Thursday, August 2, 2012
August 1, 2012
Even though legs felt a little shaky before even getting outside, the feeling went away for the most part. The best I've felt in awhile. 5 miles in 48:32, pace 9:42.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
July 30, 2012
My first run in 9 days. I missed last week due to Bible school, so I skipped Saturday, too. I think I'm going backwards. I've had difficulty completing 5 milers. I thought maybe a break would help. It didn't. I don't know what's going on. It took me 51:51 (10:22 pace) to run 5 miles - no walking.
I only got in 54 miles for July.
I only got in 54 miles for July.
Monday, July 23, 2012
July 21, 2012
I was able to run the whole 5 miles. The last mile I was barely getting one foot in front of the other, though. The temperature helped me make it. It was around 81 - about 10 degrees cooler than when I have usually been running. Pace - 9:46.
Friday, July 20, 2012
July 19, 2012
Still trying to master 5 miles. I had to walk again. I was feeling good enough that I thought I could push myself to complete the 5 miler at a slow jog. It was 91 degrees and breezy. About mile 3.5, I got a chill. I told myself keep running until at least 4 miles. Then I got "cold" before reaching mile 4, but I did it. Then I began walking, and walked about 3/4 of mile 5. I jogged a little in the middle. When I got finished, I began sweating like crazy and it would not stop. My clothes were soaked. My recovery heart rate also went up instead of down, from 138 to 150. It had also reached 197 during the run. My pace was 10:47.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Catching Up: Part 3
June 26 - Ran (mostly walked) 5 miles at 14:40 pace. My recovery actually went up from 100 to 112. I guess the slant of my driveway is steeper than I thought.
June 30 - I did 8 miles. Again, I mostly walked. It's been hot, and I've not been running consistently. I have also been dehydrated some, but don't want to type about it.
I finished June with 58.3 miles for the month. A year-to-date total of 488.3. So, at the half-way point, I'm only 11.7 miles behind pace for a 1,000 miles for the year.
July 3 - Did 5 miles at 10:01.
July 4 - Did 5 miles at 15:07. Mostly walked, as you can tell.
July 6 - Did 6 miles at 10:37. If I'm gonna go so slow and walk, I may as well add a mile.
July 7 - Did 8 miles at 12:36. Walked about half.
July 9 - Did 5 miles at 10:14. My max heart rate hit 213 - probably a glitch.
July 12 - Ran (not "did") 5 miles in 9:47. Maybe the previous heart rate was not a glitch, because it hit 205 on this run.
July 17 - Did (yes, back to "did"), but this one is a little different. I did some walking, some extremely slow jogging, and a couple of sprinting moments. My best pace hit 5:52 (see Part 1 for description), but my max heart rate only reached 191. I don't know how this could be when on the previous 2 runs it was over 200. Anyway... I'm not doing good. I'm not running consistently. When I try to run, I have to walk. I hurt. I've been taking stuff for pain, especially knee pain, before bed for a while. Now, I'm hurting enough some mornings that I have to take something. I also can't seem to get hydrated. I don't have to get up in the middle of the night. I usually pee before leaving work and then have to pee as soon as I get home. The other day we got home from work about 5:00 and I didn't pee until just after 8:00. I've been trying to drink more.
SOME WEATHER FACTS:
On June 29, the hottest recorded temperature in Nashville's history. The records date back over 100 years. The temperature hot 109. As the weatherman was talking about this, the TV screen showed "Nashville 109 *". The asterisk indicating a record. The screen also showed another city with an asterisk (I'm thinking "Crossville 102 *" for some reason). It also listed Clarksville, but without an asterisk, at 110. I guess Clarksville was the hottest in the state on June 29, but it was not a Clarksville record.
The day before (the 28th) Nashville set a record for that date at 107. It was also the hottest June 30th at 105. The same for a July 1, also 105. I didn't hear about July 2 or 3, but July 4 was another record - I think 102. July 5 another record at 104. Not sure about July 6. I think July 7 was a record, but don't know what. Finally got some rain on July 9.
The news also said that across the country 2,000 records had been set since July 1. (Nashville's was June 29). It also got so hot at Reagan National Airport that a planes tires sunk into the melting tarmac. Here's part of a news story:
"No one likes airport delays. We want to get where we're going as quickly as possible, please and thank you. But one plane on its way from Reagan National Airport to Charleston, South Carolina faced an extremely bizarre delay when it couldn't take off because the tarmac had melted.
