Walking takes a long time...

So, last night I pulled out my bicycle.  I knew that running was a bad idea - the feeling of a nail being driven into my heel made it a bit of a no-brainer..  But I wasn't going to let myself slack off simply because of that! (We all know how easily that can become weeks or months of slacking off!)  So I pumped up the tires (they were labeled to go to 90 pounds of pressure), and decided I needed to wear something other than dress pants/dress shirt.  After all I was EXERCISING not commuting!



Trying my best to be visible, I went with a yellow shirt, and bright orange shoes. (I have this thing about not dying.)  

Fixing the foot strike

So, One of the things I began to work on when I switched to minimalist shoes, was my foot strike.  My goal was to move from being a heel striker, to a fore-foot striker as many of the websites I read, assured me that this would reduce injury and they can't put anything on the internet that isn't true.

[caption id="attachment_2547" align="aligncenter" width="490"] Look at that heel hit the ground![/caption]

Now, if you change HOW you run, you aren't going to change the amount of force that your body receives - so the reality is that you just change the sorts of injuries that you are risking.  This is a topic that Craig Payne, a podiatrist from the land down under, wrote about on his site "Running Research Junkie".  His writings are an interesting change from most running sites, as he relies on (gasp!) facts.  (as a side note, I can totally support his "Calf-Strain" on the forefoot running, as I went through several of those as I transitioned!)

#janathon - Day 8 - Father & Son bonding.

So, this morning I woke up (always a great way to start the day!) and although my legs felt better they were still tired/sore.  I thought that was a darn good reason end my running streak and do some yoga in the evening instead.  In fact I said "Self, since the legs are still a bit sore/tired why don't we do some Yoga tonight instead?" Really.  Right out loud and everything.

As the day went by, the tired/soreness faded from my legs, but I was going to stick with my plan and do Yoga tonight.

But then my shoes arrived.  "What shoes?" You might ask....



My new Altra Zero Drop Running shoes!  They arrived at my office today!

The Plantar Fasciitis Trials - Part 1. Background

So, I've recently had several discussion regarding my experiences with Plantar Fasciitis both in comments on my blog, and with several people in person.  This made me realize it might be worth taking the time to really take a look and explain what I have done, and why!  I'll start with the background.

[caption id="attachment_2188" align="alignright" width="210"] My first pair of Vibram Five Fingers[/caption]

It all started with my switching over to Vibram Five Fingers.  I didn't know at the time that it could contribute, or why.  Looking back, I suspect that a big part of it is the old "too much too soon" problem combined with my complete lack of flexibility.  I don't know that moving into the five fingers slower would have prevented this - but had I been stretching my calves/Achilles/hamstrings - the additional time would have helped.  But I might be getting ahead of myself.

#janathon - Day 5 - The long run!

I used to hurry a lot, I used to worry a lot
I used to stay out till the break of day
Oh, that didn't get it,
It was high time I quit it
I just couldn't carry on that way
Oh, I did some damage, I know it's true
Didn't know I was so lonely , till I found you
You can go the distance
We'll find out in the long run
(in the long run)
The Eagles, The Long Run

So today was on the schedule as my long run.  Of course, I don't really have a schedule, as I have found that I stress it when I miss something, then get hurt trying to play catch-up.  I suppose it was more of a "plan."  A plan based on the fact that its Saturday, so I can run while it is still day light out, which means I can GO OUTSIDE!!!!!  We ran our assorted errands (See the previous post for details,) got back to the house - and I gave my phone a chance to charge (after all, if it doesn't get logged in Runtastic, and posted on Facebook - a run doesn't really count!) and got ready to head out the door.

And my neighbor stops by.  I love my neighbors.

Disaster strikes (no, not that)

Last night, a true disaster occured.  Before I go further into it, let me reassure you - I am not injured so its not THAT sort of disaster.

I was running on my treadmill after deciding that five miles in my Sauconys would be nice, watching Battlestar Galactica on the tablet... And then.. It happened.  I suddenly realized, I didn't really care what happened.   It seems I have over-done it on the show, and I am sick of it.  I must have felt it coming on as I wasn't as excited as usual to get running.  Now, I am faced with the disaster of not knowing what to watch while I run.



