John 8:32 "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." NIV

Sunday, June 6, 2010

10 faster miles and a sore hip

I mentioned on Friday night, that my new running partner Bob had a 10 mile running workout planned. I was nervous, but since he is such an awesome "coach" he made it mostly painless.

I set my alarm so I could be up by 5:30 since Bob was picking me up at 5:45. I woke up at 5:11 and decided to just get up. I took my time getting dressed, ate a Luna bar, filled my water, fed the dog (who got fed an extra breakfast since my husband did not see the note: Dolce ate breakfast), and checked email.

Right on time, Bob arrived and we were off. We were heading to the Capital Crescent Trail in Bethesda, MD for a change of scenery.  Our goal was to run the last 2-3 miles faster than the first ones. We headed down the trail and after the first mile realized we would be running about 10 minute miles. I hoped that I would be able to run the last ones faster. We made it to Fletcher's Boat House in DC, walked around a little to look around and then turned around.

Something strange was happening to my left hip. Not sure if it was the IT band or something else. I had really concentrated on my posture (with Bob's gentle reminders) and using my hips to run more, but it felt strange. We stopped another time and Bob showed me a hip stretched. And then he said, "Now on the last bridge, give it all you got."

The problem was that I thought the second to the last bridge was the last one and I took off. My last mile was like 9:05. I think I just wanted to finish so the pain would stop in my hip. And as always, Bob had a EAS protein drink for me (I finally found some at Target to replenish his stash) and cold watermelon. It was nice. Since all my readers want to meet my partner, I convinced him to let me take a picture of him... yes, he is a little camera shy. He is in great shape and his last mile was something like 9:15. I joked that he was going to take me further than I ever have been and I would try to make him faster.

We stretched, talked a little and headed home. I walked in the door at 9:02. Nothing like getting out and running miles early. Good thing we did because around 8am, the trail was busy with bikes, walkers, and runners alike. I kind a like that we are alone when we start earlier.

And to return the favor, Bob took a picture of my hot, sweaty mess. I ran without my visor and it was fine. Just had my curls tames in clips. Most of the time I forgot I was even wearing the clips. This shot is of course after I drenched my body with water. I am squinting because I did not wear my sun glasses either because the trail is very well shaded.

I spent the rest of the day with my family at the pool, then with my children at a HOA ice cream social & concert and at Target.

This morning, my hip is really sore. I have stretched it and I am trying not to limp. I need to research what muscle I have irritated so I can be ready to run tomorrow.

How did your long run go yesterday? I know some of you have races today: 1/2 marathons, marathons, and even a Tri. Praying for you to have a good run (bike and swim) and for you to be injury free.

6 comments:

Marlene said...

Way to go on the 10 miles! Sounds like a great day with the family after. So nice to get that run done early.

Unknown said...

good job. hope you figure out what is going on with your hip

TMB @ RACING WITH BABES said...

Take it easy with that hip. Great job on the run though! And super family day after!

Oh and the new header (not sure how long it's been up) is killing me with the black dots on the faces! Too funny!

RunningFromCancer said...

Bob sounds like a true friend . . . and coach -it sounds like he loves this as much as you do. I keep forgetting to try the watermelon after a run. I am actually eating a bowl of fruit right now and have to remember to cut some for my tuesday morning run.

I hope you hip just needs stretching.

Pam @ herbieontherun.com said...

My hip flexor gets a twinge in it for a couple days after I really push my speed. I've figured out that it has to do with my stride length. I'm working on that issue.

My longish run got cut way short this morning. I planned to get in 8 miles before services, but by 7:00 it was already almost 80 degrees with 70% humidity. I drained my fuel belt and was a sweaty, sloppy, slow mess after only five miles. It's gonna be a loooooooooooooong summer.

Lindsay said...

too funny on bob's photo :) glad you have such a good running buddy! hope your hip was just acting up and isn't still bothering you.