Still Running...

I apologize, I have been a bit quiet lately!   I figured I better take a moment to play catchup!

I did take a week or so off, as my knees and IT band were bothering me.  I suspect the jumping back into running like I hadn't ever stopped - wasn't my smoothest move.  Since I don't want to repeat my annual injury story, I thought some rest and recuperation might be in order!

[caption id="attachment_2576" align="aligncenter" width="294"] Now THIS would have been the perfect Rest and Recoup![/caption]

That brings us back to last week.  On the 24th (WEds.) I headed out for a four mile run.  I started it out later than usual, and took a route that went along a fairly busy road... And I wasn't wearing reflective gear.  All this lead up to me jumping into the shrubs a few times, just to make sure I didn't die. (For the record, I am against dying.)  The run itself was nice though.  I headed out in my five fingers and really enjoyed it.  The last mile, I felt the outside of my right hip really tighten up.  From my reading - this is the IT Band, but I could be wrong.  I took this as a sign that I should probably keep my runs under 3 miles for a while, as my body gets used to it.

[caption id="attachment_2573" align="aligncenter" width="490"] Elevation doesn't change much on my loop.[/caption]

I have a fairly nice loop that is around 2.25 miles, which met my goals nicely.  No major elevation changes - which could be a problem long-term, but is nice for now. That was my path on the 26th and 27th.  Not a great running week over all, as I only put in 8 miles.  While that does annoy me, I think that building up my base is important - and really, It was only half a week.  I am expecting 10-13 miles this week, but won't be to upset if I hold back because my body tells me so.

My pace has been pretty good (which may be part of the outer hip stiffness/tightness/pain).
April 24th - 4.2 miles - 37:45 (8:59 mile)
April 26th - 2.3 miles - 19:24 (8:26 mile)
April 27th  2.3 miles, 19:01   (8:16 mile)

All of the runs were just at the pace my body wanted to go. No focusing on going slower or faster.  No where near my needed 6:25/mile that I need for my "under 20 5k goal"" - but that is a long-term goal, so that's fine too!

I am just glad to be out there putting one foot in front of the other!