MRI

The sports doctor called me yesterday and asked how my foot was. He suggested me to get an MRI. They called me at home and told me I could get the MRI this morning, so I went. Not sure what the docs will see, but I am afraid they will tell me I need to rest or some special plastic on my foot.
I have been adding steps to my barefoot-running program. I have noticed my right foot is not straight. I don't think this was an issue before the stress fracture. I hope things improve.

The last lecture

Watched a great video of Randy Pausch's last lecture.  It is so inspiring! 

Strengthening Foot Muscles

Thought that I need to walk to strengthen the foot muscles. Injuries appear because of weak muscles. Wearing foot does not allow all your foot muscles to work naturally. As soon as weather allows, walking (and hopefully running) will be on sandals or barefoot. 

UI rec Center

Another track day. Ran with the ladies again. They are getting faster. When running the 16 hundred, I stopped one lap before. I ran again to catch the group, but I turned off the timer in the wrong lap, so I didn't get that time. No big deal. Chronos are faster this week compared to last week. Jody really pushes the group. Last 400 m was led by Rebecca. 

1	400 m	1:36.2
2	800 m	3:24.0
3	1200 m	5:09.0
4	1600 m	error
5	1200 m	5:07.7
6	800 m	3:22.6
7	400 m	1:29.8

 I hope to be able to run with Karen during Spring Break. 

UI Rec Center

Tried to stay with the "not-so-slow-group" tonight.  These ladies are pretty good. Foot still feels weird.  Let's see how I feel tomorrow.  I plan to do some bicycle and elliptical machine tomorrow night.

1	400 m	1:56.3
2	800 m	3:24.6
3	1200 m	5:27.3
4	1600 m	7:04.2
5	1200 m	5:21.3
6	800 m	3:24.7
7	400 m	1:31.3

Running @ the Field House

Too cold to run outside. Part of my brain tells me it's better to take a short break for running to heal the stress fracture. While Assen was swimming, my legs exercised for 15 min in each machine at the fitness loft. Started in the elliptical to get the warms warmed up. Then, moved to the treadmill and ran 15 min @ around 12 MM pace. Jumped on the bike and rode for 15 min, and finished up back running in the treadmill for 15 min more. Foot does not hurt while I am exercising, but some parts of the foot hurt afterwards. My current goal is to be able to run continuously for about four to five miles, and be able to keep up with my wife. I think that by doing that, I will be able to regain my endurance. 

Assen had a good time swimming. He told me, her coach took him out of the water and congratulated him for a very good workout. He felt accomplished and was glad.
Still reading Leonora, a book written recently by Elena Poniatowska. The book deals with the life of a surrealist writer and artist, Leonora Carrington, daughter of a british magnate. 

No Track Day

Thought about going to the track this evening, but decided not to. Better to rest my foot one more week.  The foot is slowly getting better, but I am not so sure if it can resist a few laps on the track. Gave it another week of rest. 

Another polar vortex is coming to the Midwest. Schools were two-hour delayed this morning. It has been a very very cold winter. Thinking positively, this was a good winter to take a short break from running.