Thursday, September 17, 2009

The Change-up

I love the game of Baseball. In baseball it's said that the Pitcher has 75% of the game in his hands. The remaining 25% is in the hands of the fielders and umps. The pitcher has an arsenal of pitches. One ought to be the change-up. It is an effective and deceptive pitch often getting the pitcher out of a jam. Right now this runner is in a slight jam. For over two months now I've been dealing with Achilles tendinitis. It is not debilitating but it is not getting better. So....I'm throwing a change-up. High mileage days followed by rest days. This week, Monday had to rest...Tuesday 17 miles, Wednesday rest, today 13.68 miles. The heel is not painful, but it is on the edge. There is no pain while running but it stiffens afterwards. The hills are the culprit!
I felt so strong today. I decided to go one hour ten minutes out and then return as hard as I could. One thing you must know it is hilly!! Cry baby, cry! I named another hill today but I can't put it in print!
Anyway, I ran quite strong and confidently. I am encouraged and pretty sure I'll be ready for the marathon. As to the 20 miler on the track? Yeah, it's stupid but I am needing to get off the hills. I'll take your advice and stay in the outside lane, and change directions often. That's a ways down the road, though.
Totals- 13.68 miles/ 2:21:34/ 10:20's. This is the best pace I've ever had on this route at this distance! Hope the weather is great where you are! Peace!

7 comments:

Marlene said...

Very nice run! I hope the alternating rest days help.

Mel -Tall Mom on the Run said...

Thank you for the advice on my Blog. I LOVE the races where the funds go to a good cause. I will seek out those in the future.

20 miles on a track?? One of my bloggy buddies did 20 on a tredmill, but a track... WOW!! I am lucky to have a FLAT trail that spans for miles and miles...course I used it too much in Marathon prep and died on the hills. Live and learn

Bethk said...

Glad you are being smart and giving yourself some rest days. We are having some warm weather here but it is supposed to cool down next week. Are the leave changing there yet? It was dry here so the leaves are changing early and it looks like we are well into fall.

Jamie said...

I hope the alternate rest days help the tendon. Nice job on the last run!

Unknown said...

Hope the long track run goes well! By the way, since I'm not a spring chicken any more, I always follow up my long run days with a rest day. I just can't do it any other way! Tried it last week and wilted...
Have fun running and thanks for your kind words on my blog!

5 Miles Past Empty said...

wow, that is a lot of long runs during the week! Sorry to hear about your tendon. When is your marathon? And when in the world are you doing 20 miles on a track? You will need entertainment for sure!!

The weather here is absolutely gorgeous!!!

Amanda

Love to Run said...

Mark,

You talk about me needing to get my ankle better? Well, right back at you for your Achilles. Ice after your runs may be your best friend.

Keep up the great training though. Don't worry about the track run, have some fun with it. Change lanes every once in awhile to mix it up. Change directions if you wish though I don't think it will cause any issues if you don't. Remember, I did the 95.3 lap marathon last January with no ill effects.

Sauna

      This is the most wonderful time of year! I love the heat and humidity! Yet I still get out earlier due to my advanced age! 4.4 miles! ...