The Unforgiving Minute [Middle Distance Log]

[shesprints]

"If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run..."
--Rudyard Kipling


I run 400 and 800 (and the 1500/mile sometimes, but cannot focus on all distances at once). PRs are all pretty weak due to having a hard time stringing together solid training without injury. They are 64.5/2:31/5:13.

I struggled with injury and overtraining syndrome for most of last year and have only been back in training for 2 1/2 months. I used to run long distance and may attempt it again, but I have a history of disordered eating (anorexic throughout my teens) and I fear distance plays into that, so I'm avoiding it for now. I also seem to get injured easily doing high mileage.

Currently, I lift 2 x per week full body, incorporating Olympic lifts and upper/lower circuit training 3 x 5 for most exercises, and do 3 speed sessions per week, including plyos and drills.

I squat 180, BP 95, OHP 70, power clean 120, front squat 132, and have not tested my max DL due to back issues (but I do 177 for reps).

Watch this space for workout logs.

[shesprints]

Last 2 workouts to start things off:

6/27/13

dynamic warmup, 1 mile jog
8 x 200m hill sprints (~6% grade) in 37, 38, 36, 37, 39, 40, 38, 38
1 mile cooldown, foam roll and ITB stretch
Notes: having serious pain in right leg from ITB; doesn't hurt when doing speed, but when jogging, locks up

6/28
4 miles easy recovery

4 x 3 25kg full snatch (arms too far out in front)
4 x 3 45kg power clean (good, explosive, caught well)

following sets of 3 exercises performed as circuit
push press x 5 x 3 30kg
seated row x 6 x 3 80lb on machine(?)
battle ropes (x 4 x 10) x 3

backwards lunge w/ single arm press x 8 each side x 3 25 lb
barbell chest press x 12 x 3 25 lb
Jacob's ladder 120ft (1:00), 130ft (1:11), 150ft (1:20)

leg flutters 8 x 3
alternating arm/leg v-ups, bicycles 8 x 3
v-ups 8 x 3 (cramping... PMS?)

[shesprints]

6/29

Draggy today and leg still hurt, but I foam rolled and did ITB stretches and pigeon pose and hit the track.
Pacing on 800 has been abysmal, so I did a pace-sense workout, 8 x 400 @ mile pace --> 800m pace.
I did some warming up: leg swings, tuck jumps, etc.
The first 2 x 400 hurt my leg, but as I went faster, the pain faded. I also started out feeling pretty hungry and slightly light-headed, but it went away as I forced myself to focus. I haven't had much appetite today or yesterday, as I've been kind of depressed (did eat breakfast, but more than 4 hours before workout + it wasn't a large meal), but I feel better now. Gotta love endorphins.

Times were 82, 82, 80, 78, 77, 76, 75, 75

Now stretching some more, foam rolling, and trying to feel good about myself. I'm going to an all-comer's meet in a week and a half and am going to attempt the 800 and the 400 again. Pretty nervous.

[shesprints]

6/30

PAIN ALERT. I almost cried during the first 2 miles of this run; it felt like fire was racing all through my right leg. Because it's not terribly localized, I'm almost certain it's ITB issues (it also originates from just above the hip, where the ITB attaches). Bummer. I had a whole plan of what I was going to think about during my long run, too!* It was going to be my first 9-miler since injury. Instead it was 5.2 and I was lucky to get that.

Major bummer, since my weakness is stamina and I truly need these weekly long runs. But, by the same token, if I exacerbate the injury and have to drop my overall mileage drastically, that's not good either. I guess we'll see. I foam rolled and stretched a LOT after the run, and I feel somewhat better now.

Oddly enough, I noticed that the pain lessens at slightly faster paces (7:30, where I wound up for the second half of the run) versus my 8:30 warmup pace, which seemed to jar my leg more, maybe because I was taking shorter strides or coming down harder on my feet. I have heard this about ITB, that it is less painful when running faster, but I can't seem to find a consensus on why this is.

That's all, folks.


*If you are curious, what I was thinking about was snippets of silly song lyrics using 'kettlebells' to replace either 'jingle bells' or 'silver bells' in song lyrics.

