What next, part 2...

I had my first pain free run since the marathon yesterday. I think I may be fully recovered. I did 11 miles total, mostly running at about an 8:15 pace with 2 pickup miles at 7:30 and 7:18. It felt really good, and I missed running more than I thought I did.

I ran 2.5 easy treadmill miles on Monday after the race, and my knee was sore after that. Then I ran 6.62 outdoor miles on Thursday. I ran them at about 7:30, and that was just too fast too soon and it hurt like mad. My knee was killing me until yesterday. Yesterday's run was fantastic.

I think I may have found my next race. While I was in Fleet Feet Friday to pickup the Rudolph Run packets, Leigh picked up some gear and the girls got some much needed new shoes. Dink recommended a race for me to try next, the Mount Cheaha 50k. I told him that I missed signing up for Mountain Mist because I didn't know if I was good enough for that race. He confirmed that I was ready for a challenge like that, and that Mount Cheaha is a fantastic race. Anyone want to train with me for that race on Feb. 28? I've got a reluctant "go" from Leigh. It looks like a brutal challenge. I need to hit the trails soon.

Another reason I LOVE Fleet Feet... Where else can you go and the owner spends nearly an hour with you chatting about running, races, and gear while helping you pick out your stuff? Every time I go there, it's a great customer experience.

Easy, easy

Three easy miles is what the schedule called for today. My wife asked if I would run with her, so I was more than happy to. Today was another LDF for her, 2.5 miles. She made it!!! I'm very proud of her. She has toughed it out on some cold, miserable days, and through sickness and an ankle injury. She's really making progress! The 5k will be a breeze for her.

Thanks to all who encouraged me after my discouraged Sunday post. I'm ready. I believe y'all.

And another commercial before I go...

I got some new shoes back in early November, the Asics GT 2140. I loved my Asics GT 2130's. The GT 2140's are almost identical, but more comfortable at the top around the ankle. They're a very subtle upgrade. I loved the 2130's, but I really love the 2140's.

On cold days, you need some Mizuno breath thermo gloves. I was skeptical of the claims of these gloves, but they were the same price as other gloves, so I tried them. These are very nice gloves and they work as advertised. When I wipe sweat from my brow, my hands warm up.

Of course, you can get this gear at Fleet Feet. I love that store. They have great customer service, very friendly and knowledgeable employees (I look forward to chatting every time I go there), and they are GREAT at supporting the local running community.

Press On

I've given my knee a bit of rest this week. I've read lots of articles and asked more experienced runners about the knee problems I'm having. I think this is what I need to do.

1. Make sure my shoes are right. I'm pretty sure of this thanks to the folks at Fleet Feet. Those guys are great. Shop there. I'm perhaps the happiest Fleet Feet customer ever. They have the best customer service I've ever experienced in a retail store. Period.
2. Strengthen my quads. I need to and will work harder on this.
3. Ice and NSAID when it hurts. That I do.
4. Stretch. I do stretch after every run, but I probably need to work in a couple of stretch sessions per day.
5. Quit being such a sissy. It's marathon training. Did I think it wouldn't hurt?
   

Looking forward to tomorrow's race, the Duck and Run 5k in Athens. I hope to see you there!

A few plugs before I begin

Just what is this race I'm running? Check it out at http://www.runrocketcity.com/. Go ahead, you know you want to sign up, too! Actually, I haven't signed up yet, but I will before the price goes up.

What's my training plan? Find it here. I'm shooting for 3:30, so I'm following the advanced plan on that page.

Every more experienced runner tells me that I'm insane for setting a time limit goal for my first marathon. Perhaps I should listen. But I just can't convince my self NOT to set some sort of pace goal. An 8:00 mile pace even seems slow to me, but I have to respect the distance.

My gear? Simple. A pair of Asics GT 2130 shoes, a Timex Ironman stopwatch, and a Nike+ for my iPod nano. You can get all of that at Fleet Feet Sports in Huntsville. Shop there. It's a great store with great gear, and best of all, GREAT customer service.