Running & Raspberries (12.10.2008)

Yesterday was exactly a month since the Harrisburg Marathon. I vowed to myself that I was going to run 4 miles on the treadmill at a 10 min mile pace. I have run since the marathon, but it has been at a VERY easy pace because I didn't want to hurt myself anymore than I already had.

When I first started, my hamstring felt tight - like I couldn't do a normal stride because it may snap. (yes, I tend to just hop on the treadmill and start running.) But this time I slowed it up and walked for a few mins to warm up properly. After my warm up, I picked it up to 10 min miles and felt good. Good meaning my hamstring was looser and my breathing felt normal.

This went on for about 1.5 miles. Then I started to feel some twinges in my hamstring, so I brought my "speed" down a few notches. Kevin came up to me and I ranted for a few minutes how I am so frustrated because I want to run normally but my hamstring is holding me back. Even though I have been getting in some good workouts at the gym doing other things - I miss running. Did I just say that?

But really, running makes me sweat the most and breathe the hardest. So, I decided to push through it and finish my run. It definitely isnt the smartest thing to push through pain, but I had to try.

I eventually got through the hamstring twinges and felt ok. I was going a smidge slower than 10 min mile pace, but I ended up running 4.25 miles and then walking to cool down. I decided it wasn't a stupid idea to push through because the last mile or so I felt fine. No twinges to note and maybe I needed to just loosen it up a bit. Total treadmill miles: 4.5

I have to admit that sometimes while I am driving or sitting at my desk, my hamstring will start to throb like it wants to let me know it is still there. I always tell Mr. Hamstring to go away. It has actually been doing it the whole time I am typing this post, so maybe it is all in my head?

Anyways, I finished up my gym time with some arm and chest lifting. Then, I did a bunch of stretching.

Dinner was pretty boring: fish and roasted brussels...again, so no pic. But I did take a picture of my dessert. A spoonful of almond butter w/ fresh raspberries. Like PB&J without the bread.

And another few handfuls of raspberries because they were so ripe and delicious. Please excuse the almond butter on my finger. I definitely didnt put that directly in the jar ;)

My meals have been pretty boring lately, so tonight, I am cooking up a recipe out of my Top Chef Cookbook to try and be more exciting. See you later!