I'm still around, I just haven't had much of any motivation to blog recently. After my run on December 4th, I took some more time off. I didn't run for close to two weeks. When I resumed running, the pain in my groin was gone, but now the front of my hip is tight. I've been wondering if it has anything to do with starting back up after a layoff.
This morning's four miles were eventful. I ran out along the parkway, and where they've been doing construction they've begun to repave the path. However, they have not repaved it entirely, and there are still some sections where there is still dirt, which is rough from all of the tire tracks of the construction vehicles. This morning I was running on the dirt, and about to jump up to the pavement, when BAM! I tripped and went down. I was able to get my hands down, so nothing was hurt, I just got a little dirty. I was very careful the rest of the time I was running through the construction zone.
Christmas preparations are going well. j still does not quite understand Santa. If I ask him what he wants Santa to bring him, he'll answer "Trucks!" but he doesn't seem to think about it unless he's asked. Neither he nor b wanted to sit on Santa's lap when they came to visit me at work today.
December 20, 2006
December 04, 2006
Stubborn
I ran on my sore leg again this morning. It felt a little different, more soreness on the outside of my hip but still some soreness on the inside as well. Today, and Saturday as well, I can still feel something there on the inside hours after my run. I need to take some time off. That was cemented when I was searching for some stretches and exercises I could do and one website mentioned, "You have to stop doing what makes it hurt."
It's just so frustrating to me. I don't feel like I did anything to cause this. It started after time off, not after I rapidly increased mileage. It's a few weeks after the marathon and I'm itching to start running again. Still, a little time now is better than a lot later.
It's just so frustrating to me. I don't feel like I did anything to cause this. It started after time off, not after I rapidly increased mileage. It's a few weeks after the marathon and I'm itching to start running again. Still, a little time now is better than a lot later.
December 02, 2006
Still There
I ran six miles this morning and the soreness in my groin was still there. It's strange, I don't feel anything for a little while, then I feel a little soreness, and then it gets worse pretty quickly. I use the term worse loosely, though; it doesn't feel that bad and it's not stopping me from running nor does it seem to be altering anything. I know in my last post I said I'd give it maybe two days, but I might try to go a little longer than that before I take any more time off.
December 01, 2006
The Return
I'm trying to get back to running on a consistent basis after the marathon. Originally, that was going to happen last week. A week ago Sunday, J and I went to Burke Lake Park and I finally met one of her friends' husbands, who I am hoping becomes at least a infrequent training partner. However, after that Sunday run things were a little hectic at work and at home since we were going out of town for Thanksgiving, and I didn't run the rest of last week.
We came back home from Thanksgiving on Monday. I ran four miles Tuesday and Wednesday, though about halfway into the run each day I felt a soreness in my groin muscle. I took the day off Thursday, both because I was tired and to hopefully let the muscle get better. This morning I ran five miles, and the soreness was still there, though not as much. I'm stretching the muscle and am going to give it a go for two to three days before I take any more time off. If it doesn't get better by then, I'll rest until it does heal.
We came back home from Thanksgiving on Monday. I ran four miles Tuesday and Wednesday, though about halfway into the run each day I felt a soreness in my groin muscle. I took the day off Thursday, both because I was tired and to hopefully let the muscle get better. This morning I ran five miles, and the soreness was still there, though not as much. I'm stretching the muscle and am going to give it a go for two to three days before I take any more time off. If it doesn't get better by then, I'll rest until it does heal.
November 17, 2006
Richmond, the Long Version
Ed. Note: I know this is late, but I've been out of town for business and traveled for Thanksgiving, and when I've been home haven't had much time to write.
Pre-Race: J and I drove down to Richmond Friday afternoon. It was nice that I had the day off for Veteran's Day and I didn't have to take any time off work for the race. Shortly after getting on I-95 we passed the new Marine Corps Museum, which is quite impressive. When we arrived in Richmond, we went to the expo first. It wasn't too big or too impressive, but we did find a couple shirts for the kids. One says "My Daddy Wears a Bib Too" and the other says "Mommy's Favorite Training Tag-Along." After the expo we ate at the Olive Garden, checked into our hotel, and went to sleep a little after 10 pm.
Race: The alarm woke me up at 5:15 on race morning. I was surprised at how well I had slept. I took a shower to help me wake up and made a little pot of coffee with the coffee pot in the room. I didn't check what hours breakfast was served, and I just assumed that it would start at six. It actually didn't start until seven, so I headed out to find a convenience store to get something to eat. I returned with a pack of two pop-tarts for me, and a muffin bar and some kind off coffee bar for J. The pop-tarts go back to reading Running With the Buffaloes and discovering that it was Adam Goucher's pre-race meal. I tried it at a 8k I ran a few years ago and PR'd, so I figured I'd try it again. J and I left a little after seven for the 5-mile trek to the starting line. It only took a few minutes to get to the starting area. I had time to hit the porta-potties and run maybe a half mile to warm up. I wanted to visit the porta-potties one more time before the start, but by that time the line was too long to wait. I wormed my way closer to the starting line, up to the three-hour pace leader.
The gun went off and the race started. I was telling myself be conservative; if you run 7:xx you're just saving energy for later. I hit mile 1 in 6:43, a little faster than planned, but not devastatingly so. Mile 2 also passed in 6:43, and then miles 3, 4, and 5 were 6:40, 6:48, and 6:51 respectively. During those three miles I ran with the three-hour pace group. I made it to mile 6 with the pace group, but then got a little ahead of them. During the race I thought they had slowed down, but looking at my split of 13:15 for miles 6 and 7 tells me I sped up. The seventh mile also had a downhill section and the first "Party Zone" was at mile 7. These factors may have contributed to my speed. After the "Party Zone," we went uphill and over a bridge, and then followed a road that went by an area I can only describe as swampy. I ran miles 8, 9, and 10 in 6:44, 6:46, and 6:52. After that we came out to a more residential area that was flat at first and then followed a slightly uphill grade to about 14 miles. My split for mile 11 was 6:55, mile 12 was 6:58, and mile 13 was 6:50. I reached halfway in 1:28:55, which seemed good to me. My split for mile 14 was 6:43.
After 14 miles, we were still in a residential section of Richmond, and we turned on to a street where some people had placed quite a few signs in support of some specific runners and the field overall. Reading the signs helped take my mind off the fact that I still had 11 miles to go, and I ran mile 15 in 6:41. Next we crossed another bridge into more downtown Richmond. At this point the sun and the pace started to take a toll. It was warm, but a lot of the course had been shaded until now. Coming over the bridge was the first time I felt warm. I ran the 16th mile in 7:06. My next two miles were buoyed by the fact that I would see J at about 19 miles, and that helped to keep me going, though I was still warm and getting more and more tired. My split for miles 17 and 18 was 14:06.
At 19 miles I passed J. She was cheering for me, and I guess some other people heard her because I heard some other voices yelling "Go Brian!" as well. This pick-me-up propelled me to a 6:53 19th mile. After that, though, I really started to hurt. Mile 20 went by in 7:20, and then miles 21 and 22 went by in 14:54. At the aid station at 22 miles I walked through, getting water and powerade. I still had the gel I picked up at the 20th mile, but my stomach did not feel like taking it, so I got rid of it. The next three miles were quite slow--8:40, 8:47, and 8:40. I think the little bit of walking I did caused my legs to lock up a little and I was reduced to shuffling. Midway through mile 24 I started walking again, until a guy with quite a few tattoos passed me, saying, "Come on! I'm as dead as you!" I started running with him and did run the rest of the way, actually beating him to the finish. The fact that I was so close to the finish must have given me a boost, because I ran the 26th mile in 7:43 and the last .2 miles in 1:26 to finish in 3:07:05. My last post did say 3:07:07, which is what the results said when I first looked them up, but they now say 3:07:05, which was the time on my watch when I finished. I finished 49th overall and second in my age group.
Post-Race: I was sore when I finished, though I was still easily able to walk around. For some reason, before the race I had visions of falling over as soon as I crossed the line. I'm sure it was at least in part due to the emails I got in the days preceding the race about why marathoners fall over at the finish. I met J at the end of the finish chute and had a little to eat, even though my stomach still didn't feel much like it. We sat around for a few minutes, and then walked to the car (which was about a mile or so away) and drove home to rescue J's mother from the kids.
For a few days after the race, I was sore, especially going down stairs. By about Wednesday I was feeling better. I didn't run at all until eight days after the race, though I might have run before that had I not had to go out of town for work.
I'm happy with my result, though I certainly want to do better. Next year is the 30th anniversary of the Richmond Marathon, and if you signed up by midnight the day after this year's race, the entry fee was only $30, versus the $75 I paid this year. I was so close to breaking three hours that I went ahead and signed up for next year.
If there's one thing that I think will help me break three hours, it's more miles, both a longer long run and a higher weekly total. I only ran up to 19 miles in training, and that definitely needs to go up. I also need to be more consistent with the long run as well as overall. A second thing that I want to work on is having a more structured training plan. There was definitely little structure this time around. That said, I'm not running a marathon until Richmond next November. Any one that I'd want to run in the spring I think is too early to get the training in I'd like to. I'm slowly getting back to running, and I'd like to concentrate on the shorter distances in the spring and run some 5k's and maybe a 10k as well.
Pre-Race: J and I drove down to Richmond Friday afternoon. It was nice that I had the day off for Veteran's Day and I didn't have to take any time off work for the race. Shortly after getting on I-95 we passed the new Marine Corps Museum, which is quite impressive. When we arrived in Richmond, we went to the expo first. It wasn't too big or too impressive, but we did find a couple shirts for the kids. One says "My Daddy Wears a Bib Too" and the other says "Mommy's Favorite Training Tag-Along." After the expo we ate at the Olive Garden, checked into our hotel, and went to sleep a little after 10 pm.
Race: The alarm woke me up at 5:15 on race morning. I was surprised at how well I had slept. I took a shower to help me wake up and made a little pot of coffee with the coffee pot in the room. I didn't check what hours breakfast was served, and I just assumed that it would start at six. It actually didn't start until seven, so I headed out to find a convenience store to get something to eat. I returned with a pack of two pop-tarts for me, and a muffin bar and some kind off coffee bar for J. The pop-tarts go back to reading Running With the Buffaloes and discovering that it was Adam Goucher's pre-race meal. I tried it at a 8k I ran a few years ago and PR'd, so I figured I'd try it again. J and I left a little after seven for the 5-mile trek to the starting line. It only took a few minutes to get to the starting area. I had time to hit the porta-potties and run maybe a half mile to warm up. I wanted to visit the porta-potties one more time before the start, but by that time the line was too long to wait. I wormed my way closer to the starting line, up to the three-hour pace leader.
The gun went off and the race started. I was telling myself be conservative; if you run 7:xx you're just saving energy for later. I hit mile 1 in 6:43, a little faster than planned, but not devastatingly so. Mile 2 also passed in 6:43, and then miles 3, 4, and 5 were 6:40, 6:48, and 6:51 respectively. During those three miles I ran with the three-hour pace group. I made it to mile 6 with the pace group, but then got a little ahead of them. During the race I thought they had slowed down, but looking at my split of 13:15 for miles 6 and 7 tells me I sped up. The seventh mile also had a downhill section and the first "Party Zone" was at mile 7. These factors may have contributed to my speed. After the "Party Zone," we went uphill and over a bridge, and then followed a road that went by an area I can only describe as swampy. I ran miles 8, 9, and 10 in 6:44, 6:46, and 6:52. After that we came out to a more residential area that was flat at first and then followed a slightly uphill grade to about 14 miles. My split for mile 11 was 6:55, mile 12 was 6:58, and mile 13 was 6:50. I reached halfway in 1:28:55, which seemed good to me. My split for mile 14 was 6:43.
After 14 miles, we were still in a residential section of Richmond, and we turned on to a street where some people had placed quite a few signs in support of some specific runners and the field overall. Reading the signs helped take my mind off the fact that I still had 11 miles to go, and I ran mile 15 in 6:41. Next we crossed another bridge into more downtown Richmond. At this point the sun and the pace started to take a toll. It was warm, but a lot of the course had been shaded until now. Coming over the bridge was the first time I felt warm. I ran the 16th mile in 7:06. My next two miles were buoyed by the fact that I would see J at about 19 miles, and that helped to keep me going, though I was still warm and getting more and more tired. My split for miles 17 and 18 was 14:06.
At 19 miles I passed J. She was cheering for me, and I guess some other people heard her because I heard some other voices yelling "Go Brian!" as well. This pick-me-up propelled me to a 6:53 19th mile. After that, though, I really started to hurt. Mile 20 went by in 7:20, and then miles 21 and 22 went by in 14:54. At the aid station at 22 miles I walked through, getting water and powerade. I still had the gel I picked up at the 20th mile, but my stomach did not feel like taking it, so I got rid of it. The next three miles were quite slow--8:40, 8:47, and 8:40. I think the little bit of walking I did caused my legs to lock up a little and I was reduced to shuffling. Midway through mile 24 I started walking again, until a guy with quite a few tattoos passed me, saying, "Come on! I'm as dead as you!" I started running with him and did run the rest of the way, actually beating him to the finish. The fact that I was so close to the finish must have given me a boost, because I ran the 26th mile in 7:43 and the last .2 miles in 1:26 to finish in 3:07:05. My last post did say 3:07:07, which is what the results said when I first looked them up, but they now say 3:07:05, which was the time on my watch when I finished. I finished 49th overall and second in my age group.
Post-Race: I was sore when I finished, though I was still easily able to walk around. For some reason, before the race I had visions of falling over as soon as I crossed the line. I'm sure it was at least in part due to the emails I got in the days preceding the race about why marathoners fall over at the finish. I met J at the end of the finish chute and had a little to eat, even though my stomach still didn't feel much like it. We sat around for a few minutes, and then walked to the car (which was about a mile or so away) and drove home to rescue J's mother from the kids.
