On Friday, a certain someone's motorcycle tipped. While I was helping him get it back upright I bruised the heck out of my wrist/arm -- it's black. And I twisted my knee. Again. I decided that if, after a few days of rest, my knee still hurt, that was it. I was going to give up running. This has been a bad year for me with so many injuries. Even though they are relatively minor, they keep occurring. I just get started running, begin to make some progress, and something happens. I can't build any mileage or get in any kind of running shape. I haven't been able to lose the weight I gained and I just feel sluggish. I also feel very stressed. Running has always been a stress reliever for me, but lately it's been just too frustrating.
I let my knee rest for a few days with only gentle walks, and then tried a few brisk walks. It felt OK, so I decided today to go for a run with Ares after work. The temperature cooled down, so it's not so hot. We started off slowly and ended up doing the back way to the high school - well almost to the high school, and back home. My knee held up! We even did the sprint up the hill by my house. We didn't do much in the way of mileage -- only 3.7 miles, but I didn't want to push it.
So, I guess this is NOT my last running blog. I will try to get one more run in before Saturday's 5k. This really will be the slowest race I've run, I'm sure of it. But, at least I'll run all of it, or most of it, without walking.
Gotta run ...
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Hot, Humid morning run
I went for a run at 5:15 this morning. And I took Ares with me.
It was reasonably cool when we started -- in the 70's (that's not really cool for 5 in the morning). We went the extended Riverside loop out to the high school and back, with the standard finish up the hill by my house. We spent more time running than Ares wanted, less time than I wanted. But, it still was a decent run.
We didn't see any wildlife during the run. I'm not sure if it's because I have the dog with me, or today because of the heat. I didn't see any other runners/walkers either, and usually in my morning runs I see at least one or two.
My ankle seems OK. I didn't run after Sunday because it did start to hurt quite a bit. Even yesterday it hurt when I started to think about a run (so I didn't go). I have been trying to walk a lot, however, so at least that helps my ankle and keeps me from getting too far out of shape. Now if I could just lose those 10 extra pounds and increase by 1-2 days and a mile each run, I'd feel almost as good as I did last summer.
We ended up with 4.52 miles, and it was so hot and humid at the end that my glasses were all steamed up.
Gotta run ...
It was reasonably cool when we started -- in the 70's (that's not really cool for 5 in the morning). We went the extended Riverside loop out to the high school and back, with the standard finish up the hill by my house. We spent more time running than Ares wanted, less time than I wanted. But, it still was a decent run.
We didn't see any wildlife during the run. I'm not sure if it's because I have the dog with me, or today because of the heat. I didn't see any other runners/walkers either, and usually in my morning runs I see at least one or two.
My ankle seems OK. I didn't run after Sunday because it did start to hurt quite a bit. Even yesterday it hurt when I started to think about a run (so I didn't go). I have been trying to walk a lot, however, so at least that helps my ankle and keeps me from getting too far out of shape. Now if I could just lose those 10 extra pounds and increase by 1-2 days and a mile each run, I'd feel almost as good as I did last summer.
We ended up with 4.52 miles, and it was so hot and humid at the end that my glasses were all steamed up.
Gotta run ...
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Sunday post race run -- HOT
I tried to take the dog for a run today. Even though yesterday's race was only a 5k, I did push it a bit given my current state of training.
It was hot and humid, and it was only 9 a.m. or so when we went for our run/walk. I had plenty of water for Ares. We started out the Riverside loop and we went out Jefferson. We were just past the nursing home when Ares started sniffing at the side of the road. And then I smelled it. And insisted we turn around before Ares decided to hunt down the black and white "kitty" that was making the smell. I didn't see it, but I'm sure it was close!
We probably did more walking than running. My ankle started to hurt, so I didn't want to push it. We ended up with only 3.6 miles, but I may go for another short run this evening, sans dog! Then again, I may not :)
Gotta run ...
It was hot and humid, and it was only 9 a.m. or so when we went for our run/walk. I had plenty of water for Ares. We started out the Riverside loop and we went out Jefferson. We were just past the nursing home when Ares started sniffing at the side of the road. And then I smelled it. And insisted we turn around before Ares decided to hunt down the black and white "kitty" that was making the smell. I didn't see it, but I'm sure it was close!
