Sunday, March 28, 2010

Success!!

If you follow me on FB, you already know that I consider my Saturday run a success. I finished a total of 11.1 miles with no knee pain (YAY!), finished strong, and felt awesome afterwards and throughout the day. It was sooooo much better than last week. But why?

I'm not an expert, but these are a few things that I think may have contributed to a successful pain-free run.

1) The massage on Friday.

She did more of a sports massage and was able to work out some tightness in my muscles. In addition to putting me in a very relaxed state, I could tell that my body was moving more freely afterwards. It was a good experience. I'm going to go back again sometime, just not sure when.

2) New shoes.

I wore my Saucony Triumph 6 shoes instead of my old 5s. I prefer the 5s, but I think it may be time to retire them. I've had the 6s in rotation for a few weeks, but this was the first time they went with me on a long run.

3) Better pace management

My running partner wanted to push the pace this weekend. I knew that would be a bad idea for me. So we went our separate ways. Actually we went the same way, but at our own paces. Hehehe. I started off about 15sec per mile slower than last week and held that throughout. It was a very sustainable pace for me and my body seemed happy. I felt great and picked it up a bit for the last two miles, a sign to me that my run strategy was 'smart.'

4) Less Stress

Last week we ran at a later time than usual. I was feeling a little rushed because it was getting later in the day and I had a lot to do before picking up my kids from their trip. When I am stressed, I get tense. This weekend, however, we ran at our usual time. No time pressure at all. Plus I was still relaxed from the massage. I can't help but think this is a much better mental & physical state to be in when running. Stress and tension must impact form, especially when one gets fatigued.

What do you think? Am I way off the mark or do these seem like reasonable contributing factors? And am I overanalying? It's just so important to me to finish pain-free, strong, & happy. I want to be able to do that over-and-over-and-over again.

We're three weeks out. Next week's long run is only nine, then six, then RACE!!

19 comments:

  1. I'm so happy you ran that 11-miler well! I believe in doing things at your own pace. :)Which half marathon race are you doing??

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  2. My first thought was to channel Mars Blackman with an "It's all about the shoes" quote but reality is that it is all about Lisa. It is coming all together at the right time for you.

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  3. Sounds like it is coming together. I need to get shoes!

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  4. Yay! Long run w/no pain! Great job!

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  5. I'm positive changing the shoes was probably the biggest plus for a great run. Whenever I have some lingering pain in my knee, its usually because the shoes are more than done (and I don't get knee pain otherwise). The other thing I'm sure was holding your pace to what was sustainable for you. And when I find I'm tight for time, I go shorter and faster and it equals out the same then without being stressed. I'm glad you had a good run. Boosts the confidence!

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  6. You like analysing and it makes you feel comfortable adn in control - no such thing as over-analysing for you! I'm sure running when you're feeling un-stressed makes it easier to do wwell.

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  7. Those all seem like contributing factors. Especially #4. It's surprising how often stress insidiously creeps in and ruins our physical efforts without us even being aware of it.

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  8. These definitely seem like legit reasons to me. Now you know what to do next time!

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  9. I would say they probably all contributed to your successful run. Great job

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  10. definitely seem reasonable to me....awesome work!

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  11. Feeling good or not good with running is almost always a combination of things and it is usually different for each runner. The most important thing is that if it is working, stick with it. Great job!

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  12. As someone that often has pain while running, you're right about the contributing factors. I find that a good massage, either professional, of self, can easily melt away the pain.

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  13. I think all of those factors you mentioned probably contributed. Glad the 11-miler went well!

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  14. I'm sure all those things contributed to what made your 11 miles so successful! Sounds like you are going to be totally ready for your half marathon!

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  15. very cool! I don't understand this over analyzing. I never pay attention to my own digits ;-)

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  16. Looks like a great combination of things that made for a pain free and happy run! Woohoo! I especially like the massage part. :) Have a GREAT week!

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  17. I can't comment on the shoes but all the other things you mention are known contributors to sporting excellence. Pick up any sports psychology book and you will find confirmation. :-) Well done and here is for many happy painfree runs to come.

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  18. I think you're right on, especially with the stress and pace. Getting the right pace makes such a big difference.

    Yay for good, pain-free runs!

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  19. Sounds like it is coming together. I need to get shoes!
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