Keep Improving

PDCAT · 15-09-2010 2:26pm #1

Hi

i have been lurking around this site for few months now, robbing idea's from almost everyone here. Bout time i tried one of these log thingy's.

Backround

Ok. Where do i start.
I'm 37 year old male, whom started to get fit in January after doing nothing for 20 years. Tell a lie, i started doing a bit of hillwalking two years ago, bout once every two weeks. Was being dropped by the faster walkers on the steep slopes, so in order to keep up, decided to get fitter.
Have taken to the running though, and would like to improve.

First three months, stuck to the gym (exercise bike & treadmill). i remember my first run on the threadmill - i was afraid i'd get a heart attack since i hadnt ran in 20 odd years. Done 2k and was delighted.

From there i moved up to 10K on threadmill during next few months.

Started to run on road in April/May.
Currently running 3 days a week

Tuesday = 5.2 Miles
Thursday = 5.2 Miles
Saturday = 10 Miles

That's as far as i have got. Have gradually being raising the mileage every couple of weeks and currently running 20.5 miles a week.

I have ran two 5k races, one 10k race and a 4 miler.

Not really getting any faster in these races - think it's because i haven't being doing any speed work. All my runs (Tuesday/Thursday) seem to be at the same pace - which i would consider Tempo's 8.30 per mile. Running them too fast i believe.
Would like to start doing Interval's - Maybe changing the Thursday run to an interval session. Run my LSR (10miler) at approx 9 - 9.30 per mile.

PB

5K -- 22.44 - Leixlip Road Race - May 10
10K -- 47.58 - Danesfort Road Run - July 10
4 Mile -- 29.59 - Tinryland Road Run - August 10

Goals -

5K - Sub 22.00
10K - Sub 47.00
10 Mile - 1.20
Half Marathon - 1.50

Looking to introduce Intervals into training in order to hit 5k/10k goals.
Looking to increase week run to 12 miles in order to help achieve 10 Mile/Half Marathton.

Hope to run Waterford Marathon in December to achieve this goal.

Would love to run either Barcelona/Berlin next year as my first marathon in Sub 4 hours. - Bit afraid as yet to commit to a marathon.

Overall i am delighted i took up this sport. Beginning of the year i turned 37, looked at lifestyle and wasn't happy. Confidence has improved and feel good factor has improved immeasurably.

Other improvements needed

Diet - Is still not the best - too much chips/chocolate
Drink - Cut down savage - few pints once every two weeks
Fags - Have only ever smoked when having a pint - having trouble shaking off this habit. Though by cutting out the socializing (drink) reduction see.

Anyway here goes - Hope to continue to progess and improve.

Must say - to a new person like myself - you guys are an inspiration - really enjoy reading your race reports - keeps me motivated.
Have even started the wife running.

RayCun · 15-09-2010 2:37pm

Cool, welcome to the training logs. You could try doing one of your midweek runs shorter but faster or, as you say, use it for intervals/strides/fartleks etc.

There's really no hurry in committing to a marathon. I'm training for Dublin now, and some weeks I really wish I had a few more months of running in my legs before the programme started. If you did shorter races over the next few months you'd be well set to run Dublin next autumn.

digger2d2 · 15-09-2010 2:56pm

PDCAT, keep it up and the best of luck!

PDCAT · 17-09-2010 7:37am

Thursday 16/09/10

Went on Treadmill today. Very slow run.

8K - 53.24 - Incline at 1.0, Speed at 9.0

After three months on the roads, have decided to go back to treadmill for next few weeks when doing my midweek runs.
Will continue to run LSR on roads at weekend.

Main reason for this is that i'm noticing my legs (below knees - both legs) feel really weak when i'm running.

Not sure how to explain it. Last two/three weeks have noticed that the strength in both legs below knees isnt great. Feels weak/stiff, not sure how they feel to be honest, just not great and taking enjoyment from the running.
Am going to change surface for next couple of weeks to see if they improve, if not then it's off to physio for advice.

Plan for the weekend isn't decided yet. Will either run Kilkenny 10k with my wife or go for 10 mile LSR early sunday morning. Big Local GAA match on which is clashing with the Kilkenny 10K.

