So the weeks are flying by and before I know it I will be toeing the line in Philly with all this training behind me. I'll be ready to run 26.2 miles in under 3 hours. It still seems a ways off at the point but I've already been in training mode for over a month now.
So it is rare for a training plan to be completed as it is outlined. The same is holding true this time. This past week I only ran 3 of my planned 6 days but it was not for a lack of desire. Due to pushing it so damn hard during last weekends Ragnar, I had some aches that required some time off to heal. The times I did run, however, I found it easier than ever to maintain a low 7 average. I'm feeling stronger and stronger each time out. Then I had a surprising long run.
I ran last night and went hiking this morning. My plan was to take today off. That WAS my plan but I decided to go buy a new pair of running shoes. The ones I have are causing some calf pain because that is all I'm running in. They are more of a short mileage or race shoe. So I had decided to get a pair that are just a step up from the low profiles. I tried and tried to dislike the ones I bought but just couldn't change how good they felt. They are Nike's and I've always been against Nike. I always either get blisters or injuries from Nike's but these are just awesome. I took them out for a casual 10 miler and they feel great. Just what I was looking for when I went out looking for a new pair. It is always great to be out on a run and just feel great with every step. Then I took a wrong step. There was a good looking girl running towards me with an amazing smile and eyes. As a chipmunk ran across the path, I looked over at it and turned back to smile at the girl and took a bad step in stride and really twisted my ankle. I did not notice the pain until the girl had passed and we exchanged smiles. Then the pain set in. I was 5 miles from home and it hurt to walk. Stretching all I could, I tried to work it out. After a few test steps and strides, I gave it a go. Slowly, the pain went away and I was off running again. That was a scare but it was as if it never happened now and I was back in stride running low 7's with ease. The body is amazing at what it can do and how it can heal itself. Any other day, I would have been limping back home walking instead of running. I was able to forget about it and just get back to enjoying the run. I sure do love this!
I'm going to try to get back to building some miles since I've been sidetracked recently. We'll see how my ankle and calves hold up but I think I should be ok. 11 weeks and counting. The weather is getting cooler with this being my favorite time of the year to run. Bring on Fall, this guy is ready. Lots of miles to go but I'm feeling better and better.
See ya out there...
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Week 4 begins and post Ragnar
Wow, time is flying by! I just finished the Great River Ragnar this past weekend and it was a blast! I had to go with one of the longer legs as usual but did not really mind the miles. They used to really kill me but a 7 mile leg is almost nice and easy now. That is so crazy to read and believe it at the same time. I've been dealing with what seems to be shin splints. I was told they were not but I'm going with they are. My new shoes, and emphasis on my form has been working my calves more. I'm thinking that's all it is. It goes away so I'm not going to worry for now. Anyway, here was my Ragnar experience....
The team was awesome and so much fun. Our journey took us from Winona, into WI and up the Mississippi to around River Falls area, then west to Minneapolis. I was in the second vehicle (Motor Cade 2 because we were a secret service team) and ran leg 2. It's nice to not be 1 so you can really focus to get ready and have a better feel for when it's your turn. If you have never done a Ragnar (or relay similar), I highly encourage you to do so. Not only is it as competitive as you wish, but the team part of it all makes it such an amazing experience. We did not make the start but did cheer on Motor Cade 1 and their first few runners. Our destination was the first major exchange where we would take over for MC1 so they could go ahead to eat and rest before it was their turn again.
My first leg was 5.2 miles. It was kinda hilly but a good one to get started on. I tried to keep in mind that I had many miles between my next two legs and did not want to kill my legs. I think I did well with holding back some and not killing myself. The hills were pretty tough as the weather was the main thing we had to battle. It felt like it was in the 90's with very high humidity. I was conservative but did kind of pick it up a bunch the last couple miles.
My second leg was not as enjoyable as my first. My shin splints really kicked in on the later part of this 9.2 miler but my feet decided to follow suit as well. I was not feeling the greatest after this leg and it is always my favorite. It was raining some and that made it better. I was dead tired and ready to crash. We went to the our next major exchange and I got some needed rest!
The team was awesome and so much fun. Our journey took us from Winona, into WI and up the Mississippi to around River Falls area, then west to Minneapolis. I was in the second vehicle (Motor Cade 2 because we were a secret service team) and ran leg 2. It's nice to not be 1 so you can really focus to get ready and have a better feel for when it's your turn. If you have never done a Ragnar (or relay similar), I highly encourage you to do so. Not only is it as competitive as you wish, but the team part of it all makes it such an amazing experience. We did not make the start but did cheer on Motor Cade 1 and their first few runners. Our destination was the first major exchange where we would take over for MC1 so they could go ahead to eat and rest before it was their turn again.
My first leg was 5.2 miles. It was kinda hilly but a good one to get started on. I tried to keep in mind that I had many miles between my next two legs and did not want to kill my legs. I think I did well with holding back some and not killing myself. The hills were pretty tough as the weather was the main thing we had to battle. It felt like it was in the 90's with very high humidity. I was conservative but did kind of pick it up a bunch the last couple miles.
My second leg was not as enjoyable as my first. My shin splints really kicked in on the later part of this 9.2 miler but my feet decided to follow suit as well. I was not feeling the greatest after this leg and it is always my favorite. It was raining some and that made it better. I was dead tired and ready to crash. We went to the our next major exchange and I got some needed rest!
