My First Race in 5 years - Nov 3 Komen 5K

I have abandoned this blog and had no intention to. Due to a string of injuries and a stubborn hamstring injury from Dec 2007, I haven't competed in a marathon since June 2007. I decided that I will try another marathon in 2014, just 7 years later. My hamstring is still an issue, but it's something I can deal with now more efficiently. I got used to the pain and my mind focuses on something else. The scar tissue is there and I feel it when I run.

On Nov 3, I raced my first road race since 2008 at the Susan Komen Race for the Cure. I ended up coming in 9th place overall,1st in the 35-39 age group with a 19:02! Results are here. Granted, this race was more about charity so there were only about 500 "timed" runners. The super fast runners didn't come out for this race so the field was less competitive. Still, I felt given the long layoff from racing, it was a respectable showing. It wasn't my fastest time for a 5K (17:59) but not my slowest.

Photo Credit: Mike Regala Photography. Me at the starting line!

I was extremely nervous since I hadn't competed in a race for so long. The last time I raced it was a glorious day when came in 5th place at the San Diego Camp Pendleton Mud Run in Oct 2008. That was such a long time ago.

I was aiming to run in the 18-19 min range for this 5K since I really didn't know the course or what I was capable or doing. I had been running 25 miles per week or so and thew in some fast workouts on the treadmill. I had done a few "mock" 5Ks to see where I was at so I knew I would be around that time.

Race Breakdown
I ran the first mile way to fast at 5:40. At mile 2 my split was 11:52, which I purposely slowed down. But during the final mile my wheels fell apart due to the half mile hill right at the end. We actually ran onto the 163 freeway and up an exit ramp at the Quince Street exit. That was HORRENDOUS to happen at that stage of a fast race. My legs seized up and I could feel the lactic acid. If that part were flat, I seriously would be at least 45 second faster. The good news is that only 1 person passed me on the hill and that was it. After I finally got to the top of the hill, I saw that there was only about a quarter mile left so I ran as fast as I could. I saw the clock ticking down and wanted to at least break 19:00, but just missed it. My legs and lungs were on fire.

After the race, it took me several hours to breathe properly. With time, I should get used to the faster racing outdoors. I need to get my lungs acclimated to that type of super heavy aerobic activity.

A Blog from the Past - June 3, 2007: San Diego Rock n Roll Marathon

I am going to try to post a "blog from the past" every week since I have about 10 years of blog entries to work with. This week's installment goes back to a very significant day in my marathon running history. June 3, 2007 was the day that I ran my fastest marathon at 2:57:41 and my 10th marathon overall. It was also the last marathon and significant race I have competed in. My stubborn hamstring injuries have plagued me for the last 3.5 years.

Actrually I did run the ASYMC Camp Pendleton 10K Mud Run on Oct 18, 2008 and placed 1st in the 30-34 age group (5th overall out of 1,300 runners). See the results here. I was very proud of that run considering I was running injured with my hamstrings not even 80 percent. Granted it wasn't a true road race, as we had to run up mountains, a lake and also and through mud and other obstacles, so our times were a lot slower than a normal 10K. Other than that one glorious race, I have not competed. Not even a 5K or 10K. I just don't feel I am up to par, so I continue to train and try to get my mileage up. I hope one day I will feel ready to compete again. Maybe it's pushing through the discomfort, but I don't want to make one injury worse and do permanent damage.

So here it is, in its entirety. I am posting this as a motivator so I can hopefully run one last marathon before I retire for good. Who knew I would be this washed up at 35? I started when I was 25 so I got 7 good years and 3 injured. I hope re-evaluating my shoes (Sir Isaac Newtons) and running technique, I can pull out another one.

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Rock N Roll San Diego Marathon - June 3, 2007

I'm at the finish of this historic race

Overcoming adversity is basically the theme of this marathon. I overcame a 2 injuries during what seemed like an endless 25-week training cycle - a half a year! I missed Boston Marathon in April due to recovering from tendonitis in February. Then in April I had a soft tissue tear in my arch tendon. I didn't think a marathon this year was possible. I was wrong.

Well, the 10th time is certainly a charm. On the day of my 10th marathon I was able to pull out yet another sub-3:00 marathon effort, this time at a 6:47 minute per mile pace. Other stats: 110th place out of 15,958 people and 20th place in the 30-34 age group out of 1,358.

