An unofficial start to Miami Half Ironman training
Here we come baby… I know what they say about starting with the end in mind and I can already see the crystal blue water of Miami. I may be getting ahead of myself but that’s ok, it is the simple things that keep us motivated.
Just a couple of quick thoughts on my unofficial training start.
It was a beautiful day here in Anchorage Alaska and with winter sneaking up alarmingly quickly that means drop whatever the hell you are doing and get outside!!! So I did just that. One of my previously discussed aims with this whole training business is to get to the point where I can run consecutive days in the low pro shoes without discomfort or soreness from the previous day. I can’t say that this was accomplished but I can say that any discomfort was far less than in the past. Meaning, that my calves actually worked this time and did not feel like I required a trip to the ER right after my run. All in all it can be noted as progress.
I have previously run this trail in the past and had a bear encounter or two. I was banking on the fact that a nice day means lots of traffic which will scare bears away. I didn’t have any bear encounters today but I can confirm that bear scat on the trail always tends to increase my pace.
At this point I am enjoying the run walk approach. I know it is a little lame in true runner circles but I think that a knee injury justifies at least a couple months of run walk. However I am quickly getting to the point that the walk really isn’t all that necessary based on the amount of time that I am able to run.
As for the barefoot shoes… The jury is still out. As I have said in the past, I like the theory but my body does seem to be taking a beating in order to prove the theory. As my calves continue to strengthen I am starting to notice tingly feet after more than 10 to 15 minutes of running. It seems to come and go based on pace or other factors that I can’t put a finger on. It is not terribly painful but it is annoying. I am wondering if dropping a little weight may remedy this particular ailment. For now I will press on with the low pros and see if my body adapts. After all the body is an amazing piece of machinery.
Stats:
• Swim – Phelps still doesn’t have anything to worry about.
• Bike – What bike?
• Run – Up to 1:15, split into 20 min run and 5 minute walk.
• Weight 202!!! On the rise ding, ding, ding!!! Ribs and pizza were probably not the best idea.