Some Rest

After my less than delightful run on Wednesday, I decided to take the next couple of days completely off. I hadn't had two consecutive days of rest since the beginning of January. I felt a bit guilty about it, but I think my body needed to rest.

Though still cold and very windy today, I was determined to get in at least 10 miles. I finished a solid 12.

Mileage: 12.00
Time/Pace: 1:36:21/8:01
Avg HR/Max HR: 149/164

A New Gym and Indoor Track

Today, I joined a new gym, primarily because it has an indoor running track. I did 12 miles on said track, only 96 laps!

Mileage: 12.00
Time/Pace: 1:44:45/8:43
Avg HR/Max HR: 141/184

12 Mile Long Run

Goal: 3 @ 10:23, 6 @ 10:13, 3 @10:03

Miles 1-3 (10:23): 10:06, 10:22, 10:21
Miles 4-9 (10:13): 10:13, 10:12, 10:12, 10:11, 10:08, 10:11
Miles 10-12 (10:03): 10:05, 10:00, 9:41

Totals
Mileage: 12.00
Time/Pace: 2:01:47/10:09
Avg HR: 134
T/W: 61, overcast, brief period of rain

It's a 1!!

I now have a 1 as the first number of my weight! I couldn't even tell you the last time this was. Very excited about this.

I rewarded myself with a nice 12-mile run this morning. It hurt! Not sure why, 12 miles is definitely well within my means, but I struggled during the second half and finished with some wicked left knee pain. Ironically enough, my hip feels fine. Ugh.

I am currently reading a book (this in itself is quite an accomplishment, as I'm not much of a reader) Ultramarathon Man, by Dean Karnazes. In one part of the book he was talking about a coach he had in middle school who's mantra was "If it felt good you didn't push hard enough. It's supposed to hurt like hell." Apparently, this coach's philosophy was to go out and run as fast and hard as you can every time. Quite interesting, and I love the simple, boot-camp like mentality. My body doesn't like it at all and right now it is screaming. I will be enjoying several ice treatments tonight.

Mileage: 12.00
Time/Pace: 1:56:59/9:45

Well of the pace I wanted (9:15), but the elements are partially to blame. the first 6 were with a nice tail wind, but at the turn around I was blasted by wind and rain and by this point in the run I was soaked to the bone. I didn't give up, and it HURT LIKE HELL.

Ugh

As Sunday's long run approached I was feeling good. I had skipped a race I wanted to do, but made up for it with a run that I got through without any concerns. It was a bit colder do to the wind, but with my gear I was confident I'd be okay. So off I went....

Things started out fine. For this run I was going to maintain a 9:35 pace throughout. First four miles....no problem 9:35, 9:34, 9:36, 9:36, right on target. Then something happened...I slammed head first into the biggest wall I've ever experienced. Marathon runners talk about hitting this physical and mentalwall around mile 20. I haven't ran a marathon yet, but I bet this is exactly how it feels. My legs just quit on me, my body got tense and sore, my arms wouldn't swing. Still I pushed on. I thought about what was going on and couldn't figure it out at first. I put in a decent amount of miles so far this week, but had felt no extreme tiredness or soreness. Then I figured it out. It was about 2pm and I hadn't eaten a thing today. WHAT (?!?!)...you say, me not eat. I've talked at length about how food is center in my life, so for me to forget to eat is bizarre. Hey, it happens, I guess.

Equipped with only my Accelerade (which accounts for about 400 calories or so), I pressed on, each step harder then the next. For the next few miles, I struggle to keep my pace close to my target, but I was fading fast...9:41, 9:39, 9:44,10:26. I passed a shortcut back home and seriously considered throwing the towel in, but I didn't. I fought on, telling myself that if I can get through this, it will make me stronger (cue comments on how bad this is!) I did finally finish in what I call survival mode; just finish! The final 4 miles split out at 11:10, 11:47, 11:42, 11:43.

What lesson was learned? Fuel before a run!

Mileage: 12.00
Time/Pace: 2:04:19/10:21
Avg HR: 164
Temp: 34

My Garmin watch estimated that I burned 2215 calories, so I hopped on the scale just to see where I was. I couldn't believe my eyes 208.8! This is probably some negative reinforcement to not eat before I run and get the weight down, but how I felt I won't soon forget. It's now Tuesday, and my body is still achy, but I will press on...

Some Runners Need a Fashion Makeover

I don't claim to be the most fashionable dresser. I try my best, but I'm sure I could always use improvement. In fact, I have always said I am envious of the gay friends I have, not because of their love for other man (that doesn't interest me at all, not that there is anything wrong with that), but I love their style. I wish I could pull it off like they do. However, some people that I see out when I run make me want to take them aside and say, "Hey man, what are you thinking?!?!" I would provide this service free of charge, kind of like it's a good deed for mankind. Like today, for instance. There I am sporting a well thought out running outfit, matching Under Armour gear, that included black shorts, black compression shirt with red trim, black fleece, black gloves, a black hat with red lettering. Even my sports drink was red. The only thing that didn't go would be my shoes, white, but I had to go with what was available at Fleet Feet(believe me if I had the same shoes in black I'd be wearing those). So, I pass this guy, wearing a peach (salmon?) tank top, light green shorts, white sneakers, and....wait for it....I kid you not.....BLACK SOCKS, and not the athletic kind either, looked like dress socks. Oh jeez....I must say there are also people out there that look as though they put tons of effort into making their "look" work. To even it out, I would certainly be willing to stop them and say, "Hey, nice job on the outfit. Keep it up! The world thanks you." That would probably be creepy though. I guess I'll just keep having these imaginary conversations in my head, and then write about them later.

Oh, I ran 12 miles today...

Mileage: 12.00
Time/Pace: 1:58:50/9:54
Avg HR: 149

My legs hurt. I soaked myself in a cold bath afterwards, and that was nice. The day is all downhill from here, as I will just have to watch the Bills. Is it too late to donate for the billboard?

12 Miler

This was my first attempt at this distance. Not much difficulty here. I went out purposely slow and kept my heart rate down, emphasizing finishing the distance. The weather couldn't have been better, cloudy and cool, perfect running weather. I ate two packages of Clif Shot Blocks, one block per mile (33 cal each).

Mileage: 12.00
Time/Pace: 2:04:11/10:20
Avg Heart Rate: 140

Temp: 64
Weather: Cloudy, Cool