Still Wheezing Along
Mood:  energetic
Now Playing: She's Got a Way by Billy Joel
Topic: Marathon
I've finally moved up from 20% running to 40%, meaning, I now run two minutes and then have a three minute walking recovery. What this often translates to, especially at the beginning of a session, is two minutes running, two minutes coughing, and one minute trying to catch my breath. It looks as though my lungs really are the limiting factor now, even though my left arch is still weak and giving me some pain. On this morning's short run, I had a mild asthma attack when I was finished. We're to the point in the season where it's hot in the middle of the day, but the pollen is very high in the mornings and evenings, so no matter what I do, my lungs are in trouble. Plus, on the short runs, which last from 30 to 45 minutes, I never get to the place where I'm really warmed up, which seems to take 50-60 minutes. My lungs loosened up pretty quickly this morning, though, and I have to believe it's better that I'm running and coughing than not running.

At any rate, I'm enjoying the running more this year than I have ever before, maybe because I'm taking it so slow and being careful not to overdo or burn out. I can almost see the day when I might feel as good about my running as I do about cycling or swimming.

Speaking of which, the neighborhood pool opened today for the season, so I'm thinking about trying to get in at least one early morning swim each week, maybe Saturday, and getting out for one early morning ride on the Rodriguez each week, maybe Friday. The cycling will help build my thigh muscles back up, which will be good for the running, without overtaxing the running muscles, and the swimming is good for my lungs and for keeping everything in alignment.

I can't believe it's nearly June! I'm so not ready for summer. But, ready or not....