Thursday, March 3, 2011

Thursday Thoughts

Had a good run on a dirt trail on Tuesday. What defines a good run? Minimal knee pain is a big factor. Really only bothered me on a few short uphills (I walked those segments). I was surprised when I looked at my splits. I don't remember trying to pick up the pace except at the very end, but apparently I did. This was very encouraging, especially after the long run failure this past weekend.


What I've learned so far about running and my current knee pain:
  • dirt is good
  • hills are bad
  • hard surfaces are not good
  • easy is okay
  • long is not good
Taking these things into consideration, My half-marathon training plan has been modified. Cutting back on distance for my long runs, at least for the next few weeks. I will add some extra short runs though for time on my legs. I still need to figure out what I'm going to do about cross-training to keep my fitness level up.

Today I'm planning on another easy 4 after work. I hope it goes as well as it did on Tuesday!

12 comments:

  1. Great job on the run and good luck with the modified plan - I hope that knee gets better soon!

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  2. dirt IS so much easier on the knees, glad you are finding a pain free way to run. no matter what, you'll do great in that half. my XT of choice is spin class. kicks my butt!

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  3. Isn't a 1/2 Mary considered long???? Take care of that knee.

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  4. deal. do what you can do. enjoy it. works for me :-)

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  5. I need to find a good dirt trail...
    I am going to Costco today to get some glucosamine with HA.. I miss running more than 2x a week!

    Have you tried the Salonpas pain patches on your knee? I use them on my longer runs...love them!!

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  6. I wish the trails would dry up here! I definitely enjoy running on them more than the hard sidewalk/roads but it's still too wet/icy/muddy in the trails right now.

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  7. Sorry to hear the knee is bothering you again, but glad you had a good run on the trail!

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  8. Good luck with this. Hate hate hate injuries!

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  9. You *know* how I feel about dirt! :)
    I hope the 4 miles went well today.

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  10. A good run for me is the one I survive

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  11. well glad you are finding things that feel better and hopefully with a little more time and strength it will all feel better

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