My Abe's Army training group ran the farthest distance to date on Monday. I finished the four-mile route 55 minutes, alternating three minutes running and one minute walking. Next week, we go five miles. Each week gets us closer to the 6.2 miles on race day.
Group leader Barry House's advice this week was "don't go too fast, control your pace and remember your breathing."
I kept pace toward the front of my group most of the time, trying to keep my breathing steady and easy and watching to make sure I was not over running.
One piece of advice came when one of my group members started feeling pain in her side.
"If your side is hurting, exhale as your right foot hits the ground," said Anne Baker, group leader.
While I have been happy with my performance so far, I am learning the limits my body has as the distance increases. I notice an occasional wince of pain -- and sometimes more than that -- as I run. So far, I've been able to work past it. I hope I still can on race day.
A personal note
I guess I have an odd stride because House asked me about it. Specifically, he asked if it had to do with my leg that got shot.
It was. Ever since I was shot in the left leg in 1997 in a robbery attempt, it has been weaker. As a result, when I run sometimes my legs go into each other if I don't watch myself.
He suggested if I stick with running I might look into using a physical therapist or a trainer. It's good advice, because I see Abe's Amble as the start, not the end, of my running.
My earlier columns:
The hills are alive with runners
The halfway point on the way to Abe's Amble
My training hits a rough patch
My debut in the Abe's Army training program
Preparing myself for the Abe's Army
Where to go to comment and keep up on my training?
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