For a few days after the race, I was sore, especially going down stairs. By about Wednesday I was feeling better. I didn't run at all until eight days after the race, though I might have run before that had I not had to go out of town for work.
I'm happy with my result, though I certainly want to do better. Next year is the 30th anniversary of the Richmond Marathon, and if you signed up by midnight the day after this year's race, the entry fee was only $30, versus the $75 I paid this year. I was so close to breaking three hours that I went ahead and signed up for next year.
If there's one thing that I think will help me break three hours, it's more miles, both a longer long run and a higher weekly total. I only ran up to 19 miles in training, and that definitely needs to go up. I also need to be more consistent with the long run as well as overall. A second thing that I want to work on is having a more structured training plan. There was definitely little structure this time around. That said, I'm not running a marathon until Richmond next November. Any one that I'd want to run in the spring I think is too early to get the training in I'd like to. I'm slowly getting back to running, and I'd like to concentrate on the shorter distances in the spring and run some 5k's and maybe a 10k as well.
November 11, 2006
Richmond, the Short Version
3:07:07. Not quite as fast as I hoped, but under my secondary goal of 3:10. More later. Right now I need a nap.
November 09, 2006
Marathon Checklist
Clothing: singlet, shorts, socks, shoes
Accessories: sunglasses, watch
Paperwork: race/hotel confirmation, course map for J
Fuel: Gu
Am I forgetting anything?
Accessories: sunglasses, watch
Paperwork: race/hotel confirmation, course map for J
Fuel: Gu
Am I forgetting anything?
November 08, 2006
What Month is it Again?
As most runners do, I've been checking the weather forecasts for the marathon. It's supposed to be 74 degrees on Saturday. This is November, right? Oh well, it is out of my control.
This morning I ran three miles in the rain. I need to remember to wear a hat when it rains so the raindrops don't sting my face so much. Other than that, not too much is going on. I'm looking forward to Saturday; I'm anxious to see what I can do.
This morning I ran three miles in the rain. I need to remember to wear a hat when it rains so the raindrops don't sting my face so much. Other than that, not too much is going on. I'm looking forward to Saturday; I'm anxious to see what I can do.
November 07, 2006
Not so Fast
I didn't end up meeting any new training partners Sunday morning. His wife called Saturday night to let us know they wouldn't be able to make it. The kids and I still went to Burke and ran one loop around the lake for five miles, and then they got to play on the playground.
Monday morning I ran an easy five miles, and this morning I ran a brief marathon pace workout. Or at least I tried. The plan was to run two miles at about 6:50/mile. I ran over to the track to run the workout there so I had an accurate distance. I ended up about 15 seconds per mile slower than marathon pace. If anything I was trying a little too hard to stay relaxed and that kept me off pace. I know I can't expect miracles on Saturday, hopefully being awake for a few hours before the race starts and being a little more warmed up will help.
Monday morning I ran an easy five miles, and this morning I ran a brief marathon pace workout. Or at least I tried. The plan was to run two miles at about 6:50/mile. I ran over to the track to run the workout there so I had an accurate distance. I ended up about 15 seconds per mile slower than marathon pace. If anything I was trying a little too hard to stay relaxed and that kept me off pace. I know I can't expect miracles on Saturday, hopefully being awake for a few hours before the race starts and being a little more warmed up will help.
November 04, 2006
Coming Out of the Woodwork
I've wanted some training partner(s) for a while now. About two weeks ago, J met a another mom whose husband was looking for the same thing. I'm meeting him tomorrow morning, although we won't actually do much running because he just ran Marine Corps and I'm running Richmond. But after we've recovered, it will be nice to have someone to run with occasionally.
Yesterday I got an email from J about another training partner. The brother of one of her friends is also looking for a training partner. Apparently he finished pretty close to me at the Thursday night race I ran at Burke Lake.
This morning I ran six miles along the Parkway, pushing the kids in the stroller. The first three miles didn't feel too great, but I felt much better after I turned around and was making my way back home.
In other news, this is quite the eventful weekend for me. Last night, I went to the Washington Capitals game thanks to a free ticket a friend of mine had, and tonight J and I are going to see the Barenaked Ladies!
Yesterday I got an email from J about another training partner. The brother of one of her friends is also looking for a training partner. Apparently he finished pretty close to me at the Thursday night race I ran at Burke Lake.
This morning I ran six miles along the Parkway, pushing the kids in the stroller. The first three miles didn't feel too great, but I felt much better after I turned around and was making my way back home.
In other news, this is quite the eventful weekend for me. Last night, I went to the Washington Capitals game thanks to a free ticket a friend of mine had, and tonight J and I are going to see the Barenaked Ladies!
November 03, 2006
Taper, cont.
I'm definitely tapering, though I'm not sure I'm doing it quite right. I ended up only running five days last week and took Monday off this week. I'm not taking the days off on purpose, I'm just not putting in the effort to get out the door. All of my running has been easy, except for the 5k I ran last weekend. I ran 18:45 for 13th overall, and won a $15 Starbucks gift card for my third-place age group finish. I went out in 5:47, then ran 6:17 for the second mile and 6:41 for the last one-point-one miles. The first mile had some downhill and the second mile had an uphill portion and was much more into the wind. In the third mile I caught and passed the second place woman. I was pleased that I was able to pick it up in the last mile, but I wanted to run faster overall.
I'm getting anxious for the marathon. The closer it gets the more nervous I get about it. Of course, I have to make it through this weekend, which includes teaching a religious ed class to a group of 7th grade boys by myself. I think that scares me more than the marathon.
I'm getting anxious for the marathon. The closer it gets the more nervous I get about it. Of course, I have to make it through this weekend, which includes teaching a religious ed class to a group of 7th grade boys by myself. I think that scares me more than the marathon.
October 24, 2006
The Taper Has Begun
This past weekend was my last long run before the marathon. I ran 18 miles, the first six pushing the kids with J and the last twelve solo. The run went well, I even managed to pick up the pace at the end, but if I end up shuffling in the last few miles in Richmond I can likely blame it on the long runs. I've gone up to 19 miles, but I definitely could/should have run that far more consistently.
The rest of last week was pretty uneventful. I had one marathon pace workout that didn't go as planned since I was pretty tired. This morning I ran 10 miles with a little more than four at marathon pace. It's amazing how much better I feel when I get a good night's sleep. Speaking of which, I should be getting to bed.
The rest of last week was pretty uneventful. I had one marathon pace workout that didn't go as planned since I was pretty tired. This morning I ran 10 miles with a little more than four at marathon pace. It's amazing how much better I feel when I get a good night's sleep. Speaking of which, I should be getting to bed.
October 13, 2006
Close Encounters of the Dog Kind
Let me share what happened on my run this morning. I was about a mile and a half in, running on a sidewalk along a four lane road separated by a median strip. It's about five am and dark. Out of the corner of my eye, I see this dog sprinting across all four lanes toward me. I'm startled, and I ended up down in the grass next to the sidewalk. I didn't know this dog, but I had visions in my head of the dog in my neighborhood growing up that bit everyone. I calmed down and let the dog sniff me, and then got up slowly. The dog waited a few seconds before he decided he'd had enough of me, and then trotted back across the road the way he came. As he was trotting away, I started walking, and then when I thought he was far enough away I started running again.
Even disregarding the dog incident, today's run wasn't my best. I wanted to run 10 miles with a few pickups, but the stomach issues I had prevented me from feeling like running any faster paces. Yesterday's run was 10 miles as well, Wednesday was a day off, and Tuesday was 11 miles, picking up the pace for the last mile.
Even disregarding the dog incident, today's run wasn't my best. I wanted to run 10 miles with a few pickups, but the stomach issues I had prevented me from feeling like running any faster paces. Yesterday's run was 10 miles as well, Wednesday was a day off, and Tuesday was 11 miles, picking up the pace for the last mile.
October 09, 2006
I'm a Wimp
A summary of my last few days of running:
TH-0 miles
F-10 miles
SA-0 Miles
SU-6 miles
M-7 miles
As you can see from the numbers, my training is not going the way I planned, though it's no one's fault other than my own. Thursday my lack of sleep caught up with me, and I slept in rather than run. Friday's run was fine, other than the rain and wind. Saturday was disappointing. I wanted to run long, but just felt groggy all day and never made it out the door. Sunday I watched J run the Army 10-miler with 23,999 other people and then ran six in the afternoon. I took advantage of my day off today and took the kids to Burke Lake, where we ran seven miles on the trails. While I'm not worried about finishing my marathon, I know there are many things I can improve for my next one.
TH-0 miles
F-10 miles
SA-0 Miles
SU-6 miles
M-7 miles
As you can see from the numbers, my training is not going the way I planned, though it's no one's fault other than my own. Thursday my lack of sleep caught up with me, and I slept in rather than run. Friday's run was fine, other than the rain and wind. Saturday was disappointing. I wanted to run long, but just felt groggy all day and never made it out the door. Sunday I watched J run the Army 10-miler with 23,999 other people and then ran six in the afternoon. I took advantage of my day off today and took the kids to Burke Lake, where we ran seven miles on the trails. While I'm not worried about finishing my marathon, I know there are many things I can improve for my next one.
October 05, 2006
Wednesday Workout
As has been the case the past few Wednesdays, this Wednesday I ran, or at least tried to run, another marathon pace workout. The workout was 12 miles with six at marathon pace. I actually got up to do this in the morning, instead of sleeping in and running at night. I didn't get much sleep, though, so I didn't have great expectations.
I ran out the parkway with my GU and water bottle, which I brought with me because I thought the extra energy might help. After about three miles, I took the GU and set the water bottle down and started the marathon pace segment. I was worried that this part would feel like it took forever, but I reached the turnaround before I knew it. Actually, I went a little past the turnaround, because the actual turnaround mark is hard to see in the dark. The mark that I did see is past where I intended to turn around. Coming back is more difficult than going out because there are more uphills, but I did run back in about the same time. I picked up the GU wrapper and water bottle, and cooled down three miles back to the house.
This workout did not really go as planned. I wasn't able to get down to marathon pace. I'm pleased that I ran the second half at the same pace as the first, but it just wasn't as fast as I had hoped. It's likely due to the 19 on Sunday, eight on Monday, and 11 on Tuesday, coupled with less than optimal sleep.
Finally, this isn't related to the workout but if you're interested: pictures of my ugly mug from the Parks half Marathon.
I ran out the parkway with my GU and water bottle, which I brought with me because I thought the extra energy might help. After about three miles, I took the GU and set the water bottle down and started the marathon pace segment. I was worried that this part would feel like it took forever, but I reached the turnaround before I knew it. Actually, I went a little past the turnaround, because the actual turnaround mark is hard to see in the dark. The mark that I did see is past where I intended to turn around. Coming back is more difficult than going out because there are more uphills, but I did run back in about the same time. I picked up the GU wrapper and water bottle, and cooled down three miles back to the house.
This workout did not really go as planned. I wasn't able to get down to marathon pace. I'm pleased that I ran the second half at the same pace as the first, but it just wasn't as fast as I had hoped. It's likely due to the 19 on Sunday, eight on Monday, and 11 on Tuesday, coupled with less than optimal sleep.
Finally, this isn't related to the workout but if you're interested: pictures of my ugly mug from the Parks half Marathon.
October 03, 2006
My Aching Leg
I can't wait until my leg gets better. I didn't hurt it running, though. I tore it up sliding into third base at my softball game Saturday night. It's not keeping me from running, but the scrape is pretty good sized and still tender to the touch.
Last week became an unintentional cutback week. I didn't run Wednesday or Thursday. Friday I ran 10, and Saturday only three. Sunday morning, though I ran 19 miles, my longest run to date. I thought I'd be running in the rain, but luckily the rain stopped about five minutes into the run. I ran 15 miles before I took a GU, and I do think it helped me maintain my pace for those last four miles. So far this week I've run eight and 11 miles.
My plan is for this week and next week to be high-mileage (70-75), take a cutback week, and then run one more high-mileage week before I start the taper.
Last week became an unintentional cutback week. I didn't run Wednesday or Thursday. Friday I ran 10, and Saturday only three. Sunday morning, though I ran 19 miles, my longest run to date. I thought I'd be running in the rain, but luckily the rain stopped about five minutes into the run. I ran 15 miles before I took a GU, and I do think it helped me maintain my pace for those last four miles. So far this week I've run eight and 11 miles.
My plan is for this week and next week to be high-mileage (70-75), take a cutback week, and then run one more high-mileage week before I start the taper.
September 27, 2006
Post Race
After the race Sunday, I feel like I've recovered pretty quickly. The plan is to keep the mileage up this week and then cut back next week. My legs weren't too sore Monday morning, but I was pretty tired as I covered seven miles. Tuesday I ran ten, but my right Achilles felt a little tight. I iced it and took some drugs when I got back. This morning I was lazy and slept in, but I plan on getting out for at least a short run tonight. The last two weeks I've run workouts on Wednesday, but this week I'm giving myself an extra day and I'll run the workout Thursday.
1:28:01
I've made a bad habit out of showing up late to races lately, and the Parks Half Marathon was no exception. I'm a terrible estimator of time and it took a little longer to get there than I thought it would, plus I left late and still had to pick up my number. I arrived about a half hour before the race, picked up my number, and dropped off my bag. Then I headed over to the porta-potties and the start. By this time it was about 15 minutes before the start.
I waited in line for the porta-potties for a few minutes before it became obvious that I wasn't going to make it before the race began, so I just sucked it up and headed to the start. I had visions of PRing, but my late arrival and short warm up caused me to decide to run the race as a marathon pace effort.
