Sunday Terry and I decided to drive over to Weatherford (about 20 minutes from us) and run on the 20 mile Rails to Trails trail that runs between Weatherford and Mineral Wells.
We hopped in the jeep (top down of course) and drove over.
Wow what a difference. After running on the asphalt every day it's so nice to have a good double track trail to run on. Great on the feet and knees and it is almost completely shaded by vegetation so it is at least 10 degrees cooler than the asphalt. If you live here you understand how important the shade is.
It's a bit remote and so it's quiet. We saw a few people toward the end, some running, some walking, and some cycling.
We also saw some bunnies, a turkey and her babies, some deer, dove and lots of other birds. What great scenery and so close to us.
Then we did our next favorite thing which is to go into the town and find a local place to eat a great breakfast. We found a great place that seems to be very popular, had a good breakfast and headed back home.
If you live anywhere near Weatherford or Mineral Wells this is a MUST DO for a runner, cyclist, walker, or equestrian.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Ramping Up!!!!
It's been week since I logged anything here. It's not that a lot hasn't happened, I've just been too lazy to post :)
Things have been going quite well. The swim team (in which I just workout but don't compete) is so hard. It has been a humbling experience. I typically pick things up easily but swimming is so technical. Even though it's hard it is a wonderful workout and I am learning so much that I will use going forward. Should I decide to compete in a triathlon this training will help me tremendously. If I decide not to it will still be beneficial.
We've learned every stroke, and all the technique for making them work efficiently. Now doing it correctly is the hard part. I need a LOT of practice. I sometimes think I will drown but in the end this has been a wonderful experience, it's made me stronger, I've learned new things, lost a few pounds, and I am much more comfortable in the water.
Yoga is still a tough workout, however I find myself getting more and more limber the more I go. I am comfortable with most of the basic poses. Some of the more difficult ones are a little beyond me but I'll get there.
As far as running goes I've progressed quite nicely. Increasing mileage slowly and keeping a conservative pace has been good and my knee is feeling great. It is getting really hot here and I have had to get up earlier to get a run in before the heat hits.
I am not building up not only mileage I am now increasing my pace. Today I ran only 3 but at a faster pace than what I've done in two months. I ran 3 at 8:37! And my knee feels good! I am excited and feel that things are progressing nicely.
That's it for this update :)
Things have been going quite well. The swim team (in which I just workout but don't compete) is so hard. It has been a humbling experience. I typically pick things up easily but swimming is so technical. Even though it's hard it is a wonderful workout and I am learning so much that I will use going forward. Should I decide to compete in a triathlon this training will help me tremendously. If I decide not to it will still be beneficial.
We've learned every stroke, and all the technique for making them work efficiently. Now doing it correctly is the hard part. I need a LOT of practice. I sometimes think I will drown but in the end this has been a wonderful experience, it's made me stronger, I've learned new things, lost a few pounds, and I am much more comfortable in the water.
Yoga is still a tough workout, however I find myself getting more and more limber the more I go. I am comfortable with most of the basic poses. Some of the more difficult ones are a little beyond me but I'll get there.
As far as running goes I've progressed quite nicely. Increasing mileage slowly and keeping a conservative pace has been good and my knee is feeling great. It is getting really hot here and I have had to get up earlier to get a run in before the heat hits.
I am not building up not only mileage I am now increasing my pace. Today I ran only 3 but at a faster pace than what I've done in two months. I ran 3 at 8:37! And my knee feels good! I am excited and feel that things are progressing nicely.
That's it for this update :)
Monday, June 15, 2009
New Milestones
Do you remember the old saying "you can't teach an old dog new tricks"? We I disagree!
Last week instead of swimming laps I went with Ivy my friend and neighbor to join a swim team. Yes you read that correctly, swim team. I was scared to death as I am not a good swimmer. But laps got boring so I let Ivy talk me into this team swimming.
We started on Friday. Lucky for me they have one lane just for people who are new to this whole thing. There are 6 or 8 of us depending upon the day and we are learning different strokes, practicing turns, kicks, and getting ready for meets. I personally am not competing (yet) as I just don't feel comfortable with it enough at this point so we help the others with their starts by swimming as fast as we can to touch the wall so they can dive over us. Friday was a pretty good workout but we had some time to rest some while getting instruction so we always had time to catch our breath. We start at 5:30 in the morning and are in the pool until 7:00.