If i run 10k goal is to beat my PB which is 47.58. (1 sec improvement will do). As i haven't done much speed work since i ran this time in July, not expecting great things. However, my goal at start of year for 10k was sub 50mins, achieved this already so not really bothered if i do this race or not.

osnola ibax · 17-09-2010 8:38am

Well done pdcat, welcome to the logs. If you are hitting those 10k times already and running a 10 mile lsr every week, then a sub 1:50 half Mara would be no problem to you already I'd say. I'm hoping to go sub 1:50 tomorrow on the back of a 50:38 10k last Saturday.

Bit ambitious I know but shur. Best of luck at the weekend if you decide to race.

dermCu · 17-09-2010 10:55am

Well done so far PDCAT, that's really good progress since April.
If you can do some of your mid week runs on grass it might help matters. Before shelling out on a Physio you could start your own stretching regime to condition and strengthen the area. If you go down this route I'd advise that you do a full set of stretches rather than just focus on the area where the problems is.
In theory your problems could originate anywhere from your calf to your hips/glutes. Better stop, getting close to medical advice

PDCAT · 17-09-2010 11:30am

Thanks guys for your words of encouragement. Really appreicate this.

Just word of advice on stretching. What stretches should i be doing.

At the moment i spend about 2/3 minutes before and after run doing some basic stretches that i remember seeing other people do.

Can't believe i am doing the right stretches in order to strenghen by leg muscles and warm down correctly.

What do people suggest?
Is there a website/book or something i could look at to get an idea of what stretches to do?

Proper stretching may help the problem (weakness/tiredness) in my lower legs.

Thanks again.

dermCu · 17-09-2010 1:02pm

This site gives some good basic guidance:
http://www.physioroom.com/prevention/stretching1.php

I'm not a physio and I dont work in the medical field so you can take my advice with a pinch of salt if you want. My basic set of stretches looks like: quads/thigh, calf(lower(achilles) and upper), hamstring, glutes (and piriformis - you might have to google that one but its worth looking at especially if your day job involves sitting at a desk for long periods) and a little bit of core work.

I might be totally wrong but I treat stretching as prevention & conditioning rather than warming up/down from a run so I usually stretch in the evening as a standalone activity for about 15 - 20 mins rather than before or after a run. Again, I'm open to correction there.

Maybe start a thread in the main forum asking what stretches people do.

PDCAT · 20-09-2010 4:11pm

Thanks dermCu, will look into these Stretches, might help the legs.Can't do any harm.

Sunday 19/09/10

9.8 Miles = 1.28.11

Decided against running Kilkenny 10K as big local hurling match on at the same time. Ran 10 miles approx -Google Pedometer says 9.8 miles, Car odometer says 10.3 miles. Going with Google, dont want to cheat.

Seem to be running my long runs too fast. Need to slow them down.

Delighted that my legs were not that bad. Last couple of weeks lower legs have felt really weak/stiff but switched to treadmill for midweek runs. Seems to be helping as legs were in good shape for this run on sunday.
Will stick to running on the treadmill during the week to help the legs.
Need to start looking at increasing the LSR run to maybe 11 miles next weekend.

PDCAT · 23-09-2010 2:31pm

No running this week so far - pulled muscle in my back on monday morning. Taking some tablets and cream to improve.
If improved by weekend will take long run (10 miles) on sunday morning.
If not improved will be back running next Tuesday.

Bit of a bummer.
Reading a book Run Less, Run Faster by Bill Pierce this week as i'm off work with this back injury. Basically himself and Scott Muir (Ironman) developed this program, the First 3plus2 program whereby you only run 3 days per week with Quality intensive sessions (intervals, Tempo's, LSR) plus two cross training sessions as well (swimmming, rowing, exercise bike).
This seemingly reduces chances of injuries for runners whist with cross training you still get benefits of exercise.
Interesting read.

PDCAT · 27-09-2010 2:23pm

Sunday 26/09/10

10.86 Miles = 1.46.21

First run in 7 days due to back injury, i recieved whilst brushing my teeth (i'm serious).

Anyway, ran the first 5 miles with my wife, then our routes diverged and i took on my longest run ever. Found it ok up to 7.5 miles, then i had approx 2 miles of a monstrous hill (or so it seemed). My routes are very hilly. i live at the top of a mountainous area and to get home from any route i run requires a fairly steep uphill.
This was by far the steepest hill of any, i've ever ran and was tempted to stop and walk on a couple of occasions but fought on and made it home.
At an estimate i would say during the 2 miles, height increase was about 1,000 feet.