The race started, and despite feeling like I went out controlled, I passed two miles in 12:38, about 20-25 seconds per mile faster than I wanted to be running. To be fair, though, the first two miles were so downhill it was like falling off a cliff. After about two miles, the race turned onto the path it would follow to the finish. I settled in as best I could given my inability to use the porta-potty before the race, and began to run 6:4X and 6:5X miles, which was more like it. About eight miles into the race, I was going to stop at a porta-potty on the course, but as I came up to it I saw it was occupied, so I pressed on. At 12 miles the course turned on to an unpaved section of the path, and I ran my slowest mile of the race, 7:00. I regained my focus and ran mile 13 in 6:44 and then the last .1 mile in 35 seconds to finish in 1:28:01.
Overall, I'm pleased with the race. Even after the fast start, I was able to settle into marathon pace and stay there for the entire race, with the slight lapse in the 12th mile. When I finished, I didn't feel too spent, and coming into the race I hadn't tapered and the week before and week of the race were two higher mileage weeks. The race bodes well for Richmond, which last week I registered for last week.
I waited in line for the porta-potties for a few minutes before it became obvious that I wasn't going to make it before the race began, so I just sucked it up and headed to the start. I had visions of PRing, but my late arrival and short warm up caused me to decide to run the race as a marathon pace effort.
The race started, and despite feeling like I went out controlled, I passed two miles in 12:38, about 20-25 seconds per mile faster than I wanted to be running. To be fair, though, the first two miles were so downhill it was like falling off a cliff. After about two miles, the race turned onto the path it would follow to the finish. I settled in as best I could given my inability to use the porta-potty before the race, and began to run 6:4X and 6:5X miles, which was more like it. About eight miles into the race, I was going to stop at a porta-potty on the course, but as I came up to it I saw it was occupied, so I pressed on. At 12 miles the course turned on to an unpaved section of the path, and I ran my slowest mile of the race, 7:00. I regained my focus and ran mile 13 in 6:44 and then the last .1 mile in 35 seconds to finish in 1:28:01.
Overall, I'm pleased with the race. Even after the fast start, I was able to settle into marathon pace and stay there for the entire race, with the slight lapse in the 12th mile. When I finished, I didn't feel too spent, and coming into the race I hadn't tapered and the week before and week of the race were two higher mileage weeks. The race bodes well for Richmond, which last week I registered for last week.
September 23, 2006
The Big Race
Tomorrow I'm running the Parks Half Marathon. I won't lie; I'm disappointed that it's going to be in the seventies and breezy when just two days prior the temperature was in the upper forties. But, there's still no reason I can't have a good race.
Training has gone well over the past few days. I ran on the track again on Wednesday night, five miles at marathon pace. I even started about 45 meters back from the starting line so I would actually run five miles. The track was a popular place to be that night. Not only were there people running and walking, there was a couple taking up the inside three lanes walking their dog. The dog was in lane one. I must have gone around them six or seven times. You'd think they might move after I passed them once or twice. Of course, as soon as I was finished and was leaving the track for my cool down home they left too. The workout ended as five (plus whatever extra distance I ran going around the dog walkers) miles in 34:46.
Thursday morning I ran an easy six miles and yesterday an easy ten. I'm not really tapering for the half. This morning I ran an easy six pushing the kids, with a quick stop at Starbucks for some coffee.
Training has gone well over the past few days. I ran on the track again on Wednesday night, five miles at marathon pace. I even started about 45 meters back from the starting line so I would actually run five miles. The track was a popular place to be that night. Not only were there people running and walking, there was a couple taking up the inside three lanes walking their dog. The dog was in lane one. I must have gone around them six or seven times. You'd think they might move after I passed them once or twice. Of course, as soon as I was finished and was leaving the track for my cool down home they left too. The workout ended as five (plus whatever extra distance I ran going around the dog walkers) miles in 34:46.
Thursday morning I ran an easy six miles and yesterday an easy ten. I'm not really tapering for the half. This morning I ran an easy six pushing the kids, with a quick stop at Starbucks for some coffee.
September 19, 2006
Recap
Sun: 16 miles
Mon: 8 miles
Tue: 10 miles
Sunday's long run went OK. I was hoping for maybe 17 or 18 miles, but because of how I was feeling towards the end of the run I stopped at 16. I should have eaten a little more before I ran since I didn't get out until 12:30, and I should not have forgone the water and Gu I had planned on having. I thought I'd feel a lot worse than I did Monday and it was a pleasant surprise that I wasn't as sore as I thought I would be. I stayed up last night to watch most of the Steelers game, and expected to be exhausted this morning. Even though I ran a few minutes slower than I usually do, the 10 miles went by pretty quickly, and I never did feel too bad. I've got a workout scheduled for tomorrow, and then a few easy days before the half-marathon Sunday.
Mon: 8 miles
Tue: 10 miles
Sunday's long run went OK. I was hoping for maybe 17 or 18 miles, but because of how I was feeling towards the end of the run I stopped at 16. I should have eaten a little more before I ran since I didn't get out until 12:30, and I should not have forgone the water and Gu I had planned on having. I thought I'd feel a lot worse than I did Monday and it was a pleasant surprise that I wasn't as sore as I thought I would be. I stayed up last night to watch most of the Steelers game, and expected to be exhausted this morning. Even though I ran a few minutes slower than I usually do, the 10 miles went by pretty quickly, and I never did feel too bad. I've got a workout scheduled for tomorrow, and then a few easy days before the half-marathon Sunday.
September 16, 2006
Keep it Up
I did run my workout Wednesday night and managed 5 x 2k at a little faster than marathon pace. I warmed up 2.5 miles, and then ran the workout, with a lap of rest in between the repeats. I was consistent, running 8:04, 8:06, 8:06, 7:59, and 8:05. I had some stomach discomfort towards the end, which surprised me since pace-wise this is not a terribly hard workout.
After the workout Wednesday night, I didn't get to bed until midnight, so I ran Thursday evening. I ran an easy six miles. Friday morning I ran nine miles, and this morning I ran seven miles pushing the kids in the stroller. We ran a new loop, all on streets I've run before but never in this order. They're certainly heavy, especially going uphill.
After the workout Wednesday night, I didn't get to bed until midnight, so I ran Thursday evening. I ran an easy six miles. Friday morning I ran nine miles, and this morning I ran seven miles pushing the kids in the stroller. We ran a new loop, all on streets I've run before but never in this order. They're certainly heavy, especially going uphill.
September 13, 2006
Frustrated
I tend to be a little bitter when I don't run in the morning. After a late night last night, I reset my alarm when it went off. I'm going to run tonight, either when I get home or after the kids go to bed, because I promised myself that I'd be consistent in these last two months before the marathon.
Yesterday I ran 10 miles. I might have done another mile or two, but as I was getting close to home, the stomach issues intensified so I just finished with 10. The big news of yesterday was that it was Puff's (who will now be referred to as j, because we don't call him Puff anymore and really haven't for a while) first day of preschool. He had a great time and had no trouble as his mommy, daddy, and little brother left.
On the schedule tonight is some track work, 4 or 5 by 2k at marathon pace.
Yesterday I ran 10 miles. I might have done another mile or two, but as I was getting close to home, the stomach issues intensified so I just finished with 10. The big news of yesterday was that it was Puff's (who will now be referred to as j, because we don't call him Puff anymore and really haven't for a while) first day of preschool. He had a great time and had no trouble as his mommy, daddy, and little brother left.
On the schedule tonight is some track work, 4 or 5 by 2k at marathon pace.
September 11, 2006
Vacation
It's hard to be back at work. I spent the last week in Hilton Head, SC, with the wife, kids, and my parents. The week of Labor Day is a great week to go on vacation. You get the beach and the golf course almost to yourself. Everyone had a great time.
I did run while on vacation, all of it with J. It was nice to be able to leave the kids with their grandparents and go run. I didn't run Saturday or Sunday, though. We left Hilton Head after dinner Friday night and didn't get home until almost 4 am, which was the plan since it meant the kids slept almost the whole way home, but it only left me with three hours of sleep that night. I took a nap Saturday afternoon and was able to play softball Saturday night, though. J was exhausted Saturday as well as a little bitter since I took a nap and played softball Saturday night, so I decided I take Sunday off too unless I had a really good opportunity to run. Between the kids' naps and taking them to a local park for the "Touch-A-Truck" event, the opportunity never came.
This morning I ran nine miles; eight miles out and back on the Parkway and the I added a mile around the house. After a slow start the pace came down and I had a good run.
I did run while on vacation, all of it with J. It was nice to be able to leave the kids with their grandparents and go run. I didn't run Saturday or Sunday, though. We left Hilton Head after dinner Friday night and didn't get home until almost 4 am, which was the plan since it meant the kids slept almost the whole way home, but it only left me with three hours of sleep that night. I took a nap Saturday afternoon and was able to play softball Saturday night, though. J was exhausted Saturday as well as a little bitter since I took a nap and played softball Saturday night, so I decided I take Sunday off too unless I had a really good opportunity to run. Between the kids' naps and taking them to a local park for the "Touch-A-Truck" event, the opportunity never came.
This morning I ran nine miles; eight miles out and back on the Parkway and the I added a mile around the house. After a slow start the pace came down and I had a good run.
August 30, 2006
Parks Half Marathon
Today I registered for the Parks Half Marathon. The race is on September 24, and I plan to use it as a gauge of my fitness before the marathon. After registering and perusing the web site, I started to wonder about all of the amenities. I don't care about a special shirt, I don't care about a party afterwards, and I don't care about themed water stops. It's a race. All I want to do is get from the start to the finish as fast as I can. None of the so-called amenities I listed above will help me do that. If I could find another half-marathon to run, I'd do it. Baltimore has one in mid-October, but I'd rather run one a little further out, and not only would running in Baltimore likely require a night in a hotel, the race is also $30 more expensive than the Parks. Two years ago I ran a great half marathon at the end of September in Fredericksburg, but that race has since moved to December.
My training over the last week has been so-so. I've felt really tired, which is especially odd considering my mileage has not been particularly high. Part of me wants to see if I can run through it and come out the other side in one piece, but part of my also wants to take two easy days and see if that helps, and that side of me won. So this morning I ran seven miles with some strides afterwards, and tomorrow the plan is six followed by some strides.
My training over the last week has been so-so. I've felt really tired, which is especially odd considering my mileage has not been particularly high. Part of me wants to see if I can run through it and come out the other side in one piece, but part of my also wants to take two easy days and see if that helps, and that side of me won. So this morning I ran seven miles with some strides afterwards, and tomorrow the plan is six followed by some strides.
August 23, 2006
Happy Birthday to Me!
Today I'm 26 years young. I say young because of all the audible sighs from everyone at work when I mentioned my age. I don't have any big plans for tonight, just a nice evening with J and the kids.
I've have better weeks of running. To end last week, I met some friends at Burke Lake Park on Sunday morning for a run. Most of the group just did one lap, but Jimmy and I tacked on a second, giving me nine miles for the day and 60 for the week. Monday morning I ran ten miles. I think there were some effects from giving blood; I didn't feel bad, but once I checked my watch I discovered I was running slower than I thought my effort level indicated. The last two nights have been nights of little sleep, and thus I didn't run yesterday morning or this morning. Yesterday I didn't even get out of bed before resetting my alarm, but today I got as far a getting dressed to run and making my way to the stairs before the tiredness got the best of me and I went back to bed.
I've have better weeks of running. To end last week, I met some friends at Burke Lake Park on Sunday morning for a run. Most of the group just did one lap, but Jimmy and I tacked on a second, giving me nine miles for the day and 60 for the week. Monday morning I ran ten miles. I think there were some effects from giving blood; I didn't feel bad, but once I checked my watch I discovered I was running slower than I thought my effort level indicated. The last two nights have been nights of little sleep, and thus I didn't run yesterday morning or this morning. Yesterday I didn't even get out of bed before resetting my alarm, but today I got as far a getting dressed to run and making my way to the stairs before the tiredness got the best of me and I went back to bed.
August 20, 2006
Not Feeling So Good
Yesterday morning's long run did not go well at all. I felt sore and stiff and considered postponing it until later, but I was giving blood at 12:30 and needed to be done in time to shower and make it there. Plus, I'm sure running an hour or two after you give blood is not recommended. So I ended up running/walking 12 miles, not running 17 like I had planned. Oh well, I know one bad run does not a training program break.
I was probably so sore and tired from my running on Friday. I ran five miles in the morning, and then since I was feeling compulsive, I ran another six in the evening. I took a nap on the bus on the way hone, and if I had been going straight home, probably would not have run. But I had to go to the grocery store to get dinner, so I had time to wake back up and decide to run.
Thursday's race went pretty well, though it became more of a tempo run than a race. J and I were late leaving because we were leaving the kids with her sister and she wanted to give them a bath before we left so all her sister would have to do was put them to bed. I very briefly warmed up, and then the race went off. Though a lap around the lake is 4.5 miles and the race distance was 4.5 miles, the race was not exactly one lap around. It was most of one lap, and a little bit of running on the park roads. I have no idea where the mile marks were, but I finished in 29:13, barely under 6:30 pace, in 19th overall. This race featured some family competitions, father/son, husband/wife etc., and I'm pleased to report than J and I were the winning husband and wife team. Of course she told me, "Now we have to run this race gain next year and defend our title."
I was probably so sore and tired from my running on Friday. I ran five miles in the morning, and then since I was feeling compulsive, I ran another six in the evening. I took a nap on the bus on the way hone, and if I had been going straight home, probably would not have run. But I had to go to the grocery store to get dinner, so I had time to wake back up and decide to run.
