Distance: 1.00 miles
Time: 10:00
Pace: 10:00/mile
Weight: 193lbs
Terrain: Treadmill, 0% incline
Temperature: Indoors
Gear: Adidas Climacool Shirt, Adidas Running Shorts, Nike Air Zoom Vomero Shoes
Hydration: None
Fuel: None
Medical: Right Shin
Recovery: Stretches
Shoe Mile Count: 302.55 miles
Days until Marathon: 1
I actually ran last night, but was too tired to post then, plus I wanted "Days Until Marathon" to read "1" :-)
What can I say? My leg still hurts, and will hurt on race day. Was it bearable? Yes. Was it unpleasant? Slightly, but somewhat improved over the other day, though one mile isn't really a long enough distance to truly test it. Of course, I didn't want to go further, obviously, and risk exacerbating it, so this last little jog would have to suffice as a measuring stick.
I do wonder if part of it is mental. Is it my mind making it worse than it is? Suddenly I am feeling a lot of pressure to make this a success, and that has to be adding to the feeling that not all is as it should be. I really just want to get out there, get to mile 5, and start feeling good. It certainly feels real enough, but I'm sure all "phantom pains" do.
I am going to wear the old shoes on race day. They feel fine, and I trust them.
So, my training is complete, and I've even driven the route (see subsequent post). There's one thing left to do and one thing only. Run fatboy, run.
Showing posts with label marathon training. Show all posts
Showing posts with label marathon training. Show all posts
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
The Daily Log 1/13/09
Distance: 4.10 miles
Time: 37:20
Pace: 9:05/mile
Weight: 193lbs
Terrain: Rolling
Temperature: Very Cold
Gear: Long-Sleeved Gobbler Grind Tech Shirt, Adidas Running Fleece, Under Armour Running Hoodie, Adidas Long Training Pants over Under Armour Compression Pants, Reebok Stocking Cap, iPod Shuffle, Nike Air Zoom Vomero Shoes
Hydration: None
Fuel: None
Medical: Right Shin
Recovery: Stretches, ice, Aleve
Shoe Mile Count: 301.55 miles
Days until Marathon: 5
Not great. My shin hurt pretty much the whole way through, which in itself was frustrating, but the pain also seemed to transfer to the other side of my leg on the high calf. My guess is it's all related. While the pain was an annoyance, what was more unsettling was the fact that the anterior pain made my leg feel very weak, like I had no power to push off on my steps. Yikes!
Compounding the misery was the fact that it was extremely cold, which meant I had to wear my rather heavy hoodie the whole way through. That always makes for a heavy run, and I even one-upped that by selecting a new route, though it was over somewhat familiar streets. Idiotic probably, though I don't really think it was the route that was to blame for my woes.
The weather and terrain of course shouldn't be a barrier to success on Sunday. Forecasts are exactly as the race directors have predicted. Starting in the 40s, finishing in the mid to high 60s, and over a pancake flat course to boot. So the only thing I really have to worry about is this annoying injury. Yes, I've probably only got myself to blame, but I mean, come on, it couldn't have waited a week to kick in?
Other notes: Surprisingly, given my lack of leg energy, my pace was pretty respectable, probably close to what I'm planning on running on race day. Also, I went back to the old shoes today and they felt pretty good, so I'm leaning towards going with those. That being said, I am probably going to take both pairs and decide when I'm out there which to use based on how good (or not) my shin feels. The better it is, the more likely I'll go with the old ones. If it still feels really weak, I might run in the new ones and risk some foot pain to give me some extra cushioning.
Given today's struggles, I've decided to skip tomorrow's 3 mile jog and might not even run again before Sunday, though I'd like very much to at least do a mile or two on Friday or Saturday so that I can test my leg and assess the damage.
Last minute complications aside, nothing short of a tsunami is likely to keep me from lining up on Sunday, and unless I just can't even stand up, I'll run through whatever pain comes my way, even if I have to go slower than I'm hoping. I've told everyone I'm doing this now, so if I fail, everyone will know, and that's more of a fear than any injury.
Please visit my 'Make Cures Happen' fundraising page and make a donation for research into leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Also, check out my blog entry for more.
Time: 37:20
Pace: 9:05/mile
Weight: 193lbs
Terrain: Rolling
Temperature: Very Cold
Gear: Long-Sleeved Gobbler Grind Tech Shirt, Adidas Running Fleece, Under Armour Running Hoodie, Adidas Long Training Pants over Under Armour Compression Pants, Reebok Stocking Cap, iPod Shuffle, Nike Air Zoom Vomero Shoes
Hydration: None
Fuel: None
Medical: Right Shin
Recovery: Stretches, ice, Aleve
Shoe Mile Count: 301.55 miles
Days until Marathon: 5
Not great. My shin hurt pretty much the whole way through, which in itself was frustrating, but the pain also seemed to transfer to the other side of my leg on the high calf. My guess is it's all related. While the pain was an annoyance, what was more unsettling was the fact that the anterior pain made my leg feel very weak, like I had no power to push off on my steps. Yikes!
Compounding the misery was the fact that it was extremely cold, which meant I had to wear my rather heavy hoodie the whole way through. That always makes for a heavy run, and I even one-upped that by selecting a new route, though it was over somewhat familiar streets. Idiotic probably, though I don't really think it was the route that was to blame for my woes.
The weather and terrain of course shouldn't be a barrier to success on Sunday. Forecasts are exactly as the race directors have predicted. Starting in the 40s, finishing in the mid to high 60s, and over a pancake flat course to boot. So the only thing I really have to worry about is this annoying injury. Yes, I've probably only got myself to blame, but I mean, come on, it couldn't have waited a week to kick in?
Other notes: Surprisingly, given my lack of leg energy, my pace was pretty respectable, probably close to what I'm planning on running on race day. Also, I went back to the old shoes today and they felt pretty good, so I'm leaning towards going with those. That being said, I am probably going to take both pairs and decide when I'm out there which to use based on how good (or not) my shin feels. The better it is, the more likely I'll go with the old ones. If it still feels really weak, I might run in the new ones and risk some foot pain to give me some extra cushioning.
Given today's struggles, I've decided to skip tomorrow's 3 mile jog and might not even run again before Sunday, though I'd like very much to at least do a mile or two on Friday or Saturday so that I can test my leg and assess the damage.
Last minute complications aside, nothing short of a tsunami is likely to keep me from lining up on Sunday, and unless I just can't even stand up, I'll run through whatever pain comes my way, even if I have to go slower than I'm hoping. I've told everyone I'm doing this now, so if I fail, everyone will know, and that's more of a fear than any injury.
Please visit my 'Make Cures Happen' fundraising page and make a donation for research into leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Also, check out my blog entry for more.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
The Daily Log 1/11/09
Distance: 8.39 miles
Time: 1:19:54
Pace: 9:31/mile
Weight: 193lbs
Terrain: Gently rolling first half, moderate up and down second half
Temperature: Colder as the run went on
Gear: Short-sleeved Adidas Climacool Shirt, Nike running shorts, Road Runner Running Cap, iPod Shuffle, Nike Air Zoom Vomero Shoes
Hydration: Water
Fuel: None
Medical: Right Shin
Recovery: Stretches, ice, Aleve
Shoe Mile Count: 18.84 miles
Days until Marathon: 7
One week from now, whether I succeed or fail, my journey will be over. I might have mentioned that I've already targeted my next run - a half-marathon in late March in a neighboring town - but I must admit, I am a bit worried that, having been at this for more than four months now, I will feel somehow empty like something I've been living with has been taken from me. The bigger fear is that this feeling will cause me to stop running and revert back to my lazy ways, undoing the good work I've done to this point. Hopefully not, but still, it's like anything. You get used to it, and whether it's hard or not, you miss it when it's gone.
That being said, I'm still a week away, and today marked the last significant run. Between now and the race, if all runs go as scheduled, I'll run 4 on Tuesday, 3 on Wednesday, and then a little 2 miler on Friday in Arizona. In fact, I could probably skip all three of these and still feel fine about the work put in so far to line up on Sunday. Knowing my history, that's unlikely, but still... my point is that I was keen to get this run in because I knew it was probably the last time I would run a long enough distance to a) test my shin and b) test my new shoes.
The first half I ran with Jill at a slow pace (10:40ish per mile), then I sped up in increasingly cold conditions (considering what I was wearing) to an 8:15 per mile pace. My shin was mostly fine; probably slightly better than Friday even, though it was quite sore before I set out. I don't foresee this going away, but neither do I see it being a particular issue on race day, either as something that might stop me from competing, nor even as something that will slow me down to any significant degree.
As for the shoes, I'm still a bit torn. The heels feel great, but I have always bounced a little when I run. The balls of my feet are where I "spring" and tend to correspond with the parts of the shoes that wear down first. As I'm used to "worn down" with the old ones, the new ones being built up feel like they are digging in. My strategy is therefore this... on Tuesday I will run my 4 miler in the old shoes. If they feel more comfortable, I'm sticking with them through race day. If not, I'll probably take my chances with the new ones.
While we're on last minute dilemmas, this weekend's NFL playoffs transpired in such a way that the usually beleagered Arizona Cardinals will host the NFC Championship game the very same day I'll be running. I don't know anything about Phoenix, where the stadium is, or how everyone gets there, but it would be a novel twist if I spent longer driving back to the hotel because of football traffic than I do running the race.
Am I a glass is half-empty kind of guy all of a sudden?
Please visit my 'Make Cures Happen' fundraising page and make a donation for research into leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Also, check out my blog entry for more.
Time: 1:19:54
Pace: 9:31/mile
Weight: 193lbs
Terrain: Gently rolling first half, moderate up and down second half
Temperature: Colder as the run went on
Gear: Short-sleeved Adidas Climacool Shirt, Nike running shorts, Road Runner Running Cap, iPod Shuffle, Nike Air Zoom Vomero Shoes
Hydration: Water
Fuel: None
Medical: Right Shin
Recovery: Stretches, ice, Aleve
Shoe Mile Count: 18.84 miles
Days until Marathon: 7
One week from now, whether I succeed or fail, my journey will be over. I might have mentioned that I've already targeted my next run - a half-marathon in late March in a neighboring town - but I must admit, I am a bit worried that, having been at this for more than four months now, I will feel somehow empty like something I've been living with has been taken from me. The bigger fear is that this feeling will cause me to stop running and revert back to my lazy ways, undoing the good work I've done to this point. Hopefully not, but still, it's like anything. You get used to it, and whether it's hard or not, you miss it when it's gone.
