This was the week of running confidence. I’m building my confidence back with each injury free mile I run. I’ve been waiting to write this training post for eight weeks now. It might seem dramatic but I’ve been injured for so long I didn’t know if I remembered how to run when the time come.
Each run felt good. I don’t feel “in shape” but I don’t feel injured. The most important aspect for me is that I’ve begun craving running. I have begun WANTING to run again. That is honestly a feeling I haven’t had in a long time. Currently I have no focus on pace at all. I am just running by feel…since I like to keep a decent idea of time/mileage I am running with my garmin watch.
I’m not following any “plan”. My goal was to run roughly 30 minutes very easy most days of the week. If it felt weird or off,I wouldn’t run. I’m not pushing the pace and I’m not even worrying about the pace. From what I’ve gathered, I’m running anywhere from 9 to 11 minute miles but the fact is I’m running pain, issue and worry free.
My fitness is definitely not there. After taking nearly 8 weeks off, I’m out of shape. I’m fine with it but it will be a long adjustment period. Plus it isn’t as if I have a bunch of races I desperately need to get ready for.
Monday: 3 miles
Tuesday: 3 miles
Wednesday: 3 miles
Thursday: OFF
Friday: 3 miles
Saturday: 3.25 miles
Sunday: 40 minutes (around 4 miles)
Total: 20 miles
All in all I felt good during each run. I didn’t have any injury discomfort during my runs. I just had breathing and OMG running is hard discomfort. Since I’ve started running again (This is my first real week of running in 8 weeks), my foot is adjusting to that. Each injury I’ve had, I’ve never come back feeling good. After taking time off and rest I normally feel awkward and sore. My body has to readjust to running. This really hasn’t been an exception and I can feel my foot readjusting to running again.
My doctor told me to try and run most of the runs by myself. I have done that for the most part although I did run with Tim a couple of times. He was good to me though and slogged my 10 minute miles and never pushed the pace.
My plan for next week is something similar to this. I want to keep my weekly mileage the same of doing the 3ish mile loop around my neighborhood. If everything goes smoothly, I’m going to try and run 45 minutes next weekend. If it doesn’t, then I won’t try 45 minutes. I think because I played on more of a conservative side with recovery, it will have more benefits in a faster recovery now. I was telling a friend this is the first injury I’m coming back with almost no aches or pains so that is motivating. I see myself around 20-24 miles next week if everything goes smoothly.
Other things I’ve been doing to keep my recovery strong:
1. I’m taking salt baths to keep the muscle feeling loose.
2. I bought a pair of compression socks. I’ve always used sleeves but decided to buy a pair of socks to get blood to my feet/metatarsals as well. I am really glad I did and I’ve found I’m getting a lot of blood flow without constricting my feet (or feeling as if I’m causing damage).
So as always thank you for your support!
Questions for you:
Do you like compression socks or sleeves (what brand):
I alternate between CEP, Injinji and Zensah. I might be in the minority but I have found Pro Compression socks to not work.
Did you race this weekend? If you dressed up for a Halloween race, post a photo here (and a link to your blog/website) and I’ll include it in my Halloween post. If you don’t use Facebook, send me an email!
I’m glad you have the desire to run again – if your heart isn’t in it, your legs won’t follow.
I’ve used Zensah before and liked them. I got some 2XU sleeves from work and didn’t like them, so I gave them to Jonah and he seems to enjoy them though. PRO is my favorite. I like supporting the smaller companies, especially when stuff is made in the USA.
So glad you’re running again! It feels so weird to have to “get back in shape” and you remember all the new running stuff that you forget when you’re deep in training. I also recently bought my first pair of compression socks (I used sleeves too) and I’m hoping too that they give my feet a boost of support.
I think I might have forgotten about running. Ha ha, I feel like such an awkward giraffe taking it’s first steps.
I’m continually impressed with how smart, patient, and responsible you’re being with this situation. It shows a real sense of maturity. It’s also a good sign you’re craving running–that means you’re mentally and physically ready to get back at it.
I LOVE my compression sleeves. CEP all the way–neon orange ones, obviously. 😉 I wear them maybe once a week or so; it depends how I feel after tough workouts.
Thank you Carrie! I’ve got some big goals next year that I can’t start working towards if. I reinjure myself.
Which color neons? I just have plain jane black right now.
Pro compression socks squeezed my foot too tight and gave me a nasty bruise and 2 weeks recovery. I’m switching back to sleeves
Congrats on your progress! I really admire how patient you’re being with your body and think it will pay off in the long run.
