A Quick Note
Before I dash off into my day...
This week, I've felt stormy. Thunderclouds gathered in my chest, electrical charges pulsed through my fingers. A number of overwhelming situations contributed to this, and I took Wednesday afternoon off in order to get my head on straight. Last night was the last of seven out-of-town evening meetings for two different projects I manage (I didn't have to attend them all, thank goodness). I am celebrating having made it through this week!
I ran on Tuesday morning to get the kinks out, and met Paki Wednesday morning for a 3-mile run along the River Path. After she took off for home, I decided that since I was out there, I might as well get 3 more. I almost bailed after two additional miles, but promised myself a mocha if I did the extra mile. I did the extra mile - for a total of 6.5, yay! - and the mocha was gross. (I opted for the new orange mocha. Does anyone remember the Valencia mocha Starbucks used to carry? It was an orangey mocha and I loved it. But this time around, it's disgusting. Maybe the barista just put too much orange syrup in it? I dunno...)
Thursday morning was a rest day, since I had Ash. And this morning, I was planning on doing 8, but realized my knees and hips were hurting, and I know I've upped my mileage pretty dramatically, so I thought better to play it safe than sorry, and opted for 3.4 followed by some good stretching. (I've missed my yoga classes for the last week and a half due to the above-mentioned meetings.) I'm feeling pretty good now. Tomorrow is another rest day before Sunday, when I'll attempt 12 to 14 miles on the mountain as a modified version of what my trail running group is doing.
Weekly mileage since Feb:
week of: 2/12 - 13.5
2/19 - 13.4
2/26 - 8
3/5 - 16.4
3/12 - 21.29
3/19 - 10
3/ 26 - 15.4
4/2 - 4.42
4/9 - 16.10
4/16 - 12.5
4/23 - 8.9
4/30 - 23.9
5/7 - 27.3
I got new shoes this week - both trail and road. I've been running in my road shoes on the trails since Novemeber, and it's starting to suck. I tried on lots of different pairs of trail shoes, and ended up with my old standby - the Montrail Hardrocks. For road shoes, I got the Saucony Pro Grid (Pro Omni? Don't recall...), which is the new version of the shoe I'm currently running in - the Saucony Grid Omni - that I absolutely love. I also decided to get inserts, which I used for the first time this morning. I love the extra stability they seem to add.
Question: is an ice bath still effective if you take it an hour or two after your run? (I like to run on the mountain. It takes a good hour and a half to get home. I wonder if I could still do an ice bath or if it's one of those things that needs to be done immediately.)
Comments
Sounds like running is progressing well. I love the idea of "mocha motivation", but I'm sorry to hear the orange mocha sucked. I am generally a fan of orange and chocolate, but will probably pass this one up. As for the ice bath question, I would definitely say yes as inflammation isn't something that happens just immediately after a run. However, I think it is probably more difficult to take that ice bath after you are cooled down :-)
Posted by: Steve | May 18, 2007 08:33 AM
I tried the mocha orange frap with high expectations and it was disgusting. So, it wasn't just your barista.
Nice job on the recent mileage increase!
Posted by: Run Momma | May 18, 2007 09:31 AM
If you have the time why not hit Rose Canyon Lake on the way down. I'm sure it's still plenty cold!
Posted by: Mike | May 18, 2007 11:27 AM
I think that it is effective still.
Posted by: Juls | May 18, 2007 12:41 PM
I agree that it will still be effective...ice will still help so I think an ice bath would as well.
Woohoo to new sneaks! I am almost due for some but trying to hold out a bit longer.
Bummer about the mocha! Have your tried a peppermint mocha? They are my absolute favs but I can only drink one every 6 months or so because they pack the pounds on me!
Have a great weekend!
Posted by: Javamom | May 18, 2007 02:49 PM
Speaking from experience - Eric's experience, that is - they are effective later. He's taken them as much as six hours or more later. He's also taken them immediately by walking into the nearest lake/bay/river. I, on the other hand, am a wimp. I've walked into one river and the bay and that is it! I'd do the bay again...
Posted by: backofpack | May 18, 2007 03:20 PM
I used to get a Valencia Latte, I was bummed when the discontinued the syrup. I may not try the new one based on two bad reviews here.
I think the ice bath will help anytime, it certainly can't hurt.
Posted by: darrell | May 18, 2007 05:46 PM
Takethe ice bath,girly,if youcan stand it:) Thunderstorms are ok!They mean you arealive!!
Posted by: olga | May 18, 2007 07:03 PM
I love orange and chocolate, but I don't know if I'd like them in a coffee. I wish I could advise you on the ice bath, but I am far too weak of a woman to engage in such activities.
Posted by: Renee | May 19, 2007 06:03 AM
Ice baths are good! Nice job with the mileage increase.
Posted by: Rob | May 19, 2007 05:22 PM
Looks like your training is coming along nicely! As for the ice bath...the point is to aid in reducing inflammation. So unless you think your inflammation is gone after 2 hours (doubtful), then it would still be helpful. I took one yesterday at least 4 hours after the fact and I was definitely better off from it.
Posted by: Sarah | May 20, 2007 07:03 PM
I would agree with the previous icebath posts. It is actually even more effective after a couple of hours. Just make sure to hydrate well both before and after.
I have a pair of the Montrail Hardrocks. They are great...maybe the most protective trail shoe made. Those will really protect your feet, especially on rocky trails...which is all of Arizona.
Posted by: Chad in the Arizona Desert | May 21, 2007 11:39 AM
Everyone beat me to my answer, but I think an ice bath is still good by then since. I guess you'll have to let us know if it does the trick.
And I used to have a similar motivation: a vanilla bean frappacino. The size ordered depended on the mileage done.
Posted by: Anne | May 21, 2007 01:01 PM
Ouch. I hate ice-baths...and opt instead for a quick dip in the North Atlantic! Rock on Angie!
Posted by: Robb | May 22, 2007 01:19 PM
I do the same thing...to keep me motivated and running I promise myself a coke!!!!! It works magic!!!!!!!
Posted by: steph | May 23, 2007 06:27 PM
I have a lot of catching up to do. . .
I like the way you get your extra mileage in - by promising yourself a special coffee! Too bad it sucked!!!
Posted by: D | May 24, 2007 09:34 AM