Over 80

It was over 80 degrees again today and you know what that means. Or maybe you don't. It means walking at every mile marker. This helps me ease into the summer temperatures. I went 3 miles and that included the walking at the beginning and end, so really only 2.7 miles of running. Minus the other minute-long walks at the mile marks. And the big hill into the neighborhood. So, maybe 2.4 miles? Anyway, I felt a little sluggish, maybe because I woke up three times last night. I blame that on one of the dogs having the scoots in their crate and my thinking I heard a dog barking. In protest. Turns out I wasn't dreaming it, but it still made for a not-so-good night of sleep. Let's hope the week improves from here, both for the dogs and me.

Early Run

We have some obligations today, so I got up and started my 3-mile run a little after seven a.m. Not a lot of people out, but a few walkers and cyclists. The mild temperature certainly helped offset the humidity from the rains of the past few days. I enjoyed getting out before the rest of the world woke up and got busy. When I came home I ate breakfast and sat on the patio drinking coffee, while the neighborhood birds sang their little hearts out. Nice and relaxing start to the day, including the run.

Spike

The temperature spiked to the mid-80s today and with that, I walked at every mile marker as is normal when the mercury surpasses 80 degrees. I ran 3 miles and really, it wasn't too bad. A breeze from the south helped keep things manageable. I felt a bit sluggish in the last mile, maybe due to age or heat, or both. I also have to mow the lawn today, so better get to it.

Rain? Not So Much

Supposedly, we were supposed to get rain all day. Instead, it's been overcast with a distinct lack of rain. Maybe later, says the forecast. In the meantime, I went out and did 3 miles right before lunch. Seems like my foot problems are in the past, which makes me happy. I don't like having to recover from an injury when the weather is a mild as it has been the past few weeks. Oh well, you don't always get to pick the timing of these things. I felt good and was glad to get a run in today since the forecast had made it look like that wouldn't happen.

A Nice 3

Lovely day here in north Texas and I got out at lunch for a 3-miler. Light breeze and sunshine plus mild temperatures all combined to make it a good run. I enjoy days like this, knowing what it's going to be like around here in a few months. My foot pain lingers like a phantom that won't leave, but it's not getting worse. I think using the shoe inserts in my normal-wear shoes has helped. Afterward, since I was already nice and sweaty, I ran the lawnmower over a patch in the back and most of the front yard where the shade grass is already growing nicely. Looks like rain all day Saturday and into Sunday, but we'll see how accurate the forecast is in affecting my upcoming weekend run.

Give Me Three

Skipped Thursday's run due to work and a little bit of foot pain, but got out today for 3 miles. The pain is still there on the underside of my right foot. Not as bad, though. I put inserts into my daily-wear sneakers and that seems to have helped. We'll see how it feels the next few days. My heart rate hit the theoretical maximum at the end of today's run (220 minus age). As I've stated before, I'm pretty that's not exactly correct. Feels like I should have a higher max, especially when I'm in good shape. I'm not out of shape right now, exactly, but I'm also not at the top of my game. The answer? Keep running.

Another Recovery

It's been another ten days since I ran due to the foot pain. BTW, the meat I smoked on the 29th turned out very well to popular acclaim. Anyway, I thought about the foot issue and what had changed. I'm using the same running shoes I've always used and a pair that gave me no problems. What did change was the weather, and with that going back to casual sneakers with no arch support. They're what I've worn for years when getting out and about (non-running, of course), but I don't wear them over the course of winter. Resuming their usage must've caused problems with my feet and so I've discontinued using them for now. I bought a pair of another brand of casual shoe, this with a little more arch and cushioning in the heel. I've only worn them once so far, yesterday, and then today I ran 3 miles. I have a little bit of pain, but not too bad. I'll continue with the new casual shoes and hopefully that makes the difference.