Yes, the concrete actually melted. While trying to take off, the tires on the plane sank into the runway and the plane could not move."
June 30 - I did 8 miles. Again, I mostly walked. It's been hot, and I've not been running consistently. I have also been dehydrated some, but don't want to type about it.
I finished June with 58.3 miles for the month. A year-to-date total of 488.3. So, at the half-way point, I'm only 11.7 miles behind pace for a 1,000 miles for the year.
July 3 - Did 5 miles at 10:01.
July 4 - Did 5 miles at 15:07. Mostly walked, as you can tell.
July 6 - Did 6 miles at 10:37. If I'm gonna go so slow and walk, I may as well add a mile.
July 7 - Did 8 miles at 12:36. Walked about half.
July 9 - Did 5 miles at 10:14. My max heart rate hit 213 - probably a glitch.
July 12 - Ran (not "did") 5 miles in 9:47. Maybe the previous heart rate was not a glitch, because it hit 205 on this run.
July 17 - Did (yes, back to "did"), but this one is a little different. I did some walking, some extremely slow jogging, and a couple of sprinting moments. My best pace hit 5:52 (see Part 1 for description), but my max heart rate only reached 191. I don't know how this could be when on the previous 2 runs it was over 200. Anyway... I'm not doing good. I'm not running consistently. When I try to run, I have to walk. I hurt. I've been taking stuff for pain, especially knee pain, before bed for a while. Now, I'm hurting enough some mornings that I have to take something. I also can't seem to get hydrated. I don't have to get up in the middle of the night. I usually pee before leaving work and then have to pee as soon as I get home. The other day we got home from work about 5:00 and I didn't pee until just after 8:00. I've been trying to drink more.
SOME WEATHER FACTS:
On June 29, the hottest recorded temperature in Nashville's history. The records date back over 100 years. The temperature hot 109. As the weatherman was talking about this, the TV screen showed "Nashville 109 *". The asterisk indicating a record. The screen also showed another city with an asterisk (I'm thinking "Crossville 102 *" for some reason). It also listed Clarksville, but without an asterisk, at 110. I guess Clarksville was the hottest in the state on June 29, but it was not a Clarksville record.
The day before (the 28th) Nashville set a record for that date at 107. It was also the hottest June 30th at 105. The same for a July 1, also 105. I didn't hear about July 2 or 3, but July 4 was another record - I think 102. July 5 another record at 104. Not sure about July 6. I think July 7 was a record, but don't know what. Finally got some rain on July 9.
The news also said that across the country 2,000 records had been set since July 1. (Nashville's was June 29). It also got so hot at Reagan National Airport that a planes tires sunk into the melting tarmac. Here's part of a news story:
"No one likes airport delays. We want to get where we're going as quickly as possible, please and thank you. But one plane on its way from Reagan National Airport to Charleston, South Carolina faced an extremely bizarre delay when it couldn't take off because the tarmac had melted.
Yes, the concrete actually melted. While trying to take off, the tires on the plane sank into the runway and the plane could not move."
Catching Up: Part 2 - The Muddy Buddy
Sherri wanted to try the Muddy Buddy instead of running the Wilma Rudolph 5k/10k. She gets bored with just running on the road. The Muddy Buddy has obstacles along the way and a mud pit you must crawl though at the end.
When we arrived at the Cheatham County Wildlife Management Area (I believe this is where the Nashville Zoo used to be), I was surprised to see so many cars/people. They started the event in waves of waves, so everybody wouldn't hit the obstacles at the same time. The Bike and Run race started at 7:30. The run only races started at 9:00. When you signed up, you got to choose what time you wanted to start - 9:00, 9:45, or 10:30. We chose 9:45, so it wouldn't be so early at 9:00 or so hot when we finished the 10:30 race. Then, at the starting line, they would let so many of each time group go at a time. We wore timing chips, but we were only racing against people in the 9:45 race. When we first signed up, I think the run races were 3 to 4 miles. It increased to 3 to 4.5 miles. I guess because of our course some of the other increased, too. And, oh, we were in the Co-ed Masters category, because our combined age was over 86.
