Not so speedy

Thursdays is usually speed work.  Tonight speed work was cancelled because of the Festival of Miles.  I decided to go to Sherman Beach and kind of run the speed workout for the week.  The workout was 4 X 800.  I warmed up one mile slow.  Then I started my repeats.  It was hot.  It was humid.  It was hard to run fast.  My legs felt heavy.  It felt like I was wearing concrete boots.  Somewhere during the third repeat I realized why the workout seemed so hard.  Sunday and Monday I ran speed during the Senior Olympics.  The races were not long but there were a lot of them and I had to warm up and cool down for each.  Usually I would have a week recovery between speed sessions.   I have developed the ability to sweat profusely.  I may not be the best runner but I am very good at sweating.

My Toes

Today I took the day off.  Jim and I met friends at the botanical garden for a concert in the evening.  My friends had their toenails painted.  I usually only paint my toenails if I have black and blue ones I want to cover up and I want my feet to look pretty for a special occasion.  Currently my toenails are in pretty good shape.  It is sandals seasons so I may paint the toenails for no reason.

Medal Count

It's all a matter of who shows up.  I did not have a lot of competition at the Senior Olympics this year.  I competed in 12 events and brought home 11 gold medals and 1 silver medal.  Jim competed in 5 events and brought home 4 silver medals and a 5th place ribbon.  He did not feel well on the second day and did not complete his other events.

My legs were tired but felt okay.  Jim and I took a four mile hike this evening.

Senior Olympics Day Two

Today was the second day of the senior Olympics.  It was hot again.  I had the same goals as yesterday:  don't hurt myself, have fun, don't pass out from the heat.

I competed in 7 evens today:  1500M run, 400M run, 100M run, 50M run, standing long jump, triple jump, shot put.  I kept my runs very controlled.  Last year I pulled my hamstring in the 50M and it took months for it to feel better.  I am happy to say I did not pull my hamstring even though I ran the 50M twice. 

The first run of the 50M we were lined up to run.  The woman in the lane next to me was younger.  I learned from last year not to try to keep up with a 50 year old.  She shot out fast and was ahead of me.  This was okay.  I saw her start to stumble then her legs buckled and she went down on the track.  I stopped to ask if she was okay and help her up.  There was a nurse there who came over to help her.  Then I finished my race.  After it was over the officials let us run the race again since there was an injury.  So I ran again.  I did not pull a hamstring either race. 

I had a good day.

Jim had stomach issues today and stayed home.

Senior Olympics Day One

Today was the first day of track and field events for the St Louis Senior Olympics.  I had three goals:  1) Don't get hurt 2) Have fun 3) Don't get heat stroke.

I accomplished all three things.

Today I competed in 1500 Meter Race Walk, 1500 Meter Power Walk, 800 Meter Run, 200 Meter Run, Running Long Jump.  I had fun. I didn't get hurt or heat stroke.  The day was a success.

Jim competed in the same events.  He did great.

Tomorrow we go back for day two.

Preparing for the Olympics

This weekend I have the Senior Olympics starting tomorrow.  I did not train how I would have liked because of my hip flexor and lower leg issues.  My goal is to have fun and not do something stupid like pull a  hamstring.

Yesterday I west to see Dr. Lauren.  My issue have been better but are still there.  She worked me over.

This morning I went for an easy 2 mile run at Sherman Beach.  I did some strides in the last mile but kept it under control.   Ready for tomorrow.  I have numerous events over the two days.

The Weed in Review

I have been busy this week.

Sunday - Kathy and I had a 6 mile church run at Route 66 State Park.  It was a great run to catch up and run together.

I spent a lot of time with my precious granddaughter this week.

Wednesday I got to watch Willow's swimming lessons.  She is almost 4 month old and has been taking swimming lessons for 2 months.  She is so darn cute.

Wednesday I ran with Jen, John and Willow in the stroller to Forest Park.  It was hot.  When will I be adjusted to the heat?

