After two long races on consecutive weekends, I was able to get out for a long run Thursday. Mentally, I prepared to do a long race this fall. So, I’d better get my legs ready to run a long race.
After a couple of shorter runs to recover from Devil’s Den, I went out for a typical Belmont Ferry Farm Trail, Falmouth Bridge, Heritage Loop 11 mile run. I want to build back up to 2 minute walks every 20 minutes. I’m up to 9-minute increments and will add 1 minute per day.
I’ve resolved my July muscle strains. I still have a little pain in my hips at night. A heating pad for 20 minutes helps, and I’m wearing compression shorts on every run to keep things together.
I used my new Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 shoes. Usually, I won’t use new shoes for a long run until I’ve used them on short runs for a couple of weeks. Today’s run was my second in these shoes, the first being 4 miles, as my Nike Reacts have excessive miles on them and are restricting my pronation.
I needed to be out while my cleaning lady was here. So, I started at 7:20, a little later than I would have preferred. Today was the worst running day yet for this summer at 74 degrees and a 71-degree dew point. And, that is not that bad.
When I got to my first checkpoint, I was slower than usual but still faster than my post-strain runs. At least I didn’t go through that checkpoint thinking, ” oh, oh.” Perhaps, the walk breaks every 9 minutes slowed me down enough.
My Heritage Loop time was less than 2 minutes more than usual.
As I returned through Pratt Park, the heat was not slowing me, and I did a slight negative split.
It’s too early to tell. But, the new shoes did well on the run. I seemed to be hitting more on my forefoot.
Post-run, I stretched and strength trained for about an hour. I’m ready to add another Heritage Loop next week.