You see my friend, if I don't have something engaging to watch - then it goes back to being the "Dread Mill."  My warmup, five-mile run and cool down will be come the longest hour of my day. IT might even be longer than that last hour, spent tossing and turning in bed just wishing I could sleep.

This is where you, my friends and readers come in.  Please, help suggest shows that I can watch on Netflix/Hulu to stave of the eternal boredom that a treadmill represents!

The pig has awoken and put on his Vibram Five Fingers again.

[caption id="attachment_1911" align="alignleft" width="300"] Too tired to run.. or move.. gimme some pizza.[/caption]

So, here we are past the hump day and on the down ward slide to the weekend.  (Yay Weekend!!!!!!!)  I am afraid that I have to admit something.   Despite the best of intentions,  I didn't get back to running until Weds.  While this may not seem like a big deal - it means that I took FOUR Days off in a row.

I feel like a slovenly pig.

While I know its impossible to add 10 pounds of fat in 4 days (and my scale says it didn't happen,) I certainly feel like it. I used to like just sitting around doing nothing - but last night while resting right after dinner (I have to wait about 30-60 minutes before I run after a meal), I felt horrible. I knew that I hadn't r

(And here it comes....) I've been exhausted - not sleeping at night, tossing and turning, etc.

[caption id="attachment_1913" align="alignright" width="225"] I think I have these standing poses down well.[/caption]

I don't use this as an excuse, it's just... well.. an excuse. Last night I admitted that to myself, grabbed my tablet (yay Battlestar Galactica!) and hopped on the treadmill.  I had previously  decided that my next run was going to be back in my Vibram Five Fingers.  In the interest of avoiding "too much too soon," this meant I was going to be taking a short run, which was probably a wise move after so many days off.Once my feet started moving... I wanted to go for miles and miles. My right calf was a little tight in the VFFs, but the knee pain was (unsurprisingly yet happily) missing.  I started talking myself into maybe doing 3 miles instead of 2.. After all, 3 isn't that far - right?  

An influential person, running on a treadmill

[caption id="attachment_1794" align="alignleft" width="300"] If the treadmill is good enough for George Jetson and Astro...[/caption]

Last night I got four miles in on the treadmill.  I have been running at 6 mph, with a goal of limiting the pain to my feet.  This seems to be working pretty well, but as I train toward longer and better things I don't want to be doing it at a ten minute mile.  As such, I am increasing the treadmill speed, I have gone up .1 mph per week  for two weeks.  (For the math challenged that is up to 6.2 mph.)  I have also been running exclusively in my Sauconys, also with the goal of limiting foot pain.  This has led to some slight knee pain, though not much. 

Fitness while traveling

[caption id="attachment_1633" align="alignleft" width="323"] My friend at the Best Western Capital region![/caption]

It's funny to me, that you often read about people who stop their work outs while traveling.  Now this DOES make sense to me if you are staying at cousin Vinny's house.  I'm willing to bet some pretty good money that Vinny doesn't have a small gym set up for anytime he has visitors.

One of the nice things about staying at a hotel - is that most of them DO have some sort of gym and pool.  Now, I admit I have found out here in the Washington D.C. area - that the pool is not the least bit useful to work out in.  There will be no doing laps when busloads of children are in there enjoying their summer vacation!   But this hotel does have a small gym.  For my purposes - it has a treadmill, which is what I need to re-start my running hobby.  I can't say how much I have missed it.  Those miles do seem a lot longer than I remember however... :)

Running is fun.. The other options? Seem lacking....

This not running has been a severe downer for me.  As you can tell from the lack of recent posts - I have not been doing much in the exercise/work out department.   I can honestly say that I do not know how Red kept her sanity with no running.  I also have this bizarre ingrained feeling - that if I cannot run 3 miles consistently (as my short run, not my long run) that I am not a runner.   The ultimate irony of this - is I do not hold anyone else to this standard.  I have friends that are out running 1 mile, and all I have for them is praise and assurance that as soon as they tie on those shoes and head out the door - they are a runner.  Yet for some reason I don't apply that to myself.

