Keep Moving Forward: A Training Log (Comments Welcome)

[lhermiston]

When I came back, I really intended on doing weekly updates here to coincide with getting back into regular exercise.

Not coincidentally, my absence here mirrored a relative absence in exercise as well, unfortunately.

The year started off well. I got some short runs in midweek, and then a couple of runs in the 4-6 mile range. Nothing significant, but my goal is really to get back to running with regularity, with less emphasis on distance since I don't have to build up to anything for a while.

My first setback came in mid-January when I was hit with some sort of respiratory illness that grounded me for about 10 days. Then came bitterly cold temperatures. I did get out to run a couple of times during the cold spell, but not much.

When the weather became more conducive to running (at least by Iowa standards - think breath not freezing to my eyebrows), I tried running again and it did not go well. My knees especially ached and my legs just felt dead. 5-6 easy miles felt like I'd run 20 the day before. As someone who used to be about to knock out a 10K at the drop of a hat, this was less than bueno.

For the past 18 months, I have been dealing with pain in my left hamstring. It hampered by experience for the Twin Cities and Philadelphia marathons, but I did finish. I took some time off winter 24-25 and did some PT that helped some, but eventually I just dropped that and focused on building up my mileage. I used a run/walk method that got me through training for DC, but my performance definitely faulted.

Starting last November, my leg pain started getting significantly worse. Just sitting - sitting! - caused me considerable pain and stiffness in my knees. I more or less shut down running, but it didn't really improve much.

The final straw came a couple weeks ago. I set out to do 6 easy miles and I ended up doing 5 with more walking than I wanted. The pain was just too much.

So, I got back into sports medicine these past few weeks. Physically, I appear to be fine. No arthritis, no damage. But I have got some very, very tight hamstrings and some weak hips, I guess.

I saw a PT this week and I'm going to do that with some regularity. I'm taking what I hope will be a short break from running and am doing exercises at home to strengthen my hamstrings and hips. I did ride an exercise bike for half an hour today, so I'm hoping to make cross training a regular thing going forward, as well.

Mentally, I am ready to rock. I'm going to try to make some dietary changes to help things along, as well. Physically, I've got a little ways to go. But I'm willing to put in the work and see what happens.

Have a good week, everyone.

 

[FFigawi]

Here are some useful yoga routines that you might find helpful for keeping your hamstrings and the rest of you flexible.

Hang in there, my friend. Dopey is a long way away, and you've got plenty of time to get fully healthy and ready to go.

 

[lhermiston]

Here are some useful yoga routines that you might find helpful for keeping your hamstrings and the rest of you flexible.

Hang in there, my friend. Dopey is a long way away, and you've got plenty of time to get fully healthy and ready to go.

Thanks, pal!

 

[lhermiston]

It's only been a couple of weeks, but I'm noticing some improvements. I haven't started running, but I'm doing hamstring stretches multiple times a day every day and some additional exercises for my hammies and hips roughly every other day. They can be tough and not super pleasant, but they're making a difference.

Biggest difference? I'm not in pain when I sit at work anymore. That alone is worth the price of admission. I'm eager to see how it feels to run. I see a PT on Thursday and I'm going to ask for a go ahead.

In the meantime, I've been hitting an exercise bike with some regularity. Our local rec center is not ideal, but the cost is right and it's convenient. Between that and some better dietary habits, I'm down a few pounds, which also feels good.

Like I said, it's only been a couple of weeks and that's barely scratching the surface of substantial lifestyle changes, but it's a positive start.

Registration tomorrow. NBD. I'm cool, everything is cool.

Super cool.

 

[Mr_Incr3dible]

It's only been a couple of weeks, but I'm noticing some improvements. I haven't started running, but I'm doing hamstring stretches multiple times a day every day and some additional exercises for my hammies and hips roughly every other day. They can be tough and not super pleasant, but they're making a difference.

Biggest difference? I'm not in pain when I sit at work anymore. That alone is worth the price of admission. I'm eager to see how it feels to run. I see a PT on Thursday and I'm going to ask for a go ahead.

In the meantime, I've been hitting an exercise bike with some regularity. Our local rec center is not ideal, but the cost is right and it's convenient. Between that and some better dietary habits, I'm down a few pounds, which also feels good.

Like I said, it's only been a couple of weeks and that's barely scratching the surface of substantial lifestyle changes, but it's a positive start.

Registration tomorrow. NBD. I'm cool, everything is cool.

Super cool.

