26/30 Group: Week 2 Nov 8-14

Hi there,

I ran my minimum, 2.5 tonight, but I find that works best after a long run the day before. So far I've run 13 out of the last 14 days. Tonight's run was a challenge. It was pouring down rain (I live in a Seattle suburb, so what's new?) But about a block from my house, the rain turned to mixed rain/hail and was blowing sideways. My dog was not pleased. He is a lab who loves swimming, but hates the rain. At one point he stopped and turned around and looked at me. His eyes were saying, "Mom, are you nuts? I'm wet, I'm cold, the rain is getting in my eyes and I'm not enjoying the wind." But, he adapted and we finished the run. Saw a transformer blow in the distance about a mile in. Was ready to high tail it home as I thought it was lightning...but pretty sure it was just blown circuits somewhere. Call me crazy, but I love running in incliment weather. I feel like I have the roads completely to myself. It's very peaceful!

Had some catching up to do after taking 4 days off these first two weeks. Got in 4 runs in last two days, with each day consisting of 1 longer/harder workout and 1 easy-paced 3 mile run. I liked doing two a day, but doing it two days in a row was a bit much...

Did track workout tonight as Wednesday's harder workout. Was great to see Stephanie and Colin there! I remember the first few track workouts I did being pretty painful but now I really enjoy them.

I'm beat, though...and running again in 9 hours. Oof.

On the topic of massage, I've been getting regular massages for the past few years and am a big fan of getting regular bodywork. I go on average three time a month. It is the painful deep tissue type massage, but it has been very helpful in keeping the aches, pains, and muscle pulls to a minimum. I started going because my upper hamstring/lower glute was a chronic twinge that was getting steadily worse -- Jay (massage therapist) fixed that pretty quick. Yeah, it didn't keep the plantar fasciitis away, but there's only so much massage can do (can't make up for me sprinting in cheap cleats and walking around all day in flip-flops!) . And I've yet to have a pulled muscle since going to him (knock on wood). Faster recovery after big races is another advantage to regular massage.

Hey Marta:

I park at the Rose Bowl Aquatic Center closest to the street and just slightly north....If you have been out to the Pasadena Tri Club's Wednesday Night Brick Workouts during the summer, in that general area. Look for a brown Honda CRV and a bald guy! 

Anybody else is welcome to join.......Have a guy from the Pasadena Marathon Founder's Group possibly joining me, too! 

Rich

(Note: Taking a rest day on Thursday, November 15, 2007!)

HOLY COW, my picture is on the front page! What a surprise! Thanks, Marvin. It really makes me feel part of the group.

I just had a really terrific run. 9.08 miles in 1:23:52. Lots of hills. Perfect sunny, breezy day, 75 degrees. Tomorrow will have to be a short easy one and I'd like to work on speed a bit.  Don't want to anger the knees though, sometimes they have their own personality.

Shattuck...good for you on the 30/30 goal and congrats on the 41/46! Don't worry about running only 30 minutes, at least you're out there. You're an inspiration. 

Susan...Jay sounds awesome. Do you think he would mind working on all us 26/30 folk? Might require a bit of travel....