connection

We almost had the whole band together this morning.  Shan, Steve, Sam and I did the Mopac/ I35 loop.  We were only missing Mark L. this morning.  Things are back to normal after 6 months of missing Shan and then my 2 month layoff.  We all had such a good time this morning.  We are so damn fortunate to have each other.  I'm glad that we've all put in the effort to keep our connection strong.

On top of us all being back together our run was great too!!  Our time was 1:09.36!!  I'm super happy with that!!  Steve and I led the way for the 1st 5 miles having a good chat and then the last couple it was Sam and I together while Steve and Shan caught up.  I was fairly successful in focusing on my belly breathing in between talking.  Another very positive thing is I've had zero issues with my feet since I've been back running.  It seems I've made a good adjustment with the tape placement in my Spenco inserts for the neuroma in my right foot.  I did get the over the counter orthotic Tuesday and have been wearing that in my everyday sneakers.  They are the very best over the counter orthotic made and the pedorthist added a big buildup for the metatarsalgia/neuroma in my right foot and also for my left foot too.  I'm feeling like I'll be able to run in them soon but I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to take them back in for an adjustment on the left foot.  It's just too much of a lift in that foot and, I have no real need for any buildup at all in that foot.  One of these days I'd like to throw down the 300 bones it would cost to get some custom ones made!!

Last but not least the plantar issue in my right foot seems to be under control.  I'm off the regular ice and Ibuprofen for a several days now, and, I've been doing a ton of stretching throughout everyday and some stretching while I sit on the side of the bed before I put any weight on it in the morning.  I'm going to continue wearing the sleeping boot indefinitely I think.  I've gotten pretty used to it.  Well folks, that's my story and I think I'll stick to it!!

faster

Stop the presses!!!  Me and the doggie did some speed work this morning.   Schroeter Park was the scene of the crime.  It's super convenient (1.5 miles) to our house.  Over the YEARS as I've contemplated some faster running workouts my plan has always been to get in an easy run to the park, do whatever and then an easy run back home.  That would have been too many miles for doggie right now so we drove over there this morning and got 'er done.  It's roughly a half mile loop.  We did and easy 1 mile warm up and then ran 220, walked 220 for 2 loops (4 repeats).  I know the doggie was thinking, "wow, my master has never run this fast before"!!!

pal

10 miles at Forest Ridge and St Ed's with Misty and Sam yesterday.  More great times with my pal and Lovey!!

band

Great run this morning!!  This was my first Thursday run since 11/10.  My layoff didn't produce all the results I intended but my body did get a rest from the pounding.  I didn't do any rehab with my plantar during the layoff thinking that it would simply heal on it's own.  It didn't, so I'm back to rehabbing it now.  I've researched some things to do on Youtube that are already helping.  I'm also scheduled for an appt at Instep for a new orthotic that will hopefully take care of my neuroma and provide support for my plantar.  This morning we did the 5 mile Mopac/ Congress loop.  None of us timed it but it sure felt like the pace was decent.  I'm really, really happy about having a pain free run.  It's been a very long time since I've enjoyed one of those!  This was the first time Shan, Mark and I have run together since mid August.  It was great getting the band back together!!  Next week we'll step it up to the 7 mile loop!!