Sunday, September 25, 2011

Last Long Run

This week's long run was so much better than last week's debacle. I was a lot more careful about what I put in my mouth on Friday. I made sure I had enough gels in my spibelt and I even made sure my Garmin was fully charged. Yay for some fore-thought and organisation.

I also decided very early that I wouldn't run a step over 20k. With my hip/hamstring still playing up there's absolutely no point except to make myself miserable. So I ran with the group to 10k and wished them a fond farewell while they continued on just a little bit further. It was hard. The run home was very lonely but I didn't have to walk like last week.

And because I was disciplined on Saturday, I was able to back up and do a very comfortable 11k on Sunday. My injury only played up minimally and I was finally able to implement something that my exercise physiologist son has been encouraging me to do. He's asked me to run a few hundred meters really focusing on keeping my core engaged whenever I think of it through the run.

And the difference I found was quite amazing. I would find that my hip was starting to niggle and it would remind me that I had something to do. I'd engage my core and the pain would lessen. It's going to take a little while but I think with a concerted effort it will become more natural to run without my tummy flubbering all over the place. AND I might even look better when I run.

I know, though, that this will take time and practice and the Melbourne Half is just a little too close. Melbourne is definitely going to be slow and is probably going to hurt but I still can't wait! It's going to be so good to get away and have some quality time with my first-born. And even better - if I need a little treatment after the run, Sam will be quite happy to do a little muscle-release on me. Now that's something to really look forward to.

13 comments:

  1. I must encourage my children to take up useful professions such as physiotherapist or exercise physiologist. That could come in handy. Well done on holding back for your long run - I know how hard that can be!

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  2. I'm glad you had a successful run. Engaging your core when running is something we all need to do more to help prevent injuries. Keep it up and you'll be running that way naturally in no time and feeling better too!

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  3. Sounds like you're getting some great advice! So glad your run went well and your pumped for the half!

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  4. That is interesting advice from your son - I am going to think of that next time I feel my body getting tired and my form getting sloppy...
    Glad you had some good runs this weekend!

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  5. Can Sam come to my races too??

    Glad your run went so much better this week, and I like that core engagement technique!

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  6. Good 20k run. The half won't be a problem and if you take it easy it will be a great race.

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  7. Good for you for cutting it off at 20k. Core engagement is so tough, I find! You can have abs of steel but it means nothing if you can't engage them. I think of it quite a bit when I'm in the pool. As soon as I engage my core, my speed picks up. Keep it up!

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  8. I need to encourage my children to major in massage therapy, exercise physio, or physical therapy!! Deena Kastor got it right when she married a massage therapist, eh? Nice job on the run and playing it safe! Can't wait for Melbourne!

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  9. Melbourne awaits! I suspect you will do better than you expect!

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  10. Ohh a half coming up. Have fun and I bet it will be great!

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  11. Glad you had a good run and got a wise advice.
    I am sure you are ready for the half, don't think twice and run like the wind.

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  12. Yay!! It's all about the core!! :)
    Sorry about those wallabies. ;)

    You've got this half. Awesome!!!

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  13. I've never had a body part niggle before :) Great job on the run this week. Always feels nice to get one of those on the heels of a bad one.

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