My third leg was late morning and was listed as 6.2 miles. I was pumped for this one because it had some downhill and it should be a breeze. I had no idea what was in store. Warming up there was a guy wearing a "USATF RACE TEAM" jersey. They don't just give those out to anybody. It was an elite team with very fast guys blowing through the field since they started so much later than everybody else. I have only been passed one time (also called a suicide) and was not wanting another. He started after me and had about a quarter mile lead when I took off. I was safe but started to feel really good and after a 6:21 first mile I wondered if I could catch him. Next mile, 6:14. I decided I was going to try to run him down! Next mile 5:58 and I was feeling great. Needless to say, I did not catch him but I did really close that quarter mile gap to maybe 10 seconds or so. It was fun and a great way to end my running for the weekend.
I took Sunday and Monday off. Monday I did see my chiropractor, acupuncturist, and got an hour massage. I thought it was the least I could do for my body holding up like it did and has been. Now it's back to training and another Ragnar 4 weeks away. Napa should be awesome but I have a lot to focus on in the next few weeks. Lot's of miles and I'm doing my own program instead of the Runner's World one. I'll use some of it but need some other areas tweaked.
That's all for now. See ya out there!
Monday, August 8, 2011
Week 2 starts
My beginning of the week training summary put something into perspective. It said, "after this week it is 14 weeks until the race." One week into a 4 month program and a comment like that really brings it to light that this thing is going to be over before I know it. Speaking of that, my first week is behind me.
I had a couple of first's last week. I had my first schedule change when I moved my off day from Friday to Thursday and ran Friday morning instead. I also had my first skipped run. I barely EVER skip anything while in training so that is truly rare. Don't expect to see much more of that. My first week just seemed like I was not ready mentally. I was feeling disconnected in different areas of life and training was just another stressor to add to it when I was not ready. Then I had my first long run last night. Who knew a 10 miler could have the affect it did so early on. I ran late and it was after 5 hours in the car. I just felt ready, though, and it showed in my run. The sun was going down and I was a few miles in when it all just seemed to feel right. My pace was steady and effortless. I just felt like I was floating through the run. I also noticed a sense of clarity that started to come over me as I thought about...nothing. I was just enjoying the run for what it was. The night was welcoming me with open arms to allow me to reconnect to myself. It is how I feel a lot of times when I run and just reminded me why I do what I do and love every step of it. Most people have a place where they just feel at peace and out on a run like last night is mine. It just brings things back into focus and everything else in life just flows.
So I'm entering week 2 in the right mindset and ready to do this more than ever. I am so confident and excited to start ticking off one week after another. It only gets harder but I'm ready for the challenges that are going to be awaiting me in the weeks ahead.
See ya out there...
I had a couple of first's last week. I had my first schedule change when I moved my off day from Friday to Thursday and ran Friday morning instead. I also had my first skipped run. I barely EVER skip anything while in training so that is truly rare. Don't expect to see much more of that. My first week just seemed like I was not ready mentally. I was feeling disconnected in different areas of life and training was just another stressor to add to it when I was not ready. Then I had my first long run last night. Who knew a 10 miler could have the affect it did so early on. I ran late and it was after 5 hours in the car. I just felt ready, though, and it showed in my run. The sun was going down and I was a few miles in when it all just seemed to feel right. My pace was steady and effortless. I just felt like I was floating through the run. I also noticed a sense of clarity that started to come over me as I thought about...nothing. I was just enjoying the run for what it was. The night was welcoming me with open arms to allow me to reconnect to myself. It is how I feel a lot of times when I run and just reminded me why I do what I do and love every step of it. Most people have a place where they just feel at peace and out on a run like last night is mine. It just brings things back into focus and everything else in life just flows.
So I'm entering week 2 in the right mindset and ready to do this more than ever. I am so confident and excited to start ticking off one week after another. It only gets harder but I'm ready for the challenges that are going to be awaiting me in the weeks ahead.
See ya out there...
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Training begin'eth!
16 weeks and 737.2 miles sounds like a lot! I knocked 4 miles out yesterday so I guess I'm down to 733.2 and 4 miles to do tonight so I'm under 730 now! I'll be done before I know it. I did have my first difficult run right out the gate though. I have been feeling great and after the Warrior Dash I was ready to rock this program. My first run, last night, was an easy 4 miles at a target pace of 7:36. I'm just calling it 7:30's. That seems to be my standard pace for most my runs that first part of my program. Boy, my legs sure did feel sluggish and at points the pace seemed a little fast. I blame in on the humidity...and poor diet. I have not been eating like I normally do and will be remedying that real fast. Needless to say, as with any program, there are always tough runs and I'll just chalk last night up to humidity and a long weekend. I'm excited to get out and hammer tonight's 4 miles and see if I notice a difference.
Some big races coming up too! I have the Ragnar (MN) in a couple of weeks. The Torchlight 5k has been rescheduled so I'll be actually running that baby hard instead of chilling since I'm now in training mode. I have another Ragnar (Napa Valley) in September and am really looking forward to that. Plus some random races and a half or two before the big run in Philly in November. So much excitement coming up.
So, I'm off for run #2 and will be checking back in periodically. See ya out there!
Some big races coming up too! I have the Ragnar (MN) in a couple of weeks. The Torchlight 5k has been rescheduled so I'll be actually running that baby hard instead of chilling since I'm now in training mode. I have another Ragnar (Napa Valley) in September and am really looking forward to that. Plus some random races and a half or two before the big run in Philly in November. So much excitement coming up.
So, I'm off for run #2 and will be checking back in periodically. See ya out there!
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