I don't think I've ever been able to do anything worth doing without hitting a few snags; honestly though, who has? I hit one of those snags this week.
Thursday morning, I was motivated (by a swift smack on the back from my husband and my alarm) to get my run on at 5:45. I stretched a little bit before I got on the road, but it wasn't anything major (side note: I never stretch before a night run, no idea why, but I don't. I realize that's bad). Anyway, I did a little stretching and then I was on my way.
I had my Tony Mann Radio playing as I walked out the door and did my typical 5 minute warm up walk, then went on with my 1 minute run/1.5 minue walk training. I was about half a mile from my house when I felt my right calf getting a bit tight. I was in the middle of a run section, so I figured I'd just stretch for minute and a half instead of walking once the run was over.
Didn't work out that way. In mid stride, it felt like someone stabbed a knife in my calf and it stopped me in my tracks.
Now, I've pulled muscles before - so I knew that was what this was. Just a calf strain, no big deal. Painful, yes. Keep me off a feet a bit? Definitely. But damn, this one was ROUGH. I've had a huge knot in my calf muscle since that day and I've been limping. It's just now starting to feel better.
Great timing, eh? Just as I feel like I'm getting into my "stride" - ha, get it? - I get hurt. Rawr. I'm hoping to be back to 100% by Wednesday so I can get my run on again.
In other news, I love morning running (sans injury) it was so quiet and peaceful and I got to watch the sun come up. Plus, I got in the shower before Brian, so that's pretty awesome. I'm going to continue to try to force myself out of bed at about 5:45 and see what happens. So yay!
I've also started getting compliments from friends/family that I finally "look" like I'm losing weight! I can't even explain how great it makes me feel that people are finally able to notice. I'm feeling great - I can't wait until it's really obvious in pictures.
Is it narcissistic that I'm wanting to wait until about mid November before we get pictures taken for Christmas cards so I can be as skinny as possible? Yeah, oh well. I don't care lol.
One southern girl's journey away from the deep fryer and into smaller clothes...
Nice job trying to get a plan and starting to run early.
ReplyDeleteI have learned (drilled into me by my HS running coach) that stretching is actually better after you run. (I don't do it, but I try.) It isn't good to stretch cold muscles, so by waiting until after a workout, you now have warmer muscles that are more pliable.
Good job and good luck with trying to get up early. Sorry about your calf. :(
Britt, are you familiar with dynamic stretches? This is what I do before a workout or run. Stretching cold muscles is never good, as Chrissy said, but the dynamics are different than static stretches and hit all of the muscles you will utilize while running.
ReplyDeleteDo you have a foam roller? If you have a serious knot in your calf I think foam rolling would really benefit you. I do it twice a day and it keeps me from having prolonged soreness. It hurts like a bitch sometimes but it's definitely worth it.
I'm glad the morning running is working out for you! I feel it makes me feel better about my day. Keep up the great work! Can't wait to see your pictures :)