how about a check-in?

[ilanarama]

We haven't done a check-in post for a while, and (at least here) it's midsummer and the running is lovely (provided you get out early in the morning)!

How's your running going? Got any races coming up? Any accomplishments you want to brag about? Comment here with yours, and compliment others on theirs!

Comments

[temve]

I just got told this morning that I would be able to run again soon, but not too soon. Apparently the thing I thought was an ankle sprain two months ago turned out to be more likely a partial tear to a tendon or the capsule... but I'm soldiering on with biking and swimming and will get on the dreaded elliptical tomorrow, probably equipped with a good podcast or two.

Still planning on doing a sprint triathlon and an Olympic later this summer, but given the fact that I will have next to no running mileage, I'm planning on two fairly slow runs. I can run 5K or even 10K but I can't currently keep up a proper running regime without making my ankle hurt - and being the lazy sensible sod that i am, that means I'm not running at the mo.

[semielliptical]

It's hotter and more humid than I would like most days (even in the morning) but my goal is to plan around it by doing longer or hillier runs on the slightly cooler days. I've realized that it also helps NOT to think about how much I hate the hot weather while running.

I ran a 5K race in mid-May, where I was disappointed that I only improved my time by about 10 seconds (to 30:30) - my goal has been to get under 30 minutes. Then I signed up for another 5K at the beginning of June, and surprised myself by finishing in 28:30. So I was pretty happy about that!

Now I'm contemplating signing up for my first half-marathon in the fall, probably early November. I had a fun time with my first 10K this spring, and in some ways I feel that it would be smarter to do another race of around that distance before committing to a half marathon. But I want to try running longer distances, and I think I will only end up doing that if I decide to run a longer distance race.

[blnchflr]

I really ought to go for a run tomorrow morning before work, try and get back into it, AS PER USUAL :)

[ilanarama]

Oh, I'm sorry to hear you have ankle issues! I also sprained my ankle (about five weeks ago) and I'm wondering, how did you determine it was a tendon tear? Why did you think it was not just a sprain? (I've been running without pain since 3 weeks post-injury, so I'm not overly concerned, but I am a little worried because it's still a little swollen and it does hurt with certain motions.)

[ilanarama]

Yeah, I'm really glad I live in a decent climate where as long as I get moving early the heat's not bad, and it's never that humid here. Humidity is the worst, for me!

I don't think running a half without a 10K along the way should be a problem. Just run more, maybe use a training program - there are plenty out there - and you should be fine.

Congratulations on the improvement in your 5K!

[ilanarama]

YES YOU SHOULD. *whistle* Now that you're all fit from all that hiking!

[ell]

Last Sunday (8 days ago) I finished my first Ironman. Ironman Frankfurt in 12:42. I'm still working on the race report, part one up tomorrow hopefully. Have biked a bit and swum a bit since, first run is tomorrow.

(And I think the thing I'm proudest of is (slightly) negative splitting the marathon. Also, not panicking even a little bit on the swim)

[ilanarama]

Congratulations on the Ironman! I remember you were nervous (but happy) about signing up for it, so I'm glad it went well! I'll be looking on your blog for your report. (And now I see that you have new half and 10K PRs - well done! I was on vacation and not online when you posted about it!)

[ilanarama]

Well, I ought to say something too, right? I sprained my ankle while hiking in England about five weeks ago, and have only been running again for two weeks, but things feel back on track now. No race plans at the moment other than a vague intention to run the local half marathon in October and CIM (California International Marathon) in December.

[via_ostiense]

Humidity sucks, but long, hilly runs are great. Do you get good views from your hills?

I ran my first half a few years ago without having done any race longer than a 5K, and it was fine. You just have to make sure you're training appropriately; although I didn't do any 10K races prior to the half, my daily runs were about that length.

[ell]

Thank you!
Now that I'm no longer sick or injured and my iron levels are somewhat under control, I've been succeeding at everything this season. I know it's going to wear off and I'll be chasing the PR's I set this year for a while, but it's been a fun ride so far :-)

[ell]

Sprained ankles suck! Glad things are back on track for you. Looking forward to hearing more of you exploits, especially at the CIM :-)

[ell]

We thought it was just a sprain, but then after the usual time when it was still hurting and swelling after runs or being out supporting me at Ironman all day, we finally figured out that it was time to see the orthopedist. He's the one who gave the "more than a sprain and you should have come to see me when it happened two months ago" diagnosis. Seriously, we do know better, but all runners hate going to the doctor, don't they?

(L answering for temve here as she's at work and I'm at home)

[semielliptical]

Unfortunately I live in a fairly flat area, the best hill nearby is in a park in the next town over, so I don't get over there very often. It does have a nice view of the nearby river, though!

Thanks for your encouragement on running a half marathon! You're right that the training is more important, not other races.

[semielliptical]

Thanks! I was happy to see that running more and working harder actually produced a better race result.

[semielliptical]

Sorry to hear about the sprain, I hope it didn't ruin your hiking!

[ilanarama]

I had to give up one day and take a taxi instead, but was able to complete the rest of the journey without problems. I would have been so upset if I couldn't!

[ilanarama]

I have started putting together a training program! I am excited!

[dancing_serpent]

I really miss those weekly check-ins! They motivate me to get my ass off the couch and go running - and yeah, I did so this morning, after a long long time of being too lazy. *g*