My log for this past week follows. It can also be found on running2win, thanks to MF's tip. (It really is a great tool, MF. Thanks for that one.)
Sat - 12M (long run for the week)
Sun - Off
Mon - Off (swollen ankle)
Tues - 9.19M (hills)
Wed - 5.09M
Thur - 4.68M trail run in morning (the square tails were terrible, and I swallowed one.)
2M tempo run at 7:30 pace w/ 3M wu/cd in evening
Fri - Off
Sat - 13.82M long run
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Sugar Peas and Lettuce
I am currently getting myself motivated to go on a long run.............Yup, so I've actually been able to log some good miles this summer, sometimes motivated by the fact that if I stop, blood-sucking insects will try to kill me. That being said, 12 weeks really is not "cramming" per say, for a marathon. It's not exactly like you've been sitting around on a couch eating potato chips and just watching people on TV with 50 pounds of padding and gear get physical activity in your stead. You'll be fine! Glad the new shoes are working out for you.
I'm a huge fan of my New Balance 730s, another minimalist shoe, which apparently is not designed for the sharp rock edges and malicious branches and thorns encountered during orienteering races, but are otherwise quite hardy. They're basically just a thin flexible rubber sole, with a thin layer of cloth that wraps around the dorsum of the foot. (Unfortunately, the sparing use of material in these shoes was not reflected in the price.) I've been using them since May and don't see myself ever going back to regular thick-soled running shoes. Wearing them feels like running in bare feet, only with protection. In other words, I don't think about my shoes when I run anymore; it's great!
I've started recording my training on an online running log called running2win, which I've never done before, but has helped me be more consistent in writing down what I'm doing. It's worth checking out if pen and paper just aren't cutting it for you. There are some other more basic online logs out there as well.
In addition to logging steady run miles and the all-important weekly long run, I've been doing a long interval work-out once a week, hill workouts, and a weekly tempo run. Yessir, my marathon training is off and running!
GB, where is my half-eaten lollipop?
I'm a huge fan of my New Balance 730s, another minimalist shoe, which apparently is not designed for the sharp rock edges and malicious branches and thorns encountered during orienteering races, but are otherwise quite hardy. They're basically just a thin flexible rubber sole, with a thin layer of cloth that wraps around the dorsum of the foot. (Unfortunately, the sparing use of material in these shoes was not reflected in the price.) I've been using them since May and don't see myself ever going back to regular thick-soled running shoes. Wearing them feels like running in bare feet, only with protection. In other words, I don't think about my shoes when I run anymore; it's great!
I've started recording my training on an online running log called running2win, which I've never done before, but has helped me be more consistent in writing down what I'm doing. It's worth checking out if pen and paper just aren't cutting it for you. There are some other more basic online logs out there as well.
In addition to logging steady run miles and the all-important weekly long run, I've been doing a long interval work-out once a week, hill workouts, and a weekly tempo run. Yessir, my marathon training is off and running!
GB, where is my half-eaten lollipop?
Friday, July 20, 2012
On cramming
It has been a long time since I have crammed for exams. I recall the long hours at night spent perspiring over poorly-written term papers and power-point presentations which had no business being put off. Every finals week found me doubled over my desk into the wee hours of the morning, hopped up on coffee and sugar-filled snacks, attempting to study all of the finer points of Hildegard von Bingen vs. Glenn Gould counterpoint, and other analyses useless to every musician on the face of the Earth. Those are by-gone days. Yes, now I have discovered a new form of procrastination; preparing for a road race. With the Baltimore Marathon looming on the ever-approaching horizon, I find myself with only 12 weeks to train in earnest before the pistol is fired.
At the beginning of this week, I scrambled about online in search of the shortest possible marathon training schedule to be found. I found it, and it's longer than 13 weeks. So, I will be attempting to cram the remainder of a 20-week schedule into the next 12 weeks. I like to think that I have a good head start on it by ramping up my base mileage over the last couple of months, but at this point, if I cross the finish line at Camden Yards, I'll be a happy camper, regardless of time.
So, here is what I have accomplished in the last couple of weeks (thanks to the accountability of a new running partner).
7/9 - 7 miles
7/11 - 3 mile ladder, average 7:30 pace
7/12 - 6 miles
7/13 - 4 mile tempo run
7/15 - 4 miles
7/17 - 6 miles
7/18 - 4 mile ladder, average 7:30 pace
7/19 - 6 miles w/ hills
7/20 - 3 mile trail run
tomorrow - 10 miles
Also, I have a couple races lined up to run in the next couple of months.
http://dvoa.org/info/maps/mapit.php?map_id=40&sked_id=834 (I'm addicted)
http://www.northshoreymca.org/pages/18862_around_cape_ann_25k.cfm (this should be a good litmus for marathon progress, I think.)
http://www.warriordash.com/register2012_connecticut.php (since I can't do the Spartan race this is a less-upper-body-taxing alternative with a friend.)