Thursday's race went pretty well, though it became more of a tempo run than a race. J and I were late leaving because we were leaving the kids with her sister and she wanted to give them a bath before we left so all her sister would have to do was put them to bed. I very briefly warmed up, and then the race went off. Though a lap around the lake is 4.5 miles and the race distance was 4.5 miles, the race was not exactly one lap around. It was most of one lap, and a little bit of running on the park roads. I have no idea where the mile marks were, but I finished in 29:13, barely under 6:30 pace, in 19th overall. This race featured some family competitions, father/son, husband/wife etc., and I'm pleased to report than J and I were the winning husband and wife team. Of course she told me, "Now we have to run this race gain next year and defend our title."
August 17, 2006
Let's Go to the Punk Rock Show!
I didn't run yesterday. After a fitful night of sleep, I slept in rather than get up in the morning. I left work early because I was going to a concert and needed to go home first, but I didn't get to leave early enough to have time to fit in a run.
Last night two friends and I went to see the Ducky Boys, H2O, and Rancid at the Black Cat. It was a great show. I mainly went to see Rancid, and they definitely did not disappoint.
Tonight J and I are running a 4.5 mile race at Burke Lake Park. It's an odd distance because it's one lap around the lake, which is 4.5 miles. Since I've never raced the distance before, if nothing else it's a guaranteed PR.
Last night two friends and I went to see the Ducky Boys, H2O, and Rancid at the Black Cat. It was a great show. I mainly went to see Rancid, and they definitely did not disappoint.
Tonight J and I are running a 4.5 mile race at Burke Lake Park. It's an odd distance because it's one lap around the lake, which is 4.5 miles. Since I've never raced the distance before, if nothing else it's a guaranteed PR.
August 15, 2006
Tired Legs
I took the day off work yesterday to watch the kids while J went to help her sister move. That gave me the opportunity to take the kids and run at Burke Lake Park. The park has a nice shaded trail that runs around the lake, and J usually runs there with the kids twice a week. I was going to run two laps (nine miles), but then B lost his shoes. They're slip-ons that he has figured out he can slip off. I never would have even known they were off except Puff started making noise and I stopped to see what he was fussing about. Then I turned around and ran back the other way to look for the shoes. I found the first one quickly enough, but the second was pretty far back. I went all the way back to where I started, and then a little further down the trail in the opposite direction before turning around and coming back. I ended up with eight miles. In the afternoon, I felt like running a little more, so the kids and I went out on the path for another five miles. The diggers were out working, so that made the kids happy.
This morning I went to the track for some mile repeats. I knew my legs would be tired, but that was kind of the point of running twice yesterday. I did 4 x 1 mile, with each one faster than the previous. The first one was slow, as usual, but after that one I got down a little below marathon pace. With the warmup and cooldown I ran nine miles.
This morning I went to the track for some mile repeats. I knew my legs would be tired, but that was kind of the point of running twice yesterday. I did 4 x 1 mile, with each one faster than the previous. The first one was slow, as usual, but after that one I got down a little below marathon pace. With the warmup and cooldown I ran nine miles.
August 13, 2006
Stroller Ride
I ran six miles with Puff in the running stroller today, ending up with 61 for the week. Now that there's some construction going on next to the path, it's easy to get him to go with me. I just have to ask, "Do you want to go on a stroller ride and see some diggers?"
August 12, 2006
Hiatus
As anyone who has actually checked in the last month or so knows, my blog has been on hiatus. Basically, life, especially work, has been stressful, and the blog fell by the wayside. Things really haven't calmed down much, but I've gotten used to it, so I'll try to actually write.
So far this week I've run 55 miles in six days. Eleven Monday, nine Tuesday, none Wednesday, ten Thursday and Friday, and fifteen today. I didn't have any real workouts this week; Friday I tried running a local 5k course at marathon pace to get my legs moving a little, but that didn't turn out well. Today I had planned on running a little more than fifteen, but after two hours I was pretty spent, and with this being one of the few runs I've done lately over ten miles it wasn't worth killing myself for an extra mile or two.
So far this week I've run 55 miles in six days. Eleven Monday, nine Tuesday, none Wednesday, ten Thursday and Friday, and fifteen today. I didn't have any real workouts this week; Friday I tried running a local 5k course at marathon pace to get my legs moving a little, but that didn't turn out well. Today I had planned on running a little more than fifteen, but after two hours I was pretty spent, and with this being one of the few runs I've done lately over ten miles it wasn't worth killing myself for an extra mile or two.
July 17, 2006
Feeling Good
I didn't sleep too well last night, so when I woke up this morning I didn't know quite how my run would feel. It turns out that I felt pretty good, other than some tight calves for the last two or three miles.
I ran 10 miles on the Parkway. Since everyone else seems to be talking about the weather, it was warm and humid as usual in July in Virginia. I definitely felt the need for some water over the last few miles. Tomorrow I'm planning on another fartlek workout.
I'm going to need new shoes soon and am really leaning toward trying training in flats. I'm light (140 lbs) and consider myself efficient. My big concern is switching from the Brooks Glycerin, my current training shoe, to something lighter, would be too big of a shock. Maybe I need to switch more gradually, go to a lightweight trainer first?
I ran 10 miles on the Parkway. Since everyone else seems to be talking about the weather, it was warm and humid as usual in July in Virginia. I definitely felt the need for some water over the last few miles. Tomorrow I'm planning on another fartlek workout.
I'm going to need new shoes soon and am really leaning toward trying training in flats. I'm light (140 lbs) and consider myself efficient. My big concern is switching from the Brooks Glycerin, my current training shoe, to something lighter, would be too big of a shock. Maybe I need to switch more gradually, go to a lightweight trainer first?
July 16, 2006
Wanted: Recovery
I don't know exactly what the deal is, but the day after both my workout and race this week I've felt terrible and because of that not run very much. Friday night I ran the Bastille Day 4-Miler in 26:10. It wasn't quite what I was hoping for, but all in all not a bad effort in temperatures and humidity near 90. As you can see from the splits--6:21, 6:25, 6:45, and 6:36--I definitely faded at the end. Overall, I was 29th out of I don't know how many since the results haven't been posted yet.
Saturday morning I went out to run a little after 10. I was just so tired that I only ended up running three miles. I got about eight hours sleep, so I don't think my problem is sleep related. If anything, I think it's food related. The race started at seven and afterwards I didn't eat anything until I got home about nine. I wonder if that gap has something to do with my tiredness. I've also had this nagging sensation in my stomach that hasn't gone away for a few days. I wouldn't call it pain, but I don't know what it is.
Saturday morning I went out to run a little after 10. I was just so tired that I only ended up running three miles. I got about eight hours sleep, so I don't think my problem is sleep related. If anything, I think it's food related. The race started at seven and afterwards I didn't eat anything until I got home about nine. I wonder if that gap has something to do with my tiredness. I've also had this nagging sensation in my stomach that hasn't gone away for a few days. I wouldn't call it pain, but I don't know what it is.
July 13, 2006
Epiphany
Last night I had a revelation regarding the construction that is going on around the crosswalk. I was so locked in to my normal route that I completely forgot I could cross at the prior light, where there is also a crosswalk.
This morning's run was eight miles on the path. As if it's not humid enough, the rain that fell last night made it even more humid. I felt a few drops while I was running, but nothing more fell. The legs were a little tired, but not too bad. I worked my calves and hamstrings last night with the foam roller, which seems to have helped. Tomorrow night I'm racing four miles; hopefully the heat and humidity won't be too oppressive.
This morning's run was eight miles on the path. As if it's not humid enough, the rain that fell last night made it even more humid. I felt a few drops while I was running, but nothing more fell. The legs were a little tired, but not too bad. I worked my calves and hamstrings last night with the foam roller, which seems to have helped. Tomorrow night I'm racing four miles; hopefully the heat and humidity won't be too oppressive.
July 12, 2006
Bad Run
Today's run was memorable for all of the wrong reasons. I was tired, sore, and just didn't plain feel good. I wanted to run eight to ten miles, but ended up with just five. When I woke up five minutes before my alarm went off this morning, I thought about going back to sleep and running in the evening. But with J's lacrosse game tonight, that wasn't a good option. So I got up and ran.
I ran on the bike path along the parkway, which isn't quite as nice as it usually is since there is some construction going on along the road it parallels. The worst part is that there is a jersey wall blocking the crosswalk, so I actually have to go down the road away from the path to cross and cross a six-lane road in the middle of the road. Luckily, there's not much traffic at 5 am. I felt bad the whole run, especially my stomach, and actually ended up walking a little. I think I'm coming down with a cold too. I'm going to try to get a good night's sleep tonight and I'll see how I feel tomorrow morning.
I ran on the bike path along the parkway, which isn't quite as nice as it usually is since there is some construction going on along the road it parallels. The worst part is that there is a jersey wall blocking the crosswalk, so I actually have to go down the road away from the path to cross and cross a six-lane road in the middle of the road. Luckily, there's not much traffic at 5 am. I felt bad the whole run, especially my stomach, and actually ended up walking a little. I think I'm coming down with a cold too. I'm going to try to get a good night's sleep tonight and I'll see how I feel tomorrow morning.
July 11, 2006
Speed Play
This morning I ran the fartlek workout that I mentioned yesterday. I warmed up just over two miles, and then ran 2 min on/2 min off until I had run seven miles total, and then cooled down a mile. I ended up running 9 repeats over the five miles. The plan for today was just to get the legs used to running a faster pace again.
The workout went all right. I think the biggest problem was that I ran the recoveries too slow. I was a little tired to begin with, but sometimes I felt like I was going so slow I might as well be walking during the recoveries. The other problem is that my watch no longer beeps. I set the timer to count down and repeat every two minutes, but instead of beeping the Indigo flashes when the timer gets to zero. I had to constantly look at my watch to see how much time I had left. The battery was recently replaced. Any suggestions?
The workout went all right. I think the biggest problem was that I ran the recoveries too slow. I was a little tired to begin with, but sometimes I felt like I was going so slow I might as well be walking during the recoveries. The other problem is that my watch no longer beeps. I set the timer to count down and repeat every two minutes, but instead of beeping the Indigo flashes when the timer gets to zero. I had to constantly look at my watch to see how much time I had left. The battery was recently replaced. Any suggestions?
July 10, 2006
Still Recovering
I definitely feel better than I did Saturday, but still not completely over my sickness. Saturday morning I woke up with a throbbing headache, my stomach didn't feel too good, and I was achy. I was going to run, but had changed my mind once J got back from her run. It's probably a good thing I changed my mind, since later in the day my temperature was up to 101. Sunday I felt better, but still took the day off. I did, however, cut the grass and do some weeding without any ill effects.
This morning I ran a little over seven miles in a just over an hour. It averages to more or less 8:30 pace overall, but I know I started out slow and picked up the pace as I went on because my last mile was about 7:30. While my fever is gone, my stomach still doesn't feel 100%. We'll see how it feels during the little fartlek workout I have planned for tomorrow.
This morning I ran a little over seven miles in a just over an hour. It averages to more or less 8:30 pace overall, but I know I started out slow and picked up the pace as I went on because my last mile was about 7:30. While my fever is gone, my stomach still doesn't feel 100%. We'll see how it feels during the little fartlek workout I have planned for tomorrow.
July 04, 2006
What Not to Do
So usually I run a race on the Fourth of July. What else are holidays for, right? But not this year, and let me tell you this morning I was pretty bitter about it.
Last night I was cleaning up and getting ready to go up to bed when J's sister called and said she and a friend wanted to come over and borrow a movie. Despite the fact that I said I didn't care if they came over, I did care, and I ended up staying up late and skipping the race. I ran a little bit pushing B in the stroller this morning, but I was not into it at all, so I turned back early. Oh, and I may have been so mad at myself that I may not have only kicked myself but kicked a door frame and bruised my toe.
On one hand, I know I completely overreacted. But on the other hand if I could channel the energy from getting mad into my training, it would be great.
I've been getting back into training over the past few days, just doing a little easy mileage. Friday I ran four miles after the kids went to bed, Saturday I ran six miles, Sunday I ran a little under three, and Monday I ran five miles including a few strides over the last mile and a half.
Last night I was cleaning up and getting ready to go up to bed when J's sister called and said she and a friend wanted to come over and borrow a movie. Despite the fact that I said I didn't care if they came over, I did care, and I ended up staying up late and skipping the race. I ran a little bit pushing B in the stroller this morning, but I was not into it at all, so I turned back early. Oh, and I may have been so mad at myself that I may not have only kicked myself but kicked a door frame and bruised my toe.
On one hand, I know I completely overreacted. But on the other hand if I could channel the energy from getting mad into my training, it would be great.
I've been getting back into training over the past few days, just doing a little easy mileage. Friday I ran four miles after the kids went to bed, Saturday I ran six miles, Sunday I ran a little under three, and Monday I ran five miles including a few strides over the last mile and a half.
June 29, 2006
Starting Over
Last night I ran three miles, and then this morning I ran four miles. For about the last month, my training has been very poor. I've been tired, and taken quite a few days off. Last week, which I spent in Houston, visiting some of my wife's family, was particularly bad. Despite the fact that I got in a 10 mile run the first full day I was there, every time I ran it was a struggle to keep going.
J and I discussed the problem and decided that a little break, followed by a week or two of easy running would likely help. That idea was confirmed when I read a few pages in Run Strong about overreaching. Basically overreaching is a precursor to overtraining. It's trying to do too much, but not to the point of needing an extended break. I'm pretty sure that's what happened to me. The running itself was not necessarily too much, but when combined with work, family, lack of sleep, etc. it was too much. I took the last few days in Texas off as well as my first day back at home, and had a good run last night. I only ran three miles, but when I stopped I felt like I could have kept going for a few more miles.
