Find me a way

So many words and so much time.

Firstly, I really am beginning to believe the grouse grind has put a toll on my body and mind. I did take a rest day yesterday after wednesday's run (which was horrible, by the way). Today, I slept in. Got up at 7:00.

Yeah, sadly, that's what sleeping in is for me.

Usually, I wake up at five in the morning. Most of the time, in those long grey minutes of the pre-sunset quiet, I plan my day and think about the good feelings that will follow after my run. 

This morning was different. My alarm woke me up at 5:15. Turned it off, turned over and went right back to bed. Exhaustion.

And now I'm really kicking myself for it since today will be a full and busy day. How am I supposed to squeeze in a run ?! (I HAVE to run today, tomorrow and sunday) 

Maybe I'll cut work short and run before my dinner tonight. 

Secondly, there has been certain changes in my life as of late. Other than a job opportunity that I have seized, I've been feeling rather...refreshed.

Let's just note that everything's refreshingly free of pretensions in which a lot of people  will inevitably entrap themselves.






It's about time I sat up and took notice, even if it's a fantasy that'll only stay in my head.

Tune we play and play with our tune.

Training 

Well, something happened this morning and I'm not sure why exactly.

Did my 3 mile run at 6:40 this morning. 

3.17 miles in 34 minutes (10:43 pace). Did 4 speed sessions (fartlek) but they were slightly different. A bit faster, and for shorter periods. After 4, my legs felt a little heavy. Kept going at a slow pace (just like last run) until end of mile 3. Maybe I should dial it down- perhaps, my idea of easy training sessions have become precipitate and hard.

Other than that, today's going to be a beeeaaauuutiful day. The sun is shining, and Nike is waiting for me to come by so I can clean out their store. 

For now, more coffee, some reading. 

Have a wonderful day!

Loving this: To my amazing and lovely readers; I appreciate the feedback and comments SO MUCH. I thank you for the comfort.

Loving this 2: In love. I've been listening to this all morning. Morning hip swivels. Pourquoi pas? 

Onto smaller and smarter steps

Training

Logged for today: 4.47 miles in 44 minutes / 9:50 pace.

Did something new today which was something called Fartlek. I've heard of this Swedish term before but didn't think I would use this training technique in my schedule.
You speed up, then about 30 seconds in, you increase your steps, resulting in a much faster pace for another 30 seconds or so. Then you progress back into your 'normal' pace for a little while, just before you hit your comfort level and go again. Repeat.

J and I did this 5 times and I could tell my body was feeling discomfort. Not to the point of mental/physical pain but it was TOUGH.

Knowing that someone is right there beside you, waiting to encourage you and keep you going. There's ease in that and it's just so motivating. I'm fortunate to have met passionate people on this journey so soon. The journey continues...

Feel more at easy with my pace and my running form/gait.

The short period of comfortable silence with my own shallow breath and the drip of my sweat down my spine and in between my breasts. The soft patter of many footsteps and the brush of the breeze.

Wish I could show you how it feels. Wish everyone ran and knew this feeling.

Anyways... Over all, this was, again, one of my favourite runs. It just keeps getting better and better.

For every run I do, I gain more confidence and the sight of my goals, motivation and passion becomes more apparent, more clearly pronounced.

And also, I feel..... somewhat different these days. Happy, calm, giddy, emotional. Stable.

There is constant shift in movement, emotions and thoughts.

Blah. I'm done blabbing.

Loving this: My post - run breakfast. Twas excellent, indeed.

Fig jam, toast, orange, and green smoothie (spinach, almond milk and blueberries). What. Up. 

Not loving this: I still haven't showered... This explains one thing: I like bathing in my own nature.

Astounding, astound me

This process, as I have mentioned, is about trial and error. Tripping over bumps and learning to hurdle over them or even avoid them altogether.

In the beginning of this whole 'journey', I've been less likely to listen to others and mostly, to myself. Ignored injuries and pushed myself further just so I could finish 2, 4, 5 miles. I just thought it was safe to assume that injuries came hand in hand with running. If I got this amount of miles done, I'd be a better runner. Um, no. Foolish.