At the beginning of this week, I scrambled about online in search of the shortest possible marathon training schedule to be found. I found it, and it's longer than 13 weeks. So, I will be attempting to cram the remainder of a 20-week schedule into the next 12 weeks. I like to think that I have a good head start on it by ramping up my base mileage over the last couple of months, but at this point, if I cross the finish line at Camden Yards, I'll be a happy camper, regardless of time.
So, here is what I have accomplished in the last couple of weeks (thanks to the accountability of a new running partner).
7/9 - 7 miles
7/11 - 3 mile ladder, average 7:30 pace
7/12 - 6 miles
7/13 - 4 mile tempo run
7/15 - 4 miles
7/17 - 6 miles
7/18 - 4 mile ladder, average 7:30 pace
7/19 - 6 miles w/ hills
7/20 - 3 mile trail run
tomorrow - 10 miles
Also, I have a couple races lined up to run in the next couple of months.
http://dvoa.org/info/maps/mapit.php?map_id=40&sked_id=834 (I'm addicted)
http://www.northshoreymca.org/pages/18862_around_cape_ann_25k.cfm (this should be a good litmus for marathon progress, I think.)
http://www.warriordash.com/register2012_connecticut.php (since I can't do the Spartan race this is a less-upper-body-taxing alternative with a friend.)
Boring stuff that is slowly becoming more interesting to me...
Inspired by KFM's sudden interest and diligence in the art of running well in recent years, as well as MF and discipulus kicking my butt in numerous races, I've been working on my running posture and transitioning to a forward foot strike since June 2011. In order to aid that effort, I purchased a pair of 'minimalist' Adidas running shoes last summer, and subsequently, a pair of New Balance shoes this summer. I've never reviewed shoes before, so I will compare my last pair and new pair of running shoes at the risk of appearing 1.) like a total running dork, and 2.) like I don't really have any clue what I'm talking about from a running shoe structure standpoint. If this review gives that vibe, it's because it is true. That said, here is an honest comparison of these two running shoes based solely on personal experience.
As you can see, the Adidas shoes are well-loved. (Top shoe) They are called the Climacool 'Ride'. 'Sounds almost like the shoe does all the work for you, doesn't it? Until this month, every mile that I had run since June 2011 had been run in them, and surprisingly, they didn't do any of the work for me, but they did hold up to the strain pretty well. The soles are slightly thinner than the well-cushioned, heel-strike-encouraging shoes in which I've been running my whole life. They are also much more flexible. The sole of the shoe makes a zigzag pattern from side to side with empty space between that allows the whole shoe to twist and bend. This made for some very uncomfortable runs until I got used to it. It also allowed buoyant, 'very small rocks' to get stuck in the sole, but there is enough cushion that I didn't feel them most of the time. Despite the thin sole, there is still enough thickness under the heel to scuff the ground at the end of a long run when my feet begin to drag a little bit. These shoes were my first step toward minimalist/barefoot running, though, and the first several months spent running in them were filled with sore calves and achilles' tendons. However, through an entire year of learning to run with a foot strike more forward on my foot, I had no injuries, and my feet never hurt, except that time I stubbed my toe. As someone who was a heel-striker all my life, I think these shoes provided just enough support under my heel to help me transition to a more forward posture, without scuffing a lot once I got there. They are also well-ventilated. I never got blisters in these shoes because my feet were too sweaty. The only time I did get blisters was because I didn't wear socks. 'lesson learned.
This brings me to the New Balance. (Bottom shoe) This is the Minimus MT10. This is the trail version of the regular Minimus zero drop shoes, but those tend to run a little longer and narrower and didn't fit my foot very well. These trail shoes, on the other hand, fit my feet like a glove that fits really well. They are wider at the toes and much narrower at the heel so they fit snugly around my heel and allow my toes to splay a little bit. There is a 4mm drop from heel to toe, and the sole under the ball of the foot almost feels like it's not there. It almost feels like a sock with a piece of leather on the bottom. The sole is so thin, in fact, that I can feel every pebble, half-eaten lollipop, and crack in the pavement. My foot wraps right around tree roots and larger stones. It'll take some getting used to. There is very little cushioning under the heel, so these shoes really force my posture to be more upright with a foot-strike on the ball of my foot. If my calves were sore after a week in the old shoes, I can only imagine what it would have been like to go straight to these new shoes. (I probably would have died, and someone at the Salvation Army would have gotten only slightly-worn running shoes, cheap.) Even after a year of working on my posture, I started running in these shoes three weeks ago and my calves burn after a run again. You'll notice on the Adidas that the shoe is worn around the outer ball of my foot. That's where my foot strikes the ground first and my toes splay quite a bit there. The egg-heads at New Balance figured this out and wrapped an extension of the sole around this portion of the shoe to strengthen it. They also put a neoprene strap over the top forward part of the foot to make it fit more snugly there. This really makes a difference, because it still allows my toes to splay, but the shoelace isn't the only thing holding the shoe on my foot. They also have a Vibram sole which has a reputation for being very rugged. The major drawback to these shoes, and the only reason I would recommend for someone to buy something else, if they haven't already transitioned from cushioned shoes, is the price. They are quite expensive. (Around $100) I'm not used to paying that much for running shoes, but I saw it as an investment. Actually, all of the minimalist shoes seem to be more popular now and shoe companies can charge whatever they want. Most other minimalist shoes which I tried on are similarly expensive, but none of them fit as well as these.