Saturday I walked 2 miles, ran 4, walked 2.5. I was pretty tired after the swim workout on Friday and then the walk/run on Saturday but on Sunday we had the Dublin Dr. Pepper 10K so again we got up early, hopped in the jeep with all of our company and drove over to Dublin TX.
This is a race in which I generally place in my age division, however this time my coach had me running a slow pace just like a normal run. My goal is to go a week running with no pain then I get to up my speed.
It's not easy for me to run a race and not give it my all, however I knew I had to do this if I want to continue to heal and so I found my friend Jean and ran with her. She wanted to run faster and I wanted to run slower so we were able to meet in the middle and ran a good pace but not overly fast nor overly slow, it was perfect! And this was the furthest I've run in over a month and my knee did not hurt at all!
Yesterday, Sunday, I took off and went to the Texas Rangers vs Dodgers game in Arlington with all of our company. 11 of us in all. It was so much fun and I ate like a pig going WAY over my calorie allotment. It was a blast.
Today it was back to the pool. After a busy weekend and going to bed at 11:00 last night I got up at 4:15 AM and was at the pool in the water at 5:30. The workout today was very hard. Much more intense then last Friday. I am going to be really sore and I had a tough time with new strokes, diving etc... I need a NAP! Even though it is a great workout and I am loving the calorie burn after my pig out at the game.
Last week instead of swimming laps I went with Ivy my friend and neighbor to join a swim team. Yes you read that correctly, swim team. I was scared to death as I am not a good swimmer. But laps got boring so I let Ivy talk me into this team swimming.
We started on Friday. Lucky for me they have one lane just for people who are new to this whole thing. There are 6 or 8 of us depending upon the day and we are learning different strokes, practicing turns, kicks, and getting ready for meets. I personally am not competing (yet) as I just don't feel comfortable with it enough at this point so we help the others with their starts by swimming as fast as we can to touch the wall so they can dive over us. Friday was a pretty good workout but we had some time to rest some while getting instruction so we always had time to catch our breath. We start at 5:30 in the morning and are in the pool until 7:00.
Saturday I walked 2 miles, ran 4, walked 2.5. I was pretty tired after the swim workout on Friday and then the walk/run on Saturday but on Sunday we had the Dublin Dr. Pepper 10K so again we got up early, hopped in the jeep with all of our company and drove over to Dublin TX.
This is a race in which I generally place in my age division, however this time my coach had me running a slow pace just like a normal run. My goal is to go a week running with no pain then I get to up my speed.
It's not easy for me to run a race and not give it my all, however I knew I had to do this if I want to continue to heal and so I found my friend Jean and ran with her. She wanted to run faster and I wanted to run slower so we were able to meet in the middle and ran a good pace but not overly fast nor overly slow, it was perfect! And this was the furthest I've run in over a month and my knee did not hurt at all!
Yesterday, Sunday, I took off and went to the Texas Rangers vs Dodgers game in Arlington with all of our company. 11 of us in all. It was so much fun and I ate like a pig going WAY over my calorie allotment. It was a blast.
Today it was back to the pool. After a busy weekend and going to bed at 11:00 last night I got up at 4:15 AM and was at the pool in the water at 5:30. The workout today was very hard. Much more intense then last Friday. I am going to be really sore and I had a tough time with new strokes, diving etc... I need a NAP! Even though it is a great workout and I am loving the calorie burn after my pig out at the game.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
The Moon
This has nothing to do with running so bear with me.
Since moving in our new home the moon has gone through two full moon phases. The last time it was mostly cloudy during the phase so we never really saw the moon, I think only once.
This month though we have had clear skies and this brings me to my subject.
You must first understand that in our bedroom we have five large windows. Of those five, four of them have the arch at the top so the wood blinds only cover from the end of the arch down. The arch itself is open. Two of those windows are on my side of the bed, one right beside me and the other on the wall opposite, they almost take up the entire corner of the room.
At night we close the blinds as it gets light early in this room! But again there are no blinds on the arched part of the windows.
For these three nights I would wake to what seemed to be light flooding in the room, only it wasn't light from a bulb or a lamp so the first time I thought it was morning. And then as I opened my eyes I could see the moon smiling at me through the arch in the window. I looked around the room, it was something out of a dream. Moonlight transformed the room with it's soft yet filling presence, and it shined right on my side of the bed without ever making it over to the other side. I felt dreamy so I closed my eyes and drifted back to sleep feeling the warmth of the moon glow on my face.