That being said, I'm still a week away, and today marked the last significant run. Between now and the race, if all runs go as scheduled, I'll run 4 on Tuesday, 3 on Wednesday, and then a little 2 miler on Friday in Arizona. In fact, I could probably skip all three of these and still feel fine about the work put in so far to line up on Sunday. Knowing my history, that's unlikely, but still... my point is that I was keen to get this run in because I knew it was probably the last time I would run a long enough distance to a) test my shin and b) test my new shoes.
The first half I ran with Jill at a slow pace (10:40ish per mile), then I sped up in increasingly cold conditions (considering what I was wearing) to an 8:15 per mile pace. My shin was mostly fine; probably slightly better than Friday even, though it was quite sore before I set out. I don't foresee this going away, but neither do I see it being a particular issue on race day, either as something that might stop me from competing, nor even as something that will slow me down to any significant degree.
As for the shoes, I'm still a bit torn. The heels feel great, but I have always bounced a little when I run. The balls of my feet are where I "spring" and tend to correspond with the parts of the shoes that wear down first. As I'm used to "worn down" with the old ones, the new ones being built up feel like they are digging in. My strategy is therefore this... on Tuesday I will run my 4 miler in the old shoes. If they feel more comfortable, I'm sticking with them through race day. If not, I'll probably take my chances with the new ones.
While we're on last minute dilemmas, this weekend's NFL playoffs transpired in such a way that the usually beleagered Arizona Cardinals will host the NFC Championship game the very same day I'll be running. I don't know anything about Phoenix, where the stadium is, or how everyone gets there, but it would be a novel twist if I spent longer driving back to the hotel because of football traffic than I do running the race.
Am I a glass is half-empty kind of guy all of a sudden?
Please visit my 'Make Cures Happen' fundraising page and make a donation for research into leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Also, check out my blog entry for more.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
The Intolerable Odor
Mapmyrun.com has added a new feature to its training log application. In addition to being able to register the quality and effort level of your workout, you are now able to track your "odor level". I have to admit, this did encourage the corners of my mouth to set a northerly heading. Is this something people are keen to look back on and reminisce about? Ah yes... that was the day I smelled like a dead cat. Ah, that was before I'd discovered this thing the natives call deodorant.
Maybe I shouldn't kid. These websites listen to their subscribers, so possibly they'd been getting a lot of requests for ming-tracking. I don't know. I'm not saying I smell like a pine forest after a heavy rain when I come in from a hard seven miler, but I have this new-fangled contraption called a "shower" that seems to remedy the issue. Perhaps I'm missing something, or unaware of some odorific condition that afflicts people only when they run.
The options you can select for your level of poopypantsia ranges from "no odor" to "intolerable". Full disclosure: there have been times on a run where I've been aware of being less than lemony fresh, but intolerable? Can you really picture someone throwing up their hands half way through their run and yelling "That's IT. I can't take one more step. The smell is simply intolerable." I want to know who's marking their run odor this way. Are they taking a dip in a bath of rotten milk before they set out? Do they wrestle hogs? Clean Johnny-on-the-Spots?
Anyway, you can probably tell I'm a bit restless. Only 8 days left, and I suspect this week will be a slow one. My odor and me will be back on the roads tomorrow, but don't be surprised if I post again before then. You've been warned.
Please visit my 'Make Cures Happen' fundraising page and make a donation for research into leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Also, check out my blog entry for more.
Maybe I shouldn't kid. These websites listen to their subscribers, so possibly they'd been getting a lot of requests for ming-tracking. I don't know. I'm not saying I smell like a pine forest after a heavy rain when I come in from a hard seven miler, but I have this new-fangled contraption called a "shower" that seems to remedy the issue. Perhaps I'm missing something, or unaware of some odorific condition that afflicts people only when they run.
The options you can select for your level of poopypantsia ranges from "no odor" to "intolerable". Full disclosure: there have been times on a run where I've been aware of being less than lemony fresh, but intolerable? Can you really picture someone throwing up their hands half way through their run and yelling "That's IT. I can't take one more step. The smell is simply intolerable." I want to know who's marking their run odor this way. Are they taking a dip in a bath of rotten milk before they set out? Do they wrestle hogs? Clean Johnny-on-the-Spots?
Anyway, you can probably tell I'm a bit restless. Only 8 days left, and I suspect this week will be a slow one. My odor and me will be back on the roads tomorrow, but don't be surprised if I post again before then. You've been warned.
Please visit my 'Make Cures Happen' fundraising page and make a donation for research into leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Also, check out my blog entry for more.
Friday, January 9, 2009
The Daily Log 1/9/09
Distance: 4.24 miles
Time: 42:05
Pace: 9:55/mile
Weight: 193lbs
Terrain: Gently up and down
Temperature: Warm; intermittently breezy
Gear: Hospital Hill Tech Shirt, Adidas running shorts, Gobbler Grind Running Cap, iPod Shuffle, Nike Air Zoom Vomero Shoes
Hydration: None
Fuel: None
Medical: Right Shin
Recovery: Stretches, ice, Aleve
Shoe Mile Count: 10.45 miles
Days until Marathon: 9
I've talked on and off about how the right shin has been the devil I know, and from my tone, I'm sure you've taken that to mean that it doesn't concern me as much as possibly it should. I said in the last long that barring a broken leg I'm doing this race, and that still holds, but it's somewhat frustrating that I'm having this pain this late in the day after many weeks of next to none.
All that being whined_I mean said, despite the fact that my shin has been rather sore all week, I made a last minute decision to head out onto the roads and log a few more miles on the new shoes. Partly this was because the alternative was the exercise bike, which has been great for warming up for my runs, but is one of the most boring contraptions known to man when it's the centerpiece of a cardio workout. Partly this was because it was in the mid-50s outside - it's been an extraordinarily mild January so far - and I have a hard time resisting short-sleeved shirt and shorts weather. Partly it was simply because I'm stubborn.
So was it a bad decision? Well, early signs are that no, it wasn't. I was conscious of the injury throughout, but I can't honestly say it was painful. I ran slow, careful mile loops figuring I could easily stop at any time and still be able to tell exactly how far I'd run, and as the pain never escalated, I managed to complete all 4 scheduled miles. I finished a few hours ago and if anything my leg feels a little better now than it did this morning, but this could be the ice and Aleve kicking in.
I really hope that everything holds up for the planned 8 miler on Sunday evening. While it's probably not imperative that I complete it in terms of fitness, it will be an important gauge of how the new shoes are breaking in, and if I don't feel entirely confident, I'm going to switch back to the old ones for the last week of short runs and the race.
Less than a week till my Arizona adventure begins, and only 9 days until the race. It almost looks like a misprint to me to read that. Seems like only yesterday it was still 80-something days away. Doesn't time fly when you're having fun?
Please visit my 'Make Cures Happen' fundraising page and make a donation for research into leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Also, check out my blog entry for more.
Time: 42:05
Pace: 9:55/mile
Weight: 193lbs
Terrain: Gently up and down
Temperature: Warm; intermittently breezy
Gear: Hospital Hill Tech Shirt, Adidas running shorts, Gobbler Grind Running Cap, iPod Shuffle, Nike Air Zoom Vomero Shoes
Hydration: None
Fuel: None
Medical: Right Shin
Recovery: Stretches, ice, Aleve
Shoe Mile Count: 10.45 miles
Days until Marathon: 9
I've talked on and off about how the right shin has been the devil I know, and from my tone, I'm sure you've taken that to mean that it doesn't concern me as much as possibly it should. I said in the last long that barring a broken leg I'm doing this race, and that still holds, but it's somewhat frustrating that I'm having this pain this late in the day after many weeks of next to none.
All that being whined_I mean said, despite the fact that my shin has been rather sore all week, I made a last minute decision to head out onto the roads and log a few more miles on the new shoes. Partly this was because the alternative was the exercise bike, which has been great for warming up for my runs, but is one of the most boring contraptions known to man when it's the centerpiece of a cardio workout. Partly this was because it was in the mid-50s outside - it's been an extraordinarily mild January so far - and I have a hard time resisting short-sleeved shirt and shorts weather. Partly it was simply because I'm stubborn.
So was it a bad decision? Well, early signs are that no, it wasn't. I was conscious of the injury throughout, but I can't honestly say it was painful. I ran slow, careful mile loops figuring I could easily stop at any time and still be able to tell exactly how far I'd run, and as the pain never escalated, I managed to complete all 4 scheduled miles. I finished a few hours ago and if anything my leg feels a little better now than it did this morning, but this could be the ice and Aleve kicking in.
I really hope that everything holds up for the planned 8 miler on Sunday evening. While it's probably not imperative that I complete it in terms of fitness, it will be an important gauge of how the new shoes are breaking in, and if I don't feel entirely confident, I'm going to switch back to the old ones for the last week of short runs and the race.
Less than a week till my Arizona adventure begins, and only 9 days until the race. It almost looks like a misprint to me to read that. Seems like only yesterday it was still 80-something days away. Doesn't time fly when you're having fun?
Please visit my 'Make Cures Happen' fundraising page and make a donation for research into leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Also, check out my blog entry for more.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
The Daily Log 1/7/09
Distance: 6.21 miles
Time: 57:47
Pace: 9:18/mile
Weight: 194lbs
Terrain: Rolling Hills
Temperature: Cold and calm
Gear: Long-Sleeved Gobbler Grind Shirt, Adidas running fleece, Adidas long training pants over Adidas running shorts, K-State Stocking Cap, iPod Shuffle, Nike Air Zoom Vomero Shoes
Hydration: None
Fuel: None
Medical: Shins
Recovery: Stretches, ice, Aleve
Shoe Mile Count: 6.21 miles
Days until Marathon: 11
As you can see from the shoe mile count, I stepped up and bought a new pair last night. I figured even if I could get by without them until the marathon I'd need them soon after anyway, so might as well see if they'll do me any good right now. The verdict? Well, it's not in yet. There's no doubt they felt softer, and my shins - which were sore again - appreciated it. On the other hand, my feet, particularly around the ball on the left foot, were in a certain amount of discomfort. I will run in these again tomorrow (or Friday) and on my 8 mile run at the weekend. If they don't feel a bit more broken in after that, I'm going to switch back to the old ones for the last couple of runs and the race. It's possible I left it too late to change, but no big deal if so. The old ones are still serviceable and it'll keep at least a few extra miles off them by cycling in the others.
