Take Two

I didn't realize how badly my toes/feet were injured until a day after my long run. I had blisters on both feet and bruised toes. I wanted to let my feet fully recover before I went running again to prevent any further injuries. In the meantime, I took my running shoes back to Boulder Running CO to try and problem solve. They were the ones that did my gait analysis and suggested my Brooks. I was hoping it was a sock and friction issue, but upon further examination it turns out my shoes were too small. I typically wear a 7 1/2, but should have gone up to a full size bigger for running shoes. Feet tend to swell, especially after longer runs, and it's important to have the extra space. I'm trying to return the shoes I have and trying to find a replacement. Come to find out, red Brooks Adrenalins in an 8 are hard to fine. I went to Cherry Creek Mall yesterday and found a store called Mind, Body and Sole. They reanalyzed my run and suggested the Saucony Progrid Mirage. They have the medial support I need for my slight over pronation, lightweight, and pretty colors :) Decided to give them a try and their 30 day return policy even if used can't be beat. We'll see how they hold up for my 9mi run today.

Run

First time in over 2 weeks that I've been able to run outdoors and it was a good one. 12 miles of just me and the road. I prefer not to run with music, guess that's the mom in me. I'll take some peace and quite anytime. I ran along the Cottonwood Trail again, but ran portions multiple times to make 12 miles. I had to slow down a couple times, but overall, maintained a decent pace. Pretty proud of myself. This is the longest run of my training schedule for the 1/2 and from this point on it's all about maintaining and recovering.






I tried a few new things this time. I carried a couple Power Aid gels with me and took one at about the half way point. Not sure if I really needed it, but figured it couldn't hurt. I also drank a protein shake immediately following my run to help repair my muscles.



I also had a refreshing ice bath for my legs. It was agony for the first few minuets, but after all feeling left my nerves, it wasn't so bad. I actually think it worked. I feel great today, sans the lovely blisters I have on my pinky toes :( I think I've got myself a little routine for my long runs.

Run: Treadmill

Have I mentioned that I hate running on the treadmill?! My 10 mile run last weekend was more tolerable than the 4 miles I did tonight. Probably doesn't help that I haven't ran since Wednesday. Tsk tsk. I'm back on the ball and even officially registered for the Denver Rock and Roll 1/2 marathon. Now I'm committed! 26 days till the big race. On your mark, get set, go!

Run: Treadmill

The weather has been amazing lately and I'm bummed that I have to do my runs indoors on the treadmill.

Run: Treadmill

Did a 4 mile run on the treadmill tonight. Nothing spectacular, but I got it done. After running outside for the past couple months, I really hate having to run indoors.

Run

Completed my longest run to date...10 miles! The weather was just perfect and I had my little sister there to keep me company. We ran along the Cottonwood Creek trail. Absolutely beautiful and a nice change from the neighborhood. When looking at the the trail map, we thought it went further than Academy, but the last mile is a future expansion project. The trial was about 8 miles round trip and since we didn't start until about 6:30PM it got pretty dark towards the end of our run. We finished off the last couple miles around the well lit dealership lots where we parked at the beginning of the trail. What an amazing feeling to have that run under my belt and now I feel confident enough to sign up for the half in October.