We ran along the barely wide enough for 2 cars, gravel entrance/outrance road, weaving around cars and people either coming or going. We then turned onto a less traveled road where the gravel had mostly disappeared. I don't recall which obstacles came in what order, but we climbed over walls, crawled under rope nets, climbed a rope to ring a bell, walked across balance beams without letting go of the other, slid down a bouncy house slide while people threw water on us, and some other things. However, the obstacles that were really obstacles were not the man-made ones. We had to climb MOUNTAINS! We went up, up, and up. There was nobody running. I couldn't believe that the bike people had to ride (push) up such a hill. Now, the mountain route was not on old road. It was a path about 5 to 6 feet wide cut out for this event. There were roots, rocks, and holes. You also had to watch for those smaller trees that didn't get wiped out, because they would snap back at you and leave a whelp. There were some with briers, too.
We also got to go down a mountain. At one point, it was so steep that you had to run, while dodging all the roots, holes, rock, etc. Then it was back up another MOUNTAIN!
Well, anyway, we finished, hosed off, and changed clothes. I would have like to have known how we did, but wasn't too worried about it. I'd check online later in the week. Plus, we had to get home and take the dogs out. Sherri wanted to see how we did, too, so ran back up to where the "action" was. There was a big board covered with papers for all the races and divisions. Some of the papers were on the ground; most of the race/divisions had multiple printouts as other teams finished. I finally found 9:45 Co-ed Masters. The places listed were 1, 2, and 4. Where was 3? Maybe 4 is actually 3. t didn't matter. We had done quite a bit of walking and I wasn't expecting a top 4 finish. I found a top 7 - actually top 6 since 3 was not listed - after searching through the papers on the ground. I decided to go ask someone; I had been through all the results and could see inside a tent that they were still printing them out. I had been gone so long Sherri came looking for me. When I asked the guy if he had the results for the 9:45 Co-ed Masters, he asked what our name was. I said, "I Have No I.D." I could tell on his face he was about to ask "What", but before he could look up, he saw our name, since it was close to the top - # 3. We finished 3rd! I guess when they were printing the sheets to post, someone said "I have no I.D." came in 3rd, so the other person didn't list it.
We got a 2 small little trophies that had vials to collect some mud in to remember the event.
When we arrived at the Cheatham County Wildlife Management Area (I believe this is where the Nashville Zoo used to be), I was surprised to see so many cars/people. They started the event in waves of waves, so everybody wouldn't hit the obstacles at the same time. The Bike and Run race started at 7:30. The run only races started at 9:00. When you signed up, you got to choose what time you wanted to start - 9:00, 9:45, or 10:30. We chose 9:45, so it wouldn't be so early at 9:00 or so hot when we finished the 10:30 race. Then, at the starting line, they would let so many of each time group go at a time. We wore timing chips, but we were only racing against people in the 9:45 race. When we first signed up, I think the run races were 3 to 4 miles. It increased to 3 to 4.5 miles. I guess because of our course some of the other increased, too. And, oh, we were in the Co-ed Masters category, because our combined age was over 86.
We ran along the barely wide enough for 2 cars, gravel entrance/outrance road, weaving around cars and people either coming or going. We then turned onto a less traveled road where the gravel had mostly disappeared. I don't recall which obstacles came in what order, but we climbed over walls, crawled under rope nets, climbed a rope to ring a bell, walked across balance beams without letting go of the other, slid down a bouncy house slide while people threw water on us, and some other things. However, the obstacles that were really obstacles were not the man-made ones. We had to climb MOUNTAINS! We went up, up, and up. There was nobody running. I couldn't believe that the bike people had to ride (push) up such a hill. Now, the mountain route was not on old road. It was a path about 5 to 6 feet wide cut out for this event. There were roots, rocks, and holes. You also had to watch for those smaller trees that didn't get wiped out, because they would snap back at you and leave a whelp. There were some with briers, too.
We also got to go down a mountain. At one point, it was so steep that you had to run, while dodging all the roots, holes, rock, etc. Then it was back up another MOUNTAIN!