I just kept relaxed throughout the entire race and focused on calm thoughts. I kept repeating in my head "stay in this state" and "focus on now." It really helped. The first few miles were standard. I tried not to go out too fast. I was at 6:42 at the first mile and 13:30 at mile 2. I don't remember much about the next few miles. We headed downtown and I really didn't like this part of the course. It smelled like a dumpster and was just not appealing. As I passed by the 10K mark (6.2 miles) I got this sense of dread. I had 20 more miles. Was I going to be able to keep up the intensity? I actually had a thought of just dropping out. Then I realized how ridiculous that was. I knew I could pull out at least a sub-3:10 effort if I really wanted to. So I kept on.

Mile 7.5 began the 2.5 mile climb up Highway 163. It was strange being able to run on the highway. I knew about this hill from my 2004 race. I knew it was going to be tough, but it was early enough in the race that I only slowed about 10 seconds per mile. My mileage watch said I was doing 7:20s mostly. I knew at the top I had to step it up. I had taken a Cliff Shot Block at the start that had caffeine in it. I think that gave me a little surge.

At mile 10 the San Diego Front Runners had their water stop. It was great. They announced my name on the microphone as I ran by. I felt great for the next 7 miles. I knew I had to put in a good solid chunk in the middle of this marathon to have any chance of a sub-3. So I glided down to mile 11 - all downhill. It was great. I felt relaxed. Then I got to the half marathon 13.1 miles at 1:27:14. I knew that I had some time in the bank. I could run the second half in 1:33 or so and be right around 3:00. I saw this guy Myles who had been running with me at the start but I let him pull ahead. I asked him what he was trying to maintain. He said 6:40 pace. So I kept with him for a few miles and around mile 15 I surged ahead. I still felt pretty good. I was totally zoning out. I was in a groove. It felt effortless at some portions. I tried to just keep my pace around 6:45 or so.

My boss Rich and co-workers Heidi and Charity were right after mile 16. They had a large sign with "Go Anthony" and my face blown up on it. I was so surprised. It was great. I then got the bottle of Gatorade I had asked for. After mile 17 I took another Cliff Shot Block. I wanted to do it around 2:00 or so but decided earlier. I knew I had 9.2 left. I did slow here. I was not feeling great, but not bad. I knew I just wanted to get to 20 miles and then re-evaluate my options for breaking 3:00.

Now we were in the Crown Point area of Pacific Beach. I took my e-Gel Electrolyte Energy gel around 18.5 miles. I saw someone who worked at SDRI (the running store I frequent) and he gave me a bottle of water to wash it down with. I ate half and waited to get to 20 miles before ingesting the other half. I saw the clock, it was 2:14 or so. I knew I had 46:00 to run the last 10K (6.2 miles). I knew in my mind that I could do that if I did not have any major cramping. At that point it was a hill since we crossed a bridge. I really pushed hard up it, as I was not going to slow for any reason. I heard a guy next to me grunting in pain as we ran up. I yelled "Come on, let's do this" to him. I kept on. I kept on pushing and pushing. I wanted it. I knew I could do it. Still, I had doubts though.

As I passed mile 21 I saw Trevor (a pacer) who was waiting for the 3:00 pace group to arrive. He looked anxious for the group to come. Then he yelled out to me, "You are way ahead of the 3:00 group, keep it up!" That was cool and I felt pumped. My confidence soared. As I arrived at mile 22 I told myself I have a Khoury's Run left in me. Khoury's was a 4.13 mile run my old running group Somerville Road Runners did every Thursday night starting and ending in front of this small pub called Khoury's in Somerville, Mass. I saw that the clock read 2:28 so that meant I had 32:00 to run 4.2 finish in under 3 hours. I knew I could easily do that.
I upped my pace in the next mile and made it to mile 23 around 2:35 or so. I now had 25:00 to do 3.2 miles - a piece of cake, right? Then, all of sudden, I got a small twinge in my right calf muscle. SHIT! It was a small cramp though. I slowed slightly and told myself that I was not going to cramp up until AFTER it was over. I drank extra water. I got through that scare and was at mile 24 at 2:42 or so. I knew I had 18:00 to do the last 2.2 - that would very easy. I just kept pushing and pushing. I got to mile 25 at around 2:49:50 or so.

I knew I had it in the bag as long as the cramping did not start up again. There was 1.2 left and I had 10:10 to do it. I could surely do that. As soon as I made the final left turn into the front gates of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot I knew I only had less than a half mile left. I pushed as hard as I could. I was in so much pain. My hip flexors were burning as well as my calves. My lungs were burning as well. Still, I did not feel dizzy, which was great - a sign I was well hydrated. I heard the announcer's voice in the distance. I was so close! Then I saw a guy cramping up big time. He was hobbling his way with the help of his friend. I felt so bad. It could have been me.

