Do you ever get to the point where you know that what you are doing is just plain stupid, but you're to stubborn to stop? That was my run last Sunday. At the time, I wasn't sure if I had hurt myself or if I was just cramping up, but over the last two miles of my run, my right leg got more and more sore. It even got to the point that I stopped and did some stretching before I rather stupidly pressed on. I kept telling myself that it didn't matter if I did 7.8 miles rather than 8, but my inner dumb-ass just took over and I pressed on. Everything seems alright so far, and my runs later in the week went all right, but still -- I realize that I need to make better choices when something is obviously a miss.
Ozzy Osbourne - Crazy Train by hushhush112
8 1:23:15 10:24
1 10:19
2 10:00
3 10:04
4 10:06
5 11:11
6 10:51
7 10:22
8 10:19
Showing posts with label solo run. Show all posts
Showing posts with label solo run. Show all posts
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Wonk Wonk Wonk . . . Three Shaky Miles of Wonk -- 10/29
I had aspirations of running four miles on Saturday, but that just didn't happen. The run wasn't bad, I but something just felt of to me. The cold weather seem the most likely reason at the time, but as the say in football, "upon further review" that might not be correct. I have yet come to a firm decision on the matter but I have a race coming up that might just shed some more light on the subject.
The colds snap that hit the east coast was in full effect when I took this run and I didn't want anything to do with hills so I ran on Hillsborough Street, which I normally avoid like the plague, other than in the early morning hours. During the day light hours the traffic and dumb-ass college guys who like to yell out car windows are just too much to deal with, but the cold weather means that most people are riding around with there windows rolled up, so the temptation to harass is tempered by effort and coordination needed to roll down the window. I am not sure if the whole yelling things out he windows at people running is a product of living in the South, but I am pretty sure that the Asshole tribe has been spread wide and far across the worlds surface, and its members are compelled to make their presences felt no matter what region they reside. Anyway, since it was cold and near kickoff for Florida States' drubbing of the Wolfpack, I felt the area would be fine to run in, which it was. However, like I said . . . I just felt off so I took things nice and slow and put in my three miles.
3 miles in 33:59 for a 11:02 pace
Mile 1 11:19
Mile 2 11:18
Mile 3 10:28
The colds snap that hit the east coast was in full effect when I took this run and I didn't want anything to do with hills so I ran on Hillsborough Street, which I normally avoid like the plague, other than in the early morning hours. During the day light hours the traffic and dumb-ass college guys who like to yell out car windows are just too much to deal with, but the cold weather means that most people are riding around with there windows rolled up, so the temptation to harass is tempered by effort and coordination needed to roll down the window. I am not sure if the whole yelling things out he windows at people running is a product of living in the South, but I am pretty sure that the Asshole tribe has been spread wide and far across the worlds surface, and its members are compelled to make their presences felt no matter what region they reside. Anyway, since it was cold and near kickoff for Florida States' drubbing of the Wolfpack, I felt the area would be fine to run in, which it was. However, like I said . . . I just felt off so I took things nice and slow and put in my three miles.
3 miles in 33:59 for a 11:02 pace
Mile 1 11:19
Mile 2 11:18
Mile 3 10:28
Sunday, October 23, 2011
First Cold Morning Run of the Year: 10/20
Fall is in full force here in Raleigh, the leaves are falling, the State Fair is underway, and my morning runs are getting chilly. A lot of people (Hiroko included) are not pleased with the idea that colder weather is here to stay, but I should not be counted amongst them. I love the cold weather when it is within reason and in Raleigh it is nearly always within reason. My only real concern with the change to more brisk weather is that my breathing is getting a bit more difficult. I'm still using a steroid inhaler at nights before bed in order to breath properly. My breathing never returned to normal following my flu in the summer, but with the use of an inhaler, I've been doing just fine. However, I tried to come off of the inhaler following the Half Marathon. It took only to two days and one run on a cold morning to realize that I had made a bad choice and return to the inhaler. I don't want to be dependent upon an inhaler, but for the time being, I'll just have to deal with it.
Thursday's run was alright --no real issues at all from soreness and fatigue. I had a good run and began to think about how I wanted to run the Tobacco Trail 10 miler that was coming up on the weekend. Overall, I am feeling fairly good about things. I know what I need to do in regards to my eating habits, and I feel ready to take on the changes that I know are much needed. I've begun to exercise at home nightly instead of doing a couple hard workouts at the gym each week. I am just doing abs and pushups for now, and I still plan on going the the gym to add verity to my workout. But, I know that I need to workout at home in order to avoid being sucked into the couch potato life after work. I'm also trying to help out more around the house, which I've always prided myself on being fairly good about, but I know that there is more I can do, which helps keep my active and less likely to get bored and graze, and it also earns me some good husband points, which is an added bonus and timely because Hiroko is disgusted by my black toenail. The little piggy who stayed home on my right foot decided to put on his Halloween costume a bit early it seems.