My shins were sore for good portions of this run, particularly the right one, and were it earlier on in the training cycle I might be more concerned. Thing is though, at this point, barring a broken leg, I'm doing this race. I've worked too hard to give up now because of some fairly mild shin splints. So although it was, like yesterday, a tad uncomfortable, the injury didn't concern me overly.
I did however feel very tired on this run, and even a little burned out. This could be just a hang over from Sunday's long run (and the 20 miler the week before), along with perhaps not hydrating as well as I should have, and even wearing clothes that were a little warm for the conditions, so I'm trying not to read too much into the ennui. Still, there's a certain amount of relief that the race is now just around the corner. I'm ready for this to be done. Sure, I'll keep running (I hope), and do other races, maybe even another marathon one day, but at this moment, I'm feeling the mental and physical grind.
Please visit my 'Make Cures Happen' fundraising page and make a donation for research into leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Also, check out my blog entry for more.
Time: 57:47
Pace: 9:18/mile
Weight: 194lbs
Terrain: Rolling Hills
Temperature: Cold and calm
Gear: Long-Sleeved Gobbler Grind Shirt, Adidas running fleece, Adidas long training pants over Adidas running shorts, K-State Stocking Cap, iPod Shuffle, Nike Air Zoom Vomero Shoes
Hydration: None
Fuel: None
Medical: Shins
Recovery: Stretches, ice, Aleve
Shoe Mile Count: 6.21 miles
Days until Marathon: 11
As you can see from the shoe mile count, I stepped up and bought a new pair last night. I figured even if I could get by without them until the marathon I'd need them soon after anyway, so might as well see if they'll do me any good right now. The verdict? Well, it's not in yet. There's no doubt they felt softer, and my shins - which were sore again - appreciated it. On the other hand, my feet, particularly around the ball on the left foot, were in a certain amount of discomfort. I will run in these again tomorrow (or Friday) and on my 8 mile run at the weekend. If they don't feel a bit more broken in after that, I'm going to switch back to the old ones for the last couple of runs and the race. It's possible I left it too late to change, but no big deal if so. The old ones are still serviceable and it'll keep at least a few extra miles off them by cycling in the others.
My shins were sore for good portions of this run, particularly the right one, and were it earlier on in the training cycle I might be more concerned. Thing is though, at this point, barring a broken leg, I'm doing this race. I've worked too hard to give up now because of some fairly mild shin splints. So although it was, like yesterday, a tad uncomfortable, the injury didn't concern me overly.
I did however feel very tired on this run, and even a little burned out. This could be just a hang over from Sunday's long run (and the 20 miler the week before), along with perhaps not hydrating as well as I should have, and even wearing clothes that were a little warm for the conditions, so I'm trying not to read too much into the ennui. Still, there's a certain amount of relief that the race is now just around the corner. I'm ready for this to be done. Sure, I'll keep running (I hope), and do other races, maybe even another marathon one day, but at this moment, I'm feeling the mental and physical grind.
Please visit my 'Make Cures Happen' fundraising page and make a donation for research into leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Also, check out my blog entry for more.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
The Daily Log 1/6/09
Distance: 4.04 miles
Time: 35:48
Pace: 8:52/mile
Weight: 194lbs
Terrain: Rolling Hills
Temperature: Cold and calm
Gear: Long-Sleeved Adidas Climacool Shirt, Adidas long training pants over Nike running shorts, Reebok Stocking Cap, iPod Shuffle, Nike Air Zoom Vomero Shoes
Hydration: None
Fuel: None
Medical: Shins
Recovery: Stretches, ice, Aleve
Shoe Mile Count: 297.45 miles
Days until Marathon: 12
After two days of rest, I had a bit of cabin fever. Yesterday was a bad day, with Meadow figuring out how to escape from the back yard. Might not sound like a big deal, but she has the energy of a nuclear power plant, so the yard had been a life saver; now I need to figure out a way to keep her in it. In addition, my work computer crashed which obviously slowed me down work-wise too, so it was rather stressful all around.
My point in sharing these apparently trivial events with you is that I've realized how much running balances me out. I'm usually more mentally relaxed the days that I run, and the longer it's been since the last one, the more tightly wound I feel, so I was really looking forward to logging a few miles today.
All that being said, much as I was grateful to be back out there, this wasn't the most comfortable run. My legs felt worn down, and both shins were sore (the right one in particular). It wasn't dreadful. I ran at a pretty good clip and by the time I was done, I was feeling pretty good, but it caused me to start questioning once again whether a new shoe purchase might not be such a bad idea after all. It's difficult to feel the decrease in cushioning when you run frequently with the same shoes, but I do feel somewhat more aware of the impact of the steps now. Of course, this could just as easily be explained by the buildup of the mileage itself as any deterioration in footwear. We'll see.
Six more training runs left. Only two of those will be longer than four miles; a 6 miler tomorrow, and 8 miles on Sunday. My heart wants me to do more. Fortunately, my brain and my legs aren't listening.
Please visit my 'Make Cures Happen' fundraising page and make a donation for research into leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Also, check out my blog entry for more.
Time: 35:48
Pace: 8:52/mile
Weight: 194lbs
Terrain: Rolling Hills
Temperature: Cold and calm
Gear: Long-Sleeved Adidas Climacool Shirt, Adidas long training pants over Nike running shorts, Reebok Stocking Cap, iPod Shuffle, Nike Air Zoom Vomero Shoes
Hydration: None
Fuel: None
Medical: Shins
Recovery: Stretches, ice, Aleve
Shoe Mile Count: 297.45 miles
Days until Marathon: 12
After two days of rest, I had a bit of cabin fever. Yesterday was a bad day, with Meadow figuring out how to escape from the back yard. Might not sound like a big deal, but she has the energy of a nuclear power plant, so the yard had been a life saver; now I need to figure out a way to keep her in it. In addition, my work computer crashed which obviously slowed me down work-wise too, so it was rather stressful all around.
My point in sharing these apparently trivial events with you is that I've realized how much running balances me out. I'm usually more mentally relaxed the days that I run, and the longer it's been since the last one, the more tightly wound I feel, so I was really looking forward to logging a few miles today.
All that being said, much as I was grateful to be back out there, this wasn't the most comfortable run. My legs felt worn down, and both shins were sore (the right one in particular). It wasn't dreadful. I ran at a pretty good clip and by the time I was done, I was feeling pretty good, but it caused me to start questioning once again whether a new shoe purchase might not be such a bad idea after all. It's difficult to feel the decrease in cushioning when you run frequently with the same shoes, but I do feel somewhat more aware of the impact of the steps now. Of course, this could just as easily be explained by the buildup of the mileage itself as any deterioration in footwear. We'll see.
Six more training runs left. Only two of those will be longer than four miles; a 6 miler tomorrow, and 8 miles on Sunday. My heart wants me to do more. Fortunately, my brain and my legs aren't listening.
Please visit my 'Make Cures Happen' fundraising page and make a donation for research into leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Also, check out my blog entry for more.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
The Daily Log 1/3/09
Distance: 13.11 miles
Time: 1:44:30
Pace: 7:58/mile
Weight: 194lbs
Terrain: Gently Rolling
Temperature: Warm and overcast, gradually turning sunny. Intermittently breezy
Gear: Hospital Hill Tech Shirt, Adidas running shorts, Gobbler Grind Running Cap, iPod Shuffle, Nike Air Zoom Vomero Shoes
Hydration: Water, Gatorade
Fuel: None
Medical: Minor right shin, tight right hamstring
Recovery: Stretches, ice, Aleve
Shoe Mile Count: 293.41 miles
Days until Marathon: 15
I honestly wasn't planning such a blow out, but a combination of the weather and the knowledge that this would be my last truly long run before the race sent me out quickly and I simply never let up. It's the fastest pace per mile I've done during my whole training cycle, over any distance, even the short runs, and without wishing to sound show-offy, I think I could have run even a few seconds faster... at about 10ish miles in, a dog broke away from its owner and chased me a little way down the street. This led to my hamstring tightening up, so I had to back off for about a mile until that loosened up again. And yes, it was a big dog - a German Shepherd - not a miniature poodle thank you very much.
I actually was initially planning to run tomorrow but it's forecast to be some twenty degrees cooler, with winds 10 mph faster, and with my shin feeling OK, it was a fairly easy choice to move that up a day and instead take my two days off after the long run. The shin held up pretty well; it was much improved over Thursday, though still a little sore for the first mile or two. Other than that and the aforementioned dog-induced hamstring, the run was comfortable over a relatively gentle course (though I certainly did feel the inclines there were). The weather was insanely warm; almost like a mild summer day. The longer I was out there, the warmer - and sunnier - it became, until I was almost too warm despite wearing shorts and a short-sleeve top.
I mentioned the other day that I've stopped obsessing so much about my pace, and though I was probably somewhat reckless going this fast this late, part of it is a mental thing. I want to push myself from time to time. I'd like to say I won't do it again before the race, but I've broken that promise before, so I suppose this time I'll just say that I'll see and leave it at that.
Please visit my 'Make Cures Happen' fundraising page and make a donation for research into leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Also, check out my blog entry for more.
Time: 1:44:30
Pace: 7:58/mile
Weight: 194lbs
Terrain: Gently Rolling
Temperature: Warm and overcast, gradually turning sunny. Intermittently breezy
Gear: Hospital Hill Tech Shirt, Adidas running shorts, Gobbler Grind Running Cap, iPod Shuffle, Nike Air Zoom Vomero Shoes
Hydration: Water, Gatorade
Fuel: None
Medical: Minor right shin, tight right hamstring
Recovery: Stretches, ice, Aleve
Shoe Mile Count: 293.41 miles
Days until Marathon: 15
I honestly wasn't planning such a blow out, but a combination of the weather and the knowledge that this would be my last truly long run before the race sent me out quickly and I simply never let up. It's the fastest pace per mile I've done during my whole training cycle, over any distance, even the short runs, and without wishing to sound show-offy, I think I could have run even a few seconds faster... at about 10ish miles in, a dog broke away from its owner and chased me a little way down the street. This led to my hamstring tightening up, so I had to back off for about a mile until that loosened up again. And yes, it was a big dog - a German Shepherd - not a miniature poodle thank you very much.