There you have it; my amateur take. All that said, having worked on my posture for the last year, I have noticed a major difference in mile splits over several miles, ability to run long miles under my aerobic threshold without feeling sore the next day, and the way a habitual forward foot-strike really helps running hills/trails. I won't conjecture that the shoes made all the difference, but I'm sure they helped.
Thanks for humoring me and reading to the end. Now you get a half-eaten lollipop.
As you can see, the Adidas shoes are well-loved. (Top shoe) They are called the Climacool 'Ride'. 'Sounds almost like the shoe does all the work for you, doesn't it? Until this month, every mile that I had run since June 2011 had been run in them, and surprisingly, they didn't do any of the work for me, but they did hold up to the strain pretty well. The soles are slightly thinner than the well-cushioned, heel-strike-encouraging shoes in which I've been running my whole life. They are also much more flexible. The sole of the shoe makes a zigzag pattern from side to side with empty space between that allows the whole shoe to twist and bend. This made for some very uncomfortable runs until I got used to it. It also allowed buoyant, 'very small rocks' to get stuck in the sole, but there is enough cushion that I didn't feel them most of the time. Despite the thin sole, there is still enough thickness under the heel to scuff the ground at the end of a long run when my feet begin to drag a little bit. These shoes were my first step toward minimalist/barefoot running, though, and the first several months spent running in them were filled with sore calves and achilles' tendons. However, through an entire year of learning to run with a foot strike more forward on my foot, I had no injuries, and my feet never hurt, except that time I stubbed my toe. As someone who was a heel-striker all my life, I think these shoes provided just enough support under my heel to help me transition to a more forward posture, without scuffing a lot once I got there. They are also well-ventilated. I never got blisters in these shoes because my feet were too sweaty. The only time I did get blisters was because I didn't wear socks. 'lesson learned.
This brings me to the New Balance. (Bottom shoe) This is the Minimus MT10. This is the trail version of the regular Minimus zero drop shoes, but those tend to run a little longer and narrower and didn't fit my foot very well. These trail shoes, on the other hand, fit my feet like a glove that fits really well. They are wider at the toes and much narrower at the heel so they fit snugly around my heel and allow my toes to splay a little bit. There is a 4mm drop from heel to toe, and the sole under the ball of the foot almost feels like it's not there. It almost feels like a sock with a piece of leather on the bottom. The sole is so thin, in fact, that I can feel every pebble, half-eaten lollipop, and crack in the pavement. My foot wraps right around tree roots and larger stones. It'll take some getting used to. There is very little cushioning under the heel, so these shoes really force my posture to be more upright with a foot-strike on the ball of my foot. If my calves were sore after a week in the old shoes, I can only imagine what it would have been like to go straight to these new shoes. (I probably would have died, and someone at the Salvation Army would have gotten only slightly-worn running shoes, cheap.) Even after a year of working on my posture, I started running in these shoes three weeks ago and my calves burn after a run again. You'll notice on the Adidas that the shoe is worn around the outer ball of my foot. That's where my foot strikes the ground first and my toes splay quite a bit there. The egg-heads at New Balance figured this out and wrapped an extension of the sole around this portion of the shoe to strengthen it. They also put a neoprene strap over the top forward part of the foot to make it fit more snugly there. This really makes a difference, because it still allows my toes to splay, but the shoelace isn't the only thing holding the shoe on my foot. They also have a Vibram sole which has a reputation for being very rugged. The major drawback to these shoes, and the only reason I would recommend for someone to buy something else, if they haven't already transitioned from cushioned shoes, is the price. They are quite expensive. (Around $100) I'm not used to paying that much for running shoes, but I saw it as an investment. Actually, all of the minimalist shoes seem to be more popular now and shoe companies can charge whatever they want. Most other minimalist shoes which I tried on are similarly expensive, but none of them fit as well as these.