Will have to look at running somewhere away from home area, as i will not be able to increase my distances, if i have to encounter as many steep hills as i do on some of my routes.

This week, plan is to run on Treadmill on Tuesday & Thursday.

Tuesday - Intervals
Thursday - Tempo's

First time to attempt these, but i'll see how they go.

PDCAT · 29-09-2010 9:07am

Tuesday 28/09/10

Treadmill = 8K (Intervals).

First time trying these.

2K = Easy (9.0 speed on treadmill)
10 X 400m = (12.5 speed)
2K = Easy (9.0 speed on treadmill).

Happy enough with this session. Felt ok running the 400m reps.
Felt niggle in the back of right knee during the last 2K. Not painful, but felt funny. Need to keep an eye on this.

PDCAT · 01-10-2010 8:17am

Thursday 30/09/10

Treadmill = 8K (Tempo).

First time trying these.

2K = Easy (8.7 speed on treadmill)
4K = (12.5 speed on treadmill) -- Tough.....
2K = Easy (9.0 speed on treadmill).

Overall happy enough, found the 4K very tough, but managed to complete.

PDCAT · 04-10-2010 7:23pm

Saturday 02/10/10

11.27 Miles - 1.42.02 - (9.03 mpm).

Longest run ever.... Ran a new route, flatter route than normal as i was struggling with the hills i encounter on my long run.
Wife dropped me into a town 11+ miles from the house and i ran all the way home. Ran this run, probably too fast but felt comfortable all the way.

PDCAT · 05-10-2010 5:56pm

Tuesday 05/10/10

Treadmill = 8K (Intervals).

2K = Easy (9.0 speed on treadmill)
10 X 400m = (13.0 speed on treadmill)
2K = Easy (9.0 speed on treadmill)

Done a few weights afterwards.

PDCAT · 07-10-2010 5:25pm

Thursday 07/10/10

Treadmill = 8K (Tempo). = 45.56

2K = Easy (9.0 speed on treadmill)
4K = (12.5 speed on treadmill)
2K = Easy (9.0 speed on treadmill).

Enjoyed this. Since i started increasing speed's on treadmill, i find it more enjoyable. Before i just plodded along at the same speed for 8 - 10k.

PDCAT · 11-10-2010 11:31am

Saturday 09/10/10

8.39 Miles - 1.31.54 - (10.57 mpm).

Ran this 8+ miles with my wife at her pace. Thought i'd take a slight step back as i had ran 11+ miles myself the week before at a faster pace.
Found this run fairly easy and comfortable and nice to have someone to chat to on the run for a change.

PDCAT · 14-10-2010 8:29am

Wednesday 13/10/10

Treadmill = 8K (Intervals).

2K = Easy (9.0 speed on treadmill)
10 X 400m = (13.0 speed on treadmill)
2K = Easy (9.0 speed on treadmill)

Done a few weights afterwards.

PDCAT · 16-10-2010 4:53pm

Friday 15/10/10

Treadmill = 8K (Tempo). = 45.54

2K = Easy (9.0 speed on treadmill)
4K = (12.5 speed on treadmill)
2K = Easy (9.0 speed on treadmill).

Work gym was closed today so went to public gym. Done some weights.

PDCAT · 18-10-2010 7:26pm

Sunday 17/10/10

11.12 Miles - 1.40.50 - (Pace = 9.04)

Early for me (8am) run through really quiet country roads on Sunday Morning. Have to say, it was one of the nicest run's i have ever done. Met two cars the whole time i was out. Fairly cold starting out, but soon warmed up. Did not wear any extra gear, just went out as normal.
Happy with how i felt during and after this run.

Will run approx 10 miles next weekend, then up it to 12.5 miles the following weekend. All geared towards Waterford Half Marathon (my first one) and aiming for 1.50.

Looking at doing the Jingle Bells 5k in phoenix park the week before waterford half as i would like to have another crack at sub 22 for the 5k. Have had two attempts this year and 22.44 is my best. Have been doing intervals/tempo's of sorts on treadmill and would like to see if they are working for me.

