Back on track

You know what? Injuries suck. They especially suck when you are just getting into a groove and then have to take a step back. Because I'm a new runner, I'm just now learning how to "listen to my body". During my runs, my biggest enemy is my head. Things like: "I can't do this" or "no way I can run this far" are constantly running through my head. So, when my knee started bothering me I had to really pay attention to the pain and make sure it wasn't just my head getting in my way. About 2 weeks ago I started noticing that my right knee and hip were starting to feel a little tight. Then, after a 4-mile midweek run the tightness turned into actual pain in my knee. Because my husband is the great and all-knowing when it comes to sports injuries (he seriously is a genius!), he quickly diagnosed my issue as ITBS.

(photo credit)

Apparently IT band issues are common to all runners (new &/or experienced)...I had no idea that I even had an IT band before all this. So, my plan of attack was to take a week off from running and focus on icing and foam rolling the hell out of my leg. Let's be honest...I didn't ice &/or foam roll near as much as I should have but I think I'm back on track! This last Saturday I decided to do a "test run" at Katy Trail (love that place!) I ran a slow 3 miles (11:17/m pace) and it felt great! I probably could have gotten another mile or 2 in that day but I didn't want to overdo it. Yesterday I got in 4 miles (10:40/m pace) and I felt pretty darn good. My plan is to do an 8-mile long run on Saturday...think good thoughts!

Training continues.

Ok, if I really want to have a running blog I should probably keep up with it. Also, I'm pretty sure I'll want to have a record of this whenever I become an Olympic-caliber runner (ha). I'm almost half way through the training for Big D. I'm not gonna lie, it's not necessarily the most fun I've thing I've ever done; however, I am REALLY proud of myself for sticking to it as much as I have. I'm pretty sure I really need to be adding some cross-training and core work to my workouts each week, but I'm always so excited to have an "off" day from running that I never have enough motivation to do anything else. I'd love to get in a spin class sometime! Now, here's my schedule for this week: (I know it's already Wednesday, but bear with me).

Monday- rest
Tuesday- 4 miles [41:09]
Wednesday- 3 miles (easy)
Thursday- 4 miles
Friday- rest
Saturday- 8 mile long run
Sunday- 3 mile recovery run

I have to keep reminding myself that every long run is a personal victory...I will have run farther than ever before. Yay me!