4 miler: 42:28 10:29 pace
1 10:51
2 10:20
3 10:26
4 10:23
I maintained my pace pretty well throughout this run. Here is a song in honor of my Halloween Toe:
Thursday's run was alright --no real issues at all from soreness and fatigue. I had a good run and began to think about how I wanted to run the Tobacco Trail 10 miler that was coming up on the weekend. Overall, I am feeling fairly good about things. I know what I need to do in regards to my eating habits, and I feel ready to take on the changes that I know are much needed. I've begun to exercise at home nightly instead of doing a couple hard workouts at the gym each week. I am just doing abs and pushups for now, and I still plan on going the the gym to add verity to my workout. But, I know that I need to workout at home in order to avoid being sucked into the couch potato life after work. I'm also trying to help out more around the house, which I've always prided myself on being fairly good about, but I know that there is more I can do, which helps keep my active and less likely to get bored and graze, and it also earns me some good husband points, which is an added bonus and timely because Hiroko is disgusted by my black toenail. The little piggy who stayed home on my right foot decided to put on his Halloween costume a bit early it seems.
4 miler: 42:28 10:29 pace
1 10:51
2 10:20
3 10:26
4 10:23
I maintained my pace pretty well throughout this run. Here is a song in honor of my Halloween Toe:
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Last Long Run Before My First Half and Understanding My Need: 10/8
I began my training program for this half marathon nearly 10 weeks ago, and the whole process seem daunting, and my reasons for deciding to run a half marathon in the first place had become somewhat muddled. I had been sick and was beginning to have doubts concerning my need to run. I kept asking myself why I felt so compelled to run and what was I hoping to prove to myself. I never doubt that I would return to running. In fact, being able to run again was nearly all that I thought about. However, the thing that I was trying to ask myself was other than the obvious health benefits, why did running matter so much to me. I thought about what running meant to me and why I felt this deep seeded need, but I couldn't to come up with an answer that satisfied me. Eventually, as I began to feel better and started my training program, the question faded from mind for the most part. That is until this weekend when I returned home from my final long run and turned on my computer to upload the data from my Garmin. As I waited for my data to transfer, I noticed the internet headline that Al Davis, the owner of the Oakland Raiders had passed away. As many of you may no, I am a life long Raiders fan, and I bleed Silver and Black. Mr. Davis was the Raiders. It is that simple. And, he was a man, who I respected a great deal for a multitude of reasons both football related and not. Rather than giving you a the same litany of reason why he was a great man that have been shared over the weekend or share the multitude of reasons why I admired the man, I've decided to keep them to myself. My reasons are mine, and I truly cherish them. I take pride in supporting and identifying with the organization that Mr. Davis spent his life building.
Now, one may wonder "what does this have to do with running?" Well, after a very emotional Sunday, I lay in bed and tried to go to sleep, but I began to think about life, death, and the nature of our existence on this big blue world of ours. It was then that I realized that I haven't had any instances of night terrors in months. I don't really talk about it much (and who would), but I've had night terrors periodically throughout my life. Mostly, they have been centered upon thoughts of death or feelings of overwhelming dread. For anyone who doesn't know about night terrors here is what Wikipedia has to say:
"A night terror, also known as a sleep terror, incubus attack, or pavor nocturnus, is a parasomnia disorder that predominantly affects children, causing feelings of terror or dread, typically occur in the first few hours of sleep during stage 3 or 4 NREM sleep. Night terrors should not be confused with nightmares, which are bad dreams that cause the feeling of horror or fear. An estimated 1-8% of children have at least one night terror in their life but have no memory of the occurrence"
Ok. I am a child. A giant child. Well, no not really. And my night terrors were never the nature of a violent fit or any thing you might have seem on tv. I would just wake up and be seized by this overwhelming sense of dread.. I would be overwhelmed by it to the point that my heart would race and would feel like the wall were closing in on me. I know that it sounds cliche, but that is truly the best way to describe the feeling. I would want to scream just to snap myself out of it. I can't really say that the source of these terror was a fear of death or the insignificance of human existence, but my mind often wandered to these subjects when these feels came upon me. I think that my mind went to these subject because they seemed like the only subject worthy of producing the type of dread that I felt, rather than vise versa. I can't explain what would produce these attacks because I am generally a pretty positive person. Nor, have I ever really talked about then with anyone till this very moment. And, I wouldn't be talking about them if not for the passing of Mr. Davis. Sunday night, I start thinking about all of those big questions, but there wasn't any dread, which isn't surprising because, like I said earlier that isn't really how it works. But it got me to thinking that I haven't had one instance of night terrors in a long time. I could even really remember the last time I've had it happen in the last year, and immediately, I understood why I need to run.
It was so clear and nearly a revelation. Running is my mechanism by which I process the world. I don't know how it is for anyone else but while I am running my mind churns more than my legs ever could. My brain just goes into over drive and bounce from one random subject to the next thing to the next until by the end of a run I feel mentally wrung out. Some people call it me time, but it isn't that selfish in nature. At least I don't think about it in that manner. It is just that running allows me to put my body in to the rhythm it needs to stimulate my, normally screwed up, little brain into working correctly. Simple as that. That is my need for running in a nutshell. Distance, speed, times . . . none of those thing matter. I just need the process.
