Ow. Ow. Ow.

I just finished a 2 mile interval run on the treadmill that looked like this:

0.25 miles at 5.5 mph (11:00 pace)
0.25 miles at 6.2 mph (9:41 pace)
0.25 miles at 5.5 mph
0.25 miles at 6.4 mph (9:23 pace)
0.25 miles at 5.5 mph
0.25 miles at 6.6 mph (9:05 pace)
0.25 miles at 5.5 mph
0.25 miles at 6.8 mph (8:49 pace)

The first 0.75 miles were at a 1% incline, but my legs were so heavy I wanted to quit. running. forever.  Instead, I took the incline back to 0% and toughed it out.  My legs hate me now.  I don't know why but my shins and calves have been killing me.  Now that I'm done, I'm glad I did the workout but I'm still having trouble walking half an hour later.  They hurt that bad.  I'm pretty sure I'm going to rock some Advil and spend the rest of the night on the couch.  I have no idea what is wrong with my legs, but they need to drop the 'tude because I'm tired of hurting!

Overall, I finished the two miles I was shooting for in 20:12 for an average pace of 10:06.  And it kicked my trash.  Seriously.

Naturally I used the Tiger Tail after that beast of a run, the jury's still out on how that's working out for me.

Time for some quality couch time with Steven Tyler a.k.a. American Idol. 

Don't forget: Skinny Runner's giveaway here!!

Thin Mints Are My Crack

It's that time of the year again...Girl Scout Cookie time!  I may or may not have polished off an entire sleeve of Thin Mints.  An hour before I went out to run.  I may or may not have learned a lesson.

Today it was 21 degrees and sunny so I got to run outside.  It was fabulous, and freezing cold.  In my quest to run 4 days this week instead of my normal 3, I went just 2 miles.  They still felt a little like death since I

1. Tried to push the pace
2. Was freezing, and
3. Ate an entire sleeve of Thin Mints an hour earlier

Turns out Thin Mints are not the best pre-run fuel.  They make pretty spectacular post-run fuel so by all means carry on with the post-run Thin Mint binges J

In other news...my Tiger Tail arrived today!

It was hard to get a clear picture but it says 'I <3 Happy Muscles' on the handle.  I don't know about you, but I just like that!

Here's a picture of me trying it out.  Never mind the goofy face, post-workout hair, and velour pants suit... 

I realize it's too soon to say anything definitively, since I've only used the thing once and I haven't had a chance to see how the day after muscles feel, but first impression: I LOVE IT!  It feels super good on your muscles after you're done running and stretching.  So far my tight calves are not feeling tight!  I can't wait for my next run to see if they're still not tight!  I haven't had any soreness in my legs even though I had to get immediately in the car after the stretching/tiger tailing to drive to daycare and get the kiddos.  Normally that drive would have me all stiffened up but not today!  More review to come as I get to use it more this week, but so far so very, very good.  I'm going to use it some more while watching BL just because it feels good!

Summary: 2 miles in 19:45, 9:53 pace, freezing cold.  Tiger Tail=Good J

Does your long run give you a headache?

Today is the day my Tiger Tail is supposed to arrive!  I’m super excited!  I can’t wait to run tonight just so I can use the Tiger Tail afterwards.  I hope it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me J

Sunday I managed to run 2 miles in 20:32 (10:16 pace, obv), making my weekly total 11.1!  Finally a double digit running week.  New goal for this week: run 4 days instead of only 3.  I want to try and be mindful of the 10% rule and all, so I’m shooting for 3 days of just 2 miles/day and then my regular 6 mile run on Saturday.  Four days, 12 miles, good times.

I need some help on my long run days because I am obviously doing something wrong.  I get a migraine every Saturday after my long runs.  Right now my long run is only 6 miles, but as it increases the severity of the headaches will increase as well.  I get up in the morning, usually eat about half a banana, try to remember to take some Advil pre-run, and then I go run.  It always feels like a pretty hard effort, I don’t do my long runs at a 1-2 minutes slower pace than my easy runs, as so many magazines prescribe.  Then I come home and definitely take Advil if I haven’t already, stretch, chow down on lots of food, get tired, then get a headache.  

I’m already dreading this Saturday’s run because of the headache that tends to follow.  Last Saturday’s headache was a nightmare and I don’t want a repeat.

Am I doing something wrong?

In Case You Were Wondering

I just ordered the Tiger Tail!  And after I get it on or around Tuesday I'll be able to tell you how much I love it (I hope!).

Also got bamboozled into pre-ordering Dean Karnazes' new book while I was there.  Curse you Amazon Suggestions!!  I'm not really mad though, cause hey...it's Dean.  Of course I'm going to buy his new book.  Why not pre-order it so I can have it immediately upon it's release? 

Tiger Tail or The Stick?

Anyone who's read even a couple of my posts has probably figured out that I have trouble with pain and injury.  I tend to hurt in my knees and at least one hip after most runs.  Any long runs leave me with soreness in my neck and shoulders.  And lately, a new calf tightness has developed.  I'm looking to make an investment in what I had decided was going to be The Stick.  After reading some reviews and comparison shopping, I'm wondering if that is the best tool or if a Tiger Tail would be better?  Or maybe some 3rd option I've never heard of?  Any seasoned runners out there have an opinion on what to purchase?  Pretty please!