Tonight I decided to go to speed work.  Jim returned home from hiking the Appalachian Trail.  He surprised me by saying he would go to speed work with me.  The workout was 8 X 400.  I ran near the front of group 4.  I kept my pace very controlled.  My goal was not to get hurt.  The workout felt good.  It wasn't as hot as I thought it would be.  Jim did great at the workout.

London

This morning I woke up at 5:45.  Usually when I wake up this early on a weekend and I do not have a run planned I roll over and go back to sleep.  I was not tired so I did what I usually do when I have some extra time - read my Runner's World Magazine.  I was reading when I realized it was the  morning of the royal wedding.  I decided to turn on the TV and watch.  Of course it was beautiful (but not as beautiful as my daughters' weddings).

As I watched the royal wedding I thought about the London marathon.  London has one of the major marathons.  It also held the 1908 Olympics where the distance of 26.2 was first run.  Before that the marathon was around 25 miles or 40KM.  In the St. Louis Olympics of 1904 the marathon was 24.85 miles.  The race was lengthened in London so it could start at Windsor Castle and end in the stadium.  Thank you London for making the marathon longer.  That last 1.2 miles is the hardest.

Today I signed up for the Ballwin Days 5K.  Jim and I have run this race for many years.  We like it because it is close to home and fun.  As a bonus there is a 1 mile race after the 5K.  We always sign up for both races.

I also practiced my shot put.  Only one week until the Senior Olympics. 

Plan C

Sometimes plans don't work out and you have to regroup and re-plan.

Today Plan A was to run after work.  It was raining when I woke up and rain was predicted all day.  When it approached lunchtime I saw there was a window of time where I could get a lunch run in. 

Change to Plan B.  Instead of going to the trail after work I decided to run the subdivision at lunch.  My plan was to do an easy warm up then some hill repeats.

After the warm up in the subdivision, I realized that hills make my ankle/shin issue hurt more.  Move to plan C.  Just run easy in the subdivision and skip the hill repeats.  Ankle/shin is a little better but still not great.

Hiking

This evening Jim loaded his backpack and we went to Castlewood to hike some hills.  He is ready for the Appalachian Trail.  He wanted weight in his pack so I said he could carry the water.  I always carry the water when we run and share it with him.  He said I could carry the water.  He wanted weight in his pack.  I let him carry the water.

I feel good after yesterday's run.

Better

Today I ran 4 miles.  I even threw a couple strides in mid-run.  I felt so much better after my appointment with Dr. Lauren yesterday.  Still not 100% but much better.

I forgot my handkerchief.  My nose always runs, especially  now in allergy season.  Luckily I had some tissues in my hydration pack.  I am still getting used to the heat.

Jim and I went to Sherman Beach and ran.  When we got back to the parking lot there was a young couple with a little boy who had been to the river.  They had locked their keys in their van.  They were in a panic.  We asked what we could do to help.  They said they needed tools.  We drove home and Jim got some tools.  When we got back to the parking lot there were several other people trying to help them.  They had found some railroad spikes and were able to pry the door open a little.  Jim was able to slide a long metal yardstick in and unlock the door.  They were so grateful.  It's good to see that there were a lot of people willing to help strangers in need. 

Dr. Beat Me Up

I went to Dr Lauren my chiropractor today.  I told her I had seen Dr. Samantha when she was out of the office.  I told her that she had a very soft touch.  She said yes she has soft hands.  I said that I talked to Kathy about her and I called her Dr. Soft Hands.  She said then am I Dr Hard Hands?  I said, "Don't take this wrong but we call you Dr. Beat Me Up"  She laughed and said she was honored to be called Dr. Beat Me Up.

Dr. Beat Me Up worked me over.  She didn't think I had a stress fracture because it hurts the same amount throughout the run.  She said stress fractures hurt more the longer you run.  She worked on a knot in my calf.  She told me to wear compression socks and use the foam roller.

Rest Day

Today I rested.  I was going to take a walk tonight but there were thunderstorms so I exercised in the house.

