Run #247

I joined up with a local group to run, but my IT band cramped up and I had to drop back and walk for most of the last half. Always hard to know what causes that, but I know one thing--I need my walk breaks. They let me alternate what muscle groups I'm using. No more running without walk breaks until I'm totally past this.

Frustrating when I thought I was mostly past this....

4.37 miles, 1:03 (14:24/mile)

Run #246

Hooray, a medium-ish distance run! It's so nice to be able to do that again. I will say, this run just didn't feel great today. Humid, not enough energy, legs kinda achy for whatever reason. But my IT band did quite well. Tightened a bit but no pain at all. Some runs just aren't that easy, and that's okay.

I did a blog post on my main blog with an update on my barefoot running...well, really, my lack thereof. I've embraced minimalism at this point, and it seems to be the right place for me. The post explains more, and includes a call for all runners to hold hands under a rainbow, unified by drinking Coke. Or something like that.

4.72 miles, 51:42 (10:57/mile)

Run #245

YIPPEE! My IT band felt normal today--as in, I just really didn't feel it. Not only was it not painful; it wasn't "achy" or "tight" either. I'm SO happy that it is finally feeling normal again after a month and a half of trouble! I think I'll try 5 miles or so this weekend...nothing too long, but long enough to make me feel like I'm getting in a good weekend run. I'm thrilled!

I'd hoped it would be cease being a problem by Run #250. If today is any indication, I didn't have to wait that long! I've noticed the last couple of days that when I roll the area, it's sometimes hard to even find tight spots to roll; it's gotten so loose. And I think the inflammation that was so easily making it sore must have finally healed too. Such a great feeling.

2.91 miles, 30:00 (10:18/mile)

Run #244

This was yesterday (forgot to log it then.) I was happy to be able to do my normal, hilly 5K without my IT band cramping! It was a little tight, but such an improvement. I really AM recovering. (Yay!) And it was beautiful weather--nice to have a break from the heat.

3.1 miles, 31:15 (10:05/mile)

Run #243

I participated in Relay For Life last weekend. I did 10 1/2 miles, and probably 2 1/2 or 3 were running (short spurts, in between all the walking.) My full recap is here.

Run #242

Okay, the weather was pretty miserable--73 degrees, 94% humidity. Not adjusted to that yet this year! But I'll take humidity over pain ANY day, and my IT band felt better than it's felt in a couple of weeks.

The form change (slightly higher knees) plus all the other stuff...reduced mileage, rolling, stretching, strengthening--all seems to be coming together, and I think by next week I'll be back to my normal 5K route, and soon after that, some longer runs again.

A little stiff afterward, but it's just SO improved over where it was. Hip hip hooray!

2.47 miles, 26:07 (10:34/mile)

Run #241

I started with some high-knee drills, and during the run, I focused on lifting my knees just a bit. I feel like my upper legs are working harder, but it somehow takes the stress off my IT band, and it doesn't hurt to run that way--so I'll keep doing it, and it'll get easier. IT band still very slightly achy when I stopped running, but not during. Stretched during every walk break. Healing slowly but surely.

2 miles, 24:11 (12:05/mile)