Since I enjoy running - I can (when I am physically able to do so without pain) get myself to get out and run.  I may not want to get out of bed, I may not feel like getting up off of the couch - but once I get outside putting one foot in front of the other, I enjoy it.  I mean I REALLY enjoy it.  I have tried starting (And will do it) Insanity a couple of times.  I have gone bike riding. I have lifted weights using the "total gym."  Any of these are fun as a variety work out for me.  To do something different one day.  But I cannot get excited about standing in front of my TV for 45 minutes, 6 days a week.  I don't mind riding a bike outside, and have even found that short run - followed by a bike ride can feel good (emotionally and physically.)  While I am happy to run in the rain, cycling doesn't work out so well and this limits me when we have had the amount of rain we have had in the last couple of weeks.  I had debated riding a bicycle to work to help get exercise, but the rain has prevented that one too.

Running and Biking Oh My!

Couple of days to catch up on.. But since I haven't posted about them it must not have happened right?



I decided that it was finally time to face my fear, strap on my running shoes and head out the door.  I won't lie - I have been scared over trying it for a couple of reasons.  I have been worried that I would run, and find that I developed excruciating pain in  - which occured around mile marker 2 on that 3 miler I did about a month ago.  I  also was dreading going out running - enjoying it -  and then being in agony the next day.  A definite sign (if it occured) that running anytime soon was going to be a pipe-dream.

New Shoes! New Shoes!

Yesterday's workout was the cardio recovery Insanity DVD.  As the name suggests it is a "recovery" day, so the workout was a bit different.  Instead of a fast paced high intensity workout, the pace is slower with controlled movements.  Apparently Shaun T's definition of "easy" is a bit different than mine as I couldn't even manage to do all of these workouts without taking breaks!

If I had thought I was in good shape, this would definitely have cured me of that misconception.  I have a LOT more work to do on my core strength - fortunately Insanity has a focus on that very thing!  It was a lighter workout however as I am not in a whole lot of pain today. I do like the amount of stretching in the program as I need that!

So the best part of the workout? MY NEW SHOES ARRIVED!

End of last week and week end in review!

So this has been a wonderful weekend (yes, I know it's now Tuesday.. I've been busy!!!)  As I mentioned in my last posting - my brother-in-law was in town up until friday morning.  Ignoring their very existence, I started thursday with a 5 mile run outside in the BEAUTIFUL 55 degree weather.  (Mile 1: 8:19, Mile 2: 8:24, Mile 3: 8:28, Mile 4: 8:46, Mile 5:7:55.) I made up for my solitary run - by bringing both families up to  Tunkhannock Falls in Ithaca, NY.  We had a nice picnic lunch, and then headed up the trail to the falls.

As usual, I had someone stop me and ask me about my Vibram FiveFingers - don't get these if you don't like talking to random strangers!  I shared with her the wonder that is the VFFs, and she told me the "upper rim" trail was fantastic to run -about a 4 mile loop.  I thanked her for that information, and it is added on my "to-do" list this

[caption id="attachment_1347" align="alignright" width="300" caption="The Family at the lowerfalls - at Tunkhannock Falls"][/caption]

summer for sure!  I really want to get into more trail running. 

The kids (both theirs and ours) were definitely impressed by the falls - and how could you not be?  Even the little ones at the beginning of the trail are gorgeous to watch/listen too.

When my niece/nephew come back in the summer we promised they could play in the water.

Running in the cold, and trying some of the POSE philosophy.

So with this weekend being a chilly 27 degrees, I thought this would be a good opportunity to figure out "how to dress" for the cold weather. I did a quick google to find some charts on what people recommended, and decided on this:

Head: Perry the Platypus hat, Sunglasses (snow is BRIGHT), and headphones for music.
Body: Underarmor (though it was generic, not UnderArmor brand), T-shirt, Polar Fleece and Shell.
Legs: Underarmor (again, generic.. And sounds much better than "running tights"), running pants.
Feet: Smartwool Toe Socks, Vibram Five Fingers Bikila

I also had a bandana around my neck - that I could pull up to breath through if needed. I should have had my wife take a picture of me in my running get-up for the cold. I will do so next time! (I looked goofy.)

On the road again… I just can’t wait to get on the road again…

This is a re-post from: http://oddfutures.wordpress.com/2011/10/25/on-the-road-again-i-just-cant-wait-to-get-on-the-road-again/ - the original location of my blog.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
So, on my before-last post - I was talking about doing the couch to 5k.. And here is what I discovered.

I can't do it.