PDCAT · 19-10-2010 5:35pm

Tuesday 19/10/10

Treadmill = 8K (Intervals).

2K = Easy (9.0 speed on treadmill)
10 X 400m = (13.0 speed on treadmill)
2K = Easy (9.0 speed on treadmill)

Done a few weights afterwards.

PDCAT · 26-10-2010 1:23pm

Very bold boy last few days. Wednesday & Thursday at family funeral (Lots of beer & fags). Friday and Saturday (Lots of Fast food). Ran 10 mile with the wife on Sunday Morning and then more beer & fags after this.

Note to self:
No more beer & cigs for the next month at least

Sunday 24/10/10

9.81Miles - 1.39.20 - (Pace = 10.08)

Really enjoyable run with OH at pace that she was comfortable with. She is also planning to do Waterford Half Marathon and i am slowly trying to increase her mileage so she will be able for this as she has no backround fitness ever. She basically started running this year and has progressed greatly. Very gutsy girl and would love to see her achieve this.

Going to be good boy over next month as feeling shi**y with all the rubbish i have been drinking/eating in the last week.

PDCAT · 27-10-2010 9:26am

Tuesday 26/10/10

Treadmill = 8K (Intervals).

2K = Easy (9.0 speed on treadmill)
10 X 400m = (13.0 speed on treadmill)
2K = Easy (9.0 speed on treadmill)

Done a few weights afterwards.

PDCAT · 29-10-2010 7:42am

Thursday 28/10/10

Treadmill = 8K (Tempo). = 45.56

2K = Easy (9.0 speed on treadmill)
4K = (12.5 speed on treadmill)
2K = Easy (9.0 speed on treadmill).

PDCAT · 01-11-2010 8:20pm

Saturday 30/10/10

11.12Miles - 1.44.33 - (Pace = 9.24)

Ran first 5.1 miles with the wife. Then both went our separate ways and i ran the last 6 miles on my own at a decent pace for me. Felt very good during this run even though was pushing myself harder than normal for the last six miles as i was trying to catch up with herself (Failed) :mad:.

Had some beer and fags again last night after my recent promise. Lasted one week. Ah well, might as well try again.

PDCAT · 02-11-2010 6:34pm

Tuesday 02/11/10

Treadmill = 8K (Intervals).

2K = Easy (9.0 speed on treadmill)
10 X 400m = (13.0 speed on treadmill)
2K = Easy (9.0 speed on treadmill)

Done a few weights afterwards.

PDCAT · 04-11-2010 6:07pm

Thursday 04/11/10

Treadmill = 8K (Tempo). = 45.58

2K = Easy (9.0 speed on treadmill)
4K = (12.5 speed on treadmill)
2K = Easy (9.0 speed on treadmill).

Done some weights after.

PDCAT · 08-11-2010 11:21am

Saturday 06/11/10

12.66Miles - 2.00.27 - (Pace = 9.31)

My longest run ever on saturday. Ran first 7.30 miles with my wife then i sped up and went ahead as i had further to run than her. Found it tougher than the last couple of long runs but was happy enough at the end.
Reached home after 11.12 miles, however had to run last 1.5 miles after passing home (done loop to get extra mileage in). Found this last 1.5 miles tough as my head was messed up a little running past the house.

This is probably the longest run i will do before Waterford Half Marathon. Will probably run this couple more times in the next few weeks.

PDCAT · 08-11-2010 11:27am

Sunday 07/11/10

Hillwalking today - done about 8 miles walking in the Knockmealdown mountains in Waterford. Climbed Sugar Loaf (663 metres), Knockmealdown (794 metres) & Knockshane (768 metres). Found it tough going as i went with a fast bunch of lads. Two of the fastest mountains walkers in ireland were leading the group of us. These two men were the reason (unbeknownst to them) why i started running to get fitter as they used to keep dropping me on the uphill sections of the climbs.

This was the first time i was out with these guys since i started running in January and i wanted to see had i improved.
These two mountains goats dropped me again going up the Sugar Loaf. Waited at the top for the rest of us and i managed to stay with them for the rest day which i was happy with. Not too happy being dropped going up sugar loaf as i thought i'd be able to stay with them.