9 Miles 1:29:11 9:54
1 10:42
2 9:34
3 9:21
4 8:56
5 9:47
6 10:34
7 10:56
8 10:03
9 9:14
Now, one may wonder "what does this have to do with running?" Well, after a very emotional Sunday, I lay in bed and tried to go to sleep, but I began to think about life, death, and the nature of our existence on this big blue world of ours. It was then that I realized that I haven't had any instances of night terrors in months. I don't really talk about it much (and who would), but I've had night terrors periodically throughout my life. Mostly, they have been centered upon thoughts of death or feelings of overwhelming dread. For anyone who doesn't know about night terrors here is what Wikipedia has to say:
"A night terror, also known as a sleep terror, incubus attack, or pavor nocturnus, is a parasomnia disorder that predominantly affects children, causing feelings of terror or dread, typically occur in the first few hours of sleep during stage 3 or 4 NREM sleep. Night terrors should not be confused with nightmares, which are bad dreams that cause the feeling of horror or fear. An estimated 1-8% of children have at least one night terror in their life but have no memory of the occurrence"
Ok. I am a child. A giant child. Well, no not really. And my night terrors were never the nature of a violent fit or any thing you might have seem on tv. I would just wake up and be seized by this overwhelming sense of dread.. I would be overwhelmed by it to the point that my heart would race and would feel like the wall were closing in on me. I know that it sounds cliche, but that is truly the best way to describe the feeling. I would want to scream just to snap myself out of it. I can't really say that the source of these terror was a fear of death or the insignificance of human existence, but my mind often wandered to these subjects when these feels came upon me. I think that my mind went to these subject because they seemed like the only subject worthy of producing the type of dread that I felt, rather than vise versa. I can't explain what would produce these attacks because I am generally a pretty positive person. Nor, have I ever really talked about then with anyone till this very moment. And, I wouldn't be talking about them if not for the passing of Mr. Davis. Sunday night, I start thinking about all of those big questions, but there wasn't any dread, which isn't surprising because, like I said earlier that isn't really how it works. But it got me to thinking that I haven't had one instance of night terrors in a long time. I could even really remember the last time I've had it happen in the last year, and immediately, I understood why I need to run.
It was so clear and nearly a revelation. Running is my mechanism by which I process the world. I don't know how it is for anyone else but while I am running my mind churns more than my legs ever could. My brain just goes into over drive and bounce from one random subject to the next thing to the next until by the end of a run I feel mentally wrung out. Some people call it me time, but it isn't that selfish in nature. At least I don't think about it in that manner. It is just that running allows me to put my body in to the rhythm it needs to stimulate my, normally screwed up, little brain into working correctly. Simple as that. That is my need for running in a nutshell. Distance, speed, times . . . none of those thing matter. I just need the process.
9 Miles 1:29:11 9:54
1 10:42
2 9:34
3 9:21
4 8:56
5 9:47
6 10:34
7 10:56
8 10:03
9 9:14
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Thursday Three Miler: 9/29
My mind was getting the best of me all week. Following Sunday's ten miler, my left leg began to have issues. My leg leg is my problem child and is normally rather cranky. After Sunday, it was having a fit, which is a little difficult to deal with when you are two weeks out from your first Half Marathon. My shin was thee kinds of pissed off at me and letting me know it. And if any of you are following Red, you're keenly aware of the hell that she has been going through with the dreaded injury that must not be named. So to say that my mind was wandering to the land of worst case scenarios would be waaaaaay more than accurate. By Wednesday night, I was like hopes . . . CRUSHED . . . dreams . . . FADED . . . Fears . . . RUNNING AMOK!
Making matters worse, I had changed my running schedule to fit in a 10K race the day before my 12 mile long run. Yes, I know that I am a(n)Fucking idiot. This is a fact that most of my dating history prior to my meeting my wife would readily confirm (oddly enough most of the mistakes that I dated would also happily confirm this fact as well). Anyway, umm . . . yeah . . . By the end of the day Wednesday . . . Paranoia out the wahzoo. Luckily, since I had switched Thursday morning's 6 miler to Saturday and Saturday's 3 miler to Thursday. I had and easy run to help sort stuff out. Switching these run also worked out well because I was reassigned at work and began working out of a new office this week, and I ended up having a rather important meeting 9am Thursday to discuss the transition. If I had run six before that meeting, I doubt that I would have been any where near coherent. As it turned, 3 miles meant that I could function.
Despite all of my fears and paranoia, the three miler was nothing. I did nearly vomit because of the combination of my antibiotic (for a tooth infection) and garbage day . . . meh. But, other than that no much to write about. A bit of shin pain that faded as I got warm and throbbed up briefly on or near hills but again faded quickly as I ran. I turned out that this run was just what I needed to set my mind at ease. Let's face it, I am a 284 pound guy, who just ran 10 miles and a hilly 10 at that. Pain should be something that I expect, but it shouldn't send me off in need of a tranquilizer!