We probably did more walking than running. My ankle started to hurt, so I didn't want to push it. We ended up with only 3.6 miles, but I may go for another short run this evening, sans dog! Then again, I may not :)
Gotta run ...
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Muddy Bullfrog 5k
Today was the 5th annual Bullfrog 5K. I think this is the fourth one I've run. This race is at the Fulton County Fairgrounds in Wauseon, Ohio. I wasn't sure how the weather was going to turn out. But, the little bit of sprinkling this morning stopped, it was a bit cloudy, and the temperature was in the mid to upper 60's.
This race starts with a run around the dirt track, then out on the roads, and finishes back on the track. Well, we've had quite a bit of rain the past few days,so the track was extremely muddy. On the initial loop around the track, if I ran in the middle I sank into the mud. Finally most of us found one of the edges was not QUITE as muddy.
It was great to get out on the road. Once there, the wind was gusty at times and took my breath away. By the time I was headed back, it was sunny, and hot enough I would have liked more wind. Then I was back on the track again, and this time it was even worse since there had been so many runners. I felt like I had to pull my feet up with each step!
I didn't place in my age group. There are a couple of fast women runners from this area, and most years they are in my age group. If they are participating in the same race, I don't have a chance. But, I ended up running the 5k in 30 minutes. That's not my best time, but not my worst, either. And I figure I lost a few minutes time trying to pull my feet out of the mud with each step on the track! And it's all for charity anyway. The best part is that even though at times I wanted to stop and take a walk break (especially on the muddy track), I didn't. So, I can say I ran the entire race. I am not in nearly as good shape as I was last year at this time, so that's an accomplishment for me.
The other good news is that nothing on my body hurts (well, my muscles do just a bit) -- my knees, ankles, etc. all feel great! So, I will continue to slowly work myself back into shape.
The next race is the Defiance River Run on July 4th -- 2 weeks away. If I can keep running without injury, I may have a little better time there. I also plan to run the Cleveland River Run (1/2 marathon) in September, so I have some training to do -- but a decent amount of time to prepare.
Gotta run ...
This race starts with a run around the dirt track, then out on the roads, and finishes back on the track. Well, we've had quite a bit of rain the past few days,so the track was extremely muddy. On the initial loop around the track, if I ran in the middle I sank into the mud. Finally most of us found one of the edges was not QUITE as muddy.
It was great to get out on the road. Once there, the wind was gusty at times and took my breath away. By the time I was headed back, it was sunny, and hot enough I would have liked more wind. Then I was back on the track again, and this time it was even worse since there had been so many runners. I felt like I had to pull my feet up with each step!
I didn't place in my age group. There are a couple of fast women runners from this area, and most years they are in my age group. If they are participating in the same race, I don't have a chance. But, I ended up running the 5k in 30 minutes. That's not my best time, but not my worst, either. And I figure I lost a few minutes time trying to pull my feet out of the mud with each step on the track! And it's all for charity anyway. The best part is that even though at times I wanted to stop and take a walk break (especially on the muddy track), I didn't. So, I can say I ran the entire race. I am not in nearly as good shape as I was last year at this time, so that's an accomplishment for me.
The other good news is that nothing on my body hurts (well, my muscles do just a bit) -- my knees, ankles, etc. all feel great! So, I will continue to slowly work myself back into shape.
The next race is the Defiance River Run on July 4th -- 2 weeks away. If I can keep running without injury, I may have a little better time there. I also plan to run the Cleveland River Run (1/2 marathon) in September, so I have some training to do -- but a decent amount of time to prepare.
Gotta run ...
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Lunchtime Run
Since I've had such a hard time getting up in the morning (too much going on to get to bed at a decent time), I decided to try a run a lunch today. I asked Ares if he was ready for a run, and his response was to jump on the couch and lie down. I figured that was a "no". So off I went on my own.
The weather was definitely "interesting" on this run. During the run I encountered sun, gentle rain, heavy rain with large drops, back to sun, back to heavy rain -- you get the idea. The rain never lasted long enough to cool me down, though. All and all, it was a hot, humid run. I may have overdone it just a tad, as my face was bright red (and not from sunburn) for an hour or so after the run.
