Archive for the ‘Training (running, cycling, etc.)’ Category
7/21/10 – Run 2A – Exactly 1.0 miles with 0.5 miles running :-)
Posted by admin in Training (running, cycling, etc.) on July 22nd, 2010
So, I went with Option 3 (as proposed by my Physical Therapist, Travis): I kept the stability shoes and the prescription orthotics.He says, “The symptoms really might just be some increased soreness with breaking in a new pair of shoes and getting use to less support. Â If you continue to have symptoms, again, you should not be increasing mileage, but rather staying at the same level until you are able to complete that distance symptom free.”
He also suggested that I continue the exercises for the “strengthening”, and I could also add stride outs (that he suggested a long time ago) with my Vibram Five Fingersâ„¢ after each run. “Stride outs are brief stints of running ~60-100 yards, where you slowly pickup your tempo until you are at or near top speed running on your toes.” Travis also said that the stride outs would increase strength, while the orthotics and stability shoes during the sustained runs will provide support to help my feet adjust to the impact of running for a longer time.
Ok. This totally makes sense to me, and I, thus, I opted for Travis’s suggested Option 3.
I am really excited about the stride outs, but I did not do them on Run 2A. Those will happen on Run 3A, and I will tell you all about them in good time.
Back to the run at hand. My friend and I had a limited amount of time. So, we found that we could really only squeeze in one mile total.
We walked the first 1/4 mile and ran the second 1/4 mile. Just like last time, this felt really good, but I was really winded. My body was definitely feeling good, and I now need to get my lungs up to speed.
Then, the second 1/4 mile walk, which is when pain will show. I didn’t have any!! None! Woohoo!!! My left foot felt fine, and my right foot was ready to keep going. So, onto 1/4 mile #2.
This one was just as good, and my breathing was getting better (as it does once you are a little more warmed up). At this point we had to stop and go home to get to a bellydancing class, which is a story for another time and blog.
On the way to class, I felt fine. All was well with feet, hips, back, shoulder, etc. I had a difficult time due to fatigued quads in bellydancing, but other than that, the running seemed to be just fine for my feet.
I am thinking that another go of just two 1/4 mile runs with three 1/4 mile walks. We shall see what the next few days bring!
7/19/10 – Run 2A – First Run for New Shoes: The Beginning of the Experimental Stage
Posted by admin in Training (running, cycling, etc.) on July 19th, 2010
Today was the inaugural run for the new shoes. I was really excited to get out and see how they work. Let me just say that I definitely am surprised and unsure.
Run 2A was the same and the first run – walk1/4, run 1/4, walk 1/4, run 1/4, walk 1/4 – and this time I was joined by two friends!
Keep in mind that I am wearing my new stability running shoes WITH my prescription orthotics. That will be important later….
Of course the beginning of the run was fine. I was having difficulty maintaining (ok, let’s be realistic – getting to) a mid-foot strike as the shoe and my orthotics were working against me. So, I kind of gave up on that and focused on my muscles staying active during the run.
Specifically, I was trying to engage glutes, hamstrings, core, quadriceps and big toes during each step and push-off. This takes a lot more concentration that I thought it would. However, I could tell a difference when I was making sure I was pushing off with the big toes and when I was not.
The second 1/4 mile run was a little more difficult. I noticed that my feet, specifically, were getting quite fatigued. The rest of my body seemed to be all set to move more.
After the third 1/4 mile walk, we had enough distance to do a bonus 1/4 mile run and still have a 1/4 mile walk for a cool down.
I really wanted to do the bonus run, but after walking almost the entire 1/4 mile, I discovered that as my endorphins thinned out, I began to feel that my RIGHT arch was killing me! You see, the combination of orthotics and brand new, apparently very high stability shoes was just too much together.
On a daily basis I do not really notice the orthotics at all, unless my feet are particularly sore or inflamed, then I am relieved that the orthotic is taking so much work off of my feet. When I feel the orthotic it is usually because it is doing too much.
