Day 241, 124 To Go

August 29, 2013

I have logged off my work computer for the last time!  Well, the last time for the next three weeks.  I should be so lucky.  If I happen to win the lottery over my vacation, then it will definitely be the last time.  Or, if my plane goes down in a fiery explosion over the Amazon Rainforest, I can safely say it will be my last time as well.  Assuming those two things don't happen, I'll be back in a few weeks.  But it is nice to think that I won't be (fiery explosion, notwithstanding).

I am sad that I will not have room for all of my workout stuff when I am gone.  Sure, I am taking my running shoes, my GPS watch, my clothes and a water bottle.  I can't fit my foam roller, however.  This brings me to lesson #3 in the 22 Essential Pieces of Marathon Training Advice from Active.com.

Foam Roll

If all runners would spend just 10 minutes with a foam roller or lacrosse ball performing self-myofascial release a few times a week, they would restore the structural integrity necessary for optimal performance. Massaging overactive soft tissue will reduce any inflammation in your muscles and fascial system. If you consistently make self-myofascial release a priority, your body will recover faster, and chance of injury will decrease. -Erik Taylor


I would be screwed without my foam roller.  My calves would be shredded pieces of wasted meat hanging on my legs without it.  Since I run practically barefoot, my calves and achilles tend to get very tight.  The foam roller is the only thing that can work out that tightness.  It also does wonders for my hips and lower back.  It is the next best thing to a professional massage.  If you can afford weekly massages, I recommended getting them.  If you can't, get a foam roller.  Check out the link to see some great exercises you can do with one.

Here are my numbers for today:

Time: 25:00

Distance: 2.84 miles

Pace: 8:49/m

Max Pace: 7:58/m

Calories: 294
Avg HR: 130

Max HR: 138

Will you look at that.  I was surprised by my pace today.  I was taking it easy, but I couldn't help but go faster.  My leg is still tight, but it doesn't seem to be getting worse and I am feeling much better overall.  I am not going to push it yet, but I felt good today.  I am pleased with my healing thus far.  I am very surprised at my bodies ability to heal this year.  I have always had issues healing fast, but I think running every day has strengthened me a lot and enabled me to heal.  Sure, I probably would be fast if I took some days off, but I am enjoying this journey so far.

Run for Life!!