Redemption

After an exhausting week and the memory of my grueling 8 mile long run two weeks ago, I had no expectations for today's niner. Deep down I thought it would go well, but I'd felt that way about the 8-miler too. What a difference it makes to run free of snow! I logged my best non-race 9 mile run yet. It was the best because it was my fastest pace at that distance (10:37 and that's with many hills included), but also because I felt strong the whole time, no leg fatigue or gasping for air. This is no doubt due to my consistent training. Here's a snap shot of my typical training week at this time:

MONDAY: 4.5 - 5 mile "easy" run, strength training legs

TUESDAY: 5 mile speed run (one week it's a tempo run, one week it's intervals at a 5k pace), TRX (total body strength work with emphasis on core), Yoga

WEDNESDAY: 3 mile recovery run in Vibram Five Finger (VFF) shoes, strength training legs

THURSDAY: Spin or 4 miles on the elliptical, core work, strength training upper body

FRIDAY: 5 mile pace run (this means running at my half marathon pace), Spin if there's time

SATURDAY: Long Run - next week it's 10 miles!

SUNDAY: REST DAY (and a little core work)

You may see that I do a lot of core work. That's been a top priority since I rehabbed my back after the 2008 herniation. A strong core is key to preventing future back problems, and is lacking in many runners (note: my herniation did not occur from running). I never want to experience back pain of the herniation nature again, so I am diligent. That said, I must share that for the first time in a loooooong time, this week I had a scary back moment. I was working my upper back in a seated row, and all of a sudden my sacrum area seized up in a little muscle spasm. I was momentarily transported to the frightened emotional state I lived in during my herniation and recovery - fear of what, if anything, more would come to pass. I walked it out, stretched well, and changed my thoughts from fear to reassurance that I am fine - maybe just a bit overworked, and way past due for a massage.

I'm a member of Massage Envy, which provides me with an hour long massage monthly. This month there is absolutely no time for one. I am busier at work than I can begin to explain. In fact, "busy" isn't a strong enough word to paint the picture. We're down staffed at the moment, I have extra cases, and many things are due at the same time. That coupled with my high personal standards and obsessive compulsive tendencies, means I am unable to cut corners as some people would. And this translates into 9-10 hour days where even a quick jaunt to the bathroom can be difficult to squeeze in. You may think my training regime, which equals about 12 hours of hard exercise per week, is tiring, but I can't imagine how my days would feel if I wasn't so physically active!