Does 2=1?

Woke up to my alarm at 4am, hoped out of bed, put on my gear and took one step outside. I really don't have too many issues with running in the elements, but this morning was a bit too much to attempt for me. With the blowing and howling snow, I knew that 16 miles would be a bit too risky. So, I crawled back into bed (nice!) and reset the alarm for 5:30 to hit the gym's indoor track. My plan was to split up my long run into two sessions. I'm not sure if this defeats the purpose or not, but it is the best I can do. I also decided to add two miles to the total.

Morning Session Stats:

Mileage: 9.00
Time/Pace: 1:24:25/9:23
Avg HR: 144

Hopefully, my day will cooperate with me and I can get 9 more in this evening.

January Thaw and Intense Flooding

I woke up this morning at 5am to get in a run before work. Today's work schedule looked to be a fun one. The plan was to walk a creek bed, doing some visual recon for a project at work. What I experienced was a bit different than what I had in mind, monsoon-like rains, flash flooding, washed out roads,etc. The picture shown here, is of a truck driving through a flooded road, my Toyota would never had made it. Schools closed early, roads closed, what a fun day!

Other than that, a great day to run. I've written about how much I enjoy a bit of rain for my run and this morning didn't disappoint. I was able to get rid of one of my 3 winter layer and probably could have gone with just one layer. No hood, no hat, just some good running!

Mileage: 6.00
Time/Pace: 55:40/9:16
Avg HR: 158
T/W: 42, rain

20 Miles = DNF

Yep, DNF as in DID NOT FINISH. Why? Poor planning. Weather was looking good today, except for the 20+MPH winds. I knew this BEFORE running, and yet ignored it. DUH! UGH!! STUPID!!! The winds were out of the west, so logic would suggest to run more of a north/south route, but SILLY ME, I ran 10 miles east and then tried, TRIED to run back 10 miles directly into the wind, again, DUH!!

The first 10 rolled off very well, Splits: 9:28, 9:28, 9:34, 9:22, 9:27, 9:33, 9:33, 9:31, 9:36, 9:36.
The turn into the wind, DUH(!!). I was able to hold it together somewhat for the first mile: 10:06, but then, UGH (!!!) 10:30, 10:46, 11:01, 12:01, 11:58....and then FORGET IT!!

Mileage: 16.52
Time/Pace: 2:47:46/10:09
AVG HR: 157
W/T: 33 (22 WC), windy (!!)

Quite disappointed with myself today, because of my poor planning. I should have been able to complete this distance. Next time...

Bailing on Today's Run

I woke up with every intention of getting out for a run today. I was half dressed and then mistakenly checked the temperature, 19F, -1F Wind Chill. I was already cold getting ready, so I chickened out. I just got done reading Anton Krupicka's blog about running in the cold and now I just feel like a wimp. Oh well....there's always tomorrow.

I ordered a foot pod today, that will sync to my Garmin GPS watch and allow me to track my mileage while on a treadmill. I even paid the extra $20 for next day delivery. Have I become a slave to my gadgets?!?

1600x2

More speed work this morning...

I was a bit skeptical about running outside today because of the high winds. I wasn't sure how my gear was going to hold up. I was pleasantly surprised, I was warm the entire time and even though half of the time I was running into a strong head wind (gusts of 25 mph) I still successfully completed today's run.

Mile 1: 7:35
Mile 2: 7:34

Totals:

Mileage: 5.49
Time/Pace: 51:24/9:21
Avg HR: 154
Temp: 27 (19 wind chill)

Slightly Different Strategy for Today

In my past few runs, I just went with whatever my body was giving me. I noticed that my avg heart rate was higher as a result. Today I tried to stick with in my target rate (145-155) for the entire run. Easier said than done, especially with all of the rolling hills.

Mileage: 5.00
Time/Pace: 46:19/9:16
Avg HR: 153
Elevation Gain: 675
Temp: 34

I love running in this colder weather. Being a running gear nerd, I love taking out my Under Armour cold gear. Can't wait to try other cool cold gear stuff!

