Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Great Jump-Start

            Course:  Cedar Rapids, IA Downtown Loop
                Miles:  8            
      Total Time:  1:08:03
        Avg Pace:  8:25
            Avg HR:  143
         Workout:   Slow Recovery Run
               Temp:  60 Degrees, Humidity 67%, Wind 4SE


Really great start to the day!  Awesome 1/2 hour core workout before the run, then nice slow recovery run in Cedar Rapids, IA.  Schedule permitting, hopefully this will be followed by medium-to-hard leg workout this evening, and by 2-4 more slow recovery miles.

This week has been a GREAT jump-start to Project 3:09!!!  I can't begin to explain or be thankful enough for just how healthy I am right now.  I worked hard on the new foot strike this winter, and in doing so really reduced my mileage.  Granted - I'm at about 1,200 miles for the year, but most of them weren't "killer miles".  As much as I hate to admit it (because I was ready to throw this whole foot-strike experiment away) I know it has made me healthier, and has reduced my risk of the common naggin' aches and pains that I usually struggle with.  But still, would I recommend it - NOPE!!!  I think most people should stay where they're at unless injury forces a change.  But anyway - I think overall it has worked for me.  Hope your running's going well!
... be great today!  

9 comments:

  1. Wow, rare - and refreshing - to hear someone say, "Stay where you are unless you're injured"! I believe that. I have seen many more injuries from ill-advised gait and stride changes than injuries from poor running form.
    Out of the people I know who have gone minimalist or barefoot, only about 1 out of 20 have done so without significant injury. It's a rough transition for your body to make.

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  2. I'm one of the 20 that Gracie lists above....I'd rather have spent 4-5 months fixing my running form than endure the 2-years of sheer agony my foot gave me. I so wish I would have changed years ago then to spend so many stressful months figuring out what was wrong. Since I changed, nothing's injured AND no more foot pain. There were days I had to call in sick to work because I literally could not walk, it was that bad. Now - NOTHING!

    Enjoy CR! I'm originally from Davenport. :)

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  3. I love that 8:25 is slow-recovery pace for you. Not bad for an old guy.

    Like Gracie, I like your candor and your conclusion on changing your running form. For many, it seems the "aint broke don't fix it" approach applies to running as well. I'm still a work-in-progress with my form, but I feel like my legs are holding up better with more of a mid-foot strike. I'll continue to feel that way right up until I get hurt again I suppose.

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  4. Haha, unlike the comment above mine, I'm *jealous* that 8:25 is your recovery pace. :) Keep up the good work!

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  5. I agree - seems like if it aint broke, don't fix it. Hopefully eventually I will be able to get minimal shoes and get away from wearing shoes with big heel support.

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  6. I live for recovery runs! Project 3:09 training is looking awesome Jim.

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  7. I have been working on the mid-foot strike for a little while now and things are improving for me. It is much harder to learn and it has taken my body some time to get used to it, but I am slowly building up my mileage and its seems as if I am strengthening new muscles. It is finally becoming a little more 'natural' for me.

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  8. Have you changed shoes since you changed your form? Some of the zero drop shoes are very light and could aid you with your marathon goal. They also do a great job of keeping you from heel striking.

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