Two days ago I should have be running the St. Jude's Marathon in Memphis. Without going into any details, I didn't. The people that read this blog know what happened the day before and the day of, so I am not going to type it.
I did run 12 miles, though, on Saturday. Sunday and Monday were sore legs day. I do not think I could have finished the marathon. I had planned on 10 miles. Cousin Todd talked me into 16, which is what I should run if I run the Mississippi Blues Marathon on January 7. I tried the 16, but just couldn't do it, so I took a short cut home and finished with 12 miles. One reason was that I got cold. It reached 66 degrees on our thermometer - not bad for a December 3rd. When I began running it was down to 62. When I got back home, it was 57. I thought it was much cooler than that. I guess the sun going down made it seem cooler. Anyway, it took me 2:04:15, a 10:21 pace. Mile 1 was my fastest at 8:30. Mile 12 my slowest at 13:56. Yes, I walked some, and not just on the last mile. There's no way I could have kept up with Shane for a 5 hour marathon time. I thought I had ran enough and rested enough to do it, but sure am glad I didn't try.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Turkey Trot 5 and 10 Milers
It was a chilly 44 degrees when we left home just after 8:00 am. I decided to run in shorts and short-sleeves. I about froze to death waiting in line at the port-a-johns before the 5 miler began at 9:00. The first mile was not too bad, and I ran it in 7:20. I was conflicted on to run to try to keep it under an 8:00 pace for the whole race, because the 10 miler was to follow. The faster I finished the longer I had to rest, too. Well, all of that thinking came to an end as I headed into Mile 2. It was uphill - not steep, but long, and the wind was blowing twice as hard as last weekend, when it was 20-30 mph. Mile 2 was 8:45. What a time killer! I finally got to turn around at Mile 2.5. With the wind at my back for the second half of Mile 3, I finished it in 8:27. Those 2 miles over 8:00 deflated my confidence, and I wanted to slow down. I decided to try to keep pace with the guy about 30 yards ahead of me. I finished Mile 4 in 7:51. Then it was into the wind again. I guess that is why Mile 1 wasn't too bad - the wind was behind me. Now, I had to finish the race running into it. Mile 5 was 8:14. My total time was 40:37, for a pace of 8:07. I won a bottle of wine for finishing first (of 3) in my age group. I finished 38 of 155 overall. (This was my 2nd fastest 5 miler ever. I ran a training run in October 2010 at 7:57).
Finishing in about 41 minutes gave me about 20 minutes to rest. I went to the vehicle, dried off a little, drank some PowerAde, and ate some chewy Life Savors. I then went to the port-a-john line. I didn't have to wait too long this time. I then went to the start/finish line. Sherri was wanting to finish the 5 miler in 12:00. I wasn't convinced she could do it, since she has never ran more than 3.1 miles. Those 5k's were in the 12 minute range, and she would be adding 2 miles. I thought I would have started the 10 miler by the time she finished, but we started about 15 minutes late, so I got to see Sherri finish in 1:00:47. She was just short of her goal. I think she could have done it if it wasn't for the wind and her having to stop to throw up. She tried pushing too much at the end to make sure she reached her goal and it cost her some time. She showed me, though!
For the 10 miler, the first 5 miles were the same route as the 5 miler, so Mile 1 was okay at 8:10. Then it was into the wind for about a mile-and-a-half. Mile 2 was 8:45. I was mad! I hate the wind! I knew it would get better after Mile 2.5, though. Mile 3 was 8:48. Mile 4 was slow considering I had some wind at my back at 8:38. Mile 5 was against the wind again and was 8:56. For Mile 6, we ran past the 5 miler finish line, so I was still running against the wind and finished it in 9:06. By Mile 7, I was getting tired. My left hamstring and calf felt a little sore, but it was between them behind the knee that was causing the most discomfort. I finished it a horrible 9:45. It just got worse - the pain was the same, the time is what suffered. Mile 8 was in 10:21. At about Mile 8.1 was a turnaround. The wind seemed to be blowing harder than ever. I refused to run into it, so I walked. I told myself that I would run when I wasn't heading directly into the wind. Well, the rest of Mile 9 was right into the wind, so it took me 13:34. At the mile marker, I thought I would run since it looked like the final mile would also be directly into the wind. I ran about half, walked the last third quarter-mile, and finished with a jog. Mile 10 was 10:22. My total time was 1:36:25, for a pace of 9:38. I finished 2nd of 2 in my age group (last year there were 5 in this age group). I was about 3 minutes behind the other runner. I'm sure he was one of the 20 or so that passed me while I was walking. I was a pathetic 67 of 86 overall. (This was my 8th fastest 10 miler. All the others were training runs, with the fastest being in September 2011 at 8:52).
Other people had good - great - experiences during the windy conditions. The following is from the http://www.tnrunning.com/turkeytrot/index.html website:
Despite the very windy conditions, we saw all four event records
tumble as Nashville's Ryan Snellen clocked 25:04 to win the 10-miler,
while Ryan Sheehan of Louisville,KY clocked 52:43 to win the men's
10-miler. On the women's side, Brentwood's Sonja Friend-Uhl, 40, ran
very impressively to win both races, clocking 28:59 in the 5-miler
and then bouncing back to clock a very impressive 1:00:38 to set new
Tennessee state records for the 40-44 age group for both distances.
Friend-Uhl already owned the 1 mile and 5k state records for 40-44 year-old females. See http://www.tnrunning.com/records/road/w_staterecords.html for more information.
Finishing in about 41 minutes gave me about 20 minutes to rest. I went to the vehicle, dried off a little, drank some PowerAde, and ate some chewy Life Savors. I then went to the port-a-john line. I didn't have to wait too long this time. I then went to the start/finish line. Sherri was wanting to finish the 5 miler in 12:00. I wasn't convinced she could do it, since she has never ran more than 3.1 miles. Those 5k's were in the 12 minute range, and she would be adding 2 miles. I thought I would have started the 10 miler by the time she finished, but we started about 15 minutes late, so I got to see Sherri finish in 1:00:47. She was just short of her goal. I think she could have done it if it wasn't for the wind and her having to stop to throw up. She tried pushing too much at the end to make sure she reached her goal and it cost her some time. She showed me, though!
For the 10 miler, the first 5 miles were the same route as the 5 miler, so Mile 1 was okay at 8:10. Then it was into the wind for about a mile-and-a-half. Mile 2 was 8:45. I was mad! I hate the wind! I knew it would get better after Mile 2.5, though. Mile 3 was 8:48. Mile 4 was slow considering I had some wind at my back at 8:38. Mile 5 was against the wind again and was 8:56. For Mile 6, we ran past the 5 miler finish line, so I was still running against the wind and finished it in 9:06. By Mile 7, I was getting tired. My left hamstring and calf felt a little sore, but it was between them behind the knee that was causing the most discomfort. I finished it a horrible 9:45. It just got worse - the pain was the same, the time is what suffered. Mile 8 was in 10:21. At about Mile 8.1 was a turnaround. The wind seemed to be blowing harder than ever. I refused to run into it, so I walked. I told myself that I would run when I wasn't heading directly into the wind. Well, the rest of Mile 9 was right into the wind, so it took me 13:34. At the mile marker, I thought I would run since it looked like the final mile would also be directly into the wind. I ran about half, walked the last third quarter-mile, and finished with a jog. Mile 10 was 10:22. My total time was 1:36:25, for a pace of 9:38. I finished 2nd of 2 in my age group (last year there were 5 in this age group). I was about 3 minutes behind the other runner. I'm sure he was one of the 20 or so that passed me while I was walking. I was a pathetic 67 of 86 overall. (This was my 8th fastest 10 miler. All the others were training runs, with the fastest being in September 2011 at 8:52).
Other people had good - great - experiences during the windy conditions. The following is from the http://www.tnrunning.com/turkeytrot/index.html website:
Despite the very windy conditions, we saw all four event records
tumble as Nashville's Ryan Snellen clocked 25:04 to win the 10-miler,
while Ryan Sheehan of Louisville,KY clocked 52:43 to win the men's
10-miler. On the women's side, Brentwood's Sonja Friend-Uhl, 40, ran
very impressively to win both races, clocking 28:59 in the 5-miler
and then bouncing back to clock a very impressive 1:00:38 to set new
Tennessee state records for the 40-44 age group for both distances.
Friend-Uhl already owned the 1 mile and 5k state records for 40-44 year-old females. See http://www.tnrunning.com/records/road/w_staterecords.html for more information.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Monday, November 14, 2011
My mind was a little foggy today. I don't know if that was caused by the 20 miler or not. I do know that the run is what is causing my knees to feel like they are locking up. I ran/walked a mile with Sherri. I knew there was no way I could run the 5 miles on my schedule. The weather is supposed to be getting wetter and cooler, so I may not run again until Saturday.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
20 Miles!
Shane said he is supposed to run two 20 milers as part of his marathon training. I guess I should at least run one 20 miler. Todd called me Saturday trying to motivate me to running my 20 miler (at least no less than 18). The two of them had me "wanting" to run the 20 miles. I have been wanting to run 20 miles just so I could say I did it. Wanting it and doing it are two different things. I wanted to do it, but didn't want to do it. How could I do it without stopping? I don't mean stopping to walk, but to just quit and go home. I decided I would have my wife drive me 20 miles away from home and drop me off. I would have to at least walk home.
My most recent long run was a 15 miler 3 weeks ago. During the last 2 months, I've ran two half marathons, a 15 miler, and a 13 miler. I should have ran some 16 and 18's, but I've only ran once in the last week (an 8 miler) and it has been 19 days since I have ran in double digits. How am I to get to 20 from 15 a few weeks ago? The last time I did more than 15 was the marathon in April. Before that, I had not been over 15 miles since March 2010. The reason I say this is because, as my wife was driving farther and farther away from home, the more doubtful I became. I was hoping Shane would be working at his farm in case I needed to be rescued, but he wasn't. It was just to be me and the road. Sherri was heading to babysit Lainey, and was to drop me off 20 miles from home. As all that pavement rolled under or tires, I got more nervous. I had her to stop 15 miles from home. This was just across the Gus Norfleet bridge. So, there I stood - all alone. Then I began running.
The sun tried to break through a few times, but never for more than 10 seconds at a time until around Mile 9. It stayed for about 3 miles, and then it got cloudy for good. It was 78 degrees when I started and 70 when I got back home. The wind made it feel much cooler. I had seen on the news this morning that wind gusts would be between 20-30 mph. Those long gusts made me feel cold. It was also difficult running directly into it. (One time, while I was running with the wind, I could swear that when both of my feet where off the ground that the wind carried me ahead an extra step.)
My times per mile were all over the place. Mile 1 was 9:23. I beat that twice with Miles 6 and 9 - both were 9:21. Mile 4 was 11:22, mainly because I had a long way to go and thought it better if I walked up the hill it included. After 5 miles, my pace was 10:08. After 10 miles, my pace was 9:59, with 5 miles in the 9:00's, 4 in the 10:00's, and the one 11:00+. During Mile 11, I thought the end was coming as I slowed to 12:37. I was able to pick up the pace for Miles 12 and 13 for paces of 10:04 and 10:00. When I reached Hilltop, I decided not to run down the hill towards the Dollar Store, leaving about 3 miles to home. I turned right and headed toward the convenience center (dump). I was trying to calculate the more familiar areas into getting the extra 5 miles I needed. That right was dead into the wind. From the dump, I ran onto Highway 13/48 towards Montgomery Central. I got on to Salem Ridge Road from there. Somewhere during these areas, I had 2 of my 3 slowest times, Mile 14 at 13:00 and 15 at 13:30. Mile 16 was at 12:08. Then I seemed to find my second wind. Plus, I was getting close to home. Mile 17 was 9:55, and Mile 18 at 9:45. Those 2 miles were too much. Mile 19 was my second slowest at 13:05. I reached home before hitting Mile 20, so I ran back-and-forth in front of the house until I heard the watch beep of relief. I tried to finish strong, and I really thought it was faster than it actually was - Mile 20 was in 12:26.
My total time was 3:36:21, a pace of 10:49. I think I would have enjoyed - can't believe I said that - this run if it wasn't for the wind. At least now, I can say I ran 20 miles, even though I did some walking. I walked so much in the marathon, it's not really true to say I "ran" a marathon. After 20 miles during the marathon, my pace was 11:55. I finished with 13:43.
My most recent long run was a 15 miler 3 weeks ago. During the last 2 months, I've ran two half marathons, a 15 miler, and a 13 miler. I should have ran some 16 and 18's, but I've only ran once in the last week (an 8 miler) and it has been 19 days since I have ran in double digits. How am I to get to 20 from 15 a few weeks ago? The last time I did more than 15 was the marathon in April. Before that, I had not been over 15 miles since March 2010. The reason I say this is because, as my wife was driving farther and farther away from home, the more doubtful I became. I was hoping Shane would be working at his farm in case I needed to be rescued, but he wasn't. It was just to be me and the road. Sherri was heading to babysit Lainey, and was to drop me off 20 miles from home. As all that pavement rolled under or tires, I got more nervous. I had her to stop 15 miles from home. This was just across the Gus Norfleet bridge. So, there I stood - all alone. Then I began running.
The sun tried to break through a few times, but never for more than 10 seconds at a time until around Mile 9. It stayed for about 3 miles, and then it got cloudy for good. It was 78 degrees when I started and 70 when I got back home. The wind made it feel much cooler. I had seen on the news this morning that wind gusts would be between 20-30 mph. Those long gusts made me feel cold. It was also difficult running directly into it. (One time, while I was running with the wind, I could swear that when both of my feet where off the ground that the wind carried me ahead an extra step.)
My times per mile were all over the place. Mile 1 was 9:23. I beat that twice with Miles 6 and 9 - both were 9:21. Mile 4 was 11:22, mainly because I had a long way to go and thought it better if I walked up the hill it included. After 5 miles, my pace was 10:08. After 10 miles, my pace was 9:59, with 5 miles in the 9:00's, 4 in the 10:00's, and the one 11:00+. During Mile 11, I thought the end was coming as I slowed to 12:37. I was able to pick up the pace for Miles 12 and 13 for paces of 10:04 and 10:00. When I reached Hilltop, I decided not to run down the hill towards the Dollar Store, leaving about 3 miles to home. I turned right and headed toward the convenience center (dump). I was trying to calculate the more familiar areas into getting the extra 5 miles I needed. That right was dead into the wind. From the dump, I ran onto Highway 13/48 towards Montgomery Central. I got on to Salem Ridge Road from there. Somewhere during these areas, I had 2 of my 3 slowest times, Mile 14 at 13:00 and 15 at 13:30. Mile 16 was at 12:08. Then I seemed to find my second wind. Plus, I was getting close to home. Mile 17 was 9:55, and Mile 18 at 9:45. Those 2 miles were too much. Mile 19 was my second slowest at 13:05. I reached home before hitting Mile 20, so I ran back-and-forth in front of the house until I heard the watch beep of relief. I tried to finish strong, and I really thought it was faster than it actually was - Mile 20 was in 12:26.
My total time was 3:36:21, a pace of 10:49. I think I would have enjoyed - can't believe I said that - this run if it wasn't for the wind. At least now, I can say I ran 20 miles, even though I did some walking. I walked so much in the marathon, it's not really true to say I "ran" a marathon. After 20 miles during the marathon, my pace was 11:55. I finished with 13:43.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
5:00 pm - almost dark. It was a beautiful day, but that should change tomorrow. Did not run yesterday because got home about an hour-and-a-half late because Joe Biden was in Nashville and caused major traffic problems. Why they shut down the whole interstate is beyond me. Most people don't care. If they would not "promote" it so much, most people wouldn't even know. I didn't know he was coming to town. We ran into traffic not far from work. I thought it was a wreck and I would go another way. As I driving on the roads through the airport, I saw Air Force One parked on a runway. I knew then that Biden or Barack SADAM Hussein O(S/b)ama BIN LADEN was in Nashville. The nightmare drive home began. No Monday 5 mile run.
I ran 8 miles tonight, because tomorrow we are coming home thru Dickson because of haircuts, and also because it was a nice day and that will be changing - cooler, wetter. 8:08, 8:23, 9:13 (slow mile 3), 8:53, 8;23, 8:31, 8:16, and 8:34. Total. 1:08:20. Pace. 8:32.
I ran 8 miles tonight, because tomorrow we are coming home thru Dickson because of haircuts, and also because it was a nice day and that will be changing - cooler, wetter. 8:08, 8:23, 9:13 (slow mile 3), 8:53, 8;23, 8:31, 8:16, and 8:34. Total. 1:08:20. Pace. 8:32.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Nov. 5, 2011 - Sango UMC 10k and 5k
The story for these two races actually starts about 2 weeks before race day. I had been trying to drink a bottle of water a day. I hate water, so I usually gulped down a bottle right before getting to work - no water on weekends. The last couple of weeks I had not been drinking water. I had cut back on fluids altogether for some reason. I left work one afternoon and noticed that I had barely taken a sip out of my Dr. Pepper. This was also a day I didn't drink water. So, at about 4:00 pm, I had only drank 2 cups of coffee and a sip of Dr. Pepper. Even after runs, I didn't drink as much PowerAde as I had been doing.
Also, about 2 weeks ago, Halloween candy entered the picture. My wife bought some, so I started eating some. I have also been eating the left overs leading up to the night before race day. Thursday, we had tacos. I ate eight of them. I knew this was a bad idea, but I ate them anyway. The tacos and 2 weeks of candy got to me Friday night. I didn't get sick, but my stomach had pains that were sometimes sharp.
My mom had called me at work Friday at about 2:30 to say she was in the emergency room, because of chest pains. I was worried, but not too worried, since she was able to call me herself. Still, it was on my mind.
I was feeling a little extra tired and had planned on going to bed a little early to be ready for the 7:00 am race. Instead, I watched "Dateline" about the Michael Jackson case. I have not been following the case too closely, because I would just get mad/sad. I mean, I do know a little about what's going on, but I don't seek out information. I just hear what I hear.
I finally got to bed about 10:30, with a hurting stomach and mom and Michal Jackson on my mind. I was too tired to let those things keep me awake, but I did dream about them. I woke up at about 4:30 (an hour before my alarm was to go off) and could not go back to sleep. I was thinking about the previous things and dreading getting up for the race.
