a little swelling won't keep me down

OK as part of my training program I got up early this morning and walked for about 5 mins as a warm up. Then I did a 1 min jog followed by a 1 min walk 10 times. That took me to about 2 miles. in 29:20 mins. Afterward the ankle swelled just a little so I took about 10 mins to ice it before getting ready for work. Then this afternoon around 3:00 pm my ankle started swelling so much I could feel it. I had to actually take my shoe off and ice it. This hasn't happened at work for weeks. I'm thinking that is normal since I have been working more than ever since the sprain. I emailed my coach for some advice. However, that didn't stop me from doing 1 hour on the stationary bike this afternoon after work. I think the bike actually helped to get some circulation going. There is a 5 k coming up the end of the month I hope I will be able to run it. I mean really run it. I can't wait to run again... without a brace. But I am not going to let it get me down. I am going to just keep working towards my goal. Tinker Bell will see me through. :)

2 miles 27:47

Ok That is certainly not my best time ... in fact it might be my worst... But I am very happy with it. I really wasn't sure I would be able to run one mile today much less 2. But I did it. I probably walked half and jogged half. And I was the last one to finish. I beat four others.

My first group run with this training class was a lot of fun. I am very excited and pleased with the progress my foot is making. I think by the end of the month I will improve greatly.

But for now I need to take it slow. There are 3 groups to the training class. Group 1 is for walk/runners. Group 2 is for run/walkers. and group 3 is for runners. Right now I am in group 1 but the coach thinks I will be in group 2 in a couple weeks and in group 3 in a few more weeks. I am anxious, but am following my coach's orders. He is very knowledgeable and has a lot of experience not only with running but with coaching as well.

The training is back in progress!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2 hour workout

Today I got in a good workout. I started out with 30 mins on the stationary bike at resistance level 9. Then I went on the teadmill. I walk/jogged at a 16:40 mile per minute pace for 2 miles. Then I got on the Elliptical machine at resistance level 9 for 30 mins. Then I finished up my workout with another 30 mins on the stationary bike at resistance level 9.

This was my first time on the treadmill since I sprained my ankle. At first it felt a little odd. The ankle did not like the jogging motion at first. I kept the pace at 16:40 at a very fast walk and every once in a while broke in to a light jog. I could only keep it up for about 5 mins at a time. But at least it is a start. I am slowly introducing it to the jogging motion. I am hopeful that within a week I will be able to do more jogging and less walking.

Tomorrow is my rest day and Sunday I meet for my first group run. We are going to have 2 mile timed runs. I know my time won't be very good but it will be interesting to see how fast I am able to go.

Of course all exercises are done with that silly brace on my foot. The dr. says to continue to wear it for another couple months when outside. I do it because I know I don't want to cause any more injury. God forbid I should roll over on it again.

short hair make you run faster

Well at least that is what I am telling myself these days. Yesterday I went to the gym after work and put 30 mins on the stationary bike and then another 30 mins on the elliptical machine. Then I went to get my hair cut. I figure if I am going to run in the park on Sunday mornings and Thursday afternoons in this heat I need to stay as cool as possible. So I got a really short spiky hair cut... because everyone knows... Short hair makes you run faster. :)

Today my brother-in-law celebrated his 70th birthday. So after work I went out to eat and had chocolate cake. I really need to run it off, but it is late. So I guess I will have to sleep it off instead. But I plan on hitting the gym tomorrow.

1/2 mile run

Yes you read that right... I said run. Ok actually more like a slow jog. But the point is I did more than a walk. I went to see my sports doctor today. I asked him when he thinks I could start running. He told me to run 1/2 mile tonight and see how is feels in the morning. If it's real sore then back off for a couple days and then try it again. If it is just a little sore (which is to be expected after not running for 4.5 weeks. ) Right now it feels ok and I am hopeful that it will be ok in the morning.

After my dr. appointment I did my normal mapped out mile. I walked abut 1/4 of it then slowly introduced a little jog. My ankle didn't like it too well so after a few steps I walked again. Then tried the little jog and got a little further. I did the walk jog thing for about 1/4 mile. Then I just took off and jogged (very slowly) the rest of the mile. I only took a couple short walk breaks. The doctor told me to slow increase my mileage and if the next morning the foot is a little too sore then to back off for a few days and work it again. He said that within 2 weeks I should be able to keep up with the 1/2 marathon training schedule. And in time I could add more miles to that.

I am very excited and eager to start my first group run, even if I will mostly be walking it. I know in time I will be running with the rest of them. :)

Kickoff to training camp

Tonight I went to a kickoff meeting for my running training camp. I got to meet the coaches and see my training schedule. My first long run will be this Sunday morning. I am looking forward to it, even though I can't run yet. The coach said not to worry the he will get me up to speed. I see my sports doctor tomorrow.... I hope I can start running soon. But in the meantime the elliptical machine will be my friend. :)

2 hour workout

This was my best workout to date I think... or certainly since I sprained my ankle. I put in 1 solid hour on the elliptical machine.. and I pushed it hard. I kept the resistance level between 11 and 13 the whole time. My rmp's were between 80 and 100. Then I got on the stationary bike and put in another hour. I took it a little easy on the bike keeping it at a steady resistance level 9. I am already sore.... but it is a really good sore. It's 8:30 pm and I'm off to bed. I worked hard and am going to sleep even harder. :) Oh first I think I'm going to ice my foot. It is just a little swollen and tender. but I think my workout today was good for it... it needs to toughen up and get with the program. ;)