Extra Feel

So it would appear that New Balance told the truth what regards to their minimalist shoes giving you extra feel for the ground. Today I decided to venture off to the local power line trail in my 2mm drops for 6miles of fairly open trail.   While this trail is not too technical, it made up for it with the gravel surface. It seemed that every other step landed on a one or two inch pointed rock. This had me hopping, skipping and frequently yelping. These shoes have no protection.  Don't get me wrong, I knew what I was getting into and I wanted this extra feel. I just forgot that this is also a transitional phase, where I need to get my feet hardened to this type of terrain. Just need some time.  I did walk a couple of steep and extremely rocky descents (see picture insert),  but this was purely to protect my ankles.

I followed this with a short medicine ball routine. This is the first time with the ball in about a year.  I keep professing my dedication to such a wonderful instrument, but maintain a program for more than two weeks. This time it needs to stick.  My core is severely lacking any strength.  It appears other muscle groups are compensating for it, causing soreness and possible bad stride. I've had chronic groin soreness for more than a year, and PT believes this is a main cause.  Sit-ups are not enough.  They started to include some core strength exercises, like the caterpillar (it burns so much!), in an effort to strengthen it.  Today's workout was lite, as I am running 20 on Sunday, I didn't want any soreness.  The routine took no more than 15 minutes and is with the lighter of my two medicine balls. I did 5 exercises, three from Coach Jay's youtube video. 

Each exercise was three reps of the count shown.  As the months progress this list will expand.

• 20x Russian Twist
• 10x 180 to 90 degree
• 45 seconds Pedestal Hold
• 10x Lunges (with ball)
• 5x Frog Jumps uphill

I did receive a piece of very good news. PT gave me full clearance to go back on trail.  I think partially due to the fact he knows I am getting extremely ansty and starting to experiment with short excursions.  Though, he said my ankle is doing well, so maybe I am ready.  My weekend running plans have now changed, but since my ankle isn't to full strength,  some caution is required.