10 Mile Training Run
I recently began training for the ING Half Marathon in Atlanta, GA which is scheduled for March 29, 2009. My goal yesterday was to run an 8 miler so that I could exceed my longest run since the ATR (I ran the CVS Strong Legs 10k run in October 2008 and several 6 mile training runs since the race). As I was running yesterday, after the seventh mile I was feeling really good; I was tracking my mileage with the Nike + digital wireless pedometer system (which is really cool). Since I was feeling so good, I decided to run the equivalent of a half marathon. The course is very hilly, which somewhat mimics the course of the ING (in that it is very hilly).
At the 9.5 mile mark, I decided to only run 10 miles since I was back in my subdivision, I was losing too much weight (and didnt want to burn more calories), and I also wanted to get in a chest workout. I ran the 10 mile route in 1:57:13, or 11.42 minutes per mile which is a little slow. However, this is the first 10 miler I’ve run since the ATR. My goal is to run the ING in less than 10 minutes per mile. I think I am well on my way to achieving that goal.
I am really excited about my progress. I hope all of you can say the same. I guess I am one of the lucky ones as I have had no hiccups since the ATR. As you may remember, I am also training for a sprint triathlon during the Memorial Day weekend, which will mark the one year anniversary of my ATR surgery. The sprint triathlon in which I am participating is one with a 400 meter swim, 10 mile bike ride, and a 3.75 mile run. I am so excited about it.
I hope the folks that suffered this atrocity around the same time as me get to enjoy the upcoming warm weather; we did not get that opportunity last summer. For recent ATRs, you should be exercising around the beginning of the summer.
I must take back the statement about this injury being an atrocity. It is the best thing that has ever happened to me. Because I didn’t want this to happen to me again, after the second week post-op, I made the commitment to get in the best shape of my life. I am the fittest I have been in years and have less body fat than when I was in college. And you can’t imagine what the changes have done to my self esteem. I am ecstatic!!!
January 21st, 2009 at 2:38 am
Your post, and blog in general, is immensely inspiring. I’m currently in my 5th week, still NWB, but am trying to add some upper body exercises into my day. I totally agree with your last paragraph, because it too has encouraged me to look at my health. Reading about your weight loss, your recovery and your goals gives me hope that I can do the same. Good luck on training for the marathon!
January 22nd, 2009 at 10:09 pm
I’ve been sitting here in my boot with my leg up reading your post and I must say I find it very uplifting that you have acheived an impressive recovery that is able to handle a high level of activity. Prior to my ATR reconstruction (I had a cronic injury that required transplanting a tendon from my foot to the Achilles) I maintained a high level of fitness, running, cycling and strength training. I had my surgery 1/2/09 and so far still NWB.
The Surgeon is happy with the way things are progressing but as you well know the road is long. I’ve been able to do some resistance and core training from just about the 3rd day post op but I do miss that cardio fix.
My question to you is this, when were you able to begin bike riding again? Since you are planing to do a Tri I’m assuming you do some riding along with the running. It seems to me that I should be able to get back on the bike long before I could even think about running again.
In any event thanks for your post it really makes one realize that every run is a gift.