I got up 10 minutes before the alarm to give me a little extra time to get ready. I left just after 6:15, and it was 37 degrees, still dark (the time changes tonight), and FOGGY - 7 degrees warmer than last week. I drank some coffee and PowerAde on the way and ate some dry cereal. I wasn't ready for these races.
It was about 38 degrees when the 10k started at 7:00 am. It was still foggy, but the sun was rising. Like at last weeks Austin Peay 5k, I wore pants and my heavier skull cap with a long sleeve Heatgear shirt. Last week, I wore a UA jacket, too, but got a little sweaty, so went without it today. It felt just right. For the 5k at 8:30, the fog was gone and the sun was bright; the temperature around 41 degrees. I put on a dry, long sleeve Heatgear shirt and a lighter skull cap for this race. Again, it felt pretty good. I hope typing this will remind me of what I need to wear at these temperatures.
I ran my fastest 10k. 7:35, 7:58, 8:16 (slow mile 3), 8:09, 7:47.68, 7:47.68 (remember these back-to-back exact times), and 1:58 for the last 0.2 miles. Total time: 49:32. Pace: 7:59. Eight seconds faster than I ran same race last year. Placed 2nd in age group of 5 runners and 25th of 89 overall.
The 5k was my second fastest. 7:22, 7:47.68, 7:47.68 (back-to-back and the same as the 10k's) - amazes me that back-to-back times are to the 100ths of a second and I did the same time 4 times - and the last 0.1 in 0:40. Total time: 23:38. Pace: 7:37. Placed 2nd in age group out of 5 and 19th of 129 overall.
Also, about 2 weeks ago, Halloween candy entered the picture. My wife bought some, so I started eating some. I have also been eating the left overs leading up to the night before race day. Thursday, we had tacos. I ate eight of them. I knew this was a bad idea, but I ate them anyway. The tacos and 2 weeks of candy got to me Friday night. I didn't get sick, but my stomach had pains that were sometimes sharp.
My mom had called me at work Friday at about 2:30 to say she was in the emergency room, because of chest pains. I was worried, but not too worried, since she was able to call me herself. Still, it was on my mind.
I was feeling a little extra tired and had planned on going to bed a little early to be ready for the 7:00 am race. Instead, I watched "Dateline" about the Michael Jackson case. I have not been following the case too closely, because I would just get mad/sad. I mean, I do know a little about what's going on, but I don't seek out information. I just hear what I hear.
I finally got to bed about 10:30, with a hurting stomach and mom and Michal Jackson on my mind. I was too tired to let those things keep me awake, but I did dream about them. I woke up at about 4:30 (an hour before my alarm was to go off) and could not go back to sleep. I was thinking about the previous things and dreading getting up for the race.
I got up 10 minutes before the alarm to give me a little extra time to get ready. I left just after 6:15, and it was 37 degrees, still dark (the time changes tonight), and FOGGY - 7 degrees warmer than last week. I drank some coffee and PowerAde on the way and ate some dry cereal. I wasn't ready for these races.
It was about 38 degrees when the 10k started at 7:00 am. It was still foggy, but the sun was rising. Like at last weeks Austin Peay 5k, I wore pants and my heavier skull cap with a long sleeve Heatgear shirt. Last week, I wore a UA jacket, too, but got a little sweaty, so went without it today. It felt just right. For the 5k at 8:30, the fog was gone and the sun was bright; the temperature around 41 degrees. I put on a dry, long sleeve Heatgear shirt and a lighter skull cap for this race. Again, it felt pretty good. I hope typing this will remind me of what I need to wear at these temperatures.
I ran my fastest 10k. 7:35, 7:58, 8:16 (slow mile 3), 8:09, 7:47.68, 7:47.68 (remember these back-to-back exact times), and 1:58 for the last 0.2 miles. Total time: 49:32. Pace: 7:59. Eight seconds faster than I ran same race last year. Placed 2nd in age group of 5 runners and 25th of 89 overall.
The 5k was my second fastest. 7:22, 7:47.68, 7:47.68 (back-to-back and the same as the 10k's) - amazes me that back-to-back times are to the 100ths of a second and I did the same time 4 times - and the last 0.1 in 0:40. Total time: 23:38. Pace: 7:37. Placed 2nd in age group out of 5 and 19th of 129 overall.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Slower than yesterday? Hard to believe.
I ran 8 miles again. The sun was setting as I headed out. I had to run a couple of errands on the way home from work, so another late start. Of course, it was dark by the time I finished - and getting cooler. The wind was also picking up, trying to bring in tomorrow's rain. It seems that since it is getting darker earlier that the vehicle traffic has tripled. I'm hating to run now - darkness, coolness, breezy, and traffic. I guess it was much more enjoyable running in the warm sunlight and only really having to worry about cars on the main road. I don't know what I will do next week after the time changes this weekend. It will be dark before I get home from work, and dark when I leave to go to work.
Anyway, it took me 1:21:20, a pace of 10:10 - 9 seconds slower than yesterday. I thought I did run a little faster than yesterday, though. Guess not.
I ran 8 miles again. The sun was setting as I headed out. I had to run a couple of errands on the way home from work, so another late start. Of course, it was dark by the time I finished - and getting cooler. The wind was also picking up, trying to bring in tomorrow's rain. It seems that since it is getting darker earlier that the vehicle traffic has tripled. I'm hating to run now - darkness, coolness, breezy, and traffic. I guess it was much more enjoyable running in the warm sunlight and only really having to worry about cars on the main road. I don't know what I will do next week after the time changes this weekend. It will be dark before I get home from work, and dark when I leave to go to work.
Anyway, it took me 1:21:20, a pace of 10:10 - 9 seconds slower than yesterday. I thought I did run a little faster than yesterday, though. Guess not.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Half - And I Don't Mean Marathon
I had been doing so well, but before today, I have only ran a 5k in the last 5 days. I planned on running my long 16 miles yesterday (Monday), but forgot it was Halloween, so I didn't run at all. I thought I would try it tonight. Well, we got home late from work. It was almost 6:00 before I got out the door. The temperature was already down to 63 degrees, with darkness coming soon. I thought I would run to the 5 mile marker and see how I was feeling. If I was feeling good, I would run further and try to get in the 16 miles. If I didn't feel good, I would just turn around and head home for a 10 miler. Well, it was dark and getting cooler, especially since I had sweated during the warmer time. I headed for home and just 10 miles. Then I got to the point that I just didn't want to be out there anymore, so I took a little short cut. It's not that I couldn't run 10 miles or didn't want to run 10 miles - I just didn't want to be running in the dark with cooling temperatures. I am so used to the sunlight and warmth. I only ran 8 miles. My lack of enthusiasm slowed me down to 1:20:07, a 10:01 pace.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Austin Peay Homecoming 5k
COLD! It was 30 degrees when we left home at 7:15. It was 56 when we returned at about 10:45. If the temperature went up 5 degrees every hour, it was around 38 degrees when the race started and around 42 degrees when I finished. It was mostly foggy. The sun did break through afterwards. I was 3 seconds slower than last year. My time was 24:07, a pace of 7:47. I finished 3rd in my age group. I don't have all the details on that yet. My first mile was 7:09. Miles 2 and 3 were exactly the same at 8:01.96. The final 0.1 mile was 54 seconds.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Made up Monday's 5
Made up Monday's 5 by adding it to today's 8. It took me just about as long to run today's 13 than it did Monday's 15 - only about 9 minutes less. I also was only able to run 1 mile (Mile 1) faster than the 15's whole pace of 9:05. (Mile 1 was 8:40). I did have a couple of 9:06's. After 8 miles, all the miles were under 9:17. I felt pretty good with this time, because I knew the previous run would affect this one. And I was right! After Mile 8, it went downhill (or should I say I felt like I was always running "uphill"?) I was able to keep 9 and 10 under 10:00 - 9:53 and 9:46, but it was over after that. Mile 11 was 10:21. During Miles 12 and 13, I had to walk some, slowing my times to 12:30 and 11:57. Total time: 2:07:17. Pace: 9:47.
This run helped prove that I am NOT ready for a marathon. In two runs that covered 3 days, I was still forced to walk. I probably walked about the 1.8 mile difference between my 28 miles and the 26.2 of a marathon. There's no way I could run 26.2 continuously; I could barely do it with a 48 hour break.
This run helped prove that I am NOT ready for a marathon. In two runs that covered 3 days, I was still forced to walk. I probably walked about the 1.8 mile difference between my 28 miles and the 26.2 of a marathon. There's no way I could run 26.2 continuously; I could barely do it with a 48 hour break.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Long Winded About My Long Run
I had planned on running my long run (15 miles) Saturday while we were in Mississippi. I carried everything I thought I needed, but I didn't run. I just ate - at McDonald's on the way and on the way back, Pizza Hut pizza Saturday night and Sunday morning for breakfast, candy, birthday cake and ice cream, more candy, and other stuff. I wasn't really happy with myself for eating SO much and not running at all, but I had a good time. I thought maybe I would run Sunday when we got back to Clarksville. Who was I kidding? After a weekend of food and the drive back, I wasn't about to run.
I wanted to make up the 15 miles - at least some of it - during this week, but without wearing myself out for the Austin Peay 5k on Saturday. My schedule for the St. Jude Marathon calls for 5, 8, 5, and 17 this week. Because of the Austin Peay race, I had planned 5, 8, 5, and 3.1, and maybe a few miles to make up for the missed 17 miler on Sunday, but seriously doubted that would happen.
Even though I got a late start (6:00 pm) and would be running in the dark, I decided I would run 10 miles instead of 5. My lower legs hurt a little for the first couple of miles, which made me worry about finishing 10 miles. They loosened up, and I began to feel pretty good. It was a pleasant 66 degrees when I headed out. Earlier in the day, it had reached 82 degrees and was sunny. Now, it was sundown and the temp would be falling. (It had dropped to 54 by the time I finished). The weather seemed just right to run - just wish I had some sunlight. I believe the weather and the few days off from running (hadn't ran since Thursday's 5 miler) contributed to my good feeling. The feeling that I could run 15 miles!
That feeling came somewhere between Miles 3 and 4. I still had a long way to go, and, as the past 2 weekends of running half marathons have proved, I tend to lose it all before Mile 10. I told myself that I would be flexible as to the number of miles I would run. When I reached Mile 5, I was turning around anyway. About Mile 5.5, I could turn to run past Salem United Methodist Church and down Salem Ridge Road until I reached 7.5 miles or I could just run toward home. I was really conflicted as I approached Mile 5.5. Would I have enough energy to get back home? It was already past dark and getting cooler. I didn't want to be walking "miles" in a cold sweat. I made the turn! I headed down Salem Ridge Road. If I had to, I could miserably walk the remaining miles when me legs said to stop.
I never would have thought that road would have been so dark. I turned around when the watch beeped Mile 7 - half-mile short, which would be a total of 1 mile for the run since there was no return trip. So, I planned on running past my house for another half-mile, then turning around to make it up. The problem was "would I have enough discipline to keep going once I reached my driveway". I did. I was ready for the run to be over with, but I was still feeling pretty good. I never had to walk either! Just blows my mind. I didn't eat or drink anything during the run. I think all I had to eat all day before the run was some cereal, chips, cookies, and peanuts. I had a glass of orange juice, 3 cups of coffee, and 2 bottles of dreaded water to drink that morning. I had a diet Dr. Pepper from lunch on. I also drank about 16 oz of PowerAde not long before heading out to run. I guess I had stored up enough from all the "junk" this weekend.
I'm so excited about my per mile times I'm listing all 15 - 1. 8:56, 2. 9:08, 3. 9:35, 4. 9:17, 5. 9:10, 6. 9:17, 7. 9:05, 8. 8:57, 9. 9:13, 10. 8:30, 11. 9:12, 12. 9:04, 13. 9:30, 14. 8:33, and 15. 8:42. I'm dumbfounded that my usually slow Mile 3 was the slowest out of 15. I would have bet money that after 10 miles I would have been over a 10 minute pace, maybe even over 11 or 12. I guess the excitement of hitting double digits got Mile 10 down to 8:30. Mile 14 was 8:33, because I was trying to get off Salem Road as fast as I could, so I wouldn't get ran over. It wasn't easy - I was worn out and part of it was uphill. Mile 15 was a little under 9:00, because I was proud of myself for running 15 miles and wanted to finish strong.
My total time was 2:16:08. My pace was 9:05. 9:05 boggles my mind.
This 15 miler was the 5th most miles I've ever ran at one time. The last time I ran more than 13.1 was also the most miles I've ever covered at once. It was in the Country Music Marathon about 6 months ago on April 30. I ran the first 14 or so miles before walking most of the last 12. The next 3 of the top 5 are all in March 2010. On March 6 and 13, I ran 16 milers. The next weekend I ran a 17 miler. It really took a toil on me. I had chills that night and couldn't eat. I did not run for 10 days, and that was just a 3 miler. It was another 2 weeks before I ran another 3 miler. Finally, a month after the 17 miler, I began running again. It was almost like starting over.
I wanted to make up the 15 miles - at least some of it - during this week, but without wearing myself out for the Austin Peay 5k on Saturday. My schedule for the St. Jude Marathon calls for 5, 8, 5, and 17 this week. Because of the Austin Peay race, I had planned 5, 8, 5, and 3.1, and maybe a few miles to make up for the missed 17 miler on Sunday, but seriously doubted that would happen.
Even though I got a late start (6:00 pm) and would be running in the dark, I decided I would run 10 miles instead of 5. My lower legs hurt a little for the first couple of miles, which made me worry about finishing 10 miles. They loosened up, and I began to feel pretty good. It was a pleasant 66 degrees when I headed out. Earlier in the day, it had reached 82 degrees and was sunny. Now, it was sundown and the temp would be falling. (It had dropped to 54 by the time I finished). The weather seemed just right to run - just wish I had some sunlight. I believe the weather and the few days off from running (hadn't ran since Thursday's 5 miler) contributed to my good feeling. The feeling that I could run 15 miles!
That feeling came somewhere between Miles 3 and 4. I still had a long way to go, and, as the past 2 weekends of running half marathons have proved, I tend to lose it all before Mile 10. I told myself that I would be flexible as to the number of miles I would run. When I reached Mile 5, I was turning around anyway. About Mile 5.5, I could turn to run past Salem United Methodist Church and down Salem Ridge Road until I reached 7.5 miles or I could just run toward home. I was really conflicted as I approached Mile 5.5. Would I have enough energy to get back home? It was already past dark and getting cooler. I didn't want to be walking "miles" in a cold sweat. I made the turn! I headed down Salem Ridge Road. If I had to, I could miserably walk the remaining miles when me legs said to stop.
I never would have thought that road would have been so dark. I turned around when the watch beeped Mile 7 - half-mile short, which would be a total of 1 mile for the run since there was no return trip. So, I planned on running past my house for another half-mile, then turning around to make it up. The problem was "would I have enough discipline to keep going once I reached my driveway". I did. I was ready for the run to be over with, but I was still feeling pretty good. I never had to walk either! Just blows my mind. I didn't eat or drink anything during the run. I think all I had to eat all day before the run was some cereal, chips, cookies, and peanuts. I had a glass of orange juice, 3 cups of coffee, and 2 bottles of dreaded water to drink that morning. I had a diet Dr. Pepper from lunch on. I also drank about 16 oz of PowerAde not long before heading out to run. I guess I had stored up enough from all the "junk" this weekend.
I'm so excited about my per mile times I'm listing all 15 - 1. 8:56, 2. 9:08, 3. 9:35, 4. 9:17, 5. 9:10, 6. 9:17, 7. 9:05, 8. 8:57, 9. 9:13, 10. 8:30, 11. 9:12, 12. 9:04, 13. 9:30, 14. 8:33, and 15. 8:42. I'm dumbfounded that my usually slow Mile 3 was the slowest out of 15. I would have bet money that after 10 miles I would have been over a 10 minute pace, maybe even over 11 or 12. I guess the excitement of hitting double digits got Mile 10 down to 8:30. Mile 14 was 8:33, because I was trying to get off Salem Road as fast as I could, so I wouldn't get ran over. It wasn't easy - I was worn out and part of it was uphill. Mile 15 was a little under 9:00, because I was proud of myself for running 15 miles and wanted to finish strong.
My total time was 2:16:08. My pace was 9:05. 9:05 boggles my mind.
This 15 miler was the 5th most miles I've ever ran at one time. The last time I ran more than 13.1 was also the most miles I've ever covered at once. It was in the Country Music Marathon about 6 months ago on April 30. I ran the first 14 or so miles before walking most of the last 12. The next 3 of the top 5 are all in March 2010. On March 6 and 13, I ran 16 milers. The next weekend I ran a 17 miler. It really took a toil on me. I had chills that night and couldn't eat. I did not run for 10 days, and that was just a 3 miler. It was another 2 weeks before I ran another 3 miler. Finally, a month after the 17 miler, I began running again. It was almost like starting over.
October 20, 2011
Posting about this 5 mile run 4 days after the fact, so just the time and pace. 43:58. 8:48.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Dedication or Stupidity
I kept telling myself on the way home that I WAS GOING TO RUN. I didn't care if the temperature had dropped (for Monday's run at the same time it was 74 degrees, today it was 47), and it was rainy. I got home, changed clothes, then changed my mind. I was not running in this weather. I changed my mind once again - I'm going to run. I can always cut it short. I also thought about running closer to my house, but thought that would be a bad idea. I would be too tempted to stop.
I forced myself onto the road and off I went. "What if it starts pouring down? I will just have to turn around and run back." Stuff like that kept running through my head. I wore a cap to help shield my eyes from the rain. The rain had slacked to more of a troublesome drizzle. It was the wind and it occasional strong gusts that really got on my nerves. I kept telling myself that 4 mores was not that far; I can do it and be back home soon. The back of my mind kept throwing out, "4 miles may not be that far, but you've got to do it again on the way back.' I tried to ignore this and keep running. Well, I ran 8 miles in 1:08:25, an 8:33 pace. I'm proud of myself for being dedicated...
I forced myself onto the road and off I went. "What if it starts pouring down? I will just have to turn around and run back." Stuff like that kept running through my head. I wore a cap to help shield my eyes from the rain. The rain had slacked to more of a troublesome drizzle. It was the wind and it occasional strong gusts that really got on my nerves. I kept telling myself that 4 mores was not that far; I can do it and be back home soon. The back of my mind kept throwing out, "4 miles may not be that far, but you've got to do it again on the way back.' I tried to ignore this and keep running. Well, I ran 8 miles in 1:08:25, an 8:33 pace. I'm proud of myself for being dedicated...