3 miles 32.39 for a 10:40 pace
1 10:56
2 10:30
3 10:38
Making matters worse, I had changed my running schedule to fit in a 10K race the day before my 12 mile long run. Yes, I know that I am a(n)
Despite all of my fears and paranoia, the three miler was nothing. I did nearly vomit because of the combination of my antibiotic (for a tooth infection) and garbage day . . . meh. But, other than that no much to write about. A bit of shin pain that faded as I got warm and throbbed up briefly on or near hills but again faded quickly as I ran. I turned out that this run was just what I needed to set my mind at ease. Let's face it, I am a 284 pound guy, who just ran 10 miles and a hilly 10 at that. Pain should be something that I expect, but it shouldn't send me off in need of a tranquilizer!
3 miles 32.39 for a 10:40 pace
1 10:56
2 10:30
3 10:38
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Post Chili & Pre Work Six Miler: 9/22
Hiroko makes a mean chili. Really, it is awesome -- it was one of the first things she ever cooked for me and . . . well . . .you know the old saying. Anyway, the weather is getting colder and Hiro and I both started wanting warm foods, but eating this chili the night before you plan to get up a 4:30am to run six miles before work -- NOT the best idea ever. Added into the mix was the fact that this would be the longest distance I have ever run before work, and most days when I run six miles or more, I am in need of a nap. So . . . Let's just say that Thursday was a rather difficult day for Greg all around.
The run was alright until the last two miles and then my stomach got to working and hurting. Running in the predawn hours was awesome as always. After the run, I felt like pretty awful and work just sucked beyond all belief. The day just wouldn't end, and I felt like total hell before it was over. Even though it was a nice day, I ended up asking Hiroko to come pick me up from work rather than ride Frakenbike home! Still, I did actually enjoy the run and felt a real sense of accomplishment throughout the day.
6 miles in 1:04:34 for a 10:45 pace
1 11:03
2 10:30
3 10:26
4 11:03
5 10:48
6 10:41
I stole this video from bob
The run was alright until the last two miles and then my stomach got to working and hurting. Running in the predawn hours was awesome as always. After the run, I felt like pretty awful and work just sucked beyond all belief. The day just wouldn't end, and I felt like total hell before it was over. Even though it was a nice day, I ended up asking Hiroko to come pick me up from work rather than ride Frakenbike home! Still, I did actually enjoy the run and felt a real sense of accomplishment throughout the day.
6 miles in 1:04:34 for a 10:45 pace
1 11:03
2 10:30
3 10:26
4 11:03
5 10:48
6 10:41
I stole this video from bob
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
The One That I didn't want to Run. 9/20
Tuesday was a rough day. Not sure why, but I just wasn't in the mood for this world in the slightest. Might have been because the Raiders lost to the Bills on that Sunday, but I just think it was more of a random funk. Regardless, I didn't want to run when I got home. My shin was sore, and my mind was racing about shin splints, stress fractures, and bone spurs. (I actually do have a bone spur, but it is on my knee, not my shin . . . so go figure.) Anyway, after thinking about skipping my run I manned up and decided that it was time to feed the warrior and kill the coward within! Thanks, Kevin and manager Armstrong for showing me the way!
I don't know about anyone else, but I tend to push my pace more when I don't want to be running. Every time that I attempt to just grind out a nice slow run on a day when I am not feeling it. That run turns into a total shit-show, so my way of dealing with it is just to push and throw whatever I can into the run. On this day, it wasn't all that much because the fatigue is really starting to build up.
I did a three miler on the Greenway at dusk and was just able to get in the run before they locked up the gate. I had been worried that I wouldn't get in the run, but I was able to finish without any problem. My splits were pretty tight and the run felt good afterward. During the run . . . um . . . not so much.
3 miles 28:29 9:28pace
1 9:35
2 9:26
3 9:25
I don't know about anyone else, but I tend to push my pace more when I don't want to be running. Every time that I attempt to just grind out a nice slow run on a day when I am not feeling it. That run turns into a total shit-show, so my way of dealing with it is just to push and throw whatever I can into the run. On this day, it wasn't all that much because the fatigue is really starting to build up.
I did a three miler on the Greenway at dusk and was just able to get in the run before they locked up the gate. I had been worried that I wouldn't get in the run, but I was able to finish without any problem. My splits were pretty tight and the run felt good afterward. During the run . . . um . . . not so much.
3 miles 28:29 9:28pace
1 9:35
2 9:26
3 9:25
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Saturday Greenway 4 Miler -- First Jacket Run of the Fall: 9/17
Summer seems to have relented, and I can't tell you how happy this makes me. I pulled out my waterproof Nike running Jacket for this weekend's runs. I wore it more because of the possibility of rain than for the cold air. But, when I saw my jacket, I was like "Hellooooooooo Old Friend! Want to go for a run?" And my Jacket happily replied, "But of course!" That's right. Inanimate running gear has begun to speak to me. Really, I kid you not. You should have heard the things my Velcro I-pod band was saying just last week because I had failed to wash it for a few weeks months (you also don't want to hear the things that Hiroko had to say on the subject). Anyway, I've been pulling out all of my long sleeve Tech shirts from my closet and basically making a mess of our apartment, but I can't wait to start sporting them on a regular basis. The only downside to the cold air is that it did cause a bit of tightness in my chest, but I was able to manage it.