Learning to hold myself back and literally pacing myself is something that's new to me. It's hard. I love pushing the boundaries, mentally or physically; I love the challenge and the rush of pride I attain from achieving something. (who doesn't)

At the same time, I love the rules I've created for myself.

Put your running gear on, 6:00 am sharp, stretch and walk down Nelson to Pacific St. Get to my usual spot, stretch my lower back and legs a little bit and start on my way towards Thurlow. I keep going at a slower pace until I feel the familiar tingle that twists and perpetuates itself into something exciting. Makes me so happy when I'm out there. Therapeutic.

I do however, need to find some more stretches, especially for the hips. I'm not really big on stretches although they're crucial after a run. I'd be fibbing if I said I spend about 20 minutes stretching. My stretches are usually 10 minutes and then I get bored so I half ass them. (Uh, maybe that's why your hip is acting funny !?)

Training

Here's the plan for the week:
Monday: Rest day

Tuesday: Did 3.23 miles on the seawall in 29 minutes (8:58 pace). Slow and easy.

Wed: Today's weights and core workout day. Will do it later, no time right now.

Thurs: 3 mile run in the morning.

Fri: Weights. (Yay....)

Sat: 3 mile run.

Sun: 3 mile run again.


Anyways, I'm off to get ready for work. Here's a recipe I promised a reader.

Brendan Brazier's Coconut Lime Chickpea Stirfry

I adapted mine because I didn't have a few of the ingredients but it still tasted awesome over brown rice. NOM NOM NOM.

" Protein-rich and alkalizing, this electrolyte-packed main course is filling yet easily digested. The addition of natural anti-inflammatory ingredients such as turmeric enhances soft tissue repair:

1 tbsp coconut oil
1 tbsp grated or finely chopped fresh ginger
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ large red onion, cut lengthwise into thin strips
1-½ cups chopped cauliflower
1 cup chopped broccoli florets
1-cup bite-size torn spinach
½ tsp curry
½ tsp turmeric
¼ tsp ground cumin
¼ mild chili pepper, finely sliced (or substitute ½ tsp dried chili flakes)
1-cup chickpeas
1-cup coconut milk
1 tbsp limejuice
½ cup chopped fresh cilantro

Heat frying pan to medium-high. Add coconut oil, ginger, and garlic. Lightly stir-fry. Turn heat to medium-low. Add vegetables, curry, turmeric, cumin, chili pepper, chickpeas, and coconut milk. Cover and cook for 5 minutes. Add limejuice and cilantro. Serve with sprouted quinoa or buckwheat. Brown rice also works nicely.

Makes about 4 small servings."

Loving this: I get to see my friend today who just came back from Switzerland. I haven't seen him in almost a year? A LOT to catch up on.
Question: What are your favourite stretches? Have any good ones? Please share, my hips are starting to ache.

Et oui, pourquoi pas?

To celebrate my impending transition to my first year of school, I keep thinking of ways to buy myself something pretty. Bought myself two lovely French books.

Pourquoi pas?

(...Don't answer that.)

Training

So, today will mark the day of my third week of training. Supposed to do 12 miles this week (Really excited). Must work on eating better this week as well as stretching more.

Nutrition

I really want to try this post-run recipe I attained from Runner's World website. This recipe is not vegan or vegetarian so I'll probably end up using veggie meat.

Chick Pitas with Sun-Dried Tomato Spread

"Whole grain pitas help replenish spent muscle glycogen stores so that you are ready for your next run. Poultry is a leading source of an enzyme that scientists found can help preserve muscle power during high-intensity exercise by increasing efficiency of oxygen use. The nutrient-rich resume of avocado includes an abundance of antioxidant vitamin C, folate, and monounsaturated fat, all three of which help maintain heart health."

