Monday, March 2, 2009

Now comes the running focus...

Hoorah!! I've officially entered a running block. Lots and lots of running -- running at tempo, running up hills, running steady, running bricks, running, running running!

I've been doing hip strengthening exercises since I met with my coach in December, and gradually, my weak and puny muscles are getting stronger. The weakest part of my body is at the very top of my legs where my legs join the torso. I could really feel those little muscles working overtime yesterday during my hilly long run.

The only place for a hilly run in the Pass this time of year is up the skidoo trails. Up to a certain point, the trails are somewhat solid, but when you start getting back up in the mountains, the trails are not packed at all. Yesterday, with every step I would sink to my ankles or to my shins. I had to get creative with the negative-speak that kept popping into my head. And boy did those little top-leg muscles work!!! WHOOIIEEE!!!

This morning I had my first swimming workout with a pair of fins. The set was right at the end of my workout -- and I was getting excited about how it would feel to put on a pair of fins. It was really cool -- you can really zip with those things, eh?

I have a tempo run later this afternoon and am ready for any negative self-talk that might crop up when I push myself again. I am ready for it!!!! :) :) :) :) :)

10 comments:

Jenna said...

i have a big heavy stick you can borrow to beat the shit out of any negative talk - just flip it when you hear it - i mean - you were running in snow that you SUNK into to your SHINS? That's just money in the bank - might suck ,might hurt, might not be as fast as you want but surely to GAWD - THAT is money in da bank!!

Shannon Wicks said...

Hey Home-Slice...what are those hip strengthening exercises you are doing? I have a set from my chiro but are looking for some new ones to tackle.

You train like a Rock Star by the way!

Keith said...

You have negative self talk?? He asked with astonishment. Really?

That must be brutal running, as you sink into the snow, some variable amount with every step. But OMG, think of the training effect.

Julie said...

Shannon -- I just emailed you some Home Slice material -- LMAO!!!!!

Susi said...

GO GO GOOOOOOO!

Kelly B. said...

oooOOOooo!! this sounds like what JP is always telling me...one sport at a time and then bring it all together on race day. Build one, then maintain while you are building the next...AWESOME WORK!!

Cath said...

You go girl! Can't wait to see you later - do you think Fernie can cope?!?!?!

You must tell me what clothing you wear to go running like that - I'm always thinking I'm gonna go flying - maybe that's the wimpy British person in me - hahahaha!

KK said...

Nice attitude, way to overcome your weaknesses, physical and mental!

It is soooo hard to run on terrain like that. I had to run a 9.5 miler in four inches of fresh snow last weekend(I know, mere flakes to you guys up there) and it messed up my lower leg tendons for a week. Spring is almost here, isn't it?!?!

Amy said...

I need to somehow absorb your positive attitude. You're always so cheery! Impressive. Way to get through that run, positively!

Ultradawg said...

What's your dog's name? She (or he)looks like he (or she) could run forever.