Running Shoes

    I have been really feeling the need to get my run mojo back. It is difficult to force the issue when I have such chronic pain in my feet, knees, and ankles. Too many years of sprained ankles and dislocating knees has left me in a sorry state. Arthritis has invaded with a passion these last few years. Yeah, it really pisses me off. Mostly, I have no one and nothing to blame but myself, and a lifelong disregard for my delicate connective tissue. Seriously, what high school kid is going to be too concerned about repeated sprained ankles during basketball season. And the knees. I blew them skiing, then added insult to injury by fighting, with the twisting and pivoting, and playing on broken ground. But all that is neither here nor there. It is done, past, and nothing I can do to change any of it. Though if I could go back in time and give my young self one piece of advice it would be, "Take care of your joints."
    Where all this has led me, at this moment, is the consideration of the Hoka One One running shoes. They are the super cushioned shoes that remind me of a combination clown shoe and marshmallow. They are so puffy they look like they were created for the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. I have been devoted to my minimalist shoes for the last 5 years, loving the connection with the ground. Especially for trail running. But on the pavement I have needed more cushion. I loved my Saucony Virratas, but they were discontinued several years back and are a rare find. The Hoka has twice the cushion of the Virrata, and comes in a near zero drop. I have come to the point that I know if I am going to run on pavement I need all the padding I can get. The chronic pain in my feet and ankles, especially the left one, keeps me awake at night. This makes me a tad grumpy. Maybe, just maybe, if I can swaddle my feet in the marshmallowy goodness of the super cushioned Hoak I can start running again without additional damage being inflicted on my already angry joints.
    Yes, I am clutching at straws. But if I am to continue to compete in triathlon I have to be able to run. It is imperative. I don't want to be relegated to the occasional Sprint or Olympic distance. I want to keep training for long course. I still am holding onto the hope that I will get to another Iron distance event. But to do that I have to be able to run. I do enjoy running, and entering running events. It has made me sad to be sidelined. Maybe the Hoka shoes will let me train fully again. Maybe. Hopefully. Fingers crossed. Yes, clutching at strawa. I will keep you posted.

Fell Off The Wagon, A Little

    Fell off the wagon a bit today. I've been cutting back on carbs and upping my protein the last few weeks, trying to shake off my typical autumn Eat-Carbs-and-Sleep Hibernation mode. Today I am blaming post-Election duress. Yes, carbs make me happy. No-carbs makes me sad. It is a simple concept. It used to be cravings for mellowcreme pumpkins, York Peppermint Patties, and Butterfingers. Cravings that were almost irresistible. My nervous breakdown, nearly 5 years ago, was accompanied by an inability to stomach most foods. The only foods that didn't make me nauseous were oranges, and whey protein in warm milk, It was a great way to beat my sugar addiction. Now, my typical autumn cravings are basic carbs. Yes, healthy carbs, but more than I should be consuming except during heavy endurance training.
    Since I am in a build phase I know to lower my carbs and increase my protein. Which is exactly what has been going on the last few weeks. I have to say, being vegetarian, even most of my protein sources have a carbs, so going low-carb is almost impossible. Besides, like I said, carbs make me happy, low-carb makes me sad. Today I binged with sharp cheddar on fresh homemade, whole grain, gluten free bread. Not exactly a feeding frenzy, and still healthy for high carb.
    I mentioned a build period. I have increased my weight and strength workouts. I am on a three day rotation, mostly; legs, core, upper body. I used to go with a two day rotation, but I am giving myself an extra day of recovery between training sessions. I am also alternating heavy weight/lower rep, with lighter weight/higher rep. I'm also doing the 30 Day Squat Challenge: 3 days on, one day off, increasing reps by 5 each day. I am on day 8.
    Along with increased strength training, I am back in the pool religiously. The pool was closed for several weeks in October, really cutting into my swim routine. I feel like I am starting over with my swim endurance. No, not quite starting from ground zero, but I can definitely feel it. I did a great HIIT swim on Monday, and will be sure to have at least one HIIT, one Long Swim, and one Strength swim per week. Time to get back on a regular training program so I can be ready for the Bridge Swim in July.
    In the pool, after my swim, I am continuing with the physical therapy type leg workout in the water. Which includes side steps, high knees, butt kicks, side leg lifts, leg circles forward and back, and explosive jumps. It is a solid 30 minute workout, and I think it is vital for knee and hip strength for running. I am really hoping to get back to trail running sooner rather than later.
    I upped my bike time while the pool was closed, and am having a rest week right now. Having a cold a few weeks ago did put a damper on all cardio, my lungs were aching. I also discovered just how much sinus pressure can increase in the down facing position of aero bars. HIIT sessions will be back in the agenda soon enough. It is the best way to increase fitness without having to add hours and hours of training.
    So, back to carbs. I do love my carbs, but am feeling a twinge of guilt for overdoing it today. On the other hand, I have been training hard, so really, no damage done. Besides, tomorrow is a new day.