good point, C3Baker.
Well, @Classof2015 , I think we’ve made it really clear here that YMMV. I know a lot of people who’ve had success with a zig-zag structure for increasing mileage. I tried that. Took a week off to recover from the hip soreness. I’ve tried 10% increases–then I don’t sleep well and I feel tired all the time. But if I bike 3x, run 4x, and swim a little almost every day (5 or 6x), I feel pretty good and I feel strong. And I sleep well.
I think that more dramatic increases in pace increase your injury potential more than mileage increases.
Good point, ohio. In the last decade, I risk injury if I do speedwork. I’m better running 5Ks or pickups during training runs than going to the track. I would be a faster, stronger runner if I did speedwork, but I don’t want to take any chances at my age. You hold up really well, ohio.
I do spend a lot of time with stretching/core/strength and I think that helps with speed/pace. Unfortunately it limits running time! Damn work is a hindrance to my running.
Good news for us old farts! 
Ohio, I hear you - work is such a nuisance that gets in the way of training. 
@BunsenBurner – that’s very heartening – thanks for posting! @dmd77 – I totally agree – it’s so individual. As MOWC experienced I get sore when I add too much speedwork and hills. Increasing miles doesn’t (usually) bother me (as long as I don’t make a big increase). I have just taken so much time off that I feel like I’m learning to run and race all over again.
I was pondering the mileage increases thing this morning… Earlier this spring, when I was trying to get ready for a half marathon (that I didn’t do in the end), I could get to 8 miles, but 9 left me exhausted for days. Tried for a month to get to 9 miles… it was like falling off a cliff. A few days ago, I was discussing the issue with an experienced ultra runner who suggested doing long hikes instead of doing long runs as a way of increasing distance. Coincidentally, I did a 12 mile hike last weekend–and felt significantly stronger this week at my trail race. So I may try doing longer hikes instead of long runs…
Lost a pound today. Looking at running shoes to kill some time. Any new and exciting models and designs that you can recommend? 
The Runner’s World shoe review issue came out this week and is worth a read. Lots of good shoes and reviews. I am loving my new Brooks Launch 4. Hoka Clifton 4 is my long run and marathon shoe.
Want to share an anecdote about weight gain/loss in an over 50 female. Got a message that the wife of one of my former coworkers underwent a major surgery to remove a gigantic fibroid (the uterus was also removed, obviously). That sucker was just giant, apparently. It took a while for the docs to figure out what was causing the issues of belly bloat that would not go away and the back aches - in over 50 folks, those are usually dismissed as “old age” issues. Only when the gyn ordered ultrasound, it became clear that there was something growing in her belly that was not supposed to be there. Not trying to scare you, because such overrown fibroids are not that common. But they do happen. Talk about a few 5 lb parties after that surgery! Any over 40 woman struggling with growing belly, back aches, etc. despite a healthy diet and lifestyle should have a thorough gyn checkup.
Hmm, wonder if my pinch an inch (that has turned into two inches) could be something like that? Not my fault! Ah, I doubt it. But that’s good to know, and I’m glad they finally figured it out for her.
About 30-40 percent of women have them, bus, but they are not usually an issue until they become too large (over the size of an orange or so), from what I have read. Even big ones do not cause trouble sometimes. That one was described as a football-sized. You probably have nothing to worry about.
Football sized? Holy cow!! I had a cyst once that they found on an exam, but it resolved quickly. Apparently those are quite normal for women during their cycle. However, it took thousands of dollars worth of ultrasound exams for something supposedly “normal”. Oh well, better safe than sorry, I guess.
Has anyone been watching the Worlds? Amazing - I wish I would have watched this race:
That was one of the most incredible races I’ve ever seen. I saw the replay and it’s all over Twitter and LetsRun.com Those women were NOT expected to win at all! So cool.
Yeah it was incredible - I got the bits and pieces from Twitter! I follow a few former Olympians, and the Worlds have been all over my newsfeed.
I need some motivation to go exercise. I have a long layover, I’m bored, and I’m spending too much time on the internet. But I don’t feel like it. How to just get my lazy butt out the door?
Just tell yourself you are going for 15 minutes. Once you are out there, reevaluate! Just Do It.