I am not as concerned about this Saturday's race as I was. I had decided not to worry about it, anyway, since it's for charity and that's the real reason I run this race in particular. Part of the proceeds go to Sunshine foundation, and my oldest daughter has been a part of the Sunshine family since she was 5 years old (close to 30 years now). I know I won't match my best time to date, but I won't be as slow as I originally thought, either. I timed myself on this run, and when I hit the 5K mark I was pleasantly surprised to find it was around my normal time for a 5K.
I ran the Riverside loop with the extension out Jefferson and past the high school -- the exact same route as I did on my last run. And, without the dog, it took me 10 minutes LESS! I guess he takes too many breaks to relieve himself and walks too much of the time. It was nice to not have to keep stopping and to not have to pull, or be pulled, at various times in the run. I ended up with 4.6 miles. I'm going to have to figure out how to get some runs in just by myself and some with the dog. I enjoy both. I think my ankle and knee are pretty much back to normal, at least as much as they can be. Now if I can just lose that 10 pounds or so I gained over the winter, maybe I'll be getting close to my better times again.
Gotta run ...
The weather was definitely "interesting" on this run. During the run I encountered sun, gentle rain, heavy rain with large drops, back to sun, back to heavy rain -- you get the idea. The rain never lasted long enough to cool me down, though. All and all, it was a hot, humid run. I may have overdone it just a tad, as my face was bright red (and not from sunburn) for an hour or so after the run.
I am not as concerned about this Saturday's race as I was. I had decided not to worry about it, anyway, since it's for charity and that's the real reason I run this race in particular. Part of the proceeds go to Sunshine foundation, and my oldest daughter has been a part of the Sunshine family since she was 5 years old (close to 30 years now). I know I won't match my best time to date, but I won't be as slow as I originally thought, either. I timed myself on this run, and when I hit the 5K mark I was pleasantly surprised to find it was around my normal time for a 5K.
I ran the Riverside loop with the extension out Jefferson and past the high school -- the exact same route as I did on my last run. And, without the dog, it took me 10 minutes LESS! I guess he takes too many breaks to relieve himself and walks too much of the time. It was nice to not have to keep stopping and to not have to pull, or be pulled, at various times in the run. I ended up with 4.6 miles. I'm going to have to figure out how to get some runs in just by myself and some with the dog. I enjoy both. I think my ankle and knee are pretty much back to normal, at least as much as they can be. Now if I can just lose that 10 pounds or so I gained over the winter, maybe I'll be getting close to my better times again.
Gotta run ...
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Sunday Mid-Morning Run
Well, I didn't get many runs in this week. We went to Cedar Point on Friday, so I figure that counts -- sort of :) And on Saturday I was too sore from all the walking and a few rough rides.
I worked on budget things this morning, then I felt REALLY stressed. Ares and I took off around 10:00. It is a nice, partly sunny morning. We went the usual Riverside, Jefferson Street bridge route, but today we added a run past the high school before coming back to Riverside and finishing with the sprint up the hill.
We did, as usual, a mixture of running and walking. Ares seemed a little tired at times, and as it started to warm up he slowed down a bit. But, as soon as we got near the Jefferson Street bridge on our way home, he must have gotten a second wind because he took the lead.
All in all it was a fairly good jaunt outside. We did encounter a couple of dogs -- one was a big dog that came at us. But, we've been "introduced" to the dog before, so I just told him "no" in a very loud voice, and he backed off. He followed us around the corner and came at us again, so I again told him "no" and he went back to his house. It was still a bit worrisome, as when he ran at us the second time he had his teeth bared like he was going to attack us, and he is larger than Ares. It is the same dog that caused me to twist my ankle a few months ago.
We didn't see much wildlife this morning; I think it was too late in the morning.
We ended up with 4.60 miles, so we did increase our mileage today. I hope to keep at around 4.5 to 4.6 miles this week, and then maybe try to increase, depending on how many runs we get in this week and how we both feel.
Now I have to mow the lawn, and Ares gets to rest.
Gotta run ...
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Early Morning Run
Ares and I managed to get up this morning for an early morning run. As usual, I almost didn't -- I wanted to sleep in. But Ares was scratching at my door since he was hungry, so I had to get up.