The most notable aspect of this run was that my mind wanted to go farther. However, my body was alright with four miles . . . in fact my body was more than alright with stopping at four miles. It was like . . . "Oh thank you Sweet Baby Jesus. Let's go home play with Basil and watch football!" But, I mentally wanted to push on longer than four miles. The appeal of longer distances is rather new for me, and I am not sure where it originates, but it is getting stronger. I am to the point where anything under three miles feels like it's not worth lacing up my shoes. I've been running the Greenway because I've started to day dream of the day that I can run along the Greenway to Umstead park and back as my long run. A 12 mile long will get me about a mile into the park, but I'll really get to live out this day dream as part of my training for The Miami Marathon. And even though I haven't even run a Half Marathon yet, and this 4 miler kind of kicked my bootay, I know that the day these daydreams become reality is just around the corner. And, I am just naive enough to long for those days!
4 miles in 39:44 for a 9:55 pace.
1 9:47
2 9:31
3 10:32
4 9:52
 |
| Me & My Trusty Jacket at last years Krispy Kreme Challenge |
The most notable aspect of this run was that my mind wanted to go farther. However, my body was alright with four miles . . . in fact my body was more than alright with stopping at four miles. It was like . . . "Oh thank you Sweet Baby Jesus. Let's go home play with Basil and watch football!" But, I mentally wanted to push on longer than four miles. The appeal of longer distances is rather new for me, and I am not sure where it originates, but it is getting stronger. I am to the point where anything under three miles feels like it's not worth lacing up my shoes. I've been running the Greenway because I've started to day dream of the day that I can run along the Greenway to Umstead park and back as my long run. A 12 mile long will get me about a mile into the park, but I'll really get to live out this day dream as part of my training for The Miami Marathon. And even though I haven't even run a Half Marathon yet, and this 4 miler kind of kicked my bootay, I know that the day these daydreams become reality is just around the corner. And, I am just naive enough to long for those days!
4 miles in 39:44 for a 9:55 pace.
1 9:47
2 9:31
3 10:32
4 9:52
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Pre-Dawn 4 miler: 9/15
For other people Thursday morning is just garbage day -- get up early, take down the trash and recycling. For me, it is the day that I get up early enough to run before work. There is a practical reason why I force myself to run in the morning on Thursday, which is that by finishing my run before 7am, I give myself a full 48 hours of rest between the end of my run on Thursday and the start of my run on Saturday. Aside from the practical nature of this run, I really enjoy getting up before most of the city is moving and hitting the streets. I've spoken many time on the blog about how peaceful it is outside at the time of day. But, it goes deeper than the peacefulness of city and the morning air. I have actually begun to enjoy the process of getting ready the night before, waking up early, making coffee before Hiroko or Basil (our cat) have moved. My Thursday mornings feel more like a ritual than a routine and are something that I've begun to take a certain degree of pride in. I've never really understood the value of routine or ritual, but I am beginning to understand the appeal. This Thursday's run was a short 4 miler and nearly over before it really got going well. 4 mile in 40:02 for a 9:53 pace.
1 9:51
2 9:51
3 10:19
4 9:37
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Three for Tuesday Victory Run: 9/13
I took vacation on Tuesday because I knew that I would be staying up late to watch the Raiders on Monday Night Football. Yes, I am that guy. I love the Raiders and there was no way I was going to miss any part of the season opener nor did want to go to work after staying up until well after 1am to watch a football game. Also, Tuesday was Hiroko's day, which meant that we could spend the day together, so it was an all around win win!
I waited until the evening to get my run in, which was a quick easy three miler. The only thing really eventful about the run was just how uneventful it was. I felt really good. My legs felt fresh and breathing was good. I am still hesitant to say that I am back to normal. However, it is undeniable that I am improving. This run was also fueled by the sweet thrill of victory because the Raiders came through and beat the Broncos like a bunch of rented mules, which always makes me happy. Granted, it wasn't as bad as the drubbing they gave them last year, but a win is a win!
3 miles in 29:19 for 9:42 pace
1 9:55
2 9:50
3 9:22
I waited until the evening to get my run in, which was a quick easy three miler. The only thing really eventful about the run was just how uneventful it was. I felt really good. My legs felt fresh and breathing was good. I am still hesitant to say that I am back to normal. However, it is undeniable that I am improving. This run was also fueled by the sweet thrill of victory because the Raiders came through and beat the Broncos like a bunch of rented mules, which always makes me happy. Granted, it wasn't as bad as the drubbing they gave them last year, but a win is a win!
3 miles in 29:19 for 9:42 pace
1 9:55
2 9:50
3 9:22
Friday, September 16, 2011
Great 8: 9/11
Sunday, I had my best run by far since July. I am down to taking an inhaler once before bed and that is it. I ran the greenway past the I-440 footbridge and into the NCMOA art park for the first time in a long time. More importantly, I followed the greenway past the museum and headed out towards Umstead for the first time. Eventually, this out and back course will extend all the way into Umstead when I reach 10 to 12 mile long runs, and I'll no longer need to drive to the park on Saturday mornings. Being able to run this course was unimaginable to me a few months ago, but now it is just around the corner and I am pretty excited about it.