Kettlebells, kettlebells,
It's weight-hoisting time in the city!
Limbering, let them swing,
Make sure your hips hinge and don't sway!

<--I just got the chorus done. Pain makes it hard to concentrate.

I am also working on a bb.com based limerick that may or may not include some riff on 'deadlift's dead' 'spread' (lats or reps? hey, even the word 'red' as in the red bars vs. green works). So if you ever wondered how to get over the boredom of cardio...

[shesprints]

7/1


LOTS of foam rolling and stretching and I feel better--knock on wood. It still hurts to run slower than 8:00 pace, can't figure that out.
And today was kettlebell day, if you were wondering why those lyrics were on my mind.

warmup 2 miles treadmill in 15:53

barbell warmup
hang snatch w/ empty bar practice
4 x 5 power clean 32kg (fast)

circuit x 3:
Bulgarian split squat x 8, 30lb dumbbells (oddly easier on right even though that leg is the ITB leg)
chinups x 3 + 1 eccentric (I'm pathetic at chinups, these were like partials)
jumprope 90 sec

circuit x 3:
KB goblet squat x 12, 44lb
KB renegade row x 12 (6 each side), 25lb
KB swings x 1:00 then :30 :30 (started with the 36lb bell, so did the interval for 1:00 instead of planned :30, then switched up to 44lb for the last two)

ab work:
KB russian twist x 8 x 3, 36lb
KB dead bug crunch w/ overhead extension x 8 x 3, 36 lb
ab rollouts x 6 x 3

cooldown 2 miles treadmill in 15:49

15 min foam roll and stretch

[shesprints]

7/2

Still in a lot of pain so I did the dumb thing and popped a Tylenol so I wouldn't miss practice. I think I partly just wanted to see my team for the social support! In any case, we did my least-favorite and therefore most-needed workout, a 3-mile tempo. I knew going out that I wasn't at my best, as I just don't have full ROM on my leg... on the bright side, at least it wasn't a sprint workout; I straight up do not think I can lift my knee high enough to sprint right now.

Pace for the tempo wound up being 6:55, slower start and strong finish (passed some people). Very hot and humid, so OK with slowish time.

Tomorrow is rest day. Much-needed.

[XCRunner9]

That's 5:13 for a 1500 or a 1600?

Anyways, those are some really good times. Just make sure to fuel yourself properly because you don't want to lose that talent.

[shesprints]

That's 5:13 for a 1500 or a 1600?

Anyways, those are some really good times. Just make sure to fuel yourself properly because you don't want to lose that talent.

1500! If I could run 1600 that fast my 800 would be a lot better. My endurance is not that good, times consistently drop off the longer the distance. I don't really consider myself that talented; I'm middling, but I try hard.

And thanks--yeah. I think I'm going to start ramping up intake...

ETA is it silly how unreasonably happy I am to get a comment on my log? YOU GO XCRUNNER.

Now I will keep working on my song lyrics during my off day and see if it keeps anyone else reading entertained. So far I have a little random bb.com bit of doggerel lamenting a bad lifting session-- "My deadlift's dead/my lats won't spread/ the misc'ers called me gay..." OK, time for bed.

[XCRunner9]

Well, what's your age because if you run a 5:13 1500, then you'd run a 5:40 mile (or around there) which is great for a HS runner.

And your endurance isn't that bad. If you focus more on distance, you'll retain your speed and dominate the 1500 because of you have a really good base.

As for me, my PR's were:

400 - 63
800 - 2:25
1600 - 5:14

So, as you can see, my speed wasn't really good, my endurance was better.

Enjoy your rest day. It's going to be well worth it.

[shesprints]

Well, what's your age because if you run a 5:13 1500, then you'd run a 5:40 mile (or around there) which is great for a HS runner.

And your endurance isn't that bad. If you focus more on distance, you'll retain your speed and dominate the 1500 because of you have a really good base.

As for me, my PR's were:

400 - 63
800 - 2:25
1600 - 5:14

So, as you can see, my speed wasn't really good, my endurance was better.

