Friday, I went for that run. Veteran's Acres was it's usually stunning self (as is always the case this time of year) and I enjoyed the run immensely. The sights and smells this time of year have no rival. Additionally, I had the joy of a running partner. And it's now I need to introduce an additional cast member. So with no further ado, I give you Matt, my youngest brother and closest thing I have to a twin. Matt was born on my sixth birthday in 1981. I like to say it pissed me off but honestly, I have no idea what I was thinking at the time. I was 6! Anyway, at some point, it became apparent that he and I should be best friends. I think that was sometime around when Matt graduated high school. After that point, that's exactly what we've been in most regards. I have since gotten married and have 2 kids, ages 3 and 5. Matt has yet to follow me down that path but we still remain best friends. And it's in that spirit that Matt has decided to tackle this challenge with me. Though Matt's "wall" is different than mine, I think he's realized as I have that a wall is just something you have to push through. And it's easier to do it with friends. So wish us luck. We'll need the help!
Moving on, this morning is was raining. It was a cold rain. The kind that most people turn from to snuggle a little deeper into the covers. Not me. With my boundless enthusiasm, I decided I needed to run in this rain. Afterall, I've read several times that ultra marathons are seldom called off due to weather, so you better know you can run in the rain. So I suited up and headed out. Alas, the rain stopped immediately and held off through my run. I'm not complaining really. Who really WANTS to run in the rain.
I managed to run about 2.8 miles before stopping to rest and get a drink. Most of that was on the road with the last half mile or so on trails. I felt great! This time I was running in my Brooks and I really think I made the right decision with these shoes. Of course, considering I was running in cross trainers previuosly, anything might have felt better. After catching my breath I started to run again. After another mile and a half, I got the dreaded stabbing pain on the outside of my left knee. I stopped immediately because I think I know what it is: IT band syndrome. I don't know if I have a syndrome, but I'm fairly sure that's the source of the pain. It's a common overuse injury, especially for beginners. Well, count me as a beginner capable of doing too much too soon. I'm trying to be smart about it. But I'm already thinking I could run again tonight. This is something I wasn't counting on - reining myself in.
By the end, I had done 5.55 miles ?(according to my Google Earth calculation - thanks Sara!), 4.3 of which I ran. Result? 2 healthy feeling lungs, healthy feeling muscles, tired feet (that one surprised me a bit), and one knee that just plain hurts. I'll take it. I know there will be some pain. I just have to be smart about it and let my body inform me.
I also got a nice jolt of inspiration when I got home. Last week I found a group of runners located not more than 10 miles from my house. They call themselves MUDD (McHenry Ultra Dudes and Dudettes). To sum up, I joined their FB group and was immediately greeted by several friendly people. One of them finished a 100 mile race in Oklahoma this morning and placed 3rd with a time of 24 hours 49 minutes. She RAN for over 24 hours! Just incredible. And I can't wait to see what it's like to cross the finish line for a 50 miler. Thanks Michelle for the inspiration. I haven't even met you yet but you're helping me change my life.
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The other thing I want to do today is give a little visual evidence of my starting point. Here follows photos of my shoes, complete with close-ups of the toe and heel area. It will be interesting seeing how long these shoes last. I'm particularly interested in the trail gloves. They are so light on my feet and it's tempting to expect a short life span. But I've had Merrill shoes before and they have always lasted a LONG time. Please note, I'm not at all affiliated with Brooks or Merrill...or any other brand name for that matter. First up, the Brooks. Pardon the mud. I took these after my run this morning.
Now for the Trail Gloves
The trail gloves already show a little wear. That's not surprising seeing as I've run about 15 miles on them so fair. Plus, I've used them mostly on roads and they are meant for trails. Going forward, I think they will be reserved for trails. So that's my starting point in terms of foot wear. I will get a pic of me up soon.
Now to stretch and research my IT band issues. Happy Sunday!
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