Your post reminds me that I need to get back to doing the hip flexor exercises to build those up.

 

[lhermiston]

While it felt hectic at the time, the easy part is done: I'm registered for Dopey. To be honest, I was sweating it a week or so leading up to registration, so it's definitely a relief to be registered.

Now comes the hard part.

I met with my PT last week and got some additional exercises to work on at home. The recommendation was to look at some elliptical work for cardio or start slow with some run/walk intervals. I've opted for run/walk.

So far, I've gone out for two 2-mile jaunts and a 4-mile endeavor today. Verdict: not bad, not great. I have more life in my legs than I did a month ago when I decided it was time to back to PT and the workouts were definitely doable. On the other hand, my left leg (the one that's given me trouble for almost two years now) does not feel as strong as my right. The first run was the least ideal, the second one felt a little better, and the third run was so-so.

I'm reminding myself that I'm also probably a little rusty after relatively little running since late October 2025.

But basically, I'm back where I was a year ago. Coming off of some PT and a multi-week absence from running, trying to build back my base, and with a race (or in this case races) in the fall and winter. I wish I could say I felt better than a year ago - more optimistic maybe? Otherwise, I don't know. I wish I knew this discomfort in my leg would fade, that this latest round of PT will fix everything, that it's not just age, that it's not permanent.

At 42, I'm too young to call it quits. Heading into Marine Corps Marathon, I entertained the idea that might be my swan song. When I survived, then I looked to Detroit and Disney. I want to keep going. I had a brief moment the other day when I pictured my grandchildren seeing me finish a race. I like that idea, but things have to improve.

At this moment, I am motivated and relatively confident. I've got this.

Or, I go down in a blaze of glory.

 

[lhermiston]

I'm probably tempting fate with the Disboard mods by posting this, but for the last several years I've really been preaching, "There is so much out there than runDisney." And, while it might seem hypocritical with me signing a week of my life away at Marathon next January, I really believe that.

If you want to do runDisney, more power to you. Anything that keeps you motivated and active I support. But, if you want to save a few bucks (I'm talking 2-3 race experiences for the cost of one rD weekend) and still have an awesome time, consider these races:

Let's get the lotteries out of the way. It's a crapshoot, of course, but if you can get into NYC or Chicago, I highly, highly recommend it. NYC was the greatest race day of my life and Chicago wasn't far behind. The atmosphere is unbeatable.

That said, if you want a world major feel with out messing with the lottery...

- Consider the Philadelphia Marathon. It's a big race in a historic city. Especially at the beginning, the vibes were comparable to Chicago. Big corrals, skyscrapers, iconic sites. The back half doesn't quite compare to the Windy City, but I really loved this race. Bonus: for the challenge fans, Philadelphia offers multiple challenge options that will definitely test you - I did the Freedom Challenge (HM and 8K on Saturday, Full on Sunday).

- Consider the Marine Corps Marathon. A marathon in Washington, D.C.? Sign me the heck up. This is also known as the People's Marathon due to how accessible it is. It does sell out, but I think you can get in relatively easily if you jump on it. The race itself sets a 16-minute mile pace requirement; same as Disney, I believe. The course itself is beautiful, you get to yell "Ooorah!" at the Marines on the course, and touring DC in the off hours is great.

But maybe you just want a really fun race with amazing crowds. Then I'd say ...

- Consider Flying Pig Marathon. Cincinnati was never high on my list of cities to visit again, but when Flying Pig kept showing up on the "Best of" race lists, I was intrigued. Plus, they have multiple challenge options (I did the 1 mile, 5K, 10K, and full). The race itself is one big party (even on a day the started with torrential downpours). While on the course I had: mimosas, beer, bacon, and tequila. The crowd support was phenomenal. Bonus: the race shirts were great and the medals were awesome.

While there's no substitute for running Main Street, USA, there are some really beautiful courses out there. If that's a priority for you ...

- Consider the Twin Cities Marathon. An absolutely beautiful blend of environments. You start near Vikings Stadium in the heart of the city, but the course all includes beautiful park spaces and gorgeous neighborhoods. The crowd support is solid throughout, the afterparty was bueno, and they offer some challenge options (we ran a 5K and a 10K the day before the full).

- See also Marine Corps Marathon. Just a beautiful course and amazing vibes throughout the race.

Like I said at the onset, if runDisney is your bag, no hate here. But there really are some amazing races out there that offer so much of the rD experience at a fraction of the cost.