On the Road Again

I've been a horrible blogger of late. . .I had to take some time off from running after the Hyannis Half Marathon for the Ankle injury that wouldn't go away and 2-1/3 and 3 hr workouts on the Arc Trainer aren't terribly exciting.

Despite my injury setbacks this year, I am 100% more ready for Patriot's day this year than I ever have been. Some training is better than none. I will have to toe the starting line with a 16 miler as my longest run with a 18-19 mile equivalent on the Arc Trainer, but I am feeling confident. My return to the roads (first a 3 miler up and down part of the Sugarloaf access road) reintroduced my hills to the quads and confirmed I am no Joanie Benoit (not that I ever thought I was). When Dave lived in Carrabassett Valley he'd see Joan running up and down the access road all winter, doing repeats. After having done not even 1, all I can say is Wow.

I then hit Crossroads last Thursday for a 7 miler out and back to Cleveland Circle and adding some distance on to round out the mileage. I felt really strong cardiovascularly but had some Achilles pain in my left leg (different leg than I had injured). It REALLY annoyed me to be back running and have new ailments.

Saturday, to allow myself a steady ramp back up I set off to run 10 from home in lieu of 22 with the group from BC. Roads around my house are rolling and offer some of the same challenges as running in Newton. Achilles discomfort was there but less significant that Thursday so I took that as a good sign, but by mile 7 I had some pain by my knee at my right IT Band. Thinking the 16 miles 2 days apart was perhaps too much too soon, I walked the last mile, but was happy with the workout because I nailed my pace.

This week's plan: strength, cross training, a mid-distance long run of 7-9 tonight, and one more long run. I planned to run the hills Crossroads when planning for the week, but in light of my aches and pains on the last few runs I may opt for the treadmill for the option to retreat to the Arc Trainer if necessary before putting in my final long run of 14-16 this weekend before my taper starts in earnest. Shifter's 5K is also on the schedule for Saturday this weekend.

Fundraising is going well, at $6,086 once all my checks and company matches are posted. Thanks to everyone's support to date. Still $1414 away from my pre-season goal of $7500. Your donation would be much appreciated.