One stop and the ghost of Matilda

The Stop - On Wednesday while I was running uphill, I felt a buttock pain but I did not stop the workout and covered the distance of 10.6 km.

I immediately understood that it is the piriformis syndrome. This problem can happen because in 2007 I fractured my femur. The doctor prescribed 4 days of rest, 7 days of anti-inflammatories and said  that, during these days, I can walk.

Because of the injury this week I have only run 12,8 km (8 m) on monday and 10,6 km (6,6 m) on wednesday.  I don’t give up and on monday I will run again!!!!!

Matilda's ghost - In consideration I cannot run,  I made the decision to go for a walk in Tarquinia because I have read that the Municipality reopened the ancient Matilda of Canossa Tower which dominates, from the top of Tarquinia, the whole Marta river valley. According a legend, the Matilda's ghost often appears at night inside the tower and cries.

Do you know ghost stories?

Allumiere

This is Allumiere, 11 miles far from my hometown, founded in the late 15th century to house the workers and the administrators of the near important mines of alum (Alum - Allumiere). The exploitation lasted until 1941.

In my last post I wrote about Tolfa, 2 miles far from Allumiere. There is a nice rivalry between the inhabitants of the two towns.

Also this place is quiet and relaxing. The local food is very good and people are friendly. Famous is the Allumiere donkeys breed:

Running update - This week I have run 3 times but the workouts were affected by stressful days, so I took it easy:

Tuesday: 9,7 km (mainly flat);

Thursday: 10,7 km (ondulate);

Friday: 11,8 km (ondulate).

I planned to sign up for an "in person race" on sept. 26th but I will not be able because I don't succeed in getting my "Run Card" in time. I am sad because such race was hosted in a very beautiful place: Vulci.

Warning for drivers: better to not park under a tree with nests.

HAVE A GOOD SUNDAY 

Tolfa and a week of running

This is Tolfa, a hilly town, surrounded by woods and a beautiful green country, 20 km (12,4 m) far from my hometown. In Tolfa my father in law was born and it’s my children’s favorite place to spend some days with their sons. The weather is cooler, there are many shady gardens with attractions for the kids, the local food is delicious and people are friendly. Moreover the town hosts many summer events but with restrictions due to the Covid.

 

Runing update: August 31 was the unofficial end of summer. No more beach everyday, cooler weather and late sunrises. This means less stressful days even if going to the beach with my wife and our grandson is priceless.

My every other day workouts continue to start at the same early time (06:30 am) so I can see the sun raising over the hills and enjoy the cooler temperature.

Now my runs are longer and faster (at the moment about 40”/km) than july/august.

This week I have run 4 times:

Monday: 10,7 km (ondulate);

Wednesday: 9,7 km (mainly flat) with my son Paolo who is improving fast but, unfortunately, since Friday he has to take some days off because he got sick after a dinner in a restaurant where he and his 2 friends ate a starter with crude meat. Now all of them have the same problem: gastroenteritis;

Friday: 14,6 km (9,1 m – ondulate);

Sunday: 10,7 km (ondulate).

 

Lessons learned running through summer (considering how old I am):

1.     Running in early morning when the sun is down;

2.     Take it easy: slower and shorter runs. If necessary taking some days off to recover;

3.     Races: only in evening after a day of total rest;

4.   Stay hydrated: running through routes with water fountains and, after the workouts, a drink with potassium and magnesium;

5.     Well balanced food with more fruit and vegetables than usual.

HAVE A GREAT WEEK

 

August 2021

August 2021: August was not an easy month for my running: too hot and humid. However, even if the pace was very slow, I succeeded in following my “every other day run” plan, but to do it I had to go out in early morning, at 06:30 a.m.

Many other runners did the same, in fact I met a lot of them during my workouts.

Because of my “weakness” and the lack of interesting events in person I didn’t participate in any race.

Stats: 156,6 km (97,3 m) in 16 workouts.

September Goals: Only improving speed and mileage. I hope to race in person in October.

August old memories:

1988 - Rome 5 Ponti Half Marathon: 1:32:12

33 years ago, when we were “running pioneers”, I did this scenic race named 5 Ponti (5 Bridges) because we had to cross the main bridges of Rome. Despite the good finishing time (for my standard of course) I was 120 of 250: yes only 250 runners!

2017 – Arlena di Castro 8 km: 45:19

One and half year after the terrible incident at my right shoulder, I raced, under a hot sun, in this beautiful little town in Tuscia Region, on a terrible route (3 laps) through narrow streets in cobblestones. Slow but happy I was 63 of 68 overall and 4 of 4 in my a.g. 

 

Running update: Now that the weather cooled down my pace is faster and I can increase my mileage.

This week I have run 3 times:

Tuesday: 9,7 km (ondulate);

Thursday: 13,8 km (8,6 m) (hilly). At last a longer run taking advantage of the cooled weather, the sea breeze and the early time. I could see the sunrise (the real and in metaphorical sense)!

Saturday: 9,7 km (ondulate) with my son Paolo who is improving fast. I covered, without pushing, the distance in 59:36. On the same route, 4 days ago, my finishing time was 1:04:17!

Tomorrow: rest!!!!

My good friends: I am pleased to introduce you my 3 lovely cats: Vito, Felice and Piccolo:

 Do you have pets at home?