Still around

Two things are still around in my running career: the ability to get out there and pound out miles without training and this fricken nagging pain in my foot!

We had fabulous weather for our school's track and field day yesterday!  In fact, it was the best field day that I can remember having.  The kids were well-behaved and most of them participated in multiple events and really enjoyed themselves.  There was just enough sun to offset the cool breeze and keep you switching from a tank to a sweatshirt.  My kind of weather indeed.

Kimberly and I got out there and did 3 miles in 30 minutes before lunch.  It was a nice slow pace for my first outdoor run in 4.5 months.  I'm convinced that getting my heart rate up during heavy lifting sessions is what keeps my cardiovascular endurance up enough to just keep on running without even getting winded.  That is something to celebrate! I know last year at this time I probably couldn't have done three miles that easily even when I had been training for a few months.  My foot didn't really bother me until I was done and then it was just a nagging pain.

However, Leslie and I couldn't let down two 8th grade boys who needed two girls in their 4x200 relay race.  I knew better than to sprint on this jacked up foot and told myself just to keep it slow because the important thing was supporting these boys.  I think I did pretty well...I ran hard, but didn't break into a full out sprint.  The only thing that bothered me was the start, pushing off on my toes.  That split second of pressure caused my foot to hurt all last night.  I just don't get it?  Will I never be able to do burpees, squat jumps, box jumps, sprints, etc. ever again?  I'd actually prefer to do HIIT workouts than long runs, but I just don't see it happening.  We'll see what Dr. W says next Thursday, but from what I'm feeling I don't see how much has changed in 18 weeks.  Sure it doesn't hurt on a daily basis, but the minute I do any moves that require a bend and push off with that foot I'm right back in the same boat.