I've been slowed by an iliotibial band strain, where the band joins the hip. I think I injured it last Monday, riding my bike to work. I was pushing too hard up the hills. (Why was I in such a hurry to get to work? I could understand doing that on the way home.) Regardless, I've been reluctant to do any speed work for the last two weeks, because it is much more uncomfortable when I stride out. It is tolerable when I keep a moderate pace.Those of you who have been reading my blog for a while know that Tuesday is speed-work day at the track. I needed to substitute a different work-out, something that would not risk further staining my ITB. Bike riding is right out, since that's what caused the injury. Hill work is also off the table since even a slow uphill pace cause lots more pain. Then, I thought of the perfect thing...
ICE CREAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Everyone has a preferred marathon training plan. Some follow Hal Higdon, others use the Pfitzinger method, many follow the Galloway schedule, I am following the Hagen Daz plan. I believe marathon training should include an Ice Cream workout at least once a week. Today, I made a banana split with cherry vanilla Hagen Daz. I topped it with the whipped cream and some fresh cherries, followed with a drizzle of dark chocolate. Cherrylicious! Bananatastic! And since I wisely chose to do 6.5 miles at lunch in case I was not up to the speed work, it was completely (almost) guilt-free.
So I have taken three of the last seven days off. Here are the days I did run. Notice there are no bike miles shown. I will not ride again until the ITB quiets down. Also, the number 1 and number 2 pairs of shoes in current rotation are at 650 miles and 500 miles respectively. I need to buy new shoes. I think some of the 'dead leg' issues I am going through may be due to 'dead shoes'. I've got my eyes on a few new shoes, but I need to get down to Vertical Runner and try them on.
