Thursday, January 25, 2007

Much Better

It is true - time and more running eases those sore muscles. I feel much better today after three days of running. There wasn't anyone waiting for me when I went out to run yesterday, so I chose to skip the hill run. For one thing, it doesn't seem smart to post on the wide, wide internet exactly where I plan to run at 5 am, then go do it solo. And, I was still a little too sore and tired to contemplate the hill route. Instead I chose a five mile route that included two substantial hills - actually, when I look at the Garmin elevation graph, I am surprised at how hilly most of my routes are. They are really small hills though, some barely even noticeable - except you feel extra effort in the legs when you are on them. Today Barb and I ran for 4.88 miles, no big hills.

I'm facing an 11 to 12 hour day at work today - though one of the good things about my job is that the hours are completely flexible. I worked yesterday morning and last night, taking the afternoon between off. Today I'll do the long hours, and then just work a few hours in the morning. I like knowing I can schedule appointments, or slip out to watch Riley at cross-country or track meets. Once I've put in my posted office hours, and met my classroom obligations, I have the option of packing things up and working from home - which was really nice during all the snow and ice. On the downside, we are having a training tonight - a refresher, really - on child abuse. As classroom teachers and college instructors, we are mandated reporters, which means we are required by law to report suspected abuse. It's been quite a few years since our last training on this topic, hence the refresher course. Sad and scary to think about, but very necessary.

On to more pleasant topics: this weekend's runs. Jenny and I are planning a double loop at the very hilly Pt. Defiance this weekend for 10 miles. I'm pretty sure we'll have a few others joining us. I'll be running there again the next day - but only one loop for five miles. We are prepping for our next race the following weekend. That involves a hilly, gravel service road around a lake - something like 9.3 mile loop - we'll do two, while Eric, and (I think) Rob and Steve put in three. We've been having clear cold mornings that last few days - temps right around 36 in the morning, up to 50 or so in the afternoon. That is forecast to continue through the weekend - which will be much nicer than our last run at the park where we got soaked. Oh, and rumor has it that all the downed trees have been cleared, so we won't have to climb over and crawl under.

Till next time...MM#402.

10 comments:

runliarun said...

New signature :)?

Wes said...

Uh, oh! We may never see her true name again :-) Its truly a shame that other people have to watch out for the children. If the parents don't, and we don't, then who will? I agree 100% on the time and running thing. I wouldn't miss my short recovery runs for the world. By Thursday, like today, I am feelin might fine indeed!

psbowe said...

It's always a big plus when your job provides alot of flexibility. I cannot wait to get back into running those miles like yours...but like you said, patience is key.

btw...I'm taking another attempt at this blogging business. Hopefully we'll run into each other again at more races this year.

Olga said...

I envy your flexible job. I am getting tired to run in the dark all the time...

JustRun said...

Ah, gotta love that flexibility. I've got some of it here but what I'd really like is to head out for a run at about 8:00 a.m. Mmmm, that's a good time for me. However, I've usually put in two work hours by that time... oh well, afternoon runs'll do.

IronWaddler said...

Glad you are feeling better. The flexiblity of your schedule probably makes those long hours alot easier.

Thomas said...

Glad to hear the soreness is gone, MM#402.

Hill runs are good. I tried to avoid them sometimes in the past, but on this training cycle I generally run the hilliest routes I can find. If grown to love them by now.

Ryan said...

Hope the hours went by fast yesterday! Have a great run this weekend, you’re so lucky to have temps in the 50’s enjoy!

Anonymous said...

Pt. Defiance is gorgeous; I've been thinking about it a lot lately.

And it's good to have the refresher on the child abuse, even though it's hard.

tryathlete said...

I love the flexibility too.

Have fun running this weekend, and thanks for your precious advice.