Running Well

This post is long overdue, but I have been very busy actually *doing* things instead of thinking or writing about them. It has been a very productive year for me so far. I trained all winter and spring for my first marathon, the Traverse City Bayshore Marathon on May 28, 2011. My goal was to run under 4 hours and I succeeded: 3:53:27 -- 3 minutes off qualifying for Boston. It wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be. I am looking at maybe doing another marathon late this year to try again. How hard can shaving off 3 minutes be? :)

I have worn only minimalist (zero drop) shoes or ran barefoot since October 2010. I have had NO injuries other than sore calves after the marathon or an occasional achy ankle or knee that subsides within a day or two. I try to do a barefoot run of between 5 and 7 miles at least once a week now that the weather is nice. I would love to send a picture of me flying over the finish line at the marathon wearing my Vibram Bikilas to the idiot podiatrist who told me I could not run injury-free without wearing supportive shoes with springs in them and orthotics. I have proven that my foot is designed perfectly just the way it is and it functions quite well, thank you very much.

I have run 18 races so far this year and not only completed my first marathon, but have also set a P.R. in the 5K (21:51). I ran my first 2 mile race (13:47) and won the "Iron Cheese" award at the annual Cheesetown Challenge in Pinconning for having the best combined 2 mile and 5 mile times for a woman under 40. My son David won the men's title.

The rest of the year holds many more adventures. On July 4th, David and I run the annual Volksläufe 20K in Frankenmuth. Last year, I ran it but my ankle was barely recovered and I hadn't been able to train so I had to walk a fair amount. I am hoping to have a much faster time this year! And it will be the longest race David has ever run, although he has done 13 mile training runs. He is an excellent endurance runner. He will do great. At the end of July, we are signed up for the Warrior Dash, a 5K race and obstacle course with mud, fire, walls, nets and God-knows-what-else. In August, we are running the 25K Tahqua Trail run in the Upper Peninsula. I am hoping to be able to squeeze in the Las Vegas Rock 'n Roll marathon in December. We'll see. It will be a busy and exciting year for running.

I would have to say that I am very pleased with how everything has come together -- raw vegan diet and barefoot running. It has been a long process but with persistence, I believe I have found satisfaction and success. I hope to be able to continue to move through the next series of challenges and become a stronger athlete and a better person.