J and I discussed the problem and decided that a little break, followed by a week or two of easy running would likely help. That idea was confirmed when I read a few pages in Run Strong about overreaching. Basically overreaching is a precursor to overtraining. It's trying to do too much, but not to the point of needing an extended break. I'm pretty sure that's what happened to me. The running itself was not necessarily too much, but when combined with work, family, lack of sleep, etc. it was too much. I took the last few days in Texas off as well as my first day back at home, and had a good run last night. I only ran three miles, but when I stopped I felt like I could have kept going for a few more miles.
June 15, 2006
Excuse Me
I got kicked off the high school track this morning. Well, not really kicked off, but asked to leave. I didn't think there was a problem and didn't really want to leave, but did any as to avoid any complications that would lead to me never being able to run on the track again.
The plan for this morning was 3.5 miles to warm up, 3-4 miles at more or less marathon pace (6:45-7:00) and then cool down. When I got to the high school, I passed a security guard in his car and then went down the hill to the track. I just knew he saw me, so I wasn't surprised when he got out of his car and asked me why I was running on the track. So I know exactly how far I've run, I said. The field is set up for graduation, he said, so you shouldn't be down there. OK, I understand, I told him as I ran up the hill off the track. Have a good day, he said as I ran by.
I ran over to the middle school track to do the workout. I really had wanted to run at the high school, which has real track, as opposed to the middle school's asphalt track. I ran 5000 meters in 20:57, with splits of 6:56 at 1600 meters and 13:42 at 3200 meters. I'm happy with the time overall, as the average pace works out to 6:45, but I would have liked to run more even splits. After the cool down I had 10 miles for the day.
The plan for this morning was 3.5 miles to warm up, 3-4 miles at more or less marathon pace (6:45-7:00) and then cool down. When I got to the high school, I passed a security guard in his car and then went down the hill to the track. I just knew he saw me, so I wasn't surprised when he got out of his car and asked me why I was running on the track. So I know exactly how far I've run, I said. The field is set up for graduation, he said, so you shouldn't be down there. OK, I understand, I told him as I ran up the hill off the track. Have a good day, he said as I ran by.
I ran over to the middle school track to do the workout. I really had wanted to run at the high school, which has real track, as opposed to the middle school's asphalt track. I ran 5000 meters in 20:57, with splits of 6:56 at 1600 meters and 13:42 at 3200 meters. I'm happy with the time overall, as the average pace works out to 6:45, but I would have liked to run more even splits. After the cool down I had 10 miles for the day.
June 13, 2006
What am I Doing?
The last few weeks my log seems to be more full of holes than swiss cheese. I've probably recorded zeros for half of the days. Of all the distances I could race, the marathon is not one I want to run woefully undertrained. So I've got to get in gear, stop thinking I'm too tired, I can't/shouldn't run.
Thanks to Duncan for this link. Dave's blog is inspiring and here's hoping he makes the trials.
Thanks to Duncan for this link. Dave's blog is inspiring and here's hoping he makes the trials.
June 07, 2006
Priorities
I haven't slept as much as I'd like the past few nights, so as I was cleaning up after dinner last night I was thinking, when I'm done, I'm going to bed. J was sitting at the table, reading the paper and doing a Sudoku puzzle. I finished cleaning, and told J I was going upstairs. She seemed a little upset about something. I came back downstairs, and we started talking, and the point was she was feeling ignored because after the kids were in bed, all I was concerned with was cleaning up and going to bed myself. She's spends all day with the kids, which while enjoyable is devoid of adult conversation, and then I just want to go to bed so I can get up and run. I felt pretty stupid. Certainly spending some time with my wife is more important than my running.
After last night's late night, I didn't run this morning. Monday and Tuesday were eight and ten miles respectively.
Finally, two random questions:
1. Has anyone ever ordered sunglasses from one of those magazine ads like the one that's in the current issue of Running Times? You only pay postage and handling. I've seen the ads before, but they always struck me as too good to be true. But on the other hand, I think if it was some kind of scam Running Times wouldn't be including them.
2. We've started potty-training Puff. Does anyone have any tips/suggestions to make it go faster/more smoothly? If you don't feel like discussing in the comments, email me. The address is in my profile.
After last night's late night, I didn't run this morning. Monday and Tuesday were eight and ten miles respectively.
Finally, two random questions:
1. Has anyone ever ordered sunglasses from one of those magazine ads like the one that's in the current issue of Running Times? You only pay postage and handling. I've seen the ads before, but they always struck me as too good to be true. But on the other hand, I think if it was some kind of scam Running Times wouldn't be including them.
2. We've started potty-training Puff. Does anyone have any tips/suggestions to make it go faster/more smoothly? If you don't feel like discussing in the comments, email me. The address is in my profile.
June 05, 2006
Chasing Women
Yesterday I ran the Run After the Women 5k. It's called Run After the Women because it follows the Women's Distance Festival 5k. The short story is that I ran 19:05 and finished third overall.
Checking the results of last year's race gave me the idea that I could do pretty well. I knew who the winner of last year's race was, and when I saw he was running this year I figured I'd try to stick with him, since his winning time from last year was only a few seconds faster than my PR. When the race started, I was able to hang on for the first kilometer, and then he started to pull away. We went through the k in 3:38, and then I hit the the mile in 5:55. The winner continued to pull away, and I was passed by second place just after halfway, which I reached in 9:30. I struggled during the third and fourth kilometers, but was able to pick it up and run the last k in 3:40 to finish in 19:05. And unbeknownst to me before I finished the race and had a volunteer tell me "Stick around, we have some nice awards," this race actually had awards, and I won a $10 gift certificate to RNJ Sports.
I was really hoping to run about a minute faster yesterday. I wonder if the late nights and lack of running in the days leading up to the race took their toll and left me more tired than I thought. On the plus side, yesterday's mediocre result has given me even more motivation to get out and train hard.
Checking the results of last year's race gave me the idea that I could do pretty well. I knew who the winner of last year's race was, and when I saw he was running this year I figured I'd try to stick with him, since his winning time from last year was only a few seconds faster than my PR. When the race started, I was able to hang on for the first kilometer, and then he started to pull away. We went through the k in 3:38, and then I hit the the mile in 5:55. The winner continued to pull away, and I was passed by second place just after halfway, which I reached in 9:30. I struggled during the third and fourth kilometers, but was able to pick it up and run the last k in 3:40 to finish in 19:05. And unbeknownst to me before I finished the race and had a volunteer tell me "Stick around, we have some nice awards," this race actually had awards, and I won a $10 gift certificate to RNJ Sports.
I was really hoping to run about a minute faster yesterday. I wonder if the late nights and lack of running in the days leading up to the race took their toll and left me more tired than I thought. On the plus side, yesterday's mediocre result has given me even more motivation to get out and train hard.
May 31, 2006
Time Flies
Time certainly flies when you're busy. Work's been hectic, and home has been hectic as well. We really need some more employees at work, especially since one recently left, but that's not going to happen anytime soon. We could use some more people at home as well, to help with the house and kids. Things will be getting easier at home, luckily, since this is the last week of coaching lacrosse for J and school's almost out so she won't be tutoring much longer either.
I've been running, though not as much as I'd like. There have been too many nights where I've gone to bed too late and just decided to sleep in--like last night. I may be racing a 5k this weekend, depending on how the rest of the weekend goes. I haven't run a 5k for a few months, and would like to see where my fitness is. In other running news, I may have found an occasional training partner, but I'll elaborate on that once I have some more details.
I've been running, though not as much as I'd like. There have been too many nights where I've gone to bed too late and just decided to sleep in--like last night. I may be racing a 5k this weekend, depending on how the rest of the weekend goes. I haven't run a 5k for a few months, and would like to see where my fitness is. In other running news, I may have found an occasional training partner, but I'll elaborate on that once I have some more details.
May 18, 2006
The Good, The Bad, and a Realization
I won my race yesterday. One of them anyway. Despite only signing up for the 2-mile, I also participated in the relay, where my team lost. We had the lead going into the last leg, but their anchor was much faster than ours. I lead the 2-mile from start to finish, fending off a challenge over the last laps. I'm not sure exactly how close second place was to me, but I heard people yelling for him to pass me. I unleashed my barbarian kick and held him off to finish first.
This morning I only managed two miles. I felt a little sick last night before I went to bed, but felt OK this morning when my alarm went off, so I went for my run. My stomach started to bother me, and while I didn't feel like I was immediately going to be sick I felt like if I kept running I'd get sick. I stopped at the two mile point of my run, which because I loop around is only about a half mile from my house, and I walked home.
I think I may be trying to run a little too much right now, and it's not leaving me feeling very good. I'm going to back off a little on the mileage, aiming for 60 instead of 70 mpw. I need to be training consitently, and I think backing off a bit will help me be more consistent and lessen the peaks and valleys I'm going through now.
This morning I only managed two miles. I felt a little sick last night before I went to bed, but felt OK this morning when my alarm went off, so I went for my run. My stomach started to bother me, and while I didn't feel like I was immediately going to be sick I felt like if I kept running I'd get sick. I stopped at the two mile point of my run, which because I loop around is only about a half mile from my house, and I walked home.
I think I may be trying to run a little too much right now, and it's not leaving me feeling very good. I'm going to back off a little on the mileage, aiming for 60 instead of 70 mpw. I need to be training consitently, and I think backing off a bit will help me be more consistent and lessen the peaks and valleys I'm going through now.
May 16, 2006
A Kick in the Butt
Every once in a while I need a swift kick in the butt to keep me on track, to keep me moving toward my goal. I need someone to drag me out the door, to say "Come on, we're going running."
After a good M-F's worth of running, where I did get my 50 miles in, I fell apart over the weekend. Saturday I ran six miles pushing the kids, and then Sunday I didn't run. Both days I chose sleeping in instead of running. I probably could have gotten a run in Sunday, but with the changing Mother's Day plans I didn't know exactly what we were doing until it was too late.
Monday morning came too early, and while I did get up and start my run, I didn't make it very far before deciding to bag it and head back home. I was still tired, and my legs felt heavy and stiff. I got back into bed and slept for another hour.
Today I ran 10 miles that went pretty well. Tomorrow's the big day, Fitness Day, where the agency I work for holds running/walking events on the track of the school that's next to our building. Two years ago I won the two-mile, and last year I came in third. This year I hope to reclaim my title.
After a good M-F's worth of running, where I did get my 50 miles in, I fell apart over the weekend. Saturday I ran six miles pushing the kids, and then Sunday I didn't run. Both days I chose sleeping in instead of running. I probably could have gotten a run in Sunday, but with the changing Mother's Day plans I didn't know exactly what we were doing until it was too late.
Monday morning came too early, and while I did get up and start my run, I didn't make it very far before deciding to bag it and head back home. I was still tired, and my legs felt heavy and stiff. I got back into bed and slept for another hour.
Today I ran 10 miles that went pretty well. Tomorrow's the big day, Fitness Day, where the agency I work for holds running/walking events on the track of the school that's next to our building. Two years ago I won the two-mile, and last year I came in third. This year I hope to reclaim my title.
May 11, 2006
What Are You Doing There?
This morning was pretty warm, and I had a decent sweat going when I got back from my run. I stood outside for a minute or two and then turned around to go in, and who do I see standing at the door? Puff. It was only a little after six, so he was up early. Normally when he gets up early he goes to find mommy, but today he came downstairs. He must have wanted to find his book, because that's what he wanted after I got inside. He wanted to read Richard Scary's Funniest Storybook Ever. Luckily he cooperated and came back upstairs with me and got back in his bed to read his book and play with the matchbox car and wooden train cars I gave him. Mommy had been out late last night and was still sleeping.
I ran the same loop as yesterday, except today I added a mile at the end to give me 11 for the day. I felt a little sore, but not too bad.
I ran the same loop as yesterday, except today I added a mile at the end to give me 11 for the day. I felt a little sore, but not too bad.
May 10, 2006
4:24
It sucks when you wake up a few minutes before your alarm is going to go off. You can't go back to sleep because of the anxiety of the impending alarm, but you don't want to get up just yet either.
Despite the alarm problem, I had a good run this morning. I ran ten miles, in a combination of two loops. I had one of those runs where it just flew by. So far this week I've run ten miles three days in a row, putting me right on schedule for my goal of 50 miles from Mon-Fri. A long run Saturday and then whatever I feel like Sunday should give me a good total for the week.
A question: if you wanted to ask someone if the Metro train you were on went to a certain stop, and there were a bunch of people around you, why would you ask the guy wearing headphones, who probably can't hear you anyway? I was on my way home from work, listening to my iPod, when I was asked the question. I think she asked twice before I could stop the music and could hear what she was saying, but then I could understand her because of her heavy accent. Eventually, she appeared to get frustrated and turned away.
Despite the alarm problem, I had a good run this morning. I ran ten miles, in a combination of two loops. I had one of those runs where it just flew by. So far this week I've run ten miles three days in a row, putting me right on schedule for my goal of 50 miles from Mon-Fri. A long run Saturday and then whatever I feel like Sunday should give me a good total for the week.
A question: if you wanted to ask someone if the Metro train you were on went to a certain stop, and there were a bunch of people around you, why would you ask the guy wearing headphones, who probably can't hear you anyway? I was on my way home from work, listening to my iPod, when I was asked the question. I think she asked twice before I could stop the music and could hear what she was saying, but then I could understand her because of her heavy accent. Eventually, she appeared to get frustrated and turned away.
May 06, 2006
Change in Plans
Today was supposed to be my long run, about 15 miles. About two miles in, I realized it wasn't a good day. I was tired, and my stomach didn't feel too great. The first part of the run is a five-mile loop that ends with me coming back to the house, taking a Gu and some water, and heading out for another ten miles. Today when I got back to the house I ran up to the end of the street and back for another mile, and then called it a day. I just wasn't feeling up to the long run, so I cut it off at six miles. Hope evryone else had a better run than me.
May 05, 2006
Wednesdays and Fridays
I'm not sure what the deal is, but the last two weeks I have not been able to get myself out of bed to run on Wednesday or Friday morning. I know that going to bed late the nights before doesn't help, but I'm still disappointed in myself for missing the runs.
Yesterday I ran the first double in a long time, eight miles in the am and then four more with the kids in the stroller in the pm. I didn't do anything wild with the kids in the stroller the most exciting part of the run (for the kids anyway) was seeing the trucks that were working in one of the driveways of the houses we ran past.
So far this week I've run 34 miles, over the three days that I've actually run. I'm getting solid mileage in when I run; I just need to be consistent, in both my running and my recovery.
Yesterday I ran the first double in a long time, eight miles in the am and then four more with the kids in the stroller in the pm. I didn't do anything wild with the kids in the stroller the most exciting part of the run (for the kids anyway) was seeing the trucks that were working in one of the driveways of the houses we ran past.
So far this week I've run 34 miles, over the three days that I've actually run. I'm getting solid mileage in when I run; I just need to be consistent, in both my running and my recovery.
May 03, 2006
Tired
I haven't updated for a while, but rather than write an extended entry about my absence, I'll just summarize. Last week I ended up with 52 miles and the week before that 70. The first two days this week were 10 and 12 miles.
This morning when I got up I had that I'm so tired I feel like I'm going to fall over feeling, so I went back to sleep. I guess the 12 miles combined with only about five hours sleep didn't leave me in good shape. I may run tonight; we'll see how the evening goes.
This morning when I got up I had that I'm so tired I feel like I'm going to fall over feeling, so I went back to sleep. I guess the 12 miles combined with only about five hours sleep didn't leave me in good shape. I may run tonight; we'll see how the evening goes.
April 21, 2006
Mid-Week Recap
The past three days' training has gone pretty well. Wednesday's run was 12 miles, my first weekday run over 10 miles in quite a while. I definitely want to emphasize the long run and second-longest run in my training, and want to eventually be running parts at tempo/marathon pace. The 12 miles included 18 laps of the track, and idea I got from reading some of Duncan's old blog entries. The hope is that it will build up my mental toughness and help me get through the middle miles of the marathon without losing focus.
Thursday I ran ten miles and this morning eight. I wasn't feeling especially good this morning, so I stopped after eight. So far, running without eating first is going fine. My stomach felt a little funny for a while this morning, but it went away. I haven't really noticed and kind of decrease in my performance, although at this point all I'm doing is base mileage.
I think there's going to be a change in plans of what marathon I'm going to run. J ran this morning with some of her friends, and one of her friend's husbands, along with the husband of another friend who wasn't there this morning, are running Baltimore in October. J mentioned training with them for the marathon. I haven't finalized any kind of training plan yet, and October is still far enough away that I have time to prepare, so I'm pretty sure I'll be running Baltimore.
Thursday I ran ten miles and this morning eight. I wasn't feeling especially good this morning, so I stopped after eight. So far, running without eating first is going fine. My stomach felt a little funny for a while this morning, but it went away. I haven't really noticed and kind of decrease in my performance, although at this point all I'm doing is base mileage.
I think there's going to be a change in plans of what marathon I'm going to run. J ran this morning with some of her friends, and one of her friend's husbands, along with the husband of another friend who wasn't there this morning, are running Baltimore in October. J mentioned training with them for the marathon. I haven't finalized any kind of training plan yet, and October is still far enough away that I have time to prepare, so I'm pretty sure I'll be running Baltimore.
April 18, 2006
Listening to my Body
I cut my run short this morning. I was going for ten miles, but turned right to go home instead of left for two more miles, so I ran eight. My legs were rather sore, and I felt my pace slowing, so I decided it was better to head home and stretch out. Yesterday's ten miles didn't feel too good either, but it wasn't like today when I felt like I needed to stop.
I wonder if I'm still recovering from Saturday's 15 miles. I ran two five-mile loops, then took a break for about an hour, and then ran five more miles pushing the kids in the stroller. Saturday morning is Starbuck's morning, and I wanted to try and kill two birds with one stone by running with the kids over to Starbuck's and back. I hoped they would be almost ready to go when I got back from the first ten miles, but they got up later than I expected. Pushing about 40 lbs. worth of kids can be hard work, especially uphill. I'm going to try this again this weekend, but I'm going to run a little more before I get the kids and we'll take the direct route to Starbuck's.
I wonder if I'm still recovering from Saturday's 15 miles. I ran two five-mile loops, then took a break for about an hour, and then ran five more miles pushing the kids in the stroller. Saturday morning is Starbuck's morning, and I wanted to try and kill two birds with one stone by running with the kids over to Starbuck's and back. I hoped they would be almost ready to go when I got back from the first ten miles, but they got up later than I expected. Pushing about 40 lbs. worth of kids can be hard work, especially uphill. I'm going to try this again this weekend, but I'm going to run a little more before I get the kids and we'll take the direct route to Starbuck's.
April 13, 2006
Wanted: One Treadmill
I know that it's spring and the weather's getting nice, but if there's one thing that I think would help my running, it's a treadmill. If nothing else, it would allow me to be home and available if needed, but still run. I think it would be especially useful in the evenings to get in some doubles or on the weekends so I could run while the kids nap. I prefer running outside, but I'd run on the treadmill instead of not run at all.
My running has been inconsistent this week. Monday, B was up as I was getting ready to run. He had a cold and was having some trouble breathing through his nose while he slept. J had already been up with him, so I rocked him and put him back to sleep. I was tired to begin with, and I guess all the rocking made me more tired, so I went back to bed. Tuesday and Wednesday were my standard-of-late 10 mile days, and then this morning was another day off. I don't know if I've mentioned it before, but I get up at 4:30 to run so I don't leave too late for work. This morning I got up, got dressed, checked on the kids, and then decided to sleep. I haven't been sleeping as much as I'd like lately, and as I was walking around this morning I was tired enough that I felt like I was going to fall over asleep. So I decided that sleep was the better option this morning. Maybe I'll get out this evening.
My running has been inconsistent this week. Monday, B was up as I was getting ready to run. He had a cold and was having some trouble breathing through his nose while he slept. J had already been up with him, so I rocked him and put him back to sleep. I was tired to begin with, and I guess all the rocking made me more tired, so I went back to bed. Tuesday and Wednesday were my standard-of-late 10 mile days, and then this morning was another day off. I don't know if I've mentioned it before, but I get up at 4:30 to run so I don't leave too late for work. This morning I got up, got dressed, checked on the kids, and then decided to sleep. I haven't been sleeping as much as I'd like lately, and as I was walking around this morning I was tired enough that I felt like I was going to fall over asleep. So I decided that sleep was the better option this morning. Maybe I'll get out this evening.
April 07, 2006
An Experiment
I was thinking about some comments Evan had made on Mike's blog about fueling before running in the morning. Evan's idea was that not eating before running is a good way to teach your body to conserve glycogen and become more efficient.
I used to not eat before I ran and never had any problems because of it. I'm not sure exactly what changed (that probably means there wasn't a compelling reason) but not long ago I started having half a glass of Carnation Instant Breakfast. The last two days I've had nothing but water. I wanted to see if it made a difference in how I felt, and also if by not ingesting anything besides water I could avoid any pit stops during the run.
So far it's been good. I've felt fine and haven't had to stop once. Wednesday I ran seven and a half miles, and yesterday and this morning ten. I wanted to do more Wednesday, but I was just so tired that I called it a day after seven and a half.
I used to not eat before I ran and never had any problems because of it. I'm not sure exactly what changed (that probably means there wasn't a compelling reason) but not long ago I started having half a glass of Carnation Instant Breakfast. The last two days I've had nothing but water. I wanted to see if it made a difference in how I felt, and also if by not ingesting anything besides water I could avoid any pit stops during the run.
So far it's been good. I've felt fine and haven't had to stop once. Wednesday I ran seven and a half miles, and yesterday and this morning ten. I wanted to do more Wednesday, but I was just so tired that I called it a day after seven and a half.
April 03, 2006
Worst Run Ever
Saturday was supposed to be my long run. What should have been a good 14-16 miles turned into a complete debacle.
I got up early and had some cereal (generic crunchberries that aren't as good as the real thing) and downed a Gu. About a half hour after I got up, I was out the door. From the beginning, I didn't feel good. I had this dull ache in my stomach. About five miles into the run, I had to stop and walk because the pain was getting worse. I walked a little, turned around at the five-mile point, and started to run again. I made it a little more than a mile, and then stopped to walk again. When I started to run again, I didn't make it very far before the stabbing pain stopped me. At this point I was about two miles from home, and I just walked the rest of the way. There were some points that the pain was so bad I just wanted to lay down on the side of the road. When I got home, I lay down on the floor and had some water and graham crackers. I felt better after a few minutes.
While I was running, I thought it was the cereal/Gu combination that made my stomach act up, but when I got home I remembered that the kids had some kind of stomach bug recently, so maybe I caught it. J's been feeling a little nauseous herself lately. The rest of the day I felt fine.
I didn't run Sunday, unless you count the 100 meters I ran to try out the half-dozen pairs of running shoes I tried on. I needed some shoes and had a gift certificate to use, so I made a trip to Metro Run & Walk. I bought a pair of Brooks Glycerins, which of course were the first ones I tried on.
I ran for the first time in my new shoes this morning. They feel good, but are different from the Brooks Axiom, the previous shoe I was wearing. I pieced together two routes and ran nine and a half miles.
I got up early and had some cereal (generic crunchberries that aren't as good as the real thing) and downed a Gu. About a half hour after I got up, I was out the door. From the beginning, I didn't feel good. I had this dull ache in my stomach. About five miles into the run, I had to stop and walk because the pain was getting worse. I walked a little, turned around at the five-mile point, and started to run again. I made it a little more than a mile, and then stopped to walk again. When I started to run again, I didn't make it very far before the stabbing pain stopped me. At this point I was about two miles from home, and I just walked the rest of the way. There were some points that the pain was so bad I just wanted to lay down on the side of the road. When I got home, I lay down on the floor and had some water and graham crackers. I felt better after a few minutes.
While I was running, I thought it was the cereal/Gu combination that made my stomach act up, but when I got home I remembered that the kids had some kind of stomach bug recently, so maybe I caught it. J's been feeling a little nauseous herself lately. The rest of the day I felt fine.
I didn't run Sunday, unless you count the 100 meters I ran to try out the half-dozen pairs of running shoes I tried on. I needed some shoes and had a gift certificate to use, so I made a trip to Metro Run & Walk. I bought a pair of Brooks Glycerins, which of course were the first ones I tried on.
I ran for the first time in my new shoes this morning. They feel good, but are different from the Brooks Axiom, the previous shoe I was wearing. I pieced together two routes and ran nine and a half miles.
March 31, 2006
Stop, Geese!
Last night as I was driving home from the commuter parking lot, I had to stop to avoid hitting geese that were trying to cross the road. The geese turned around and went back to the grass, safe and sound. Unfortunately, the same could not be said for two cars in the lane next to me. One car had slowed down almost to a complete stop and was rear-ended by another car whose driver must not have been paying enough attention. No one was hurt.
This morning's run was 10 miles. Other than Monday, every run this week has been 10 miles, giving me 48 for the week so far. I was thinking that since my goal race is months away, it would be a good idea to have some shorter term goals as well, kind of a way to measure my progress. The goal for this week is 70 miles.
This morning's run was 10 miles. Other than Monday, every run this week has been 10 miles, giving me 48 for the week so far. I was thinking that since my goal race is months away, it would be a good idea to have some shorter term goals as well, kind of a way to measure my progress. The goal for this week is 70 miles.
March 27, 2006
Crazy Weekend
I still haven't figured out that if I want to run on Saturday, I have to get up and do it before everyone else gets up. If I sleep in, there's just too much going on during the rest of the day and it's hard to coordinate two small children's eating and sleeping schedules. So Saturday's running was a big fat zero. Saturday wasn't all bad, though. It was J's birthday, and we did go out and have a nice dinner sans children at Landini Brothers in Old Town Alexandria.
Sunday was spent taking care of the kids. I think they both have some kind of stomach bug. When Puff woke up and got out of bed, he was very lethargic, when usually he's going a hundred miles an hour. He ate a little breakfast and then got sick. B, who is now eight months old, is spitting up at times too. J coaches lacrosse and her team had a game, so she was gone from morning to mid-afternoon. Sunday was another big fat zero.
I did run this morning, eight miles out and back along the parkway. I'm sad that we have to set the clocks ahead this coming weekend. It's nice to see the sun coming up while I run, and I would gladly give up an hour of light in the evening for an hour in the morning while I'm running.
Sunday was spent taking care of the kids. I think they both have some kind of stomach bug. When Puff woke up and got out of bed, he was very lethargic, when usually he's going a hundred miles an hour. He ate a little breakfast and then got sick. B, who is now eight months old, is spitting up at times too. J coaches lacrosse and her team had a game, so she was gone from morning to mid-afternoon. Sunday was another big fat zero.
I did run this morning, eight miles out and back along the parkway. I'm sad that we have to set the clocks ahead this coming weekend. It's nice to see the sun coming up while I run, and I would gladly give up an hour of light in the evening for an hour in the morning while I'm running.
March 22, 2006
Seven More Miles
This morning was another seven mile run; actually it was the same loop I ran yesterday. I don't know what happened to spring, but when I got up this morning there was a dusting of snow on the groud and a strong wind was blowing. The wind didn't turn out to be too bad. It was only blowing hard in my face for a small part of my run. I picked up the pace for the last two miles so I was running a strong aerbic pace. That's something I need to do as much of as possible. The more I'm able to do that, the more productive my base building will be.
March 21, 2006
Ft. Hunt 10k--Race Report
The events prior to the race did not go as planned. I was late leaving the house because J was sick and I took some time to make sure she didn't need me to stay. I had to stop for gas, and then I had a directional problem. I knew where I was going, but when I got off 495 I thought Route 1 intersected the road I needed to turn on to, but it actually ran parallel. I didn't get too far before I realized my mistake.
I got to the race about 15 minutes before the start. I just had time to register, use the facilities, and get changed. The course was 5+ laps around the perimeter road of a park. It sounds like it might be boring, but that wasn't the case. The lack of a warmup made me decide to make my race plan run 6:30s and try to pick up the pace for the last mile or two.
I was able to execute my plan quite well. My splits for the first four miles were 6:33, 6:37, 6:32, and 6:32. I was feeling strong and in control. During the fifth mile, I made a move. Picking up my pace, I caught up to two runners who had been ahead of me for most of the race and passed them. My split for the fifth mile was 6:29. During the sixth mile I continued to press and open up more of a gap. I ran the sixth mile in 6:18, and then ran the last .2 miles in 69 seconds to finish in 40:13 (watch time). I know my splits don't add up right; I truncated the decimal points.
Overall, I'm very pleased with this race. I felt very strong aerobically and only felt like I was breathing hard as I kicked in the last .2 miles. I want to continue to increase my mileage and be as strong as possible for the marathon.
This week is a cutback week. I had planned on higher mileage before the race last week, and even though that didn't work out I'm still taking this week easy. Both Monday and Tuesday were seven mile days.
I got to the race about 15 minutes before the start. I just had time to register, use the facilities, and get changed. The course was 5+ laps around the perimeter road of a park. It sounds like it might be boring, but that wasn't the case. The lack of a warmup made me decide to make my race plan run 6:30s and try to pick up the pace for the last mile or two.
I was able to execute my plan quite well. My splits for the first four miles were 6:33, 6:37, 6:32, and 6:32. I was feeling strong and in control. During the fifth mile, I made a move. Picking up my pace, I caught up to two runners who had been ahead of me for most of the race and passed them. My split for the fifth mile was 6:29. During the sixth mile I continued to press and open up more of a gap. I ran the sixth mile in 6:18, and then ran the last .2 miles in 69 seconds to finish in 40:13 (watch time). I know my splits don't add up right; I truncated the decimal points.
Overall, I'm very pleased with this race. I felt very strong aerobically and only felt like I was breathing hard as I kicked in the last .2 miles. I want to continue to increase my mileage and be as strong as possible for the marathon.
This week is a cutback week. I had planned on higher mileage before the race last week, and even though that didn't work out I'm still taking this week easy. Both Monday and Tuesday were seven mile days.
March 20, 2006
Ft. Hunt 10k
I ran 40:13 according to my watch, 40:15 according to the results, and finished in 13th place. I was hoping to break 40, but was pleased with how the race went. More details to come.
March 17, 2006
After It's Done
I really need to refrain from using the word should in my blog. It seems that every time I say that I should be doing something, it never works out. So, since I stated "I should be in the mid to upper 60s this week..." in my last post, it should be no surprise that it won't happen. I haven't run the past two days. Family issues came up that prevented me from getting very much sleep, and I just wasn't strong enough to will myself out the door. So from now on, I'm only going to mention things after they're done.
March 15, 2006
Resurfacing
Even though I haven't said anything about it for the last two weeks, training has been going well. I've become so set in my routine that it's almost automatic. Mileage-wise, my last three weeks have been 66, 53, and 63. I should be in the mid to upper 60s again this week, since I've started this week with three ten mile days. I'm planning on racing a 10k this weekend, if for no other reason than I haven't raced since December and would like to see how I'll do. The main goal for the year is my marathon debut in Richmond, so everything is going toward that.
March 02, 2006
Grrrrr...
My alarm didn't go off this morning. I thought it was all set, but when I did wake up about 40 minutes after the alarm should have gone off I found I hadn't turned it on last night. That's odd, since I'm compulsive and usually check it twice before I fall asleep.
Because I got up later than I wanted, I only ran five miles this morning. As I was in the median, crossing the road to head back to my house, one of my friends pulled up in the left turn lane. We talked for a minute while I waited for the road to clear, then I crossed and headed home.
Yesterday, since it was Ash Wednesday and I was fasting, I only ran four miles. Tuesday was a ten mile day. At the beginning I didn't feel too great, but once I was about halfway I felt better and when I was done I was thinking that wasn't bad.
I've been thinking a lot recently about a quote from Pattisue Plummer I read on Zeke's blog--"Workouts are like brushing my teeth; I donÂ’t think about them, I just do them. The decision has already been made." I have a good streak going, and I feel like I'm just getting up and going in the morning--there's no question about it.
Because I got up later than I wanted, I only ran five miles this morning. As I was in the median, crossing the road to head back to my house, one of my friends pulled up in the left turn lane. We talked for a minute while I waited for the road to clear, then I crossed and headed home.
Yesterday, since it was Ash Wednesday and I was fasting, I only ran four miles. Tuesday was a ten mile day. At the beginning I didn't feel too great, but once I was about halfway I felt better and when I was done I was thinking that wasn't bad.
I've been thinking a lot recently about a quote from Pattisue Plummer I read on Zeke's blog--"Workouts are like brushing my teeth; I donÂ’t think about them, I just do them. The decision has already been made." I have a good streak going, and I feel like I'm just getting up and going in the morning--there's no question about it.
February 27, 2006
Weekend/Monday Recap
I got the running in over the weekend that I planned on. Saturday's run was just over 14 miles, averaging 7:30 pace. I was going to run in the morning, but B was up before my alarm went off, and by the time he went back to sleep that's all I wanted to do. I ran in the late afternoon, when it was sixty degrees with a slight breeze. Most likely it was because I ran in the afternoon and had eaten more beforehand, but I didn't feel like I was running on fumes quite as much this time.
The nice weather Saturday was in sharp contrast to the weather Sunday, when it was in the thirties and windy. I made up my own loop, and ended with eight miles. My legs were sore but loosened up for the last two or three miles. The worse part was my stomach, since I ate a big brunch too close to running.
This morning was another eight miles. I was a liitle concerned with some pain I felt in my shin, but it went soon after it came, so I'm not too worried. I'll see if I feel anything tomorrow morning.
The nice weather Saturday was in sharp contrast to the weather Sunday, when it was in the thirties and windy. I made up my own loop, and ended with eight miles. My legs were sore but loosened up for the last two or three miles. The worse part was my stomach, since I ate a big brunch too close to running.
This morning was another eight miles. I was a liitle concerned with some pain I felt in my shin, but it went soon after it came, so I'm not too worried. I'll see if I feel anything tomorrow morning.
February 24, 2006
Keeping it Up
Despite a poor start to the week, my running has gone well. I feel like I'm getting into the groove and my training is becoming more enjoyable and less like work.
Monday's seven miles were unpleasant. I was tired and cranky, and my stomach woes continued. I had planned on a few more miles, but seven was enough. Tuesday and Wednesday were both 10 miles, out and back along the Parkway. Thursday I was feeling the effects of the past two days, especially Wednesday because B is teething and did not sleep well Tuesday night. I just ran an easy seven miles, which brings us to today. Today was another 10 mile day. I ran my new neighborhood loop and instead of turning left to go home and end with seven miles, went straight and got in three more.
The plan for this weekend is 13-15 miles Saturday, hopefully with some faster-paced running sprinkled in, and then maybe 8-10 miles Sunday.
Monday's seven miles were unpleasant. I was tired and cranky, and my stomach woes continued. I had planned on a few more miles, but seven was enough. Tuesday and Wednesday were both 10 miles, out and back along the Parkway. Thursday I was feeling the effects of the past two days, especially Wednesday because B is teething and did not sleep well Tuesday night. I just ran an easy seven miles, which brings us to today. Today was another 10 mile day. I ran my new neighborhood loop and instead of turning left to go home and end with seven miles, went straight and got in three more.
The plan for this weekend is 13-15 miles Saturday, hopefully with some faster-paced running sprinkled in, and then maybe 8-10 miles Sunday.
February 19, 2006
End of the Week
The weeks in the training log that I use run Monday through Sunday. My weeks, though, usually went Sunday to Saturday. This is the second year I've been using the log, and last year what I did was just start each week in Sunday's box, even though it was in the lower right hand corner. This year, though, I've decided to use the log as it's set up, so today's eight miles ended my week.
I thought about running this morning, but ended up running in the afternoon instead. I ran out and back along the parkway, finishing the eight miles in 60:10. I didn't feel too great, so I was surprised when I check my watch with a mile and a half to go and saw 49:03. I picked up the pace and tried to finish in under an hour, but waiting to cross the road held me up too long.
My week:
M-7 miles
T-9 miles
W-8 miles
T-10 miles
F-8 miles
S-0
S-8 miles
I thought about running this morning, but ended up running in the afternoon instead. I ran out and back along the parkway, finishing the eight miles in 60:10. I didn't feel too great, so I was surprised when I check my watch with a mile and a half to go and saw 49:03. I picked up the pace and tried to finish in under an hour, but waiting to cross the road held me up too long.
My week:
M-7 miles
T-9 miles
W-8 miles
T-10 miles
F-8 miles
S-0
S-8 miles
February 17, 2006
Advice
Does anyone have any good advice for avoiding digestive problems while running? The last two days I've had issues, and I don't know exactly why. I haven't made any changes to my diet, and haven't drastically increased my mileage. My one thought is that it has to do with not eating before I run. Tomorrow I'm going to eat a little before I run and see what happens.
Yesterday I did 10 miles. My legs were sore at the beginning but did loosen up as I ran. I made it about seven miles before I had to make a pit stop, and that didn't even end the distress. I even felt a little funny after I finished my run and had something to eat.
Today I ran eight miles. I didn't have to make any pit stops while I ran, but I would have if I had been running any further. My stomach was agitated again after I finished and ate. Maybe my body is so ravenous after running without eating beforehand that it's digesting my breakfast quickly and that's bothering me.
Yesterday I did 10 miles. My legs were sore at the beginning but did loosen up as I ran. I made it about seven miles before I had to make a pit stop, and that didn't even end the distress. I even felt a little funny after I finished my run and had something to eat.
Today I ran eight miles. I didn't have to make any pit stops while I ran, but I would have if I had been running any further. My stomach was agitated again after I finished and ate. Maybe my body is so ravenous after running without eating beforehand that it's digesting my breakfast quickly and that's bothering me.
February 15, 2006
Where Did All the Snow Go?
It would be nice if I updated this blog on a regular basis, wouldn't it?
This last weekend we got about 8-10 inches of snow, and now, only four days later a lot of it has melted. This must be the mildest winter I've ever seen. The melting does make for easier running, though.
Saturday morning I got out early for 10 miles before any snow started falling. I don't know exactly the reason why, but I felt pretty tired and just wanted the run to be over with. The only saving grace was that I'm used to the loop I ran and I was done quickly enough.
I took Sunday off. I was wary of running in the snow while it was still dark, so I planned on running later in the day. After shoveling snow, playing with Puff, and working on my Valentine's Day project, I didn't run.
Monday I ran 7 miles. I came up with a new route that took me mainly through neighborhood streets since I wasn't sure how much of a shoulder I'd have on the main roads. The best part of the route was the solitude. It was nice to get time to myself without cars whizzing past me.
Tuesday I had on of my best runs in a while, despite B's best attempts at thwarting it. B wanted to party all night long and would not stay asleep for any extended period of time, until of course J wanted him to wake up. I ran almost the exact same loop as Monday, except for hitting the dead end because I forgot to turn and adding two miles on to give me nine miles for the day. I ran the nine miles in 1:12:XX, just a hair over eight minute pace. That in itself is nothing to be proud of, but it is about 30 seconds/mile faster than most of my runs have been lately. I also picked up the pace for the last two miles and ran those in 15:13.
This morning I ran my residential loop yet again, adding on a little distance to get me to eight miles. My legs are feeling sore, but I'm hoping it's just from coming back after a week off. I gave them a brief massage with the Stick this morning, and I'll repeat the process as well as stretch out a bit before I go to bed tonight. J and the kids are out of town tonight, so I'm getting to bed early in the hopes of catching up on my sleep.
Zeke wrote the other day about the "key" to running being "surrounding yourself with successful like-minded people." I have to second that notion. I'd love to have a group to run with who have the same aspirations as I do. However, what I lack physically I have technologically in the collection of blogs that I read.
This last weekend we got about 8-10 inches of snow, and now, only four days later a lot of it has melted. This must be the mildest winter I've ever seen. The melting does make for easier running, though.
Saturday morning I got out early for 10 miles before any snow started falling. I don't know exactly the reason why, but I felt pretty tired and just wanted the run to be over with. The only saving grace was that I'm used to the loop I ran and I was done quickly enough.
I took Sunday off. I was wary of running in the snow while it was still dark, so I planned on running later in the day. After shoveling snow, playing with Puff, and working on my Valentine's Day project, I didn't run.
Monday I ran 7 miles. I came up with a new route that took me mainly through neighborhood streets since I wasn't sure how much of a shoulder I'd have on the main roads. The best part of the route was the solitude. It was nice to get time to myself without cars whizzing past me.
Tuesday I had on of my best runs in a while, despite B's best attempts at thwarting it. B wanted to party all night long and would not stay asleep for any extended period of time, until of course J wanted him to wake up. I ran almost the exact same loop as Monday, except for hitting the dead end because I forgot to turn and adding two miles on to give me nine miles for the day. I ran the nine miles in 1:12:XX, just a hair over eight minute pace. That in itself is nothing to be proud of, but it is about 30 seconds/mile faster than most of my runs have been lately. I also picked up the pace for the last two miles and ran those in 15:13.
This morning I ran my residential loop yet again, adding on a little distance to get me to eight miles. My legs are feeling sore, but I'm hoping it's just from coming back after a week off. I gave them a brief massage with the Stick this morning, and I'll repeat the process as well as stretch out a bit before I go to bed tonight. J and the kids are out of town tonight, so I'm getting to bed early in the hopes of catching up on my sleep.
Zeke wrote the other day about the "key" to running being "surrounding yourself with successful like-minded people." I have to second that notion. I'd love to have a group to run with who have the same aspirations as I do. However, what I lack physically I have technologically in the collection of blogs that I read.
February 10, 2006
Getting Mad
My alarm went off at 4:30 am yesterday. I got up, and then promptly went back to sleep. I was mad that I was up late last night and was tired, so I took out all my frustration by going back to sleep. This morning my alarm went off at 4:30 am again. I got up, got dressed, and went for a run.
What was the difference between the two days? Not running on Thursday made me feel worse than I think I would have felt had I got up and ran. Maybe I've finally made the decision to do what it takes to reach my goals.
What was the difference between the two days? Not running on Thursday made me feel worse than I think I would have felt had I got up and ran. Maybe I've finally made the decision to do what it takes to reach my goals.
February 07, 2006
Feeling Better
First, congratulations to the Steelers for their win in Super Bowl XL! It wasn't the prettiest game I've ever seen them play, but the win is really all that matters. One for the thumb!
This morning was the first morning I've run in a week. I finally feel like I'm getting over my cold. I ran six miles, out and back along the Parkway. I thought I'd feel good after a week off, but I was actually a little sluggish.
This morning was the first morning I've run in a week. I finally feel like I'm getting over my cold. I ran six miles, out and back along the Parkway. I thought I'd feel good after a week off, but I was actually a little sluggish.
January 31, 2006
Still Recovering
The worst part about my current sickness is the fact that I almost never get sick. J joked about wanting to say "Ha ha!" when she found out I wasn't feeling well. This cold has dragged on for a week now, and given my current state I don't see an end very soon.
Sunday I ran six miles. My legs were sore from the long run Saturday, but didn't feel too bad. After a late Sunday night, I took Monday off. This morning I ran five miserable miles. I didn't feel good at all and just wanted to be done. I'm going to take some time off until my cold gets better. I chastised myself for not running Friday, but my condition hasn't improved and if anything it's gotten a little worse. I'm hoping a few good-night's-sleeps will have me feeling better.
Sunday I ran six miles. My legs were sore from the long run Saturday, but didn't feel too bad. After a late Sunday night, I took Monday off. This morning I ran five miserable miles. I didn't feel good at all and just wanted to be done. I'm going to take some time off until my cold gets better. I chastised myself for not running Friday, but my condition hasn't improved and if anything it's gotten a little worse. I'm hoping a few good-night's-sleeps will have me feeling better.
January 28, 2006
Sniffles
My little sore throat has become a full blown cold. I took yesterday off and slept in, hoping that would help. It did help a little, but not as much as I had hoped.
After thinking about it last night, I decided I wasn't sick enough to require any more time off. Actually, I was a little upset for using my cold as sort of an excuse to take yesterday off. This morning was my long run for the week. I ran a little over 14 miles, 14.4 according to gmap-pedometer.com. The first few miles had me wondering what I was doing out there, but that feeling passed and the rest of the run went well. As Evan suggested, I didn't consume anything during the run in an attempt to convince my body to use fat as fuel. My long runs are not quite as long as his yet, but in the past I would usually take some water/Gatorade and a gel with me for a 14-mile run. I did feel as if I was running on fumes for those last few miles.
After thinking about it last night, I decided I wasn't sick enough to require any more time off. Actually, I was a little upset for using my cold as sort of an excuse to take yesterday off. This morning was my long run for the week. I ran a little over 14 miles, 14.4 according to gmap-pedometer.com. The first few miles had me wondering what I was doing out there, but that feeling passed and the rest of the run went well. As Evan suggested, I didn't consume anything during the run in an attempt to convince my body to use fat as fuel. My long runs are not quite as long as his yet, but in the past I would usually take some water/Gatorade and a gel with me for a 14-mile run. I did feel as if I was running on fumes for those last few miles.
January 26, 2006
Eight is Great!
Today is the third day in a row that I've run eight miles. I've run out and back along the parkway and two different eight mile loops. I'm not sure what my seeming fascination with the eight-mile distance is. When I was living in Alexandria, I had an eight-mile loop I ran often and when I ran in the park I often ended at eight miles. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that it's about an hour's worth of running for me. I hope, though, that eight miles won't be a hard hump to get over in the coming weeks as I increase my mileage. I want ten and twelve to become the new eight.
B has a new schedule. He used to go to bed between ten and eleven, but now he's going to bed between eight and nine. This means more sleep for me, which is good, because I'm sick. It's really just a sore throat, but it's pretty annoying. Thankfully I don't notice it while I run.
B has a new schedule. He used to go to bed between ten and eleven, but now he's going to bed between eight and nine. This means more sleep for me, which is good, because I'm sick. It's really just a sore throat, but it's pretty annoying. Thankfully I don't notice it while I run.
January 24, 2006
Getting Back on the Wagon
I'm exhausted today. It must be because I actually ran eight miles this morning. Sunday and Monday I didn't run at all. Sunday because I was lazy and didn't get up early and then the Steeler game was on, and Monday because B decided he wanted to party all night long instead of sleep. B didn't sleep very well last night either. I was up two or three times and so was J. He's sick though, so I can't really blame him.
This morning I ran out and back along the parkway. I actually saw three people who were out running in the early morning darkness, more than I usually see. What's really amazing to me, though, is the number of cars on the road at 5 am. There are quite a few people who I imagine are heading to work to beat the traffic. If I drove to work myself I'd seriously consider it.
Speaking of traffic, that 's probably another reason I'm tired. I commute to work by slugging. Usually I sleep on the way in, since I'm not driving. But today, the combination of backed up traffic in the HOV lanes and a chatty driver, I didn't get my nap.
This morning I ran out and back along the parkway. I actually saw three people who were out running in the early morning darkness, more than I usually see. What's really amazing to me, though, is the number of cars on the road at 5 am. There are quite a few people who I imagine are heading to work to beat the traffic. If I drove to work myself I'd seriously consider it.
Speaking of traffic, that 's probably another reason I'm tired. I commute to work by slugging. Usually I sleep on the way in, since I'm not driving. But today, the combination of backed up traffic in the HOV lanes and a chatty driver, I didn't get my nap.
January 20, 2006
Pulling Teeth
Both of the past two days I've been to the dentist. Yesterday was the first day I had gone to this dentist, having recently switched from my old one. I had x-rays and an oral evaluation done yesterday, and then finally had my teeth cleaned and polished today. I don't hate going to the dentist, but I can think of a long list of other things that I'd rather be doing. Growing up, the worst feeling in the world was the feeling of clean teeth after visiting the dentist. I could always hardly wait to eat and drink afterwards.
I've run easily the past two days; nine miles on Thursday and then eight miles this morning. I've been pretty tired, to the point of almost falling asleep in the dentist's chair if not for the bright light shining in my face. My legs were sore this morning so I made sure to stretch in hopes that it would help. Usually I don't stretch because I'm trying to get out the door to work, but I had time this morning since I was going to the dentist first.
In the course of perusing Kevin Beck's website, I found a good article he wrote for Florida Running and Triathalon. The point that got to me the most was the question regarding mileage: "Okay, why did you stop "there" instead of at "there plus ten?" I don't have a good answer for the question. Getting to a good mileage level and maintaining it is something to work on during this training cycle.
I've run easily the past two days; nine miles on Thursday and then eight miles this morning. I've been pretty tired, to the point of almost falling asleep in the dentist's chair if not for the bright light shining in my face. My legs were sore this morning so I made sure to stretch in hopes that it would help. Usually I don't stretch because I'm trying to get out the door to work, but I had time this morning since I was going to the dentist first.
In the course of perusing Kevin Beck's website, I found a good article he wrote for Florida Running and Triathalon. The point that got to me the most was the question regarding mileage: "Okay, why did you stop "there" instead of at "there plus ten?" I don't have a good answer for the question. Getting to a good mileage level and maintaining it is something to work on during this training cycle.
January 18, 2006
Sicko
I'm not sick, but B is. Last night he had a slight fever and cough. Today the fever's gone, but he still has the cough. Both Puff and J have been sick lately too; I'm surprised I haven't caught it. I was up late last night with B, so I slept in this morning and didn't run. Yesterday I ran eight miles. I was pretty tired, and actually chose the loop I ran because I knew that about two miles in I could turn left and head back to home if I really felt badly. Luckily I was OK, so I ran the whole loop.
Today's weather was crazy. It was warm and raining this morning when I left for work, and then the temperature just dropped all day. When I went home it was cold and windy. Looks like winter's back for at least one night.
Today's weather was crazy. It was warm and raining this morning when I left for work, and then the temperature just dropped all day. When I went home it was cold and windy. Looks like winter's back for at least one night.
January 16, 2006
Holiday
I don't have work today, so I took the opportunity to run 10 miles this morning, rather than the 7-8 I have been running on weekday mornings. I ran out and back along the parkway, on a nice 30 degree morning. Except for a few days, this winter has been very mild. During the second half of the run my left IT band got a little tight, but I don't think it's anything to worry about. I made sure to stretch it out when I got home.
I finished last week with 48 miles in six days, and this week I'd like to get up to 60 miles in seven days. The 10 miles this morning was a good start to it. Since I haven't updated for a few days, here's how the training went:
Wed.-8 miles
Thu.-7 miles
Fri.-8 miles
Sat.-10 miles
Sun.-off
Go Steelers!
I finished last week with 48 miles in six days, and this week I'd like to get up to 60 miles in seven days. The 10 miles this morning was a good start to it. Since I haven't updated for a few days, here's how the training went:
Wed.-8 miles
Thu.-7 miles
Fri.-8 miles
Sat.-10 miles
Sun.-off
Go Steelers!
January 10, 2006
Back to Normal
Since I've gone back to running in the morning, I've felt much better. It feels good to get the run done first thing in the morning and not to have it hanging over my head all day. I'm not big on making New Year's resolutions, but this year I've resolved to be consistent with my running and since I've switched back to the morning I've done so.
Friday I ran eight miles, and followed that with ten on Saturday. Sunday I took both kids running in the double stroller for six miles. Getting two small children ready to go out when the temperature is near freezing is quite a production. Monday I did eight miles and this morning I ran seven. My run took just under an hour today but it only felt like I was gone for a minute. Runs like that are great.
Friday I ran eight miles, and followed that with ten on Saturday. Sunday I took both kids running in the double stroller for six miles. Getting two small children ready to go out when the temperature is near freezing is quite a production. Monday I did eight miles and this morning I ran seven. My run took just under an hour today but it only felt like I was gone for a minute. Runs like that are great.
January 05, 2006
Out of my Comfort Zone
After not running on Tuesday, I realized that if I want to reach my goals, it's not going to be easy. I can't expect everything to fall into place exactly as I would like. I'm going to have to make the most of my situation as is. I think too often in the past I used the lack of optimal conditions as an excuse. With two kids, a wife, and a job, I'm never going to have optimal conditions. But that doesn't mean that I can't reach my goals.
Wednesday morning I ran seven miles. I was tired as I started, but as usual I woke up as the run went on. About lunchtime Wednesday, J called to tell me she didn't feel well. When I got home, she was lying on the couch and didn't want to move. She rested, and I took care of the kids. Luckily, both were very good. I didn't run this morning and went in late to work to make sure J was OK this morning. I didn't think it would be a good idea for me to be gone running and Puff in our bedroom telling J, "Mommy wake up now" and climbing on her when she felt terrible. She is feeling much better today, thankfully.
Wednesday morning I ran seven miles. I was tired as I started, but as usual I woke up as the run went on. About lunchtime Wednesday, J called to tell me she didn't feel well. When I got home, she was lying on the couch and didn't want to move. She rested, and I took care of the kids. Luckily, both were very good. I didn't run this morning and went in late to work to make sure J was OK this morning. I didn't think it would be a good idea for me to be gone running and Puff in our bedroom telling J, "Mommy wake up now" and climbing on her when she felt terrible. She is feeling much better today, thankfully.
January 02, 2006
Make Up Your Mind
I don't like running at night as much as I thought I would. When I get home from work, I just want to stay home and relax, at least relax as much as I can with two kids. I'm going back to running in the morning. I'm going to get up a little earlier than I have been so I don't get to work much later than I have been for the last week. Despite getting up earlier, I'm hoping to get the same amount of sleep I have been, just with a slightly earlier schedule.
Friday I didn't run. See the paragraph above about just wanting to stay home. Saturday I did seven miles. This was the best run I've had for a little while. I felt good, and maintained a strong aerobic pace for the run. Sunday I got together with some friends of J.'s, their husbands, and kids for a run at Burke Lake Park. All of her friends attending are members of See Mommy Run, and the woman who started it was having a get-the-new-year-started-off-right run. We did one loop of the park, which is five miles. This morning I did seven miles out and back along the Parkway.
Friday I didn't run. See the paragraph above about just wanting to stay home. Saturday I did seven miles. This was the best run I've had for a little while. I felt good, and maintained a strong aerobic pace for the run. Sunday I got together with some friends of J.'s, their husbands, and kids for a run at Burke Lake Park. All of her friends attending are members of See Mommy Run, and the woman who started it was having a get-the-new-year-started-off-right run. We did one loop of the park, which is five miles. This morning I did seven miles out and back along the Parkway.
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