Saturday group run.

Today I ran around 7 miles with my Saturday morning group.  Although my leg muscles are a little sore, overall I felt fine.  My left knee has been bothering me and I have been doing some strength training to help that and it looks like it is working since I ran 7+ miles a few days ago and close to 7 today with no knee pain.  I have also been using the foam roller every day along with the Stick.

Iron Strength workout

Yesterday was a non-running, strength training day. Since I had taken off from work I had time to walk with JoAnne before she went to work, then I took my car in for some work (had to leave the car until Wednesday ) and returned home. Iron Strength workouts start with foam rolling (sometimes I use The Stick), a warm-up and then two sets of the actual workout.


The weather was fine so I decided to use the bicycle for the warm-up. First I used my foam roller for about five minutes or so and then I rode the bike on my favorite run, the private lane, which takes about twenty minutes. Then I changed to my indoor exercise clothing and did the first IS workout from the book. I am only doing five to ten reps and only one set until I become adjusted to the program-I'm such a wimp! After I complete one set I do my twenty minute yoga routine and I'm done; about one hour and twenty minutes. I am hoping this workout gives me more muscle balance and reduces injuries and maybe even help me run faster.

Latest run

Yesterday I did a 10.68 mile run/walk and had no problems with my recent calf strain. I am slowly increasing the run duration and decreasing the walk duration. Last week I was in Florida and while running I could feel my calf muscle get tight and sting a little bit so I am being cautious this close to the half marathon. I had been on pace to run the half on a 2:20 pace but that looks too aggressive at this time-better slow go than no go. I have been using arnica gel on my leg,using the foam roller and the stick(I take the stick to work). This is the first time using arnica gel so I am not sure yet if it is helping.

The Stick and the foam roller saved my training!

A few weeks ago I strained my calf muscle and was worried that I would not be able to keep up my mileage for the May 1 half marathon. But with regular use of the Stick ( as shown in the picture ) and the foam roller I was able to complete the 7 mile training run with our group today. I had a similar injury last year just before entering a half marathon and at the race expo there was a vendor selling "sticks". The man gave me a demo while talking to me. I was leaving the expo and felt so good I bought one and have been an avid user ever since. If you have not seen one of these tools go here www.thestick.com/