Monday, March 16, 2009

What's wrong with me?

Since the time that I've decided to take running more seriously, I'm finally beginning to make some progress. The first 4 years or so I've done really bad result-wise, but I've learned the most about my body.
  • My lower back used to give me serious problems. So I've been working on my core a lot more diligently and it has paid off. It still bothers me a little, but nowhere near how it was in the past.
  • My right hip is a mess. I cannot power through when it starts to hurt. If I back off on the pace, some times it'll go away. Running hills has been helping somewhat.
  • I've discovered that I do not enjoy running flat courses. I like the course to have uphills and downhills. My legs become retarded when I hit flat areas. I tend to slow down and have a hard time concentrating. I think it's a mental thing.
  • I need more endurance. I seldom run past 12 miles on my long runs mostly because I'm afraid of re-injurying my IT band. I hope to be able to work my way up to at least 20 miles. When I'm racing my paces should be in the 7:30 - 7:45 range. Instead I run in the 8:30 - 8:45 range to compensate for the lack of endurance.
Okay, I have a lot to work on in 2010... if I survive 2009. Either I will break the bank, my legs, my will, or all of the above. No, I will not be an ultra-marathoner in 2009. I need to feel comfortable with the marathon first before I tackle anything longer.

The Pasadena marathon is coming up soon! I can hardly contain the excitement! I need to come up with a strategy soon.

3 comments:

Chic Runner said...

yay for learning about yourself emil! Actually I am okay! Do not worry, my dad just got remarried this weekend so that was a lot of drama. :)

Glenn Jones said...

Emil - maybe you need to - um - eat more steaks! Ha ha! Honestly - I know how you feel. I'm trying to work my way through lots of little niggles these days myself.

Hope to see you soon!

Joe said...

The first step is diagnosing the problem and it seems like you have done that. Now it's on to the next step, figuring out your strategy. As a newer runner, I am learning a lot about myself and trying different running programs to see which one my body will adapt to best. I'm currently on the Pfitz program, but on the sidelines with an injury, so maybe that program may be too aggressive for me.