realization

I almost didn't go running this morning. I woke up just wanting to eat. so I had a bowl of corn flakes and then about a half an hour later had this strong urge to get out the door and hit the streets. my stomach was feeling okay; I could probably handle it.

I'm happy to say I got out of the liberty park routine. I ran on an old, familiar running route of mine: 800 east. it definitely felt good to be out there. the air was still cool, going north was a slight incline (you really can't avoid hills in salt lake city, utah) but not too bad. after the turn-around (4th south) I even had that this-is-why-I-love-running feeling. it was great. I really do love running. when I was almost home the legs started to feel a little tight. but they felt tight when I woke up this morning too. so I stretched and iced when I got back to the casa. btw, I discovered cooking while stretching. now I can kill two birds with one stone and eat sooner post run. perfect.

I did realize that the reason why my hamstring was hurting yesterday after my run was due to the strength training I did. [thanks, brook. this post helped me put two and two together] lunges. squats. dead lifts. my hamstring is not ready for that. see, that's the thing. one thing I have to really focus on this time is patience. there is a method {and a madness} to this marathon training business. it's called periodization. you don't go all out at once. there are different phases and intensities you must go through. I have to constantly remind myself that I don't need to go too far or too fast right now. I am laying a foundation. I am building a strong, solid base. strength training will come later. speedwork will come later. higher mileage will come later. I have from now until late december to just run. and I am happy with that.

~4 miles; 8th east

run + weights

today I went running around nine o'clock. it was basically the same temp as yesterday, but felt hotter for some reason. oh well. you can't win 'em all.

I only went two miles today, but when I got home I did some weight training for my arms.

on the run I felt generally okay. my right ankle was having some weird, random pain. but it came and went, so I'm not too worried about it. the outside of my right foot hurts too. if I remember correctly, I was having this problem when I first got the shoes. maybe I have to re-break them in since I haven't been running in them as of late.

currently I have four bags of frozen corn placed under key areas of my legs. hurrah for icing!

2 miles; liberty + weight training (arms)

the usual

pete and I went running on monday. it was the usual route. it's fun. I really like having run team with him. (especially when he makes yummy dinners afterwards) oh, I started doing becca's routine - monday was abs and such

tuesday I didn't have much time so I just went up to steiner and did two miles on the treadmill and then did tuesday's weight workout.

I went swimming last night. oh how I love the pool! there's just something about it. it is definitely a kick-you-in-the-butt workout. and I love the wednesday coach. she really makes an effort to know everybody and help with your stroke and form, etc. she's fabulous.

also: for the first time in my life the fly is starting to feel like it's clicking. I could make it a whole 25 without resorting to the breastroke or one arm drill. when I went to breath, I could do that extra little kick to get my head out of the water moving forward. it was like magic. she gave our lane the option of just doing freestyle during the IM sets. I chose IM. I have got to master the butterfly and backstroke.

thursday I rested: long run on friday.