It was a fairly nice run. A few times Ares took off after squirrels and I had to pull him back, so it hurt my arm a bit. As we were getting ready to to cross the Jefferson Street Bridge, we saw a deer just peaking out of the woods. I tried to take a picture, but it went back into the woods before I got my camera phone ready.
We didn't see a singe loose dog today!
Ares was dragging at the beginning, so I thought our time would be pretty bad. It wasn't the best, but we went just a bit further than we did on Sunday in a little less time. Now I'm tired, but I need to start my work day. Ares gets to sleep.
Edited 6/14/2009 -- I realized I forgot to put the mileage. We ended up with 4.20 miles.
Gotta run ...
It was a fairly nice run. A few times Ares took off after squirrels and I had to pull him back, so it hurt my arm a bit. As we were getting ready to to cross the Jefferson Street Bridge, we saw a deer just peaking out of the woods. I tried to take a picture, but it went back into the woods before I got my camera phone ready.
We didn't see a singe loose dog today!
Ares was dragging at the beginning, so I thought our time would be pretty bad. It wasn't the best, but we went just a bit further than we did on Sunday in a little less time. Now I'm tired, but I need to start my work day. Ares gets to sleep.
Edited 6/14/2009 -- I realized I forgot to put the mileage. We ended up with 4.20 miles.
Gotta run ...
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Sunday Morning Run
Today was a good day to run. It was in the lower 60's when I got up. Ares and I decided to increase our mileage a bit today. We started out with the normal Riverside loop, but added a jaunt across the Jefferson Street Bridge, almost to the high school. And we always do the sprint up the hill by my house towards the end of the run.
As we passed the nursing home, a person came out and told us there was a car break-in earlier and to be on the lookout for a black purse (the police caught the kids, but a purse was still missing). Ares was in bloodhound mode after that -- sniffing at everything that looked different. We did not find the purse. But, Ares ended up with a face full of yellow pollen!
The nice thing about running out on Jefferson is there are no loose dogs (not yet, anyway). There sometimes is wildlife to distract us, but today all we saw were squirrels and birds.
It was a good run/walk and I feel better, and ready to face the day. I was worried about my knee after Friday's run, but it was OK today. I think the gradual increase in running, and not running every day, is helping me to heal and not get re-injured.
All in all it was a good run/walk. We ended up with 4.1 miles. Ares will probably spend the day sleeping :)
Gotta run ...
As we passed the nursing home, a person came out and told us there was a car break-in earlier and to be on the lookout for a black purse (the police caught the kids, but a purse was still missing). Ares was in bloodhound mode after that -- sniffing at everything that looked different. We did not find the purse. But, Ares ended up with a face full of yellow pollen!
The nice thing about running out on Jefferson is there are no loose dogs (not yet, anyway). There sometimes is wildlife to distract us, but today all we saw were squirrels and birds.
It was a good run/walk and I feel better, and ready to face the day. I was worried about my knee after Friday's run, but it was OK today. I think the gradual increase in running, and not running every day, is helping me to heal and not get re-injured.
All in all it was a good run/walk. We ended up with 4.1 miles. Ares will probably spend the day sleeping :)
Gotta run ...
Friday, June 5, 2009
*$@^#& Loose Dogs
I almost didn't run again today. But, I as I was getting ready to take Ares for a walk, I figured I might as well run instead.
It is a chilly morning today -- only about 40 degrees! I didn't realize quite how chilly it was until I started out. I should have come back for my gloves. We went the Riverside route, only reversed since Ares was more interested in some people walking. Of course he had to stop THREE times to do his thing.
After we did the sprint up the hill, we went the route to the video store. That's where we encountered another dog. I saw it before either dog noticed the other one, so I crossed the street. Unfortunately about that time the dog saw us, and it came across. This dog looked like it has some Rottweiler mixed in, so I didn't want to take any chances. I had to pick Ares up and tried to keep the dog away. Finally the owner came out and got the dog, but didn't apologize or anything.
And, to top it off, as I was trying to keep the dog away and my main focus was keeping Ares safe, I ended up twisting my knee. Just what I need when I'm finally feeling pretty healthy when I run. Hopefully it is just a twinge and will be better by tomorrow.