Well, anyway, we finished, hosed off, and changed clothes. I would have like to have known how we did, but wasn't too worried about it. I'd check online later in the week. Plus, we had to get home and take the dogs out. Sherri wanted to see how we did, too, so ran back up to where the "action" was. There was a big board covered with papers for all the races and divisions. Some of the papers were on the ground; most of the race/divisions had multiple printouts as other teams finished. I finally found 9:45 Co-ed Masters. The places listed were 1, 2, and 4. Where was 3? Maybe 4 is actually 3. t didn't matter. We had done quite a bit of walking and I wasn't expecting a top 4 finish. I found a top 7 - actually top 6 since 3 was not listed - after searching through the papers on the ground. I decided to go ask someone; I had been through all the results and could see inside a tent that they were still printing them out. I had been gone so long Sherri came looking for me. When I asked the guy if he had the results for the 9:45 Co-ed Masters, he asked what our name was. I said, "I Have No I.D." I could tell on his face he was about to ask "What", but before he could look up, he saw our name, since it was close to the top - # 3. We finished 3rd! I guess when they were printing the sheets to post, someone said "I have no I.D." came in 3rd, so the other person didn't list it.
We got a 2 small little trophies that had vials to collect some mud in to remember the event.
Catching Up: Part 1
The run following my scary moment run came four days later on June 16. It wasn't that bad. I ran 5 miles in 9:14. At one point, I even hit a 6:06 pace - I'm not sure how the watch calculates this. I guess that, while running downhill, if I hit a certain pace for a nanosecond, that's what it records. I wish it would say how long the pace was maintained or the pace would have to be maintained for certain length of time. It was 82 degrees at 9:00 am for this run. I mention the temp for future reference.
June 19 - 5 miles at 9:30 pace.
June 20 - 5 miles at 9:26 pace.
June 19 - 5 miles at 9:30 pace.
June 20 - 5 miles at 9:26 pace.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Catchup? Not Today.
I was about to do a "Catchup" post, but saw that it has been a month since my last entry. I don't have time for that much now.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Tuesday, June 12, 2012 - Scary Failure
First, a little catch up since the June 2nd 5k: 5 miles on June 4, and 4 miles on Tuesday, June 5.
That's it, until this Tuesday. As I said in my last post, my running has been sporadic, if at all.
I set out for 12 miles that I was supposed to have done Saturday. I was kind of amazed at how comfortable running a 9:00 pace was for 5 miles. I knew I would get slower at the end, but felt good knowing I was able to do this. It was 83 degrees when I started at 5:30 pm, so the temperature may have dropped a degree or two by the time I was approximately 5.5 miles into the run. That is when I had a few moments of feeling a chill. I also began to feel myself push trying to keep that 9:00 pace. Mile 6 was 9:10.
I would be running by the Xterra that was parked in the Salem United Methodist Church parking lot at around 6.5 miles. I thought I should sip some PowerAde. As I neared the vehicle, I stepped it up a little - I was wanting to keep near 9:00, and stopping for a drink was going to hurt that. I had the keys in my hand as I neared the Xterra, popped the lock, opened the door, and felt like I was about to vomit. The feeling quickly passed and I gulped a little PowerAde. I took off with a new spring in my step and trying to make up for lost time. I didn't make it - Mile 7 was 9:32 - and the it all fell apart. By Mile 9 (14:28), I was having to walk! I thought maybe the break in Mile 9 would propel me for a better finish. Mile 10 was better at 10:10, but then Mile 11 saw more walking and was at 13:38. After walking into Mile 12, I decided to try to make it respectable by trying to slowly jog the whole thing. I did pretty good, even sprinted - well, the best I could - the last 0.2. 11 Minutes. Total time: 2:03:00. Pace 10:15.
But that's not the end of the story...
When I opened the Xterra door, I gagged a little as if I was to throw up. My tank was empty, so nothing. (The Atkins diet is not for running. No, I'm not on the Atkins diet. It just kind of happened that way. I grilled some cheap steaks on Friday night, ate at Longhorn on Saturday night, grilled cheeseburgers Sunday night, and then ate a leftover hamburger Monday night.) The next thing I knew was that I was having to hold myself up. My left arm was on the door armrest my right hand was on the seat keeping me upright. I was staring at the floorboard that seemed to be moving in slow circles. My peripheral vision seemed to disappear. I felt like I was about to pass out. I stood there for a couple of minutes. I was then able to make my way to the back of the Xterra with a towel. I was too queasy to think of taking a drink. I sat on the back of the Xterra. If you've ever hit your head hard enough that it felt as if the inside of your head enveloped the outside of your head, that is how I felt - out of my head - but without the pain, which was a good sign, I guess. I felt sickly and thought I would pass out any moment. I wished Lainey's car seat, a couple of lawn chairs, and a few other things were not in the back of the Xterra so I could lay down.