October 17, 2011
An uneventful 5 mile run in 43:18 (8:40 pace).
On Shane's previous post, he seemed a little upset about me calling him a "weekend warrior". That was a compliment. However, it is probably not a good thing to do. I wish I could do that like I used to. I would not do anything all week and then go play 5 to 10 softball games on the weekend. I would be sore until Wednesday or Thursday. Then go do it all again Saturday morning. For awhile, it seemed Shane was only running his long runs. I marveled at how he could do it. I did look back and see that he has been running (and biking) consistently lately.
On Shane's previous post, he seemed a little upset about me calling him a "weekend warrior". That was a compliment. However, it is probably not a good thing to do. I wish I could do that like I used to. I would not do anything all week and then go play 5 to 10 softball games on the weekend. I would be sore until Wednesday or Thursday. Then go do it all again Saturday morning. For awhile, it seemed Shane was only running his long runs. I marveled at how he could do it. I did look back and see that he has been running (and biking) consistently lately.
Oct. 15, 2011 - Went Commando; Feel Violated
Ran the first annual Go Commando Half Marathon in Clarksville. It was (wasn't) a great experience. The Friday night expo was decent. As I drove home on a route I've been traveling for about 10 years, I noticed something I've never noticed before - how steep some of those hills are. "I've got to run these in the morning!" The "flat, PR setting" course Go Commando advertised was not that flat for the first 7 to 8 miles. The last half of 8 was downhill, then the rest was flat, though.
The next morning was a little chilly at 55 degrees and started off badly. We were told that no more parking was available at the park. We were told this after turning in and with all the other runners driving in, it was hard to get back on the highway. The person should have been at the road not allowing people to turn into the park, because it caused a traffic jam. We were not sure if would be able to get on a shuttle in time, to stand in the port-a-johns line, and be at the starting line before the 7:30 race start for me. (Sherri's 5k was to start at 8:00). There were quite a few people at Big Lots waiting and more cars pulling in, so we walked. I had the idea of using the Shell Station restroom across the street from Big Lots to avoid the port-a-john line. I did so - no waiting! Then we walked - close to a mile - to the start/finish area. As we were walking, we saw that some cars were still be allowed into the park. This did not make me happy. I already had to pee again, so I got in line. The line wasn't too bad.
For the race: The time was based on a gun time, which I did not like. I'm usually toward the back, but today was close to the front, which helped. Before reaching the first 1/2 mile, we had to run around people just arriving off a shuttle. Then after mile 1, it was 2-way traffic on a trail that was way too narrow. (If you want to do something like that, do it at the end of the race when the runners have thinned out). Turnarounds should always be avoided if possible, unless there are officials "really" watching. Sherri said at least one person stopped to tie a shoe in the 5k, and when that runner thought enough people had gone by, jumped right back in going the other direction without having to run all the way to the turnaround. I also heard other people complained about this. It may have easily happened in the half marathon, too.
Traffic was stopped on Highway 48/13, so vehicles were trying to take two back roads - River Road and Salem Road. Runners were having to deal with moving cars on those 2 roads. For people (spectators, finished runners, etc.) coming/leaving, going to the port-a-johns, entering the tent area, they had to walk along the last few yards to the finish line. Most people just walked through the finish line. I don't know how the race officials knew who was coming or who was going. I know of at least 2 people that received awards for being in the top 3 of their age group, but, according to the list on the website, finished 4th or below. The race officials even conceded that they had problems with the timing. (We wore things pre-attached to our bib numbers, rather than shoe timing chips. The "reader" was about 8 feet in the air. I guess it couldn't handle a start time for all the runners, and that's why we had a gun start time.) At the mile 10 turnaround, the was nothing to really indicate that it was a turnaround, except that there was a police car blocking that lane of traffic. There was one paying attention to the runners. The cop was talking to people that were on the side of the road. I ran close enough that I could touch the car and headed back. There could have at least been an orange cone to run around!
I first thought my watch had lost the GPS connection at Mile 1, when I looked down and saw 7:11. I didn't remember seeing Mile Markers for 2 and 3, so when I saw 4, I looked at my watch. I thought the GPS was off, so I just looked at the time. It was seconds past 30 minutes. A quick calculation in my head told me, that after 4 miles, I was under an 8:00 pace. I then thought maybe my GPS was right and their markers were wrong, because I could not be running that fast that long. When I reached Mile Marker 7, I pushed the "lap" button on my watch. I thought I would try to keep up the the mile times that way. The markers said I had been 7 miles; my watch had 6.4 miles. I did not worry with the watch for awhile, because I knew the mileage was wrong which would calculate an incorrect pace. I just ran - feeling each mile was slower than the one before. When I reached Mile 10, I pushed the "lap" button again, hoping I would be able to get some kind of data out of the race somehow. At Mile 10, my time was just under 1:20:00. I thought to myself, "If all this mileage stuff works out and I keep pushing, I can set a PR of under 8:00 per mile." Time kept slipping away during those last 3 (?) miles...
I stopped my watch as I crossed the finish line. Total time: 1:45:21 at 12.67 miles - just over 0.4 miles off. Of course, I thought this was the fault of my GPS. According to my watch, my pace was 8:18. That pace was not fast enough to beat my PR of 8:09 in the 2010 Clarksville Half, but I just ran 13.1 miles and I knew the 1:45:21 was my fastest ever. New Personal Record! Right? Wrong.
When the results were posted online, I had the exact time that was posted. I also decided to look on the course map to see where my GPS may have messed up. Well, it happened around mile 1.5, but it wasn't my watch's fault. We were told to run the wrong way! We were supposed to loop around close to the start/finish line inside the park, before heading out onto the highway, but were directed straight to the road. This was cutting off about 0.6 miles. To try to correct this, when we turned back into the park with less than a mile left, we were detoured to make some of the "lost" distance. It wasn't enough, but instead of being around 0.6 miles off, we were only 0.4.
What I thought was a PR, turned out not to really be a PR. If I go by my "real" pace of 8:18, that is 9 seconds per mile slower than my PR. If I add 3:19 (my 8:18 pace times 0.4 miles short), my total time would have been 1:48:40, which is slower than my 1:46:38.
I was happy with some mile paces, though - well, early on. Now that I know that they are correct. The first 4 miles were under 8:00 - 7:11, 7:26, 7:44, and 7:55. Miles 5 and 6 were close - both were 8:02. Mile 7 was back under 8:00 at 7:54. So, over the halfway point my total time was 54:15, a pace of 7:45. Of course, this is too fast for me, but I'm ecstatic it lasted for that long. It went downhill quickly from there. Miles 8 thru 12 - 8:15, 8:17, 8:40, 9:24, and 9:52. The last 0.67 was 6:38.
I was 10 of 30 40-44 year-old males, 82 of 223 males, and 115 of 433 overall.
The next morning was a little chilly at 55 degrees and started off badly. We were told that no more parking was available at the park. We were told this after turning in and with all the other runners driving in, it was hard to get back on the highway. The person should have been at the road not allowing people to turn into the park, because it caused a traffic jam. We were not sure if would be able to get on a shuttle in time, to stand in the port-a-johns line, and be at the starting line before the 7:30 race start for me. (Sherri's 5k was to start at 8:00). There were quite a few people at Big Lots waiting and more cars pulling in, so we walked. I had the idea of using the Shell Station restroom across the street from Big Lots to avoid the port-a-john line. I did so - no waiting! Then we walked - close to a mile - to the start/finish area. As we were walking, we saw that some cars were still be allowed into the park. This did not make me happy. I already had to pee again, so I got in line. The line wasn't too bad.
For the race: The time was based on a gun time, which I did not like. I'm usually toward the back, but today was close to the front, which helped. Before reaching the first 1/2 mile, we had to run around people just arriving off a shuttle. Then after mile 1, it was 2-way traffic on a trail that was way too narrow. (If you want to do something like that, do it at the end of the race when the runners have thinned out). Turnarounds should always be avoided if possible, unless there are officials "really" watching. Sherri said at least one person stopped to tie a shoe in the 5k, and when that runner thought enough people had gone by, jumped right back in going the other direction without having to run all the way to the turnaround. I also heard other people complained about this. It may have easily happened in the half marathon, too.
Traffic was stopped on Highway 48/13, so vehicles were trying to take two back roads - River Road and Salem Road. Runners were having to deal with moving cars on those 2 roads. For people (spectators, finished runners, etc.) coming/leaving, going to the port-a-johns, entering the tent area, they had to walk along the last few yards to the finish line. Most people just walked through the finish line. I don't know how the race officials knew who was coming or who was going. I know of at least 2 people that received awards for being in the top 3 of their age group, but, according to the list on the website, finished 4th or below. The race officials even conceded that they had problems with the timing. (We wore things pre-attached to our bib numbers, rather than shoe timing chips. The "reader" was about 8 feet in the air. I guess it couldn't handle a start time for all the runners, and that's why we had a gun start time.) At the mile 10 turnaround, the was nothing to really indicate that it was a turnaround, except that there was a police car blocking that lane of traffic. There was one paying attention to the runners. The cop was talking to people that were on the side of the road. I ran close enough that I could touch the car and headed back. There could have at least been an orange cone to run around!
I first thought my watch had lost the GPS connection at Mile 1, when I looked down and saw 7:11. I didn't remember seeing Mile Markers for 2 and 3, so when I saw 4, I looked at my watch. I thought the GPS was off, so I just looked at the time. It was seconds past 30 minutes. A quick calculation in my head told me, that after 4 miles, I was under an 8:00 pace. I then thought maybe my GPS was right and their markers were wrong, because I could not be running that fast that long. When I reached Mile Marker 7, I pushed the "lap" button on my watch. I thought I would try to keep up the the mile times that way. The markers said I had been 7 miles; my watch had 6.4 miles. I did not worry with the watch for awhile, because I knew the mileage was wrong which would calculate an incorrect pace. I just ran - feeling each mile was slower than the one before. When I reached Mile 10, I pushed the "lap" button again, hoping I would be able to get some kind of data out of the race somehow. At Mile 10, my time was just under 1:20:00. I thought to myself, "If all this mileage stuff works out and I keep pushing, I can set a PR of under 8:00 per mile." Time kept slipping away during those last 3 (?) miles...
I stopped my watch as I crossed the finish line. Total time: 1:45:21 at 12.67 miles - just over 0.4 miles off. Of course, I thought this was the fault of my GPS. According to my watch, my pace was 8:18. That pace was not fast enough to beat my PR of 8:09 in the 2010 Clarksville Half, but I just ran 13.1 miles and I knew the 1:45:21 was my fastest ever. New Personal Record! Right? Wrong.
When the results were posted online, I had the exact time that was posted. I also decided to look on the course map to see where my GPS may have messed up. Well, it happened around mile 1.5, but it wasn't my watch's fault. We were told to run the wrong way! We were supposed to loop around close to the start/finish line inside the park, before heading out onto the highway, but were directed straight to the road. This was cutting off about 0.6 miles. To try to correct this, when we turned back into the park with less than a mile left, we were detoured to make some of the "lost" distance. It wasn't enough, but instead of being around 0.6 miles off, we were only 0.4.
What I thought was a PR, turned out not to really be a PR. If I go by my "real" pace of 8:18, that is 9 seconds per mile slower than my PR. If I add 3:19 (my 8:18 pace times 0.4 miles short), my total time would have been 1:48:40, which is slower than my 1:46:38.
I was happy with some mile paces, though - well, early on. Now that I know that they are correct. The first 4 miles were under 8:00 - 7:11, 7:26, 7:44, and 7:55. Miles 5 and 6 were close - both were 8:02. Mile 7 was back under 8:00 at 7:54. So, over the halfway point my total time was 54:15, a pace of 7:45. Of course, this is too fast for me, but I'm ecstatic it lasted for that long. It went downhill quickly from there. Miles 8 thru 12 - 8:15, 8:17, 8:40, 9:24, and 9:52. The last 0.67 was 6:38.
I was 10 of 30 40-44 year-old males, 82 of 223 males, and 115 of 433 overall.
Friday, October 14, 2011
October 13, 2011
Another walk/run. Walked Mile 1 in 16:00. I need to walk faster than this, but I like to look around. Ran Miles 2 and 3 at almost the exact same pace - 8:16.25 and 8:16.24. Walked and ran in Mile 4 at 10:18. Total time: 42:50. Pace: 10:43.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
October 12, 2011 - Went Stupid
I went to the dentist to have a couple of fillings replaced. This helped me "diet" for part of the day. I also got a haircut, mowed over some leaves, burnt some shrubbery Sherri had trimmed (that took awhile since most were thorny and I had to drag them to my burn area), and ran/walked 5 miles. Staying busy also helped me diet. It was after the run/walk that I "went stupid". We went to Shoney's to eat with some of Sherri's relatives that were in from PA and their Clarksville family. Three trips to the breakfast bar (it's open on Wednesday nights) and a hot fudge cake destroyed all the dieting I had done during the day!
The run/walk: I walked a mile in 15:55. The I ran 3 miles - 7:58, 8:23, and 8:13. My total run time was 24:34, an 8:11 pace. Not bad, considering I felt like stopping to walk. How will I make 13.1 miles Saturday? I walked most of the last mile, running a little here and there, because I need to get home to get ready to GO EAT!
The run/walk: I walked a mile in 15:55. The I ran 3 miles - 7:58, 8:23, and 8:13. My total run time was 24:34, an 8:11 pace. Not bad, considering I felt like stopping to walk. How will I make 13.1 miles Saturday? I walked most of the last mile, running a little here and there, because I need to get home to get ready to GO EAT!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
October 10, 2011
Did 3 miles of running and walking. Total time: 32:22. Pace: 10:47. I don't want to wear myself out with another half mararhon coming up this Saturday, but I don't want to go too easy either. Hopefully, I can set a new PR this weekend - especially since the course will be flatter.
10/08/11 - Clarksville Half Marathon
Did not go as I had hoped.
Let's start with the so-called "Expo" the evening before. The "Expo" was not in a hotel conference room. It was in a hotel lobby - the Red Roof Inn lobby. There was just enough room to have some info, bibs, and shirts laid out for the "organizers". No runners were in line ahead of me, but two came in right behind me. And it was crowded! I gave them my last name. My shirt, timing chip, bib number, and a few papers were put in a "garbage bag" - not even a nice, sturdy garbage bag. It was a small, cheap garbage bag that hotels use. I guess someone forgot to get bags and had to beg some from the Red Roof Inn. Also in the bag were two garbage bag ties to attach the timing chip to my shoe! No zip ties? I was almost embarrassed to use them!
The next Clarksville Half Marathon will be held in March 2012. The organizers have to be wanting a change. The race has gone down hill every year. The first year had 884 finishers. I thought year 2 would bring more people and maybe even reach 1,000 runners. No, there were 493 finishers. Even before runners knew this year's swag bag would be more like a gag bag, they opted out. Only 183 finished this year.
Race Day: I awoke about an hour before the alarm went off. Pain was shooting up both of my calves. Worried about this, I finally went back to sleep. I never had anymore problems with my legs (until I was actually running, of course). I got there in plenty of time to pee this year. However, after standing close to the start for awhile, I had to hit the bushes. Then the race was on...
I started out fast. I had to if I was to be under an 8:00 (at least under an 8:08) pace for the whole race. After the first 2 miles, I was around where I wanted to be - Mile 1 8:07, 2 8:02. Then Mile 3 was 8:20. Okay, Mile 3 is usually my slow mile. I have some seconds I will have to make up. I was back on track for Mile 4 at 8:06. That was that. My dreams/hopes/plans ended there. Miles 5 thru 10 - 8:31, 8:16, 8:09, 8:56, 8:31, and 9:21. My pace had slipped to 8:25. Then it got worse. Mile 11 was 9:56! Mile 12 was 10:03!! As I approached the finish line, I tried to look like I was able to still run strong. The last 1.1 miles were in 8:32. My total time was 1:52:48, for a pace of 8:37.
This was my 4th half marathon and the first time I didn't set a new PR. I knew it had to end one day, but I did not think it would be today. It was my second best time, though. If I had achieved my goal pace, I would have finished 3rd in my age group, instead of 5th out of 12. (John Beard won our age group in 1:38:50 (7:33 pace)). Shane was 12th of 21 in his age group at 2:06:19 (9:38 pace) and 89th overall. He said that was 5 minutes faster than last year. Five minutes is a long time when you are running! I was 46th of 183 finishers.
I did not enjoy the race this year. There were no little cheering sections as in the past. A few people were here and there, but were just there for their family/friends. No music, except at the finish line. It was just a lonely race, and not just in certain stretches, but the whole race. Once I knew I wouldn't reach my goal, it seemed to get even lonelier.
Let's start with the so-called "Expo" the evening before. The "Expo" was not in a hotel conference room. It was in a hotel lobby - the Red Roof Inn lobby. There was just enough room to have some info, bibs, and shirts laid out for the "organizers". No runners were in line ahead of me, but two came in right behind me. And it was crowded! I gave them my last name. My shirt, timing chip, bib number, and a few papers were put in a "garbage bag" - not even a nice, sturdy garbage bag. It was a small, cheap garbage bag that hotels use. I guess someone forgot to get bags and had to beg some from the Red Roof Inn. Also in the bag were two garbage bag ties to attach the timing chip to my shoe! No zip ties? I was almost embarrassed to use them!
The next Clarksville Half Marathon will be held in March 2012. The organizers have to be wanting a change. The race has gone down hill every year. The first year had 884 finishers. I thought year 2 would bring more people and maybe even reach 1,000 runners. No, there were 493 finishers. Even before runners knew this year's swag bag would be more like a gag bag, they opted out. Only 183 finished this year.
Race Day: I awoke about an hour before the alarm went off. Pain was shooting up both of my calves. Worried about this, I finally went back to sleep. I never had anymore problems with my legs (until I was actually running, of course). I got there in plenty of time to pee this year. However, after standing close to the start for awhile, I had to hit the bushes. Then the race was on...
