For as long as I can remember, I told people "I can't run." But in March of 2009, I decided that this was no longer an option. From my first 5K to my second half marathon, I've endured my highest highs and lowest lows as an official Runner. This year I want to embrace running for something beyond times and distances.

Running is so much more than merely getting out there. I want to get out there and love it.

Saturday, April 11, 2009

End of Week 4

Because I screwed up on Wednesday, these stats are just from two runs:

Week 4 Stats:
Walk 1 Min/Run 4 Min (20 mins total) - minus Wednesday (Week 5 run)
Total Distance: 3.41 mi
Ave Distance: 1.705 mi/day
Ave Time: ~11:50 min mi

My biggest hurdle right now is my knees, especially my left. I even had to wear an Ace bandage on my walk to/from work on Thursday. When I run my knees don't necessarily hurt too much...it's just the next day, especially when stairs are involved! But I'm not going to let it stop me. I read a bunch of stuff on the internet, stretches and such, that can help. I'm going to really try to get back into pilates as I know that will help tremendously. I'm also going to look into insoles as maybe those will help too. I read somewhere that tons of runners have knee issues, but they work through it. It would be one thing if I was a seasoned runner and my knees just can't perform anymore, but since I'm just beginning, I have to believe there's a way to simply strengthen them for the time being. I know I won't be able to run till my dying day, but jeez I'm "only" 29! ;)

4 comments:

  1. I always like to stretch like 5min into a walk/jog and *definitely* at the end of the workout!
    I'm sure you've read up on all that stuff, but my family has a history of knee problems (titanium knee) and a MUST is to at least elevate your knees after a workout. If it keeps giving you problems, icing always does the trick too ;)

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  2. Aww good advice!! I didn't know about the elevation right after a run part, but that makes a lot of sense. I had my leg up on this stool at work all of last Thursday (Ace bandage day) and it helped a lot! I might actually start stretching 5mins into the run too because I notice how stiff my legs are at the beginning. That might help loosen them up. YAY ADVICE! Thanks!!

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  3. You also might want to try and strengthen your quad muscles. Isometric exercises can be done anywhere. Just tighten your thigh muscles and hold for a count of ten. Rinse and repeat.

    If it keeps up, consider buying better insoles for your shoes. I've used Sorbothane for years with pretty good results.

    Also try running on grass. It's uneven but a heckuva lot softer than concrete.

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  4. That's what everyone (as in everyone on the interweb) keeps telling me! I thought all my months of twiststep would've done my quads good, but maybe they just aren't up to par. I gotta get my lunges on too! But I think buying a good pair of insoles is definitely in order. I tried running on the grass a couple runs ago, and I feel like it might not be a very good idea since my ankles are so week! I can see a twisted ankle from a mile away!!

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