VERY long time since last post. Had health problems---upper respiratory bug that took 7 weeks to get over, then my cat died---in the process of feeding her during final weeks I picked up Campylobacter from chicken. Got Azithromycin -- that killed the bacteria and everything else. SOOO by late June I felt pretty normal---tough first part of the year. At my age, recovery isn't speedy. I'm now getting several Medicare supplemental policy solicitations a day from every insurance company I've ever heard of---LOL.
Recently met with steering committee aimed at starting charity running organization in this area and signed up for City to Sea Half to support their efforts to launch--- never run it before, but have run most of course in training. Not really enough time to train fully, but the knees are pretty happy and I need some focus. Race (a misnomer for me) is October 16th.
Changes to equipment are minor since last post---running in Newton Distance shoes now. In April I tried Aetrex 405 insoles thanks to recommendation from friend and like them a lot. Otherwise still using Evolution Running techniques and the metronome in a hydration vest.
Today I'm back to PM running. Ran in AM from July 2nd though August 6th, but just don't get the time in running early in the AM down in Los Osos. Going to be warm today up Cayucos Creek, but the sun is setting earlier than in July.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
More Metronome
The metronome is probably the best buy in training equipment I've ever made. $13 (later a $11 rechargeable 9 volt) got me a way to actually maintain cadence. Hard workouts, but the focus on the earphone beep takes the running to a new level. Stride shortens going up, lengthens going down. Same with head and tail wind. Always you tend to match the beat. It's not sexy--no leaping along like an antelope, but then they don't run into their 6th decade.
The shorter faster strides also tend to smooth out the vertical motion and improve efficiency. So far, I've been pleased with the speed--I can move along pretty darn fast by lengthening stride just a little. Finally getting my butt working better at providing most of the forward motion. Quads just there for support. The knee feels good--a little stiff t the beginning, but loosens up and there's no hint of it seizing up toward the end.
Finally, I'm not taking walk breaks anymore. Take a short break at turn around, but the hydration vest makes drinking pretty easy on the run and with the metronome, you want to just keep on going. Probably as a result, my wind is coming back well now. I've run on the beach a couple times in the past two weeks without the metronome and noticed that speed was better.
Next step is doing some longer runs, getting up in the 6-7-8 miles range.
Oh, one problem I had a few days ago occurred because I ran in a tank top (actually was pretty warm) and on of the side adjustment buckles of the hydration vest slightly rubbed the inside of my arm--yeah, right.
When I got done I looked down and saw a really nice big chafing patch--that is just now scabbing over.
Good reminder to check everything out when you change ANY gear or clothing--if it doesn't feel perfect STOP and fix it!!
The shorter faster strides also tend to smooth out the vertical motion and improve efficiency. So far, I've been pleased with the speed--I can move along pretty darn fast by lengthening stride just a little. Finally getting my butt working better at providing most of the forward motion. Quads just there for support. The knee feels good--a little stiff t the beginning, but loosens up and there's no hint of it seizing up toward the end.
Finally, I'm not taking walk breaks anymore. Take a short break at turn around, but the hydration vest makes drinking pretty easy on the run and with the metronome, you want to just keep on going. Probably as a result, my wind is coming back well now. I've run on the beach a couple times in the past two weeks without the metronome and noticed that speed was better.
Next step is doing some longer runs, getting up in the 6-7-8 miles range.
Oh, one problem I had a few days ago occurred because I ran in a tank top (actually was pretty warm) and on of the side adjustment buckles of the hydration vest slightly rubbed the inside of my arm--yeah, right.
When I got done I looked down and saw a really nice big chafing patch--that is just now scabbing over.
Good reminder to check everything out when you change ANY gear or clothing--if it doesn't feel perfect STOP and fix it!!
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