As for returning to the Art Park, I was really dreading the hills of the greenway as it went through the art park, but once I began running them they were nowhere near as bad as I thought they would be. The hills that I encounter in Umstead have relegated the hills of the Art Park Green was to to a state of manageability even when they come up at the six and seven mile mark. I did begin to struggle on this run at the start of mile 8, but right then It's a Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock N' Roll) by AC/DC came on my I-pod and powered me through most of the last mile. Thank yon Bon Scott!
Since my long runs have begun to cross over the 1 hour threshold I have begun to take GU at the 45 minute mark, just is I will for the Half Marathon. I am trying to find a flavor that appeals to me and have tried Mandarin Orange and Lemon Sublime, which were serviceable at best. The Gu wasn't too bad but the sticky pasty feeling in and around my mouth after fueling will need to be delta with better. Urgh!
8 miles in 1:27:08 for 10:53 pace.
1 11:14
2 10:25
3 11:10
4 10:29
5 10:25
6 10:59
7 11:44
8 10:37
Oh . . . and since Hockey season is only a few weeks away here is a video of my favorite player the Great 8
As for returning to the Art Park, I was really dreading the hills of the greenway as it went through the art park, but once I began running them they were nowhere near as bad as I thought they would be. The hills that I encounter in Umstead have relegated the hills of the Art Park Green was to to a state of manageability even when they come up at the six and seven mile mark. I did begin to struggle on this run at the start of mile 8, but right then It's a Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock N' Roll) by AC/DC came on my I-pod and powered me through most of the last mile. Thank yon Bon Scott!
Since my long runs have begun to cross over the 1 hour threshold I have begun to take GU at the 45 minute mark, just is I will for the Half Marathon. I am trying to find a flavor that appeals to me and have tried Mandarin Orange and Lemon Sublime, which were serviceable at best. The Gu wasn't too bad but the sticky pasty feeling in and around my mouth after fueling will need to be delta with better. Urgh!
8 miles in 1:27:08 for 10:53 pace.
1 11:14
2 10:25
3 11:10
4 10:29
5 10:25
6 10:59
7 11:44
8 10:37
Oh . . . and since Hockey season is only a few weeks away here is a video of my favorite player the Great 8
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Thursday Morning Where is the Bathroom 4 miler: 9/8
I did 4 miles in 42:01.58 for a 10:20 pace.
1 10:50
2 9:53
3 10:27
4 10:16
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Waxing Philosophical Over Seven Miles: 9/4
What portion of your run holds the most meaning for you? Is it the portion of your run that's tip toe through the tulips or those hard slogged miles that reveal you inner true grit? It may sound odd, but the one largest, single, undeniable truth that running has revealed to me about myself is that deep down at my core -- I am an optimist. The sun may not be shinning today, but it will tomorrow or the next day -- that's me. I never knew it, was clueless. I always thought of myself as this jaded, sarcastic, smart ass, who love to make snarky. dry-witted remarks. Prehaps those notions were just a by product of my Cancerian complexities, Generation X upbringing, or too much Grunge Music (Stone and Jeff are GODS!), Who knows? Maybe I am not an optimist . . . I could just be a glutton for punishment . . . that would also explain why as a dyslexic I became an English major or why I fell in love with running when I was pushing nearly three bills and should have been joining bowling and softball leagues. What I do know is that recently I haven't had many runs trough my happy place. Most of my runs have been exercise in perseverance and persistence. Honestly, they've kind of sucked. Shockingly, I haven't minded all that much. Granted, I would love a run where I felt like I had the winged feet of Mercury, but it just isn't happening.
Partially, I might just be happy to be running again after being sick. However, I don't think that can account for the joy I a found in the portions of my runs that were just god-awful dreadful. No matter the length of your run, you're bound to find yourself mentally or physically in a bad place at some point on most runs. Runners usually work through those moments. Recently, I seem to be working through those moments frequently. And oddly enough I have been finding this process enjoyable. Maybe it is because all I have to be proud of at this moment is a sucky run and the persistence to get through a sucky run. Not sure that's it, but it could be. All I know is that recently when I think about my runs, I've been happiest fighting through those portions of the run where I have felt worst. On Sunday, it was the fourth mile, which was pure hell. Really, it was a total shit show that nearly had me buckling, but I remember at the time, that I felt an inner happiness that I was still pushing forward despite the urge to lay down in the dust and have a genuine hissy!
7.0 miles in 1:17:58.07 for an 11:08 pace.
