phone calls and didn't get back to my run until after I got home. So my first run was at 2:30 and my second at 5:00. I ran the first five at an average speed. The second five was much faster. I think it was because I knew I only had to go five. Didn't feel any ill effects from Saturday's run. We'll see how I feel tomorrow, because I kind of pushed it today. I've got to be patient and take it easy so consistent mileage has a chance to set in.

It's another beautiful day. I almost wore shorts, but I hate being cold... so one more day in tights. Mine are fading to grey and I have a nice tan line-- literally. My ankles are tan between the spot where my socks stop and my tights start. So I'm tan on 1" of my legs and in a circular pattern on my face. I run with a skull cap that I just love, but it covers my head and causes the weird tan line on my face. Oh well, runners, especially those who are in their 50's shouldn't worry about such things. Should we?

I felt great when I started today but ran out of steam by mile five. Maybe my second, faster run yesterday took more out of me than I thought. Averaged 10 minute miles. Right hamstring was sore to start and again at the end. Achilles seems to be getting better.

Funny thing, I decided to break out a new pair of Under Armor socks today. They're actually from the same package as the ones I wore yesterday, but not used (or washed yet). I wear toe socks most of the time, but every once in a while I put on conventional socks just so my toes can talk to their friends. Bad idea, I guess. I now have blisters on the end of almost every one of toes. "Tell your friends about that, Guys!"

I guess I learned my lesson: you gotta keep 'em separated. 

I hoped to get another run in later today (maybe 3 miles) but will probably put that off until tomorrow. 

I ran on the south end of the Bluff Trail and then headed out through the subdivisions. This was a mistake because I stopped and looked at several model homes, which meant I made some rest stops I didn't intend to make but maybe needed. It also meant I ran the last half of my run in the dark. I didn't get home until 7:15.  

I also saw the podiatrist today. We decided not to do any other treatments on the neuroma for now. Another injection of cortisone could cause my fat pad to deteriorate and so far I'm doing okay using a toe separator. If it starts to bother me again, we'll look at cyrosurgery. He also looked at the inflammation surrounding my right achilles and thinks it's just bursitis... nothing to worry about, just the result of a lot of use. He thinks it will slowly go away and I probably don't need to cut back on my training. The swelling has gone down a bit in the last couple of weeks.  

I ran in my Five Fingers today. It was about 45 degrees and a bit windy. I ran a loop through Hooper and really enjoyed the fresh country air. It's really "fresh" right now with wet feed yards and ripe silage. Reminded my of the ranch...

I've got a few blisters, but I'm getting them almost every day, so I think that's just going to be part of more miles. Maybe my feet will get used to it.

Even though I ran almost barefoot, it seems like the miles are starting to get a little easier. Maybe it's all starting to sink in. I hope so. 

I ran the north end of the Bluff Trail from the north end without any stops. My goal was to do the entire route in less than 1:40, which I think I did. Actually, I was pressed for time, so when I stopped, my Garmin registered 9.89 miles in 1:37 and I didn't want to run up the road to hit 10... so it's not official, but close. I'm not really working on time, yet, but I do want to increase my speed. I'm being careful not to push it too much so I don't aggravate any of my injuries. So far, so good.  

Planned to run with Dr. Shaw. Had to call and cancel because Jeff came home, we had to move Robbie Gunn, we had a ward employment seminar I needed to attend and I had to fix Jeff's headlights and run errands with him and Dalene. I believe in no excuses. Had I to do it over again, I'd have scheduled the things I could control differently. Anyway, missed my long run and didn't eat as well as I usually do. (I actually ate two donuts at the seminar-- more than I've eaten in over a year.) I think just the thought of those donuts will sustain me on some of my longs runs, though. Dang! I'd like to say they were nasty but they were just good!