The next night I looked forward to the moon waking me and sure enough it did, it was even brighter as now it was completely full. Again the room seemed like it came from a dream and again I drifted back to sleep after smiling at the moon peaking through the window.
The next night was the same only this night the clouds would move over the moon so that the light would fill the room and then fade, over and over, making the room feel almost like a boat rocking on the waves.
Now the clouds have moved in and I will not see the moon as we are looking for rain. I can't wait until next month when the full moon is up again. At some point the orbit will move the moon from my window and maybe the moment is gone and won't return or be as fascinating as it was this once. I guess I will wait and see!
Since moving in our new home the moon has gone through two full moon phases. The last time it was mostly cloudy during the phase so we never really saw the moon, I think only once.
This month though we have had clear skies and this brings me to my subject.
You must first understand that in our bedroom we have five large windows. Of those five, four of them have the arch at the top so the wood blinds only cover from the end of the arch down. The arch itself is open. Two of those windows are on my side of the bed, one right beside me and the other on the wall opposite, they almost take up the entire corner of the room.
At night we close the blinds as it gets light early in this room! But again there are no blinds on the arched part of the windows.
For these three nights I would wake to what seemed to be light flooding in the room, only it wasn't light from a bulb or a lamp so the first time I thought it was morning. And then as I opened my eyes I could see the moon smiling at me through the arch in the window. I looked around the room, it was something out of a dream. Moonlight transformed the room with it's soft yet filling presence, and it shined right on my side of the bed without ever making it over to the other side. I felt dreamy so I closed my eyes and drifted back to sleep feeling the warmth of the moon glow on my face.
The next night I looked forward to the moon waking me and sure enough it did, it was even brighter as now it was completely full. Again the room seemed like it came from a dream and again I drifted back to sleep after smiling at the moon peaking through the window.
The next night was the same only this night the clouds would move over the moon so that the light would fill the room and then fade, over and over, making the room feel almost like a boat rocking on the waves.
Now the clouds have moved in and I will not see the moon as we are looking for rain. I can't wait until next month when the full moon is up again. At some point the orbit will move the moon from my window and maybe the moment is gone and won't return or be as fascinating as it was this once. I guess I will wait and see!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Monday Run
Today went well. I did not run until 8:30 and it was HOT. I think running at 8:30 is good for me at this point. I am acclimating well to the heat so Dublin should not kill me unless the humidity really jumps up.
I walked one then ran 4, well "jogged" 4, in other words I was not supposed to go too fast. I did pretty well although in that last mile I had a hard time keeping the slower pace.
It feels so good to run! My knee did swell, and is somewhat sore. I iced and will do the double dose of ibuprofen for two days again, but it's not anything really painful and according to my coach this soreness is to be expected.
I am looking forward to Dublin although I am not sure how I am going to be able to keep a "jogging" pace when in a race. It's a test of will I suppose, mental training, something I definitely need!
That's it for now...see you in Dublin
I walked one then ran 4, well "jogged" 4, in other words I was not supposed to go too fast. I did pretty well although in that last mile I had a hard time keeping the slower pace.
It feels so good to run! My knee did swell, and is somewhat sore. I iced and will do the double dose of ibuprofen for two days again, but it's not anything really painful and according to my coach this soreness is to be expected.
I am looking forward to Dublin although I am not sure how I am going to be able to keep a "jogging" pace when in a race. It's a test of will I suppose, mental training, something I definitely need!
That's it for now...see you in Dublin
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Update
Today is Sunday. Yesterday in Abilene I ran 5 miles with my friends in ARC. I've never been more happy to run 5 miles. And it was great to see everyone! I don't miss Abilene at all, but those folks I miss. They are so genuine and because we all share the common enjoyment of running it's wonderful to get to catch up.
The run went well. My knee swelled a bit but no pain at all...YEA! It looks like I am really on the mend this time. I just need to remember not to push just because I feel good.
Next weekend is the Dublin 10K, there I will get to see my Abilene friends again as well as enjoy new friends from Granbury and family too! I just hope the temperature is mild (HA!)
Also, to any of our ARC friends who read this blog, we really want you to come and see us. Come for a race here or in Fort Worth or just come and visit. We have plenty of room and yes, Bob, we will provide the beer!
The run went well. My knee swelled a bit but no pain at all...YEA! It looks like I am really on the mend this time. I just need to remember not to push just because I feel good.
Next weekend is the Dublin 10K, there I will get to see my Abilene friends again as well as enjoy new friends from Granbury and family too! I just hope the temperature is mild (HA!)