Enjoy your rest day. It's going to be well worth it.

I'm not in HS--I'm in my early 20s. I have actually run 5:38 for the mile a couple of times (yes, that same exact time). So you are right about the equivalent time. However, I was lighter back then... which is a bit troubling, I admit. I was also running higher mileage, though, and that surely contributed, as well.

Your PRs are impressive to me but wow, that 1600 especially, you are right. Thanks! Resting as we speak. (Still in bed).

[Xiantium]

7/2

Still in a lot of pain so I did the dumb thing and popped a Tylenol so I wouldn't miss practice. I think I partly just wanted to see my team for the social support! In any case, we did my least-favorite and therefore most-needed workout, a 3-mile tempo. I knew going out that I wasn't at my best, as I just don't have full ROM on my leg... on the bright side, at least it wasn't a sprint workout; I straight up do not think I can lift my knee high enough to sprint right now.

Pace for the tempo wound up being 6:55, slower start and strong finish (passed some people).

Tomorrow is rest day. Much-needed.

This is me right now with my bicep tendonitis except ibuprofen. SO dumb, I know I should let it rest and heal properly... Just can't... Miss... training.. (not even remotely directly training it - working around pain)

[XCRunner9]

I'm not in HS--I'm in my early 20s. I have actually run 5:38 for the mile a couple of times (yes, that same exact time). So you are right about the equivalent time. However, I was lighter back then... which is a bit troubling, I admit. I was also running higher mileage, though, and that surely contributed, as well.

Your PRs are impressive to me but wow, that 1600 especially, you are right. Thanks! Resting as we speak. (Still in bed).

Yeah, but when my eating disorder got to me and started ruining my hormones and weakening my body, I got worse. I could've ran under an 18 minute 5k if I was in that good of shape.

Right now, my times are:

800 - 2:40
1600 - 5:34

Not so good, but I'm still powering through my disorder and mainly focusing on bulking. I hope that once I gain some more muscle that I'll be able to run a sub 5 minute mile next year.

Don't worry about your weight because your weight is ideal for running. I'm very serious, but you have the mass while still remaining light to be really good for running. Just remember being lighter isn't always good if you compromise your energy and your muscle just to run better for a limited time .

[shesprints]

Day off! Feeling better, not really limping anymore; the rest day may sort this out, though I did take Tylenol at breakfast this morning (I think it's worn off, though, and I still don't feel too bad).

Xiantium--careful with that ibuprofen, like I said. Hey, you can always train for your 1.5 mile. XCRunner9 might be a good person to ask for advice there.

Yeah, but when my eating disorder got to me and started ruining my hormones and weakening my body, I got worse. I could've ran under an 18 minute 5k if I was in that good of shape.

Right now, my times are:

800 - 2:40
1600 - 5:34

Not so good, but I'm still powering through my disorder and mainly focusing on bulking. I hope that once I gain some more muscle that I'll be able to run a sub 5 minute mile next year.

Don't worry about your weight because your weight is ideal for running. I'm very serious, but you have the mass while still remaining light to be really good for running. Just remember being lighter isn't always good if you compromise your energy and your muscle just to run better for a limited time .

It's true, there is a time limit, I think, before cutting too much weight begins to hinder you. I was like you, I peaked at an 18:38 5k (flats, not XC) and from then on could not break 19 because I was too weak/sick/lacking stamina. Right now I am pretty much exactly with you for times too, actually--my last track 800 was a disappointing 2:41 (1:17/1:24 split--yeeeccchh). But you've been far beyond me; I have no doubt that with some strength you can go sub-5 if you've already gotten so close. I mean look at those guys running the 1500/mile really well, like Leo Manzano; he's STRONG.

I always feel awkward talking race times/PRs, though, like a jinx. I find it is so easy to get caught up in the numbers; right now I'm trying to focus on race strategy, effort level, and form. I really am noticing that the increased upper body and core strength I have from my Olympic lifting and weighted core work is helping a ton with form and ability to kick at the end of races.

[XCRunner9]

18:38 5k with a 5:38 mile? You really do have huge potential in longer distances since your main focus was geared towards middle distances.

