Keep Calm and Run On

After getting back from camping, I went running with Richie. We ran to Sugarhouse and did 8 strides. 

I have no idea what I did yesterday but my hips were sore today. We had our first day of school workout at the track- 3x1600 at 5:45. This getting back into running/shape business is a cruel mental battle. I have done this workout twice before and it has felt so good (because I am in good shape and ready to go) Well today was not like that and I struggled the most with comparing the now to the past. I keep putting myself down and getting frustrated because I am not where I once was. But so much has changed since then.(including a whole summer of high mileage training) I did the first and last one and that felt like a lot.  

Today was pretty stressful. After my first day of classes, I decided I wanted to change my major and it had to happen NOW. So I frantically was searching majors, classes and schedules just hoping I can still be eligible if I switch. I ran 6 mile Carterville and did 8 strides on the intramural field. It was so hot today and my WHOLE body was exhausted the entire time. It was hard to push through and just get the miles done. 

Today was frustrating. Again. Gratefully, everything worked out with changing my major  and classes and I am still eligible. We ran a fartlek workout of Provo River trail- 5-3-2. That was hard enough to run where I am able to right not rather than keep comparing to where I used to be. We were on the cool down and about 1.5 miles from the locker room, I sprained my ankle. SERIOUSLY???

I walked for a little bit then started jogging. That hurt so I walked back to the locker room so disappointed and upset. I went straight to the trainer and it is not too bad. Super swollen and tender today so I left on crutches. He assured me it will be fine by next week but I am just frustrated. This is just another thing and yes it will be better and I can run again soon but it takes time and miles that I feel like I don't have to waste if I am going to compete this season. 

Ankle still very swollen and hurts so I biked an hour 

Swollen but improving. Biked an hour with a 5-3-2-1 fartlek with equal recovery. 

I decided to try running on the alter g at 80%. I had my ankle taped before and that helped a lot. I was so excited to be running and get some miles in so I ran 8 then biked another 45 minutes. 

I ran at 85% and did 6 miles. My ankle felt fine as long as it was taped. My calves/hamstrings are sore from running on the alter g and I am tired from the cross training yesterday (plus 8 AM classes...) Biked 45 minutes 

Ran on the alter g at 90% for 2 miles then went to 100% for 2 miles. No pain so I ran 2 miles outside and it felt ok. Tender but mangageable. My quads are ridiculously sore and tight. I spend a long time stretching, rolling and icing. 

Ran 5 miles and it felt so much better to run outside than cross training. It felt weird because I am lacking miles and workouts but I need to start somewhere. 

5 miles outside

6 miles AG at 90% and 40 minutes biking 

4 miles outside and 5 AG

4 miles AG and 40 minutes biking

40 minutes biking

Long run

Ran 5 and biked 40 minutes. 

I started warming up for my 30 minute tempo on the alter g at 90% when Judd came over and said I should be at 100% unless there is pain. OK! I still ran the tempo on the treadmill so my legs would be forced to keep up. It was a good workout for me. I ran 3 later that night. 

Ran 4 and biked 40 minutes

Ran 4 and biked 40 minutes

Long run of 7

Day 1 being back with the team. We ran 7 mile Carterville and averaged 7:34. My legs felt ok but breathing was up. 

First workout since tryouts a month ago. I was really nervous. 2 mile warm up then I ran 1 of the mile repeats. (they did 2) sub 5:30. First 800 meters I was ok- I was there and on pace. Then mentally I took a huge nose dive. I could not snap out of it and mentally was drowning. I finished in 5:26. Immediately I told coach "I am not ready- I can't do it". Erika gave me a good motivational speech and I was just so frustrated. It has been a mental game trying to get back into running. Mentally I cannot get into workouts and intimidated. I need more time to ease back into it and not just dive in right away. Coach decided that it is best to red shirt this season. I cried in relief. That relieves pressure and gives me time to build a base and prepare myself mentally to get back into it. I am so grateful to be red shirting this cross country season.