Hello running shoes, it's been awhile.

I finally got myself back out there. After the treadmill trouble of two Sundays ago, I haven't run a lick.  I've been feeling something behind my left knee that I'd assumed was a pulled hamstring tendon. I never experienced pain though.  I realized on my run today it's best described as feeling like I have a piece of tape over the area.  Oh well, it didn't hurt, that's the important thing.

I did four laps (3.08 miles) around the lake at a slow pace. I forgot my watch at home, so I ended up pacing my intervals mentally.  It was nice out!  I even took off my sock hat it was so nice (43F).  Made me really wishing spring was here!  I finished in 35:16 for a 11:25 pace. Not bad considering I was trying to take it slow and easy.

I've renewed confidence for this weekends 18 miles.  I've found another potential trail to run it on.  It's a roughly 2.5 mile loop so I better get used to some deja vu. It's at a popular park so I'm pretty sure it won't be covered in snow still.  I guess we'll see.

Today is Paige's 6th birthday.  Jen is taking her out to an icecapades thing with some friends.  She's excited!  It'll be just the boys so I'm willing to bet we'll either have Taco Bell or Chick-Fil-A for dinner (His favorites).


What are your plans for the weekend?

Happy Blogoversary!

One year ago today I started my blog.  What began as a fledgling running journal has grown into my runners voice. I can't say it's been the best year of my life, but it's been a great one. I've had my ups and downs, injuries and victories, depressive moments and exciting ones.  I've seen my follower count increase, commenters come and go, and have shared this all with many people I might never meet in person.  Lets be honest, I went into this thinking I would fail.  That I'd give into my running pattern of doing it for a month or so then something would come up that got in the way until I just quit. I had hopes that this wouldn't happen, that's one of the reasons for starting the blog. 

So it's been a year.  I feel healthier, have lost nearly 20 lbs, and am more active than before.  I have to give thanks to all who follow, comment, or just lurk.  I don't think I'd have kept my running up had I not had the encouragement and support of you.  I also have to give a HUGE shout out to my family.  Jen, you've kept me going.  Being supportive of my running.  Critical at times, but never in a bad way.  Now, with your own blog and stirring towards becoming a runner too,  I see only good things to come.  Paige, you've been brave.  You ran with me cheered me on during races, and even completed a fair amount yourself.  Connor, you too have cheered me on.  The enthusiasm you've had for your own "I running" always puts a smile on my face.  Soon enough, you'll be able to run as well.  (I'm not an advocate of running am I?) 

Ok, so enough of the sappyness.  When I noticed that I was close to 200 blogs, I decided to make the 200th on my 1 year mark.  In conjunction, I'd been wanting to redo my blog.  I was tired of the old, darkness I had going. Wanted to switch things up a bit and make it more friendly.  So here it is.  Don't you just love my new header?  Check out the different tabs.  I’ve briefly written what each will be about but they’re still works in progress so check them out often!  And now for the gift.  I was contacted by Megan at buildasign.com and offered a promotional sticker.  I'm sure you've seen a few others on here.  What a great way to share and get your blog out there to more people.   Since I was working on a new header design, I decided to adapt it into my own decal.  Here it is:

 

They should arrive next week and I've got plenty to hand out.  Here's the deal, since I don't want everyone's address being placed publicly on here, send me an email at xm41907@gmail.com with your name and address and I will mail you a sticker.  I'll send them out as long as I have them. 

Here's to my next year!

Cheers!

James

Tonight

Is your suspense building?


 Keep a look out for tonight. 

He He He!

Racing Expos

Last night I broke out some Bio-Freeze that I picked up at the Army Ten Miler Expo.  They were handing out small single use samples as well as large tubes.  I grabbed a tube and handful of single use ones, then Jen did the same.  The Bio-Freeze works great.  I'm using it on my hammy and noticed an immediate warm-cold penetration, similar to Icy Hot.  I'm hoping they'll have a booth at the Shamrock Marathon Expo so I can grab more. :)  I'm all about free samples!  Then again, who isn't?




I heard on the radio that we possibly may hit the 50s on Sunday!  I double checked with my usual list of weather websites (weather.com, accuweather.com, wunderground.com) and they're all calling for the upper 40s  to lower 50s!   Awesomeness!!  My trail might be cleared!!

Are you a sample-holic?  

Ouch!!

Well I’m really not in pain.  Especially like this guy is:









However I’m still feeling a pulling/tenderness/aching kinda feeling behind and above my left knee.  I haven’t run in a week and a half.  Not since my long run on the treadmill.  It doesn’t so much hurt as it’s a slight discomfort at times.  I’m pretty confident it’s a pulled hamstring tendon and should heal up fine, but I’m 3/4 of the way through marathon training and really can’t afford to just take off from running for an extended period.  I’m holding off until Sunday’s run, hoping it will be better and am trying everything I can think of to help speed it along.  Still, it’s unsettling to have any kind of injury at this point in my training.  What if it doesn’t heal up until right before the marathon?  Should I still run it?  If I can’t make my final few long runs because of it, how will I fare for 26.2?
I have faith it will heal pretty quickly.  I’ve not been in any pain, just discomfort.  I’ve been giving it plenty of rest.  +It will be fine come Sunday.  It will be fine come Sunday”  I repeat to myself.
To flip the coin, I’m debating my plan for this Sunday.  The weather has been a bit warmer, but I’m afraid it’s not warm enough to melt the snow on my trail.  Alternative route is a must.  I think the sidewalks around home will be fine.  I’ll make the decision of running close to home, most likely a multiple loop route, or finding another trail to run on. There is a nice park with a roughly 2.5 mile loop about 30 minutes from me.  Maybe I’ll look into it.  We’ll see!