Today’s workout took “variety” to a whole new level. My intentions were simple; a 4-5 mile Easy run. With the legs and arms still a little sore from lifting/hiking/etc, I wanted a nice and relaxed run. Well, I didn’t quite get there. So, I decided to switch things up a little bit…..

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By the numbers

3 miles – on the road – 8:09 (too fast, tooo fast ) 8:17 (ah, the usual) 8:21 (alright, hitting the track.)
1 mile – on the track – 7:45 (what?!)

4 x 100 m – backwards jogging – nice and slow

5 x stairs

1 mile – cooldown; run/walk home – 8:30  -> walk

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By the thought- process

I went to Target last night to pick up My inserts; the ones that always work for me. The running shoes are going to be returned, because even that didn’t work this morning. I love them! I want to keep them! My Shins? Not so much.

Around the 3 mile mark I was passing the track - hmm….to help shin splints – run on a flat surface, right?! I was determined to get in at least 4 miles, so this seemed logical. I turned and ran to the track , intending to finish my run on The Flat surface that never disappoints! No unexpected hills or turns on a nice round oval.

Something about these shoes – I feel like I’m running at a nice easy pace, and then I look at my mile split and it’s 7:45! Right. No complaints, I’m happy that my speed is improving. But, really?! That’s not easy, it’s not relaxing, and it always kind of catches me off guard. Today – huh, no wonder I’m TIRED after 4 laps of this. Geeze.

Next best thing for shin splints? Run backwards. Work those other muscles! I stepped onto the field and did 4 x 100m jogs – back and forth – going backwards. That actually felt pretty good. It was a nice cool down.

Then….there’s the stadium seating….ah! too many options at the track!! I headed up and did 5 sets of stairs (no, not repeating the stairs five times, just 5 times Up and Down). For the first few I literally felt like I was just bouncing right up those things. It was awesome! For the last few? I felt that burn I was waiting for.

Time to go home! I did a walk/run/walk type thing for the rest of this crazy workout.  My legs and I were tired and just wanted some water and fuel!

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Back at home I mixed up a Smoothie – oh, that berry/banana/ice mixture has never tasted SO good.

6 oz Mixed Berry Yogurt
1/2 c Skim Milk
1 banana
1 c Ice

= Delicious.

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Happy 4th of July weekend!!!