Having said that, everyone else in the group was behind me. Not sure if my legs were suffering from doing 12.66 miles the day before or that fact that i am the only person who doesn't use walking sticks (i'm making excuses). However great day and weather was good.

PDCAT · 22-11-2010 3:32pm

Haven't put anything into the log over last couple of weeks as was on holidays in Hong Kong. Haven't been very consistent in getting the run's in either..

Wednesday 10/11/10

Treadmill = 8K (Intervals).

2K = Easy (9.0 speed on treadmill)
10 X 400m = (13.0 speed on treadmill)
2K = Easy (9.0 speed on treadmill)

Done a few weights afterwards.

Sunday 13/11/10 -

Treadmill = 8K (Tempo). = Not sure how long this took as ran it in miles rather than kilometers. Ran this in hotel in Hong Kong and gym was tiny with only 1 treadmill & 1 exercise bike. Was really hot and sweated like crazy.

Wednesday 17/11/10 -

Treadmill = 8K (Tempo). = Again not sure how long this took. Ran this in hotel in Macau. Much better gym than hotel in Hong Kong, however still sweated buckets and found these two hard going.

Sunday 20/11/10

11.12 Miles - 1.40.44 - (Pace = 9.04)

Back home again and delighted to be. Was a bit apprehensive starting this run as hadn't done LSR in two weeks and had ate a lot of Thai/Japanese food over the week and also 15 hours flying the previous day. Found it tougher than normal because ran at slightly faster pace than i normally run this route when other half is with me. Nevertheless very satisfied to finish and looking forward to getting back into some sort of routine. Only two weeks now to jingle bells 5k.

PDCAT · 24-11-2010 9:41am

Tuesday 23/11/10

Treadmill = 8K (Intervals).

2K = Easy (9.0 speed on treadmill)
10 X 400m = (13.0 speed on treadmill)
2K = Easy (9.0 speed on treadmill)

Done a few weights afterwards.

PDCAT · 26-11-2010 8:46am

Thursday 25/11/10

Treadmill = 8K (Tempo). = 45.56

2K = Easy (9.0 speed on treadmill)
4K = (12.5 speed on treadmill)
2K = Easy (9.0 speed on treadmill).

Done some weights after.

PDCAT · 29-11-2010 9:30pm

Sunday 28/11/10

Treadmill = 20K :eek:

Yeah - you read it correctly.
Due to the rubbish weather/roads Saturday & Sunday down my way, i got no long run done outside the weekend. On Sunday morning, when i saw the roads still covered in ice/snow, decided to go into Watershed Track in Kilkenny. Track was covered in snow, so went in to the gym to use treadmill. Since Waterford Half Marathon is only 2 weeks away and as ive never ran a half marathon before, i felt i needed to have a long run.

I'm doing jingle bells 5k next saturday so this was my last week to get some long distance in. Ran 20K on treadmill - took me approx 2 hours - boredom - No ipod or nothing. i hope this weather improves - this was torture.

Very hot inside and needed more water with me. Thanks god that's over with.

PDCAT · 30-11-2010 5:08pm

Tuesday 30/11/10

Treadmill = 8K (Intervals).

2K = Easy (9.0 speed on treadmill)
10 X 400m = (13.0 speed on treadmill)
2K = Easy (9.0 speed on treadmill)

Done a few weights afterwards.

PDCAT · 02-12-2010 6:56pm

Thursday 02/12/10

Treadmill = 8K (Tempo). = 45.57

2K = Easy (9.0 speed on treadmill)
4K = (12.5 speed on treadmill)
2K = Easy (9.0 speed on treadmill).

Done some weights after.

PDCAT · 06-12-2010 8:45am

Saturday 04/12/10

Treadmill = 10k = 1.00.03

Due to continuing sh**te weather conditions, no outdoor run the weekend. With Jingle Bell's 5k being called off, just went into Watershed gym in Kilkenny and done a easy 10k to keep ticking over.

Leg shin sore on Thursday and Saturday in gym. Also sore to touch. Need to watch this.

PDCAT · 06-12-2010 8:52am

Sunday 05/12/10

Hillwalking - Blackstairs Mountains - Wexford.