I didn't even look at my watch at this point. I didn't want to know what the time on the clock said. I knew I was going to break 3 hours, but by how much? Finally, during the last straightaway, I glanced at my watch and it said 2:55 and change. I knew I could feasibly finish in under 2:58. I just sprinted. All out sprinted. I was ecstatic. As I passed the 26-mile mark, the last .2 miles were a complete blur. I did not notice anyone around me. I had a narrow vision to the clock. 2:56:30, 2:56:50, 2:57:20...tick, tick tick... At last, I ran through with both hands raised up high and smiled into the camera. I was well aware they were cameras up above the finish banner so I struck a decent pose. Then it was over. Was it really over?

In my excitement I tried to do a cartwheel unsuccessfully and fell to the ground scratching both my palms in the process. Still, I was excited. This guy Dennis from Front Runners was right there as I crossed. He said that I would be on the front page of the GL Times. I laughed. I didn't even expect to see him right at the finish as one of the volunteers.


After my breakup over a month ago, I think I gained extra motivation to focus on my running. I did this marathon for myself. I wanted it so bad. I'm glad I was able to run a PR after the struggles I had this year. I couldn't be happier. And this is why I continue to do this. I can't let go of the high of running a great race. I have no regrets about this one, that's for sure.


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Happy Birthday and other thoughts on mid-30s

Today I left my "early" 30s. I am 34. Wow, I still can't believe it. I feel this age so much more than any other birthday.  It felt like yesterday that I was just 24, living in Davis Square near Boston and hanging out at Diesel Cafe.So many hopes and dreams. I didn't really know what I wanted to do with my life. And after 7 jobs later, I find myself living in Orange County trying to re-start my life yet again. I left San Diego, a place very dear to my heart. It was a tough transition and I'm struggling to find a social life here. I'm trying to find my community, which seems lost and hidden in valleys and hills. Most of my friends are in San Diego and Boston.

Life has certainly taken several turns over the past 10 years. There is a huge part of me that is still lost. I really don't know what I want to do when I grow up. I'm still 24 in my heart. The problem is, I am grown up and must deal with life and its responsibilities. There are so many changes that have yet to come. I see them coming. I can sense them. The beauty of it is that I have control over my life. I can decide what will happen from here on out. There are some major chances I must take in order to truly be happy. It may involve several years of working non-stop for something that may or may not materialize or be profitable. I know that in my heart what's right for me. I just have take yet another risk and go for it. It's not a foreign concept to me. I've already taken major risks before. So I'm giving myself a time line tonight. Within the next year I will take serious steps to achieve my goal. I can't guarantee that I will get there in a year, but I sure as hell hope to be a lot closer to it.

I miss marathons/running totals

It's been over 2 years since my last marathon on June 3, 2007 at the San Diego Rock n Roll Marathon. I really miss it now and it's very difficult to watch everyone around me run their fall marathons while I sit on the sidelines. I have struggled with injuries since December 2007 when I tore my hamstring while playing tennis. At the time I didn't think it was a major injury. I took a few days off and kept up with my running. The pain never left me.

Almost 2 years later, I am still not completely healed. The slight pain has stayed with me even after months of physical therapy. It just won't shake no matter how much stretching I do. I have a feeling that my hamstring will never be the same. The good news is that it's a lot better than it once was. I'm not in excruciating pain while running. It's just ever so slight and bothersome. It can get worse as time goes on. I will see if it gives me major problems on longer runs. I'll just have to focus on other things. It's going to be a game of tricking my mind. If I don't focus on it, maybe I won't notice the pain. I've done that before with success.

My plan is to run the Surf City Marathon on February 7, 2010 in Huntington Beach. I believe this is a realistic goal. At that race I will hopefully re-qualify for the Boston Marathon that takes place on April 19, 2010. After that, I plan to retire from marathon running once and for all. My body just doesn't seem cut out for it. I may still do half marathons. Speaking of the half, I was planning to do the Silver Strand Half Marathon, but it is sold out. I want to do some kind of race before Surf City as a warm up. I will have to search for another half sometimes in December.

Below is what I did for the past month or so. I haven't run a ton, clearly, but I am slowly getting back into it. This past week was a successful running week even while I traveled to Toronto and Indianapolis.

