Ah....Spring....

Awesome day! What a change from Tuesday's sleet and wind. Of course, the first nice day brings everyone out of hiding, including the "crazies". My hotel in Binghamton (where I work during the week) is downtown. I had the streets to myself all winter long, but today was an entirely different experience. There are some nicer section of the city, but those seem to be the exception. There was the guy I passed somewhere around my second mile, cheering as I ran by yelling "You can do it! Only 80 miles to go!" Next the fleet of seniors seemingly racing their HoverRound's down the street. The obligatory mother with small child in tow, baby daddy yelling at her as she walked away. Very entertaining!

On to the run. A bit warm, but I certainly won't complain. My body felt a bit sluggish, a bit because of the sudden temperature increase but also just because of general tiredness. I've been chasing sleep all week, and I will sleep until at least 7am tomorrow! Yes, I know, what a luxury!

Mileage: 8.00
Time/Pace:1:13:05/9:08
Avg HR: 159
T/W: 77/sunny, wind

Aching 8

Today's run was tough. My body was quite sore at the start, and didn't get much looser. I fought through it, but it sure did feel good to stop. I know we all have days like this, but it is still frustrating, especially since I have been feeling great about my runs lately. My pace suffered as a result of this soreness, the hills didn't help either. To put the hills in perspective, on Sunday I ran 13 miles and had a total elevation gain of 202 ft, while today's 8 miles had a gain of 418. Don't get me wrong, I'm only partially complaining. I love what I've accomplished so far, and am looking to do even more. I take a twisted joy in punishing my body through these hills and feel great at the top. This struggle, this internal battle with myself, is what keeps me going; that and the fact I blog to all of you out there and I wouldn't want to let you down now!

Mileage: 8.00
Time/Pace: 1:16:33/9:34
Avg HR: 156

Weekend Runs

Nothing exciting to report, just my weekend runs....

Saturday
Mileage: 6.00
Time/Pace: 53:08/8:51
Avg HR: 154

Sunday
Mileage: 8.00
Time/Pace: 1:16:32/9:34
Avg HR: 147

Another week of fun ahead...

Beware: Man Wielding Plunger

So I had to go back to Binghamton for work on Sunday evening. I got in around 8 and decided that I just had to get a run in. I had an 11-miler on schedule. I knew I wouldn't do that much, but tried to get in as much as possible. It was past 8pm and dark, so stuck to the main and well-lit roads. Another great run in 40 degree weather.

I must caution all of you though as to the perils of night running. BEWARE OF MAN ON BIKE WITH PLUNGER. He is a fierce night creature. He prefers a super force cup and an old-fashioned wooden handle. WARNING!!! DO NOT APPROACH THIS MAN FROM BEHIND. Even though he may have passed you mere seconds ago, he may just stop, forget you were behind him and as you approach, he may raise his street weapon to deter you from attacking him. This creature, while easily spooked, will soon retreat, when it realizes that you aren't after his goodies, just interested in burning some calories on a nice fall evening.

Mileage: 8.00
Time/Pace: 1:20:25/10:03
Avg HR: 144

Hey Fatty, Have Another Bag of M&M's

One of the reasons I got into running was to drop weight. My big problem has always been my food consumption. I don't eat for nutrition or fuel, I eat for the flavor, texture, and sheer pleasure. I love the anticipation of that first bite, the full feeling of gorging on a delicious pizza or two. I can eat a 2lb bag of Peanut M&M's in one sitting. Bag chips? No problem! A Mighty Pack (4 burritos from Might Taco), yeah, for an afternoon snack!

I had been watching what I eat for awhile, but recently got back into the bad habits. One of my classic moves is what I call the Fast Food Trifecta. Let me explain...breakfast, McDonald's, Two Egg McMuffins, Hash Brown, and a Sausage Burrito, but I temper all of that caloric intake with a large Diet Coke. Lunch...Wendy's Spicy Chicken Sandwich and Large Fries w/more Diet Coke (Wendy's fries are the best!) Dinner...If Burger's have a King, I'm at least the prince! A double Whopper (with cheese, hold the pickle, please) Meal. Now of course everyday isn't like that, but it is so easy to get into this or a similar pattern.

So, I got on the scale this morning and, wouldn't you know I was up 6lbs from the last time I weighed myself 16 days ago. Yikes! What does this mean? Well, more running and some duct tape over my lips. Maybe even some electro shock therapy or a support group. Do they have Hey Dummy Stop Eating Like Shit Anonymous (HDSELSA)? Say that, it actually is catchy H-D- SELSA (kind of like salsa). Mmmmmm....salsa....chips....fiesta.....Mexican .....ole! See....I just did it again!

Anyway...my run....

Today's run was fantastic! I am loving this weather, it is perfect to run in. I did 8 miles and felt super the whole time. My shins are sore, but what should I expect, carrying an extra 35lbs or so. You can try to tell me to rest, I dare you!

Mileage: 8.00
Time/Pace: 1:17:20/9:40
Avg HR: 149