Running Run United 2 2013

I just ran the Run United 2 for 2013 earlier. Of course, I took on the 21k distance and I ran slower than my average but I've never felt better.

Well, I was expecting to come back on my normal average time of 2:40 but I did not push for it. I just came back from injury and I did not really train for this. In short, I wasn't prepared. 

I think I ran my normal 6-8 km/hr pace until the 14th. It was a hot and humid day. And, I kept staying on the hydration stations to drink and splash myself with water. My tummy felt funny at 12th, I didn't wanna finish my Gatorade at that time but still I did, so that I won't have anything on my hands. 

I walked at 14th then ran my lazy girl pace (which is now 9:00 km/hr.. Yeah, I know it is slower). Then walked again somewhere between 17th and 18th. Then, hydrated myself some more, then walked on the 20 to 20.5 then ran up to the end.

What I realized on this race is that I can still come back to running even after I've walked. I was afraid I might experience what I've felt on the Nat Geo Run. Wherein, I was not able to come back to running after drinking too much water at the 12th km hydration station. Also, I came back to the feeling of drag (wherein you count the kms you pass by as you run... Dreadful, dreary and awful feeling really), I thought I was okay last week but it seems that I wasn't. 

So this only means one thing, I have to come back to training again. I just had my go signal from the doctor yesterday. I can run again, with precautions (if possible, she advised me to wear knee supports particularly the one with patella support). I will continue whatever I have been doing with additional miles/kms per week. And do what I am planning to do on the next days. 

I think I'm being too hard on myself when I think that what I've been doing is not enough. I know I can still push it further but I forgave myself today because I know this isn't the day to do it. I will be gunning to beat my PR on the Milo Manila Elims on July so this is the start of my training. I hope all goes well. 

Me and my running buddies. Tired but smiling. Credit to Ms Mj for this photo.

Bouncing back

Earlier, I just came from clinic to make a follow up on my knee condition. I was happy leaving the place because the doctor advised me that I am already okay, I just have to take extra care of my knees.

So, what have I been doing lately before this day? 

1. I have mentioned that I am still running, but not as often as before (I can log 30kms a week) but now gradually I am coming back and I noticed a bit faster than before. This is because I've added something to my workouts.

2. Made weekly target exercises to tone parts of my body. I don't know if it works but it feels good. And I know, I have to strengthen my legs and core muscles in order for me to lessen the injury.

3. Stretches, as recommended by the book, Run Less, Run Faster from Runner's World. It feels good too so, I am doing it.

4. Studied Chi Running. I read in a blog, that this running style/form helped him endure his knee injury. But I admit I am still in the process of studying it. I think it helped in making me run a bit faster.. I think. I wish I am doing it right. 

5. Swimming. But not regularly, I will try to make it my weekly habit including biking (I will be getting the bike hopefully by June 2013). 

I think I will be adding some modality exercise I've made during therapy and also as I've mentioned in number five, I will also add biking as my cross training thingy. I guess weekends will be as busy as ever, this injury just opened a lot of possibilities for me and I am just beginning to grab every opportunity that goes along with it. 

Tomorrow, I will be running my second Run United for the year. I will be going for the 21km distance and I hope I don't disappoint myself. I won't go to beat my personal record but I will try running it in less than 2:40. 

I wish. Let's see. Cheers to me bouncing back! ^_^