It was BOOOOORRRRRIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNGGGGGGGG!!!!!!!! And exceedingly aggravating. Now Mind you, I'm not saying it isn't a good choice for a new runner - but to go out there and "jog" (I'm notajogger either!!!!) for only a minute, and then walk for a minute and a half (and repeat until you hit 20 minutes)- when I know I can just run the entire 20 minutes.... I couldn't do it.

Marine Corps Marathon... 2012.

So, after speaking with a a bunch of people over the weekend, I think I have decided I am going to defer my running of the Marine Corps. Marathon.  I have just had too many injuries/illnesses and set backs this year.  I seriously can't tell you how bummed I am -  But I do want my first marathon to be fun. I run because I enjoy it, and while I think I could finish the MCM - I suspect that the majority of it wouldn't be fun.  We will still be going down to Washington that weekend - as the Hotel Reservations are "non-refundable."  The kids,wife and I will have a good time at the Museums and Monuments.  Plus by getting to see the lay-out of how they do things - will let us plan for next year.

So, For next year I am planning on doing the MCM, But I think I might do the Wine Glass Marathon as well. Its a local one that is the first week of October, giving 3-4 weeks between the two of them.  I also want to find a spring/summer Marathon (The Bluenose International is on my Birthday Weekend - May 20th) - as it is going to drive me nuts that I didn't run the one I had planned.  In fact, it will do so until I actually complete a marathon (Silly, I know.)  Anyone have any good suggestions for the East coast?  I am also thinking I need to look at the running calendar for 2012- I am also going to set a goal of at least one race a month.  Also accepting suggestions here!

But on a good note - I see this as a great opportunity to "Start Over."  I am going to begin running again, as a non-runner.  I am going to do short distances and slowly build everything up. I am tired of being injured and un-able to run and I think that starting from scratch - and building everything back up - may help.

This weekend - no running per the doctor's orders. I get the bone scan done on my leg tomorrow. It isn't a sharp pain anymore, but there is still a dull ache going on.  I am looking forward to seeing what is happening - as then I can plan out my "do over."


Running Diva Mom - Picture from the SHAPE Contest Website.

 On an even happier note - one of the blogs I read has been nominated for a "Top 20 Blogs for Fitness Junkies" -  Please consider stopping by and voting for "Running Diva Mom" -- here is the Link for the Voting.  You might also want to consider clicking on the "Running Diva Mom" and reading the blog - as it's a pretty good read!

Five Miles in the Evening!



Course by Brian Hyland

 Now that the kids' are back at school for the year - I can run in the evening before picking them up on those rare nights when I get out of work on time.  Fortunately for me, last night was just such a day.

I taped up my calf  (and found out during the run, that a rush tape job does not hold), and headed out the door.  I still like to start with the courses that my Cross Country Coach Brian Hyland from "Back in the day" had laid out for the Seton Catholic Central Cross Country Team. It lets me concentrate on HOW I am running - since I know where I am running.  So I headed out my door and over to Laurel Ave, and left up to the park.  This works out to around 1/2 of a mile - the perfect warm up distance.  I popped out with some stretching (this is new... Since I have calf pain it is an attempt to help become a bit more limber) and then headed out on the Seton Catholic Central Cross Country Team 5 mile practice course.  Down Seminary to Beethoven, left to Leroy, right to West end, Left to Riverside Drive, Right to the traffic circle - and come back.

In addition to a Diploma
I  got a bunch of practice courses from this school!

The weather was a bit warm and muggy - but not HOT.  It also didn't require a long shirt, so I am definitely not complaining in ANY way.  I did focus on how my calf felt, but did not keep it from doing anything like I did on saturday.  It felt good the whole way. I certainly did not push the speed AT ALL:"

Mile 1: 9:42
Mile 2: 9:24
Mile 3: 9:07
Mile 4: 9:25
Mile 5: Only did .82 of the mile, but it was definitely slower - probably 10 minute mile pace.

So this morning being the "day-after"  - how do I feel?  surprisingly good. I expected to be as sore as I was on Sunday morning, but I am not.  My legs are tired - no doubt about that, but I could move without Advil today!  Tonight I am going to do a 3 mile run - again, no worries about the speed (ok, for future reference - I have no worries about speed until November.)  Luckily I didn't name my blog "notajogger" - both because it is already taken (and a good read, I suggest checking it out!) - and because I don't know how accurate it would be right now...  BUT I am in NO WAY complaining about it, it is a joy to be out there again.  In just a few more days - I know that my wife will really appreciate it as well (I'm much easier to be around when I can run!)