Several people had arrived at the church while I was running. I thought about going in to get help, but wasn't sure I could make it across the road and into the church. Maybe DeWain Harris would walk out on his way back to the parsonage, and I could get him to take me home or call Sherri. Why didn't I bring my phone!? I thought about just laying in the gravel parking lot until someone came out. I just sat there staring at the gravel, which seemed to be moving like a kaleidoscope, with the previous sentences running circles in my out-of-my-head mind. I got some relieve for awhile. I don't know if it was 10 seconds or 10 minutes, because I had closed my eyes and guess I dozed off. When I awoke, I was still dazed. With my mind floating just above me, the awful sickness in my stomach, and the flu-like feeling the rest of my body had, I was hoping that I would pass out.
After 30 minutes or so, no one had came out of the church. My peripheral vision had somewhat returned and my mind was back in my head, although it was still foggy. I decided to drive home. I tried not to move to quickly to avoid a more nauseated feeling. I drove home without my seat belt, because I was partially slumped over the steering wheel and did not want to move anymore than I had to. I was happy to see my driveway. I had dreamed of lying on my porch, but I was freezing now, so I went inside. Slowly, I made my way upstairs. I had about 8 oz of PowerAde with me. It had been about 45 minutes after the run, before I took my first sip. I sat on the side of the tub, taking little sips until the PowerAde was gone. Forcefully, I got myself into the shower. I was still a little dizzy, but feeling a lot better.
After the shower, I went back downstairs and poured a small cup of chocolate milk down my throat. Probably not the best thing for how my stomach had felt. It probably added to the feeling that I could not stomach any food, but I read that chocolate milk after long runs could help relieve soreness. After the chocolate milk downing, I grabbed a 32 oz PowerAde and went to my living room chair. I sat there for at least 30 minutes before I was able to open the bottle. I finally took a big sip. I nursed it about an hour, before I got the energy to go to bed. I made myself finish off the last 6 oz or so, because I sure didn't want it, before I headed upstairs.
It is two days later and I am still feeling the effects. I don't know how to explain it, but my mind still has a weird feeling. My legs are quite sore for running/walking 12 miles. I don't think they were this sore after my first half marathon. My lower back and across my chest are also sore. I don't know why.
I think I may not run again until Monday and back off the mileage. I don't have anything planned coming up soon, except the Muddy Buddy on June 23 (9 days) - sure glad it's not this weekend.
That's it, until this Tuesday. As I said in my last post, my running has been sporadic, if at all.
I set out for 12 miles that I was supposed to have done Saturday. I was kind of amazed at how comfortable running a 9:00 pace was for 5 miles. I knew I would get slower at the end, but felt good knowing I was able to do this. It was 83 degrees when I started at 5:30 pm, so the temperature may have dropped a degree or two by the time I was approximately 5.5 miles into the run. That is when I had a few moments of feeling a chill. I also began to feel myself push trying to keep that 9:00 pace. Mile 6 was 9:10.
I would be running by the Xterra that was parked in the Salem United Methodist Church parking lot at around 6.5 miles. I thought I should sip some PowerAde. As I neared the vehicle, I stepped it up a little - I was wanting to keep near 9:00, and stopping for a drink was going to hurt that. I had the keys in my hand as I neared the Xterra, popped the lock, opened the door, and felt like I was about to vomit. The feeling quickly passed and I gulped a little PowerAde. I took off with a new spring in my step and trying to make up for lost time. I didn't make it - Mile 7 was 9:32 - and the it all fell apart. By Mile 9 (14:28), I was having to walk! I thought maybe the break in Mile 9 would propel me for a better finish. Mile 10 was better at 10:10, but then Mile 11 saw more walking and was at 13:38. After walking into Mile 12, I decided to try to make it respectable by trying to slowly jog the whole thing. I did pretty good, even sprinted - well, the best I could - the last 0.2. 11 Minutes. Total time: 2:03:00. Pace 10:15.
But that's not the end of the story...