Ingredients:
- 10 sun dried tomatoes
- 1 cup roasted pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup walnuts
- 1/4 cup fresh mint
- 2 tbsp fresh oregano
- pinch of cayenne pepper
- 4 whole-grain pitas
- 8 oz chicken
- 1 1/2 cups arugula
- 1 sliced avocado

1. Before going for run, place the sun dried tomatoes in water to soak for 30 minutes.

2. Blend in food processor with 1/4 of the soaking liquid, 1/3 roasted peppers, olive oil, garlic cloves, walnuts, mint, cayenne pepper and salt to taste.

3. Slice the pita breads in half; Place 1 tbsp of tomato spread in each half.

4. Divide among each pita 8z of chicken, 1 1/2 cups arugula, avocado slices and rest of roasted pepper.

5. Gobble Gobble!

Loving it: French movie / dinner nights with my friends. Did that on saturday night and it was awesome. Good food and good movies (although, we did end up spending about 1.5 hours trying to connect one of our three laptops to the tv.)

We love our kimchi and wine.

We feast.

Loving it 2: One of my most favourite people is in town today until September. I haven't seen him in maybe almost a year. He's coming back from his studies / work in France/Switzerland. I foresee many french conversations, giggles, pictures and Korean feasts (he loves Korean food).



As we run, we become. - Amby Burfoot

Feel good, look good

Joe Fresh

Love it fresh and am currently oohing and ahhing at their active wear. Limited as it is, I did find some cute things there yesterday. Comfortable, cute and cheap.  3 C's I like.
I don't know about the wicking away moisture factor as most of their clothes are mostly made of cotton.

Training

Did a very comfortable 2.05 miles in 20 minutes (9:45 pace). I'm going to aim for a slower pace for my long run tomorrow.
I feel myself getting stronger.

Loving this: My spending spree yesterday. I'm not always the smartest shopper, more of an impulse buyer. But when I walked into Aritzia and saw that the shirt I've been eyeing for a month was on sale for 50%, of course I snagged it. Those girls who work there are so PUSHY though. Vultures, I tell ya.

Loving this 2: It turns out, and much to my surprise and joy, that I have READERS (other than my friends, haha). Was a shock when I got a comment yesterday from a fellow runner. Thanks for reading, K, and to everyone else who take the time out of their day to read my blog.

Not loving this: I spent $100.00 on a leather planner that I probably don't really need. Returning it tomorrow. Yeah, yeah. Grumble grumble.

Smile, if you're in pain!

Training 

Woke up with a jolt at 6:00, admired my workout outfit for a few minutes, drank a glass of water and 30 minutes later, headed out the door.

Even one day of rest seems too long but this is probably the beginner's high and exuberance. But I'm hoping this feeling will last forever.

Did 2.3 miles from the Cambie bridge to English Bay. The first mile was a bit faster than I intended (probably from being so pumped to run) and then the second mile proved to be slightly difficult. Had to push myself more today. I don't know if it was the faster mile, the fact that I didn't eat before my run, or maybe even dehydration?

Anyways, will work on the slower start time.

Off to work. Have a beautiful day.

Loving this: Did you KNOW that some runners drink flat or fizzy soda (like coke) for fluid replenishment? It may sound like junk but supposedly, some runners do this (including Hal Higdon, Runner's World writer/long time marathoner) for immediate absorption before it reaches the kidneys.
"Forget nutrition -- what you need in the final countdown is something sweet, instant energy that will go straight to your muscles..." (Marathon, Hal Higdon)

Changes.

I haven't been this happy in a long time. Everything's going so well. 

And I've been so motivated lately with my training program, all this enthusiasm is clinging onto me like too much lavender perfume or like a needy child with syrup-sticky hands who just won't let you alone. Not that it's a bad thing.

I just need to keep this motivation going until December. Determined to make it happen.

Training

Did 2.38 miles yesterday with ease (despite the lack of music). The second mile was a bit tough but I kept going. I desperately need new shoes and a new sports bra. I keep wearing the same one and it's starting to stink. I cringe when I walk into the elevator filled with people after a run.

