Momentum

I'm getting there, and in a way, I'm more fit than I thought I was.

Running a few miles a week transitioned to 5 or 6 at a time, then 7, then 8, then all of a sudden I'm comfortable running 5 days a week almost totally pain free. I'm not getting ahead of myself here, because I know my hips and groin still have some old kinks to work out before truly being 100%, but I'm really making some progress.

The impetus for this progress was a dedication to doing core work almost every day. Planks at first, then some more difficult plank-type stuff involving hip movement, then ab work with an exercise ball. I still occasionally feel my right sided "sports hernia" pain, but it's drifted further into the background as I've gotten stronger and put more emphasis on glute and core strength. Like I said in my last post, I need to do this core stuff, otherwise I can't run the way I like to.

Speaking of running the way I like to, I recently did an impromptu fartlek on the roads a few days ago. After a 10 minute warmup, I did 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 3 times, with 1 minute rest in between at a max 172 heart rate. 172 is typically my way upper tempo (zone 3) heart rate. Actually it's pretty much in zone 4. I was able to hit these segments pretty fast though, getting down very close to 5 minute pace for most of the time. I don't know exactly what each segment average was, but I was pumped to be able to do that with very little discomfort.

The next day I felt some tightness in my hips and took it easier. I went to a yoga class yesterday and ran nice and easy today, only about 4 miles.

My plan going forward, I think, is to keep feeling my way towards being healthy for the rest of the month. At that point I'll assess to see if I'm happy with where I'm at, or if I want to train more specifically for something else down the line. My heart is in racing, so I think I already know the answer to that...

From my photoshoot with Zelus Beer Company!

  --AH