First week of 2007 is a success

Upon reflection, I can see how my last post may have sounded a bit desperate, and thus prompted a few comments with the advice of “take it easy”.

It’s not as bad as I may have implied. Sure, a couple of the runs this week were tough, but that’s going to be the case right now.

Fact is that I am still running. If the ITB were too painful to endure, or I was causing damage to myself, I would take a complete break. But that's not the case. There are good days and bad days. I am hopeful the therapy, which begins tomorrow, will pull me through. I will rest it, as dictated by my PT.

Yesterday was a good day. I went out yesterday to run with the Sat AM CARA group and knocked out a solid 15.3 miles. The Morton Aboretum loops also present some nice rolling hills, which make the workouts reasonably challenging. Running with this group makes a world of difference in my physical and psychological state. GROUP RUNNING IS A POSITIVE CONTRIBUTOR TO SUCCESS!

Average pace was 7:45 over the 15.3 miles, which is very strong all things considered. Heart rate was way up at certain points (mid 180’s) as we blasted up some of the steeper hills.

The run was tough and it was a great workout. I admit that I felt the knee. The point is, after a day of rest, I can run these types of runs and endure what I would classify as discomfort. I stop short of saying “pain”, because I didn’t feel pain. It’s more like a steady soreness.

I finished the rest of my day without much discomfort. The wife and celebrate with a great dinner at the Cheesecake Factory.

I have decided that I will not try and make up this week’s missed mileage. I am going to call this week a success at 36 solid miles.

Boston will not be a PR. I don’t even place to chase a PR. How many Boston first-timers even try a PR there anyway? My goal is to go out there, run healthy and take in the experience. I'm thinking 3:30 or so.

I will be ramping up later this year for a PR in Chicago. Goal on October 6 is 3:05. This knee issue, a mild setback as it is, is the bit of adversity that I knee to fuel me to have my best year of running ever.

1/1/07 Week recap

Mon - 5 miles
Tue - Rest
Wed - 10 miles
Thu - 6 miles
Fri - Rest
Sat - 15.3 miles
Sun - Rest

TOTAL: 36.3 miles

Plan for 1/8/07 week - Pfitzinger "13 to go"*

Mon - 9 w/4 at LT
Tue - 5 recovery
Wed - 10 G.A.
Thu - Rest
Fri - 5 recovery
Sat - 17
Sun - Rest

GOAL: 46 miles

*I will closely monitor my ability to run this schedule. If the ITB acts up or my PT advises me against running, I will alter the schedule.