Treadmill Success

I went for a slow and easy jog on the treadmill yesterday afternoon. My calf muscle was feeling better from my most recent injury. But I didn't want to hit the trails just yet. I wanted to make sure my calf is healing properly first. And I felt if I ran on the treadmill I could easily stop anywhere along my run and have a very short trip back to where I started!

I jogged about 3 miles and felt OK. I could feel a little tightness in my calf, but no pain. As I write this the next morning, no pain, but I can still feel the tightness. I think I will spend a little time gently stretching before going for my run today.

I seem to have mastered quick recoveries. I've spent the last three days practicing the R.I.C.E. method for recovery...

• Rest
• Ice
• Compression
• Elevation

I only wish I could figure out the cause so I can stop injuring myself to begin with!

On my next trail run I plan to take it VERY slow and easy. I just want to get a few miles in without hurting myself again.

Running For A Cause

I've decided to use my upcoming race to raise money for an important cause. I hope you will join me in this effort.

My upcoming race, the Rockeldge Rumble, is a yearly trail running event used to "Honor America's Veterans." I plan to run the 15K trail run this year as part of my training toward my first ultramarathon.

However, I would like to do more than just run in the race. I want to use this opportunity to raise awareness for an important cause. As a result, during this year's event I am running to raise money for the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund.

Donate Here!

The primary purpose of the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund is to provide support for dependent family members of military personnel who have given their lives in defense of the United States of America. I hope you will join me in supporting this important cause.

Please visit The Trail Jogger's Fundraising Page.

Week 11: Back On Track with Weight Loss

I was pretty frustrated when I weighted in last week and had gained almost a pound. I realize this weight loss thing isn't a linear process and that I am going to have some fluctuations in the results. But it's still frustrating to gain weight.

Geoff left me a comment last week that helped me gain some perspective. He pointed out that my average loss over the previous 10 weeks was 1.8 pounds. I think looking at the average is a much better approach than laser-focusing on the weekly results. So I've modified my summary information to include average lost.

Thanks Geoff!

I Blew It!

About 3.5 miles into my trail run today, I blew it--my calf muscle, that is.

I met with some of the North Texas Trail Runners this morning at the MADD shelter. Our goal was to run the Northshore trail from MADD to Rockledge Park and back, about a 10 miles round trip. I was feeling really good and thought I was up for the run. I was expecting to see a lot of this...

Strength Training for Endurance (W1D3)

Earlier today I completed Week 1, Day 3 of my strength and conditioning program. This time the focus was on the upper body. I can honestly say that I prefer running over strength training. However, I realize the importance of strength training and how it will help my running, especially to prepare my body for my ultramarathon goal.

I think three days per week is a little too much for my current fitness level. Last week I did the strength and conditioning on Monday and Friday, and that felt about right for me. So I will probably continue two days per week for now.