There you have it; my amateur take. All that said, having worked on my posture for the last year, I have noticed a major difference in mile splits over several miles, ability to run long miles under my aerobic threshold without feeling sore the next day, and the way a habitual forward foot-strike really helps running hills/trails. I won't conjecture that the shoes made all the difference, but I'm sure they helped.
Thanks for humoring me and reading to the end. Now you get a half-eaten lollipop.
Friday, July 6, 2012
Ketchup
As of late, I've been much better at running than posting on this blog, so there is much to catch up on. Here goes:
U.S. Team Fundraiser Orienteering, May 20 (Green Course)Western MA 2-Day Orienteering, Event 1, May 26 (Last name on the list. You can't miss it.)
Western MA 2-Day Orienteering, Event 2, May 26 (M 21+)
Western MA 2-Day Orienteering, Event 5, May 27 (Half of the long course. My eyes were bigger than my feet, which is saying something.)
Nobscot Reservation Orienteering, June 3 (Red Course. Best race yet.)
NE Canoe-Orienteering Championships, June 24 (Medium Team. The two kayaks were our undoing.)
Aggieman Triathlon Relay, June 30 (Brothers Mac taking-back-'our'-title hopefuls. #2... sigh.)Sorry for the following vaguery (I haven't actually 'logged' anything since April), but I've "logged" roughly 28 to 35 miles most weeks with some speed drills and hills thrown in here and there. About 5 to 8 miles each of those weeks has been trail-running. There were three consecutive weeks before AT (Wisconsin don'cha know) that I logged 50+ miles. AT had a week of carrying heavy stuff around, bookended by three days and three days of intervals in the morning and light 3-mile runs in the evening.
As for upcoming events, who knows, really. As one can see, my race log has been dominated by orienteering since April (trail/bush-whack-running). Even the Aggieman running portion was off road. Hopefully I'll get a couple road races under my belt in the next couple of months to get a better idea of where my split times sit. I still have much room for improvement on the orienteering front, mostly technique when approaching and leaving checkpoints, I think, but hopefully there will be more of those in that log by the end of the summer.
Also, I just replaced my year-and-one-month-old, dilapidated running shoes with a pair of 4mm drop New Balance(s). A review is forthcoming, but so far, they fit better than most shoes I've ever worn and the heel strikes a lot less than my last pair. The Adidas shoes covered every running mile since June 2011 (approx. 1300+ miles). Those are big shoes to fill for this new pair. Not that this pair has to actually go inside of the old shoes or anything. Actually, the old pair was really no bigger than the new pair. No, I just mean that I hope they last as long.
Monday, May 7, 2012
So far, so good...
I have managed to get in some form of physical exercise at least 6 days a week for the past couple of weeks. It's still hard for me to get past the mindset that if you're not running or lifting to run, or stretching to run, you're not really getting in good training, but I'm on my way to running freedom recovery. Just wanted my training accountability partners to know that I am, in fact, doing something.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
It's a new day
The day has come for me to begin training. The moments when I'm banging my head against the anatomy and physiology walls prove to be perfect to go for runs. I come back calmer and focused without fail. Without running and that wonderful 'ol Schwinn, I would have been a lost cause this year.
5 more weeks and then FREEDOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My block 6 resolutions include beginning somewhat planned training in earnest. This morning started off with a 3.4 mile run, and then a biking commute to school.....a great reminder of just how blessed I am to enjoy spring breezes, green grass, and ocean views on a daily basis.
I'm planning on increasing my base mileage and working on core strength this next 5 weeks, and then start introducing more speed and axillary strength training.
Here we go!...
5 more weeks and then FREEDOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My block 6 resolutions include beginning somewhat planned training in earnest. This morning started off with a 3.4 mile run, and then a biking commute to school.....a great reminder of just how blessed I am to enjoy spring breezes, green grass, and ocean views on a daily basis.
I'm planning on increasing my base mileage and working on core strength this next 5 weeks, and then start introducing more speed and axillary strength training.
Here we go!...
Friday, April 13, 2012
Nottingcook Forest Orienteering Map
Just in case anyone's interested in joining me for the orienteering meet in Bow, NH next weekend, here is a link to a map of the course.
http://bow.databasespace.net/nottingcookorienteernigmap.htm
You know, just in case you want to study up before we go. 'just in case.
http://bow.databasespace.net/nottingcookorienteernigmap.htm
You know, just in case you want to study up before we go. 'just in case.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Team 'McLeod' is king of the Prospect Hill!
Despite the mis-spelling, the family name weaseled its way into the orienteering record books on Saturday. (Under 'Green' #39) MF and I now have an official orienteering course completion record of 1-1. The latter '1' was due to several careless mistakes on my part, resulting in a 'DNF'. Although, we actually did complete the course (backwards). Regardless, valuable lessons were learned during our first attempt and we regrouped to complete a longer and more difficult course shortly thereafter on the same day.