I actually was initially planning to run tomorrow but it's forecast to be some twenty degrees cooler, with winds 10 mph faster, and with my shin feeling OK, it was a fairly easy choice to move that up a day and instead take my two days off after the long run. The shin held up pretty well; it was much improved over Thursday, though still a little sore for the first mile or two. Other than that and the aforementioned dog-induced hamstring, the run was comfortable over a relatively gentle course (though I certainly did feel the inclines there were). The weather was insanely warm; almost like a mild summer day. The longer I was out there, the warmer - and sunnier - it became, until I was almost too warm despite wearing shorts and a short-sleeve top.
I mentioned the other day that I've stopped obsessing so much about my pace, and though I was probably somewhat reckless going this fast this late, part of it is a mental thing. I want to push myself from time to time. I'd like to say I won't do it again before the race, but I've broken that promise before, so I suppose this time I'll just say that I'll see and leave it at that.
Please visit my 'Make Cures Happen' fundraising page and make a donation for research into leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Also, check out my blog entry for more.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
The Daily Log 1/1/09
Distance: 4.14 miles
Time: 35:07
Pace: 8:28/mile
Weight: 194lbs
Terrain: Rolling
Temperature: Cold and calm
Gear: KC Royals wicking shirt, Adidas running shorts, Road Runner Running Cap, iPod Shuffle, Nike Air Zoom Vomero Shoes
Hydration: None
Fuel: None
Medical: Right shin
Recovery: Stretches, ice, Aleve
Shoe Mile Count: 280.29 miles
Days until Marathon: 17
It's January 1st and I ran in short-sleeves and shorts. It's as if the weather wants me to succeed - or maybe it just wants me to stop going on about it all the time.
As is often the case, this last run of the week was a bit sore, with the shin acting up a little. Part of the reason I ran today was so that I could rest for two straight days before my long run on Sunday, and I think I'll need it. I've only taken one day off since Sunday's 20 miler, and have already put 16 more miles on my legs. It's time for some r n' r. (that's rest n' relaxation... the rock n' roll is later in the month ;-) )
Other than the achy shin, it was a pretty pleasant stroll. I ran quite fast, but not recklessly, and I zoned out to my music and imagination for good stretches. These days, 4 miles feels like little more than a warm up, and with two more weeks of gradually decreasing mileages, I have a feeling I'll be chomping at the bit by race day.
Please visit my 'Make Cures Happen' fundraising page and make a donation for research into leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Also, check out my blog entry for more.
Time: 35:07
Pace: 8:28/mile
Weight: 194lbs
Terrain: Rolling
Temperature: Cold and calm
Gear: KC Royals wicking shirt, Adidas running shorts, Road Runner Running Cap, iPod Shuffle, Nike Air Zoom Vomero Shoes
Hydration: None
Fuel: None
Medical: Right shin
Recovery: Stretches, ice, Aleve
Shoe Mile Count: 280.29 miles
Days until Marathon: 17
It's January 1st and I ran in short-sleeves and shorts. It's as if the weather wants me to succeed - or maybe it just wants me to stop going on about it all the time.
As is often the case, this last run of the week was a bit sore, with the shin acting up a little. Part of the reason I ran today was so that I could rest for two straight days before my long run on Sunday, and I think I'll need it. I've only taken one day off since Sunday's 20 miler, and have already put 16 more miles on my legs. It's time for some r n' r. (that's rest n' relaxation... the rock n' roll is later in the month ;-) )
Other than the achy shin, it was a pretty pleasant stroll. I ran quite fast, but not recklessly, and I zoned out to my music and imagination for good stretches. These days, 4 miles feels like little more than a warm up, and with two more weeks of gradually decreasing mileages, I have a feeling I'll be chomping at the bit by race day.
Please visit my 'Make Cures Happen' fundraising page and make a donation for research into leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Also, check out my blog entry for more.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
The Monthly Log 12/31/08
Number of Runs: 17
Total Distance: 151.22 miles
Total Time: 23:43:12
Longest Run: 20.04 miles
Avg Distance: 8.90 miles
Avg Time: 1:23:42
Avg Pace: 9:24/mile
Medical: Calves, right shin, sore nipples
Events: None
Another month comes to an end; my last full one before the big day. No races, but plenty of distance records, and despite some weather reschedules and some minor niggles, I only missed two short runs.
The month started with a 15 miler, a challenging run in the early morning cold. A minor calf strain resulted, but an extra day off seemed to do the trick and it hasn't flared up in a while now despite the continual building of mileage. The right shin has been iffy on and off, but any pain hasn't ever increased to a worrying level, so the "devil I know" is still just that and nothing more. I noted the sore nipples. At one point, they actually bled, so I finally took them seriously and bought some medical tape. The last few runs, including Sunday's 20 miler, I've taped them up and they're no longer an issue.
Ice and snow were intermittently factors, but in fact, I've been fairly lucky. All my major long runs are in the books except for one 13 miler this weekend (and early reports are that the weather will be fine then too).
In many ways, I'm struggling to come up with anything interesting to say, and in marathon training 'uneventful' is almost always good. My pace was solid, slightly faster than November, again despite longer average run distances. My shoes held up well. I learned that GU tastes way better in the heat of the run than it does as an impromptu dessert food. Not exactly riveting stuff eh? Good.
The highlight was probably the 20 mile run. 20 miles is something that requires concentration, application and a certain stubbornness. At the beginning, you feel good, but there's so much in front of you it's almost something you don't want to think about. About half way, there's the aspect of knowing that as far as you've already run, and with fatigue already somewhat of a factor, you still have that same distance ahead of you. Towards the end, the challenge is simply to keep going and try as best you can to ignore all the signals your body is sending you to stop. It's an episodic, phase-like progression, and one that I'd imagine closely replicates the marathon experience itself. For me, getting through it, and getting through it healthy was essential. Having run twice since without repercussions, things look good on that front, so now it's simply about staying on my feet and not doing anything stupid.
I think it was about mid-September the first time I really thought about doing the Arizona marathon. At that time, it was 110-120 days away. I knew I'd tried before and failed, and I knew that I was two years younger then even. I knew my shins were already slightly tender, and I knew I was too heavy. In other words, best intentions notwithstanding, I really had no idea if I'd make it to the start line. Now, that 110-120 days is down to 18 (and only 15 before I fly to Phoenix). I've done eight runs of 10+ miles (having done zero before then), and I'm virtually pain free. I've raised $705 for charity, with more expected. I've got my race number... this thing... it's really going to happen!
Happy New Year!
Please visit my 'Make Cures Happen' fundraising page and make a donation for research into leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Also, check out my blog entry for more.
Total Distance: 151.22 miles
Total Time: 23:43:12
Longest Run: 20.04 miles
Avg Distance: 8.90 miles
Avg Time: 1:23:42
Avg Pace: 9:24/mile
Medical: Calves, right shin, sore nipples
Events: None
Another month comes to an end; my last full one before the big day. No races, but plenty of distance records, and despite some weather reschedules and some minor niggles, I only missed two short runs.
The month started with a 15 miler, a challenging run in the early morning cold. A minor calf strain resulted, but an extra day off seemed to do the trick and it hasn't flared up in a while now despite the continual building of mileage. The right shin has been iffy on and off, but any pain hasn't ever increased to a worrying level, so the "devil I know" is still just that and nothing more. I noted the sore nipples. At one point, they actually bled, so I finally took them seriously and bought some medical tape. The last few runs, including Sunday's 20 miler, I've taped them up and they're no longer an issue.
Ice and snow were intermittently factors, but in fact, I've been fairly lucky. All my major long runs are in the books except for one 13 miler this weekend (and early reports are that the weather will be fine then too).
In many ways, I'm struggling to come up with anything interesting to say, and in marathon training 'uneventful' is almost always good. My pace was solid, slightly faster than November, again despite longer average run distances. My shoes held up well. I learned that GU tastes way better in the heat of the run than it does as an impromptu dessert food. Not exactly riveting stuff eh? Good.
The highlight was probably the 20 mile run. 20 miles is something that requires concentration, application and a certain stubbornness. At the beginning, you feel good, but there's so much in front of you it's almost something you don't want to think about. About half way, there's the aspect of knowing that as far as you've already run, and with fatigue already somewhat of a factor, you still have that same distance ahead of you. Towards the end, the challenge is simply to keep going and try as best you can to ignore all the signals your body is sending you to stop. It's an episodic, phase-like progression, and one that I'd imagine closely replicates the marathon experience itself. For me, getting through it, and getting through it healthy was essential. Having run twice since without repercussions, things look good on that front, so now it's simply about staying on my feet and not doing anything stupid.
I think it was about mid-September the first time I really thought about doing the Arizona marathon. At that time, it was 110-120 days away. I knew I'd tried before and failed, and I knew that I was two years younger then even. I knew my shins were already slightly tender, and I knew I was too heavy. In other words, best intentions notwithstanding, I really had no idea if I'd make it to the start line. Now, that 110-120 days is down to 18 (and only 15 before I fly to Phoenix). I've done eight runs of 10+ miles (having done zero before then), and I'm virtually pain free. I've raised $705 for charity, with more expected. I've got my race number... this thing... it's really going to happen!
Happy New Year!
Please visit my 'Make Cures Happen' fundraising page and make a donation for research into leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Also, check out my blog entry for more.
The Daily Log 12/31/08
Distance: 8.09 miles
Time: 1:10:30
Pace: 8:43/mile
Weight: 194lbs
Terrain: Rolling
Temperature: Cold and clear
Gear: Gobbler Grind Shirt, Adidas Long Running Pants over Adidas Running Shorts, Adidas Running Fleece (discarded after first 2 miles), Reebok Stocking Cap, iPod Shuffle, Nike Air Zoom Vomero Shoes
Hydration: Water
Fuel: None
Medical: Minor right shin
Recovery: Stretches, ice, Aleve
Shoe Mile Count: 276.15 miles
Days until Marathon: 18
I went to Garry Gribble's yesterday to see about some new shoes, but after inspecting my old ones and checking to see if I had any trouble with them, the guy said I'd probably be fine with the ones I have and since he's an expert and turned down an easy sale, I decided to trust him and go with it. At $125, I don't want to buy something I don't need yet.
So I laced up the old guys and headed out for my mid-week middle distance run of 8 miles. It was another great day for running. Much colder than yesterday, but no wind and sunny skies. After warming up I didn't even need the fleece and completed the last 6 miles without it.
