Yeah!!! I'm Feeling Better!

My sciatica is definitely better than yesterday. I got a lot of rest last night and ran a little slower and a little longer today. 11.4 miles, 1:37:27, 8:33/mi., 7.0 mph, avg HR 128 and max HR 148 bpm. %HR was just below 71 but the slower speed helped get the nerve back in place and didn't tighten my muscles any more than they already were, which was too tight.
The Air Max Moto 8's are, of course, different from the 7's. They seem heavier too. I like the feel but I wish I knew of a different shoe that I could run the marathon in instead of the Air Max.
I did want to run 20 this weekend but I didn't know how my leg would react. This would have allowed me to run 20 the 3rd week of September but now I'll probably run 20 next weekend so I don't know when I will run my last 20 in September before Hartford.

Sciatica Relief *

So Stephanie my boss suggested using the TP Massage Ball, http://www.tptherapy.com/ which has helped and I was able to run 10.2 miles this morning with little pain or numbness. It still hasn't gone away yet but I'm hoping that it will by the end of the week. So 10.2 miles, 1:26:02, 8:26/mi., 7.1 mph, avg HR 133 and max HR 145 bpm. I averaged just under 74% max HR and felt good at the end.
I also have their "foam" roller which is awesome!

Right Leg Still Too Tight

My hip feels tight and twisted. The foam roller and stretching is helping; I feel better today. 5.5 miles, 46:04, 8:22/mi., 7.2 mph and I averaged about 72% of max HR throughout.

Right Leg Still Too Tight

I took yesterday off and my leg seemed OK. But this morning it was still too tight. I'm using a foam roller and stretching a lot but so far it hasn't solved my problem.
I signed up for the Manchester City Marathon last night.
My run today was 5.8 miles, 47:58, 8:16/mi., 7.3 mph and max HR 139. I took it slow because the leg feels better when I keep my speed down. I did run faster at the end and my leg tightened right up.

A True Recovery Run

Usually I run too fast for my recovery run. But today my right hamstring was way too tight so I felt I should try and run at about 9:01-9:10/mi. I ran 6.2 miles, 56:23 at 9:06/mi.The leg feels 100% better. My recovery runs sometimes end up to be tempo runs which is probably why I haven't been running as many miles this year.

Long Sunday Run

I got a lot of sleep last night and took my time getting out the door this morning. It paid off in running 14.2 miles (1st mile 8:42) 1:53:49 (13.1 in 1:45:23), 8:01/mi., 7.5 mph, avg HR 142, max HR 161bpm and I felt like I could keep it up when I stopped. I usually run a fairly steady pace and today was no different. I hope to run a good, slower recovery run tomorrow.

Early Saturday Run

I felt very good at first and then a little fatigued; in the end I felt good. 8.1 miles, 1:05:25, 8:04/mi., 7.4 mph, avg HR 134 and max HR 149 bpm. The weather is almost perfect, cool and sunny. A beautiful morning.

Another Off Day but Thoughts on my New Job

I didn't run today since I will be running longer miles for the next 3 days. But I did have a good day at work and I did want to write about it.
I fit several people for shoes today. After just 2 weeks of working at Fleet Feet in West Hartford I found out that a lot of people have moderate to severe foot problems and that they still want to run or at least get regular exercise. I feel so good when people walk out smiling and thanking me for helping put them in the right shoes. One person shook my hand when I demonstrated how to use a foam roller properly and the pain in her ankle went away. She was thrilled that there was a simple solution to her problem. I really like helping people. It all starts with your feet. It's nice to hear how many people are training to run marathons too!

Short Run Early

Another cool morning. I ran 4.1 miles, 32:58, 8:02/mi. and 7.5 mph. It's nice to be running faster again, the heat really did effect me more than I realized. I got to get ready for work now.

Another Good Morning Run

I was able to get out this morning before work to run 6.2 miles, 49:31, 7.5 mph, 7:59/mi., max HR 152 bpm. I'm feeling much better running in the cooler mornings and feel more confident that I will be able to help everyone in my pacing group at the ING Hartford Marathon. I work with a lot of young, fast runners and they have motivated me to try and work on my speed as well.

Recovery Run

After 2 of my fastest back-to-back days in awhile, I ran 8.2 miles, 1:08:44, 8:23/mi., 7.2 mph and I kept my HR at about 75% of max for most of the run. It was hotter and more humid today and legs were tired by the end. I feel like I'm running better than I have for most of the summer, those 2:30 AM and the humidity too something out of my legs.

Another Great Run

I ran this morning and I was coming up this long grade when I saw 3 guys biking in the distance. When they got next to me I said good morning and noticed they had Nerac on their shirts. That was one of the companies I worked for in the past and they yelled hey Keith. It was John, Dave and Leo. They rode back and talked a bit before heading off. It was really great to see them.
I ran 10.2 miles, 1:21:54, 8:01/mi., 7.5 mph, avg HR 137 and max HR 148 bpm. I could have kept it up for miles more and felt really good after except my left ankle is a little sore now.
Yesterday I got to work early and was outside when 2 of the groups that Fleet Feet leads in training came in from their runs. It was nice to see so many runners.

Finally Out Early to Finish the Week

I hadn't felt great all week running, I should have taken 2-3 days off after the 22 miler but since I was starting the new job I didn't know how I would feel so I ran too many miles right after. Taking the last 2 days off helped because this morning I ran 6.2 miles, 48:54, 7:53/mi., 7.6 mph, avg HR 141 and max HR 164 bpm and I did feel great the whole run. My 1st mile was 8:50 so I ran the last 5.2 in 7:42/mi.

Hot!

Very hot and humid this afternoon but I had to run since my legs still seemed fatigued this morning. I spend all day helping fit running shoes, I need to run! But I could go only 4.2 miles, 36:03, 7.0 mph. I'm not use to my work day and I'm not eating the way I usually do so I'm out of sorts. But, work went well.

A Cooler Start to the Week

It isn't too hot today. I was a little tired in the morning so I decided to run this afternoon. I was going to take it easy too! Final numbers: 10.1 miles, 1:25:11, 8:26/mi., 7.1 mph. I will be running in the morning again starting tomorrow which will feel good, temperature wise. I/m still trying to get use to not getting up at 2:30 and my body hasn't adjusted yet.

A New Month and A New Job

Just 2 days away from starting at Fleet Feet. My running speed has improved since taking 4 days off last week. I was getting tired. Today 7.1 miles, 58:18, 7.3 mph, 8:12/mi. with my max HR was 161 bpm again. I took yesterday off due to the 22 miles and my left ankle. Everything was fine today. The new Runner's World came in yesterday and I was looking over the shoe review today.