At first, the regular-ol' orienteering salt running the registration table was hesitant to allow two such inexperienced and reckless land navigators such as ourselves onto such a 'difficult' course. Even after explaining my land navigation background to him, he handed over the 'finger stick' (for checking in at checkpoints) only after issuing a warning of the impending perils we would inevitably encounter, whilst displaying obvious disapproval with his best stern countenance. (Clearly he doubted the training quality of the U.S. Military and NCAA intercollegiate track programs.) MF could have run the legs off of anyone there. (Not that that matters, but they definitely judged the proverbial book by her cover, and were surprised to see us running by in search of point 10 on the second course hours after we arrived.) She was a trooper, learning land nav on the fly, and going home in the end with the battle scars of multiple bramble patch encounters (which she licked, hands down.) She's a natural with a map and compass (not that I'm surprised). By the second half of our first course, she was already terrain associating and finding our points with little compass (or GB) aid. I know people who, after years of practice, can't do what she was doing. Straight-line distance between all 27 points (of both courses together) was roughly 5.5 miles. However, we didn't run any straight lines, and most of it was either up or down. Needless to say, in the end we were both exhausted, but it was fun regardless.The people who organized the meet, and everyone who participated, were very friendly and helpful. There were courses for all ages and ability levels. Among the participants were groups of boy scouts earning their badges, young parents with little children, members of the U.S. Orienteering Team, and men and women like that old registration-table codger who were probably pioneers of the sport back in the day. It appears to have cultivated its own subculture. All the regulars only had first names and some were asked to lend a hand at the sign-up tables when map copies ran out or someone needed a bathroom break. The weather was beautiful Saturday, although the NEOC web-site boasts that scheduled events will be held "rain or shine". More info on the sport here, and here.
Anyway, they have meets just about every week. I'm planning on doing another one (only one course, with the correct map, and finding the points in the correct order; assuming all lessons are learned) on April 21. Anyone else up for a run in the woods?
Thursday, April 5, 2012
I'm a comin!
Wowie, is that a true story?!
Anyway, sorry for the lack of posts on my part. I promise I am engaging in occasional physical activity, but I just need to get through this week before I do anything outside of infections, urine, and suprarenal glands. Looks great, y'all!
Anyway, sorry for the lack of posts on my part. I promise I am engaging in occasional physical activity, but I just need to get through this week before I do anything outside of infections, urine, and suprarenal glands. Looks great, y'all!
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Look what I found.
This looks incredible! Check it out:
http://www.newenglandorienteering.org/
It's my dream come true.
...and there's one next week in Waltham if anyone wants to join me.
http://www.newenglandorienteering.org/index.php/events-schedule/icalrepeat.detail/2012/04/07/166/54%7C55/neoc-prospect-hill
http://www.newenglandorienteering.org/
It's my dream come true.
...and there's one next week in Waltham if anyone wants to join me.
http://www.newenglandorienteering.org/index.php/events-schedule/icalrepeat.detail/2012/04/07/166/54%7C55/neoc-prospect-hill
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
It never gets old.
Driving west on RT 34 into Estes Park
Long's Peak
Sun rising on the Ten-mile Range over Lake Dillon
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Story time
Gather 'round kiddies and I'll tell you a tale from my younger days.
Way back in the Spring of aught-twelve, I sort of fell off of the running wagon, if you know what I mean. Now, back in those days, if you wanted to get somewhere, you ran. You ran to the post office, you ran to the bank, you ran to the grocery store, you ran to the gas station. If you wanted to get some place you were going, you see, you ran. Now, when I say I fell off the running wagon, that's not to be taken literally, you understand, because a running wagon just doesn't make sense. No, I mean I stopped running for some reason. Some say it was the warm snap we had that winter. Some say I just couldn't take the diet of easily digestible proteins and roughage. Some think I just couldn't take it anymore. Whatever the case may be, I stopped running for a spell. Anyway, 'come late March and I was running out of stamps and gas. So, time came to hike up my breaches and beat feet.