My legs felt strong. Very minor right shin ache, but no worse than yesterday, and everything else felt stronger and more recovered from the weekend. My pace was fairly brisk, but I've stopped obsessing too much about that. As long as I don't feel totally spent afterwards, as far as I'm concerned I haven't overdone it, and I felt fine today.
So another month is over and I'm still mobile, healthy and strong, with just 18 days left until the payoff. Of course, tomorrow will also mark the first day of 2009. I'll give you one guess as to what my main New Year's resolution will be.
Please visit my 'Make Cures Happen' fundraising page and make a donation for research into leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Also, check out my blog entry for more.
Time: 1:10:30
Pace: 8:43/mile
Weight: 194lbs
Terrain: Rolling
Temperature: Cold and clear
Gear: Gobbler Grind Shirt, Adidas Long Running Pants over Adidas Running Shorts, Adidas Running Fleece (discarded after first 2 miles), Reebok Stocking Cap, iPod Shuffle, Nike Air Zoom Vomero Shoes
Hydration: Water
Fuel: None
Medical: Minor right shin
Recovery: Stretches, ice, Aleve
Shoe Mile Count: 276.15 miles
Days until Marathon: 18
I went to Garry Gribble's yesterday to see about some new shoes, but after inspecting my old ones and checking to see if I had any trouble with them, the guy said I'd probably be fine with the ones I have and since he's an expert and turned down an easy sale, I decided to trust him and go with it. At $125, I don't want to buy something I don't need yet.
So I laced up the old guys and headed out for my mid-week middle distance run of 8 miles. It was another great day for running. Much colder than yesterday, but no wind and sunny skies. After warming up I didn't even need the fleece and completed the last 6 miles without it.
My legs felt strong. Very minor right shin ache, but no worse than yesterday, and everything else felt stronger and more recovered from the weekend. My pace was fairly brisk, but I've stopped obsessing too much about that. As long as I don't feel totally spent afterwards, as far as I'm concerned I haven't overdone it, and I felt fine today.
So another month is over and I'm still mobile, healthy and strong, with just 18 days left until the payoff. Of course, tomorrow will also mark the first day of 2009. I'll give you one guess as to what my main New Year's resolution will be.
Please visit my 'Make Cures Happen' fundraising page and make a donation for research into leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Also, check out my blog entry for more.
Friday, December 26, 2008
The Devil I Know
How was your Christmas?
Mine was pretty good. Good food, some decent photos, and my favorite present, a pair of TempurPedic slippers. Billed as the most comfortable slippers in the world, they may just be. I've hardly taken them off since I got them. Great for aching feet which I seem to have a lot lately - go figure.
My right shin's actually been rather sore the last couple of days. Although I'd toyed with the idea of running yesterday, a combination of the injury, the slick roads, and Christmas spirit kept me inside. Today the decision was harder. The temperature inexplicably shot into the 60s, and it took all I had to resist wearing a short-sleeved shirt and shorts, and getting in my scheduled 5 miles, but when I failed the back yard test, good sense won out. The last thing I need is to risk exacerbating something now, particularly on a pretty meaningless short run. The shin is the devil I know, and experience tells me that caution must reign supreme with a huge Sunday just around the corner.
When I started this thing, there were several landmarks before the race that I had in my head that I felt like I had to get through successfully in order to make it to Arizona.
KC Marathon Relay -- I was already signed up for this, so it was the first thing on my to-do list. It also, obviously, was my first marathon experience, so it gave me a little insight into the atmosphere of such an event, and even into such minutiae as race etiquette.
10 mile run -- As well as being a "double-digit" run, this would also mark my longest ever distance covered, 9 being my previous record. Occurring on the same day as the New York Marathon, completing this was probably my second-proudest training accomplishment so far, behind the....
Half-Marathon -- I initially thought this would occur in training, but it of course ended up being an actual race, and so far has been the unquestioned highlight.
15 mile run -- First time I'd covered more than half the marathon distance. My early morning canter in the cold wasn't my most comfortable run, but coming when it did, in the middle of a stretch of nine weeks of double-digit long-runs (assuming the next two longies go according to plan), getting through it was all that was really important.
40 mile week -- This wasn't actually a goal starting out, but for whatever reason, many training plans call for the peak week to be 40 miles, so it's a notable distance. Although it sort of happened by accident, a result of rescheduling a couple of runs, I managed it twice, the second time getting as high as 48 miles.
100 mile month -- Fell just three and a bit miles short in November, but had no trouble surpassing it in December. In fact, I have a shot at ending the month with about 140 miles in the bank.
Only one still remains.
The infamous 20 mile run. Part of me is honestly amazed that I've even made it to this point, but now, here it is, my very next run, set for Sunday, only 40-odd hours from now. Yes, I've done 18, but is it just me, or does 20 sound like a lot more than that?
Please visit my 'Make Cures Happen' fundraising page and make a donation for research into leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Also, check out my blog entry for more.
Mine was pretty good. Good food, some decent photos, and my favorite present, a pair of TempurPedic slippers. Billed as the most comfortable slippers in the world, they may just be. I've hardly taken them off since I got them. Great for aching feet which I seem to have a lot lately - go figure.
My right shin's actually been rather sore the last couple of days. Although I'd toyed with the idea of running yesterday, a combination of the injury, the slick roads, and Christmas spirit kept me inside. Today the decision was harder. The temperature inexplicably shot into the 60s, and it took all I had to resist wearing a short-sleeved shirt and shorts, and getting in my scheduled 5 miles, but when I failed the back yard test, good sense won out. The last thing I need is to risk exacerbating something now, particularly on a pretty meaningless short run. The shin is the devil I know, and experience tells me that caution must reign supreme with a huge Sunday just around the corner.
When I started this thing, there were several landmarks before the race that I had in my head that I felt like I had to get through successfully in order to make it to Arizona.
KC Marathon Relay -- I was already signed up for this, so it was the first thing on my to-do list. It also, obviously, was my first marathon experience, so it gave me a little insight into the atmosphere of such an event, and even into such minutiae as race etiquette.
10 mile run -- As well as being a "double-digit" run, this would also mark my longest ever distance covered, 9 being my previous record. Occurring on the same day as the New York Marathon, completing this was probably my second-proudest training accomplishment so far, behind the....
Half-Marathon -- I initially thought this would occur in training, but it of course ended up being an actual race, and so far has been the unquestioned highlight.
15 mile run -- First time I'd covered more than half the marathon distance. My early morning canter in the cold wasn't my most comfortable run, but coming when it did, in the middle of a stretch of nine weeks of double-digit long-runs (assuming the next two longies go according to plan), getting through it was all that was really important.
40 mile week -- This wasn't actually a goal starting out, but for whatever reason, many training plans call for the peak week to be 40 miles, so it's a notable distance. Although it sort of happened by accident, a result of rescheduling a couple of runs, I managed it twice, the second time getting as high as 48 miles.
100 mile month -- Fell just three and a bit miles short in November, but had no trouble surpassing it in December. In fact, I have a shot at ending the month with about 140 miles in the bank.
Only one still remains.
The infamous 20 mile run. Part of me is honestly amazed that I've even made it to this point, but now, here it is, my very next run, set for Sunday, only 40-odd hours from now. Yes, I've done 18, but is it just me, or does 20 sound like a lot more than that?
Please visit my 'Make Cures Happen' fundraising page and make a donation for research into leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Also, check out my blog entry for more.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
The Christmas Eve Log 12/24/08
Distance: 9.39 miles
Time: 1:26:17
Pace: 9:10/mile
Weight: 195lbs
Terrain: Rolling Hills. Thin layer of snow with occasional clear stretches
Temperature: Cold and calm
Gear: Adidas Running Fleece, Long-Sleeved Nike Shirt, Adidas Long Running Pants over Under Armour 'Compression Pants', Nike Air Zoom Vomero Shoes, Reebok Stocking Cap
Hydration: Water
Fuel: None
Medical: Mild right shin, left ankle
Recovery: Stretches, ice
Shoe Mile Count: 243.94 miles
Days until Marathon: 25
Quite a pleasant day for a run. The air was certainly fresh, but very little wind and clear, sunny skies meant I could leave the heavy hoodie in the car and just run with the light fleece. There was a thin layer of snow on the ground, but footing wasn't really a problem and it actually made for a softer landing, so really not too terrible for the old legs.
My right shin was a bit sore starting out, but eased up after a couple of miles. It's been the one recurring ache I've had during training, which in some ways makes it less worrying when it comes up. If it hasn't escalated to this point, as long as I don't take any unnecessary risks, I think it'll be OK. I also have a good basis for comparison with this one. I've had some painful runs because of it. Today didn't come close to being like one of those, so I barely paid it any heed.
The other issue was when I landed awkwardly and twisted my ankle at about mile 3. Obviously, at the time it was a bit stressful - I almost fell over - but I kept going and after a half mile or so, it felt fine, so I don't think I've done any damage, though some ice might be a good idea to limit any minor swelling.
The pace was around my intended marathon speed again, and really I felt like I could have run a lot faster were I not a) trying to keep myself fresh and b) concentrating on not slipping in the snow. Just about perfect. Over 9 miles - before this began, my all-time furthest distance run - being able to say I had plenty left in the tank at the end gives me a lot of confidence that I'm doing this the right way. Good job really. With only a little over 3 weeks left, it's a bit late to change things now.
Merry Christmas everyone!
Please visit my 'Make Cures Happen' fundraising page and make a donation for research into leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Also, check out my blog entry for more.
Time: 1:26:17
Pace: 9:10/mile
Weight: 195lbs
Terrain: Rolling Hills. Thin layer of snow with occasional clear stretches
Temperature: Cold and calm
Gear: Adidas Running Fleece, Long-Sleeved Nike Shirt, Adidas Long Running Pants over Under Armour 'Compression Pants', Nike Air Zoom Vomero Shoes, Reebok Stocking Cap
Hydration: Water
Fuel: None
Medical: Mild right shin, left ankle
Recovery: Stretches, ice
Shoe Mile Count: 243.94 miles
Days until Marathon: 25
Quite a pleasant day for a run. The air was certainly fresh, but very little wind and clear, sunny skies meant I could leave the heavy hoodie in the car and just run with the light fleece. There was a thin layer of snow on the ground, but footing wasn't really a problem and it actually made for a softer landing, so really not too terrible for the old legs.
