Run #190

Well, that was frustrating. I could tell my hip was tightening up the last few days, and sure enough, it and my IT band got tight during the run. It wasn't awful but I did have to stop earlier than I wanted. Sigh. Now to figure out what to do before the race. LOTS of rolling, for sure, and I'll tape it on race day. I may get in to the PT for a session or two also; we'll see.

When I got home, I rolled that hip and focused on really getting deep with the massage ball. I realized I have been rolling quickly and not as deep as I probably need to. I think it's just so easy for my body to go back into that "tight" mode and I hope it learns quickly to be strong and loose instead! I'm going to roll a LOT in that hip/IT band/quads area for the next couple of days and go to the PT if I need to during the middle/end of the week. I hope I don't need to go see him; we'll see how all the rolling works.

3.6 miles, 46:30 (12:54/mile)

VivoBarefoot Evo II giveaway

This is one of those minimalist shoes I'm DROOLING over, but they're pricey ($160 retail!) I hope I win a pair! Click here to head over to the Running and Rambling blog, and to enter the giveaway.

Run #189

This was just a GREAT run. I felt fantastic, and I was just so happy to be out there.... What a perfect way to start this special day! I didn't have a pre-planned route; just ran where I wanted. As long as I ended up at Starbucks...which I did...I knew I'd be happy. :) Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, everyone!

7.24 miles, 1:22:24 (11:22/mile)

Run #188

This was my final pre-race long run, and it went great! My energy level wasn't the best, but I made it through, and at a slightly better pace than last week. My legs and feet felt noticably better than last week during the run. And now, 8 1/2 hours after finishing, I can't believe how good my legs feel. These long runs still take a lot of energy and leave me tired, but I do feel like my body is starting to adjust to the distance.

Also...this was my first-ever 20+ mile week! Woooo hooooo!

Time to taper my mileage over the next two weeks so I'll be fresh and ready on December 5. I do feel prepared for my first half marathon in 15 days!

11.91 miles, 2:20:28 (11:47/mile)

Run #187

Chickie wanted to run with me this morning, so we put Zoodle in the jogging stroller, and Chickie and I ran. We went to Subway and the donut shop (both conveniently in a shopping center outside our neighborhood!) Ate there, then came home. Chickie is definitely getting faster; I'm proud of my little runner!

1.28 miles, 21:25 (16:43/mile)

Run #186

Another good run! It's sure gotten chilly out there though. The barefoot purists amaze me (the ones who even run barefoot in the snow.) My Vibrams and I are going to spend a LOT of time together this winter. :) I wore them with socks today; that definitely helps my toes stay warmer.

Run #186... #200 will be here soon! Only 6 more scheduled runs before my race. It's getting close, 17 days away!

I hope my body continues feeling so loose and strong. I'm doing my trigger point rolling twice a day (three times a day on my long run days) and it's really neat to see the difference...areas that were full of knots a couple of weeks ago, now so much easier and more comfortable to roll out. For instance, I learned a new way to roll my IT bands, and it's been so much more effective. It was painful to do; now it's only a little uncomfortable. That shows me how much looser those areas are!

I'm also doing several strengthening exercises (given to me by the PT) once a day, six days a week. They taught me four types of clamshells, and one particular position was so hard at first. (It's the position that most works the particular weak muscles that have been contributing to my IT band issues!) Last night as I did the exercise, it was suddenly so much easier. It's exciting to see that not only am I getting looser, but I'm also getting stronger in a way that should help prevent the IT band issues from recurring!

If you're reading this and want details of the more-effective IT band rolling or the clamshell exercises, leave a comment, and I'll write up the instructions.

3.86 miles, 41:27 (10:44/mile)

Run #185 (5K PR!)

Best 5K time yet! Looks like I may eventually reach an old goal (one that I'd let go of), to get to 10 minutes a mile for 5K. I was oh-so-close today. Legs felt great...fantastic, challenging run! Wore my new running tights--very comfy and warm.

3.1 miles, 31:05 (10:02/mile)