Date	Time	Mileage	Min/ Mile	Notes	HR Max	HR Ave
Sept 16, 2009	14:13	2.12	6:41	I ran on the treadmill at the gym. Didn't have a lot of time. I also did ellipitcal.	---	---
Sept 19, 2009	54:05	7.59	7:07	I ran up to Corona Del Mar from Balboa Island. It was sunny and not too hot, but it made me run slower. My HR was way up, too high.	181 (97%)	162 (87%)
week ending Sept 20, 2009	---	9.71	---	What a pathetic week. I just didn't have a lot of time to run due to traveling to DC for a conference. The time change really affected me.	---	---
Sept 22, 2009	21:16	3.03	7:00	I am in Chicago so I ran on the treadmill in the gym. I didn't have much time.	163 (87%)	154 (82%)
Sept 25, 2009	33:32	4.54	7:23	I ran slow and my legs felt like bricks. Not a good run. I didn't try to push myself simply b/c I had no energy.	160 (86%)	148 (79%)
Sept 26, 2009	41:02	5.65	7:15	I ran along Back Bay. It was ok, but I struggled and didn't feel fresh. I wanted to see how running on consecutive days would work out.	173 (93%)	155 (83%)
week ending Sept 27, 2009	---	13.22	---	I'm actually embarrassed that my weekly totals are so low. I just need to step it up. My body is not cooperating.	165 (88%)	152 (81%)
Sept 28, 2009	45:47	6.55	6:59	Back Bay. I felt good the first half but struggled the second. I know the HR monitor was off as it was not functioning for most of the run.	171 (91%)	149 (80%)
Sept 30, 2009	30:21	4.39	6:54	One last run off Balboa Island before I move.	169 (90%)	151 (81%)
Oct 1, 2009	30:13	4.36	6:54	I did this run on the treadmill at the gym.	166 (89%)	152 (81%)
Oct 2, 2009	27:20	3.87	7:03	I squeezed this run in since I have to leave for Toronto in the early morning tomorrow. I started this run at 8:30pm! I was not in the mood but wanted to run around my new neighbourhood.	167 (89%)	150 (80%)
Oct 4, 2009	28:54	4.33	6:39	I ran on the treadmill at the gym here in Toronto. It was raining outside so didn't want to get soaked. It is cold here, only in the lower 50s! Yikes!	174 (93%)	158 (84%)
week ending Oct 4, 2009	---	23.5	---	I'm a lot happier with my tally this week. I just tried to run more even if it was only a few miles. It's better than nothing. I need to get a double-digit run in next week. That's my goal.	169 (90%)	152 (81%)
Oct 5, 2009	43:40	6.33	6:53	I ran in Toronto along Lake Ontario. It was chilly, in the low 50s. On the way up I was running directly into a headwind. I was so tired and it took a lot out of me. On the way back I must have run a lot faster. I thought for sure my average was going to be slow.	162 (87%)	154 (82%)
Oct 6, 2009	27:53	4.06	6:51	I ran on the treadmill at the gym here in Indianapolis. I struggled	166 (89%)	152 (81%)
Oct 8, 2009	28:17	4.15	6:48	I ran on the treadmill at the gym here in Indianapolis. I ran faster than I thought I would.	164 (88%)	153 (82%)
Oct 10, 2009	29:47	4.18	7:06	Finally back in OC. I went from my place down Superior Ave onto the Balboa Peninsula and then back up the hill on Superior Ave. I wanted to run longer but it was too late and dark. I forgot my reflective vest.	167 (89%)	154 (812%)
Oct 11, 2009	1:14:53	10.55	7:05	I was so happy that I was able to run over an hour and at least 10 miles. I haven't run this long in over 6 months or so. I felt ok throughout. I ran down Superior onto Balboa peninsula and then ran from the Newport Pier all the way down past the Balboa Pier and reversed direction. It was nice to run along the boardwalk next to the beach. It was sunny but not too hot (around 70) with nice breezes. I struggled at the end since you have to run up Superior, which is like almost a 0.5 mile hill. My calf did not give me issues and my hamstring felt ok for the most part. I stretched a lot before and after.	171 (91%)	155 (83%)
week ending Oct 11, 2009	---	29.29	---	Not bad, considering I was traveling this week. I just barely missed 30 miles. Actually I did make 30 but didn't document a 1 mile run I did on the treadmill one night I decided to just do elliptical. Let's see if I can sustain this momentum.	166 (89%)	153.6 (82%)

Physical Therapy and running tally ending Aug 16, 2009

Last Tuesday (Aug 11) I had my first physical therapy session for my injured lower calf. You can read more details here about my doctor's visit on July 31. It was hard to pinpoint exactly where the pain source was since I hadn't run in a few days. We eventually found it. My physical therapist did a deep tissue massage on that leg for about 15 min. It hurt like hell. She said my calf is extremely tight and as it gets looser the pain will not be as bad. Also, I will need to do sets of stretching exercises for my calf before I run. Each stretch I have to hold for 30 seconds and do it at least 2-3 times. I will have to really focus on stretching BEFORE and AFTER each run. I have to admit that previously I would stretch, but not to the extent that she wants me to do now.

