May 9

Spring evening run

Distance: 3 miles
Time: 30
Course: Paths along J-way to Little League ballfields at Bynner and back.
Time of Run: 07:00 pm
Pace: Moderate
Memorable song(s) on iPod: Panda Bear album Person Pitch

This run suited me better... and I didn't even think I would go out tonight. I took it easy at first, stopped to stretch at the Pond, and then picked up the pace. Some tightness in my outer left hip, so I'm icing that.

Tuesday, May 8

Early morning intervals

Distance: 2.5 miles
Time: 25
Course: Jamaica Pond.
Time of Run: 06:30 pm
Pace: 30 second high-tempo, 90 second slow
Memorable song(s) on iPod: Still the new Rush album, Snakes and Arrows

I'm trying a workout routine from a Men's Fitness book recommended by my brother-in-law George. So I did some speed intervals. My right ankle was very tight and my right knee hurt a bit also. I don't think I'll do speed intervals until I can get to the point where I can run 15-20 minutes first. It usually takes that long to get all the kinks out.

Starting up again

May 2nd jog

Distance: 2.5 miles
Time: 25
Course: Jamaica Pond.
Time of Run: 06:30 pm
Pace: Very easy
Memorable song(s) on iPod: New Rush album, Snakes and Arrows

After many months of physical therapy in the fall and some treadmill running at our gym over the winter, I thought it would be good to get out and try running for real. I took it very easy as I'm way out of shape.

Actually running!

5 minute intervals

Distance: 1.4 miles
Time: 15:00 (5 minute jog, 1 minute walk, 5 minute jog, 1 minute walk, 5 minute jog)
Course: Jamaica Pond.
Time of Run: 01:00 pm
Pace: Very easy
Memorable song on iPod: Painter in Your Pocket, by Destroyer

This was my first real run since I've been having hip problems. Sonia and I walked one lap around the pond, then I stretched for a long time before running. I think I've been able to locate where my hip is tight, so I was able to really stretch that out. It felt good to run again. I iced for a while afterwards and am putting heat on now.

One small step for man...

So I've been officially off of running for the last few months due to a strange hip ailment. I first noticed this when I was getting into the car -- it was very difficult (and painful) to lift my left leg -- at the hip point. I've gone to some specialists, had a "sensory deprivation" MRI and X-rays. My hip (apparently) is fine.

I've been on prescription anti-inflammatories and have stopped carrying my jumbo George Costanza like wallet in my front pocket (my theory is it was pressing into my hip when I was sitting). And I've been trying to wear looser pants (aka "fat pants") to not aggrevate the hip.

So things have been feeling a little better and I took my first short strides yesterday while walking around Jamaica Pond with Sonia.

Two 60 second jogs.

No immediate pain and I feel okay today.

Yeah yeah, I'm hip, I'm hip!

So this blog has been dormant due to my nagging hip weakness/pain...

I had an X-ray yesterday and I've an appointment with an orthopedist in a couple of weeks, so hopefully I can figure out what is going on in time for the spring... and in time for me to start running again!

As it is, this lack of activity and bum hip make me waddle more than walk now.

Saturday, November 12

Okay, I've been off this blog for about a month... in that time I did go for a couple of short runs, but overall I've more or less taken a breather. The cold, dark weather has not helped.

But I went out yesterday morning, on the heels of finally registering for the upcoming Gobble Gobble Gobble.

Distance: 3+ miles
Time: 27:23 total; 13:40 splits
Course: Two laps around the pond.
Time of Run: 10:00 am
Pace: Moderate.
Memorable song on iPod: Cool Rock Boy, by Juliana Hatfield

How I felt: Very out of shape! I wanted to stop after the first lap but gutted it out for one more. I need to get my distance up (quickly!) in preparation for the Thanksgiving run.

Tufts 10K for Women

No, I didn't run the Tufts 10K for Women (though that does sound like a good Three Abreast premise!)

My wife ran it with some of her friends. I was there to cheer the gals on!

I've posted a clip of the start of the race over at blip.tv (dipping my toe into the vlogosphere)

Friends of Borderland 5-K Race

I ran the first Friends of Borderland 5-K Race on Sunday down at Borderland State Park. It was actually more of a 3-miler according to the organizers and it seemed as if the course was kind of "adjusted" at the last minute. There was a strange half mile loop to start, so that we came back upon the start line after 4 minutes or so.

The rest of the course was nice -- trails and fields. Nothing too crazy.

It was a cold and rainy morning and my legs generally felt tight. Still I was happy with the race. I finished at 27:20 or something. If I'd run a little faster I might have gotten third place in my age group! (it was a small running field).

Sonia came out to cheer me on, along with Helen (my mother-in-law) and Savannah (my dog-in-law).

Thursday, October 6

Pre-race tune-up

Distance: 2+ miles
Time: 21:30 total
Course: Pond down to football field at Bynner and back to Pond, with a little extra.
Time of Run: 7:00 am
Pace: Moderate.

How I felt: In pain! My knee was bothering me and then when I stopped to stretch I felt a serious pinch/pain in my left hip and groin area. Ugh. I almost considered just walking back at that point, but ran it back. I may have to see a doctor at some point for all these knee/hip/groin thingies.

Tuesday, October 4

5K plus more

Distance: 3.2 miles approx
Time: 28:50
Course: Jamaica Pond, trails to Route 9 and back, with a loop around the pond.
Time of Run: 6:00 pm
Pace: Moderate with a fast finish

How I felt: Best strong finish I've had to run, but still felt tough.

Monday, October 3

Don't Tread on Me

Distance: 1.5 miles
Time: 15:00
Course: Treadmill at the Woodstock Fitness Club in Vermont.
Time of Run: 9:00 am
Pace: Moderate

How I felt: Okay, but it was odd to run on a treadmill after so long (I used one at my former gym last winter)