Week 15 – On the road again

April 9 - 13

Total Miles – 16.12

Weight – 213.5

Just can’t wait to get on the road again….and so on and so forth.

When you get so used to running in the morning week after week, your body does not know what to do when you stop suddenly.  It was really tough last week, but I am sure glad to be back out there (whether it be treadmill or street).  I still have a little pain the bottom of my left foot, but it’s no where near as bad as it was last week. 

I went out relatively light this week not knowing how my body would respond to having the time off.  I started at a slower pace, but by Wednesday’s run I was back at the normal pace.  It’s weird, you almost miss being sore.  I won’t have to miss it anymore since I now have the minor aches and pains that come with a newer runner trying to find what works. 

I gave the KSO Treks another shot this week.  I am not sure if I will be wearing them or the old tried and true Bikila’s for the half marathon in a few weeks, but I want to be sure that I am comfortable in the KSO’s so both options are available.  The Treks provide an entirely different fit over the Bikila’s.  I’m not sure if it’s better, it’s just different.  The Treks provide additional support around the back of the ankle/heel (which provides an additional pressure point around the ankle bone when the strap is pulled down) and there is a lot more cushion (if you can call it that) on the forefoot and toes.  They are made to be a trail running shoe so the rubber is a little thicker and the tread is much more aggressive.  My plan is to swing by the site the day before the race and judge how much of it is dirt/rock trail vs. concrete.

I did not have an issue after my first run, but I noticed that the night after running in the Treks my feet were tightening up.  I am wondering if it’s my feet adjusting to running in a new shoe or if they are going to be an issue.  I think that I’ll just use them for my short run and build up running in them. 

I have been icing my feet after runs and using a “Rubz” ball if my feet get tight.  For $5.00 I can’t recommend one enough.  It’s roughly the size of a golf ball and is covered with hard plastic nubs.  You put it under your forefoot, apply pressure and roll it under your foot - instant foot massage.  Hurt like hell for the first few days, but it really helps. 

I could not have asked for better weather for the long run this weekend.  72, sunny, light breeze – perfect.  Luke wanted to try a new trail that runs underneath part of one of our normal routes and pops out near my cousin’s house.  Of course, he was asleep by the time we hit the trail and my cousin’s house so he missed all of it.  The trail was not too bad.  There were a few spots where it was covered in rocks due to the recent rains, but not as bad as it could have been.  A little hilly in spots, but it’s a route that I would run again. 

T minus 3 weeks and counting until the half.  I can’t help but think that I peaked too soon.  I had geared my training for the 10 miler a few weeks ago.  I am not sure what the training should look like for the next three weeks.  I may just repeat the weeks that had 8 and 9 mile long runs and see what happens.