Old Man Running

I've been running with a friend for about a month now. We run first thing in the morning--a great way to start the day. Both of us are former high school cross country runners, which doesn't mean we run at break neck speed, rather it means that while we run we talk about how we used to run at "x" pace and regularly did "y" workout. I still have not given up the idea that if I run hard enough, I may be able to match or even eclipse some of my high school PRs.

Well, the other day we decided we would do a circuit workout. This consists of running like the dickens for say 3 minutes and then jog for two, repeat, repeat, repeat.  Recent studies have shown that such workouts can dramatically improve cardiovascular fitness and raise the body’s potential to burn fat. On our first circuit, we took off like a bat out of hell. We did 4 of these circuits and they were brutal.

On the jog home my knee gave out for a moment. I didn't break anything, but something in my knee was very unhappy with the workout. This was a few weeks ago and since then my knee has been acting up. On this morning's run I finally decided I need to stop running for a while to let this heal. This is the first running injury I've ever had and its probably a taste of things to come. Getting older stinks--at least in this regard.

This means I'll be swimming in the morning instead, which actually could be a nice change of pace. Plus, I never swam in high school so I don't have any unrealistic PRs in my head that would color my workouts.

Comments

[nic]

so, i also feel like an old asian lady trying to get back in shape.. i must say though, circuit training kindof reminds me of "curves"- do they have those out in denver.. if so, i am sure you are giggling by now :)

p.s. i signed up for a sprint tri in two months to try to motivate me to get back into shape.. i might end up belly up in lake michigan!!!