Mile 1 10:22
Mile 2 10:46
Mile 3 10:53
Mile 4 11:21
Mile 5 10:59
Mile 6 10:51
Mile 7 12:40
Partially, I might just be happy to be running again after being sick. However, I don't think that can account for the joy I a found in the portions of my runs that were just god-awful dreadful. No matter the length of your run, you're bound to find yourself mentally or physically in a bad place at some point on most runs. Runners usually work through those moments. Recently, I seem to be working through those moments frequently. And oddly enough I have been finding this process enjoyable. Maybe it is because all I have to be proud of at this moment is a sucky run and the persistence to get through a sucky run. Not sure that's it, but it could be. All I know is that recently when I think about my runs, I've been happiest fighting through those portions of the run where I have felt worst. On Sunday, it was the fourth mile, which was pure hell. Really, it was a total shit show that nearly had me buckling, but I remember at the time, that I felt an inner happiness that I was still pushing forward despite the urge to lay down in the dust and have a genuine hissy!
7.0 miles in 1:17:58.07 for an 11:08 pace.
Mile 1 10:22
Mile 2 10:46
Mile 3 10:53
Mile 4 11:21
Mile 5 10:59
Mile 6 10:51
Mile 7 12:40
Monday, September 5, 2011
Ahhhhh . . . September: Morning 5 Miler: 9-1
Words fail to describe how happy I am to say goodbye to August and Summer with it. I looked forward to this Summer as Winter lagged on, but I had no idea what I was in for at the time. Now, I am just happy to be moving on. August hasn't been all that bad, but I just want to get as much distance between myself and the misery of July as possible. My training program had a five mile scheduled for my next run, and I was determined to get up early and give September a little kick in the pants. Like Gordon from the Street, I love running early just before sunrise. My confidences is slowly returning to me, and I had no doubt's about my ability to complete this run. I ran from my place to Hillsborough St. nearly down to the Capitol and back. The run was relaxing and just what I needed to begin September.
I did 5 miles in 51:49.29 for a 10:22 pace.
Mile 1 -- 10:59
Mile 2 -- 10:36
Mile 3 -- 10:42
Mile 4 -- 9:42
Mile 5 -- 9:47
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Post Work Three Miler: 8/30
After Monday's workout, I went to the Doctor to follow up on my breathing issues. The doctor seems to think that I have developed a form of Asthma as a result of my flu. They don't think it is serious, and should eventually clear up on it's own, but in the meantime I am back on the inhalers.
Tuesday's run a little difficult because of some soreness from the previous day's workout rather than the breathing. I did 3 miles in 29:49.20 for a 9:56 pace. I am on the fourth week of my Half Marathon training plan and am scheduled to hit 18 miles for the week. Last week I got a little off plan because of the Raleigh 8000 and ended up hitting 19 miles, which combined with my cross-training, has left me a bit tired. I wouldn't go so far as to say that I am back to normal, but I am to the point where I worry about completing my runs or workout, but I am going to have to manage my rest days and pay close attention the wear on my body. Overall, I am enjoying my training and a looking forward to running the longer distances.
Today's run:
Mile 1 -- 9:57
Mile 2 -- 10:14
Mile 3 -- 9:35
Tuesday's run a little difficult because of some soreness from the previous day's workout rather than the breathing. I did 3 miles in 29:49.20 for a 9:56 pace. I am on the fourth week of my Half Marathon training plan and am scheduled to hit 18 miles for the week. Last week I got a little off plan because of the Raleigh 8000 and ended up hitting 19 miles, which combined with my cross-training, has left me a bit tired. I wouldn't go so far as to say that I am back to normal, but I am to the point where I worry about completing my runs or workout, but I am going to have to manage my rest days and pay close attention the wear on my body. Overall, I am enjoying my training and a looking forward to running the longer distances.
Today's run:
Mile 1 -- 9:57
Mile 2 -- 10:14
Mile 3 -- 9:35
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Post Hurricane Six Miler: 8/28
Umstead park was closed this weekend because of Hurricane Irene. However, like many other folks in the area, I didn't let this stop me from heading into the park for my Sunday run. The park was full of runners and bikers as usual, and other than a few down branches and washouts the park seemed to get through Irene fairly well. My run went fairly well considering I had just run an 8k race the day before and that my longest runs for July and August were two five milers I had done that week.
I was a bit nervous that going for 6 miles so quickly might be pushing myself too hard, but I became more comfortable with the idea as I ran. I feel as though my recovery is getting better, but my lingering breathing problems make it hard to deny that I might be dealing with a mild form of asthma. My legs felt good throughout my run, but I had periods of time where my oxygen intake seemed off. Luckily, my breathing was much improved from my last run in Umstead. However, the most important thing about this run was that with it's completion, I am not hitting all the goal for my train schedule.
6 mile in 1:09:56.45 for 11:39 pace.
1 10:47
2 12:08
3 12:23
4 11:40
5 10:19
6 12:34
I was a bit nervous that going for 6 miles so quickly might be pushing myself too hard, but I became more comfortable with the idea as I ran. I feel as though my recovery is getting better, but my lingering breathing problems make it hard to deny that I might be dealing with a mild form of asthma. My legs felt good throughout my run, but I had periods of time where my oxygen intake seemed off. Luckily, my breathing was much improved from my last run in Umstead. However, the most important thing about this run was that with it's completion, I am not hitting all the goal for my train schedule.