I just ordered my first pair of CEP Progressive Sleeves a few days ago, due to arrive on Tuesday. I’m excited as I’ve never used compression gear before! We’ll see how it goes. Reading comments on this post makes me consider a pair of compression socks as well, since my big toe has been sore during my longer runs.
Thank you so much! Working in a running store, I’ve never had anyone tell mr compression sleeves or socks haven’t worked for them. I would recommend it!
I tend to really agree with time off from whatever it is that injured you (but can’t do it with my hip, I’m impatient), so I’m SURE it has helped with a fast recovery! It’s been awhile since you’ve been running!!! And also, good way to stay strict with yourself and not push too fast or too hard!
You’ve never had compression socks until now?!! Only sleeves?! You’ve been missing out on the glorious feeling of compression on your feet. Ahh, so comforting. Is it weird I like them this much? Annnnd I like Zensah, too!
I wore compression socks a couple of years ago but they irritated my Achilles so I didn’t wear them since.
I did a Halloween run this morning and will get you a pic soon! It was just a fun run with friends though, but it was fun running up and down the streets of Charleston dressed up. Especially since the cruise ship was in town so we were a nice show for the tourists ;).
I’m glad you’re running again. 20 miles in a week is pretty amazing coming back from injury. I know you’ll take it easy until you’re really confident and have a great comeback. Too many people push it or don’t listen to their bodies and I think that’s what gets them. Any injury free miles, regardless of speed or pace, are better than a run that gets you hurt!
I have never used compression socks or sleeves, nor do I even know what a salt bath is… I wonder if either of those things would help my perpetually tight calves. Thoughts?
I just wanna say that this is really great, Hollie! Nothing is more exciting than the feeling of starting back up; as infuriating a process as it is, there is a lot of beauty and exhilaration in it. I hope things continue looking up!
This is amazing Hollie! SO happy for you!
Andrew and I are signed up for our first color run, then hopefully we can do the Halloween race next year!
I have never used either compression socks or sleeves but I love leg and arm spandex. I usually use those especially when it gets cold. Is there an advantage/disadvantage to socks over spandex?
Normal spandex isn’t going to be as tight as compression socks and sadly won’t provide the same support!
Pro compression socks are the worst. I think that’s why they are so cheap (aka always on sale). I have Zensah and CEP sleeves, CEP and Pro socks. I love the CEP ones most!
I’m glad I’m not the only one, I honestly never thought they did much for me!
Hi there! I’ve noticed you commenting on some of my most favorite blogs so I just had to check you out. I’m glad I did! As for compression, I love CEP but also wear PRO for post-run bliss 🙂
Thanks for stopping by Allie! We do share a lot of connections 🙂
Love hearing that you are feeling good and getting in some mileage! Just keep taking your time and not trying to rush anything. And great that you are not looking at pace, either. It doesn’t matter right now at all. It will come!
I have CEP sleeves and the 2XU socks. I really like the 2XU socks for walking and recovery – sitting on the couch or walking around the house or outside. I haven’t worn them running because I’m afraid of wearing anything other than my belaga socks on my feet for fear of blisters! My balega socks have never failed me. So I wear the CEP sleeves with my balega socks for running.
I second the balega socks. You don’t hear much about them, but they really are THE BEST! I do love pro compression socks and sleeves for recovery only. Glad you are running pain free. That is the best type of running.
Welcome back into consistent running again! Dramatic, schematic, you deserve to celebrate 🙂
Interesting that you’re doing short but frequent miles. That’s worked well for me when coming back too, rather than say 3 x longer 5-8 mile runs in a week.
I think if I went the later route, I might injure myself again. Right now, I can’t imagine running 8 miles (haha). I know in a few weeks my time will come 🙂
I’m glad you’re starting your comeback!
Thank you Jason!
I’m really picky about my socks and I think compression socks feel scratchy, but I love my Zensah sleeves. I have Pro Compression socks that I wear on planes (because I’m an old lady whose ankles swell), but they’re too tall for me and I have to fold them in a way that would for sure not be comfortable for running.
love seeing you running again and glad things are on the upswing. I prefer calf sleeves while running but I like the socks for recovery. Well, you know my halloween costume was a troll- so much winning haha.
My favorite compression socks are CEP, but they are pricey for sure. I am not a big fan of sleeves; I was told you’re not supposed to wear them for more than a couple hours because they restrict blood flow to the foot. Who knows if that is actually true.