I can’t say I’ve got my groove back yet, but I do feel like I am getting back in the groove. As long as I keep my easy runs easy my heart rate isn’t spiking on the tread, and my right calf is finally no tighter than my left. 😉
I’m ready for a healthy fall!
Getting Back In The Groove
It’s crazy how long it took my calf to recover from the limping I did on my infected foot—or maybe I had vastly unrealistic expectations. Once I committed to stretching for 2 minutes at a time several times a day, the tightness finally went away. During the process, I was reminded how much difference a mind-body connection can make. When I paid attention, my stretching was deeper and more effective. If I started scrolling on my iPhone, I didn’t feel the stretch as much. Luckily Peloton has a library of stretches to keep me focused.
Still my most-taken class, and it has 3 min of calf stretches
With running, I’ve set my ego aside and accepted that I need dial back my paces and take walk breaks from time to time. I know training from where I am will get me to where I want to be faster than over-doing it, and I won’t be miserable in the process.
Also having me feeling better, this week I got a mani/pedi and haircut, went to the dentist, and got my flu and covid vaccines! The first two were long overdue and I hope the vaccines keep me healthy through all my trips in October. 🤞
Weekly Run Down
This week I did Jess Sims’ Split + Run program. I liked it much better than Robin’s program—she still cues lifting heavy with rests, but she uses the rests to demo the next exercise instead of following rests with demo time like Robin does. That said, the program has me running every day, which is not something I want to keep doing. So, I think I’m going to try Jess’s 3-day strength-only program, and fit in runs and rides on other days.
Sunday: I opted for a stack of easier classes and enjoyed the playlist in Hannah’s 70’s ride.
It was groovy!
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: I followed the Jess Sims’ split + run program. Her classes have a slightly shorter time on the treadmill than Robin’s, but I hit pause to have time to transition and warm-up before jumping back in.
Maybe if I didn’t run on the “recovery” days …
Wednesday: I had to present on a Teams meeting at 7:00 am (for clients in Australia, Switzerland, and the U.S.!) and was determined to get in a short run before a quick shower and cup of coffee. That made Wednesday my first full dark o’clock run of the fall running season.
3.3 miles — and I slid into my desk chair at 6:50 am. 😝
Saturday I took Scooby about for a 5 mile run. My legs felt heavy, but that made it easy to take it easy and keep my heart rate down. The weather was lovely and Scooby enjoyed himself too!
And that’s a wrap!
A huge thank you to Deborah and Kim for hosting the Weekly Run Down link up.
Has your weather turned to fall yet?
![The Ultimate Coffee Date](http://got2run4me.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Ultimate-Coffee-Date.png" "The Ultimate Coffee Date")
I always keep that mind/body connection in mind (ugh, the grammar) when I’m running–its why I don’t watch videos or movies on the TM. I do listen to music but keep my focus on the task at hand. It’s interesting what happens when you’re paying attention!
I’m glad your calf and foot are feeling better!
Glad you like Jess’ program. Well yes, her program is designed for you to run on just the days that she proscribes and not extra days. When I follow the programs exactly how they are intended I have much better results. I do power walks on the other days. I also realize how much my body appreciates the stretches. thanks for the reminder! Have a great week
Yeah, but that’s only 15 min of running ….(I know, I know).
I would say everything is going great- you’re getting back into running just in time for the fall weather. I know- it’s hard to start where you are, and not where you want to be- but all running is good running. You’ll have some beautiful fall runs with Scooby, and you’ll get back to your previous level of fitness in due time.
I see you’ve already taken a “spooky season” cycling class! It’s begun!!!
Your point about the mind-muscle connection and Wendy’s comment are both so on point! It really makes a difference if we focus on what’s happening (or what’s supposed to happen) when we move our bodies.
And yay for some progress in the calf healing! All the stretch work was worth it.
I love how you fit in a run before a meeting at 7am! No excuses, right?!
Your Wednesday sounds like my Friday! Great job getting out there in the dark with Scooby for your run. It’s good to hear that things are feeling better!
Glad you are starting to feel better – 2 minutes of stretching can be a LONG time! I do my hip PT pretty much every day, and you’re right, when I actually focus on doing the movements correctly, it makes such a difference!
glad you are feeling better. I’m trying to remember to do my achilles stretches each day. It’s not 200% but lets me run.
It was raining today so I got my nails done and they were way overdue and yesterday flu/COVID.
Welcome back to the o’dark runs! I thought this morning’s run would have mostly dayight, since I started just before 6:30…but nope. Thanks to the cloud cover, I was in the dark through most of the first half of that run! UGH! I’m glad you’re taking so many precautions with your recovery!
Kudos to you for getting all ready to go by 7am and getting a run in! I think you are taking a great approach with dialing it back and launching from where you are. It’s a hard thing to do but it should really pay off of you. Let’s all enjoy that upcoming fall running! (and biking!!)
Your attitude to get back to running is so healthy and sensible. Training from where you are really is key in everything. Good news about the calf! Mind/body connection really makes a difference! I’ve noticed this a lot in the gym as well.
I’m so glad you’re feeling more in your groove! I think dialing back the pace and effort is a really good idea until you’re at 100%.
Scooby agrees!