If it's not broken in ...

Well, it was Sunday and time for another run for the LA Roadrunners' schedule, 30 minutes of post-long run running.

I had another task as well. I went Saturday to buy replacement Brooks shoes as my original pair were pushing the barriers recommended by the pace leaders. With the mileage climbing and the Los Angeles Marathon coming, I decided it was time to invest in a new pair. I now needed to break them in a bit and Sunday seemed like a good chance.

I also got the rare daylight run since CCD class was cancelled due to the school's open house. So, I get to see the light and some extra and much needed sleep!

I changed the pattern a bit and walked to Clover Park to try and loosen up my knee. I set out for the 30 minutes. The arch felt much better; the knee was not so good.

It was also strange as the run is supposed to break up the lactic acid from the long run; but, mid-way through my calves and quads seemed to go from no feeling to dull soreness.

Anyways, I slowed down a bit. I got the run in, just off target. Back to the live to run another day idea (I had seen the Top to Top store motto of "Running is Life. Pain is optional" on Saturday!

The shoes definitely still feel new and not all yet broken in; but, there is plenty of time.

Another notable thing was the Garmin's total passing 300 miles! I should have had a little ceremony like when players get 1,000 hits or 2,000 points.

At the end of the run, I did manage to get the always fun steaming head effect going!

32:05 of running
10:59 pace
2.97 miles

Two Steps Forward, 1 99/100ths Steps Back

Sunday ... the day after the long run.

I woke up and felt a bit drained and with a CCD class to teach, I decided to experiment and sleep a bit longer and run at night.

So, I set out after doing "church stuff" all day for a 30-minute shakedown-type run.

I soon realized all systems were not really going. My legs still felt "heavy."

I had worn the brace for my knee all day and had decided to take it off for the run; but, now the knee was sore. My lower back ached a bit; I think I may have slightly pulled a muscle lifting and moving tables. Then, my upper chest got sore. I felt like a driver looking at the dashboard and seeing all the red lights come on at once.

Still, I kept going despite knowing I was not even close to the pace goal. I opted for a trot to Ocean Park Boulevard, around Clover Park, and home, a nice flat course.

I was going, but, not well. I was getting slower and sorer. At this point I just decided to do my best.

It had been a rough day. My class had some issues and some struggled with a little test. A big volunteer at church now has bladder cancer. Nevermind things like Haiti. So, the soreness and pain, were in reality minor annoyances in perspective which kind of helped me keep moving.

Godwilling, I finish the race March 21. I want to fell I earned the medal and faced the challenges, the good and the bad; so, this was one of the gutcheck times.

I was slowing and at points more like trudging, but forward at least.

I finally made it home. I was a bit short on the time goal as well; but, at that point, I thought I better call it a go and live to fight another day.

2.18 miles
28.08 minutes
12:58 pace ... doh.

Daytime Again?

Due to a bit of relief scheduling-wise, I got a chance to run in the daylight again Sunday, this time in the early afternoon. So, after dealing with my CCD class, working on a presentation, a grant, and all, I was back home, getting changed, and on my way to Clover Park for a post-long run run.

I felt alright. I definitely was nowhere near as sore as in the prior two weeks; so, my body is more than capable of taking seven miles without too much fuss now. I did o.k.; I was not overly disappointed or pleased with the run. I guess it was just good to stretch my legs after the Saturday trot.

I ran 2.8 miles in 30:11 for a 11:47 pace. Not bad I guess.

The Day After

Today was the second consecutive day of running in daylight (third if you ignore Friday's off day). I am beginning to feel less like a vampire! Since it was an off day for my CCD class, I got to sleep in a little as well as make my run early but in the sunshine. The LA Roadrunners guide has it down for 30 minutes.

I also experimented a bit. I decided to walk down to Clover Park by Santa Monica Airport where I sued to run. Since the park is open at 6 a.m., I could legally go for a trot. I like the park as it has nice grass fields to run in as well as some airplanes to watch along the way. I also hoped it would loosen my legs a bit.

I started to trot and it still felt sluggish after the walk. I could still feel the "workout soreness" from Saturday; but, I kept plugging along. Even a brief sprint did not help which was disappointing.

For a little while, my pace was 10 seconds off the goal which was not good; but, I began to feel a bit better 15 minutes in and it slowly got down into a good range. I was still enjoying being out in the sun and the nice weather, even with the soreness. I finished up at 30:05 (went very much by the clock instead of usual returning home) for 2.52 miles at 11:57 pace. It was not ideal; but, it worked.