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Tuesday 3 miles

So after feeling a slight improvement running 3 miles on Tuesday I ran 7 miles today and FINALLY felt like the runner I’m used to.

7 miles

7 miles

I’ll never be fast but today I felt pep in my step. My leg turnover felt normal (NO MORE SHUFFLING!), my gait felt normal and my breathing felt normal and no side stitches. I averaged 11:15 miles and was pretty consistent for all 7 miles.

What do I think is the reason for finally having a better run?

1. I slept 2 extra hours on Monday and 1 extra hour on both Tuesday and Wednesday
2. I stayed away from artificial sweeteners and processed foods for the last few days.
3. I got new sneakers! (Brooks Ghost 8s)
4. The temps have been a little cooler
5. I took ibuprofen and walked for a mile with Duncan this morning before running

new kicks!

new kicks!

OK let’s discus #5 shall we? I have been suffering with some general back pain since the end of April. When the pain first arrived I thought I slept wrong and hoped it would go away in a few days. Well it didn’t. It comes and goes in waves and the actual pain center migrates. Sometimes it’s the sciatic nerve, other times the small of my back, sometimes it radiates to the front of my hips to the point I think i’m having issues with my ovaries!

I was trying to relieve my back pain last night. He was obviously quite comfortable

I was trying to relieve my back pain last night. He was obviously quite comfortable

Anyway, this morning while I was still in bed and waiting for the alarm to go off, the pain was this constant dull ache and I just couldn’t get comfortable. I finally got up and took 2 ibuprofen. Then I grabbed the dog and we headed to the park for a walk.

6:45am walk with the doodle and my very much needed coffee

6:45am walk with the doodle and my very much needed coffee

Both the ibuprofen and the walk did wonders and the back started feeling great. And as a side-effect, my achy sore legs felt great too. I think this was one of the reasons I felt so much better running today.

celebrating my good run with some relaxing in the grass

celebrating my good run with some relaxing in the grass

I didn’t carry a water bottle but was happy to hit up this water fountain about 1/2 way through.

hydration station

hydration station

I’m meeting my running friends on Saturday morning for a long run. I’m aiming for 17 while they are going to cover about 23. We’re running most of this along the NYC Marathon route which is key! I’m feeling confident with some good sleep tonight and tomorrow night I’ll make it through Saturday’s run just fine. Not to mention having great company!

Whew!

So what’s new with you? Tell me one thing you’re happy about and one thing you’re frustrated with.

4 Comments

  1. I have almost the exact same back pain. I saw my doctor and she said my spine is too straight causing to much stress on the lower back which combined with a weak back and core tight hips and it band could be causing the issue. That means more core and back work for me, maybe that will help you to on and yoga lots of stretching yoga

  2. Hooray for a good run! My run felt like someone had filled my shoes with lead today. Maybe I should look into that sleep thing, I hear it’s good for you.

    I’m happy because Tom is making meatloaf, butternut squash and green beans for dinner!

    I’m frustrated because all of my runs in the last week have been less than pleasant.

  3. I’m happy that I survived last weekend’s 22 miler without any resulting injuries/pains, but I was really frustrated this week by my total lack of motivation and energy on my mid-week runs. Wednesday’s 8 miler felt like an endless slog, and it was all I could do to get myself out for my shorter runs. Running at night here in Wisco is getting tough as the sun is setting earlier and earlier, and after being on my feet all day with kindergarten kiddos, I’m suddenly feeling super burned out. Bring on the taper, I guess – hoping that helps re-energize me in time for my Oct. 4 marathon! Glad to hear you have some pep in your step again : )

  4. YAY for a good run!! Hopefully your back will start behaving. Hope your 17 miler went well!

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