Mother's Day Run

This morning Jim and I met Kathy at Sherman Beach and did an easy four miles.  It is Mother's Day.  Jen, John and Willow were going to come with us but Jen was feeding Willow.  We passed them as we were driving home.  They ran an easy 3 miles. 

At the parking lot there was another black Honda Accord.  It was a 2018.  We have a 2017.  Jim told me he likes our tail lights and front better.  They look the same to me.  I don't know why they have to change the cars a little every year.  Why change a good thing?  The same way they change the running shoes every year.  Why change a good thing?

Family Run

Jim, Jen, John, Willow (in the stroller) went to Sherman Beach and ran 3 easy miles.  Jen is still recovering from childbirth and surgery, Jim went on a five mile hike this morning. My ankle/shin is still sore.  Therefore, we ran nice and slow.  It was hot.  Still getting used to the heat.  The trail was a little bumpy for Willow but she didn't complain.  Her little cheeks were vibrating.

I bought Dr. Scholl's Athletic Running Insoles.  Today was my first run with them.  They felt good.  I bought a pair for Jim also.  Hopefully they will help us get over injuries.

Walking

Today I took Willow for a walk.  It is getting hot in the afternoons.  I need to get used to the heat.  Summer will be here before we know it.

Compromises

There are compromises in running.

Earlier today discussion:
Me:  I am going on a run today do you want to go?
Jim:  How far?
Me:  3 or 4 miles
Jim:  Okay I will go

At Sherman Beach:
Jim:  How far are we running:
Me:  4 miles
Jim:  You always pick the longest distance
Me:  Of course
Jim:  Why not 3
Me:  I will let you pick.  We will run 1.5 then you can decide if we will turn around or run another .5

At 1.5 miles:
Me:  How to you feel.
Jim:  Let's compromise and run another .25 so it will be 3.5 total.  Right in between
Me:  Okay

I felt hot and sluggish.  I have read before that it takes 6 runs to get used to the heat.  The ankle/shin still hurts but not enough to keep me from running.

More rest lots of Willow time

I decided to take another day of rest.  Willow has been here.  She keeps me walking, rocking, moving.

Rest Day

Today was a rest day.  I rested and I ate.  Then I rest and ate some more.  I walked around a couple stores then rested and ate more.

Creve Couer Park

Today we met Jen, John and Willow at Creve Coeur Park.  First we did an easy 3 mile run.  Then we had a picnic lunch.  Then we paddled on the lake.  Jim and I were in Kayaks and Jen, John and Willow were in a canoe.  It is finally springtime.  I am getting acclimated to the heat.  I had sunscreen on but I am really tired from being in the sun for several hours.

Twice a year I rearrange my closet and drawers.  I switch out winter closes with summer clothes.  I have come to the conclusion that I have too many clothes.  I have stacks of sweatshirts and racing shirts.

Easy Run

Today I did an easy run from Sherman Beach.  My ankle/shin still hurts when I run but not bad enough to stop me.  Jim also ran with me.  He ran a mile and a half then walk because his knee hurt.

I signed up for Big River's Summer Speed Work.  Last year I only made it to a couple sessions because of my hamstring issue.  I hope I feel like more this year.

It is finally spring weather.  I get to wear my shorts and tanks that have been neglected all winter.  I don't think I will need tights again until the fall.  (I hope.)

Rainy Day

It was a rainy day.  I did a hour on the elliptical. 

Toenail Report

I have not given a toe nail report in quite a while.  After the three marathons in 2017 I had five black and blue toenails.  My toenails usually do not fall off.  The bruised part eventually grows out.  I currently only have one black toenail.  Just in time for sandals weather.

Today I went to Castlewood with Jim and we hiked up and down hills for five miles.  He carried a 35 pound pack and I carried a water bottle.

Very Slow Run

Today I went to see Dr. Lauren.  She worked her magic.  Hopefully I will tell a difference.  Jim and I went to Castlewood.  He hiked with his pack and I ran then met him and hiked some.  It still hurts to run but I love running so I ran anyway.