This morning, I woke up and did weights and core exercises. (Hate doing weights but it needs to be done). 

I really can't wait to go running tomorrow. 

Nutrition

Something weird has been happening ever since I started my program. Now, I don't think it's related to stress but I keep waking up in the middle of the night. Usually, I shuffle to the kitchen and munch on something, sip some milk and go to bed but I woke up twice today at 2:30 and 3:00 am. 

I think the whole caloric intake would explain these ungodly morning snack sessions.

Need to eat more although I've been taking in about 1300 calories a day.

Loving this: I'm not an orange girl, at all. But after seeing some pretty orange tone outfits from Fashion Week in Paris, me LIIIIIKEY.

Trial and Error

Just had breakfast at 6:30 AM. Going to go for a 2.0 mile run at 7:00 with friend. Just to test the differences of intake and whatnot.

So excited to get a new pair of running shoes. Checked out the New Balance store for the first time yesterday and to my pleasant surprise, the sales associates were so knowledgeable and friendly. Attained quite a bit of information about the track and some tips as well.

Anyways, here are some of the models that I've been eyeing:

New Balance 1080

Good cushioning, good for "soft rides" and "smooth transition from heel-to-toe".

New Balance 860

New Balance 880

Super light. Good for neutral gait.

Shoot, I'm off for my run. Update later!

the distractions that come

When I was little, I always told my mom, "Mom, I can't wait to be 20!" She scoffed at my outbursts about how I wanted to be older and "grown up".
Well, here I am, in my 20's, completely satisfied with how things are turning out.

I've tumbled through low times, went through higher times and now I feel like finally things are coming together. SLOWLY.
There are things that need to be fixed.
I need to extract drama out of my life; I detest fuss and neurotic behaviour yet somehow, I end up in some sort of melodramatic situations.

Cleaning up my life slowly. In the process of getting rid of habits and freshening up my life with positive things and people.

Life is too important to be taken seriously. So just do it.

Sorry about the rant. Just been thinking all day during work about the people in my life, things that I need to remove.

Cue rant.

Training

Today I'm supposed to go on my run. I'm leaving my house in 30 minutes to enjoy a brisk 2 mile run with my running pal (finally have one!). 

Just stuffed myself with some delicious quinoa though.

In dish:

- 3/4 cup quinoa

- 1 cup chopped broccoli

- 1 cup french beans

- 1 mini zucchini

- 1/2 onion

- 1 Money's veggie burger

- 1 tsp olive oil

- 2 tsp mirin

- chili flakes

- squeeze of lemon juice

- a shake of cumin

It was so, so good. Just improvised along the way and it turned out superb.

Anyways, I'm off. 

Thanks for reading! 

It came and went

I had a great weekend. Fabulous, actually.

To be honest, I was more excited for this week. The thought about starting my program was looming over my head all weekend.

Sunday was probably the best because it was one of my best friend's birthday. We grilled some patties, bloated our bellies with homemade sangria and had a great time.

Training

Started the 18 week program yesterday and it's going well. Mondays are rest days so I was ecstatic to go home after work and just RELAX. Hellish hangover.

This means on top of not drinking much, keeping a much more detailed log of my nutrition, runs, stretches AND the weights/core exercises.

I'm going to be one busy gal.

Excited? Hell yes.

I promise more fitness/training talk tomorrow. I have to go and clean then watch the Prefontaine movie one of my readers recommended me (Thank you again, by the way. I love Jared Leto!).

Then coffee with a friend. And THEN my 2 mile run.

I have to do strictly 2 miles; I think I'll run outside today.

Loving this: New artist I discovered over the weekend. A german artist with interesting themes for each of his tracks and albums. This is one of his songs that I've played about 30 times. I really can't stop listening to it. 

Much love!

xoxo,

MK

Splurt.

A good runner will take care of her wounds, nay- will get ahead and prevent these injuries from happening.

I got a blood blister on Thursday. It was horrific. Big, bubbly and blood red. Tell me why I didn't even see this coming? I don't know.