Also, to any of our ARC friends who read this blog, we really want you to come and see us. Come for a race here or in Fort Worth or just come and visit. We have plenty of room and yes, Bob, we will provide the beer!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
3 Miles Woo Hoo
It's been awhile since I have really been able to run 3 miles at a time during the week. I was able to walk 1, run 3, walk 1, yesterday and it felt GREAT! My knee felt good, a little swelling and some soreness but with ice and a double dose of ibuprofen for two days it doesn't hurt long! Hopefully after I finish with that routine it will be even better.
Today I did Yoga at the dock as the sun came up over the lake. WOW...it was so nice. I nice cool breeze after a night of thunder and rain.
I didn't want to leave but alas I had to work :( .
Tomorrow I run again! I can hardly contain my excitement. Here's to hoping that my knee holds up. I'm also taking Monavie Active, it contains Glucosamine and is supposed to help with joints as well...let's keep our fingers crossed!
Today I did Yoga at the dock as the sun came up over the lake. WOW...it was so nice. I nice cool breeze after a night of thunder and rain.
I didn't want to leave but alas I had to work :( .
Tomorrow I run again! I can hardly contain my excitement. Here's to hoping that my knee holds up. I'm also taking Monavie Active, it contains Glucosamine and is supposed to help with joints as well...let's keep our fingers crossed!
Monday, June 1, 2009
4 Mile Run on Sunday
Well my longest run so far went great until...
What a beautiful morning it was. Not too hot, nice easy breeze, it was great running weather. The largest part of the group went on as I had to go slower. Terry stayed with me, having run a tough 5K race on Saturday he did not want to do anything to fast.
We walked one mile at a good pace but not brisk, then ran 4 miles at an easy pace. It felt GREAT, I so miss running. Right before our last running mile was finished I began to feel that ache in the back of my knee. We finished up and walked a 1/2 mile back to the car for cool down. Then I stretched and by the time we got home that little ache had become a pretty good pain. I could not bend my knee, I had no range of motion.
This happens from time to time but it's been about 3 weeks since the last time and it wasn't this bad. According to my doctor and my coach this is a Baker's Cyst. It really isn't a cyst at all but a symptom of overuse. Because I tore my meniscus I will always now have degeneration in my left knee. What happens now is if I overuse by running too much, bending too much, squatting too much, without building up slowly, the knee produces too much fluid designed to coat the knee joint. Because there is too much it pushes out into the easiest place to go which is most often behind the knee. So it swells and cause limited range of motion and pain. Ice helps as does ibuprofen but it doesn't make it go away.
The only way to not have them is to build up slowly allowing the knee to get used to the activity. And so I am trying. It's very frustrating and rest seems to be the best medicine. I am really tired of not running the miles I used to run.
My coach is working on a new plan and I should receive it today, but I am afraid this means that I will not be able to do El Schorcho in July. Sigh...we shall see.
Today will be a swim day.
What a beautiful morning it was. Not too hot, nice easy breeze, it was great running weather. The largest part of the group went on as I had to go slower. Terry stayed with me, having run a tough 5K race on Saturday he did not want to do anything to fast.
We walked one mile at a good pace but not brisk, then ran 4 miles at an easy pace. It felt GREAT, I so miss running. Right before our last running mile was finished I began to feel that ache in the back of my knee. We finished up and walked a 1/2 mile back to the car for cool down. Then I stretched and by the time we got home that little ache had become a pretty good pain. I could not bend my knee, I had no range of motion.
This happens from time to time but it's been about 3 weeks since the last time and it wasn't this bad. According to my doctor and my coach this is a Baker's Cyst. It really isn't a cyst at all but a symptom of overuse. Because I tore my meniscus I will always now have degeneration in my left knee. What happens now is if I overuse by running too much, bending too much, squatting too much, without building up slowly, the knee produces too much fluid designed to coat the knee joint. Because there is too much it pushes out into the easiest place to go which is most often behind the knee. So it swells and cause limited range of motion and pain. Ice helps as does ibuprofen but it doesn't make it go away.
The only way to not have them is to build up slowly allowing the knee to get used to the activity. And so I am trying. It's very frustrating and rest seems to be the best medicine. I am really tired of not running the miles I used to run.
My coach is working on a new plan and I should receive it today, but I am afraid this means that I will not be able to do El Schorcho in July. Sigh...we shall see.
Today will be a swim day.
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