It’s my 4 month anniversary!
In the last 4 months, I’ve run two 5ks and my third 5k is the week after next. I’ve learned how to use my phone and apps to track my run time and distance. I’ve learned how to push myself to keep running when all I want to do is stop and breathe. I’ve learned that the only thing stopping me from getting better and faster at running is ME. I’ve learned that I can push myself to do better when I’m running with other people by asking them to “help me get to the end” of the run. And I’ve learned that it’s okay to stop and take a walk break when I need it – so long as I start running again and don’t give up.
My running “wardrobe” is also increasing. I now own one each of capris, shorts and a running skirt. One jog bra, 3 short sleeved shirts and 2 long-sleeved shirts. 1 pair of running shoes and 3 pairs of running socks. Next week, we’ll earn our 9 to 5 running clinic shirt and I’ll get a new tech shirt the week after from the 5k.
But I’ve been good to refrain from buying other specialty running gear. I have an arm band for my phone, but found that I really don’t like it. I haven’t bought a running watch yet, although my phone has come close to running out of battery during a long workout. I don’t have a belt to hold my stuff or any fancy water bottles. The only item that I may buy soon is a foam roller. But I’ll talk about that later.
This week’s run at my 9 to 5 clinic at Luke’s Locker was a mile run along the Buffalo Bayou. At least that is what my coach said. She said it was about a 1/2 mile down the Bayou and 1/2 mile back. She asked us to push it and run faster than we normally do. I’m not sure that I actually believe that it was a mile because I finished in 9 minutes 40 seconds. I know that I’ve improved…but not this much. Especially as I still have this nagging cough…
After our class, we had a special session on foam rolling given by a Doctor and a physical therapist. It was very interesting and PAINFUL! The Doctor explained how foam rolling can help recovery and keep injuries from happening, but I swear it was so painful it seemed like it was causing injuries. The only rolling technique that really felt good though was lying on the roller lengthwise. This opens up the chest and rolls along the length of the spine. This felt very good. I also liked the roller along the mid to upper back. Since my mid-back injury several years ago, its hard to find an exercise that makes my back feel better. This felt good.
So…to celebrate my 4 month anniversary, I’m going to buy a good foam roller. We’ll see it the pain subsides from the regular foam rolling exercises, but I know it will help my back.