Now, back in those days, you understand, I liked to go fast, and sometimes running just wasn't fast enough. So, every once in a while, when the wind was right and Uncle Sam was feeling generous (which wasn't very often, you understand), I'd go skiing. Whewwwwwwwwwie. Now boy, that's what I call fast. Sometimes, I'd ski so fast, I'd come right out of my socks and leave 'em up on the hillside. Then my feet would get cold, and I'd have to climb back up the hill, in the snow, backwards in my bare feet, just to get my socks again. Anyway, this particular March in mind, I had a break from schooling (and the wind was right), and I went out to Colorado to do me some skiing. Now, back in those days, a man of my stature had difficulty seeing on top of the refrigerator.... wait a minute, now. No, that doesn't have to do with this particular story. Don't you worry about the refrigerator. Now, where was I? .... Oh yes, Colorado. Well, while I was out there, I spent a couple days in the city of 'Mile High'. No, that's not right.... Mile High City; Denver, you see. So, while I was there, I figured, 'might as well go get me some stamps. So I took off arunning. I started with my right foot, because that right knee, you see, that's my best knee. And I kept arunning until I couldn't run anymore. Now, back in those days, you understand, running a mile above sea level could take the wind out of a man, so I got near on the end of the street and I couldn't run anymore. So, I had to improvise. I kept on a-walk-running for about 3 miles. You know something? I walk-ran around an entire lake and didn't see me one post office. So, the next day I did it again. Still no post office. So I figured I'd try in the mountains.
For four days, I skied out there in the mountains. 'lost my socks about eleven times. One time, I was going so fast, and the feller beside me was going pretty fast, and well I guess we just weren't paying attention, and our skis got all jimble-jamble and I took a digger. My right shoulder got banged up pretty good. (Not like my right knee, you understand. That's my good knee.) Anyway, my schooling break came to an end and I hadn't come by any stamps. For the life of me, I don't know what people out there do for mail. So, I came back down out of the mountains and made the long trip home.
When I got home (it was a Sunday, I think), I felt pretty good. Some say it was the warm weather they were havin back home. Someone said it was on account of me havin a higher "air-ith-row-sight count". I don't know about that. I don't remember pickin one up, but I know I didn't have one before I left. Whatever the case, I felt pretty good. I ran another 3 miles the next day, and then rested my weary legs for a day. Yesterday... I mean, that Wednesday, I woke up, eager to take my shiny new air-ith-row-sight count for a spin, so I took off arunning again. You know something? I ran for an hour and a half straight and felt pretty good about it. In fact, my left knee almost gave out before I got tired. Not my right knee, you understand. That there's a good knee. Yessir, my left knee almost gave out, but my lungs never did. I'll never forget my run that day. That was a good run.
Anyway, I guess the moral is; don't fall off the running wagon or you'll run out of stamps. That's all I'm trying to say.
Way back in the Spring of aught-twelve, I sort of fell off of the running wagon, if you know what I mean. Now, back in those days, if you wanted to get somewhere, you ran. You ran to the post office, you ran to the bank, you ran to the grocery store, you ran to the gas station. If you wanted to get some place you were going, you see, you ran. Now, when I say I fell off the running wagon, that's not to be taken literally, you understand, because a running wagon just doesn't make sense. No, I mean I stopped running for some reason. Some say it was the warm snap we had that winter. Some say I just couldn't take the diet of easily digestible proteins and roughage. Some think I just couldn't take it anymore. Whatever the case may be, I stopped running for a spell. Anyway, 'come late March and I was running out of stamps and gas. So, time came to hike up my breaches and beat feet.
Now, back in those days, you understand, I liked to go fast, and sometimes running just wasn't fast enough. So, every once in a while, when the wind was right and Uncle Sam was feeling generous (which wasn't very often, you understand), I'd go skiing. Whewwwwwwwwwie. Now boy, that's what I call fast. Sometimes, I'd ski so fast, I'd come right out of my socks and leave 'em up on the hillside. Then my feet would get cold, and I'd have to climb back up the hill, in the snow, backwards in my bare feet, just to get my socks again. Anyway, this particular March in mind, I had a break from schooling (and the wind was right), and I went out to Colorado to do me some skiing. Now, back in those days, a man of my stature had difficulty seeing on top of the refrigerator.... wait a minute, now. No, that doesn't have to do with this particular story. Don't you worry about the refrigerator. Now, where was I? .... Oh yes, Colorado. Well, while I was out there, I spent a couple days in the city of 'Mile High'. No, that's not right.... Mile High City; Denver, you see. So, while I was there, I figured, 'might as well go get me some stamps. So I took off arunning. I started with my right foot, because that right knee, you see, that's my best knee. And I kept arunning until I couldn't run anymore. Now, back in those days, you understand, running a mile above sea level could take the wind out of a man, so I got near on the end of the street and I couldn't run anymore. So, I had to improvise. I kept on a-walk-running for about 3 miles. You know something? I walk-ran around an entire lake and didn't see me one post office. So, the next day I did it again. Still no post office. So I figured I'd try in the mountains.