I'm going to guess this happened because of my socks. And my worn out shoes.

On my quest to getting fit / healthy / athletic picture. Jul 30, 2011. (Yeah, I'm a dork. :P )

Reminder to self: Get new shoes (Go to NIKE!). Look up Sugoi Apparel in Vancouver for socks and sports bra.

My training program starts in August; It's a 18 week long program. I've tweaked the original Tom Holland's program to adjust to my fitness level. Lengthened the miles and added more core workouts (to strengthen my abs and lower back for better running form/gait/endurance).

Quitting ALL negative habits starting august 1st. I'd stop this weekend but this weekend is very important to me and my best friend. Birthday bash all weekend so over indulgence may be required.

xoxo

Back to my old roots (pun intended)

After talking to my friend / marathon and training mentor online along with some more expected research, I'm beginning to comprehend the clockwork and the motor of my body: What works for me and what doesn't. The body really doesn't work in mysterious ways; If you feed it the right amount of fuel and deliver the right training, you can reap the rewards of learning more about your body and fixing mistakes along the way.

This running process has given me a lot of insight; It has provided me with the recollections of the mistakes that I've made such as punishing my body for frivolous and unrealistic goals (ie. naive weight loss goals).

In fact, it's amazing to me, even today, that I can pull myself out of bed at 5:00 or 6:00 in the morning to go running, despite how I feel (emotionally).
Wait, no. I take that back. I look FORWARD to my runs almost every day. Yes, I used to have days when I thought I COULD compensate for it by doing a harder workout the next day.
No. It doesn't work like that.
I've lightened emotional burden (negative thoughts regarding eating and weight loss), rid myself of bad habits that resulted in an abused body and made things simpler and healthier. It really isn't so hard.

Training 

Wednesday
- 2.68 miles in total
- Ran 2.18 miles in 21:43 minutes with 1 minute of walking in between miles

Thursday
- Rest day

Friday
- 2.18 miles in total
- Ran 2.13 miles in 21:17 minutes with 1 minute of walking in between miles
- 30 regular crunches
- 30 bicycle crunches
- 8 girl push-ups

Nutrition

I'm having a hard time adjusting my diet. I have some off days but my days are usually affixed to a vegan diet. I haven't gotten too far into researching about how many calories and how many servings I should eat as a runner.

This is what I have gathered so far:

- 2 servings of meat/meat alternatives

- 2 servings of dairy

- 4 servings of fruit

- 5 servings of vegetables

- 11 servings of grain

- 2 servings of fat

- 1 serving of sugar

Will figure this out soon enough as I run many more miles. If anyone has any suggestions / advice, I'll eagerly take them.

It's been a long day (with work, hair change, marketing information) so I'm off to bed.

Good night, world.

Thanks for reading.

HALT.

Last night was wonderful.

Vintage antique shopping followed by some much needed girl time with my girl, N. N decided to use up the last bit of her chicken for the dinner (great idea) and finish the batch of baby potatoes (greater idea !). N cooking? This means one thing: high anticipation for all involved.

Great conversations, yummy nibbles (thanks to my guacamole and N's fabulous onion marinade chicken and potatoes) and fabulous company.

Sounds like a friggin' good night to me, no?

Exercise / Training

Running has been going extremely well. I have seen a lot of progress in stamina and endurance. I'm trying my best to incorporate weight training in my regime as well to strengthen all of the major muscle groups (especially the legs and back/arms).
This will improve my performance immensely.

I ran from monday to wednesday, did a cross fit exercise (cycling) on thursday and had a full rest yesterday. Back to running today. I'm thinking about a long and moderate run for the evening after work. (Moderate meaning keeping my heart rate at 164-178).

I'm also VERY excited to use this audio coaching program my friend, Jon, sent me the other day. I love that I found him on twitter and kept pestering him with questions. :P
It paid off in the end and he's provided me with a great deal of knowledge/information about running. Thanks Jon!

