I’ve been getting back to running the last few weeks but it was only last week when I signed up for the 100 that it’s getting serious; now money is involved.
I also committed to writing about this journey. I’m not much of a video person or I’d document this somehow on Instagram. I’ve been off TikToc for a year or more because it was too addictive and a time suck.
I’m a writer and reader. I like to read books, news and inspiration. While I can appreciate a good reel or video, my preferred method of processing life is the written word.
Here is my training update from this week, before the real training plan begins.
Notes from an 8 mile long-run on Saturday April 4
Started out slow and sluggish. Maybe drinking wine the night before my long run was not a great first step. I started the run listening the Ann Patchett’s Commonweath but decided about 15 minutes in that listening to a novel about divorce, and how young children are involved in a messy, multi-family fight, traveling across the country to see moms and dads, and manipulation and vengeance in the family – nope, not going to keep going. I sent the book back to Libby and with nothing else available in my queue – I went back to ad supported Spotify and listened to My Like list.
I felt some momentum mid-run on Newport Highway; a busy highway for a spring break Saturday. There’s a lot of traffic noise, full sun, a bit of shade, a nice wind on the way back.
I walked a lot and ran a lot. I’ve been proud of myself for doing what I set out to do these last few weeks, despite my written plan to run 9 but really felt I could proudly accomplish 8 in just under 2 hours.
I remembered how last week, after a 7 mile run, my left ankle and the muscle/tendons hurt about one hour after my run, I wanted to be cautious and not push it too much. I did a bunch more exercises at the gym this past week to help prevent the soreness: calf raises, and flex exercises to stretch those muscles.
I didn’t want to be injured before the true training started.
As I run I’m hopeful that all the extra calf raises and the extra work I did this week to stretch that muscle out will help me.
I finished 8 miles. The most I’ve run since last summer. I’m not sore an hour later. Everything is good.
I woke up Sunday – not too sore. Nothing hurt. I was a bit wobbly as I walk; per usual. Go about my day, walking a bunch with dogs and work, but not doing too much. Then, I head out for a “recovery day 30 minute WALK” and suddenly the tendons around my left ankle hurt and throb. I wobble back home. Put on compression sock. Stretch. Ugh. Four hours later the pain is totally gone. What is going on?!
I remember, on retrospection – that is the athlete life. Injuries. I’m going to have injuries. It’s part of the deal.
As I sit on my sofa and occasionally flex my foot back and forth, side by side, a bit of pain. I need to do everything right. Eat right. Stretch. Weights. Rest.
I got this. I just have to “get this” every day. Thanks for reading.
Next Week is Week 1
Running Song of the Week: This is Me
Best lyric:
I am brave, I am bruised, I am who I’m meant to be, this is me
Look out ’cause here I come, And I’m marching on to the beat I drum
I’m not scared to be seen, I make no apologies, this is me.