Good morning
Crazy to believe we are on the backside of October! In the Northeast yesterday there were snow flurries and while the idea of snow is exciting to some, it is something I would not mind ever seeing! Life happens, and we must accept the seasons. On a more positive note, I believe I am turning the corner on my self-diagnosed flu. Still coughing a bit but getting stronger.
Just before getting sick, chatted about getting back in my running shoes for the purpose they are intended. That first run in over 9 weeks was wonderful and more importantly, my leg felt great physically during, after and the days to follow. Then the flu hit and instead of a two day recovery, it turned into nearly two weeks! Yesterday I felt strong enough to lace back up my Kinvara’s and repeat the run on the treadmill I did nearly two weeks ago.
I programed the Planet Fitness treadmill for a 35 minute run, with intervals of 3.2 and 6.0 (10 minute pace) settings. I really suck at remembering what I previously set the treadmill at, so a ten minute pace seemed smart. For the time being I am keeping it totally flat, so the incline was nil.
After 5 minutes at 3.2, I eagerly pressed the interval button and as the belt picked up speed, I thought to myself: “Dumbass, you must have set it for 5 minute mile pace!” Instead of going with my first thought, which was to bring it down to a more reasonable pace (say 3.5), I focused on my running gait and staying light on my feet. This strategy seemed to work and about 40 seconds into the 1 minute interval, I felt confident I could stay at this pace.
I settled in to alternating a minute at 6.0, with a minute at 3.2 and while feeling low on energy, it felt great to be running. Because of the length of time I have been experiencing calf issues, I must overcome my brain trying to find pain. If you have experienced any type of recurring length of time, you can probably relate to how there is minimal confidence in going away, so the mind will play phantom pain games. I had a couple moments when I thought maybe, but I believe I finished the 35 minutes without any pulls, stresses, or other indication of tibia or calf problems.
Strangely, in the middle of the night I was awoken with a cramp in problem calf and I had to get out of bed and walk it out. This morning I feel some lingering affects from the cramp, but I’m not so worried about it. I believe yesterday’s run was a total success and a great step toward running regularly. Of course, success will require patience and intelligence, two characteristics that I am capable of, yet do not always use!
Great to be back using my running shoes.
Hope you are enjoying this season, we have opportunity to grow with everyone.
Have a great day and God Bless!
Mike
