It has only been about eight months since I really started doing any kind of running, and it has been mostly fun. I went from being out of breath after trying to run a block to being able to complete a half marathon, albeit with good chunks of walking in the back half of that race, to running 11 miles just a couple of weeks ago and feeling that I could have done another mile or two. For the most part I have been injury free. I have tried to take it easy and gradually increase the distance I run, along with the speed at which I run. I think that I can run a little faster but being almost 48 I know that I should take it easy and not rush my progress. I want to be able to continue to run for quite some time. It has been helpful towards my goal of keeping the weight loss that has occurred the past year and a half. It has also been fun amazing myself at what I have achieved physically, plus I have met some new people through this running club that I was able to join all due to this sport which has me hooked.
Speaking of the running club,to keep things fresh and fun, last night's workout was splitting the club into teams of four people and running relays for some good competitive fun. It turned out okay that the slow group has grown (along with Brandy, there is now Linda and Daisy and we picked another one up Lydia) and there was one of us in each of the teams. Different relays were ran: the first was 4x800, followed by 4x400, then 4x200, with the last relay to start off with one runner doing a 1200,followed by a 400, then an 800 and the last runner had to run a 1600. This sounded a little daunting to me and the others in the slow group, but we figured that if we all ran during the same leg of the relays, it would be okay and be like we were running together.
It was decided that we would be the third leg of the relay. For my first leg, the 800, I was able to run the first lap in 1:55 and the second in 1:52. I was very comfortable with it but knew that I could have maybe ran a couple of seconds faster but I had to make sure I could run the other relays. The next relay I was able to complete my lap in 1:40, again very comfortable with the time, and I was getting caught up in the excitement of the competition. For the 4x200 my team was second when I ran my leg, second only by a couple of seconds. I knew that I could outrun the others in the slow group in the short distance but I also knew that I didn't want to go too fast. I took off at what I thought was a comfortable pace. Before this relay and based on the times for my 800 and 400, I knew that I should be able to do the 200 in about 45 seconds and that should be okay. My turnover rate was my usual pace I thought but I knew that I was also lengthening my stride so I could go a little faster. As I was rounding out the curve and ready to look at my watch to see my time for the first 100, I felt a pull just below my right butt cheek and the hamstring. Not good at all. I slowed it down and was able to jog to touch off to the next runner but I knew that I was done for the night. There goes my moment as a sprinter.
I asked the others if they thought I was going too fat and nobody thought so. I probably was but they are used to seeing others run pretty fast and just confused with me with them. I walked a couple of laps the rest of the night as the last relay was run. Once I got home I iced the back of my leg and then took a warm shower. Wasn't sure if I should stretch it out but felt that maybe using the foam roller would be better. I didn't put all of my weight on the roller, keeping the left leg on the ground as I used the roller. I put on some Aspercreme before I went to sleep. It must have helped as I was able to sleep thru most of the night and my leg seemed to not hurt as bad. After a full day at work with moderate walking on it the leg doesn't feel as tight. A few more days of staying off it should do the trick and I should be able to go for a few miles on Sunday. Brandy told me to take it easy or else I would be on the DL longer. Told her that I just want to to be on the 7-day DL so I will be good and rest it. I may buy some compression shorts or sleeve for the thigh to help with the healing as I get back to jogging/running. I will go for a few miles on Sunday, whether it's walking or jogging still remains to be seen. I signed up for the O2O half marathon and I will do what I have to in order to be able to complete it.
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