I started out fast. I had to if I was to be under an 8:00 (at least under an 8:08) pace for the whole race. After the first 2 miles, I was around where I wanted to be - Mile 1 8:07, 2 8:02. Then Mile 3 was 8:20. Okay, Mile 3 is usually my slow mile. I have some seconds I will have to make up. I was back on track for Mile 4 at 8:06. That was that. My dreams/hopes/plans ended there. Miles 5 thru 10 - 8:31, 8:16, 8:09, 8:56, 8:31, and 9:21. My pace had slipped to 8:25. Then it got worse. Mile 11 was 9:56! Mile 12 was 10:03!! As I approached the finish line, I tried to look like I was able to still run strong. The last 1.1 miles were in 8:32. My total time was 1:52:48, for a pace of 8:37.
This was my 4th half marathon and the first time I didn't set a new PR. I knew it had to end one day, but I did not think it would be today. It was my second best time, though. If I had achieved my goal pace, I would have finished 3rd in my age group, instead of 5th out of 12. (John Beard won our age group in 1:38:50 (7:33 pace)). Shane was 12th of 21 in his age group at 2:06:19 (9:38 pace) and 89th overall. He said that was 5 minutes faster than last year. Five minutes is a long time when you are running! I was 46th of 183 finishers.
I did not enjoy the race this year. There were no little cheering sections as in the past. A few people were here and there, but were just there for their family/friends. No music, except at the finish line. It was just a lonely race, and not just in certain stretches, but the whole race. Once I knew I wouldn't reach my goal, it seemed to get even lonelier.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Last run before the big day. I walked a half mile, ran two miles, and walked the last half mile for a total of 3 miles. I felt like stopping before I could get the first half mile of running in. It got better, but I was worried that if I felt like this before 1 mile, how was I to run 13 Saturday? Mile 1 - half walk/half run was at 11:52. Mile 2 - all run, was 8:16. Mile 3 - half run/half walk, was 12:08. Total time: 32:16. Pace: 10:45.
My 10 week training schedule says I should have 182 miles in before the race. For my first half marathon in November 2009, I did 142.3 miles. During that training period, I ran two 5k's close to the same time - 8:08 and 8:04. I ran a 5 miler in 8:32 and a 10 miler in 9:28. My pace for that half was 9:01. The next half was in Oxford, MS, in February 2010. I wanted to be under 9:00. I ran 156.4 of the suggested 182. I didn't really have any "fast" times preparing for it. A 3 miler in 8:23; a 10 miler in 9:27. I finished it at an 8:58 pace. My 3rd half marathon was in October 2010 in Clarksville. I ran over the suggested mileage by running 203.6 miles. I also recorded some of my fastest times. A 3 miler in 7:24, a 5k in 7:27, a 4 miler in 7:51, a 5 miler in 7:57, a 10k in 8:01, and a 10 miler in 9:20. I also did a practice 13.1 miles at an 8:57 pace. I finished the race with a pace of 8:09. Somehow, that seems too fast. For Saturday's half, I have logged 222.2 miles - 40 miles more than the schedule recommends. While my times are close to the previous half - 5k at 7:39, 4 miler at 7:56, 10 miler at 8:52, and 13 miler at 9:15, there are less of the runs under 8:00 for shorter runs and under 10:00 for longer runs. Earlier, I thought running more miles would get me in better shape and help run it faster. Now, I think I should have ran the suggested mileage faster. My legs feel tired and I think it may cost me time. My goal was to be under 8:00 and for the 4th consecutive time better my time. It is not looking too good.
My 10 week training schedule says I should have 182 miles in before the race. For my first half marathon in November 2009, I did 142.3 miles. During that training period, I ran two 5k's close to the same time - 8:08 and 8:04. I ran a 5 miler in 8:32 and a 10 miler in 9:28. My pace for that half was 9:01. The next half was in Oxford, MS, in February 2010. I wanted to be under 9:00. I ran 156.4 of the suggested 182. I didn't really have any "fast" times preparing for it. A 3 miler in 8:23; a 10 miler in 9:27. I finished it at an 8:58 pace. My 3rd half marathon was in October 2010 in Clarksville. I ran over the suggested mileage by running 203.6 miles. I also recorded some of my fastest times. A 3 miler in 7:24, a 5k in 7:27, a 4 miler in 7:51, a 5 miler in 7:57, a 10k in 8:01, and a 10 miler in 9:20. I also did a practice 13.1 miles at an 8:57 pace. I finished the race with a pace of 8:09. Somehow, that seems too fast. For Saturday's half, I have logged 222.2 miles - 40 miles more than the schedule recommends. While my times are close to the previous half - 5k at 7:39, 4 miler at 7:56, 10 miler at 8:52, and 13 miler at 9:15, there are less of the runs under 8:00 for shorter runs and under 10:00 for longer runs. Earlier, I thought running more miles would get me in better shape and help run it faster. Now, I think I should have ran the suggested mileage faster. My legs feel tired and I think it may cost me time. My goal was to be under 8:00 and for the 4th consecutive time better my time. It is not looking too good.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
October 5, 2011
I had a headache at work and my legs felt weak. I took some Tylenol, but neither were any better by the time I got home. I had decided that I wouldn't run. Sherri was going to run, so I forced myself out the door to go with her. I ran/walked 2 miles in 25:03. Faster than I wanted to go, but at least I did a little something. My schedule called for a 3 mile run. Maybe I will do that tomorrow, since tomorrow is supposed to be a 2 mile walk. I did feel a little better afterwards.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Monday, October 3, 2011
Ran 6 easy miles. I am thinking 6,4,3, then the half on Saturday to give me 25 miles for the week. It took me 1:00:35 (10:06 pace) for this 6 miler. I may jog/walk my 4 and 3, too, because my legs are tired/weak and ache, especially at night.
*** Note: Additional information to my Age Group loss at the Bethlehem UMC 5k. The guy (Martin Nagy, who some consider the best runner in Clarksville) that beat me usually would not even be in my age category. He is 48. Most races use 5 year increments; this race used 10 year. In 2009, he ran the Clarksville Half in 1:21:33 (6:13 pace) and the Boston Marathon in 2:57:19 (6:46). In 2010, he ran Clarksville in 1:16:05 (5:48) and Boston in 2:43:36 (6:14). I was hoping to do the Clarksville Half in 7:59 - that would put me almost 30 minutes behind him. It also takes me twice as long (and more) to run a marathon. ***
The above is why I am crying today. He is getting better with age, while I struggle to remain the same...
*** Note: Additional information to my Age Group loss at the Bethlehem UMC 5k. The guy (Martin Nagy, who some consider the best runner in Clarksville) that beat me usually would not even be in my age category. He is 48. Most races use 5 year increments; this race used 10 year. In 2009, he ran the Clarksville Half in 1:21:33 (6:13 pace) and the Boston Marathon in 2:57:19 (6:46). In 2010, he ran Clarksville in 1:16:05 (5:48) and Boston in 2:43:36 (6:14). I was hoping to do the Clarksville Half in 7:59 - that would put me almost 30 minutes behind him. It also takes me twice as long (and more) to run a marathon. ***
The above is why I am crying today. He is getting better with age, while I struggle to remain the same...
Monday, October 3, 2011
October 1, 2011 - Bethlehem UMC 5k
Let me start by saying, "It was chilly!" Sherri and I got registered. Once back at the vehicle, I stripped down to shorts and a short sleeve shirt. We had to walk about a mile from the parking area at RiverView Mounds Farm to the starting line. The wind was blowing, making it feel even cooler. I had to pee, even though I just peed before we began our trek. My stomach also felt a little uneasy. This was not looking to be a good run for me. I also scoped out the competition I thought would be in my age group. Things even looked worse. I told Sherri I would run/walk with her, but she kept telling me to go ahead. I lined up with her toward the back, because I knew there was no reason to line up at the front.
The horn sounded and we were off - downhill, so I ran kind of fast. I passed quite a few people - some that shouldn't have been at the front of the start anyway. Once the road leveled, I tried to find a good pace for myself. My "worries" went away after awhile. Two guys passed me. Then we hit a hill that had to be 1/2 to 3/4 miles. It wasn't steep, but went on forever. I passed them back. I don't remember much for awhile, except the hills. We did got down another sorta steep hill, but there were also some steep hills to run UP. I passed a guy (looked like my age group) on one of those steep hills, because he began walking. When the course flattened back out, he passed me back. He said something to me, and I said the hills are awful. He replied that the hills were "gently rolling", because that is what the race info said - "gently rolling". Downhill wasn't even gentle. The pastor of the church was driving the opposite way of we were running. He said # 11 when he reached me. I told myself right then that I wanted to finish in the top 10, so I tried to turn it up some. This was running steady uphill just after just finishing a steep uphill climb. There were two young kids (11-13 year-olds) that I had been running behind for quite sometime at this point and the guy that I swapped positions with a couple of times just ahead of me. One kid was leading the other and did his best to stay ahead of me. He would look back, and if I was getting close, he would speed up. The other kid would keep pace. I passed them quite easily along with the "guy", because he was back to walking on the uphill homestretch and I never looked back. I finished 8th overall and somehow managed 2nd in my age group. The guy that won it all (in just under 18 minutes) was also in my age group. They did not except the overall top 3 from the age groups, so I did not get the first place prize - a medal and a gift card. He got the overall and the age group medals and prizes.
After I had finished, I thought I had about 15-20 minutes before Sherri would finish. She did a 5k last week in 44 minutes on a flat course, so with all this hills, I thought it would take her longer. I decided to walk the mile to the vehicle, pee, put on some dry, warm clothes, and drive up to the finish line. If anybody said anything about it, I would say we had to pick up a granddaughter. (Crissy was bringing Lainey to us.) Sherri was already finished by the time I got there. She had finished in 36 minutes! We drove back to the farm parking area, got some free food and drinks, then went to sit in the vehicle to wait on Lainey and for the 1 Mile Fun Run runners to finish before the awards presentation. If it wasn't for Lainey, we would probably not have stayed around for the awards. I was far enough behind that I did not see the 6 of the 7 people finish ahead of me, but I was sure 3 of them had to be in my age group. They announced that you had to be present for the door prizes, so we hung around. I got a certificate for my age group. Sherri got one for being 3rd in her age group! She ran and walked, but said she ran quite a bit. She also said she passed some younger runners, too.
After the awards, we visited the petting zoo, went on a hay ride, pony ride, and a few other things that were not really worth the admission, but Lainey would have enjoyed more if she wasn't so sleepy.
Oh, I almost forgot my time. Even though I felt better for last week's 5k on a flat track, I ran this 5k around 50 seconds faster for some reason. I finished in 23:42, for a pace of 7:39. Last week was 24:30, 7:54. This was my 3rd fastest pace of any mileage. I ran a 3 mile training run in 7:24 on October 28, 2010. My second fastest was on September 25, 2010, at the Houston County Fair 5k, at a 7:27 pace.
The horn sounded and we were off - downhill, so I ran kind of fast. I passed quite a few people - some that shouldn't have been at the front of the start anyway. Once the road leveled, I tried to find a good pace for myself. My "worries" went away after awhile. Two guys passed me. Then we hit a hill that had to be 1/2 to 3/4 miles. It wasn't steep, but went on forever. I passed them back. I don't remember much for awhile, except the hills. We did got down another sorta steep hill, but there were also some steep hills to run UP. I passed a guy (looked like my age group) on one of those steep hills, because he began walking. When the course flattened back out, he passed me back. He said something to me, and I said the hills are awful. He replied that the hills were "gently rolling", because that is what the race info said - "gently rolling". Downhill wasn't even gentle. The pastor of the church was driving the opposite way of we were running. He said # 11 when he reached me. I told myself right then that I wanted to finish in the top 10, so I tried to turn it up some. This was running steady uphill just after just finishing a steep uphill climb. There were two young kids (11-13 year-olds) that I had been running behind for quite sometime at this point and the guy that I swapped positions with a couple of times just ahead of me. One kid was leading the other and did his best to stay ahead of me. He would look back, and if I was getting close, he would speed up. The other kid would keep pace. I passed them quite easily along with the "guy", because he was back to walking on the uphill homestretch and I never looked back. I finished 8th overall and somehow managed 2nd in my age group. The guy that won it all (in just under 18 minutes) was also in my age group. They did not except the overall top 3 from the age groups, so I did not get the first place prize - a medal and a gift card. He got the overall and the age group medals and prizes.
After I had finished, I thought I had about 15-20 minutes before Sherri would finish. She did a 5k last week in 44 minutes on a flat course, so with all this hills, I thought it would take her longer. I decided to walk the mile to the vehicle, pee, put on some dry, warm clothes, and drive up to the finish line. If anybody said anything about it, I would say we had to pick up a granddaughter. (Crissy was bringing Lainey to us.) Sherri was already finished by the time I got there. She had finished in 36 minutes! We drove back to the farm parking area, got some free food and drinks, then went to sit in the vehicle to wait on Lainey and for the 1 Mile Fun Run runners to finish before the awards presentation. If it wasn't for Lainey, we would probably not have stayed around for the awards. I was far enough behind that I did not see the 6 of the 7 people finish ahead of me, but I was sure 3 of them had to be in my age group. They announced that you had to be present for the door prizes, so we hung around. I got a certificate for my age group. Sherri got one for being 3rd in her age group! She ran and walked, but said she ran quite a bit. She also said she passed some younger runners, too.
After the awards, we visited the petting zoo, went on a hay ride, pony ride, and a few other things that were not really worth the admission, but Lainey would have enjoyed more if she wasn't so sleepy.
Oh, I almost forgot my time. Even though I felt better for last week's 5k on a flat track, I ran this 5k around 50 seconds faster for some reason. I finished in 23:42, for a pace of 7:39. Last week was 24:30, 7:54. This was my 3rd fastest pace of any mileage. I ran a 3 mile training run in 7:24 on October 28, 2010. My second fastest was on September 25, 2010, at the Houston County Fair 5k, at a 7:27 pace.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Pushing 10
Since I would not be able to run Thursday or Friday and had a 5k race on Saturday, I decided to run my long run of 10 miles today. This just may have been the hardest I've ever pushed. I have pushed harder on short runs, but never this hard for this long of a run. Last year's Clarksville Half was 3 miles longer and about 45 seconds per mile faster, but seemed easy compared to today's run. I didn't feel like anything the rest of the night. I drank some, but probably not enough. I was finished running by 7:30, but at 11:00, I was still feeling the effects.
I stayed under 9:00 most of the run - 8:14, 8:38, 8:59, 8:52, 8:48, 8:48, 8:48 (Actually, Miles 5-7 were all 8:48.37. How in the world were they exact for 3 consecutive miles?), 8:45, then I was running low on fuel for Miles 9 and 10 and finished with 9:24, and 9:28. My total time was 1:28:44, for a pace of 8:52.
I've been trying to get my scheduled miles in (or more). I think I should have been worrying more about my speed. I'm afraid I won't be able to better last year's Clarksville Half's time. )It's hard to believe I did it in 8:09.) For this half, though, I have stuck more to the schedule than for any other before.
Sure wish I had the heart monitor today. I probably would have set a new max record. The average for the run would have had to have been up there, too. I'm not really sore. I just don't feel right... hard to explain...
I finished September with 108.1 miles. The most miles for a month in my 26 months of running, and the 3rd time to be over 100.
I stayed under 9:00 most of the run - 8:14, 8:38, 8:59, 8:52, 8:48, 8:48, 8:48 (Actually, Miles 5-7 were all 8:48.37. How in the world were they exact for 3 consecutive miles?), 8:45, then I was running low on fuel for Miles 9 and 10 and finished with 9:24, and 9:28. My total time was 1:28:44, for a pace of 8:52.
I've been trying to get my scheduled miles in (or more). I think I should have been worrying more about my speed. I'm afraid I won't be able to better last year's Clarksville Half's time. )It's hard to believe I did it in 8:09.) For this half, though, I have stuck more to the schedule than for any other before.
Sure wish I had the heart monitor today. I probably would have set a new max record. The average for the run would have had to have been up there, too. I'm not really sore. I just don't feel right... hard to explain...
I finished September with 108.1 miles. The most miles for a month in my 26 months of running, and the 3rd time to be over 100.
Monday, Spetember 26, 2011
I did a mile walk/jog warm up before today's run. It took about 11:00. I was to run 5 miles, but since I did the warm up and it was getting dark, I ran 4. I tried running fast - 7:54, 7:58, 8;27 (slow mile 3), and 7:48. Time: 32:07. Pace: 8:02, Dadgum Mile 3 cost me being under 8:00 pace.
Monday, September 26, 2011
9/24/11 - Houston County Fair 5K
I have a thousand excuses of why this did not go as I had planned, but I will only list a few. I had "planned" on beating my last year's pace of 7:27. Let me begin with two days before the race. I ate too much. We ate supper on the way home from work (about 4:00). I had 10 McNuggets, fries, and a drink. Of course, this could not get me to bed time, so I ate more junk. The next morning we stopped for Krispy Kremes. During the day, I ate 5! I had gained 6 pounds in 2 days. I was also 10 pounds heavier than last year. I've been feeling a little dehydrated, but not thirsty - make sense? I had already ran 32 miles during the week. There was also the 5-10 seconds I lost tying my shoe. I loosened the laces not long before the race started, because I felt they were a little tight. About 1/2 mile in, one came untied. I kept running, hoping I could finish. The shoe then began to start slipping, so around Mile 1 I had to stop and tie it. Not that those few seconds mattered.
My official time was 24:30, for a pace of 7:54 - a long way from my goal.
http://www.racenashville.com/houstonresults.txt
My official time was 24:30, for a pace of 7:54 - a long way from my goal.
http://www.racenashville.com/houstonresults.txt
Thursday, September 22, 2011
4 Days In-a-Row = Burn Out
Jelly legs actually started Tuesday. My legs have felt weak every day this week, even before Monday's run. I seriously thought about taking a rest day. I've been trying to get in miles for the half marathon. The past 2 years I missed quite a few scheduled runs. This year I am doing my best to run 4 days a week and get the number of scheduled miles in (or more), because the December marathon has some overlapping training days. Next week, I may do some calculating and post some statistics on the number of miles at a slower pace versus the lower number of miles at a faster pace of my Clarksville Half Marathons. I'm sure this research will NOT excite you, but I want to see how it affects the coming up in two weeks.
