LSD

LSD (long slow distance) is what I've been prescribed by my PT for running right now.  I want to run faster and do intervals and tempo runs but my knees aren't too happy with it right now.  I need to build back with slower miles, 9min/mile or slower, until my knees feel fine after the runs.  Sometimes they will be sore after and other times they'll hurt for the rest of the day and sometimes they will hurt the next day as well.  So, my PT said to slow it down so I'll do that for at least 2 more weeks.  Then, we will reassess and go from there.

I did some intervals on Tuesday.  After a 2.5 mile warm up, I did 8x400m at the Austin High track.  Hurt like fucking hell but it is what is needed.  I did them at about 1:50 per 400m which isn't fast by any means but I have to start somewhere.  Unfortunately, I won't be able to do that workout again for a few weeks.

Holidays suck because my weight is all over the place.  It is expected but I'm not having any major swings so that is good.  The key for me is alcohol so if I can control that, I'm golden.

This week: 17.5 miles

Asics mileage: 95.5 miles

Getting back into shape SUX!!!

I have been given the green light to run and I have been running on my own.  Man, it sucks getting back into shape.  I'm pushing myself and I just don't have the extra gear yet.  However, I'm going to be changing up my workouts starting next week.  Before, I was just doing steady state or slightly tempo runs.  With my 1st workout next week, I'm going to be doing intervals.  I know that in order to get faster, I'm going to have to push myself and get my heart rate up.  Intervals are a great way to do that.  I actually don't mind doing 8-10x400 on the track.  It's going to hurt but it'll be worth it in the long run.  I just have to start pushing myself more with structure speed work instead of lazy long runs.

My knee is feeling better though.  I got a cortisone injection into the plica of my right knee almost 2 weeks ago.  It seems to be helping!  I still have some pain in my knee but it is much less now.  It's very odd with my knee pain.  I went a did a 5 mile run on Thursday and was sore for a couple of days after.  Yesterday, I did 7 miles and I didn't have any issues at all afterwards.  Weird, but I'll take it.

Gym stuff is still going well.  My trainer and I are pushing each other.  I'm still sore 2 days later after Friday's workout.  I used to be focused on weight, but I can tell that my body comp is changing.  My weight isn't really getting to the goal that I want but my jeans are getting skinner and my shirts are getting tighter.  Either way, I'm continuing towards my goal of looking good naked.

And I still love snowboarding.

Two weeks ago: 5 miles
One week ago: 6 miles
This week: 12 miles

Asics mileage: 78 miles

Green Light!

Saw my two weeks ago and he said that I have the green light to start running without restrictions again.  I'm really happy about this and I can't wait to run and run and run.  It sucks getting back into shape but this is the time of the year to do it and enjoy it.  I'll ramp up moderately until I'm running about 20 miles a week again which will probably be the end of December.  At that point, I may join a running group again but we will see how my knee feels.

The bad thing is that my PT did as much as he could with my knee and all of the soft tissue stuff is fairly OK.  He thinks that I have some cartilage damage which he can't do anything about.  I see an ortho on Tuesday to hopefully get an MRI done to really see what is in there and what is causing this pain still.  Surgery might be an option, but until then, I'll keep running and snowboarding!

Two weeks ago: 9 miles

Last week: 15 miles

Asics mileage: 54.5 miles