At the end of the summer I was running pretty long distances very comfortably and quite often. I run a lot during the summer because my dance classes aren't available. Then the school year starts and I can take dance again,and given the option between dance and running: dance wins nearly every time. So I'm back to dancing 1.5 hours M-Th, 2 hours Friday, with softball and rock climbing in between.
But I've also signed up for a 10K on Nov 20th which made me think: hmmm, maybe I should start jogging at least a little bit before then.
Sunday - 4.5 miles on the treadmill - not too bad, but my quads were on fire for 3 days.
Today - intend to do the same distance on the road, get distracted and take the 5.5 mi route instead. By the second mile the side cramps I avoided all summer are back, and by the 4th I feel like I have two hot iron bands wrapped around the middle of my thighs like garters from hell.
The stress-relieving endorphins that were helping to wash away the non-stop work I've been putting in on a conference paper were all that got me home. That and being stubborn.
6 weeks and I'm already out of running shape. Hmph.
This weekend I'll be presenting my first conference paper on the first analytical chapter of my dissertation. It's a small get together of UC scholars of "British" History (if you look at them they really all do English history - myself included - although in my case it's not from lack for trying to do Scottish stuff too, but not having the money to get to the sources). I'm offering/suggesting/proposing as respectfully as I can a pretty big revision to work of one of the lead scholars there. Wish me luck!
When I get back I promise some Spooky baking fun.
Ahem: good luck!
ReplyDeleteAlso: I respectfully submit that one should only run if being chased.
Thanks :) My friend Sarah heartily agrees, and would add in the important qualifying phrase "by lions". She will be meeting a very tired me and her new fiance post-Turkey Trotting.
ReplyDeleteBeing here... man... UCB really is much more like a "real" university. bastards, the rumors were right all along!
Good luck!
ReplyDeleteRunning is definitely an activity one needs to keep up with -- max time off is 2-3 weeks before things start to reverse course. BTW I did that Turkey Trot last year in SC and it's flat as a pancake, just on West Cliff. It was beautifully sunny, blue skies, and not too windy. I would have enjoyed it more had I not been trying to PR and nearly puke my guts at the 5k turnaround point (21 minutes...).
Here's what you should remember about running though: if you can manage to do it twice a week for at least 20-30 minutes (3 times if you have the time, but not necessary, really!), you will be able to retain a lot more endurance in the long-term and still comfortably run (i.e., no legs on fire). I know because this happened to me when in places where running options were limited to boring-ass treadmills or concrete buildings. Also, Luis only ran a max of 3 times per week before I came to visit summer 2009, and he was still able to comfortably run 5-6 miles with me any day of the week after I arrived.
I hear you. The hardest part about running is getting back into it after a break.
ReplyDeleteMy body has finally announced for once and for all that I am NEVER RUNNING AGAIN. My right ankle/foot has tibial tendinitis, a sprain, a fracture, plantar fasciitis, and arthritis. This is why I should have listened to all those people who told me and my flat feet to take up swimming in the first place.