For four days, I skied out there in the mountains. 'lost my socks about eleven times. One time, I was going so fast, and the feller beside me was going pretty fast, and well I guess we just weren't paying attention, and our skis got all jimble-jamble and I took a digger. My right shoulder got banged up pretty good. (Not like my right knee, you understand. That's my good knee.) Anyway, my schooling break came to an end and I hadn't come by any stamps. For the life of me, I don't know what people out there do for mail. So, I came back down out of the mountains and made the long trip home.
When I got home (it was a Sunday, I think), I felt pretty good. Some say it was the warm weather they were havin back home. Someone said it was on account of me havin a higher "air-ith-row-sight count". I don't know about that. I don't remember pickin one up, but I know I didn't have one before I left. Whatever the case, I felt pretty good. I ran another 3 miles the next day, and then rested my weary legs for a day. Yesterday... I mean, that Wednesday, I woke up, eager to take my shiny new air-ith-row-sight count for a spin, so I took off arunning again. You know something? I ran for an hour and a half straight and felt pretty good about it. In fact, my left knee almost gave out before I got tired. Not my right knee, you understand. That there's a good knee. Yessir, my left knee almost gave out, but my lungs never did. I'll never forget my run that day. That was a good run.
Anyway, I guess the moral is; don't fall off the running wagon or you'll run out of stamps. That's all I'm trying to say.
Friday, March 2, 2012
...and...
5 miles Wednesday
5.5 today
On another note, google didn't have any more Warrior Dash ads for me. I do have an ad for a private jet rental, though. Only $1550 for an hours rental. Where could I get in an hour?
Hope y'all have a great weekend!
5.5 today
On another note, google didn't have any more Warrior Dash ads for me. I do have an ad for a private jet rental, though. Only $1550 for an hours rental. Where could I get in an hour?
Hope y'all have a great weekend!
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
just do it
There is something to be said for that phrase. I should just get off my butt more often. Here's what I've done lately:
2 weeks ago: 5 mile runs Sunday, Wednesday, Friday
last week: 5 miles Sunday & Thursday
This week 7 miles Sunday
... I need to just do it more often. I'm always glad when I have. At least I haven't gone more than a week without a run. It's actually better than before this blog started. I know that sounds like pittance to you real athletes out there, but I am trending in a positive direction.
I do have some good motivation. April Fools Day Cherry Blossom 10 miler along the Potomac in DC. Should be lovely! I hope the cherry blossoms don't come too early this year with the crazy warm weather. I'll let y'all know how it goes.
http://cherryblossom.org/
Looking forward to the Bal'mer marathon too Hon!
Funny story. So, I keep getting ads for the Warrior Dash and other extreme races from google. I think it's because of this blog. I'll just try writing Warrior Dash a few times and see what ads pop up next.
Warrior Dash. Warrior Dash. Warrior Dash. Warrior Dash. Warrior Dash. Warrior Dash.
... I'll keep you posted on my experiment.....
Love you all! Sorry I'm so random.
2 weeks ago: 5 mile runs Sunday, Wednesday, Friday
last week: 5 miles Sunday & Thursday
This week 7 miles Sunday
... I need to just do it more often. I'm always glad when I have. At least I haven't gone more than a week without a run. It's actually better than before this blog started. I know that sounds like pittance to you real athletes out there, but I am trending in a positive direction.
I do have some good motivation. April Fools Day Cherry Blossom 10 miler along the Potomac in DC. Should be lovely! I hope the cherry blossoms don't come too early this year with the crazy warm weather. I'll let y'all know how it goes.
http://cherryblossom.org/
Looking forward to the Bal'mer marathon too Hon!
Funny story. So, I keep getting ads for the Warrior Dash and other extreme races from google. I think it's because of this blog. I'll just try writing Warrior Dash a few times and see what ads pop up next.
Warrior Dash. Warrior Dash. Warrior Dash. Warrior Dash. Warrior Dash. Warrior Dash.
... I'll keep you posted on my experiment.....
Love you all! Sorry I'm so random.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Agamenticusessicus
Fran, 'never tried the yoda thing, but then again, I've never been that flexible. It sounds excruciating. I reckon it's about time to show my racing calendar for the year. That way, y'all will know to what end(s) I'm striving. Actually, my first planned race isn't for several months, so there should be no excuse on my part to be unprepared. Here's the plan:
June 30; http://aggieman.org/
August 11; http://www.spartanrace.com/spartan-sprint-obstacle-course-race.html
... and we'll see about October 13; http://www.thebaltimoremarathon.com/ , but no promises yet.
Next year? http://www.untamedne.com/ ????
There may be other 'little' races here and there to gauge how training is coming along, but these are the benchmarks. Also, as always, the more the merrier, so if anyone wants to join me for a race or two, please do.
June 30; http://aggieman.org/
August 11; http://www.spartanrace.com/spartan-sprint-obstacle-course-race.html
... and we'll see about October 13; http://www.thebaltimoremarathon.com/ , but no promises yet.
