It’s more like a “slight jog”, but I’ve been at it lately. I started about four weeks ago, missing one week while I had the plague, and only jogging twice a week. I’ve always boasted that “I hate running”. And I really have hated it. However, this time, I’m enjoying it. A lot. Weird. So, what’s different this time?
- I’m running at night. Typically around 8:45-9:00. I’m going this late because the Atlanta summer is unbearable until the sun goes down, and because Ona goes to bed around 7.
- I’m bringing a water bottle with me. I only take a half-dozen or so pulls from it, spitting most of it out, but it’s been a nice safety net.
- I’m concentrating on breathing more than I used to. I thought about it and realized breathing is key to my athletic activities. I remember learning that in baseball… breathing helped me hit, catch, throw, etc. Imagine that. So, when I run, I count steps per inhale and exhale – starting with 5, moving to 4 or 3 when winded.
The original plan was to swim 2x per week and jog 2x per week. Swimming is awesome, but hard for me to find the time to do. It’s at least an hour, more like 1:15-1:30 round-trip. I’ve been able to get to the pool twice (both times waking up at 4:45). Jogging, I just put shoes on and go out the door. So, for now, running wins out (I’m considering biking in place of swimming, though).
A couple of questions for the few runners who read this (hi Dan and Josh):
- My left foot tends to go numb near the end of the run. Shoes too tight? Running funky? I loosened them up tonight and it still happened. Maybe it’ll end (the first few runs I was getting a runner’s stitch in my side, but Jol pointed me to stretches that made that vanish).
- I “hit a stride” at about a mile in and take off and feel awesome. Why does the first part suck so bad? The last 1/2 mile of the first mile (follow that?) is uphill, but I don’t think that has much to do with it. Is there something I can do to get loosened up (or whatever) earlier?
I just tonight went as far as 2.5 miles (started around 1.25 was at 1.75 most of the time). Minus the numb foot, I felt great. Katy is lobbying for me to run a race with her, but I’m not feeling that for some reason… prolly scared…. yeah, definitely scared.
Great job with the running. I feel like a slug and should probably get back into it. My take on your questions:
1) I would guess it’s the way your shoes are tied. Remind me tomorrow and I’ll show you a couple of ways to tie them that might help.
2) I think it just takes the body a few minutes to get into the rhythm of the run. The same thing happens to me and it’s a lot more noticeable if I don’t do a warm up before the run. Do you have any sort of warm up routine?
Don’t be scared old man! Ha! You’ll kick my ass and I’ll like it:)
My take on the numb foot. OLD shoes. Get some proper running ones.
Yes, I read your blog…cool, huh? Plus it’s how I keep up on what the heck your doin’!
If all else fails (and Katy is probably right…new shoes) try orthodics. (sp?) Mine took away back aches, etc. Good sports therapist/trainer/chiropractor (maybe even GOOD sports/running store) can point you in the right direction for good orthodic inserts. I use mine in every pair of shoes I wear.
Love, Dad (Pop)
the first part sucks cause we are not horses or greyhounds. you need to run like ken…get a jack daniels, go to your chair and visualize yourself running while you watch teenage girl shows on the “W”.
It is cool that you are trying though. Maybe you are like me and have the marathon gene instead of the sprinter one. my trainer actually told me that so it is real.
Agreed that the numbness is probably a shoe issue. Most running stores will fit your shoes and analyze your stride for free – probably worth checking out. I’ve had a similar issue before, but it usually resolves itself.
As for feeling crappy early, that always happens to me, and I’ve yet to find a solution. My runs are on a bell curve, strength-wise, and have always been that way. I think your bod just needs some time to get into the groove.
Good luck!