And, yeah I suppose. I'm just waiting for my hormones to regulate because my gains in running weren't what they should've been when I was spending the last few weeks of school focusing mainly on my running.

Are you getting any faster shesprints (don't include the 800m because we all have those days)?

[shesprints]

18:38 5k with a 5:38 mile? You really do have huge potential in longer distances since your main focus was geared towards middle distances.

And, yeah I suppose. I'm just waiting for my hormones to regulate because my gains in running weren't what they should've been when I was spending the last few weeks of school focusing mainly on my running.

Are you getting any faster shesprints (don't include the 800m because we all have those days)?

I don't know yet! I just returned to training this April, after 4 months off running completely due to injury. So at this point it's more that I'm just getting in shape again, not so much fast. I have another race Tuesday (400 and 800) and we'll see.

As for the 5k PB (it was a time trial, not a race)... this is awkward... I weighed 118 and honestly, for long distance, straight up? That helps. Hence my ambivalence. But yeah, I was a decent 5ker. I also once ran 1 half marathon in 1:30. Again, when I was skinnier. So, you know, I'm not sure it's worth pursuing, as I want to be healthy. (Ate a bit more today, felt like I needed, btw.)

I'm certain that when your hormones sort themselves out, so will your performance. After all, it's all about recovery from stress, right? And having properly balanced hormones will help you with that. Are you getting faster?

[XCRunner9]

I'm only running 2x/ wk. Just focusing on bulking up and regulating my hormones before I can hit running hard again. I was getting faster and I have maintained my endurance which is nice.

I'm sorry to hear about your injury though. I know how it feels, but by the looks of things, you seem to have gained your speed back pretty quickly. You don't seem have done that much damage to your hormones as I did, so you'll definitely surpass what you achieved as long as you eat properly.

Can't wait to see what I get in XC. Hoping to run a 5k in 17:59, but we'll see how it goes.

[RunDRL]

Interested in your inclusion of weight training. I think it's a pretty underrated facet of distance training, even for the longer distances. Nick Symmonds seems to fare well from his use of it (he's pretty hefty at 5'10, 165) and it seems to aid him in his kicking. From what I've seen, Alberto Salazaar also incorporates it in the training of his athletes (though, very, very low weight) and I don't think he's had a single unsuccessful athlete.

Keep up the work!

[shesprints]

Thanks, RunDRL. My kick is definitely my strong suit, so you're right. I believe Salazar only has his distance people do med ball stuff and maybe light complexes, though--nothing like heavy squats. Still, whatever Rupp is doing right now sure has been working.

7/4

Update, taking a 2nd day off. (Unheard of for me.) After some research and asking around, seems like it's NOT ITBS but rather, SI joint inflammation, because it's strongly painful in my hip/one side of lower back, and groin. I've heard some scary stuff about how long this takes to heal and I'm pretty upset right now. (As in, verge of tears. Stupid, I know, but I feel I simply CANNOT catch a break with injuries lately). I'm going to get in touch with a doctor first thing tomorrow.

[LegitSalsa]

Thanks, RunDRL. My kick is definitely my strong suit, so you're right. I believe Salazar only has his distance people do med ball stuff and maybe light complexes, though--nothing like heavy squats. Still, whatever Rupp is doing right now sure has been working.

7/4

Update, taking a 2nd day off. (Unheard of for me.) After some research and asking around, seems like it's NOT ITBS but rather, SI joint inflammation, because it's strongly painful in my hip/one side of lower back, and groin. I've heard some scary stuff about how long this takes to heal and I'm pretty upset right now. (As in, verge of tears. Stupid, I know, but I feel I simply CANNOT catch a break with injuries lately). I'm going to get in touch with a doctor first thing tomorrow.

I feel yeah. I've had tendonitis in both of my wrists, partially torn my right tricep a few times, and currently have a a seperated right shoulder, and some stupid nerve injury that prevents me from squating/deadlifting/any kind of bending down with anything heavy. All in the past year.

