Tuesday, October 23, 2007

27 minutes (Plus three!)

A few weeks ago Amy had a wonderful post about how 27 minutes made everything seem right in the world. After weeks and weeks of the doubt, worry, and frustration that accompany an injury, its wonderful to finally have a run that goes just right! That was today. That was me.

Once again, it rained! Not a torrential downpour by any means, just a light steady rain that was enough to really make me enjoy being out there. I ran a nice easy 3.67 miles, which took me exactly 30 minutes. I've finally got my engine to cool off enough to run a little slower, even on short runs. I've convinced myself that, no, I don't have to be dead at the end of every run. And I shouldn't be when I'm coming off an injury!

My splits today were:

8:04
8:17
8:08
5:29 (8:10 pace, for 0.67 miles)

See, I can slow down! Who woulda thunk it?!

I have to admit, though, I didn't plan on running that far. I mapped out a 3 mile run and headed out with a game plan, and somehow, I got lost on a 3 mile run! It didn't take me long to get my barrings straight, but it turned out I actually was on the right street at one point, I just thought I had to go further south! I blame it on me losing track of time, and on none of the streets in this town being at right angles to one another! Also, maybe my legs were playing hitting me with some of their trickery; since they couldn't run fast, they at least had to run a little longer.

Last night I headed out to Walmart to pick up some food, and decided to get some tennis balls to help massage out this kink in my glutes. I had been just using my hands, but this works worlds better! Also, as soon as I got back and got out a tennis ball, I remembered something from years ago: I like to juggle. There went all hope of productivity last night! Oh well, I needed the break!


I'm not getting too excited about the run yet, but I am feeling very optimistic again. I've told myself I'm not going to think the phrase "I'm back!" until I can run steady for one week. Maybe that week started today. We'll find out in the next few days!

8 comments:

Nancy said...

Oh cool, you could be a joggler. :D

Glad you had a good run.

I find the foam roller to be miraculous, you could juggle while you roll too.

nwgdc said...

the same thought crossed my mind..."joggling"

do that and break 3 hours!

Nancy said...

HA HA HA HA HA, DOUG!! You are cracking me up with the comment on the acronyms. DSM doesn't even seem like one to me any more, but I see where you are coming from. :D

My favorite is OFTLOG -- Oh, for the love of God. It is suprisingly fitting in lots of situations, especially corporate America-related (which by the way, is acronym hell)!!

Bill Carter said...

Glad you had a great run. It is always a little eerie right after an injury when you're in that "I think its better phase of recovery." You just have to take that short term hit so you can attain your long term goals.

Jess said...

You should get a foam roller -- it will seem like heaven next to those tennis balls.

Bill Carter said...

Jess is right. I have a big ol' foam roller and it is awesome. I use that thing every day and it is great for the back as well as the legs.

Tri+Umph said...

I looked for a foam roller at walmart the other day. I couldn't find them.

Where can I get one?

Anonymous said...

Yeah Doug! I know how good those runs feel when you get back into it. But FTLOG (Nancy's acronym lesson)- slowing down is a 8 minute mile. (Insert reverent bows...)