Along with running for the 4th day in-a-row, another thing that caused this run to feel so blah is that I ate too much junk today. For breakfast, I had a piece of cake. For morning snack, a bag of M&M's. I had peanut butter and crackers, a bag of chips, part of another bag of chips, more M&M's, and on the way home, we stopped at McDonald's and I got a 10-piece McNugget and fries. Then I tried to run on a full stomach and empty legs.
I guess my overall time was not that bad. All my miles were under 10:00 (with 3 of them at 9:56). My total time was 1:06:52 with a pace of 9:33. It seems like the total and pace are less than they should be, but I'll take them.
Along with running for the 4th day in-a-row, another thing that caused this run to feel so blah is that I ate too much junk today. For breakfast, I had a piece of cake. For morning snack, a bag of M&M's. I had peanut butter and crackers, a bag of chips, part of another bag of chips, more M&M's, and on the way home, we stopped at McDonald's and I got a 10-piece McNugget and fries. Then I tried to run on a full stomach and empty legs.
I guess my overall time was not that bad. All my miles were under 10:00 (with 3 of them at 9:56). My total time was 1:06:52 with a pace of 9:33. It seems like the total and pace are less than they should be, but I'll take them.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Tired 8 Miler
My legs are tired - 3rd day in-a-row to run. Kept all miles under 10:00, though. Slowest was 9:56 (mile 7). Total time: 1:14:10. Pace: 9:16.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Week Day 10 Miler
I said yesterday's run was for the miles I missed last week and that I would run yesterday's scheduled 5 today. Well, I got to thinking that I will not run my long run this Saturday, because I will be running in the Houston County Fair 5k. I decided to run the long run today. I hope to get in 35 miles this week - where you at, Shane? :) Monday 7 - check; Tuesday 10 - check; Wednesday 8; Thursday 7, and Saturday 3. If I remember correctly, 35 miles is the most I've ever run in a week, and that was 2 weeks ago.
I tried to take it easy - even though running 10 miles is never easy. My fastest mile was Mile 1 at 9:20; my slowest was Mile 10 at 10:06. I guess I'm happy only 1 mile was over 10:00. I would have been happier if I had ran it 7 seconds faster, though. My overall time was 1:36:08, for a pace of 9:37.
I tried to take it easy - even though running 10 miles is never easy. My fastest mile was Mile 1 at 9:20; my slowest was Mile 10 at 10:06. I guess I'm happy only 1 mile was over 10:00. I would have been happier if I had ran it 7 seconds faster, though. My overall time was 1:36:08, for a pace of 9:37.
Monday, September 19, 2011
I thought about running the Thursday 5 I missed and the Saturday 2 I was short on Sunday, but I slept about 15 of the 24 hours. After Saturday's let down, we went to eat at Patti's in Grand Rapids, KY. A surprise for Sherri and Terri's birthday were all the kids showed up. Afterwards, I then drove home to tend to the dogs, Morgan and Lola, while Sherri stayed in Kentucky. I guess I was in bed by 11:00. I took the dogs out around 7:00 am Sunday and went back to bed. I got up after 9:00, ate some cereal, and went back to bed. About an hour later, Crissy brought Sherri home and Lainey wanted to see me, so I got up. After about 30 minutes or so, I was back asleep. I then got up and stayed for about 3.5 hours before taking a nap. The next time I stayed up for about 4 hours before going to bed for the night.
I guess all the rest on Sunday was not enough, because on Monday my legs were feeling shaky. Once I started running that evening, I couldn't even feel my legs, except for the pain running up each shin as each foot hit the ground. I ran 7 miles (the "missed" miles) in 1:08:37, a 9:48 pace. I hope to run the actual scheduled 5 for today tomorrow and get back on track.
I guess all the rest on Sunday was not enough, because on Monday my legs were feeling shaky. Once I started running that evening, I couldn't even feel my legs, except for the pain running up each shin as each foot hit the ground. I ran 7 miles (the "missed" miles) in 1:08:37, a 9:48 pace. I hope to run the actual scheduled 5 for today tomorrow and get back on track.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
I did not get Thursday's 5 miler in, and was having mixed emotions about today's 14 miler. Last week's 13 miler went pretty good, so I was hoping for more of the same, especially since I had an extra rest day. But, 14 miles is a long way and a long time!
As I drove to Salem United Methodist Church to begin my run, I passed a few bicyclist. A tent was in the church parking lot for one of their "fuel" stations. The cyclist were on their way to Montgomery Bell State Park to conclude a week-long, 480 mile bike ride sponsored by Tennessee State Parks.
For some reason, seeing those bikes on the road, got me pumped up, even though we would not be on the same roads. I began my 14 mile journey by running Mile 1 in 8:12. The next 4 miles were also under 9:00. After 5 miles, my pace was at 8:32. I was thinking I could be last week's 9:15 pace for 13 miles. What was I thinking? Mile 6 - 9:21. Mile 7 - 9:38. It just kept getting worse. Miles 8-10 were 10:03, 10:14, and 10:41. And worse. Mile 11 - 13:55. And worse. Mile 12 - 18:12. It got so bad that I only ran 12 of the 14 scheduled miles. Actually, I only jogged 10.5 of the 12 and walked the last 1.5 miles. After starting so well, this was a major crash and burn. My total time for the 12 miles ended at 2:04:44, a 10:24 pace.
As I drove to Salem United Methodist Church to begin my run, I passed a few bicyclist. A tent was in the church parking lot for one of their "fuel" stations. The cyclist were on their way to Montgomery Bell State Park to conclude a week-long, 480 mile bike ride sponsored by Tennessee State Parks.
For some reason, seeing those bikes on the road, got me pumped up, even though we would not be on the same roads. I began my 14 mile journey by running Mile 1 in 8:12. The next 4 miles were also under 9:00. After 5 miles, my pace was at 8:32. I was thinking I could be last week's 9:15 pace for 13 miles. What was I thinking? Mile 6 - 9:21. Mile 7 - 9:38. It just kept getting worse. Miles 8-10 were 10:03, 10:14, and 10:41. And worse. Mile 11 - 13:55. And worse. Mile 12 - 18:12. It got so bad that I only ran 12 of the 14 scheduled miles. Actually, I only jogged 10.5 of the 12 and walked the last 1.5 miles. After starting so well, this was a major crash and burn. My total time for the 12 miles ended at 2:04:44, a 10:24 pace.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
My shins felt much better today. My complaint for today is "sweat". It was 81 degrees and cloudy, and I was sweating like a pig. My hair's not that wet when I get out of the shower; my shirt was soaked, so I had to wipe the sweat off my face with sweat. I think one of the things that contributed to the "sweatness" of the run was coffee. I didn't get much sleep last night (staying with Lainey), so I drank a couple of extra cups of coffee. I also didn't hydrate before the run. It looked like rain, so I just hurried to get on the road.
I added a mile to hopefully get in 30 miles for the week. I ran 7 miles in 1:03:12. I saw I had a very slim chance of finishing at a 9:00 or less pace as I headed into the last mile. I was close, but just didn't have it in me. I finished at a 9:02 pace. My max heart rate was well above my formulated 180 at 195. I've hit 232, which I believe is an error, since one formula starts at 220 and can only be less than 220. I've also hit 198 twice. This is my second 195. The thing is that these top 5 max HR's do not have fast times. The fastest pace is 8:38; the rest are over 9:00. Also, the distance doesn't seem to be a factor. Only one is over 10 miles - the Country Music Marathon, which is the one with the error, and the pace for that was 13:43. My "Recovery From" of 194 was my 3rd highest ever. I was trying to get under 1:03:00, but was barely moving.
I added a mile to hopefully get in 30 miles for the week. I ran 7 miles in 1:03:12. I saw I had a very slim chance of finishing at a 9:00 or less pace as I headed into the last mile. I was close, but just didn't have it in me. I finished at a 9:02 pace. My max heart rate was well above my formulated 180 at 195. I've hit 232, which I believe is an error, since one formula starts at 220 and can only be less than 220. I've also hit 198 twice. This is my second 195. The thing is that these top 5 max HR's do not have fast times. The fastest pace is 8:38; the rest are over 9:00. Also, the distance doesn't seem to be a factor. Only one is over 10 miles - the Country Music Marathon, which is the one with the error, and the pace for that was 13:43. My "Recovery From" of 194 was my 3rd highest ever. I was trying to get under 1:03:00, but was barely moving.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Monday, September 12, 2011
I was supposed to meet up with Shane for today's run. We left work a little late, so got home a little late. I sent Shane a text about 5:15, asking if 6:00 would be okay. About 5:50, I received a reply that he was still working at his farm, so I hit the road by myself. It was probably a good thing that we didn't run together, or should I say "try" to run together. I would not have been able to keep up. My shins - mostly to the sides - gave me problems, beginning about a half mile into the run. I was hoping they would loosen up, so I kept running. Just before getting to mile 2.5, I felt a burning sensation running up my right shin. Once I got to the 2.5 mark, I walked for a half mile. I ran the last mile very easily. There was still pain every time each foot hit the ground, but I could live with it.
It took me 40:22 (10:06 pace) to run these 4 miles. I had some of my lower heart rates: 150 avg, 178 max, 60 rest, recovery 159 to 109.
It took me 40:22 (10:06 pace) to run these 4 miles. I had some of my lower heart rates: 150 avg, 178 max, 60 rest, recovery 159 to 109.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Shane called last night, but I was too lazy to get up and get the phone. We were to try to run together. I didn't know what I was doing anyway. Sherri wanted me to help with Lainey when she came Saturday morning. I didn't want to "have" to get up and run at a certain time. I wanted to wake up when I felt like it. By doing that, I knew I would be finished running by the time Lainey arrived. Sherri was taking Lainey home that afternoon/evening, but I knew Shane couldn't run then because of his wife's birthday. I thought about running Sunday, but once I woke up Saturday morning, I just could not go back to sleep. Sherri asked me how long it would take me to run; I told her a couple of hours. She said for me to call Shane and go ahead and run, hoping I would be back in time for Lainey's nap. (She likes for me to take a nap with her.) I tried texting Shane a couple of times - didn't want to wake him or anyone else. When I didn't receive a reply, I thought maybe he went running without me. I drove the running route I thought he would take on my way to the church to see if he was out there. I didn't see him, so I called him. No answer.
I wasn't really prepared to run, since it was a last second decision. I had a cup of coffee, 2 cinnamon rolls, and some PowerAde. I had an uneasy feeling in my stomach for about the first 3 miles, but it eventually went away. I don't know how - or why - I ran so good for the first so many miles. Mile 1 was 8:44. Mile 2 was 9:34, which was more like I expected for the first few miles before slowing down for the latter miles. After 10 miles, my pace was 8:53. All but 3 of those miles were under 9:00 (Mile 2 - 9:24, 3 - 9:01, 10 - 9:03). During Mile 9, I was wanting to quit. I pushed on through Miles 9 and 10. Then the wheels came off the bus. Miles 11 thru 13 - 9:49, 10:39, and 10:50. I went from 9:00 miles to almost 11:00 miles. Even with the let down at the end, I'm still satisfied with my overall pace. My total time was 2:00:12 (would have liked to erased those 12 seconds, though). My pace was 9:15.
I believe it is safe to say - I haven't checked for sure - that the 35 miles I ran this week are the most I have ever run in a single week.
I wasn't really prepared to run, since it was a last second decision. I had a cup of coffee, 2 cinnamon rolls, and some PowerAde. I had an uneasy feeling in my stomach for about the first 3 miles, but it eventually went away. I don't know how - or why - I ran so good for the first so many miles. Mile 1 was 8:44. Mile 2 was 9:34, which was more like I expected for the first few miles before slowing down for the latter miles. After 10 miles, my pace was 8:53. All but 3 of those miles were under 9:00 (Mile 2 - 9:24, 3 - 9:01, 10 - 9:03). During Mile 9, I was wanting to quit. I pushed on through Miles 9 and 10. Then the wheels came off the bus. Miles 11 thru 13 - 9:49, 10:39, and 10:50. I went from 9:00 miles to almost 11:00 miles. Even with the let down at the end, I'm still satisfied with my overall pace. My total time was 2:00:12 (would have liked to erased those 12 seconds, though). My pace was 9:15.
I believe it is safe to say - I haven't checked for sure - that the 35 miles I ran this week are the most I have ever run in a single week.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Hey, Dummy! Too Fast!
Since I was running 2 miles less than yesterday, I wanted to have a faster pace than the 8:38. 8:30 would have been fine. I knew it would be a difficult task, so I started out running like crazy. Mile 1 was in 7:27. I thought to myself, "You, dummy, that was too fast. You can hardly breathe. Not only can you not keep that pace up, it will probably cost you minutes in the miles left." Hoping to avoid the major slow down, I kept pushing. Miles 2 thru 4 - 8:09, 8:02, and 8:06. Total time: 31:43. Pace: 7:56. Thanks yo Mile 1, I was able to finish with a pace under 8:00, even though only 1 of the 4 miles was actually under 8:00. This is the first time I've been under an 8:00 pace since October 28, 2010!
My heart rates seem confusing to me. As expected, my average heart rate of 177 was one of my highest (181, 178). What I don't understand is why my max HR was not in the 190's. I ran harder today - especially during the first mile, and was having to use all I had during the last mile - than I have in quite some time. It was 188. I may have it the max in the last mile, because my recovery started at 187 and went down to 131.
My heart rates seem confusing to me. As expected, my average heart rate of 177 was one of my highest (181, 178). What I don't understand is why my max HR was not in the 190's. I ran harder today - especially during the first mile, and was having to use all I had during the last mile - than I have in quite some time. It was 188. I may have it the max in the last mile, because my recovery started at 187 and went down to 131.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Thought I Set New PR's & Mile 3 Killer
I thought I set new personal records. The sad thing is that the records were not in time or distance, but heart rates. Using the average of 4 different heart rate formulas, my max heart rate should be 179.4. Before today, 2 of my last 4 runs hit 190. Today, I took it up to 191. This is still not near the highest. I have about 30 runs in which I've been 190+, including 2 at 198. In the Country Music Marathon (April 30, 2011), I hit 232 - that was either a malfunction or I'm lucky to be alive. My recovery was 191 to 118. I just knew the 73 point difference had to be the biggest ever. Wrong. On May 26, 2011, I had a 75 (189-114) point recovery.
Mile 3 proved to be my slow mile once again and stopped me from having all 6 of my miles under 9:00. Mile 1 was 8:40 - good, but would be nearly impossible to maintain. I didn't hear the watch beep indicating Mile 2, so I didn't get to see the split time. I wasn't too far past the mark when I looked at my watch, and by my total time I thought it was over 9:00. It was close at 8:56. The killer mile in 9:06. I didn't set out to run hard - I was actually worried about how Monday's 12 miler would affect this run - but once I saw that Mile 4 was at 8:41, and that I had a chance to finish at a pace under 9:00, I began pushing. Miles 5 (8:23) and 6 (7:58) were my fastest 2. Total time: 51:45. Pace: 8:38.
Mile 3 proved to be my slow mile once again and stopped me from having all 6 of my miles under 9:00. Mile 1 was 8:40 - good, but would be nearly impossible to maintain. I didn't hear the watch beep indicating Mile 2, so I didn't get to see the split time. I wasn't too far past the mark when I looked at my watch, and by my total time I thought it was over 9:00. It was close at 8:56. The killer mile in 9:06. I didn't set out to run hard - I was actually worried about how Monday's 12 miler would affect this run - but once I saw that Mile 4 was at 8:41, and that I had a chance to finish at a pace under 9:00, I began pushing. Miles 5 (8:23) and 6 (7:58) were my fastest 2. Total time: 51:45. Pace: 8:38.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Another "Thanks to Shane", But in a Different Tone
Today is a rest day - thank goodness. "Thanks to Shane", the 12 miles I ran yesterday are killing me today. Of course, my legs hurt, but so does my right hip, sides, and between my shoulder blades. My right ITB is giving me fits, and that scares me. My mind is also foggy.
Monday, September 5, 2011
12 - Thanks to Shane
I was supposed to run 4 miles on Thursday, September 1. On the way home from work, I began to get a headache and felt chills. I felt chills on a day that Nashville set a new record high with a temperature of 99 degrees. My legs also ached, so running was out of the question.
I did feel better on Friday, but since I had 12 miles scheduled for Saturday, I thought I would forget about those 4 and rest another day. Saturday, I helped Sherri babysit. I planned on running when she wen to Crissy's house that evening. When she left, I got dressed to run, but couldn't make myself get out the door. I contacted Shane, hoping he would be running, and running with him would help me get out the door. He had other plans, so I backed out. Probably a good thing, because I began to feel ill again. I fell asleep before 7:30 and did not get up until just after 10:00 Sunday morning. I stayed awake for about an hour, and then took a two hour nap. I got up and took a shower, hoping that would help me feel better. I went to Foodlion for a few things and that wore me out. Shane called to see if I was running today. I told him I just couldn't do it, and we could try again tomorrow.
Labor Day - Monday, September 5. I met Shane at the co-op for a 12 mile run. When I left my house around 5:00 pm it was 65 degrees (it had reached 68). When I returned about 2.5 hours later, it was 63. It felt like it got much cooler during the run. I was expecting to see mid to upper 50's. In the beginning, Shane ran off and left me. (First 3 miles for me: 9:11, 9:28, 9:21 - too fast for me.) After 3 miles, I guess my legs loosened up (and he slowed down) I caught up. We swapped leads a few times, not that it was a race, but "inspiration" to run and complete 12 miles. If I had not been running with him, I would not have run that far. As bad as I felt during the first 3 to 4 miles, I probably would have turned around then. I wanted to quit before, but really after Mile 9. I wanted to be finished and at home, but I had to get back to my truck. I wanted to walk the last 3 miles, but Shane ran past me. I finally made myself jog again. With a mile left, I decided to push with what I had left. I was finally under 10:00 again. Miles 4 thru 12: 9:53, 9:49, 10:18, 11:04, 11:36, 10:53, 12:08, 10:57, and 9:31). Total time: 2:04:08. Pace: 10:21. Heart Rates: avg. 150, max, 182, rest 64. Recovery 161 to 110. I could barely move when I got out of the shower.
