Had an excellent run this morning with Shan, Mark and Steve at LBL. We ran the 7 mile loop. Mark and I slowed a bit around mile 3 and let Shan and Steve go. We still had an excellent time of 1:03:04!! Shan and Steve smoked in 58!! It was sooo good getting back out there with my peeps!!

My knee was achy and got pretty painful at times but my fitness obviously hasnt suffered greatly during my layoff. I'm going to continue the strength training and hope for the best.

Ran and walked for 1:25 at Ken's in Bull Creek. I think it's around 6 miles. I did a lot of walking......recieved a couple of phone calls. I did some adventuring and checked out some new trails. Some of the trails along the ridge are a bit treacherous which made it even more fun. The left knee was a bit achy but no big deal. Planning on getting another run this evening somewhere in the Barton Creek area.

I had a very good 10 miler yesterday at Barton Creek. I ran from the HOL and did the 10 mile loop in 2:20. I was a out of gas a bit at the end but expected that since I forgot to bring any gels.

My 12yr battle with shoes and their setup continues. Friday I got a pair of Vasque Velocity's in the mail I had ordered. They felt a bit big so I cut a pair of extra Cascadia insoles I had in half and put them in the forefoot of the shoe along with the Spenco inserts I've been using for years. That has always been my routine since I've been using the inserts......cut the insole that comes with the shoe in half, stick that in the forefoot and then slip the Spenco insert on top. That makes for a little overlap which has usually worked fine.

Well, after cutting the insoles, putting them in the Velocity's I realized I had never done that with the Cascadia's for some reason. The Casacadia's are easily the most comfortable shoe I've ever worn. But it seems the Cascadia's have been the cause of my recent PF problems. I'd like to make them work though. I'm not sure how many miles I've got on my current Cascadia's but I'd guess 200-250. So, for yesterdays run I ran in the Cascadia's with the inserts and the forefoot insoles and lo and behold no knee pain....no PF problems (and, I've experienced renewed PF problems in the recent past when I'd go back to the Cascadia's for a SINGLE run).

One negative thing that I've experienced in the past with this setup reaappeared yesterday. The cutup sole insert doesnt stay put. The right one kept slipping down toward my arch. I had to adjust the right foot 4 or 5 times and the left one twice during the run. I need to figure that out but it's a small price to pay to be able to run pain free. I still plan to try a pair of the Soles that Shan is sold on. But it seems I've found a way to make the Cascadia's work. I've got a year to return the Velocity's so no rush there.

May.....27

Ran a really good 7 miler yesterday at Barton Creek from the Spyglass entrance. My left knee felt pretty good most of the way and I was encouraged about my fitness level. If I can get my knee situation turned around soon I'll be back in great shape soon. I'm also growing more accustomed to wearing the long sleeve shirt and it is actually quite pleasant after is gets sweaty. The water at long creek crossing was mid-thigh for me yesterday and felt great!!

Got in approximately 5 miles at Ken's yesterday afternoon. At the beginning of the run I decided I was gonna go the old Ken's route until I hit the property line of the people who shut it down. Sure enough there is a big fence and gate totally blocking the trail. So, I took a side trail that lead back to 360 and down a very steep embankment...and down onto the main trail really close to the low water crossing. I ran toward Spicewood Springs, took the trail over to Old SSPRS, crossed the creek and ran back towards Lakewood. I loved running this trail after having not run it in a very long time. It sort of felt like I was hanging out with an old friend. Even with Ken's trail closed I'll still be able to get in a good hour of running and not do any out and backs. The bonus is that it's really close to home!!

My knee was still achy but not as bad.....I must have done a pretty good job of pounding it into submission. I did go to Academy yesterday evening and purchase a new pair of inserts to start wearing in lieu of getting a new pair of shoes soon

Okay....did an easy 5 yesterday from the HOL and my damn knee hurt right from the start. I've been pretty consistent doing the strengthening exercise Shan suggested but to no avail. Oh well, I suppose I'm going to keep running and pound it into submission....the Ultra way!!!

I really think it's the Asics or something bio-mechanical. It came out of nowhere right after the run in Smithville. I'm going to get a new pair of Vasque Velocity's soon and a new insert from Academy before I really panic.

I'm really starting to look forward to my trip to the Guadalupe Mtns the weekend of June 12th. Although I'm still not sure who I'm going with...Sam V or Jacob. It's going to be a blast regardless. One thing I am a bit concerned about though is the heat. I've definitely got to start getting in some afternoon runs and walks now to get acclimated.

May.....5