This was very tough, as tough a day in the hills ive had in a long time.
Started walking approx 11am - finished approx 5pm. Up to 3 foot of snow in places and regularly fell or went to my hips in snow. Climbed Stooleen (593 meters) & then onto Mount Leinster (795 meters).

Freezing cold and dark when we finished at 5pm and only got home at 7pm last night. Slept well. Noticed left shin again sore during the day at times.
Have decided to rest it this week and wont do anything until Waterford Half Marathon on Saturday.

Two run's coming up in the next two weeks.

Waterford Half Marathon - Goal sub 1.50.00
Jingle Bell's 5K - Goal sub 22.00

I'm calling them Mission 1 and Mission 2 - two important run's i have been building towards for last couple of months. Not sure if i'll succeed, but am really looking forward to giving both a right go.

PDCAT · 10-12-2010 9:14am

Thursday 09/12/10

Treadmill = 8K (Tempo). = 45.57

2K = Easy (9.0 speed on treadmill)
4K = (12.5 speed on treadmill)
2K = Easy (9.0 speed on treadmill).

Disappointed that Waterford Half Marathon is called off but correct decision. Wasn't going to run last night when the half was due to take place on Saturday, but once it was called off, i decided to do a bit.
Left shin still sore, think i need to rest for a few week or two in order to get rid of it. However, am due to run Jingle Bells 5k next Saturday and also want to get a longer run in this weekend.
So plan is to run approx 10 mile on Saturday of this week, then rest up for 1 week before Jingle Bells. Hope this helps get rid of the soreness.

PDCAT · 13-12-2010 6:22pm

Saturday 11/12/10

Treadmill = 16K

Another long session on the treadmill. Roads still icy up my way.
Not much to say really. Left leg was little bit sore. Will probably rest up all this week and hope that Jingle Bells 5k takes place.

At stag session - Saturday & all day Sunday. Too much beer and fags.
More beer scheduled for this Saturday night aswell. Can't wait for christmas to be over so i can get back on the straight and narrow.

PDCAT · 20-12-2010 10:48am

Jingle Bells 5k = 21.27 PB

Just going to give an update on how this went for me. Never wrote any a report before so excuse if it's cack.

Pre Race

Had'nt ran in seven days before this race due to sore left shin. Took some Nurfen during the week, in case it helped.
Had only started running last January and had completed two 5K's before with my previous best of 22.44 in July. Started doing Tempo's & Intervals' last couple of months on treadmill to increase speed, since i read on this website, that's the best thing to do.
Wasn't sure how i'd do but the goal was to beat 22 minutes.

Drove up from Kilkenny with the wife the morning of the race and went straight to Donmore Harriers grounds and collected my pin, chip,mug, etc...
Ran a lap of some route in phoenix park that others seemed to be jogging around. Immediately noticed the left leg was sore, wasn't slowly me up but still in the back of my mind the whole time.

Race

Lined up about quarter/half way from the front the main men.
First Km, took it somewhat handy as i remembered in Lecheile run in July i ran first k in 4.06 and died a death. So i decided to run as i felt for the first km and take it from there. However, was a bit shocked to see that i reached 1km mark at 4.43, much slower than i expected. Don't have a garmin so didn't really know at what pace i was running. Second Km, decided to up the pace very slightly, wanted to make sure i was somewhat strong for the last couple of km's. Ran second k in 4.28 (9.11 overall). Was about 30 sec's slower than i had planned at this stage and was panicking slightly. Didn't feel too bad but was thinking that the tempos' & interval's were not doing what they were supposed to do. Slipped slightly at the start of the third km. Nevertheless decided to start pushing myself a bit. Don't know whether it was the fact that it was a little downhill, or i was trying to keep up with various runners in front of me or what but ran third KM in 4.00 (13.11 overall). This left me about 11 seconds behind my target time at 3KM mark. Slowed up in the 4th km as i was feeling it a bit after the previous burst. Ran 4th km at about 4.34 (17.43 overall). Constantly doing the maths in my head, realised i had to run the last KM at 4.17 to beat 22minutes. Got involved in a bit of a battle with some lady i was passing. Made a little sprint to leave her and then after succeeding in this, nearly died. Some dude cruised up behind me and said 'cold aul morning for it'. All i could reply was i'm absolutely f**ked. He gave me some encouagement and dropped me like a hot spud. i kept pushing as hard as i could, more encouragement from some steward near the last turn, telling me how far i had to run. Completed last Km in 3.51 and crossed the finished line in 21.35.
Chip time was down as 21.27 so i'll take that.

