I Run A Lot For Strength Guy
I run 3 days a week for an hour at a time. I usually end up just shy of 5 miles. That equals about a 12-minute mile. I have kept a goal for myself: running an 8-minute mile every year. However, my body has been fighting me on many fronts. So this year I decided to be gentle with myself and set a more comfortable goal of a 10-minute mile
Sign Up For A 5k
I have had a lot of setbacks in 2022. There have been calf, back, and groin issues so I have not tested my time. Hellbent Barbell which is an awesome gym in CT had a team for Dominate The Day 5K today. It was an awesome cause and who better to run a 5k with than a bunch of meatheads.
My Results
To no surprise, I usually have an issue with going too hard too fast much like my lifting. This time around I was a little smarter. It all started off well with a decent pace. I figured I would turn it up in the second half. Being 53 it takes me a bit to warm up. Wouldn't you know it, a calf strain started coming on just as I made the turn.
I suspect this has to do with me trying to open up my stride. I intuitively went back to a shorter stride and managed to keep the strain under control. I ended up finishing with a 31:47. Which ends up being a 10;13 mile. I'll take it. If I can manage 10:13 over 3.1 miles, I'm pretty certain I can break the 10-minute mark in one mile.
What's Next
Get my calf straightened out. I have read older people especially those who have back injuries are prone to calf strains. Time to do my research. I do think I will start with some sled dragging for longer strides. See if that can't build up some strength and resilience.
