Finding My Run Again...

I've lost my run. My perfect 5k, that keeps my endorphins dancing. I have been fighting with running for the past few weeks. Partly because my feet hurt so darn bad and I am hoping my new, custom-made orthotics are going to help (thanks Walter Reed hospital).

There are a few other things that have gotten in my way as well. The major one, feet aside, would be the cold. I hate running in the cold. I have tried it multiple times. I'm not talking Floridian cold (i.e., oh no, it's 60 degrees outside again!)...I'm talking the 20-30 degree which makes me inner ear tubes feel like they are going to freeze and crack.

I've got all the cold weather running gear. Jackets, wind-proof, thermal, ear covers, hats, gloves, etc. Not working for me. Spring keeps throwing me the same old story, "hey, I'm almost here...nevermind...not ready yet...here's some more cold."

The only good thing about running in the cold is that I usually can't feel how bad my feet hurt.

So how am I finding my run until I get back in the good 'ol sunshine state (t-minus three weeks and counting)? I'm hitting the treadmill and mixing up my cross-training so when I hit the pavement, it will be running.

Treadmills stink - I have been doing a mix of walking on an incline, slow runs, and interval runs with sprints. I only do about 20 minutes of treadmill work. Because I hate them so very, very much. I am doing this about 2-3 times a week.

Cross-training work has consisted of spinning (I teach a 45 minute class plus I get on a bike after one of my runs to do a slower ride and loosen up a bit).

I have also been rowing, which I love. I try to get in one 30 minute rowing session a week, at a very high intensity (keeping between 30-31 strokes/minute for the entire session). Rowing is awesome because it works your body in a very different pattern than running does, which is the idea behind cross-training (avoiding repetitive motion injuries, while working different muscles).

When I feel really good, I will also throw in a quick elliptical session. I like to vary my elliptical sessions by doing several different things. I used different machines. Some imitate cross-country skiing and have no include, while others can be inclined until it feels like you are hiking up a mountain. I also throw in some speed intervals, crank and lower the resistance, and always, always work through my heels.

Very important point here - don't go up on your toes while "ellipticalling" (I just made up a word). Push down through your heels and you will feel the muscles that should be working kick in (your glutes, your quads and your hamstrings) and you won't over work your calves (and end up unnecessarily sore in one place). (This same rule...working through your heels...applies to squats as well).

Hopefully, these combined efforts will get me back to my preferred run pace/distance once I thaw out.

Anna Marie