My right shin was a bit sore starting out, but eased up after a couple of miles. It's been the one recurring ache I've had during training, which in some ways makes it less worrying when it comes up. If it hasn't escalated to this point, as long as I don't take any unnecessary risks, I think it'll be OK. I also have a good basis for comparison with this one. I've had some painful runs because of it. Today didn't come close to being like one of those, so I barely paid it any heed.
The other issue was when I landed awkwardly and twisted my ankle at about mile 3. Obviously, at the time it was a bit stressful - I almost fell over - but I kept going and after a half mile or so, it felt fine, so I don't think I've done any damage, though some ice might be a good idea to limit any minor swelling.
The pace was around my intended marathon speed again, and really I felt like I could have run a lot faster were I not a) trying to keep myself fresh and b) concentrating on not slipping in the snow. Just about perfect. Over 9 miles - before this began, my all-time furthest distance run - being able to say I had plenty left in the tank at the end gives me a lot of confidence that I'm doing this the right way. Good job really. With only a little over 3 weeks left, it's a bit late to change things now.
Merry Christmas everyone!
Please visit my 'Make Cures Happen' fundraising page and make a donation for research into leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Also, check out my blog entry for more.
Monday, December 22, 2008
The Daily Log 12/22/08
Distance: 5.30 miles
Time: 48:28
Pace: 9:07/mile
Weight: 195lbs
Terrain: Up and down
Temperature: Cold, slightly breezy
Gear: Under Armour Running Hoodie, Adidas Running Fleece, Long-Sleeved Nike Shirt, Adidas Long Running Pants over Under Armour 'Compression Pants', Nike Air Zoom Vomero Shoes, Reebok Stocking Cap
Hydration: None
Fuel: None
Medical: None
Recovery: Stretches, ice
Shoe Mile Count: 234.55 miles
Days until Marathon: 27
Yesterday was brutal - with wind chill, the coldest December day in 5 years in KC - so Saturday ended up being the right choice for the 18 miler. Today was still very cold but the wind was significantly less brisk, and with snow and freezing rain possible tomorrow, I was keen to get back out on the roads. Now I have all the gear I need for winter running, as long as I wear the right combination of clothes, and protect my exposed skin, the cold simply ceases to be much of an issue. Sure enough, once I got started it was fine, and I might even have been a little too warm with the hoodie. (I decided to keep it on as it was only a relatively short run).
My left calf was a little tight starting out, and my right shin ached slightly, but after I was properly warmed up, nothing bothered me. As has been my tendency on recent short runs, I didn't look at the clock until I'd finished, and instead concentrated on simply running at a comfortable rate as my mind wandered. 9:08/mile was the perfectly satisfactory result.
This week's running will be dictated partly by the weather and, yes, partly by good ole Saint Nick. The plan is to run a 9 and another 5 miler over the next three days, then take a couple of days off before the big two-oh on Sunday. It's probably a slightly awkward time for my training to be peaking, but then, there's always something, right?
Please visit my 'Make Cures Happen' fundraising page and make a donation for research into leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Also, check out my blog entry for more.
Time: 48:28
Pace: 9:07/mile
Weight: 195lbs
Terrain: Up and down
Temperature: Cold, slightly breezy
Gear: Under Armour Running Hoodie, Adidas Running Fleece, Long-Sleeved Nike Shirt, Adidas Long Running Pants over Under Armour 'Compression Pants', Nike Air Zoom Vomero Shoes, Reebok Stocking Cap
Hydration: None
Fuel: None
Medical: None
Recovery: Stretches, ice
Shoe Mile Count: 234.55 miles
Days until Marathon: 27
Yesterday was brutal - with wind chill, the coldest December day in 5 years in KC - so Saturday ended up being the right choice for the 18 miler. Today was still very cold but the wind was significantly less brisk, and with snow and freezing rain possible tomorrow, I was keen to get back out on the roads. Now I have all the gear I need for winter running, as long as I wear the right combination of clothes, and protect my exposed skin, the cold simply ceases to be much of an issue. Sure enough, once I got started it was fine, and I might even have been a little too warm with the hoodie. (I decided to keep it on as it was only a relatively short run).
My left calf was a little tight starting out, and my right shin ached slightly, but after I was properly warmed up, nothing bothered me. As has been my tendency on recent short runs, I didn't look at the clock until I'd finished, and instead concentrated on simply running at a comfortable rate as my mind wandered. 9:08/mile was the perfectly satisfactory result.
This week's running will be dictated partly by the weather and, yes, partly by good ole Saint Nick. The plan is to run a 9 and another 5 miler over the next three days, then take a couple of days off before the big two-oh on Sunday. It's probably a slightly awkward time for my training to be peaking, but then, there's always something, right?
Please visit my 'Make Cures Happen' fundraising page and make a donation for research into leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Also, check out my blog entry for more.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
The Daily Log 12/20/08
Distance: 18.11 miles
Time: 2:50:20
Pace: 9:24/mile
Weight: 195lbs
Terrain: Moderate rolling hills over first half, slightly more gentle rolling hills over second half
Temperature: Very cold and fairly windy
Gear: Adidas Running Fleece, Long-Sleeved Nike Shirt, Adidas Long Running Pants over Under Armour 'Compression Pants', Nike Air Zoom Vomero Shoes, Reebok Stocking Cap
Hydration: Water, Strawberry-Kiwi Vitamin Water, Acai-Blueberry-Pomegranate Vitamin Water
Fuel: Tri-Berry GU Energy Gel (During), Banana (Recovery)
Medical: None
Recovery: Stretches, ice, Aleve, menthol rub
Shoe Mile Count: 229.25 miles
Days until Marathon: 29
Who was it who said they liked hills again? Maybe they're fun on a 5 mile run on a perfect day, but they are energy sapping behemoths on an 18 mile long run in 20 degrees fahrenheit with the wind blowing in your face.
If you want to run successfully in the winter, you have to sort of become a weather tracker, and having reviewed the (admittedly not always accurate) forecasts for the weekend, I decided Saturday morning looked like the optimum time to avoid the worst of the cold and wind. Jury is still out as to whether I managed that, but even if I did, it was very cold and quite windy, and that and the aforementioned hills were without doubt the biggest challenges today.
The sidewalks were icy, so I had to stick to the roads, which were clear, more or less the entire time. This required an alertness to traffic throughout which precluded the possibility of wearing an ipod. I don't usually anyway, but on a run this long, with nothing going on around me, it would have been sort of nice to have some kind of distraction; it was as mentally draining to keep pounding away for almost 3 hours as it was physically exhausting.
I had a surprisingly comfortable run from an injury standpoint. A few minor niggles here and there, but nothing that stuck around too long and although I'm still in zombie-phase right now, I think I've made it through another long run without too much damage being done.
This was the first time I'd eaten anything during a run. GU is the energy gel that the marathon is providing, so I figured I would buy a couple of each of the flavors they have (vanilla and tri-berry), so I knew what to expect on January 18th. They have the consistency of a very sticky chocolate pudding, and quite frankly, taste like syrupy snot. The tri-berry is at least almost bearable if chased with a healthy gulp of water, and because it had been out in the cold by the time I ate it, it had hardened up, which made it slightly less gelatinous - a good thing. (The less said about the vanilla, which I tried the other day, the better). Flavor notwithstanding, I was amazed at how much it helped. I took it at around mile 13, and within half a mile I could feel a difference. While my legs were just as fatigued, I really did feel an energy boost and it gave me enough to get through the 18 without feeling like I was about to pass out.
My pace was respectable and consistent. Over a flat course in better weather, I think I'm probably capable of a little faster, but even if I run this exact pace, I'll come in at 4hrs5mins, which isn't too shabby for an old fatty like me.
As I looped back to the house at mile 17, I knew I just had one more mile loop to go, but the effects of the GU were wearing off and a small voice told me to stop right there, but an extra swig of Vitamin Water - without question my absolute favorite sports drink - gave me just enough to get back out and complete the last loop as a few flakes of snow started dancing in the wind.
Because I ran on Saturday, over the last 7 days, I've put 48 miles on my legs (plus I'm already over 100 for the month) which will likely make it the highest volume week of my entire training schedule. However, with a 20 mile run coming next weekend, I'm not exactly on the downhill just yet. After that, I might allow myself a small sigh of relief as I start tapering for the race, now less than a month away.
Please visit my 'Make Cures Happen' fundraising page and make a donation for research into leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Also, check out my blog entry for more.
Time: 2:50:20
Pace: 9:24/mile
Weight: 195lbs
Terrain: Moderate rolling hills over first half, slightly more gentle rolling hills over second half
Temperature: Very cold and fairly windy
Gear: Adidas Running Fleece, Long-Sleeved Nike Shirt, Adidas Long Running Pants over Under Armour 'Compression Pants', Nike Air Zoom Vomero Shoes, Reebok Stocking Cap
Hydration: Water, Strawberry-Kiwi Vitamin Water, Acai-Blueberry-Pomegranate Vitamin Water
Fuel: Tri-Berry GU Energy Gel (During), Banana (Recovery)
Medical: None
Recovery: Stretches, ice, Aleve, menthol rub
Shoe Mile Count: 229.25 miles
Days until Marathon: 29
Who was it who said they liked hills again? Maybe they're fun on a 5 mile run on a perfect day, but they are energy sapping behemoths on an 18 mile long run in 20 degrees fahrenheit with the wind blowing in your face.
If you want to run successfully in the winter, you have to sort of become a weather tracker, and having reviewed the (admittedly not always accurate) forecasts for the weekend, I decided Saturday morning looked like the optimum time to avoid the worst of the cold and wind. Jury is still out as to whether I managed that, but even if I did, it was very cold and quite windy, and that and the aforementioned hills were without doubt the biggest challenges today.
The sidewalks were icy, so I had to stick to the roads, which were clear, more or less the entire time. This required an alertness to traffic throughout which precluded the possibility of wearing an ipod. I don't usually anyway, but on a run this long, with nothing going on around me, it would have been sort of nice to have some kind of distraction; it was as mentally draining to keep pounding away for almost 3 hours as it was physically exhausting.
I had a surprisingly comfortable run from an injury standpoint. A few minor niggles here and there, but nothing that stuck around too long and although I'm still in zombie-phase right now, I think I've made it through another long run without too much damage being done.