Hello Winter!

Today I stepped out for a run and wouldn't you know, it was 41 degrees! Nice! After a pretty lame summer, it appears winter is just around the corner. I still had an enjoyable run, but I was wearing a snow hat and gloves. Oh well....

Mileage: 6.00
Time/Pace: 1:01:42/10:17
Avg HR: 152

And for Tuesday's run...

Mileage: 3.00
Time/Pace: 28:05/9:22
Avg HR: 148

I skipped Wednesday, due to work so I will run Friday as well.

Oh...So THIS is What Summer Should Feel Like

I think we actually had a "normal" summer day. Mid-eighties, hot, humid, a thunderstorm, etc. I did an evening 10-miler and....WHEW...it was the absolute toughest run I ever did. My numbers tell the story. It was humid, and I felt like I had to work twice as hard as usual. I really wanted to give up a few times, but I was able to dig down, deep, deep, down and finish it. The numbers are nothing to be proud of, but I think the experience of running in these conditions will prove to be valuable. I can now say that I've done it and can draw from that the next time I encounter similar situations.

Mileage: 10.00
Time/Pace: 1:50:18/11:02
Avg Heart Rate: 159

Temp: 82
Weather: Partly Sunny, Intense Humidity, Wind

For the Birds

I do love running in the rain, but come on, what's the deal? Where's the summer?!? The only company I had were some geese. (No biting this time!) Nice run today, regardless. Pain check...doing okay, nothing major to report. My shins seem to be holding up and tomorrow they will get some rest with a scheduled cross training day.

Mileage: 4.00

Time/Pace: 37:21/9:20
Avg Heart Rate: 151

Temp: 66
Weather: Rain

El Nino?!?

Is this summer? Stepping outside today I was rudely shocked by almost fall like conditions. I briefly thought about going back in to grab a long sleeve shirt. It is pretty weird how mild it has been this summer. I suppose I shouldn't complain. This cooler weather has been a blessing for me, as I haven't suffered through exhausting heat while run. Still weird...

Today's run was a 5 mile Fartlek with a warm up and cool down mile. Over the past few weeks, I feel as though I have been holding back a bit and running with some caution. Today I tried to kick it up a bit. Looking at my previous Fartlek (two weeks ago), I am pleasantly surprised with the stats. I completed the same distance almost 8 minutes faster and at a heart rate of 4 beats slow. A small victory for me, but I'll take it, because it shows me progress.

Also, my weight continues to go down. I have broken through 220 on my way to 180. Still a lot of work to do here, but heading in the right direction.

Mileage: 7.00
Time/Pace: 1:07:42/9:40
Avg Heart Rate: 153

Temp: 59
Weather: Sunny, Cool

My Wife Thinks I'm Crazy

So what's a little rain? I was getting ready for my run today, and my wife looked at me like I was nuts. It was raining pretty good. I actually look forward to days like this. The rain is refreshing and it is a bit more challenging. I feel as though I accomplish a bit more on these days by overcoming an additional obstacle. Here's another example...last night, I was surfing the 'net looking at winter running gear. Am I a glutton for punishment? Am I truly crazy?

The run started with just a sprinkle. About a mile into it, the sky opened up and poured, as though it was trying to wash me away into the river. As I ran past parked cars full of people trying to keep dry, here I was running, embracing everything Mother Nature was throwing at me. I could hear what they were saying to each other, "Look at that fool!" or "Someone forgot to check the weather report!" I felt like Lt. Dann, on the Jenny with Forrest Gump, fighting the hurricane. Okay, maybe it wasn't that dramatic, but I was inspired and picked up my pace a bit.

Mileage: 3.00
Time/Pace: 27:23/9:07
Avg Heart Rate: 151

Temp: 70
Weather: Rain

Rainy Day Run

I ran in the rain today. Actually pretty enjoyable, even though I was soaked by the end. Tomorrow Jog for the Jake.


Temp: 63
Weather: Steady Rain

Time/Pace: 28:46/9:36
Weight: 226.4lbs