But, my maxes have still gone up by around by well over 50 pounds more most lifts, along with an increase in speed and explosivness.

It won't last forever. Just rest it from anything that hurts it too much, and rehab it.

You'll be back in no time!

[shesprints]

Gosh, LegitSalsa, that's pretty inspiring. I hope your nerve injury is better??


7/5

So, I took two days off, and now I feel stupid, like I overreacted. I was still in some pain when I woke up today, but after lots of stretching I tentatively set out on an easy run. The pain slowly ebbed and now I feel better, though not 100%--better enough to hit up my planned weights workout. I think it helps that I invited along a workout buddy. He is an intriguing combination of typical 'chest brah'--you know, does only pushups and pullups--and long-distance runner with great endurance. So interesting. So my lifting today went slightly more slowly than my usual in and out. I also had him take some pics of me working out to send to a sportswear modeling opportunity I have, which is cool.

First, the workout:

4 easy, 8:00ish pace.

barbell warmup


circuit x 3 (except squat which was x 4) of:
back squat x 5, 135/155/165/175 lb (and then back down to 135 for a few pause squats for picture taking)
bent over row x 8, 30 lb
jump rope 60s x 3

circuit x 3 of:
step ups w/ dumbell x 5 each leg, 25 lb dbs
bench press 65 lb x 5

kettlebell swings 44lb x 20
kettlebell swing into pushup into swing (10 swings, 2 pushups + trunk twist) x 3 continuous, 44 lb
kettlebell situps 36 lb x 8 x 3

circuit x 3 of
weighted plank 30s, 25 lb
side plank 30s each side
supermans 30s

med ball toss 10 lb x 8 and then stopped with that b/c w/o partner was done

Really surprised by how easy the squats were today. 175 was nothing. Granted, I haven't tested my max in a month or so. But let's not get greedy or push it, need to come back first.

It was hilarious training my friend. His bench was literally 20 lbs less than he managed for squat (he squatted the same weights as I did). I actually tried to show him the power clean when I did my warmup--just with the bar--and guys... it was straight terrifying. I'm talking leaning back, catching with the back, couldn't even get his elbows up WITHOUT a weight... and his squats were rough, as well, lots of rocking forward onto the toes and had to cue him knees out/spread the floor a lot. So I showed him the Third World squat, you know, just sitting in proper squat form, and also goblet squats, so he can improve on his own. I really enjoy this sort of thing, though I'm not a trainer or anything; I do think I know a thing or two, though. But he can do more pullups than me (by which I mean ANY) so it's all good in the end. Plus, my bench is terrible. We all have weaknesses.

I think the social aspect of training with another person helped take me out of this depression, too, and maybe, it occurs to me, the pain I was in felt worse due to depression for the holiday, which was sorta lonely? I also think the 2 days of recovery helped. Again, I'm not 100%, but I'm going to keep training at least until I can see a dr. Monday since it's painful but not getting in the way of any movement or hurting my ROM.

I know I've been a little hysterical about this pain/inflammation situation--it's just that after 4 months off running and the huge struggle to get back in shape, I'm terrified it'll happen again!

[LegitSalsa]

Gosh, LegitSalsa, that's pretty inspiring. I hope your nerve injury is better??


7/5

So, I took two days off, and now I feel stupid, like I overreacted. I was still in some pain when I woke up today, but after lots of stretching I tentatively set out on an easy run. The pain slowly ebbed and now I feel better, though not 100%--better enough to hit up my planned weights workout. I think it helps that I invited along a workout buddy. He is an intriguing combination of typical 'chest brah'--you know, does only pushups and pullups--and long-distance runner with great endurance. So interesting. So my lifting today went slightly more slowly than my usual in and out. I also had him take some pics of me working out to send to a sportswear modeling opportunity I have, which is cool.