I'm really frustrated at all of these dogs. I just don't have any idea what to do. I will start carrying my pepper spray, and I will use it if I feel the least bit threatened. Dog owners may get upset, but they have to realize I have no way to know if their dog is friendly or not. And, there is a leash law in the city.
At least it was a beautiful morning. I saw the mist rising over Riverside park. I was hoping to see some deer, but they weren't in the park this morning.
We ended up with 3.5 miles. I'm trying to work us up gradually. We increase the mileage, and then work on a higher percentage of it running. Then we add more mileage. Eventually I hope to get back to 6 miles almost every day. I'll need to find some good running gear for winter, as Huskies love the cold!
Gotta run ...
It is a chilly morning today -- only about 40 degrees! I didn't realize quite how chilly it was until I started out. I should have come back for my gloves. We went the Riverside route, only reversed since Ares was more interested in some people walking. Of course he had to stop THREE times to do his thing.
After we did the sprint up the hill, we went the route to the video store. That's where we encountered another dog. I saw it before either dog noticed the other one, so I crossed the street. Unfortunately about that time the dog saw us, and it came across. This dog looked like it has some Rottweiler mixed in, so I didn't want to take any chances. I had to pick Ares up and tried to keep the dog away. Finally the owner came out and got the dog, but didn't apologize or anything.
And, to top it off, as I was trying to keep the dog away and my main focus was keeping Ares safe, I ended up twisting my knee. Just what I need when I'm finally feeling pretty healthy when I run. Hopefully it is just a twinge and will be better by tomorrow.
I'm really frustrated at all of these dogs. I just don't have any idea what to do. I will start carrying my pepper spray, and I will use it if I feel the least bit threatened. Dog owners may get upset, but they have to realize I have no way to know if their dog is friendly or not. And, there is a leash law in the city.
At least it was a beautiful morning. I saw the mist rising over Riverside park. I was hoping to see some deer, but they weren't in the park this morning.
We ended up with 3.5 miles. I'm trying to work us up gradually. We increase the mileage, and then work on a higher percentage of it running. Then we add more mileage. Eventually I hope to get back to 6 miles almost every day. I'll need to find some good running gear for winter, as Huskies love the cold!
Gotta run ...
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Almost didn't run
I almost didn't run this morning, and it's been several days. I have been getting up and just not feeling like running, or even taking the dog for a walk. I have been taking him for walks in the afternoon/evening, so we haven't been complete couch potatoes! Ares was quite energetic most of the day yesterday, so when I got up this morning I decided I should take him for a walk after he ate. Well, I reasoned with myself, I might as well put on my running shoes, etc. just in case we felt like running. Well, I grabbed my ipod and my Garmin, again just in case.
Of course, once I have on my running shoes and my Garmin, I can't help but run. It was a good mixture of running and walking. We did the big Riverside loop with the sprint up the hill, over to the video store, and then a short loop with a short sprint up the hill. We ended up with 3.25 miles. That's not too bad when I didn't even want to go for a walk when I first woke up.
I need to get back in the habit, but I've been feeling too tired and achy lately. I keep thinking it's the weather. Last year about this time I had a bit higher mileage, but much of that was treadmill and I have been outside all the time this year. I want to work back up to the 6 miles several days a week. Now that the kids are all out of school I don't have to be up quite so early in order to get my run in and my spot in the shower. Today I was home by shortly after 6:30, giving me plenty of time to get cleaned up before starting work at 7:00. Plus it helps Ares have a calmer day if he starts with a good walk or run.
Gotta run ...
Of course, once I have on my running shoes and my Garmin, I can't help but run. It was a good mixture of running and walking. We did the big Riverside loop with the sprint up the hill, over to the video store, and then a short loop with a short sprint up the hill. We ended up with 3.25 miles. That's not too bad when I didn't even want to go for a walk when I first woke up.
I need to get back in the habit, but I've been feeling too tired and achy lately. I keep thinking it's the weather. Last year about this time I had a bit higher mileage, but much of that was treadmill and I have been outside all the time this year. I want to work back up to the 6 miles several days a week. Now that the kids are all out of school I don't have to be up quite so early in order to get my run in and my spot in the shower. Today I was home by shortly after 6:30, giving me plenty of time to get cleaned up before starting work at 7:00. Plus it helps Ares have a calmer day if he starts with a good walk or run.
Gotta run ...
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