I feel like going for a run

[Philosophy]

pretty soon before it gets too hot out. Going for speed instead of distance today so I'm gonna try to beat my 12:45 time on my 2.something mile course through the neighborhood. My right hip has been bothering me a little though for the past week so I'll probably be lucky if I can break 13 minutes.

Any other runners here? I've taken it back up since about mid-February, I try to get in between 2-4 miles a day depending upon how good I feel, and I think I'm getting into pretty good shape - probably the best since I used to run cross-country and track 15 years ago in high-school, but my hormones kicked in since then and I've gained like 30 pounds of muscle so I don't expect to ever get back to where I was then.

Plus I've been having problems with chronically stiff muscles that I didn't used to have - often I have to skip days because it takes me over a full day to recover from the day before, and I've pulled my right calf muscle two different times putting me on the DL for over a week. I'm doing a lot of stretching before and after running, but it doesn't seem to help much. Got any remedy ideas?

[Champ]

1. I run

But I focus mostly on speed then distance. Lots of shuttle running, and 40 yard dashes, stuff like that. Also I work out my legs alot. Ice or hot water helps, usually both. But to be honest I don't injure myself running alot, maybe because I am still young. But good luck with running.

[Philosophy]

5. I don't think I can even sprint any more

I'm afraid to even try because I'm pretty sure I will tear something. I'm not that old - only 31, and I don't feel like I should have to be slowing down quite yet.

[indigobusiness]

2. I just feel like running...

Speaking of running...

http://www.kinkyfriedman.com/

[m-jean03]

3. It's amazing how foods can help us sometimes. . .

Do you drink plenty of water, eat plenty of fruits, veggies?
These things hydrate and loosen up the whole body.

[Philosophy]

4. I try to eat healthy and drink lots of water

I have to drink a lot of water because I gush sweat when I exercise. Maybe it's an electrolyte thing, but it seems like that would affect me during the run more than the next day. I usually feel fine while I am running, though it takes me about a half mile to loosen up; when I pull muscles its always within the first minute after I start.

[m-jean03]

6. Eat lots of fruit and veggies?

Some juice, maybe? These will gradually change your body, and help you cool down faster and stay looser.

Exercise is really contracting to the body -- everything gets hot and tight. You want to make sure you eat plenty of cooling, expansive/relaxing foods -- foods with water and natural sugars in them. :hi:

[Philosophy]

7. OK I'll try fruit

I used to eat a lot of bananas. Can't remember why I stopped.

[m-jean03]

8. Local, seasonal fruit is the best.

Watermelon and cantaloupe are excellent this time of year in most parts of the USA!

Bananas are actually the least watery fruit. They actually give 'em to kids with diarrhea to help stop 'em up! Just a friendly warning. :-)

Good luck. A good book I recommend to everyone is Food and Healing, by Annemarie Colbin. Helps to explain the energetic dynamics of food, nature, the seasons and our bodies.