Here is my run tally but I will not total it until I am consistently running. This is what I have not posted since the last chart that was posted on my July, 20, 2009 entry.

Date	Time	Mileage	Min/ Mile	Notes	HR Max	HR Ave
July 25, 2009	32:08	4.87	6:35	Not sure my pace was accurate as I have had calibration issues with my Nike +. I have to re-calibrate I think. Also the HR watch was off. I don't think I was at 177 bpm!	177 (95%)	164 (88%)
July 29, 2009	29:03	4.07	7:07	I ran slower today. I wasn't feeling it.	159 (85%)	149 (80%)
Aug 1, 2009	31:17	4.57	6:50	Doctor said to run slower so I did slow down a little. I ran mostly on grass.	174 (93%)	162 (87%)
Aug 4, 2009	30:28	4.35	7:00	I fixed the calibration issue and re-calibrated. I think this was more accurate now.	165 (86%)	156 (83%)
Aug 6, 2009	31:19	4.39	7:08	On doctor's orders he told me to run slower. So I did. It felt ok. Ran mostly on grass.	162 (87%)	151 (81%)
Aug 8, 2009	33:05	5.0	6:36	Ran too fast. I think the watch was off still.	177 (95%)	159 (85%)
Aug 9, 2009	26:46	3.87	6:55	Ran slower but wanted to be around 7:00 pace, a tad fast. HR was not working on watch so I estimated. It was reading 213 bpm, which is an error or I would not be typing this right now. I would be dead.	170 (91%)	160 (85%)
Aug 12, 2009	45:27	6.60	6:52	After stretching extensively for 3 min each calf (per my PT) and also doing my hamstrings I ran along the Back Bay in Newport up through UC Irvine and back along the river/back bay. It was mostly on dirt. My leg felt better after a mile. It was a rough run as I have not done over 5 in a while so I was fatigued. I iced the calf after and felt ok. I thought I would be slower. I need to consciously slow down for now on.	174 (94%)	161 (86%)
Aug 15, 2009	41:36	6.09	6:49	After 2 days off from running and one day from complete exercise I felt ok on this run. I was in San Diego so I ran down through Balboa Park and back up to Hillcrest. I felt ok and stretched a lot before and after. My HR got too high but it was a bit warm and I ran at 11AM instead of a lot earlier as I had planned.	176 (94%)	160 (86%)

I have determined I won't be able to get my mileage up to complete the full marathon at Long Beach Marathon, so I will most likely do the half (13.1 miles). Then I will train to do Carlsbad Marathon on January 24, 2010. Then hopefully I can run a time to get me into Boston Marathon for April 2010 since my qualification expired this year since I didn't use it. That's the plan. I hope my body can cooperate.

San Diego Pride - Weekly Running Tally ending July 20, 2009

This past weekend I was in San Diego again for Pride and to dog/house sit. It was a great time. I thoroughly enjoyed being with my friends. I felt like I spread myself out a little too thin though. I never had a chance to truly just chill out. On Saturday morning I rushed down to the parade after searching for a parking space about a mile away. I met up with Ryan, Nima and Sakis, then eventually Alexis. We were there for 3 hours. I took a lot of great photos of the floats, etc. The photo on the left is of Ongina, who was a contestant on the Logo show Rupaul's Drag Race. I loved that show and Ongina! He was robbed of the title and should have made it further than he did.

On Sunday morning Alexis, Ryan and I went to a nice brunch at a private home in the Marston Hills area of Hillcrest. I was so envious of this small craftsman style home. It even had a separate dwelling in the back with vaulted ceilings that served as an office for the owner. I found out he actually works in Solana Beach 2 days a week since he runs a gallery. What a nice life. He can work in the comfort of his own home and just be in charge of his days. I want that so bad. That is my goal for when I get older. I want to have the flexibility to work for myself. Corporate America is very draining, but I have to pay my dues now. When I am in my 40s hopefully I'll escape this cubical way of life.

