Running Chick

I’ve been back to running for a solid month now, applying my plan of action.  My runs have been short and sweet - 2 miles here, 3 miles there maybe a slightly longer run on the weekend.  I’ve missed a couple of runs due to weather, but so far I’ve been able to keep up with the schedule.

I’m really digging the three times/week thing because I don’t feel like I’m such a slave to the running.  And having the extra rest days seems to be keeping my tendonitis at bay, too.  Speaking of that evil stuff, things are okay in that department.  I’m not in any pain during my runs, but things do get achy.  I’m managing it with lots of stretching, ice and the occasional Advil.  The really good news is that I don’t get any after-run or next-day pain.  Last summer, when the tendonitis was at it’s worst, four miles was about as far as I could go without some serious hurt.  And then, I would hurt for the next two or three days before it would go away, only to start all over again once I started running.  As far as I’m concerned, this is 100% better.

The only thing that’s bumming me out is that I’m not gaining as fast as I did when I was running four times/week.  I’ll have one good day where I’m running in the 9s and 10s and then the next time I’m barely able to break 11.  That’s depressing.  But, I suppose I’ve really only been back for a month, so I shouldn’t get too stressed out.

This month, I’ve decided to start adding one hill day to my plan.  In theory, if it doesn’t kill me, it’ll help boost my cardio level and build up my legs.  Of course, if it causes anything to flare up, it’s getting kicked off my schedule.

This month’s totals:  26.12 miles @ 11.09