I did feel better on Friday, but since I had 12 miles scheduled for Saturday, I thought I would forget about those 4 and rest another day. Saturday, I helped Sherri babysit. I planned on running when she wen to Crissy's house that evening. When she left, I got dressed to run, but couldn't make myself get out the door. I contacted Shane, hoping he would be running, and running with him would help me get out the door. He had other plans, so I backed out. Probably a good thing, because I began to feel ill again. I fell asleep before 7:30 and did not get up until just after 10:00 Sunday morning. I stayed awake for about an hour, and then took a two hour nap. I got up and took a shower, hoping that would help me feel better. I went to Foodlion for a few things and that wore me out. Shane called to see if I was running today. I told him I just couldn't do it, and we could try again tomorrow.
Labor Day - Monday, September 5. I met Shane at the co-op for a 12 mile run. When I left my house around 5:00 pm it was 65 degrees (it had reached 68). When I returned about 2.5 hours later, it was 63. It felt like it got much cooler during the run. I was expecting to see mid to upper 50's. In the beginning, Shane ran off and left me. (First 3 miles for me: 9:11, 9:28, 9:21 - too fast for me.) After 3 miles, I guess my legs loosened up (and he slowed down) I caught up. We swapped leads a few times, not that it was a race, but "inspiration" to run and complete 12 miles. If I had not been running with him, I would not have run that far. As bad as I felt during the first 3 to 4 miles, I probably would have turned around then. I wanted to quit before, but really after Mile 9. I wanted to be finished and at home, but I had to get back to my truck. I wanted to walk the last 3 miles, but Shane ran past me. I finally made myself jog again. With a mile left, I decided to push with what I had left. I was finally under 10:00 again. Miles 4 thru 12: 9:53, 9:49, 10:18, 11:04, 11:36, 10:53, 12:08, 10:57, and 9:31). Total time: 2:04:08. Pace: 10:21. Heart Rates: avg. 150, max, 182, rest 64. Recovery 161 to 110. I could barely move when I got out of the shower.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
August 30 and 31, 2011
Did not get to run Monday, because went to eat with Sherri's sisters for their birthdays.
Ran 4 miles on Tuesday, August 30, in 32:41 (8:10 pace). I pushed hard even though Sherri had told me that the brother of one of our neighbors had died after a run. He was either 51 or 55 years old (the neighbor said she was 53 and there was 2 years difference in their ages, but not who was oldest). He returned from the run not feeling well. His wife asked if she needed to call the ambulance. He said yes, that he was seeing spots. I believe he died before she got back from calling.
Ran 6 miles on August 31. The hard 4 miles the day before caught up with me in the end. First mile (also fastest) was 9:10; last mile (the slowest) was 10:54. Total time: 58:51; Pace: 9:49.
Ran 4 miles on Tuesday, August 30, in 32:41 (8:10 pace). I pushed hard even though Sherri had told me that the brother of one of our neighbors had died after a run. He was either 51 or 55 years old (the neighbor said she was 53 and there was 2 years difference in their ages, but not who was oldest). He returned from the run not feeling well. His wife asked if she needed to call the ambulance. He said yes, that he was seeing spots. I believe he died before she got back from calling.
Ran 6 miles on August 31. The hard 4 miles the day before caught up with me in the end. First mile (also fastest) was 9:10; last mile (the slowest) was 10:54. Total time: 58:51; Pace: 9:49.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
10 - No Walking
Finally able to get in 10 miles without walking. I had enough carbs - that's for sure. For breakfast, I had 3 cinnamon rolls, 2 coffees, and some orange juice. For lunch, I had 10 McNuggets, fries, and a milkshake. At Sherri's sister's house, I had a donut. I had some cheese Pringles for a snack. I also had some Dr. Pepper throughout the day. I thought all this would make me sluggish, but I felt pretty good. I usually try to run Saturday runs during the morning, because if I wait too long I will talk myself out of it. I ALMOST did that today.
I usually start out too fast, but today Mile 1 was at 9:00. Still, a little fast, knowing I had 9 more to go. Mile 2 was 9:17. Then I hit a consistent pace for the next 3 miles. 9:49.06, 9:49.06, and 9:49.07 - not just close, but the same! This was the turnaround point, so, heading toward home, my pace quickened - a little. Mile 6 was 9:35. Then I dropped to 9:45 for Mile 7. Mile 8 was 9:28 for some reason. Mile 9 was 9:38. If I could get Mile 10 under 10:00, I would complete every mile in under 10:00. This was kind of exciting, because I haven't been able to run 10 miles without walking since April (I believe that is correct). I ran Mile 10 without looking at my watch. I didn't want to know if I was ahead of the pace I needed and risk slowing down. I tried to run hard, but without feeling like I was killing myself. Mile 10 was 9:17. That felt good. It felt even better knowing that I was finally able to get double digits again.
My total time was 1:35:27, a pace of 9:33. Heart rates: avg 167, max 190, rest 64. Recovery, wasn't much, 190 to 151.
I saw Todd ran 18 miles in under an 11:00 pace - must be nice! I guess Shane is MIA.
I usually start out too fast, but today Mile 1 was at 9:00. Still, a little fast, knowing I had 9 more to go. Mile 2 was 9:17. Then I hit a consistent pace for the next 3 miles. 9:49.06, 9:49.06, and 9:49.07 - not just close, but the same! This was the turnaround point, so, heading toward home, my pace quickened - a little. Mile 6 was 9:35. Then I dropped to 9:45 for Mile 7. Mile 8 was 9:28 for some reason. Mile 9 was 9:38. If I could get Mile 10 under 10:00, I would complete every mile in under 10:00. This was kind of exciting, because I haven't been able to run 10 miles without walking since April (I believe that is correct). I ran Mile 10 without looking at my watch. I didn't want to know if I was ahead of the pace I needed and risk slowing down. I tried to run hard, but without feeling like I was killing myself. Mile 10 was 9:17. That felt good. It felt even better knowing that I was finally able to get double digits again.
My total time was 1:35:27, a pace of 9:33. Heart rates: avg 167, max 190, rest 64. Recovery, wasn't much, 190 to 151.
I saw Todd ran 18 miles in under an 11:00 pace - must be nice! I guess Shane is MIA.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Ohhhhh! Tired Legs...
...and everything else. It was 87 degrees and mostly sunny with a good breeze at around 6:30 pm. It didn't feel that hot, but I was sweating like crazy. I got cold during the last mile (Mile 6), but was still pouring out sweat.
Versus Monday's 8 and Tuesday's 4, today didn't go to well. My legs were tired from the get go. I even thought about walking a few times, but kept plugging along. I ran harder on Monday and Tuesday, trying to stay under 9:00 paces, and I did so, with my average heart rate at 170 for both days. Today, I was hoping to stay under 10:00 by just getting one foot in front of the other and my avg HR was 172. Not a big difference, but the amount of effort seemed to be a big difference. Well, may be not - I think it hurt more today than it did on those 2 runs.
The times by miles: 8:41, 9:06, 9:35, 9:35, 9:56, and 10:00. Total time: 56:53. Pace: 9:29. Heart Rates: avg 172, max 189, rest 64. Recovery 189 to 142.
Versus Monday's 8 and Tuesday's 4, today didn't go to well. My legs were tired from the get go. I even thought about walking a few times, but kept plugging along. I ran harder on Monday and Tuesday, trying to stay under 9:00 paces, and I did so, with my average heart rate at 170 for both days. Today, I was hoping to stay under 10:00 by just getting one foot in front of the other and my avg HR was 172. Not a big difference, but the amount of effort seemed to be a big difference. Well, may be not - I think it hurt more today than it did on those 2 runs.
The times by miles: 8:41, 9:06, 9:35, 9:35, 9:56, and 10:00. Total time: 56:53. Pace: 9:29. Heart Rates: avg 172, max 189, rest 64. Recovery 189 to 142.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Needed a Break
Today is usually an off day, but tomorrow we are coming home through Dickson, because Brandi is cutting our hair. I decided to go ahead and run Wednesday's run today, because I am not sure what time we will get home, and, if we get get something to eat, I surely wouldn't feel like running. I did change Wednesday's mileage (6) with Thursday's 4, so I wouldn't run the higher miles on back-to-back days.
I started out too fast. Mile 1 was 8:12. Mile 2 at 8:20. During Mile 3, I really began to feel the toll of yesterday's long run. I did manage to stay under 9:00 - at 8:59! Mile 4 slipped to 9:17. I guess, overall, it wasn't that bad. Total time: 34:48. Pace: 8:42. Heart rates: 170 avg. 185 max. 70 rest. Recovery was 184 to 129. I wasn't even able to sprint at the end, so the high recovery wasn't my max.
I felt like I did something. First time that I have felt the soreness of running hard in awhile.
I started out too fast. Mile 1 was 8:12. Mile 2 at 8:20. During Mile 3, I really began to feel the toll of yesterday's long run. I did manage to stay under 9:00 - at 8:59! Mile 4 slipped to 9:17. I guess, overall, it wasn't that bad. Total time: 34:48. Pace: 8:42. Heart rates: 170 avg. 185 max. 70 rest. Recovery was 184 to 129. I wasn't even able to sprint at the end, so the high recovery wasn't my max.
I felt like I did something. First time that I have felt the soreness of running hard in awhile.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Called a Timeout
I did not run Saturday. I had a few things to do, and I knew that if I ran first, they would not get done. When I finished in the afternoon, it had warmed up quite a bit and I wasn't feeling so well. I took a little nap, hoping to feel good enough to run in the evening. Didn't happen. I fought to stay awake after 10:00 to finish watching a movie. I got to bed around 11:00 and slept to noon Sunday. Felt tired most of the day, so never thought about running. Sherri wanted me to get her bike out. Since I knew it would be a short, easy ride in the neighborhood, I rode mine, too - about 2 miles.
Originally, I was to run 4 miles today, but I wanted to get the long run in. My half marathon schedule called for 6 Saturday. Since I knew I could run 6 (what I've been running on Wednesdays) and had failed many attempts at 10, I decided to meet in the middle with 8.
I started off like I was only running a couple of miles - 8:34. Mile 2 was 9:03. My usually slow Mile 3 was at 9:31. I was slowing down, but didn't want to go over 10:00 until the return trip, and I was losing about 30 seconds each mile. Then things changed...
I met Shane running towards me. Like a smart coach, when I noticed the other team (Shane) had the momentum over my team (me), I called a timeout. I was at 3.1 miles. I think he was at 4.3 of his 10 miler. We talked for awhile and headed in our opposite directions. The timeout helped me - Mile 4 was at 8:53. I don't know if it helped him or not. I will check his blog once I finish typing my entry. We crossed paths again after we ran to our halfway points and turned to make the return trip. I was about at Mile 5. He looked like he was having an easy time. Mile 5 was 8:59 for me. Shane's effortless look, and that he was doing 2 more miles than me, sparked me to try to run faster. I did a little - Miles 6 and 7 were both at 8:52. I then knew I had a chance to finish in under 9:00. I gave it all I had on the last mile. Slowing down - run faster. Slowing down - run faster! My heart rate max hit 189 as I finished Mile 8, because that is where the recovery started. It ended at 138. Avg. was 170. Min. was 62. I finished Mile 8 in 8:09. My total time was 1:10:52, for a pace of 8:52.
Originally, I was to run 4 miles today, but I wanted to get the long run in. My half marathon schedule called for 6 Saturday. Since I knew I could run 6 (what I've been running on Wednesdays) and had failed many attempts at 10, I decided to meet in the middle with 8.
I started off like I was only running a couple of miles - 8:34. Mile 2 was 9:03. My usually slow Mile 3 was at 9:31. I was slowing down, but didn't want to go over 10:00 until the return trip, and I was losing about 30 seconds each mile. Then things changed...
I met Shane running towards me. Like a smart coach, when I noticed the other team (Shane) had the momentum over my team (me), I called a timeout. I was at 3.1 miles. I think he was at 4.3 of his 10 miler. We talked for awhile and headed in our opposite directions. The timeout helped me - Mile 4 was at 8:53. I don't know if it helped him or not. I will check his blog once I finish typing my entry. We crossed paths again after we ran to our halfway points and turned to make the return trip. I was about at Mile 5. He looked like he was having an easy time. Mile 5 was 8:59 for me. Shane's effortless look, and that he was doing 2 more miles than me, sparked me to try to run faster. I did a little - Miles 6 and 7 were both at 8:52. I then knew I had a chance to finish in under 9:00. I gave it all I had on the last mile. Slowing down - run faster. Slowing down - run faster! My heart rate max hit 189 as I finished Mile 8, because that is where the recovery started. It ended at 138. Avg. was 170. Min. was 62. I finished Mile 8 in 8:09. My total time was 1:10:52, for a pace of 8:52.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
May as well...
It had rained earlier and cooled things down to 76 degrees at 6:00 pm when I headed out for the run. The nice temperature and the threat of more rain had me eager to try to run faster. I also had taken the battery out of a garage door opener and put it in my heart rate monitor. It has been a long time since I have gotten to use it, so I wanted to see how high I could get it. So, I ran like crazy.
Mile 1 at 7:54 and Mile 2 gave me back to back under 8:00's at 7:58. (When is the last time that has happened?) Miles 3 and 4 didn't fair as well as I slipped to 8:09 and 8:06. I tried sprinting the last tenth of a mile hoping to get the last mile under 8:00, but was too far behind AND out of steam. I finished about a half-mile from home and sat on a bridge wondering if I would ever have the energy to walk the rest of the way home.
My total run time was 32:07 for a pace of 8:02. When I saw I was only seconds away from under 8:00, I was kind of mad, but if I had pushed much harder, I don't know if I would have survived.
Since I couldn't remember what my max heart rate should be, I looked online to find a formula. I found several on Wkikipedia:
The "Old" Formula: 220-age = for me, 179
HRmax = 206.3 − (0.711 × age) = for me, 177.15
(Often attributed to "Londeree and Moeschberger from the University of
Missouri")
HRmax = 217 − (0.85 × age) = for me, 182.15
(Often attributed to "Miller et al. from Indiana University")
HRmax = 208 − (0.7 × age) = for me, 179.3
(Another "tweak" to the traditional formula is known as the Tanaka method.
The average of the 4 equals 179.4. I guess I will have to go with the Miller formula, since my max was 188. My average was 173 and minimum was 72. My recovery was from 188 (the time of running hard that last 1/10th mile) to 135.
NOTE: As I was talking to Shane (I believe it was on Tuesday), he mentioned the start of his St. Jude's Marathon training. I asked if it was already time to start it. I looked at the schedule I go by, and sure enough, I was supposed to start mine the day before, too. I was also supposed to start mu Clarksville Half training on August 1. I have been so concerned with completing a Saturday 10 miler I haven't really given thought to the schedule. I thought I would get to running the long 10 miler and run it until the schedule called for the 10 miler and I would follow the schedule from then on. The schedule calls for 6 Saturday, so I may do that instead of trying the 10 again.
Mile 1 at 7:54 and Mile 2 gave me back to back under 8:00's at 7:58. (When is the last time that has happened?) Miles 3 and 4 didn't fair as well as I slipped to 8:09 and 8:06. I tried sprinting the last tenth of a mile hoping to get the last mile under 8:00, but was too far behind AND out of steam. I finished about a half-mile from home and sat on a bridge wondering if I would ever have the energy to walk the rest of the way home.
My total run time was 32:07 for a pace of 8:02. When I saw I was only seconds away from under 8:00, I was kind of mad, but if I had pushed much harder, I don't know if I would have survived.
Since I couldn't remember what my max heart rate should be, I looked online to find a formula. I found several on Wkikipedia:
The "Old" Formula: 220-age = for me, 179
HRmax = 206.3 − (0.711 × age) = for me, 177.15
(Often attributed to "Londeree and Moeschberger from the University of
Missouri")
HRmax = 217 − (0.85 × age) = for me, 182.15
(Often attributed to "Miller et al. from Indiana University")
HRmax = 208 − (0.7 × age) = for me, 179.3
(Another "tweak" to the traditional formula is known as the Tanaka method.
The average of the 4 equals 179.4. I guess I will have to go with the Miller formula, since my max was 188. My average was 173 and minimum was 72. My recovery was from 188 (the time of running hard that last 1/10th mile) to 135.
NOTE: As I was talking to Shane (I believe it was on Tuesday), he mentioned the start of his St. Jude's Marathon training. I asked if it was already time to start it. I looked at the schedule I go by, and sure enough, I was supposed to start mine the day before, too. I was also supposed to start mu Clarksville Half training on August 1. I have been so concerned with completing a Saturday 10 miler I haven't really given thought to the schedule. I thought I would get to running the long 10 miler and run it until the schedule called for the 10 miler and I would follow the schedule from then on. The schedule calls for 6 Saturday, so I may do that instead of trying the 10 again.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Push at the End
I ran a 6 miler today with a tenth of a mile "sprint" at the end. I was around a 9:15 pace after 4 miles and a little below that after 5 miles. I wanted to finish at 9:15 or better, and felt like I had slowed down too much during Mile 6, that I sprinted at the end hoping to reach my goal. I must not have slowed down as much as I thought, because I know the short sprint didn't cut off a lot of time. The times: 9:02, 9:28, 9:28, 9:06, 8:59, and 8:31. Total time: 54:33. Pace: 9:06.
I know I've said it a hundred times before, but I really wish I had the heart rate monitor today. My heart was really going at the end and took awhile to slow down
I know I've said it a hundred times before, but I really wish I had the heart rate monitor today. My heart was really going at the end and took awhile to slow down
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Monday, August 15, 2011
Legs were tired before I ever started. Finally, cooling down a bit - 81 degrees when I ran. I think the high was only to be 82 today. Ran 4 uneventful miles. I tried to hurry, because Sherri was waiting on me to grill. I guess I did alright even though it was slower than my last 4 miler. 8:41, 8:48, 9:24 (my slower mile 3), and 8:45. Total: 35:38. Pace: 8:54.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Knew I Shoulda Called Shane
Holly and family were at our house last night and until noon today. Sherri went to Crissy's for the night not long after Holly left. I could run whenever I wanted. The thing is that I really didn't want to. I thought about calling Shane, not only to help me get out the door, but to help me "run" the 10 miles. I have tried to run a 10 miler just about every Saturday for the last 3 months, but I either don't cover 10 miles or I walk a lot of it. I thought someone running with me would help me push through the "I can't do it" - which is really more like "I don't want to do it". I decided not to call Shane, because I didn't want him to feel like he had to do it or how many miles he had scheduled. He also probably couldn't run to later in the evening, and if I waited much longer, I would have backed out for sure.