So, this brings me to a very interesting place:
Do I keep these shoes and try to run without the prescription orthotic and maybe add a pre-made more supportive insole?
OR
Do I keep the orthotics and exchange the super stability shoes for shoes with less stability?
What to do?
I truly have no idea at this point. I have 60 days to return my shoes. I’m considering getting the pre-made supportive insoles and giving those a try, but which option GETS ME CLOSER TO MY GOAL?
Not a clue at this point.
Stay tuned….
7/16/10 – Starting the Running Program, Again – Run 1A
Posted by admin in Training (running, cycling, etc.) on July 18th, 2010
It is time to start running again because a friend and I have signed up for a 5k on September 12, 2010. That gives us roughly 8 weeks to slowly work up to the 3 or so miles required for this race.
Our initial run was the walk 1/4 mi, run 1/4 mi, walk 1/4 mi, run 1/4 mi, walk 1/4 mi. We did the two 1/4 mi runs and actually walked an extra mile with a total distance of 1.5 miles or so.
So far so good!
Video!!!
Posted by admin in Training (running, cycling, etc.), Try This! on June 25th, 2010
At long last, I am going to share those videos that I have been promising.
Video #1 – Me Running from the side in late May 2010. You will see 5 seconds in my super stiff running shoes and 5 seconds in my Vibram Five Fingers (TM).
Of note: First, I run like an old lady, meaning that I have a very short and inefficient stride. This indicates that I have tight hip flexors, which has been backed up by both my PT and my Chiropractor.
Second, in my running shoes, my stride is really short, while in my barefoot shoes I extend my back leg a little more.
I find this video very eye-opening. No wonder I run a slow mile!!! I am completely wasting energy and holding myself back with my stride.
Video #2 – Me Walking heel view late May 2010. The only video I have from the heel view is of me walking/running in my running shoes.
Erin Walking Posterior May 2010
Of note: First 5 seconds are walking where the problems of the left foot arch falling are not evident. Second 5 seconds are running where several issues are quite evident. First, my left arch does fall, which means many bad alignment issues further up my leg. Plus, the major pressure is on the posterior tibial tendon to keep that arch up. Last, my right foot is turned slightly out, which causes a torque in the right knee, which I have evidence of my body feeling in that my right knee is the one that had “patellular tendonitis” (i.e. your knee hurts, therefore you have an -itis). Someday I will figure out how to get a video of me in my barefoot shoes up here, which really shows the left foot caving in.
These videos brought to you courtesy of many long hours of working with the video editor by my Physical Therapist, Travis Orth.
I also want to say that iMovie made it possible for the clips to be short and provided the ability to play cool songs rather than the foot slapping soundtrack the videos came with 🙂
Latest Run (#?) 5/20/10
Posted by admin in Training (running, cycling, etc.) on May 21st, 2010
So, I am going through Travis’s running program of W (walk) 1/4 mile, R (run) 1/4 mile, W 1/4 mi, R 1/4mi, W 1/4 mi with running increments increasing slowly over time.
Today was the W 1/4, R 1/2, W 1/4, R 1/2, W 1/4. I am still working on lengthening my stride, which is getting much better! I have not started the “stride outs” in the Vibramâ„¢ Five Fingers, yet, as my ankle does not seem to be strong enough to handle that. I think I could do them in my super stiff running shoes with orthotics, but not “barefoot” – yet.
Anyway, I successfully completed the first R1/2, but on the second one, about 1/4 mi in my left foot started to hurt on the top above the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th toes. I decided that was not an “I’m tired, but can keep going.” Instead, I felt that this was a “OMG STOP RUNNING! I’m not ready! I’m NOT ready!!!” So, I stopped. I completed 3/4 mile running, though, which is good for now.
However, I will say that the walking 1/4 mile between running is truly magical. It is just enough time for my feet and legs to recover and go again. I would never have thought that was really necessary. I have no idea how I was running before….oh wait, yeah, I was running like a little old lady 😉
Never the less, I was a little bummed that I didn’t make my goal today, but I did get through the first 1/2 mile. I will try this run again, but not until after Wednesday of next week.
