A Stranger's Panties

Alternative title: Turkey Day Fat Ass 20k

We are in Ripley, TN at my wife's parents for Thanksgiving. I figured this was a great opportunity to run a route that is new. I set out after breakfast, hoping to cover 5-6 miles and make it back in plenty of time for lunch. I had some pain behind my right knee that I attribute to squatting and kneeling on the floor while putting the treadmill together the other night. I needed to run, but did not want to cause any injuries a week before the marathon!

I ran down the highway and into town (around the 5k mark) and all felt ok. Since I had no idea where to go next, I assumed taking a right would be ok...and then a left...and then another left. Hell...I will just run until I hit the 10k mark and then reverse course. As I crossed a railroad trestle, I noticed a pair of white panties lying on the sidewalk. Strange sight, but thought better of picking them up and taking them home to the wife! I doubt she would like them and, besides...she has plenty already.

For those of you who are not familiar with Ripley...you ain't missing much. It's a small town out in the country about 50 miles north of Memphis. Running through the countryside is a pleasure, but not knowing where the hell I was going was a concern. I passed a little store and thought it best to stop for more water and a Red Bull. Since it was fairly cool out, my water consumption was low and I knew my current bottle would last at least 8 more miles.

Using my iphone gps, I located myself on the map and planned out a route back into town and back to the in-laws. My hip and knee were doing ok, but a little stiff. I kept a slow pace so I wouldn't aggravate them. Lunch time was approaching quick and I figured I still had an hour's worth of distance to cover. At an intersection, I was unsure if I should take a left or right. I chose left, but reversed to the right after a hundred yards. Still not totally sure if I was heading in the right direction, I looked down a noticed those white panties again! Then I was positive in my directions! Our family dinner was saved by the panties of a stranger!

The run was great and I enjoyed the wonderful weather we are currently having! It's a good feeling to be running (semi-) pain free again. Total mileage for the day was 12.30 in a bit less than 2.5 hours (11:44 pace).

Finally...

We have finally purchased a treadmill. It was a BITCH getting it out of the box and upstairs! It must weigh at least 400 pounds! Assembly was fairly easy...if you actually read the directions! After I got it setup, I ran a slow 5k on it while testing all the bells and whistles. I plan to wake 45 minutes early each workday for a run to increase my mileage without decreasing my family time.

[EDIT] My alarm went off at 0415. I did not get to bed until well after midnight...needless to say, I turned the alarm off and got another 45 minutes of sleep. Oh well...

Sent via iPhone 3g

Jumpin' Jehosaphat!

Short on time, I wanted to push today's run as fast as possible (for my fat ass). I hit the 5k mark in 28:34 and then finished the run with an easy cool down for a total of 4 miles. Of course, this is not blazing fast for most runners, but coming off an injury and lack of mileage the past two weeks, I felt like I was flying.

No pains, aches, or troubles! Hopefully, my recent injury is now considered history.

Injury Update

Jennifer and I started our run after lunch, hoping the temps would be higher (no such luck). The sky was overcast and the temperature hovered at a balmy 44 degrees. I was hoping my hip/knee crap had gone away and Jennifer was hoping her knee/calf pain had done the same.

Our plan was for a easy half marathon on the Wolf River Path. This was to be her last long mileage run before her first attempt at the St. Jude Half Marathon (her previous long run was 10 miles). By mile five, her right knee was troubling her enough for us to walk back to the car and call it a day. I think it's ITB that is causing her pain due to the increase in mileage on the streets. Her "coach" (me!) suggested that she keep the mileage low on the streets and try to stick with the elliptical until the race. I want her to make it to the starting line healthy!

Me, on the other hand...I had some lingering aches in the hip, but not enough to slow me down or cause any worry. After we left the WRP, I went home, changed clothes, and hit the gym for another 10 miles...bringing my daily total to 16 miles. I also worked the legs with the weight machines prior to running. I expected to be in a bit of pain today, but was pleasantly surprised.

Today's run was dx'd due to household chores and Christmas shopping. My hip and knee have felt great today and I hope to be back running the streets again! Two 25 mile weeks have been ok to rest, but it's sure boring!

Time Off

My hip/knee pain is still present, although it seems to be fading. I went to my chiro yesterday for an adjustment and he suggested I use a wedge in my right shoe (since my right leg is somewhat shorter than the left). We'll see how this works on tomorrow's run.

Except for nine miles on Monday, I have not run another step. I am hoping to be rid of my injury(ies) well before the marathon, leaving me enough time for a few semi-long runs...but time is running out. I will attempt a half marathon with my better half tomorrow and if all goes well, another half on Sunday. If the pain recedes and I am able to run, I will jack my mileage back up to 50 for next week and 20 for the week before the marathon on December 6th.

Once the marathon is over, I can retreat back to the trails and start my prep for the 2009 Swamp Stomper in Shelby Forrest. I can hardly wait to be back in the woodline.