One Mile Never Felt So Good

After a six week layoff, this morning’s mile run felt great.  In fact I know I’ll quickly get to the point that I’ll want to start doubling my mileage overnight.  But, I’m really going to take my own (and other people’s) advice and not increase more than ten percent at a time.  Well, maybe I can stretch that in the beginning and take some larger jumps than that. (Cautiously).

Getting Started (Again)

Six weeks ago a ten mile run was easy.  Yesterday I had to walk after about a half-mile.   My legs hurt, I was breathing heavy, and my shoulder hurt.  That’s because about six weeks ago I had shoulder surgery and couldn’t run since.  I  knew that long layoff would take its toll but I didn’t think it would be that bad.  I ran the half-mile then walked a few minutes then ran and walked some more.  I hate to admit but I felt silly walking.  I kept thinking “I’m a RUNNER, I shouldn’t be walking”.  But I guess I need to accept that at age 51 my body needs more exercise to maintain a level of fitness than it did at age 31.   

My doctor and therapist said I could start running again and it wouldn’t damage anything in my shoulder so the pain surprised me.  Apparently it was just the sore muscles and ligaments hurting from the jarring.    

So, I’m back running (sort of) and will try to be smart about building my mileage back up.  The last thing I want is an injury due to adding miles to quickly.  So, we’ll see if I have more patience at age 51 than I had at age 31.

Wish me luck.

One of the Summer’s Best Races

If you are a runner in Michigan you’ve probably heard of the July 4th race in Frankenmuth.  Maybe you’ve never heard it called the Volfslaufe, because many people can’t pronounce it.  Over the last 34 years the Volkslaufe (German for “The People’s Race” as in Volkswagon- “The People’s Wagon/Car”) has grown to be one of the best races in the state.  I have probably run it nearly 20 times and each time the field is large but manageable, the course is scenic, the aid stations and support are great.  The entire city welcomes the runners and the race route is lined with spectators young and old.  

One of the coolest features of this small town race is the announcer at the finish line calling off names and times as middle-of-the-pack runners trot across through the chute.

If you haven’t run the Volkslaufe be sure to mark your calendar for next year. It’s always on July 4th(unless that’s a Sunday like 2010, then it runs on Saturday so you won’t miss Sunday church) with a spaghetti dinner and fireworks the night before.

Here’s a link.  Check it out.

http://www.volkslaufe.org/

Text Updates Let You Track Your Racer

Maybe this is old news to some of you, but I just learned about text message updates of racers.  A friend of mine running the Seattle Rock ‘n’ Roll Half (see previous post) signed me up through www.competitor.com” so I could get text message update of her progress.  It was very cool.  I was in Michigan and got a text on my cell when she crossed the starting line, then one with her 5k time, another at 10k, then 9 miles and another with her final time.  Definitely not the same as watching from the sidelines, but it was exciting to track her pace.  I found myself checking my cell much like a spectator scanning the crowd of runners to pick out a friend as the field runs by. 

I’m not sure how many races are offering this feature but if you are entered in a race that uses it defintiely add your friends and family.  They’ll enjoy it and you will know you have fans cheering for you even if you can’t see them along the

Rock ‘n’ Roll Stacy!

Stacy at the Rock and Roll half

One of the greatest things about running is that everyone can be a winner in a race.  Sure only one person can come in first place but all of us that run can be a winner if we hit our goal.  Maybe that goal is to beat your best previous time or maybe it’s just to finish.   

My friend Stacy was running her first half-marathon last Saturday at the Seattle Rock ‘n’ Roll marathon event.   Participating in a large running event like that can be intimidating even to seasoned runners.  And for a first-timer it can really throw you.  But Stacy was determined to reach her goal of finishing so she focused on that and ignored the noise. 

Even though I don’t think she had ever run 13.1 miles before, Stacy was in it to win it and finished strong.  So to Stacy and everyone else who meets your goal at a race this summer - ”Great job.  You are a Winner!”