Remember that hamstring I was telling you about. You know, the one on the left leg. Well, it is really starting to become a problem. I have enlisted the Village, though. Travis is going to look into this and pull some magical tricks out of his bag on Wednesday of next week. After that, I will start the running again. So, until then, more cardio indoors (blech) and more weightlifting (HOORAY!).
Run #3 – 5/5/10!
Posted by admin in Training (running, cycling, etc.) on May 6th, 2010
A blog on time! Watch out!
So, this morning, I struck out on the bigger run – Day 3: Walk 1/4 mile, Run 1/4 mile, Walk 1/4 mile, Run 1/4 mile, Walk 1/4 mile.
Yes, I could tell I was running an extra 1/4 mile. My right leg took to it like a duck out of water. However, my left leg made it great the first 1/4 mile, but I could tell it was lagging on the second. Talk about foot slapping the sidewalk on that side. I am thinking that I might stick with this run for more than prescribed if my left leg doesn’t respond any better than this quite soon.
Otherwise, I am feeling really good! Between my running, foot Physical Therapy exercises, and Personal Trainer exercises, I am beginning to feel very strong for the first time in a very long time. It is such an exhilarating experience!
Stay tuned because the video will be up before the weekend!!! It’s finished and waiting for me to pick it up 🙂
Run Day 2 – 5/3/10 In the a.m. too early to think about, sort of
Posted by admin in Training (running, cycling, etc.) on May 4th, 2010
So, having absolutely thrown the weekend to the wind, I decided that I simply had to run this morning regardless of what time I got up – I mean it’s only one mile.
Thus, I made it! I walked my 3/4 mile and ran the 1/4 mile. It was truly difficult. However, I noticed that maintaining a better stride was a little easier. My legs were doing much better, but the lungs tired very quickly. I also did not notice the foot slapping when I tried and was more successful with the mid-foot strike. Hmmm…could this improve with practice?
Also, I did get up later than normal this morning, which meant no morning gym session. Oh well, I’ll get back there soon!
Overall, I am beginning to feel healthier and stronger – finally!
First Run 4/30/10 – One week later…
Posted by admin in Training (running, cycling, etc.) on May 3rd, 2010
So, I finally did it! After the hike, my tendon continued to hurt, and I think I found some pollen on the trail that really got me down for several days. Thus, I iced everyday and decided that Friday was the day.
The walking one mile and running only 1/4 mile was surprisingly challenging. It was fantastic, though. I felt really good, and I worked on trying to take longer strides. Turns out that when I am working on having a longer stride, I need a lot more strength from my quadriceps. Thus, I end up banging my feet on the ground. Then, I find myself chanting – out loud, mind – “lighter, lighter, lighter…” Now, lets talk about trying to do a mid-foot strike in motion control shoes with prescription orthotics – oh wait! It’s not possible! All of these aspects lend themselves toward a solid heel strike. At least, that is how I found my foot falling – firmly on the heel. More ground slapping when I tried to mid-strike. Therefore, I was not so successful on the mid-foot strike this last time. Whew! At least it was only 1/4 mile.
So, I’m wondering if looking into some straight up stability (not motion control) shoes is a good option. I will say that I am certainly not interested in plunking down $100 for a trial and error go at this point. My current shoes are in very good shape b/c I only use them for running. We shall see as I continue to train this time around.
I took two days off this weekend. I will resume the plan tomorrow morning. See you bright and early if your out and about!
Sickness and Injury Do Not Progress Make
Posted by admin in Training (running, cycling, etc.) on April 27th, 2010
Well, not feeling good always gets in the way. Yesterday, I felt more and more drained as the hours passed, which means no running has begun. This morning I was no better. I am hoping to begin the program tomorrow.
Also, that hike was too much as my posterior tibial tendon continues to hurt. ARGH! Ice, wait, try again!