I headed out at 3:15 and it was 92 degrees. I carried a PowerAde and some Captain America fruit chews. This was probably one of my worst runs ever. I did not cover 10 miles - I only did 8. A lot of it was walking, too. My fastest mile was Mile 2 at 10:21. Miles 1 and 3-5 were in the 11's. Mile 6 - 15:43, Mile 7 - 17:44, Mile 8 - 18:34. A total time of 1:48:02; Pace 13:30. Pathetic!
I headed out at 3:15 and it was 92 degrees. I carried a PowerAde and some Captain America fruit chews. This was probably one of my worst runs ever. I did not cover 10 miles - I only did 8. A lot of it was walking, too. My fastest mile was Mile 2 at 10:21. Miles 1 and 3-5 were in the 11's. Mile 6 - 15:43, Mile 7 - 17:44, Mile 8 - 18:34. A total time of 1:48:02; Pace 13:30. Pathetic!
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Ankle O.K.
I didn't start until 7:00 pm, and the temperature was the same as yesterday (83), but there was sunshine, and it still did not feel as hot as yesterday. My ankle hurt during the day. Every time I got up I had to catch myself. Sherri wanted me to vacuum, since she was at Crissy's with Lainey for the night and Holly and family would be at our house tomorrow. I was going to do it after I ran, but decided to do it before I ran to hopefully loosen my ankle up. Evidently, it worked. My ankle did not hurt the entire run! It did give me trouble as I stepped into the shower, though. I had one of my best paces in a long time - 8:32. Mile 3 must be back as my slow mile. I ran 8:34, 8:27, 8:41, and 8:27. It kept me from being under 8:30. I tried to sprint the last 2/10ths to finish under 8:30, but I couldn't do it. I wish I had my heart rate monitor, because I did try, and when I was finished, I sat on the guardrail beside the road for awhile.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Two year running anniversary.
At 6:30 pm, it was cloudy and a "cool" 83 degrees. My last 4 runs have been when the temperature has been under 90 degrees! However, I think I sweated more today than any other day. I don't know why. It wasn't the humidity, and it had been cloudy at least since I got home about 2 hours ago.
Not too long after passing 2.5 miles, I thought I fractured my ankle. I didn't step on anything, twist it, or anything. I just felt the pain! It has happened a few times before, but not with such pain and usually goes away within the next few steps. This time it didn't go away so quickly. This also happened during the Clarksville Half Marathon. If I remember right, it was around mile 4, and I almost stopped at a water station to call it quits. I didn't think there was any way I could finish, but I forged on past the water station thinking I would stop if it wasn't better by the next. The ankle worked itself out and I finished with my best half marathon time ever (out of all 3). I was hoping for the same result today. I f-i-n-a-l-l-y got it and was able to keep mile 3 under 10:00 at 9:56. I finished all the miles in under 10:00. Total: 57:54. Pace: 9:39.
At 6:30 pm, it was cloudy and a "cool" 83 degrees. My last 4 runs have been when the temperature has been under 90 degrees! However, I think I sweated more today than any other day. I don't know why. It wasn't the humidity, and it had been cloudy at least since I got home about 2 hours ago.
Not too long after passing 2.5 miles, I thought I fractured my ankle. I didn't step on anything, twist it, or anything. I just felt the pain! It has happened a few times before, but not with such pain and usually goes away within the next few steps. This time it didn't go away so quickly. This also happened during the Clarksville Half Marathon. If I remember right, it was around mile 4, and I almost stopped at a water station to call it quits. I didn't think there was any way I could finish, but I forged on past the water station thinking I would stop if it wasn't better by the next. The ankle worked itself out and I finished with my best half marathon time ever (out of all 3). I was hoping for the same result today. I f-i-n-a-l-l-y got it and was able to keep mile 3 under 10:00 at 9:56. I finished all the miles in under 10:00. Total: 57:54. Pace: 9:39.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Only Five
Today was supposed to be a long run - 10 miler. I started out a little fast, because it was only 81 degrees and it almost 10:00 am. My first mile was in 9:03. It was cloudy, but I wasn't expecting other than some sprinkles or light drizzle. I drove to Salem UMC to run. I ran to the end of Salem Ridge and back. I had half of my 10 miles completed as I stopped by my truck to towel off and get a drink. Then the bottom fell out. I got in my truck, but before I could muster the energy to drive away, the rain stopped. The damage was already done - I was not running the final 5 miles. I felt so worn out I'm not sure I could have finished anyway. Total time: 48:32; Pace 9:42. After that first mile and my feeling of exhaustion, I thought my time would have been better.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
A Tale of Two Times
Sherri wanted me to walk with her, so I walked a mile with her in 15:06. I then ran my scheduled 4 miler. I felt better today than I have in awhile, but my legs are still so tired. They are not just tired while running, just raising them to get my shoes on is work. Including the mile with Sherri, it took me 52:30 to cover 5 miles, a pace of 10:30. Counting the run only, I finished in 37:24, a pace of 9:21. I even squeaked all the miles in under a 9:30 pace - 9:29, 9:24, 9:28, and a 9:03.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011 --- 99
Before I begin this post, I want to mention a couple of things I forgot to write on my "Monday, August 1, 2011" entry. First, the 10 miles that I ran put me over the 1,500 mile mark, since I began running 2 years ago (August 10, 2009). I finished at 1,500.7. The morning of August 1, I weighed a certain amount. After the long run and being too exhausted to eat afterwards, I weighed 5.8 pounds less the next morning. Wish I could do that a few more times...
Now, to today. A record high temperature was set today. The Cumberland Science Museum in Nashville reported a temp of 107. Other places were more in the 102 range. Our thermometer at home had reached 107, too. It was 102 when I was dressed to run, but I waited until the temp dropped below 100. Now, I wish I would not have done that, because now I can't say that I ran when it was 100 degrees :). I started really easy when it was 99 at 6:45 pm. There was a nice little breeze at times that probably negated the heat index to the actual temp of 99. A few clouds rolled in and it got a little cooler - the temp had dropped to 94 by the time I had finished. I ran the first 2 miles quite slowly - 10:30 pace. My other mileage times were all over the place, because I walked 2 minutes during Mile 3, walked 1 during Mile 4, walked 5 minutes during Mile 5, and walked most of the last quarter-mile - I "sprinted" about the last 25/100ths, when I saw I had a chance to be under an 11:30 pace. I barely made it - 1:08:57, for an 11:30 pace.
I had carried 1/2 bottle of PowerAde and drank some during my walking times. When I got home, it was gone, so I had Sherri to bring me a bottle of water outside so I could drink it on the porch while trying to cool down. I hated it. I hate water. I thought I was thirsty enough I would down it all at once, but barely got half of it. It was a few minutes later that I forced the rest of it down before heading in for a shower. I also peed blood for the first time in a long time. I'm not worried about it like I was before, because I know it will go away.
P.S. - Shane has surpassed me...
Now, to today. A record high temperature was set today. The Cumberland Science Museum in Nashville reported a temp of 107. Other places were more in the 102 range. Our thermometer at home had reached 107, too. It was 102 when I was dressed to run, but I waited until the temp dropped below 100. Now, I wish I would not have done that, because now I can't say that I ran when it was 100 degrees :). I started really easy when it was 99 at 6:45 pm. There was a nice little breeze at times that probably negated the heat index to the actual temp of 99. A few clouds rolled in and it got a little cooler - the temp had dropped to 94 by the time I had finished. I ran the first 2 miles quite slowly - 10:30 pace. My other mileage times were all over the place, because I walked 2 minutes during Mile 3, walked 1 during Mile 4, walked 5 minutes during Mile 5, and walked most of the last quarter-mile - I "sprinted" about the last 25/100ths, when I saw I had a chance to be under an 11:30 pace. I barely made it - 1:08:57, for an 11:30 pace.
I had carried 1/2 bottle of PowerAde and drank some during my walking times. When I got home, it was gone, so I had Sherri to bring me a bottle of water outside so I could drink it on the porch while trying to cool down. I hated it. I hate water. I thought I was thirsty enough I would down it all at once, but barely got half of it. It was a few minutes later that I forced the rest of it down before heading in for a shower. I also peed blood for the first time in a long time. I'm not worried about it like I was before, because I know it will go away.
P.S. - Shane has surpassed me...
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
August 1, 2011
Today would have been a 4 miler, but I did not run my long run on Saturday (or Sunday). I had some things to do and never had enough time in between them to run. I even thought about running when I got home from one project, but I didn't want to be on the road at 10:00 in the dark. Anyway, I ran 10 miles.
I had frozen about 1/4 bottle of PowerAde (about 8 oz) to take with me on the run. My plan was to carry it like a football, hoping the ice would help keep me cool as I held it to my side. I thought I would drink about 1/3 of it at mile 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5, with another bottle waiting for me at home on the porch. Well, before I reached the 2 mile marker, it was completely melted. I decided to hold off drinking, so I wouldn't gulp it all down and not have any left as I neared the end of my run. At mile 4, I walked about a minute and took a few quick sips. I also did this at mile 5 and mile 7. I usually do not carry a drink, but park my truck around a 1/2 way point for my long runs and make a little pit stop. Today I was running 5 miles away from home and back, so not pit stop area. When I left at 5:30 pm, it was 94 degrees; it was 88 when I returned. It was sunny with an occasional breeze.
With all the failures I've had recently, I thought this run went pretty well. I thought some of the middle mile times would have been faster. The main thing is that I ran just about the whole 10 miles. I had those 3 one minutes breaks, and a let down at the end. I only had around a 1/2 mile to go, but I just couldn't do it - I had to walk. I had nothing left. The times: 9:55, 10:28, 11:04, 11:25, 11:04, 11:11, 11:40, 11:08, 11:15, and 13:43. I really thought some of the mid-miles would have been under 11:00. Total time: 1:52:53. Pace: 11:17.
I had frozen about 1/4 bottle of PowerAde (about 8 oz) to take with me on the run. My plan was to carry it like a football, hoping the ice would help keep me cool as I held it to my side. I thought I would drink about 1/3 of it at mile 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5, with another bottle waiting for me at home on the porch. Well, before I reached the 2 mile marker, it was completely melted. I decided to hold off drinking, so I wouldn't gulp it all down and not have any left as I neared the end of my run. At mile 4, I walked about a minute and took a few quick sips. I also did this at mile 5 and mile 7. I usually do not carry a drink, but park my truck around a 1/2 way point for my long runs and make a little pit stop. Today I was running 5 miles away from home and back, so not pit stop area. When I left at 5:30 pm, it was 94 degrees; it was 88 when I returned. It was sunny with an occasional breeze.
With all the failures I've had recently, I thought this run went pretty well. I thought some of the middle mile times would have been faster. The main thing is that I ran just about the whole 10 miles. I had those 3 one minutes breaks, and a let down at the end. I only had around a 1/2 mile to go, but I just couldn't do it - I had to walk. I had nothing left. The times: 9:55, 10:28, 11:04, 11:25, 11:04, 11:11, 11:40, 11:08, 11:15, and 13:43. I really thought some of the mid-miles would have been under 11:00. Total time: 1:52:53. Pace: 11:17.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011 - A Little Better
After Monday's fiasco, I was wondering if I should take a break. I decided instead of running 6 miles that I would walk 5. I had asked Sherri to walk it with me. She started out with me, knowing that she probably wouldn't do the whole 5. We walked through the neighborhood and got in 1.75 miles. She stopped and I then decided I was going to try to do the originally planned 6 miles, and even run some of it. After all, I had a nice little warm up and felt pretty good. To my surprise, I was able to run most of it. I took a few little walk breaks, but for the most part, I ran/jogged/trudged - whatever you want to call it. My overall time for the 1.75 mile walk with Sherri, plus the 4.25 run/walk was 1:15:28, for a 12:35 pace.
Monday, July 25, 2011 - DISCOURAGING!
VERY DISCOURAGING!
After riding the mower around the yard (Sherri pushed and weed-eated), I headed out for what I thought would be an easy 4 miler. It was almost 7:30, and the sun had dropped behind the trees and hills - no direct sun and 84 degrees. However, it just didn't go as I thought it would. It actually went worse than I thought it could. I didn't think I was worn out. I mean, I walked most of Saturday's last 4 miles and Sunday was a rest day, but I was just past 0.6 miles when I had to begin walking. I didn't even make it a mile! What happened? I tried to run a little during Miles 2 and 3, but just couldn't do it. I didn't even think about trying during Mile 4.
It took me 1:05:38 (16:24 pace) to cover 4 miles! Where do I go from here?
After riding the mower around the yard (Sherri pushed and weed-eated), I headed out for what I thought would be an easy 4 miler. It was almost 7:30, and the sun had dropped behind the trees and hills - no direct sun and 84 degrees. However, it just didn't go as I thought it would. It actually went worse than I thought it could. I didn't think I was worn out. I mean, I walked most of Saturday's last 4 miles and Sunday was a rest day, but I was just past 0.6 miles when I had to begin walking. I didn't even make it a mile! What happened? I tried to run a little during Miles 2 and 3, but just couldn't do it. I didn't even think about trying during Mile 4.
It took me 1:05:38 (16:24 pace) to cover 4 miles! Where do I go from here?
Saturday, July 23, 2011 - Good to Slow
I tried to get out early and beat the heat, which I pretty much did. It was a sunny 78 degrees when I started and 86 by the time I finished about an hour and 45 minutes later.
The first mile was 9:34. I thought, "I can live with that. Maybe that will help me keep the entire run in a pace under 10:00." Well, Mile 2 put an end to that thought, because it was 10:07, and I had 7 more miles to go. I ran 2.5 miles to the end of a road and turned around. The first half of Mile 3 was slower than the second half because I was still running "away" from my truck that was parked at Salem UMC. Once I turned around, I picked up a little speed. My legs were thinking, "We're on the home-stretch now!" My mind was trying to remind them, "We are not stopping when we reach the truck. We will run past it to get in another 4 miles." My legs didn't listen. After completing 5 miles, my pace was 9:41, which was good for the way things have been going. I even ran Mile 4 in 9:10!
Mile 6 is when good when to slow. Mile 6 was 15:28. I did loose about 3 minutes at my truck, trying to towel off a little and gulping too much PowerAde at once. I had to walk - about 20 ounces of PowerAde was now sloshing around in my belly. Toward the end of Mile 6, I tried running some, but that was the beginning of the end. Once I began walking, I didn't want to run anymore. Miles 7 thru 9 were mostly walks with a few little runs mixed in.
My total time was 1:42:41, for a pace of 11:25.
The first mile was 9:34. I thought, "I can live with that. Maybe that will help me keep the entire run in a pace under 10:00." Well, Mile 2 put an end to that thought, because it was 10:07, and I had 7 more miles to go. I ran 2.5 miles to the end of a road and turned around. The first half of Mile 3 was slower than the second half because I was still running "away" from my truck that was parked at Salem UMC. Once I turned around, I picked up a little speed. My legs were thinking, "We're on the home-stretch now!" My mind was trying to remind them, "We are not stopping when we reach the truck. We will run past it to get in another 4 miles." My legs didn't listen. After completing 5 miles, my pace was 9:41, which was good for the way things have been going. I even ran Mile 4 in 9:10!
Mile 6 is when good when to slow. Mile 6 was 15:28. I did loose about 3 minutes at my truck, trying to towel off a little and gulping too much PowerAde at once. I had to walk - about 20 ounces of PowerAde was now sloshing around in my belly. Toward the end of Mile 6, I tried running some, but that was the beginning of the end. Once I began walking, I didn't want to run anymore. Miles 7 thru 9 were mostly walks with a few little runs mixed in.
My total time was 1:42:41, for a pace of 11:25.
Friday, July 22, 2011
July 21, 2011
I thought the temperature would be a little cooler for this run. Storms had passed through other parts of Tennessee, bringing temps down 15 to 20 degrees. On the way home from work, we ran into a few short downpours. We didn't get a sprinkle at our house, but it was a little cooler. It was below 90 at 87 degrees.
I ran at a steady pace for this 4 miler. 9:41, 9:42, 9:45, and 9:38 for a total time of 38:47 at a pace of 9:42.
I ran at a steady pace for this 4 miler. 9:41, 9:42, 9:45, and 9:38 for a total time of 38:47 at a pace of 9:42.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
July 20, 2011
Ran 6 miles in 1:07:24 (11:14 pace) in the heat (93 degrees) at 5:30 pm. I had to walk some. I still haven't gotten a battery for my heart rate monitor. I would have liked to seen the rates on a few of my last runs.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Monday, July 18, 2011
We did not work today - the entire company closed down - since there were two funerals. I hate that we missed the funeral for James Potts, but it was a long way to Lewisburg. His funeral was at 1:00. We did go to Donna Brown's funeral in Dickson at 2:00. I have never seen so many people at a funeral. It is a good size funeral home with quite a bit of parking, but people were parking in the grass in a small field beside the funeral home and along the highway.
I ran before we went to the funeral, around 9:30. It was 91 degrees hot. I ran 4 miles in 42:32, a 10:38 pace.
I ran before we went to the funeral, around 9:30. It was 91 degrees hot. I ran 4 miles in 42:32, a 10:38 pace.
Saturday, July 16, 2011 - What a Day
We were going to my mom's for a family reunion. I couldn't decide if I wanted to run before or after the reunion. If I ran before, I would be rushed; if I ran after, it would be hotter, but more than likely, I would be out of the mood and not run at all. So, I hit the road at 8:00 am. It was cloudy with a breeze when I started. Then the sun came out. Then cloudy with a breeze again with about a mile left. The temperature was the same when I started and finished - only 82 degrees, but it seemed warmer.
On a day I needed to finish faster, I finished slower. It took me 1:44:23 (13:03 pace) to run 8 miles. I started off faster than I should have, because I was in a hurry, but that only left me having to walk quite a bit.
When I returned home, Sherri said I needed to hurry and get ready, because I had some stuff to do. I thought load some stuff in the vehicle, etc. for the reunion. I only wish. She then told me that the man (James Potts) that hired me 14 years and 2 days ago, taught me everything I needed to know, and then retired, had passed away in his sleep. He had been battling cancer for several years.
Sherri then gave me a shocker. She said Donna Brown - wife of the person now running Gibbs Brothers Construction, Inc., Kenneth "Elrod" Brown - was killed at a mule pull. I've heard a couple of different stories. She had just finished with her mules and was helping Elrod with his. One of the mules got excited, reared up and came down on her. Another was that one got loose and, as she was trying to hook it back up, she fell/got knocked down and a mule - weighing a ton or more - stepped on her chest. She said she was okay, but she was bleeding internally and later died at the hospital.
