No, I didn’t actually fall off the face of the earth, it just totally seemed like it! I certainly didn’t intend to spend almost two weeks away from Bloggyville, but life, work and some computer troubles have kept me away. The poor computer made a loud *POP* then a puff of smoke and then…nothing. We’re hoping the hard drive escaped unharmed and are expecting parts whose names and functions I don’t understand to come in the mail in a few days. In the meantime, I’m scribbling away on my tiny netbook. Have you ever typed up a blog post on one of these itty bitty keyboards? Geez Louise!
Things here in the P household are good. Really good, in fact. I put a highly-revised, lowered-standards, just-happy-to-cross-the-finish-line Half Iron training schedule on the refrigerator last week and so far I’ve hit every workout as planned – yay! My new plan basically started me from scratch on the bike and run since I’ve taken so much time off the last three months. My speed is definitely not there, but my endurance actually seems just about right, so that’s a bonus. I’m guessing that all the swimming I’ve been doing has kept my fitness (but certainly not my weight – yikes! – that’s a whole ‘nuther kettle of fish) at an acceptable level.
In Running-in-Vibrams news, I couldn’t be happier with the way my runs have been going! I’ve really taken my time getting used to them and I’m just now, after a month of running in them, starting to add some distance. I progressed very slowly from about half a mile to a mile, then to a mile and a half and then up to two glorious miles. I kept my speed sort of intentionally slow at first, too, so I could really focus on keeping my form. I say “sort of intentionally” because at first I really couldn’t go any faster. Gradually, though, this running style has started to feel easier and I’ve started to pick up the pace a little. This morning was my longest and fastest run to date at three miles with an 8’17” pace and it felt absolutely wonderful!! When I walked back in the door afterward, I finally, finally felt like I had gone for a “real” run. It’s been months since I’ve felt like that. Ahhhhhh, endorphins.
So, what of the sciatic pain that’s been plaguing me for months, you ask?? It’s gone. G-O-N-E. Between the Tempurpedic bed, doing the pillow-between-your-knees sleeping thing, the Vibrams and about two weeks of regular ibuprofen I think I finally gave that ol’ pain-in-the-back the boot. Thank goodness!
The plan from here is to continue building endurance before May 22nd. I’m doing three swims, three bikes, three runs and one bike-run brick per week, with very gradually increasing volume that doesn’t even approach race distance except for the swim (I’m already way over swim distance, can you believe it??). But given the choice between leaping back into full volume training which would likely lead to re-injury or showing up on race day and basically gritting my teeth and hoping to make it through, I chose the underprepared but injury-free option.
How’ve you been?? Healthy and happy, I hope. I’ll be spending some time this weekend getting caught up on blogs. I’m also going to spectate at IronHubs’ sixth marathon (plus a 5K for Big Boy and Little Boy) tomorrow. The weather is being uncooperative (100% chance of rain and winds over 20 mph), but his training cycle went exceptionally well and I have a good feeling about a new PR for all three of them!
ajh says
So very glad to hear of how well you are doing. I had to do the pillow between the knees thing at one time but must admit I have kind of dropped it. Have fun being the wonderful spectator you will be.
MCM Mama says
Glad to hear things are going well.
As soon as I get through my half marathon, I totally plan to start upping my vibram mileage again. I love those shoes!
Julie says
Sounds like you are being so smart! Pillow between the knees? I need to re-read on that!
Megan says
Glad to hear you’re back at it. I hope you can have more of those great feeling post run since you’re sciatic pain is gone. Those endorphins really feel great! 🙂
Tortuga_Runner says
I’m so happy to read the words pain free. Good job making it through rehab. Frustration with your diagnosis could have totally sidelined you, but you are mentally tough. As for weight? I can’t imagine your teeny body with any lbs. on it, but if you say so. Do you mind sharing your “just finish” 1/2 iron schedule?
Matthew Smith says
That rocks that the Vibrams are really working for you. That makes me happy!
Kristin says
Someone else who says geez Louise! I thought I might be the only one. (In fact, I find it popping out so much that I’ve started trying to restrain myself. 🙂
Char says
Good news about the sciatica. Bad news about the computer. But at least the good outweighs the bad and the bad can be fixed with new parts.
Jogging with Fiction says
that’s GREAT news, well except for the smoking computer.
Michelle says
Awesome news!
misszippy says
Way to go with the Vibram progression! I’ll be interested to see how it all goes. And you’re getting in all those workouts too–life is good (especially w/ the computer back, right?)
ratherthecouch says
Yay!!! I’m so happy to hear your sciatica is on the bend! And you’ll be great in your race. Especially now that you’re fish!
Colleen says
Glad to hear that you are doing well!
And awesome updates. So glad that you are easing back into triathlon training and that the vibrams are working out for you! And super big yay that the sciatica is not bothering you!
Michael says
Awesome that you are doing better!! It’s always so encouraging to hear others are improving!
Alma says
I’m so glad you’re feeling better!
Candice @ I Have Run says
Yay for feelign better. And for being happy. Enjoy your training!!
Joanne says
Good for you. Sciatica is absolutely no fun.
I’m so excited about this summer – my husband is doing his first Sprint Triathlon. After Boston, I plan on getting more into cycling but swimming def. puts me off doing a Tri. I’ll stick to running.
Anne says
It’s so nice to read about how things are going so well. Yay for no more pain in the sciatica 🙂
BTW P, my old blog was deleted. I was having serious issues with it. Here’s the link to my new blog is you want to join me there 🙂
http://www.anne-asthmaandthegiftofrunning.blogspot.com/
Teamarcia says
So glad you’re back on! I was about to send out a search party for you. Gald to hear all is going well and your sciatc pain is gone. I remain cautiously optimistic for both of us at CIM in Dec!