This was the first time I'd eaten anything during a run. GU is the energy gel that the marathon is providing, so I figured I would buy a couple of each of the flavors they have (vanilla and tri-berry), so I knew what to expect on January 18th. They have the consistency of a very sticky chocolate pudding, and quite frankly, taste like syrupy snot. The tri-berry is at least almost bearable if chased with a healthy gulp of water, and because it had been out in the cold by the time I ate it, it had hardened up, which made it slightly less gelatinous - a good thing. (The less said about the vanilla, which I tried the other day, the better). Flavor notwithstanding, I was amazed at how much it helped. I took it at around mile 13, and within half a mile I could feel a difference. While my legs were just as fatigued, I really did feel an energy boost and it gave me enough to get through the 18 without feeling like I was about to pass out.
My pace was respectable and consistent. Over a flat course in better weather, I think I'm probably capable of a little faster, but even if I run this exact pace, I'll come in at 4hrs5mins, which isn't too shabby for an old fatty like me.
As I looped back to the house at mile 17, I knew I just had one more mile loop to go, but the effects of the GU were wearing off and a small voice told me to stop right there, but an extra swig of Vitamin Water - without question my absolute favorite sports drink - gave me just enough to get back out and complete the last loop as a few flakes of snow started dancing in the wind.
Because I ran on Saturday, over the last 7 days, I've put 48 miles on my legs (plus I'm already over 100 for the month) which will likely make it the highest volume week of my entire training schedule. However, with a 20 mile run coming next weekend, I'm not exactly on the downhill just yet. After that, I might allow myself a small sigh of relief as I start tapering for the race, now less than a month away.
Please visit my 'Make Cures Happen' fundraising page and make a donation for research into leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Also, check out my blog entry for more.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
The Daily Log 12/18/08
Distance: 5.20 miles
Time: 47:30
Pace: 9:08/mile
Weight: 196lbs
Terrain: Rolling Hills
Temperature: Fairly cold
Gear: Adidas Running Fleece, Long-Sleeved Adidas Climacool Shirt, Adidas Long Running Pants over Adidas Running Shorts, Nike Air Zoom Vomero Shoes, Reebok Stocking Cap
Hydration: None
Fuel: None
Medical: None
Recovery: Stretches, ice, Aleve
Shoe Mile Count: 211.14 miles
Days until Marathon: 31
Despite ominous forecasts, to this point at least, today's weather has actually been rather mild, at least compared to the last few days. The snow-packed roads of yesterday were slushy or clear today and it was warm enough that I was able to run without the extra layer of tights (please use the term "compression pants" from here on out; it sounds tougher - ed).
No major challenges, other than chafed nipples. Obviously, this is more hilarious than harmful, but on a slightly more serious note, they were sore enough to distract me, and it occurred to me that running in or near snow and sludge requires a greater level of concentration. It's therefore something I shouldn't neglect when preparing, particularly for the longer runs, or I could find myself slipping on some loose snow or tripping over a pothole. It's a pretty simple fix. Cover them in tape, or at least lube them up with some Bodyglide (calm down, that sounds way sexier than it is), and the issue is nullified.
Off tomorrow, then I'll be shooting for 18 miles this weekend. Depending on the weather, I might have to switch to Saturday instead of my preference of Sunday, but we'll see. The forecasters haven't exactly been spot on to this point.
Please visit my 'Make Cures Happen' fundraising page and make a donation for research into leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Also, check out my blog entry for more.
Time: 47:30
Pace: 9:08/mile
Weight: 196lbs
Terrain: Rolling Hills
Temperature: Fairly cold
Gear: Adidas Running Fleece, Long-Sleeved Adidas Climacool Shirt, Adidas Long Running Pants over Adidas Running Shorts, Nike Air Zoom Vomero Shoes, Reebok Stocking Cap
Hydration: None
Fuel: None
Medical: None
Recovery: Stretches, ice, Aleve
Shoe Mile Count: 211.14 miles
Days until Marathon: 31
Despite ominous forecasts, to this point at least, today's weather has actually been rather mild, at least compared to the last few days. The snow-packed roads of yesterday were slushy or clear today and it was warm enough that I was able to run without the extra layer of tights (please use the term "compression pants" from here on out; it sounds tougher - ed).
No major challenges, other than chafed nipples. Obviously, this is more hilarious than harmful, but on a slightly more serious note, they were sore enough to distract me, and it occurred to me that running in or near snow and sludge requires a greater level of concentration. It's therefore something I shouldn't neglect when preparing, particularly for the longer runs, or I could find myself slipping on some loose snow or tripping over a pothole. It's a pretty simple fix. Cover them in tape, or at least lube them up with some Bodyglide (calm down, that sounds way sexier than it is), and the issue is nullified.
Off tomorrow, then I'll be shooting for 18 miles this weekend. Depending on the weather, I might have to switch to Saturday instead of my preference of Sunday, but we'll see. The forecasters haven't exactly been spot on to this point.
Please visit my 'Make Cures Happen' fundraising page and make a donation for research into leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Also, check out my blog entry for more.
Monday, December 15, 2008
The Daily Log 12/15/08
Distance: 5.30 miles
Time: 49:03
Pace: 9:15/mile
Weight: 196lbs
Terrain: Up and down with a thin layer of snow
Temperature: Very cold
Gear: Under Armour Running Hoodie, Adidas Running Fleece, Long-Sleeved Nike Athletic Shirt, Adidas Long Running Pants over Adidas running shorts, Nike Air Zoom Vomero Shoes, Reebok Stocking Cap
Hydration: None
Fuel: None
Medical: None
Recovery: Stretches, Aleve
Shoe Mile Count: 198.30 miles
Days until Marathon: 34
I am a winter warrior! For all my whining about the upcoming weather, I realized that I was missing an opportunity to run before the snow began, so I wrapped up warm and headed out, and while certainly very cold, unlike yesterday there was no wind and I was appopriately dressed, so felt far less chilly. My biggest fear, as alluded to earlier, was slipping on ice, but all I ended up having to deal with was a light covering of dusty snow on the sidewalks, the asphalt roads having been salted earlier in the day. Neither surface caused me any bother.
My legs felt surprisingly great given the fact I put twelve miles on them yesterday. I really can't think of a single area of discomfort, except they were perhaps a bit cold. I went out later and bought some (manly) running tights that will hopefully provide some extra warmth for future runs in these types of conditions.
I need to remember to put lotion on my face in this weather. It was the one exposed area and my face is now so red I look like I've been drinking hard alcohol from birth. Also interesting... the condensation from my breath actually froze my moustache and a) turned the whiskers into pine needles and b) formed tiny freezer pops that I actually was able to pick off after the run. Ya learn something new every day...
Usually this would be a recovery run and I'd shoot for a slower time, but I decided to just ignore the clock and run at a comfortable pace without worrying about trying to hit a certain rate. It worked out well. The pace was reasonable without being too swift. I felt very fresh at the end, but also felt like I'd completed a good workout. Great run.
Please visit my 'Make Cures Happen' fundraising page and make a donation for research into leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Also, check out my blog entry for more.
Time: 49:03
Pace: 9:15/mile
Weight: 196lbs
Terrain: Up and down with a thin layer of snow
Temperature: Very cold
Gear: Under Armour Running Hoodie, Adidas Running Fleece, Long-Sleeved Nike Athletic Shirt, Adidas Long Running Pants over Adidas running shorts, Nike Air Zoom Vomero Shoes, Reebok Stocking Cap
Hydration: None
Fuel: None
Medical: None
Recovery: Stretches, Aleve
Shoe Mile Count: 198.30 miles
Days until Marathon: 34
I am a winter warrior! For all my whining about the upcoming weather, I realized that I was missing an opportunity to run before the snow began, so I wrapped up warm and headed out, and while certainly very cold, unlike yesterday there was no wind and I was appopriately dressed, so felt far less chilly. My biggest fear, as alluded to earlier, was slipping on ice, but all I ended up having to deal with was a light covering of dusty snow on the sidewalks, the asphalt roads having been salted earlier in the day. Neither surface caused me any bother.
My legs felt surprisingly great given the fact I put twelve miles on them yesterday. I really can't think of a single area of discomfort, except they were perhaps a bit cold. I went out later and bought some (manly) running tights that will hopefully provide some extra warmth for future runs in these types of conditions.
I need to remember to put lotion on my face in this weather. It was the one exposed area and my face is now so red I look like I've been drinking hard alcohol from birth. Also interesting... the condensation from my breath actually froze my moustache and a) turned the whiskers into pine needles and b) formed tiny freezer pops that I actually was able to pick off after the run. Ya learn something new every day...
Usually this would be a recovery run and I'd shoot for a slower time, but I decided to just ignore the clock and run at a comfortable pace without worrying about trying to hit a certain rate. It worked out well. The pace was reasonable without being too swift. I felt very fresh at the end, but also felt like I'd completed a good workout. Great run.
Please visit my 'Make Cures Happen' fundraising page and make a donation for research into leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Also, check out my blog entry for more.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
The Daily Log 12/14/08
Distance: 12.14 miles
Time: 1:53:52
Pace: 9:22/mile
Weight: 196lbs
Terrain: Rolling Hills throughout
Temperature: Cold and very windy
Gear: Long-Sleeved Adidas Climacool Running Shirt, Adidas Long Running Pants over Adidas running shorts, Nike Air Zoom Vomero Shoes, Gobbler Grind Running Cap
Hydration: Water, Strawberry-Kiwi Vitamin Water
Fuel: None
Medical: Left calf
Recovery: Stretches, Aleve, ice
Shoe Mile Count: 193.00 miles
Days until Marathon: 35
When I took the dogs out after getting up, it was windy but mild. However, I knew cold weather was coming. Predictions were for the temperature to drop some 40 degrees during the latter part of the day, but I figured if I went for my run earlyish, while I'd still have the wind to deal with, at least I'd miss the cold front.
I was wrong.
By the time I went out, at around 11:30am, it was cold enough that I immediately went back in to put on my long training pants, and when I began by running straight into the wind, I knew I was still underdressed for the occasion. I kept going, figuring I'd warm up enough to get by, but never really did. At least most of the route was relatively sheltered, but there's no doubt a fleece and stocking cap would still have been much appreciated, even miles later. Although it was just about bearable most of the time, there were certainly some very unpleasant stretches whenever I was running west.
