6.30.2007

New Things

I did my first post-backpacking trip run today in my new Trigons and all went well. Though it was only a few miles . The trip was pretty strenuous and took a toll on my leg muscles. I also banged my right knee pretty good on a rock and have been feeling sharp pain. It seems to be improving though so I'm not too worried. Despite being in pretty good shape I was surprised how tired my legs felt. The trails were steep and rocky and we did quite a bit of climbing and descending. I think my lungs are much stronger than my legs, and I need to start strength training more regularly. I'm sure longer runs will also help.

I thought some swimming would be a good recovery activity following my trip so I went over to West Hill Pond Thursday. It was a hot day and felt good to be in the water but the swimming didn't go particularly well. I can't sustain a freestyle stroke very long and have poor form. I'm going to try to swim a couple times a week and hopefully I'll improve.

3 comments:

Ryan said...

I'm happy to hear that the Trigons are working out for you. Again, they just didn't offer the support I needed. NO biggie! Running shoes is an individual thing...I think your legs are in better shape you than you do. We use different sets of muscles when we walk, much less when we scale mountains. IMHO, I think your backpacking experience will materially shorten adaptation time. Good luck! Hope to see you soon. rl

Dan said...

I'm not sure I follow. Do you mean that the hiking strain will shorten adaptation time to marathon condition? I think in terms of muscle use it was similar to doing lunges and stair-master workout. Definitely not a negative, but also definitely not conditioning running muscles. It is a bit early in my marathon debut, but I'm thinking that x-training is hugely beneficial. Swimming, biking, weights, maybe some tennis, are going to become a more regular part of my routine. I hope.

Ryan said...

Adaptation: "the decrease in response of sensory receptor organs, as those of vision, touch, temperature, olfaction, audition, and pain, to changed, constantly applied, environmental conditions" -- i'm 99.9% sure that this definition applies to running. Let me know when you plan to swim at the lake next; I'd like to join you.