As for running I had some issues this week with a small injury to my lower inside calf area. I am not sure what it is exactly. I first got this pain in mid-May. Then I had the appendectomy and didn't run for 3 weeks. It is a ligament or tendon that runs along the inside of my right leg but not quite on the shin. It's only on one isolated spot instead of the entire ligament. I felt some moderate pain during my last run (7.1 mile run on 7/16). Then I didn't run Fri, Sat, Sun or Mon. I will skip today (Tues) so I will have 5 days of no running. I did do elliptical yesterday and upper body chest/back weights and abs. I felt good. I think I just need to rest the leg. I iced this weekend and that helped a lot. I did a lot of walking at Pride so at least I got some exercise. Below is my log for the period ending July 20.

Date	Time	Mileage	Min per Mile	Observations	HR Max	HR Ave
July 13, 2009	13:32	2.05	6:35	Barely got a run in on this Monday. Worked late.	---	---
July 14, 2009	29:14	4.26	6:51	I ran in the morning since I was going to do something after work.	178 (95%)	158 (84%)
July 14, 2009	30:11	4.54	6:38	I ran again today since I didn't go to a work function.	170 (91%)	161 (86%)
July 16, 2009	47:43	7.11	6:44	My longest run yet but I developed the pain in my lower calf/shin area. I could still run fast with this slight pain, but obviously I am worried about doing anything longer than 6-8 miles. How will it hold up on a 12- or 20-miler? Going to the doctor Aug 3.	168 (90%)	153 (82%)
Week ending July 20, 2009	---	17.96	---	Well due to skipping 3 days this period I was well below my goal of 30 miles. I will see how this injury goes after taking 5 days off from running in a row...	172.6 (92%)	157.3 (84%)

Show all

The Physical

Yesterday (Friday) I went to the doctor for my annual check up. I discussed my several issues. First the hamstring. I told him it is probably 80% healed but has not gotten any better. I wasn't too concerned since now I have lower back pain. He said that if it was a nerve/disc issue I would have shooting pains down the back of my legs as well. I don't. So I felt better about that. I also told him about my toe and the fear that I had fractured it. He said that it's most likely a joint issue or a tendon issue but he will look at the X-rays and call me. He said rarely are there fractures in the actual toe itself. It's usually the bones that connect to the toes (metatarsals).

I have not run since Dec 31. It's been about 10 days. So my toe actually feels great now. There is minimal pain. My back is not hurting anymore. I believe this is because I have not been running. Although, I have been doing core work. I read an article in February's Runner's World that gives 5-6 lower back and abdominal exercises. I have been doing them every day or at least every other day. It discussed that lower back pain following long runs results from a weak core. I admit I only do crushes 2-3 times a week. If I do these better exercises I should be golden. I have not given up hope on Boston yet. I will wait for the x-ray result and if I don't have a fracture I will start to run next week.

Getting better and healing

Well, it looks like I am finally healing. The hamstring injury that has plagued me for the past 6 months is slowly going away. I am glad I was able to finally go to physical therapy over the past 2 months and do all my exercises that he taught me. I am now running 3 times a week. I actually did over 6 miles on Saturday in 47:31. I wore my Polar heart rate monitor and averaged 161 beats per min (bpm), which represents 86% of my max heart rate. On this run I reached a max of 175, but I did that on purpose. Near the end I sprinted some to see how high my heart rate could get. I did have a hard time breathing at times during this run, but it's natural since my cardiovascular system is getting used to running rather than the spin classes and elliptical trainer cardio I was doing before I was able to run.

The other two times I ran this past week were on 6/25 when I ran 30:32. I only averaged 153 bpm (81% of my max heart rate) and maxed at 173. On 6/26 I ran 32:01 but did not wear the heart rate monitor. I need to get new batteries for the watch part and have to have it shipped out to a service center so I will need to part with this watch for a few weeks. I am not sure if I want to do that yet. I may just let it die completely before sending it in.

I ran today only 23 min total. I ran from my car where I parked it to Ballys (my gym) in 11:30 and then after doing upper body weights and my hamstring exercises (that I need to do for therapy) I ran another 11:30 back to my car. I probably shouldn't have run today since I ran yesterday, but it was at an easier pace. My PT said that it's ok to stress my hamstring since the stressing is helping it heal. Still, I probably will take tomorrow off from running and then do a run on Tuesday. That way I can do a Tues, Thurs, Sat run week.