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July 9, 2006
Climbing My Way Out of a Deep Hole
I don't want to sound negative (though I will), but running has been somewhat frustrating lately. That's what happens when I let myself get out of shape. I didn't do it on purpose, but my blistered foot really screwed things up. It takes me a very long time to dig myself out of the hole and the deeper I'm in the hole, the harder it is for me to get out.
The five mile trail race I did a week and a half ago didn't provide me with the motivation I was hoping for. I was only able to manage 7:57 pace, which flustered me. I did hear a couple of different people say that their times at this race were always at least 20 seconds per mile slower than a 5 miler on the roads. Whether that's true or not, it made me feel a little better (and made more sense to me) since I've run faster and felt better while running with Brad. My calves and achilles were extremely sore during the race which I'm attributing to the non-stop roots I was dodging in the first mile. I finished thinking I never wanted to do this race again, but it actually wouldn't have been so bad if I was in shape to do it.
I did hills again last week, but did one more for a total of ten. I think I'll stick to the hills as long as Brad is doing them. I'd like to start doing some kind of tempo run as well. Less than 2 weeks until a 3.5 mile race at Mary's wedding. Man, I'm in trouble.
Yesterday, I switched back to the blister-causing orthotics that kept me from running Boston. I only did a short run, but ended up with a small blister! So, today I covered it with moleskin, ran in my "back-up" orthotics, and ran on the treadmill. That way I was able to run for 70 minutes without worrying about being too far away from home if a blister did develop. I'm going to try to run in my newer orthotics every few days and see what happens. If they're still causing me trouble, I'll see my orthotist next time I go home to Northampton. I just want to have a normal, worry-free run.
Posted by Caitlin at July 9, 2006 7:03 PM
Comments
Yes, I too felt like death on my trail race in April. It kicked my butt!! I was WALKING up the hills by the end (of the 4 miles!) I wouldn't take your performance as any indicator of anything :) Take care of the blisters. That must be so frustrating :(
Posted by: Audrey at July 10, 2006 6:55 AM
I have had so much trouble with blisters too! Orthodics help but new shoes are actually what saved me. Good luck!
Posted by: meg at July 10, 2006 11:53 AM
Hang in there with the running! Digging yourself out isn't fun but once you're out it's pretty rewarding. I know, I've done the very same thing myself! Take care of those feet! I've always thought that my feet blistered easily but I think you win the prize... :) Have a great night!
Posted by: Beth at July 10, 2006 7:15 PM
Buried? Or keyboard is at the repair shop? :-)
Posted by: corrado giambalvo at July 23, 2006 5:27 PM
Hey beautiful.
Stop slacking and write something.
I'm bored.
Posted by: Brad at July 28, 2006 2:52 PM