When I opened the Xterra door, I gagged a little as if I was to throw up. My tank was empty, so nothing. (The Atkins diet is not for running. No, I'm not on the Atkins diet. It just kind of happened that way. I grilled some cheap steaks on Friday night, ate at Longhorn on Saturday night, grilled cheeseburgers Sunday night, and then ate a leftover hamburger Monday night.) The next thing I knew was that I was having to hold myself up. My left arm was on the door armrest my right hand was on the seat keeping me upright. I was staring at the floorboard that seemed to be moving in slow circles. My peripheral vision seemed to disappear. I felt like I was about to pass out. I stood there for a couple of minutes. I was then able to make my way to the back of the Xterra with a towel. I was too queasy to think of taking a drink. I sat on the back of the Xterra. If you've ever hit your head hard enough that it felt as if the inside of your head enveloped the outside of your head, that is how I felt - out of my head - but without the pain, which was a good sign, I guess. I felt sickly and thought I would pass out any moment. I wished Lainey's car seat, a couple of lawn chairs, and a few other things were not in the back of the Xterra so I could lay down.
Several people had arrived at the church while I was running. I thought about going in to get help, but wasn't sure I could make it across the road and into the church. Maybe DeWain Harris would walk out on his way back to the parsonage, and I could get him to take me home or call Sherri. Why didn't I bring my phone!? I thought about just laying in the gravel parking lot until someone came out. I just sat there staring at the gravel, which seemed to be moving like a kaleidoscope, with the previous sentences running circles in my out-of-my-head mind. I got some relieve for awhile. I don't know if it was 10 seconds or 10 minutes, because I had closed my eyes and guess I dozed off. When I awoke, I was still dazed. With my mind floating just above me, the awful sickness in my stomach, and the flu-like feeling the rest of my body had, I was hoping that I would pass out.
After 30 minutes or so, no one had came out of the church. My peripheral vision had somewhat returned and my mind was back in my head, although it was still foggy. I decided to drive home. I tried not to move to quickly to avoid a more nauseated feeling. I drove home without my seat belt, because I was partially slumped over the steering wheel and did not want to move anymore than I had to. I was happy to see my driveway. I had dreamed of lying on my porch, but I was freezing now, so I went inside. Slowly, I made my way upstairs. I had about 8 oz of PowerAde with me. It had been about 45 minutes after the run, before I took my first sip. I sat on the side of the tub, taking little sips until the PowerAde was gone. Forcefully, I got myself into the shower. I was still a little dizzy, but feeling a lot better.
After the shower, I went back downstairs and poured a small cup of chocolate milk down my throat. Probably not the best thing for how my stomach had felt. It probably added to the feeling that I could not stomach any food, but I read that chocolate milk after long runs could help relieve soreness. After the chocolate milk downing, I grabbed a 32 oz PowerAde and went to my living room chair. I sat there for at least 30 minutes before I was able to open the bottle. I finally took a big sip. I nursed it about an hour, before I got the energy to go to bed. I made myself finish off the last 6 oz or so, because I sure didn't want it, before I headed upstairs.
It is two days later and I am still feeling the effects. I don't know how to explain it, but my mind still has a weird feeling. My legs are quite sore for running/walking 12 miles. I don't think they were this sore after my first half marathon. My lower back and across my chest are also sore. I don't know why.
I think I may not run again until Monday and back off the mileage. I don't have anything planned coming up soon, except the Muddy Buddy on June 23 (9 days) - sure glad it's not this weekend.
Monday, June 11, 2012
June 11, 2012 - Some Catching Up
Yes, it's been awhile, and my running since the Country Music Marathon has been sporadic. Now that I have been following the "Dr. Sykes Training Plan" of sporadic running, he has taken a more traditional approach of running four times a week and has added some cross-training. :)
My legs, especially the knees, have been killing me. I have had knee pain for over ten years, so the running (on pavement) did not bring it on. I think it has made it more constant, though. I believe years of other sports are the culprit - sliding, diving, cutting - with no type of workout or stretching in the latter years. We would drive somewhere, roll out of the car, and play softball until we lost two games or won the tournament. We would play two games in one night in a local league. And that was it - no practice or anything. In the early years, it was all out all the time even if it was backyard football, without any thought of injury, especially long-term effects. Some nights I just want to cry. Some nights I can't sleep well, because I can't keep my legs still. Some nights I go to bed a little earlier than usual, hoping that I will fall asleep and not feel the pain. Every night lately, I have been taking something for the pain - aspirin, ibuprofen, Aleve, Tylenol. I try to mix things up so not to build up an immune to any one type. Sometimes I will take one thing, and if that doesn't knock it, I'll take something else. I may go six months without any problems. That's why every night for about three weeks has me on edge.