Distractions

Running was not very successful this morning. My ipod decided to turn on and off on its own halfway through my run, setting me off-course and making my run down English Bay unnecessarily distracting.

Other distractions as well: I was supposed to meet someone this morning in the middle of my workout but did not see him.

To add to the already side tracked state, thinking about what I was going to eat and prioritizing my to-do list in my head, I was trying to fix my foot strike. I really want to do the mid-foot to ball method but I seem to be having a bit of trouble with figuring it out. I'm pretty sure I was forcing my feet to land on the balls of my feet but slightly below the balls.

I've also joked about my posture before, declaring myself as a T-Rex. I used to run like a dinosaur, arms and hands hoisted up to my neck / breast area until my sister noted that I looked ridiculous. And of course, this was all before my research about marathons / running / fitness, etc.

Total miles: 3.04

Max HR: 170 beats per minute

Average: 160 beats per minute

Aside from all that, it was a serene morning. Dulled the hunger pangs with a hemp kale smoothie when I got home. Deeelicious.

Will post later.

Ciao.

Sunday Runday? Anyone?

Ran on the seawall to English Bay this morning and saw no one out and about. I realize it's lazy Sunday but it was beautiful out. Probably saw about 3 runners in total.

Anyways, not the point.

The point is that I went for a glorious run this morning and did a very slow and easy 2.79 miles. 

During my run, my stomach started twisting. Like air-dried laundry. I'm going to assume it was from the banana I literally smashed down my throat before stepping out. 

Came back and had a delicious kale smoothie. I got a free sample of this new smoothie powder called Achiva.

Some facts about Achiva and its benefits:

- Vegan and gluten free

- Raw hemp seeds

- Inulin: healthy source for bowel movement and gut health promoting soluble fibre. Ideal nutritional support for the body's insulin needs.

- Brown Rice Protein: Extra protein source

- Rubisco green leaf protein: contains barley, wheat grass, spinach, pea, faba bean, oat, alfalfa...and other nutritional foods.

Anyways, when I smelled it this morning before I put it in my smoothie, I was a little reluctant about it. It did not smell good. At all. Braving the musty herbal scent, I put one tbsp of the hemp protein powder in my green smoothie.

Other ingredients:

- 2 Kale Leaves

- 1/2 cup blueberries

- 1/2 banana

- 2 fat juicy strawberries

- 1/2 almond milk

- 1/2 water

Taste? It was SO good. Couldn't even taste the hemp protein powder at all. I think it actually made the smoothie thicker which I liked.

Anyways, I'm off to read some more. (I still haven't returned my library books. Oops.)

Not loving this: I work 6 days in a row. And today HAPPENS to be a beautiful day. Great.

Run, girl, Run!

Exercise/Training

My run/walk/jog was 6.56 miles. For the first time, I ventured off into Stanley Park. I turned around after 30 minutes in and turned back to jog back to the Cambie Bridge. Jogged at probably at 6.0 pace for 20 more minutes and walked back home. Limped / waddled back because my blisters were baaaad. 3 blisters bad.

I was starving when I got home so I made myself a huge dinner. Yes, HUGE. Volume eating at its best.

Quinoa with veggies/veggie meat and caramelized onions. YUM.

I was full after my quinoa dish but still ate this cucumber/red pepper salad with non-fat Italian dressing. Flax seeds too. 

I'm off to bed. Running again tomorrow morning at 6 hopefully.

Plans

I used to be nonchalant, 'flexible', but it always ended up, discomfortingly, into not caring enough. Not caring (going to be vague here) actually produced repulsive mannerisms and wasted time.

I gave that up and turned to good old numbers, exact dates, times, routines.

Then that got obsessive too.

It was a vicious cycle I couldn't get rid of. 

Now? I think I turned it for the better. I'm not obsessive over calories but I do have an idea of what goes in my body and the outtake. I measure how much I run, the duration, heart rate and started my first training log yesterday night.

I'm still having a hard time choosing a program for my half-marathon. I'm also having a tough time with my nutrition; I can't tell what's enough or not for my body as I've been running 2-4 miles a day.

