After weeks away from official training I'm starting back up this weekend. Saturday the training schedule starts for all those runners doing the 18 week program which translates to less miles on the long runs. For me that means getting back into the swing of training and not feeling so left behind.
During the absence from official training I've been trying to make boot camp, working on swimming more often and taking a water aerobics class at the
JCC. I have to say I'm loving going back to water aerobics. Previous to this I hadn't taken a class since after Mimi's birth nearly 4 years ago. The women in the pool are all over 60, if not well into their 70's and 80's. Everyone smiles and is supportive and I think generally amused that I'm taking this "old ladies" class. I was surprised to find the pool pretty packed this go around. When I took the class before there were only a handful of women in the pool. This time however there were over 20 of us, stretched out across the pool water running, doing jumping jacks, making waves and generally looking ridiculous... like I said, I totally love it.
The teacher is great - making sure that my foot is supported and not baring too much weight while in the pool - moving me to the deeper sections when high impact actions are coming. I ran into another participant only once last class and in a pool full of older women I'm not the slowest all the time like I am at the run training. Not sure this is really a boost to my self esteem but none the less I like not being last sometimes.
This Saturday we're scheduled for 3 miles in the Presidio. I'm looking forward to seeing my pace group again and getting back into the swing of things with runs. Over the "break" I also finally went to get my shoes checked out. I went to
Fleet Feet in the Marina and had great help finding just what was going on - and hopefully getting to the bottom of the foot pain. He took detailed measurements of my feet, watched my ankles as I walked, then jogged, then ran away and then toward him. Mimi was with me and all the store people were very nice to her and not bothered at all that she insisted on running back and forth with me and picking up all the shoes off their racks - "Ooh, these are pink Mama, get the pink ones!"
After measurements, walk, jog and running he put some insoles in my shoes to give my feet some extra support. He then showed me the proper way to tie my shoes - not too snug you need to let your feet get circulation but snug enough that your shoes aren't flopping around while you walk/run. He also went over some foot, leg, hip and back stretches and pointed out some places to make sure I stretch before and after running to minimize pain and injury.
I've been wearing my new insoles around the house and they're quite comfy though they haven't made it on any runs yet (except those quick sprints after the kids while they're scootering at the park). This Saturday will be the first test - I'm hoping with all the stretches, shoe improvements and general foot rest this issue will be resolved once and for all.
The last few weeks have proven that life easily gets in the way of training. Work, school, children, family health and upcoming due dates have all worked to make training the least of my concerns on my to-do list. This Saturday I'm taking a new order and re-arranging the items on that list. Here's my reminder of what that list should look like:
1. Family - time spent, care for and interest in.
2. Health - which includes training for the marathon. Keeping myself healthy helps keep my family healthy.
3. Projects: - School (Dominic's school fundraiser, Mental Health in Public Schools project)
Volunteer (Transcription for upcoming LGBT play on aging)
Craft (knitting, sewing, birthday present making, playing my new clarinet)
4. Peace and Rest - taking the time needed to let myself and my family rest and have peace as needed.
With my to-do list in mind I'm looking forward to Saturday morning, 8:00 am at Sports Basement in Presidio. The weather report currently says "partly rainy" but come rain or shine I'll be there ready to take a fresh (re)start to this training process.