Six Pain-Free Miles

No pain in the plantar-fasciitis at least. The right hamstring is complaining a little, but this has been a chronic issue ever since it “popped” in the Twin Cities Marathon a few years ago, forcing me to walk the last 16 miles. I need to note it in the log, do my stretches, and hope it doesn’t become a problem. I had hoped it would go away completely, doing so little running, but perhaps the biking is just as hard on it. Or maybe it will never heal correctly. That’s the bad news, and not very bad.

The good news: this is the longest run in months free of plantar-fasciitis pain. YAY! And a beautiful morning on the Gateway Trail horse paths, too. Damp from last night’s rain, silent running.

It took me just over 54 minutes, for a pace of about 9:05, which is just fine considering the soft trails and my current level of fitness. Breathing was four footfalls per full breath most of the way; that’s a perfect breathing rate for me in longer runs, or races up to a marathon. It changes to three footfalls per full breath going up hills and near the finish. If it gets to two footfalls per breath, I’m either a few hundred yards from the finish or I’m in trouble and must slow down or walk a bit.

This run was long enough to begin to feel it in the leg muscles, especially the left thigh which has been under-used while I’ve been compensating for the PF in the left foot. But that’s a GOOD feeling; progress is being made.

Bottom line: It’s a masterpiece!


Today's breakfast: Organic oatmeal, organic nonfat milk, blueberries, organic strawberries, kiwi. Estimated Weight Watcher points = 3.


Today's lunch: Sunshine's chard with sweetened cranberries and pistachios, organic butternut squash, organic cheddar, organic salsa, Sunshine gluten-free corn bread (with stuff), organic peanut butter. Estimated Weight Watcher points = 6.


Last night's supper: Organic brown and wild rice, organic squash, organic home-toasted cashews (by Sunshine), watermelon, organic broccoli. Estimated Weight Watcher points = 5.