I wish I had the day off today to finish my marathon books (they're SO over due at the library...) but oh well, this is life.

Exercise/Training

I'm not going to go running today because I ran 9 days in a row. These legs need rest. I'm going to do cross training today (to those who don't know: anything other than running or walking such as swimming, cycling, weight lifting...etc). I'm trying to strengthen the muscles in my legs and my upper body so I can train better.

What I did this morning:
- 30 regular crunches
- 30 bicycle crunches
- 30 leg raises
- 10 butt lifts 

- 10 push ups

Loving this: My breakfast. Almond butter, strawberries and banana on toast. NOM!

Ever notice that stride?

Running

I never used to pay attention to my posture, footstrikes, my arm carriage ever. I just thought, hell, if I can run steady and fast enough, I can increase my miles and I'll improve.

WRONG.

Never knew all of these things can dramatically improve my performance.

After finishing a couple of chapters about the mechanics of running, here's what I gathered.

Breathing:

I've always breathed on a 2:2 rate. Two steps for every breath in and two steps for every breath out. Apparently, that's one thing I'm doing right. My book also states that, "as you run faster, you may have to breathe more often, which leads to such variations as 2:1 and 1:2 patterns" (The Everything Running Book).

Another tip I learned today:

"A secret to breathing better when you run is to remember to put a little more force into your exhalation. Your body will naturally inhale to make up for this, which in turn will improve your breathing efficiency"

Footstrike:

Footstrike denotes how your foot lands on the ground. Example) Do I run on my toes? Or on my heel to toe? Do I stomp my feet down? 

Beginners and intermediate runners should be using the heel-ball technique. This supposedly absorbs the shock and prevents less stress on the calf muscles. 

Stride:

Everyone's different. Some have really long strides, others may have the short ones.

I tend to have short strides but I do bounce a lot, which can cause injuries.

Apparently, bouncing/bounding can mean that I'm "overstriding"

Shortening your strides AND eliminating bouncing can conserve energy that can be "better used to propel yourself forward" (The Everything Running Book).

"A good rule of thumb is for your heel not to strike the ground too far in front of your knee. Some running experts feel that a short stride is a sign of inflexibility. Proper stretching after a run can help to improve your flexibility, which can lengthen your stride..." (The Everything Running Book)

Posture:

Whenever I do hills, especially downhill, I tend to lean back. Research says that it is best to maintain the same effort level when running uphill, lifting knees up a bit and shortening your stride.

Now for the downhill part...Using gravity as an advantage, it's best to lean a little bit forward to maintain posture "in relation to the ground, as if you were running on the flat." 

These are all helpful tips that I will have to keep in mind next time (hopefully within two days) I run.

I'm off to read some more!

Ciao!

Aspirin, ice pack, massage chair. Repeat.

I just got back from an emotionally/physically painful time at the gym (and no, I didn't run. I walked at 3.0 mph for 10 minutes...Not a good idea...I know.). I noticed the subtle pain in my leg (mid-calf) on saturday. This was the day after my rigorous 2.0 mile run (last friday / Incline 6.5 - 7.5 @ 7.0 - 8.0 mph).

It got worse on sunday night but I ignored it. Although, I didn't push myself and run over the weekend, I tried my best to give my body a rest.

Today, it was a lot worse. I was limping everywhere I went.

As explained in my last post, I haven't been training properly. I've just been keeping up with my running, increasing mileage each week without accurate and safe training knowledge.

I have been doing light stretches before/after my runs but I may have pulled muscles and tensed them up while doing them.

I'm studying all night tonight for my training.

I'm so upset I can't run for a couple of days but it's all fair since it is my fault for exerting myself this hard.

After some tears, I iced my leg and took some aspirin.

Rest. Research.

Sounds good.

Not loving this: Some idiot at the gym asked me about my limp and after I explained, his best advice was, "Run through the pain!". REALLY? Yeah, I'll just run 2.5 miles and assume that my injury will go away.