Weather notwithstanding, this wasn't the most comfortable of runs. Nothing was causing me undue concern from an injury standpoint - perhaps the biggest issue was the left calf which was a little sore during the middle portion of the run - but I felt very heavy legged and lethargic compared to most of my other recent runs. I soon figured out why... I spent a good four hours on my feet yesterday doing Christmas shopping, and also went out in the evening, so with hindsight I was probably asking for trouble. I won't be doing any more of that before my long runs. 12 miles is one thing, but I'll be tackling the daunting distances of 18 and 20 miles this week and next. They're both close enough to the marathon distance that I'll need to prepare for them like I will for the race itself ie no Christmas shopping and late-night bowling the day before.
Despite the weather and fatigue, I kept a pretty consistent pace throughout, and 9:22/mile was a good speed. I was ravenous at the end, and would have needed to get some food if I'd wanted to go much further. Usually I can go longer before getting to that point, but again, I think a combination of fighting the elements and poor preparation were factors there.
I've now run 10 miles or more six times and am due to run three more biggies (18,20,13) before finishing with an 8 miler a week before the race. Five weeks till game time. It's not long, but with the weather beginning to turn ugly and the mileage piling up, it sure ain't short.
Odd coincidence of the day... Today, on 12/14, I ran 12.14 miles. What symmetry.
Please visit my 'Make Cures Happen' fundraising page and make a donation for research into leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Also, check out my blog entry for more.
Time: 1:53:52
Pace: 9:22/mile
Weight: 196lbs
Terrain: Rolling Hills throughout
Temperature: Cold and very windy
Gear: Long-Sleeved Adidas Climacool Running Shirt, Adidas Long Running Pants over Adidas running shorts, Nike Air Zoom Vomero Shoes, Gobbler Grind Running Cap
Hydration: Water, Strawberry-Kiwi Vitamin Water
Fuel: None
Medical: Left calf
Recovery: Stretches, Aleve, ice
Shoe Mile Count: 193.00 miles
Days until Marathon: 35
When I took the dogs out after getting up, it was windy but mild. However, I knew cold weather was coming. Predictions were for the temperature to drop some 40 degrees during the latter part of the day, but I figured if I went for my run earlyish, while I'd still have the wind to deal with, at least I'd miss the cold front.
I was wrong.
By the time I went out, at around 11:30am, it was cold enough that I immediately went back in to put on my long training pants, and when I began by running straight into the wind, I knew I was still underdressed for the occasion. I kept going, figuring I'd warm up enough to get by, but never really did. At least most of the route was relatively sheltered, but there's no doubt a fleece and stocking cap would still have been much appreciated, even miles later. Although it was just about bearable most of the time, there were certainly some very unpleasant stretches whenever I was running west.
Weather notwithstanding, this wasn't the most comfortable of runs. Nothing was causing me undue concern from an injury standpoint - perhaps the biggest issue was the left calf which was a little sore during the middle portion of the run - but I felt very heavy legged and lethargic compared to most of my other recent runs. I soon figured out why... I spent a good four hours on my feet yesterday doing Christmas shopping, and also went out in the evening, so with hindsight I was probably asking for trouble. I won't be doing any more of that before my long runs. 12 miles is one thing, but I'll be tackling the daunting distances of 18 and 20 miles this week and next. They're both close enough to the marathon distance that I'll need to prepare for them like I will for the race itself ie no Christmas shopping and late-night bowling the day before.
Despite the weather and fatigue, I kept a pretty consistent pace throughout, and 9:22/mile was a good speed. I was ravenous at the end, and would have needed to get some food if I'd wanted to go much further. Usually I can go longer before getting to that point, but again, I think a combination of fighting the elements and poor preparation were factors there.
I've now run 10 miles or more six times and am due to run three more biggies (18,20,13) before finishing with an 8 miler a week before the race. Five weeks till game time. It's not long, but with the weather beginning to turn ugly and the mileage piling up, it sure ain't short.
Odd coincidence of the day... Today, on 12/14, I ran 12.14 miles. What symmetry.
Please visit my 'Make Cures Happen' fundraising page and make a donation for research into leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Also, check out my blog entry for more.
Friday, December 12, 2008
The Daily Log 12/12/08
Distance: 4.08 miles
Time: 35:43
Pace: 8:45/mile
Weight: 196lbs
Terrain: Mainly uphill first half, mainly downhill second half
Temperature: Cold and sunny
Gear: Long-Sleeved Adidas Climacool Running Shirt over short-sleeved CoolMax shirt, Adidas shorts, Nike Air Zoom Vomero Shoes, Road Runners Running Cap
Hydration: None
Fuel: None
Medical: None
Recovery: Stretches, Aleve, ice
Shoe Mile Count: 180.86 miles
Days until Marathon: 37
Another perfect day for running. Cold, but calm and sunny, so once again I was able to wear shorts in December.
Some new gear came in today - the charity I'm running for sent me a Coolmax shirt that's actually a lot less ugly than it looked in the brochure. I wore it under my Adidas long-sleeve to give it a test run, and it was pretty comfortable, so I think there's a good chance it will be part of my race attire in January.
I ran the 'Santa Fe Trail' for the third or fourth time; it's become one of my regular routes. Although it's rather hilly, most of the inclines are early, and there's not a lot of turns, just one big loop, so I like it. It's not overly taxing and works well for midweek recovery runs.
Both calves were a little tight, but the right one was much improved over yesterday and with an off day coming up, I should be set for Sunday's 12 miler. Pace-wise, I was surprised I'd come in at 8:45 pace. It didn't feel that fast. This could simply be that I'm getting faster I suppose - wouldn't that be nice?
I've logged about 31 miles this week, and 56 over the past two weeks, so the mileage is definitely building. My training will peak two weeks from Sunday with (weather and health permitting) a 20 mile long run. If I'm still on my feet and relatively injury free after that, I'll genuinely feel like I've put in the work for this insanity.
Please visit my 'Make Cures Happen' fundraising page and make a donation for research into leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Also, check out my blog entry for more.
Time: 35:43
Pace: 8:45/mile
Weight: 196lbs
Terrain: Mainly uphill first half, mainly downhill second half
Temperature: Cold and sunny
Gear: Long-Sleeved Adidas Climacool Running Shirt over short-sleeved CoolMax shirt, Adidas shorts, Nike Air Zoom Vomero Shoes, Road Runners Running Cap
Hydration: None
Fuel: None
Medical: None
Recovery: Stretches, Aleve, ice
Shoe Mile Count: 180.86 miles
Days until Marathon: 37
Another perfect day for running. Cold, but calm and sunny, so once again I was able to wear shorts in December.
Some new gear came in today - the charity I'm running for sent me a Coolmax shirt that's actually a lot less ugly than it looked in the brochure. I wore it under my Adidas long-sleeve to give it a test run, and it was pretty comfortable, so I think there's a good chance it will be part of my race attire in January.
I ran the 'Santa Fe Trail' for the third or fourth time; it's become one of my regular routes. Although it's rather hilly, most of the inclines are early, and there's not a lot of turns, just one big loop, so I like it. It's not overly taxing and works well for midweek recovery runs.
Both calves were a little tight, but the right one was much improved over yesterday and with an off day coming up, I should be set for Sunday's 12 miler. Pace-wise, I was surprised I'd come in at 8:45 pace. It didn't feel that fast. This could simply be that I'm getting faster I suppose - wouldn't that be nice?
I've logged about 31 miles this week, and 56 over the past two weeks, so the mileage is definitely building. My training will peak two weeks from Sunday with (weather and health permitting) a 20 mile long run. If I'm still on my feet and relatively injury free after that, I'll genuinely feel like I've put in the work for this insanity.
Please visit my 'Make Cures Happen' fundraising page and make a donation for research into leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Also, check out my blog entry for more.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
The Daily Log 12/11/08
Distance: 7.20 miles
Time: 1:04:22
Pace: 8:56/mile
Weight: 196lbs
Terrain: Rolling Hills
Temperature: Cold and calm
Gear: Long-Sleeved Adidas Climacool Running Shirt, Adidas shorts, Nike Air Zoom Vomero Shoes, Gobbler Grind Running Cap
Hydration: None
Fuel: None
Medical: Right calf
Recovery: Stretches, Aleve, ice
Shoe Mile Count: 176.78 miles
Days until Marathon: 38
Typical Kansas weather. Two days ago, I was stuck indoors watching snow come down sideways. Today I was out running in shorts - other than a few slushy patches I had be careful with, it was just about a perfect day for running.
No major issues other than at around mile 5, when it felt like I tweaked my right calf. I kept running and the pain dulled, but it did remain a little stiff, so I will reassess in the morning and if need be skip tomorrow's short run so I'm fresh for the long one at the weekend. Nothing else significant to report.
I purposely went a little faster today; I wanted to try a tempo run. My goal pace for the marathon is going to be about 9:09 pace, so I shot for that on this one as it was a significant enough distance for me to make some kind of determination on how realistic that might be (all other things being equal), but not long enough to where I was going to totally wear myself out by doing so. As you can see, I ran slightly faster(8:56/mi.), but felt very relaxed and full of energy even at the end, so that was encouraging. A good run.
Please visit my 'Make Cures Happen' fundraising page and make a donation for research into leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Also, check out my blog entry for more.
Time: 1:04:22
Pace: 8:56/mile
Weight: 196lbs
Terrain: Rolling Hills
Temperature: Cold and calm
Gear: Long-Sleeved Adidas Climacool Running Shirt, Adidas shorts, Nike Air Zoom Vomero Shoes, Gobbler Grind Running Cap
Hydration: None
Fuel: None
Medical: Right calf
Recovery: Stretches, Aleve, ice
Shoe Mile Count: 176.78 miles
Days until Marathon: 38
Typical Kansas weather. Two days ago, I was stuck indoors watching snow come down sideways. Today I was out running in shorts - other than a few slushy patches I had be careful with, it was just about a perfect day for running.
No major issues other than at around mile 5, when it felt like I tweaked my right calf. I kept running and the pain dulled, but it did remain a little stiff, so I will reassess in the morning and if need be skip tomorrow's short run so I'm fresh for the long one at the weekend. Nothing else significant to report.
I purposely went a little faster today; I wanted to try a tempo run. My goal pace for the marathon is going to be about 9:09 pace, so I shot for that on this one as it was a significant enough distance for me to make some kind of determination on how realistic that might be (all other things being equal), but not long enough to where I was going to totally wear myself out by doing so. As you can see, I ran slightly faster(8:56/mi.), but felt very relaxed and full of energy even at the end, so that was encouraging. A good run.
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