Growing pains?

12 years ago this month, I underwent a lateral release of my left patella. Just last week I answered questions about my fitness level and discussed injuries with a family member. He asked whether my knee ever cropped up, and I said "naaaahhh. Not in years". 

Rule number one: "Let sleeping dogs lie..."

I'm thinking this ache is from the higher intensity weight training I've been doing but I'm not really up for quitting. I've been walking a lot- some running-- enough to stay very fit while walking enough to make it comfortable. 

Folks always say that runners are stupid- pushing through injuries and pain. I think the mindset that controls pain and your response to endurance activities has a lot to do with where you've been. When you've been to hell and back with injuries, perspective comes a little more easily....

Core principles...

Some of the most beneficial training I've done recently has been done in less than 35 minutes, in the comfort of my own bedroom. I started a "Spartacus" style workout, and in as little as 30 minutes, 3 times per week, for 2 weeks, I've seen my body transform. I can't imagine how things are going to look at 5-6 weeks out...

Three separate groups of three exercises is enough to engage just about every muscle you could think of. You run through the first three exercises twice, the second three twice, and the third three twice. That's it- 40 seconds on, 20 seconds rest- the focus is on quality, not quantity, and that's just the ticket!

While many of these workouts exist, this is the one I've chosen: http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/spartacus-workout-the-triple-set-scorcher.html

Good luck, and enjoy :)

It's been a good week...

Last weekend I ran my first 9K- boy was it awesome. I wish I had known going into it that it was about 60% trail running. I showed up in my Altra Delilah minimalist runners. Needless to say, I felt every rock- but I kind of loved it. I think with the lone peak's or even the provision, racing like that would be a complete joy. I finished the 5.6 mile jaunt in just over 49 minutes- a 78th place finish among 273 runners.

Two days later, still a bit sore, I showed up for the local memorial race for a young man who passed away 3 years ago- the result of injuries sustained in a car accident. Super sad situation but overwhelming support for his family and the high school cross country team. I heard that over 500 showed up for the walk/run. It was a challenging course- more so than you'd think. I knew better, as I've run it in training quite a few times.
A nice sized incline was just around the corner from the start, and rolling hills followed. It was nice to see everyone cheering at the high school at the finish of the race. Great support for a great memorial race. 1st place in age group, and got to see a lot of great people I don't see enough.