Breaking News: I Ran!

Okay, so that's only a half-truth. I didn't actually run. More like walk/jogged. But still, it's progress and a good start!

I had my mind set all last week that on Saturday I would attempt to jog on the treadmill. Because I still feel a bit of pain in my heel and I am terrified of making my injury worse, I am determined to ease into running again and be smart about it. So, before taking on 14 miles on the stationary bike I hit up one of the three Woodway treadmills at our gym. These treadmills have rubberized slat running surfaces that absorb shock better than traditional treadmills so the impact is not as hard on joints. I figured this would be best for my foot.

The workout was short and simple to test the waters:
10 minutes alternating between 1 minute of walking and 1 minute of jogging
walked for the remainder of 1 mile

I felt a bit of pressure in my heel for the first couple minutes but as I altered my foot strike I figured out what felt more comfortable. Right after my foot didn't hurt and throughout the day I didn't feel any more discomfort than usual. So, I decided to try again today! My workout was a tiny bit different today but still just a tiny bit over 1 mile.

Today's treadmill workout:
1 minute intervals alternating between walking and jogging for a mile. I went just over a mile to finish off with a minute of walking.

Again, I felt good and still do a few hours after the workout! Even though it was a ridiculously short distance (taking into account that I have run a marathon), I still see this as a great step forward! I am on my way back!

Here's my plan: I'm going to keep working out on the Woodway and increase the length of the jogging intervals gradually. As I feel comfortable, I'm going to increase my speed and eventually will venture back out into Central Park when I'm feeling strong.

I've been focusing more on my legs when I'm strength training, which I think can only help my feet as I build muscles to support them better. I'm also trying to change my foot strike to be mid-foot rather than heel. With all I've read lately, including Born to Run, it worth giving this a try! I'm really encouraged by how these two workouts have gone and hope they continue to go so smoothly! I can't wait to race again!!

On a separate topic, Woody and I enjoyed a relaxing picnic in Central Park yesterday for the 4th of July! We made sandwiches using turkey and veggies from the Farmers Market, sugar snap peas (also from the market) and carrots and a great fruit salad. It was delicious and I'm thankful it wasn't too hot yesterday. Our heat wave has started, and I'm not really looking forward to the next few days. Ugh! I'll be drinking a lot of water!

I hope you all had a great 4th of July!

Poll for runners: do you have a heel or mid-foot strike?

************

workout stats -

13mile bike

1mile walk/jog

3x12 cable pull twists

3x10 cable pulldown single leg reverse crunch

3x20 medicine ball seated twists

3x10 weighted side bends

stretching