First, the workout:

4 easy, 8:00ish pace.

barbell warmup


circuit x 3 (except squat which was x 4) of:
back squat x 5, 135/155/165/175 lb (and then back down to 135 for a few pause squats for picture taking)
bent over row x 8, 30 lb
jump rope 60s x 3

circuit x 3 of:
step ups w/ dumbell x 5 each leg, 25 lb dbs
bench press 65 lb x 5

kettlebell swings 44lb x 20
kettlebell swing into pushup into swing (10 swings, 2 pushups + trunk twist) x 3 continuous, 44 lb
kettlebell situps 36 lb x 8 x 3

circuit x 3 of
weighted plank 30s, 25 lb
side plank 30s each side
supermans 30s

med ball toss 10 lb x 8 and then stopped with that b/c w/o partner was done

Really surprised by how easy the squats were today. 175 was nothing. Granted, I haven't tested my max in a month or so. But let's not get greedy or push it, need to come back first.

It was hilarious training my friend. His bench was literally 20 lbs less than he managed for squat (he squat the same weights as I did). I actually tried to show him the power clean when I did my warmup--just with the bar--and guys... it was straight terrifying. I'm talking leaning back, catching with the back, couldn't even get his elbows up WITHOUT a weight... and his squats were rough, as well, lots of rocking forward onto the toes and had to cue him knees out/spread the floor a lot. So I showed him the Third World squat, you know, just sitting in proper squat form, and also goblet squats, so he can improve on his own. I really enjoy this sort of thing, though I'm not a trainer or anything; I do think I know a thing or two, though. But he can do more pullups than me (by which I mean ANY) so it's all good in the end. Plus, my bench is terrible. We all have weaknesses.

I think the social aspect of training with another person helped take me out of this depression, too, and maybe, it occurs to me, the pain I was in felt worse due to depression for the holiday, which was sorta lonely? I also think the 2 days of recovery helped. Again, I'm not 100%, but I'm going to keep training at least until I can see a dr. Monday since it's painful but not getting in the way of any movement or hurting my ROM.

I know I've been a little hysterical about this pain/inflammation situation--it's just that after 4 months off running and the huge struggle to get back in shape, I'm terrified it'll happen again!

Haha, thanks. It's getting better, I think it's a more an irritation than anything too serious. I've gone from squatting 215x5 to only being able to do the bar back up to 135x5 pretty fast. Just doing front squats since it's a lot easier on the glute area where it hurts.

Anyways, I don't think you overreacted at all. 2 days is nothing. Honestly, most proffesional runners take week long breaks a few times a year to recover.

[shesprints]

7/6

Bah, pain again today--not as bad but I definitely didn't hit the workout as hard as I could. I also should not have agreed to train w/ my friend on a Friday knowing we had practice today! It was only 4 x 400, but I DEFINITELY felt the soreness in my legs holding me back. Darn my ego. I was also limping in between reps; oddly enough my leg felt ok while actually running but painful when jogging or walking. Something to do with stretching out my hip. Not sure. Need to see dr. Monday for certain. A few teammates told me they were concerned about my limping.

Oh, and it was also brutally hot and humid; I felt like I was going to black out just from the heat after every rep. Hardcore. The coach told us to go out hard on the first one and then try to hang on, and most of us slowed down... the girl I usually pace off of fell behind me, so I let myself get a little lazy, too. Darn. (That, plus my leg, just meant I could not push 100%).

Times were 73, 75, 77, 80 (ugh)

But oh well, at least I finished. Going to stretch a ton today and try to take it easy tomorrow and Monday.

[XCRunner9]

^ Really hope that leg feels better. If you haven't already, might want to ice it.

Hope things go better tomorrow and on Monday. Hopefully you won't have to take a long break from running to have it fully recuperate.

[shesprints]

7/7

Been stretching, icing, etc. Felt a lot better today. Went on an EASY 5 mile run (as in, barely broke a sweat) on the treadmill (which is why I didn't break a sweat--it's still quite hot here). 8:20s pace, though I began with a cautious 9:00 and went down to 7:30.

Leg actually felt like it stretched out after mile 3 and I got into the groove where running was not pain, but more of a natural motion. I also did a longish cooldown walk and feel like that helped some, too. Hopefully the loose feeling stays. Race Tuesday... depending on what the doc says.

[XCRunner9]

^ I wish you the best of luck. What events are you going to do?

400, 800, and 1500/1600?

