Gingerly prepping for the Vegas Half

Something is up with Blogger Beta. I used to be able to create links and format text with bold and italics. But no longer. Now I can't even preview my entries. Anyway...

Saturday, went out to the Morton Aboretum to run my scheduled 10-miler. The Aboretum is is a protected nature area near Downer's Grove. It's really pretty. The Wheaton Group will start training for Boston up there, so I decided to become a member.

The main benefit is that they keep the roads plowed and the loops are pretty scenic routes - especially in the winter months. There are some rolling hills there, and I haven't trained on hills since we moved from Connecticut last April. I enjoyed the scenery.

During, yesterday's run, I confess that on the ninth mile, the left knee started to get tender. I was able to finish strong. I did stretch as best I knew how before hand, but maybe it wasn't good enough. Maybe I just don't know how. Maybe the IT band needs a good period of rest. 10 miles - 7:41 pace.

Today, I did my 4-mile recovery in the 1 degree wind chill around my residential area. Really wasn't bad since I dressed right for it - including "the mask" to protect the face from the gusts. Again, the knee felt tired and there was some mild pain. 4 miles - 8:34 pace.

I am expecting a new pair of Asics Gel Kayano XII to arrive at my house by Tuesday. I'm not that diligent about tracking mileage on my shoes, but I estimate my current pair has around 300 miles max on them. I am hopeful the fresh cushioning on the new pair will help the knee heal up.

The Vegas Half is one week from today. Will I able to run 7's? Who knows. Besides my knee issue, my diet hasn't been stellar. I've been drinking every day this weekend as a result of three straight holiday parties.

After the race, I will rest the knee for a solid 3-4 days, I've decided. I need to be able to begin training for Boston.

THIS WEEK'S RECAP

Mon 11/27 - 4 Recovery
Tue 11/28 - Rest
Wed 11/29 - 8 Gen Aero
Thu 11/30 - 6 Gen Aero
Fri 12/1 - Rest
Sat 12/2 - 10 General Aerobic
Sun 12/3 - 4 Recovery
TOTAL: 32 MILES

PLAN FOR THIS WEEK

Mon 12/4 - Rest
Tue 12/5 - 5 Recovery
Wed 12/6 - 8 EZ
Thu 12/7 - Rest - Fly to CT for work - then fly to Vegas
Fri 12/8 - 4 Recovery in St. George, UT (visit parents' house)
Sat 12/9 - Rest
Sun 12/10 - Las Vegas: RACE HALF MARATHON