There was an interesting occurence that happened on Saturday that I hadn't mentioned yet.  I had just finished my stretching at the park, and headed out on the "Seton Catholic Central" 3 mile course - I had rounded the corner and waved to another runner, and he asked me if I had run the Boilermaker.  No mind you - the Boilermaker had 11075 runners finish the course - but this gentleman recognized me. We had a nice enough chat (he is training for the Niagra Falls Marathon) and we both headed back out on our runs.

The head nod between runners is nice -but being recognized from a HUGE race?  Now that's just cool...

Cursed!! CURSED I TELL YOU!!!!!!

So.. I am really starting to wonder if there is a hex on me. 

Friday my calf was feeling well, so I figured a nice slow 1 or 2 miles on the treadmill could be perfect to see how it was coming.  On to that boring piece of equipment I went!  First .25 of a mile! DONE (and boring!) 2nd .25 of a mile? Done! (still boring) 3rd .25 of a mile? Done (and boring.. but better than not running!)  Then... sigh.. disaster.  My son came in to the room (for about the fifth time) to make a funny comment.  I turned to look at him and my left foot hit the plastic on the side.  My leg twisted and I caught myself on the hand rails - but a different part of my calf started hurting.

Sigh.  I am wondering if I will be able to manage 26 miles, 385 yards in just 53 more days.  At this point I need another 2 weeks (or so) of not running to let my calf heal.  My longest run to date has been 12 miles.  After 2 weeks, I will have 39 days to get ready for the distance, after not running for a month.  Luckily I have until October 20th to defer (10 days before the marathon) - so I should have a good idea of whether or not I am capable of doing it. I am not going to run in my VFFs again until after - and my new goal is simply to finish it.  5 hours just became an acceptable marathon time.

I wonder if anyone has ever successfully trained for a marathon by using a bicycle before? I plan on getting ALOT of miles in on my old-school 10 speed while I can't run.  Started on friday, will continue it this week!  Today is rainy and nasty - so off to the YMCA to use their elliptical and stationary bikes. 

I suspect that it isn't going to be very difficult to get a PR for my second marathon...

New "Work" Shoes!

YAY!!!! A new pair of shoes for work!!

So this is a running blog right? You must be asking yourself - why is this idiot posting about his work shoes?  Well, let me answer this brilliant question you have!  My new work shoes?  

[caption id="attachment_445" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="My new "work" shoes!"][/caption]

Vibram Five Finger Treks!

I thought that I would try going full-time in VFF's, as a Podiatry site mentioned that if you were after the "supposed" health benefits - wouldn't you want to wear minimalist shoes all the time?  This tied in with the fact that my every day dress-shoes caused me knee and hip pain made it sound like a really good idea.   PLUS it should have the added benefit of decreasing any calf-pain while running since my calves will always be "Extended" by not being in any shoes with a raised heel. (see? it applies to running!)  I am wearing them with the Injinji socks today (and I still find the socks to be annoying.  Hopefully I will "get used" to them soon.)

On a running note, last night was a nice 4.5 mile run.  I am looking forward to starting my 18-week marathon training plan next week!

Downers (Now I am referring to hills)

About a month ago, I pulled my left calf muscle while doing a long hill run.  I hit the top of the mile or so long hill, looked around to enjoy the scenery and headed back down.  As I started down the long, steep hill it suddenly occurred to me -

[caption id="attachment_405" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Obviously, the runner pictured here is not me. Heck, I don't even know the person!"][/caption]

I don't know how to run down hill in Vibram Five Fingers.

A quick google on my phone let me know that you needed to move your feet fast, and control your speed by leaning. I made it down the hill, ran a ways longer and felt that *SNAP* feeling in my calf that you can read about - if you google "runners calf strain."  

Enough back ground, now the neat part.  As I obviously wanted to learn HOW to run downhill in the VFFs in a way that didn't end with me calling my wife to come get me, I did what we "computer geeks" do - and started googling online.  Believe it or not, I couldn't find any good information.  I found conflicting information on stand up straight, or lean forward/back.  This made me decide to go to everyone's favorite resource: