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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.