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/

Jessica's first race.

Here is a picture of my daughter, Jessica and her friend Joe. Jessica just finished her first race, the Gasparilla Distance Classic 15k. She had a time of 1:43:23. Way to go Jess!

Superbowl 10k

Had a nice run yesterday in the Superbowl 10k. This is the only picture I have which is after the race as JoAnne and I were walking to the car. I ran 1:3:36 a PR for me (my first 10k)! Due to the ice on the roads the course was modified to an out and back two times. I felt good so with a mile to go I pushed the last mile (mostly down hill). I was glad when I got out of bed today I had no pains!

St. Luke’s Half Marathon Training Group

I ran with the training group on Sunday morning, we did about 4 miles at a conversational pace. According to my heart rate monitor I ran mostly between 65% and 75% of my maximum heart rate. This is a great way to get in a good run with a nice group of people. Laura Michaels is the organizer and is very enthusiastic. Little over 12 weeks to the half!

Family run.

Last Saturday my daughter Jessica and her husband were visiting from Florida so Jessica and I decided to run in the Lehigh Parkway for a five miler. She really appreciated the 6º weather :)

Yoga and Tai Chi

I just finished doing Yoga and Tai Chi. Every day I have been doing a little Yoga routine, including some foot stretching, before getting out of bed. While the coffee is brewing I then do my Tai Chi. I think this has helped me recover from plantar fasciitis and I feel it is a great way to start the day.