On a day I needed to finish faster, I finished slower. It took me 1:44:23 (13:03 pace) to run 8 miles. I started off faster than I should have, because I was in a hurry, but that only left me having to walk quite a bit.
When I returned home, Sherri said I needed to hurry and get ready, because I had some stuff to do. I thought load some stuff in the vehicle, etc. for the reunion. I only wish. She then told me that the man (James Potts) that hired me 14 years and 2 days ago, taught me everything I needed to know, and then retired, had passed away in his sleep. He had been battling cancer for several years.
Sherri then gave me a shocker. She said Donna Brown - wife of the person now running Gibbs Brothers Construction, Inc., Kenneth "Elrod" Brown - was killed at a mule pull. I've heard a couple of different stories. She had just finished with her mules and was helping Elrod with his. One of the mules got excited, reared up and came down on her. Another was that one got loose and, as she was trying to hook it back up, she fell/got knocked down and a mule - weighing a ton or more - stepped on her chest. She said she was okay, but she was bleeding internally and later died at the hospital.
Friday, July 15, 2011
July 14, 2011 - Rough 6
Mowed the backyard after getting home from work, so it was 7:30 before I got to run today. I really didn't want to run. I've been feeling dehydrated somewhat, but not wanting to drink anything. I also didn't eat much today. I was really NOT wanting to run. The entire 6 miles I felt so worn out and struggled to keep the pace under 10:00. Time 59:30. Pace 9:57.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
July 13, 2011
I got a late start to today's run, so instead of the 6 I was to do, I ran 3. Tomorrow I will run the 6 - hopefully. Sherri I went to Dickson after work for Brandi to give us haircuts. Then we mowed the front yard when we got home. It was 8:00 before I hit the road. It was a "cool" 84 degrees and the sun was down far enough that it was all shade. My total time was 27:25; Pace: 9:08.
Shane, I'm blogging my runs to "inspire" you. I know you were starting back Monday. Now, don't stop!
Shane, I'm blogging my runs to "inspire" you. I know you were starting back Monday. Now, don't stop!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
July 11, 2011 --- Hot!
It wasn't consecutive, but I ran 3 miles. I know not running 3 miles together is not the same as actually running 3 miles, but it is better than nothing.
At 5:30 pm, it was 94 degrees. I'm not sure how hot it actually got today, but the heat index was supposedly going to get between 105 and 110. Since it was so hot, I thought I would walk 4 miles instead of running my scheduled 3. After walking a quarter-mile, I decided to run some. I ran 1/2 a mile, walked another quarter-mile, then ran a whole mile. I walked a quarter-mile, ran another whole mile. Then I walked 3/4 mile, ran 1/2 a mile, then walked the last 1/2 mile home. So, it took me 5 miles to run 3 miles. My total time was 1:04:04, for a 12:49 pace.
At 5:30 pm, it was 94 degrees. I'm not sure how hot it actually got today, but the heat index was supposedly going to get between 105 and 110. Since it was so hot, I thought I would walk 4 miles instead of running my scheduled 3. After walking a quarter-mile, I decided to run some. I ran 1/2 a mile, walked another quarter-mile, then ran a whole mile. I walked a quarter-mile, ran another whole mile. Then I walked 3/4 mile, ran 1/2 a mile, then walked the last 1/2 mile home. So, it took me 5 miles to run 3 miles. My total time was 1:04:04, for a 12:49 pace.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Miserable Run
Today, the temperature was just two degrees warmer than Thursday's 83, but it felt a lot warmer. I think the heat index was 98 for today. Funny thing is, I didn't seem to sweat as much, because my shorts were dry around the hemlines. What really made this run miserable is that I was full of food. I had planned on running in the morning hours, but Holly was in from Mississippi, and I ended up riding out to the mall with them. Then we ate at the Golden Corral. Since it was buffet style, I tried to get my money's worth - pizza, rolls, ice cream, and Diet Pepsis. Later, the other girls and families would be coming to our house for grilled pork chops, so I had to run as soon as I got home to be finished by the time they got there.
I carried my full belly for a 7 mile run. Total time - 1:18:12; Pace - 11:10.
I carried my full belly for a 7 mile run. Total time - 1:18:12; Pace - 11:10.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Heavy and Slow
After doing so well running 4 days a week as scheduled, the last 2 weeks have been less successful - 3 last week and, hopefully, 3 this week. I ran June 30, missed 3 days, ran a 10k in Nashville, missed 2 days, then ran a 7 miler today. I decided on 7 miles, because I ran 6 on Monday, and if I run another 7 miler Saturday, I will have 20 miles (plus 0.2) for the week. Then, hopefully (that word gain), I can get back on track next week. I'm planning 3-6-3-8 and building up to a long run of 10 miles. Then add to the slower runs for 25 miles per week, probably something like 4-7-4-10.
When I began running on August 10, 2009, I weighed 170.8 pounds. Today, I weighed 183.6. That is the most I have weighed in almost 2 years! The extra weight affected my pace. Well, I am claiming that is the reason I ran so slowly today. It was sunny and 83 degrees. It wasn't real hot - I would think little or no heat index - but I was sweating like crazy and don't know why. Even my sweat was sweating! I didn't tie the string in my shorts before I started out, and they were so soaked I thought they were going to fall down. I had some burns on my arms where the sweat-drenched shirt rubbed. That has happened before, but I even had burns at my tan line on my back from my shorts - that has never happened! Never even heard of that happening! I guess the weight really made me sweat more.
Times by the miles: 10:16, 11:02, 11:04.03, 11:04.04, (3 & 4 were CLOSE), 10:21, 10:39, and 11:22. Total time: 1:15:48; Pace: 10:50.
When I began running on August 10, 2009, I weighed 170.8 pounds. Today, I weighed 183.6. That is the most I have weighed in almost 2 years! The extra weight affected my pace. Well, I am claiming that is the reason I ran so slowly today. It was sunny and 83 degrees. It wasn't real hot - I would think little or no heat index - but I was sweating like crazy and don't know why. Even my sweat was sweating! I didn't tie the string in my shorts before I started out, and they were so soaked I thought they were going to fall down. I had some burns on my arms where the sweat-drenched shirt rubbed. That has happened before, but I even had burns at my tan line on my back from my shorts - that has never happened! Never even heard of that happening! I guess the weight really made me sweat more.
Times by the miles: 10:16, 11:02, 11:04.03, 11:04.04, (3 & 4 were CLOSE), 10:21, 10:39, and 11:22. Total time: 1:15:48; Pace: 10:50.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Monday, July 4th - I Run for the Party 10k
My first run since Thursday - several excuses, but not listing them. My GPS had signal problems since I was surrounded by tall buildings and there were cloudy skies. My GPS had me running 6.8 miles in about an 8:32 pace. I knew it wasn't that fast, but I was really disappointed to see my total time of 58:01 for a pace of 9:22. I was hoping 9:00 or under. The hills got me. Cousin Todd and I were pretty much together until one hill almost stopped me in my tracks. He pulled 30 to 40 yards ahead. It stayed that way until the second time we had to climb that hill and he doubled the distance between us. He finished in 57:14 (9:14 pace).
I was 154 out of 362 finishers. The 98th male. The 11th out of 18 males in the 40-44 age group.
I was 154 out of 362 finishers. The 98th male. The 11th out of 18 males in the 40-44 age group.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Third Day In-a-Row
I didn't get to run Monday, so I ran those 3 miles on Tuesday. Then I did my Wednesday and Thursday runs as planned. If I get in my 4 runs this week, it will be the 9th consecutive week that I have so. What's wrong with me?
The 3 miles on Tuesday were at a 10:01 pace. I ran 5 miles on Wednesday. After completing 4 miles, I saw that, if I could push myself to run Mile 5 in 8:30 or less, I could finish with a pace under 9:00. I pushed harder than I needed to. My final pace was 8:53, because I ran Mile 5 in 7:58! Being stupid, I decided that on the third day to run in-a-row I would try to "pickup the pace" on this 3 miler. Mile 1 was 8:26, Mile 2 was 8:27. I was hoping to keep the whole run under 8:30 after seeing those 2 numbers, but I ran out of gas. Mile 3 was at 8:59. At least it was under 9:00. Total time 25:52; Pace 8:37. My fastest pace since 8:15 on December 2, 2010.
I wish the battery in my heart rate monitor wasn't dead. I would have liked to seen last week's 5 miler rates, because I finished with about a quarter-a-mile away from home (so I wouldn't have to run up a hill at the end) and wasn't sure if I was going to be able to walk the rest of the way home. I also would have liked to see the week's 5 miler when I finished the last mile in under 8:00. And, of course, today's run.
I think Shane has falling off the running wagon again. I hope my suggested route didn't cause this.
The 3 miles on Tuesday were at a 10:01 pace. I ran 5 miles on Wednesday. After completing 4 miles, I saw that, if I could push myself to run Mile 5 in 8:30 or less, I could finish with a pace under 9:00. I pushed harder than I needed to. My final pace was 8:53, because I ran Mile 5 in 7:58! Being stupid, I decided that on the third day to run in-a-row I would try to "pickup the pace" on this 3 miler. Mile 1 was 8:26, Mile 2 was 8:27. I was hoping to keep the whole run under 8:30 after seeing those 2 numbers, but I ran out of gas. Mile 3 was at 8:59. At least it was under 9:00. Total time 25:52; Pace 8:37. My fastest pace since 8:15 on December 2, 2010.
I wish the battery in my heart rate monitor wasn't dead. I would have liked to seen last week's 5 miler rates, because I finished with about a quarter-a-mile away from home (so I wouldn't have to run up a hill at the end) and wasn't sure if I was going to be able to walk the rest of the way home. I also would have liked to see the week's 5 miler when I finished the last mile in under 8:00. And, of course, today's run.
I think Shane has falling off the running wagon again. I hope my suggested route didn't cause this.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Catching Up
Date Miles Pace
Saturday, June 18 6 9:24
Monday, June 20 3 10:42
Wednesday, June 22 5 9:24
Thursday, June 23 2 11:00 (C25K with Sherri)
3 9:06
Saturday, June 25, ran in the Wilma Rudolph 10k and 5k's. My 10k pace was 9:08 versus 9:02 last year. My 5k was faster this year 8:55 versus last year's 9:05. Combined time this year 1:24:27; last year 1:24:49. I'm not making much improvement, huh?
There was quite a bit I wanted to write about for the above entries, but now I don't want to. The end.
Saturday, June 18 6 9:24
Monday, June 20 3 10:42
Wednesday, June 22 5 9:24
Thursday, June 23 2 11:00 (C25K with Sherri)
3 9:06
Saturday, June 25, ran in the Wilma Rudolph 10k and 5k's. My 10k pace was 9:08 versus 9:02 last year. My 5k was faster this year 8:55 versus last year's 9:05. Combined time this year 1:24:27; last year 1:24:49. I'm not making much improvement, huh?
There was quite a bit I wanted to write about for the above entries, but now I don't want to. The end.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Killed Myself Only to Fail
After yesterday's "improvement", I went into today's 3 miler just knowing it would be nowhere near being under a 9:00 pace. After riding the mower around the backyard and fighting the urge not to run, I headed out at 7:00. I like to run when I first get home from work, so I don't have time to think about - go in, change clothes, hit the road.
Even though it was about an hour later and cloudy again, it was still 10 degrees warmer (84) than yesterday. Mile 1 was 9:32. I kind of expected that, but still felt disappointed. I could feel myself slowing down, so I picked up the pace because I didn't want Mile 2 to be over 10:00. It was actually faster than Mile 1 at 9:17. Total time for the first two miles: 18:49. I thought to myself, "If I can run the last mile like I ran the last mile of yesterday's 5 mile run, I can finish it 9:00 or better." I was off to the races! I ran hard. It wasn't long before I could feel a major slow down, so I picked up the pace. I kept pushing and pushing... only to fail. Mile 3 was at 8:20. My total time was 27:09, for a pace of 9:03. I was 9 seconds over what I wanted. I guess I can live with it, though.
Even though it was about an hour later and cloudy again, it was still 10 degrees warmer (84) than yesterday. Mile 1 was 9:32. I kind of expected that, but still felt disappointed. I could feel myself slowing down, so I picked up the pace because I didn't want Mile 2 to be over 10:00. It was actually faster than Mile 1 at 9:17. Total time for the first two miles: 18:49. I thought to myself, "If I can run the last mile like I ran the last mile of yesterday's 5 mile run, I can finish it 9:00 or better." I was off to the races! I ran hard. It wasn't long before I could feel a major slow down, so I picked up the pace. I kept pushing and pushing... only to fail. Mile 3 was at 8:20. My total time was 27:09, for a pace of 9:03. I was 9 seconds over what I wanted. I guess I can live with it, though.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Here Today, Gone Tomorrow?
I usually have excuses of why the run went so poorly. Today, I have some reasons of why my run was faster.
Todd called me at work to try to "inspire" my running. He told me to find a race and train for it. I have a 5k and 10k in 10 days and another 10K in 19 days. I'm planning two half marathons in October and a full in December. I have races, just no "umph" to run my short runs faster or finish my long runs. The 74 degree temperature with the threat of a storm also helped me run faster. I left work a litte late due to thunder storms that produced lightening and some just bigger than marble-size hail. It had stopped raining by the time I got home, but looked like it was about to storm again. I almost talked myself out of running, but I hit the door ready to run fast to avoid getting wet. With about half a mile left, the sun came out!
My legs still have not completely recovered, but I ran as hard as I could. As I was linking the GPS to my watch, I noticed the battery was dead on the heart rate monitor. I didn't want to further risk getting caught in the rain by going back into the house and changing batteries, so I ran without it. I really would have liked to have seen the heart rates since I pushed myself for the first time in awhile.
Mile 1 was 8:47, then a 9:13. My usually slow Mile 3 was 9:10, then another 9:13. I pushed Mile 5 as best I could and finished it in 8:16. Total time: 44:40. Pace: 8:55.
Since I was, or I guess I should say my legs were, "here today", they will probably be "gone tomorrow" for my 3 mile run.
Todd called me at work to try to "inspire" my running. He told me to find a race and train for it. I have a 5k and 10k in 10 days and another 10K in 19 days. I'm planning two half marathons in October and a full in December. I have races, just no "umph" to run my short runs faster or finish my long runs. The 74 degree temperature with the threat of a storm also helped me run faster. I left work a litte late due to thunder storms that produced lightening and some just bigger than marble-size hail. It had stopped raining by the time I got home, but looked like it was about to storm again. I almost talked myself out of running, but I hit the door ready to run fast to avoid getting wet. With about half a mile left, the sun came out!
My legs still have not completely recovered, but I ran as hard as I could. As I was linking the GPS to my watch, I noticed the battery was dead on the heart rate monitor. I didn't want to further risk getting caught in the rain by going back into the house and changing batteries, so I ran without it. I really would have liked to have seen the heart rates since I pushed myself for the first time in awhile.
Mile 1 was 8:47, then a 9:13. My usually slow Mile 3 was 9:10, then another 9:13. I pushed Mile 5 as best I could and finished it in 8:16. Total time: 44:40. Pace: 8:55.
Since I was, or I guess I should say my legs were, "here today", they will probably be "gone tomorrow" for my 3 mile run.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Yes, That's Correct
Yes, it took me 39 minutes and 49 seconds to complete a 3-miler. Instead of improving, I'm getting worse. I don't eat anything but junk food, but this past weekend I had it in abundance. I have not been losing any weight. This weekend pushed me to my heaviest since March. Along with the weight, the soreness in the lower parts of my legs contributed to my failure of today's "run". My legs were sore last week during short runs, but on Saturday's 10 mile run/walk, there were no problems. I don't know what's going on there. The temperature was 84 degrees when I ran today. The lowest it has been in about 2 weeks during my runs. I guess that is why I felt cold - cold enough for goosebumps. I think I'm just falling apart. I think I need some rest - lost some sleep while in Mississippi and my legs must be telling me to take a break. However, there is less than 2 weeks before the Wilma Rudolph 5k and 10K, in which I'm signed up to run both. I haven't ran a straight-though 6 miler in a few weeks. I always end up walking some before hitting 6 miles in my 10 mile run attempts. There also is not a lot of time in between the races. The races are what I need to push and motivate me, if I don't kill myself. I know I will fall in trying to keep up with or stay ahead of some other runners. I've got to remember I'm back at 10 minute miles, not 8 minutes miles.
Today's 3 miles in 39:49, for a pace of 13:16. Heart rates: 124 avg (lowest ever recorded), 165 max (2nd lowest), 64 rest. Recovery 165 (which was the max and only because I jogged at the end) to 112.
Today's 3 miles in 39:49, for a pace of 13:16. Heart rates: 124 avg (lowest ever recorded), 165 max (2nd lowest), 64 rest. Recovery 165 (which was the max and only because I jogged at the end) to 112.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Sherri and I were at Holly's in Mississippi for a cookout. When I headed out at 9:00 am, it seemed hotter than the 81 degrees the thermometer had on it. It had reached 86 by the time I had finished, but felt like a 110.
Because I was pushing to get back to help out, I finished this 10 miler around 30 minutes faster than last week's - 2:32:10 (15:13) vs 2:03:21 (12:20). If I remember correctly, this is the only time my recovery heart rate increased after I had finished a run. It went from 147 to 155. I do not suppose that that is a good thing.
Because I was pushing to get back to help out, I finished this 10 miler around 30 minutes faster than last week's - 2:32:10 (15:13) vs 2:03:21 (12:20). If I remember correctly, this is the only time my recovery heart rate increased after I had finished a run. It went from 147 to 155. I do not suppose that that is a good thing.
June 9, 2011 - New Shoes
Since today was to be a short 3 miler, I tried out a pair of my new Sauconys. As soon as I started out, it felt like one of the soles was flapping around as if it wasn't attached to the shoe. My first hope was that this was some kind of feature the propelled me into running faster, except that it was only on the right shoe. I stopped, checked it out - it's attached. I'm not sure what is going on with it. Anyway, I was happy with 28:06 (9:22). The soreness my lower legs felt in the muscles seem to be evolving into shin splints.
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