6 mile in 1:09:56.45 for 11:39 pace.
1 10:47
2 12:08
3 12:23
4 11:40
5 10:19
6 12:34
Monday, August 29, 2011
8 Days of Workouts and Runs Come to an End -- 8/25
The Raleigh 8000 looked bleak for a while. Last weekends runs were soul crushers and left me riddled with doubt. I workout and ran for eight straight days in hopes of getting close to a acceptable fitness level so that I might complete the race. By Wednesday night, I still was suffering from massive self doubt and hoping that Hurricane Irene would cause the run to be canceled. I've never before felt like this before an event. That night I shared my dread with Hiroko, and she told me "don't worry, come race day you'll start feeling excited. It might hurt a lot, but you finish the race, and it will help you get your confidence back." Immediately, I started to feel better. Her faith in me steadied my nerves and helped me to relax.
Thursday morning, I forced myself to get up early and run the 5 mile training run on my half marathon training schedule. The run wasn't good or bad. It was just a run, and I tried to focus on my music and the predawn city and not worry about my lungs or legs. The miles clipped of rather quickly and I felt like for the first time that I might be getting back on track. By the last mile, I thought that it just be time to post this song on my blog enjoy:
Back in black,
I hit the sack,
I've been too long I'm glad to be back,
Yes I'm let loose,
From the noose,
That's kept me hanging about.
I've been looking at the sky,
'Cause it's gettin' me high,
Forget the hearse 'cause I never die.
I got nine lives,
Cat's eyes,
Abusin' every one of them and running wild.
'Cause I'm back,
Yes, I'm back,
Well, I'm back,
Yes, I'm back,
Well, I'm back, back,
Well, I'm back in black,
Yes, I'm back in black . . . .
5 miles 52:17.15 10:27
1 10:47
2 9:54
3 10:41
4 10:37
5 10:15
Thursday morning, I forced myself to get up early and run the 5 mile training run on my half marathon training schedule. The run wasn't good or bad. It was just a run, and I tried to focus on my music and the predawn city and not worry about my lungs or legs. The miles clipped of rather quickly and I felt like for the first time that I might be getting back on track. By the last mile, I thought that it just be time to post this song on my blog enjoy:
Back in black,
I hit the sack,
I've been too long I'm glad to be back,
Yes I'm let loose,
From the noose,
That's kept me hanging about.
I've been looking at the sky,
'Cause it's gettin' me high,
Forget the hearse 'cause I never die.
I got nine lives,
Cat's eyes,
Abusin' every one of them and running wild.
'Cause I'm back,
Yes, I'm back,
Well, I'm back,
Yes, I'm back,
Well, I'm back, back,
Well, I'm back in black,
Yes, I'm back in black . . . .
5 miles 52:17.15 10:27
1 10:47
2 9:54
3 10:41
4 10:37
5 10:15
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Afterwork Run that Didn't Suck: 8/23
This run didn't suck, but I was nothing to brag about. I didn't have to stop and walk, but I wanted to at times. However, I was able to muddle through. Nothing about this run that would make me think that The Raleigh 8000 was going to be anything but a total shit show like the one below:
My Run:
3 miles 30:27.75 10:09 pace
Mile 1: 10:01
Mile 2: 10:12
Mile 3: 10:15
My Run:
3 miles 30:27.75 10:09 pace
Mile 1: 10:01
Mile 2: 10:12
Mile 3: 10:15
Thursday, August 25, 2011
A Bad Day Running is Better Than Dealing With a Dystopian Life Clock (8/21)
Is my life clock blinking red? Honestly, fed up with feeling like hell when I run. To say this run sucked is a vast understatement. I went out to Umstead for the first time in God know. And it was a total shit show. I planned on running 5, but that was pure fantasy. The first mile was alright, but right around mile two everything went to hell. My legs kept moving, but I was running on a glorious combination of personal pride and stupidity. By 2.6 miles, I actually felt dizzy and had to stop. On the way back, I was just hoping that I didn't fall down, and I stopped again at 3.3 mile. I only used one of my inhalers prior to this run, which was just effin' stupid! At four miles, I finally wised up and called it a day and walked back to my car. Meh!
4 miles in 44:22.78 (minus the stops) for 11:06 pace
1 10:26.49
2 11:17.03
3 12:06.95
4 10:32.04
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
A Bad Day Running is Better Than Dealing With The Guy Who's Clearly Hiding a Zombie Bite (8/20)
No idea what is up with me recently, maybe I've been bitten by zombies? No, idea. But my recent runs have been a struggle. I don't feel as much constriction as I had in the past, but something is clearly off with my breathing. Saturday, I tried to run without hitting my inhalers before the run. Mistake. I felt like rubbish by the second mile and had to stop in the middle of the second mile. I paused old Bob so the times below only reflect the time that I ran. The odd thing is that I am not coughing, wheezing, or gasping for air. I just feel like I am not taking in enough oxygen. One good thing is that the weather here has been just awesome, so at least there is that.
Mile 1 9:56.03
Mile 2 10:01.69
mile 3 10:48.02
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)