Wife knocked 5+ minutes off her previous 5k time and finished in 27.09. She was happy with that.
Downside is that my left leg is very sore again after this run. Even the week's rest before this run didn't help. Doesn't look like i'll be doing the half marathon in Waterford January 15th now, as i'm going to miss too much training.
Will rest the leg this week, until Xmas eve. Might give it a go then. If leg still acting up, half marathon is gone and it's off to physio.

Anyway most enjoyable morning. Congrats to Donmore on organising this race to such a high quality under trying circumstances.

PDCAT · 23-12-2010 9:25pm

Well haven't ran since jingle bells last saturday. My Left ankle/shin has continued to be sore all week and isn't getting any better. I have only ran once in the last 12 days (jingle bells) and can't honestly say that my leg is feeling any better.
Ran physio today and have an appointment for Tuesday. Looks like Waterford Half Marathon is a no no as i'd need 2/3 weeks running with couple of 10/12 miles LSR's to get in shape for this.

Very disappointed, after being delighted with sub 22 last week.

Lets hope the physio has good news.

PDCAT · 31-12-2010 11:53pm

Due to injury to left leg, haven't been able to do much since Jingle Bells 5k on December 18th.

26/12/10 - St Stephen's Day Charity Walk

Every year do this charity walk. Distance approx 6/7 miles, took about 2 hours with couple of hilly areas. My left leg was sore during this walk.

28/12/10

First visit to physio. Spent about 1 hour with her. She thinks the injury is most likely a muscle injury to this leg. She spent good amount of time massaging various area's of both legs and showed me number of stretches to do. Asked me to leave it a couple of days and do a short run to see how the leg was.

31/12/10

3.68 Miles = 31.29

Finally !!!! got to run. First run in two weeks. Was afraid that most of my fitness would be gone but surprisingly felt ok during this short run.
Noticked discomfort in the lower left ankle/shin area during the whole run. Wasn't painful or sore, just a small niggle like something pressing against my leg.
Will do this run again on Monday of next week and another appointment with the physio on Tuesday Evening. Felt great to be back out on the road. Really enjoyed this run.

PDCAT · 06-01-2011 9:55am

Went to the physio Tuesday evening. She done more stretches of the muscles and gave me more exercises to do. Trying my best to do them but have severe time constraints to do as many as i would like at the moment.
Asked me to do a short run in the next couple of evenings to see how the leg was. She says the problem is muscle related.

Wednesday 05/01/11

Treadmill = 8K = 48.06

Done some weights afterwards.

First run of the new year and ran this fairly slowly as i'm just trying to get back into it as haven't ran much in last three weeks due to injury.
The moment i started running i noticed a discomfort/niggle in the left ankle/shin area. Wasn't painful or sore but was like something pressing in against my leg. Doesn't seem any better or worse than a week ago.Felt the same discomfort from start to finish. If it was muscle related, i thought it would disappear as i warmed up.
Nevertheless, ran the 8k, happy to be back running.
Seeing the physio Friday evening and i plan to run 5.2 miles outdoors on Saturday morning.

Not sure the physio is helping my ankle as much as i'd like. May switch to another physio if no real improvement in the next week.

PDCAT · 06-01-2011 12:12pm

Goals

5k = sub 21.00 (PB = 21.27)
4M = sub 28.00 (PB = 29.59)
5M = sub 36.00 (No PB)
10K = sub 45.00 (PB = 47.58)
10M = sub 1.20.00 (No PB)
Half = sub 1.50.00 (No PB)
Full = sub 4.00.00 (No PB)
Carrauntwohill - Climb

Above are the goals for this year. These are all based on recovering from present injury and keeping injury free. From 5k to 10k - these are based on recent 5k run and would be tough to do unless i improve a bit.
10m - half marathon - speed wise, mcmillan calculator says i can do a bit quicker, but since i have never ran these distances, am going to give myself an easier target. Marathon - really just to complete one would be an achievement.
Climb Carrauntoohill was on last year's to do list and never done it, so will try again this year.
Here's hoping.....