Next year? http://www.untamedne.com/ ????
There may be other 'little' races here and there to gauge how training is coming along, but these are the benchmarks. Also, as always, the more the merrier, so if anyone wants to join me for a race or two, please do.
So, I discovered yesterday that 40 minutes of yoga is not for the weak. It looks easy. Not so easy. I hurt. The British lady tells you to balance your legs on your arms and inhaaaaaale.
Anyway, this is what I have so far for this week:
Monday: 2.4 miles tempo
Tuesday: 3.5 mile steady
Wednesday: 3.8 miles with a friend
Thursday: aforementioned yoga - 40 minutes.
Friday: yet to be determined
Hope you're all doing well! love
Anyway, this is what I have so far for this week:
Monday: 2.4 miles tempo
Tuesday: 3.5 mile steady
Wednesday: 3.8 miles with a friend
Thursday: aforementioned yoga - 40 minutes.
Friday: yet to be determined
Hope you're all doing well! love
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Massholes
Please don't take the title to imply that I condone the use of this vulgar derogative on a regular basis. However, in its own blatantly connotative way, it epitomizes MA drivers. Last Thursday, I had some free time between breakfast and work, so I went for a ride. About 10 miles out, I was skirting what little shoulder there was of the road when a string of vehicles, going in my direction, came around the corner behind me. The first few drivers did as many sensible MA drivers would; that is, drive past me without acknowledgement of my presence. That's OK. I am now used to the rush of wind that follows a car passing close by, or the feeling of my heart in my throat as side-view mirrors nearly nick my elbow. However, midway through the string of passing cars was a large pickup truck with MA plates. Instead of passing by so close that I could see what radio station was on, the driver pulled up behind me (two wheels on the dirt shoulder) so that his front bumper was very near my rear wheel, and honked his horn repeatedly. Eventually, he grew tired of this peacock display of alpha-masculinity and pulled back onto the road and past me. In addition to the obvious hazard had I slowed down, he was holding up traffic behind him. Anyway, I got his plates.
Now that that is off my chest, here's my week in review:
Wednesday: plyometrics x30 mins
Thursday: 15 mile cycle
Friday: nothing really
Saturday: 9-mile tempo run
Sunday: 4-mile, 8 min pace
Monday and Tuesday: a particularly difficult Chemistry problem set.
Today: 4-mile speed drills: 2 mile bicycle run, 2 mile lamp post drills (gradual incline/high knees, gradual decline/fartleks, flat/80% intervals, steep incline/100%)
As you can see, there were a few slack-off days there in the middle, so hopefully the upcoming week will see improvement.
Now that that is off my chest, here's my week in review:
Wednesday: plyometrics x30 mins
Thursday: 15 mile cycle
Friday: nothing really
Saturday: 9-mile tempo run
Sunday: 4-mile, 8 min pace
Monday and Tuesday: a particularly difficult Chemistry problem set.
Today: 4-mile speed drills: 2 mile bicycle run, 2 mile lamp post drills (gradual incline/high knees, gradual decline/fartleks, flat/80% intervals, steep incline/100%)
As you can see, there were a few slack-off days there in the middle, so hopefully the upcoming week will see improvement.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Just getting started
Great idea for a blog MacLeod #5! I could really use some accountability.
Disclaimer: This post is not applaud for my current laziness. Instead, I hope (*plan*) to look back on this in 2 months and see that my discipline has improved.
Last week:
After 2 hrs of ice skating on Saturday, I discovered some areas of my quads that had been hithertofore under-appreciated. Feeling uncomfortable most of the week, here's what I did:
Tuesday: Ab work-out: 60 crunches, 20 sit-ups, 30 push ups and 40 4-count flutter kicks, in batches of 20 each (Thanks to GB for this idea!)
Thursday: 5 mile run at tempo pace
Fri/Sat: stressed out over deadlines
This week:
Mon: still under deadlines
Tuesday: LOVELY 5.5 mile run in our 60+ degree day!
More to come.....
Disclaimer: This post is not applaud for my current laziness. Instead, I hope (*plan*) to look back on this in 2 months and see that my discipline has improved.
Last week:
After 2 hrs of ice skating on Saturday, I discovered some areas of my quads that had been hithertofore under-appreciated. Feeling uncomfortable most of the week, here's what I did:
Tuesday: Ab work-out: 60 crunches, 20 sit-ups, 30 push ups and 40 4-count flutter kicks, in batches of 20 each (Thanks to GB for this idea!)
Thursday: 5 mile run at tempo pace
Fri/Sat: stressed out over deadlines
This week:
Mon: still under deadlines
Tuesday: LOVELY 5.5 mile run in our 60+ degree day!
More to come.....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)