Running progress report

Could this possibly become a running blog again?  Not sure just yet, but I am working in that direction.

Last week I actually broke the 10 mile mark for total mileage.  Woohoo!  My longest run to date has been 5 miles.  This past weekend the Goat and I did about 5 miles on mixed, but fairly flat terrain.  It was painful for me, but I am progressing in terms of my stride.  It took us about 47.5 minutes, so it wasn't blazing fast.  Goat did say it felt like sub-9 minute pace as he was breathing hard a few times.  I guess the route must be a little longer than I thought.

Anyway, I decided to give it another go last night, and banged out a time of 44 minutes...not bad considering.  The pace was better and stride continues to improve, but the pain in my hips and lower back was fairly intense.  I'm hopeful that it will improve like everything else to date.  It gets difficult to focus and maintain form with the pain, so I really want it to improve soon.

The good news is that I'm fairly certain I will be OK for Reach the Beach.  My stride is smoother on pavement and my pace is decent.  I'm thinking I can hold an 8 minute pace or better on the flats.  Downhills are the toughest as I still don't fully trust the leg.  It may be more mental than physical at this point...just need to work through it.  It's been great having RTB as a goal as it has really kept me focused on the rehab.  I don't think I would have worked nearly as hard without this race as a goal.

I know I still need to post a report on Yosemite, but other priorities are in the way right now.

If anyone knows a good Masters swim coach in the Hartford area, please drop me a line.  I'm looking for one.

Also, I'm thinking of changing the name of the blog to something other than "Ultra Steve".  The name just seems very self-serving, and I really don't want it to be about me as much as it is about life experiences and personal insights with running, climbing, skiing and other activities as a metaphor.  I want the blog to serve a greater community.  Maybe a simple change to "Ultra Life"?

BTW, you think it's too soon to start training for an ultra?  ;-)

Peace!

Steve