My kids stayed the night at my parents' house last night, and Jerry left for work early this morning, so I had the perfect opportunity to sleep in again. But of course, when opportunity presents itself, it just doesn't work out. I was up by 7:00.
I started to get dressed, and then had the sudden urge to go for a run. My last run was the Heartbreak Hill Half last Sunday, and I had planned to take a full week off of running in order to get my head back in the game. I think it worked, because I definitely felt like running today! So I started back to it a day early.
It wasn't humid this morning (thank goodness!) and the fish flies seemed to be hiding out. It's kind of strange--they hatched and were ALL over the place a couple of days ago, but now, they aren't too bad. I decided to run a four mile out-and-back route, away from the lake, so that the fish flies wouldn't be so much of a problem.
I was a little nervous about how my legs were going to feel after six days off of running. For the first half-mile or so, I felt a little stiff and clumsy, but I could feel myself loosening up as I went. I was sure my pace would be 11:00+ minutes/mile, but my pace was under 10:00, so I felt good with that. I think the week off was good for me.
I saw my dad's truck as I was turning a corner, and he was heading home. Since it was only 7:30 in the morning, I immediately thought, "Ohhh, I bet he just got doughnuts from Monica's!" and I was so tempted to just run straight to his house, but I kept going ;) (I later found out that he did, in fact, get doughnuts from Monica's.)
After the first few miles, I saw that I was finishing each mile progressively faster, so I decided to try to aim for negative splits all around. I ran a sub-9:00 fourth mile, and felt really good!
I sat on the porch for a little while, just enjoying being outside without the humidity.
My calves were bothering me a little after my run. I had noticed that they were hurting a little while I ran the Heartbreak Hill races, and I think it may have something to do with the hills--I'm just not used to them here. At the expo, the blogger group I was with was given a coupon to get "The Stick" (or another product from that booth). I'd heard of it before, and I know a lot of people swear by it, so I chose the "Stiff Stick"--sounds so naughty, doesn't it?! The first one I picked didn't fit in my suitcase, so I had to exchange it for a smaller version.
Anyway, I decided to give it a try on my calves today.
It definitely hurt while I was rolling it over my calves, so I think that means I was doing it correctly. It reminds me a lot of foam rolling, only it's a lot easier to do. I don't know how well it works, but some of the other bloggers I was with said they love their sticks ;) It may have been my imagination, but my calves did feel better after "sticking" them.
After the kids came home, I decided to make a pecan pie for my dad. I never know what to buy him for Father's Day (or his birthday, for that matter), but he loves pecan pie, and I actually make a pretty good one. Normally, I can't bake to save my soul, but I can make a damn good pecan pie. It came out picture-perfect!
The kids and I went to get a Father's Day present for Jerry, and then we brought the pie and a card over to my parents' house. I made sure to leave before my dad cut into it, because it would be too hard to resist--and it's something like 500+ calories per slice! I usually only have it once or twice a year--Thanksgiving and my dad's birthday.
Well, we are off to take Jerry out for dinner! It feels like a Friday night, for some reason, and I keep forgetting the kids have school tomorrow. It needs to be summer already!
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Sounds like you had a good run. I have only begun to dip my toes into running, although it's been weeks since I've done it. It started when I did Run or Dye with my best friend and my daughter. I fell in love with the way running made me feel, but I don't fit it in my schedule with work/family and all. I just need to DO it! Thanks for your inspiring posts!
ReplyDeleteSometimes it can be tough to fit in, but I'm a much nicer/happier person when I manage to run 3-5 times a week ;) It's worth it!
DeleteCongrats on your good run and for going a day early! The pecan pie looks delish too! You're smart to leave before they cut into it! I can't believe your kids are still in school?!
ReplyDeleteI know, right?! They had 16 snow days this year, so they are still making them up.
DeleteI love my stick! I did it this morning on my legs and lower back since I pulled something hauling around construction debris. I'm not 100% but that thing works WONDERS!
ReplyDeleteThat's good to know! I'm always skeptical of this kind of stuff, but when I hear from real people who have tried and loved it, I want to give it a try, too ;)
DeletePecan pie is one of my favorites, but then I never met a pie I didn't like. I bake quite a bit (more than I should), but have had bad luck with pecan pies, they won't set up for me. Just as well, that discourages me from making them, since one piece is more calories than I should eat in an entire meal. Your pie looks perfect. WTG on the negative splits. Very impressive!
ReplyDeleteYeah, the calories are outrageous! But totally worth it for a splurge--I just have to make sure that my "splurge" remains only a couple of times a year!
DeleteGreat job on your run - love your stats! OMG, my husband and I LOVE pecan pie - but when I make it, I make a mini one - have you ever seen mini pie tins? So cute! We split it and it cures our jones for it, and there are no leftovers!
ReplyDeleteThat's a great idea! Do you have a recipe that makes a tiny amount, too? It seems like it would be hard to scale it down so much. But I like that idea!
DeleteI am so curious about "the stick" or foam rollers in general...I've tried to use one at a gym once or twice, and I'm just confused...do you have a link to a video or something about the best way (right way?) to use it? I know it's supposed to hurt-so-good, but beyond that I'm a little lost, lol!
ReplyDeleteAnd I have always been the designated pecan pie maker in the family too...it's hard to mess one up thank goodness! I hope your dad and Jerry had great Father's Days. :)
I don't personally have a video, but I'm sure there are a ton of them on YouTube!
DeleteAnd I agree, pecan pie is hard to mess up--that's probably why I can actually make one ;)
I stick roll after all my long runs and any time my calves feel a little tight. I'm convinced it helps a lot with my recovery and keeping my legs from being sore!
ReplyDeleteI was told that we should use The Stick after all runs, but it's hard to remember to unless I'm feeling sore or something. I'm definitely going to give it a good try, though!
Delete