Still running

What a blast the last week was.

Last week I ran two races: one XC 5K on Tuesday and one road race (7.2K) on Sunday. Warm up and cool down for both of these races were done by bike which were new experiences. On Sunday I biked in total 72K in rain and wind, but I was still able to finish the race faster than I expected. I won that one by running at 5.41 pace. Think about that... (memo to me: always select a low key race). Well, even if the pace was close to pedestrian, I was and still am pretty happy.

Yesterday I punished my lungs by riding a 10K tempo. That was the first bike "race" in my entire athletic career. It was fulfilled with lactic acid and a painful feeling in the lungs. I haven't punished my aerobic engine this hard for years, and therefore, the feeling following the tempo ride was awesome. When I returned home after one hour cool down bike ride, I did a quick change and ran 3K in 12 minutes just get my legs used to this bike to run transformation. Then I focused on eating.

Let the racing begin

Today I have to start racing. I'm in the middle of getting back on the road (yes, this is 376th time) and gaining speed. Usually the best way to increase your running speed is to race.

And that's what is up today. Today I will lace my running shoes in order to run a race. Not a biggie, but the only thing is that this is a cross country event and I'm going to be punished so hard. But that is the only way out of this steady state of running.

Timewise my triathlon training has had a disturbing effect on time available for running. Furthermore, biking does tire your legs, too. But I don't worry that too much. Maybe this all is a blessing in disguise and the current set of physical activities will keep running related injuries away.

This is what I do on Tuesdays

 

Photo by Perttu Uotila

Last two weeks

First of all congrats for Mark and Jason for conquering the Boston marathon once again. Boston Strong! That was an insane race!

After struggling for almost 2 months with the hamstring/gluteus problems I think that I'm sort of back on the road again. Two weeks ago I ran the first decent workout (4x5 min'2 min rest) at the group workout which I'm helping to organize. On Tuesdays we have 40-80 runners from various age groups and sports (runners, triathletes, ultra runners, orienteerers(?)) gathering together and conducting some magic. The I have done easy runs, two longer runs, two tempo runs, but all of that has been moderated by the simple fact that I gotta run, not to spend any more time injured. 

Thereafter, the weather has become more and more pleasant which has enabled to start biking outside. That has been a good addition to the run and swim routines. This summer will be less about running and more about multi-sports.

Less pain in Spain

My hamstring is not fully functional but I have been running at pedestrian pace for couple of miles. It has been fun. In between I have been hammering many painful inclines on my (rental) bike. Despite the life threatening gusty winds we faced today, I am really happy with the current situation.

Mr. Cortisone

My old friend, Cortisone. Waddup, my man?


Today I got my latest share of cortisone in my hamstring. I've lost the count already sometime ago but I hope that this will enable me to get back at it.

NSAIDs in my pocket

On Sunday I ran 15 minutes. Every minute sucked ass. Hamstrings are still done.


Now I changed my diet from food to liquid (Pepsi Max) and NSAIDs. Healthy as hell.

When I can't run...

I usually feel like this. 
http://whatshouldrunnerscallme.tumblr.com/post/77615722661/after-a-workout

And I'm out again

On Thursday I strained my upper hamstring/gluteus. During an easy run. Brilliant. Nooooot. 

Finally

I'm back. Legs are sore, but I'm able to run at certain level. No inflamation around at the moment. Unfortunately, I had to skip the treadmill test (for measuring the VO2max, aerobic and anaerobic thresholds). This was the fourth time I was facing a moment of postponing the test due to odd periods of illnesses. Instead of postponing it, I decided to skip it. I'll take the test later this year. I gotta be sure about my engine on one particular August morning when I'm standing in the sea in my wetsuit.


Snow is now gone. It's really odd. It's February and the weather is plus celcius degrees (over 32F). It's crazy, but as a runner you should never complain about open roads in winter.


Time


To

Kick


Some

Ass.