PDCAT · 10-01-2011 7:24pm

Went to physio again last Friday evening. Told her, that i didn't think her initial diagnosis was correct and that injury wasn't muscle related. i pointed out exactly where the pain was coming from and now i supposedly have shin splints.

Anyway she strapped up with ankle, gave me some temporary pads to put in my runners for the next week or so to see if it makes a difference. If no improvement seen, she is going to refer me to the physio who owns the clinic as she has lots more experience.

Saturday 08/01/11

5.2 Miles - 45.34 - (Pace = 8.46)

So off i went early saturday morning with me strapped ankle and the pads in me runners. Discomfort in left shin/ankle area was present the whole way through but nevertheless, wasn't too painful and i enjoyed the run.
Soreness in shin that evening and next day.
Plan is to run same distance Tuesday morning and am expecting phone call from physio regarding progress (or lack of) with the leg.

PDCAT · 11-01-2011 6:05pm

Tuesday 11/01/11

5.2 Miles - 45.08 - (Pace = 8.41)

Didn't enjoy this half as much as saturday's run. Left leg painful for the first 2.5 miles then, was ok for the second half.
I was really feeling this run over the last mile and a half which is uphill. Didn't feel half as bad doing this run last saturday. Could be the fact that i only got home from work at 3.30am last night and up this morning at 11am and straight out the door. Maybe the body was a bit messed up.

Anyway another run on Thursday, then am going to make up my mind about switching physio's or not.

PDCAT · 17-01-2011 9:36am

Haven't ran since last Tuesday and have ran only sporadicaly since xmas. Changed physio's as wasnt happy with the original physio. Thought she was poor. Changed to Anthony Geoghegan, Carlow. Visited him early on Saturday morning. Must say, initial impressions are that he is excellent.

Spotted within 20 seconds that i had previously broken my ankle, diagnosed the problem using a scanning machine within 5 minutes. I have media tibbia stress injury (not sure of spelling).

Gave me exercises to perform 6 times per day. Used some machine ESWP i think was the name of it on my shin area (electric shock therapy).

Said that the way i run, flatness of my feet was causing extra stress on my shin area and that runners i wear (kayano's) were not suitable for me.
Recommended that i get a pair of Spirra running shoes (neutral). I have these ordered.
Also, i can use the cross trainer in the gym to keep fit, but not to do any running until i see him next saturday.

All in all, i feel more positive about the situation as i have a diagnosis and plan to recover. (and i can go to the gym).
Here's hoping that i can be back running soon.
Went to watch Waterford Half marathon on saturday was envious of all those taking part. Who would have thought a year ago that i would be envious of anyone running 13.11 miles in the pisses of rain on their day off work.

PDCAT · 19-01-2011 9:27am

Tuesday 18/01/11

Cross Trainer = 7.45K = 40 Minutes (Level 14)

As i'm not allowed run for the timebeing, i used cross trainer for 40 minutes yesterday evening. Not my favourite piece of equipment (quiet boring). However as i hadn't got any exercise in a week, enjoyed this and good to be back doing something at least.
No reaction from the leg - was fine during and after this exercise.
Done some core stretching as well before and after this workout.
More Cross training on Thursday.

PDCAT · 21-01-2011 7:59am

Thursday 20/01/11

Cross Trainer = 7.91K = 40 Minutes (Level 14)

No reaction from the leg. Physio appointment Saturday morning.
Exercises feel a lot easier now. Doing them 6 times per day. Will go to gym after physio on Saturday for more cross training.

PDCAT · 24-01-2011 7:02pm

Saturday 22/01/11

Went to Physio. Collected my new runners Spirra Running shoes. Physio says these are best for my feet as will take some of the pressure from my shins. Used the Electric machine again to help stimulate recovery of affected area and gave me more exercises to do. Went into gym to use cross trainer.

Cross Trainer = 7.30K = 40 Minutes (Level 15)

Physio said to use Cross Trainer for this week and try running again next week. Have another appointment with him in two weeks time.

PDCAT · 25-01-2011 6:12pm

Tuesday 25/01/11

Cross Trainer = 8.32K = 40 Minutes (Level 14).

Done some stretches before, during and after Cross Trainer. Hope to be back on the road this day next week. Can't wait.

Keep Improving

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