[shesprints]

^ I wish you the best of luck. What events are you going to do?

400, 800, and 1500/1600?

Just 400 and 800! there is no 1500 this meet... I may do the 400 as part of the DMR.

[Alfha]

Just came in from the chicken thread on the misc.
You're hot brah. At least your avi. Jakes on you though:
Stats: 5'6"

Will read later

edit: Glad I did you seem cool/awkward, no wonder you misc. You use big boy words like "limerick" though. Maybe you'll like this:



, seems like you've misced for a while so you'll get it lol. I'm currently working on my new song in which I'll even sing it. It's called "Lady in Red" dedicated to Derp1na, with the original music being "Lady in my Life". Yeah I get insomnia and am stuck working with the computer as of now, come at me.


Anyways, I'm pretty unaware of how running training actually goes so it was fun getting my feet wet and not understanding chit, including your big boy words. What made you get into this? . . I'm guessing it was you battling anorexia? What are your actual goals?
We're all gonna make it brah. Please stay safe and don't overtrain.

[XCRunner9]

Hey, how did your meet go? Did you set any PR's?

[shesprints]

Update: I got an x-ray and saw the ortho on Thursday. The good news is it is not my hip or likely any soft-tissue injury. The bad news is it is likely my spine, which may mean that the deadlift has bitten me in the @ss once again. (Or, rather, bitten me in the lower back). I should note that I KNOW I have poor biomechanics for DL'ing as I have a very long torso and arthritis in lower spine. I've been hurt doing them before. In any case, I am waiting for my insurance to approve an MRI that will look at my lower back and see what's going on there, possible disc issues, etc. I'm still limping and in a ton of pain. This is very frustrating.

My doctor told me that pre-MRI I should not do any exercise other than recumbent bike or swimming. I was like LOL NO but now I think... maybe that's a good idea... I was dumb anyway and tried to go to practice Saturday. So clearly I'm struggling here.

This is kind of becoming the log of a train wreck. OY. VEY.

Alfha--um, welcome! I think I have been hanging around the misc mostly because I'm injured. When I'm injured, I'm grumpy (and on painkillers). When I'm grumpy and on painkillers, it's hard to focus on productive work, so I instead go and read ridiculous internet rants. Anyway, though, you're welcome to read my log. My goals are in my top post but I think my main goal right now is to get healthy enough to train at all. Yes, I did initially get into running because of my anorexia and still associate high-mileage running with disordered behavior, which is part of why I avoid it. Thanks for wellwishes. BTW, I can't see your video; it's blocked for copyright issues in my regio.

XCRunner9--I didn't run in the meet, too much pain. Clearly whatever this is isn't going away.

On that note, here are my logs for the past several days.

7/8

Ran .43 mi, cried from pain, stopped.

7/9, 7/10

off, iced, rested

7/11

3k on rower (16:00)

pushups to warm up x 20ish fast
barbell warm up

push press x 3 x 4 55 lb
chinups x 3 x 4
rows x 3 x 4 75 lb

triceps pulldown x 8 x 3 (6)
cable pec fly x 8 x 3

ab rollouts x 6 x 3
dead bug crunch x 12 x 3 w/ 20lb
plank to pushup to plank x 8 x 3

I really needed that workout, even though my doctor then told me not to do basically any of that again until MRI.

7/12

Swam 1200m in 30 minutes with some fast laps (15s/25m) as intervals due to lane congestion. Back felt better. But I do not love swimming.

7/13

Was an idiot and went to practice. Did a 600, 400, 200 in very slow times (2:18, 85, 38) because I really couldn't move my right leg well. Obviously I should not have gone at all but I was going nuts. I won't make that mistake again.

Ugh.

[shesprints]

7/14

I behaved myself and only swam today. 1200m, ~30 min w/ 8 x 25 m fast. (I didn't even come up to breathe on one of them, ouch). Getting a little bit more used to swimming but will likely do pool running next time.

Math pun insult of the day: "You're so fat, your pie are squared."

(I don't actually think I'm getting fat--but sure am worried I've lost conditioning. )