As I said, running has been hit or miss since the CMM on April 28. I ran the Dash to Ditch Lymphoma 5k on June 2. I wasn't feeling it. I ate Papa John's pizza for supper Thursday night, had leftovers for lunch Friday, and the rest of it Friday night. Of course, I had other "junk" - cookies, candy, etc. in between. At least, I did spread a large pizza over three meals. The morning of the 5k my stomach was in knots. It usually is any morning I'm going to a race, though. This morning, however, I felt stuffed, too. I barely had enough room to get down some toast. I began to feel a little better on the drive out to the race. Once the race was on, I felt even better. I took off faster than I should have and ran Mile 1 in 7:19. I wanted to then keep everything under 7:30. That wasn't going to happen! I got realistic and hoped for them all to be under 8:00. That didn't happen either. I think Mile 2 was in like 7:55 and Mile 3 in like 8:05. Plus the tenth-mile. My overall time was 23:45 (7:40 pace). I thought this would be my second (possibly 3rd) best time. I knew one of the HC Fair 5k's was faster, but I wasn't sure if there were any others, so I was surprised to see that this was my 5th best. I don't remember the pain of those other 5k's, but I sure thought I worked hard in this one. I was 2nd of 5 in my 40-44 age group. 14th of 49 males. 17th of 154 overall.
I may have done better if I wasn't so heavy. Since I have been doing the "sporadic plan", I've put on a few pounds. On the Monday after the 5k, my weight hit its highest point since September (that's about 8.5 months!) I even survived the winter without packing on so much!
My legs, especially the knees, have been killing me. I have had knee pain for over ten years, so the running (on pavement) did not bring it on. I think it has made it more constant, though. I believe years of other sports are the culprit - sliding, diving, cutting - with no type of workout or stretching in the latter years. We would drive somewhere, roll out of the car, and play softball until we lost two games or won the tournament. We would play two games in one night in a local league. And that was it - no practice or anything. In the early years, it was all out all the time even if it was backyard football, without any thought of injury, especially long-term effects. Some nights I just want to cry. Some nights I can't sleep well, because I can't keep my legs still. Some nights I go to bed a little earlier than usual, hoping that I will fall asleep and not feel the pain. Every night lately, I have been taking something for the pain - aspirin, ibuprofen, Aleve, Tylenol. I try to mix things up so not to build up an immune to any one type. Sometimes I will take one thing, and if that doesn't knock it, I'll take something else. I may go six months without any problems. That's why every night for about three weeks has me on edge.
As I said, running has been hit or miss since the CMM on April 28. I ran the Dash to Ditch Lymphoma 5k on June 2. I wasn't feeling it. I ate Papa John's pizza for supper Thursday night, had leftovers for lunch Friday, and the rest of it Friday night. Of course, I had other "junk" - cookies, candy, etc. in between. At least, I did spread a large pizza over three meals. The morning of the 5k my stomach was in knots. It usually is any morning I'm going to a race, though. This morning, however, I felt stuffed, too. I barely had enough room to get down some toast. I began to feel a little better on the drive out to the race. Once the race was on, I felt even better. I took off faster than I should have and ran Mile 1 in 7:19. I wanted to then keep everything under 7:30. That wasn't going to happen! I got realistic and hoped for them all to be under 8:00. That didn't happen either. I think Mile 2 was in like 7:55 and Mile 3 in like 8:05. Plus the tenth-mile. My overall time was 23:45 (7:40 pace). I thought this would be my second (possibly 3rd) best time. I knew one of the HC Fair 5k's was faster, but I wasn't sure if there were any others, so I was surprised to see that this was my 5th best. I don't remember the pain of those other 5k's, but I sure thought I worked hard in this one. I was 2nd of 5 in my 40-44 age group. 14th of 49 males. 17th of 154 overall.
I may have done better if I wasn't so heavy. Since I have been doing the "sporadic plan", I've put on a few pounds. On the Monday after the 5k, my weight hit its highest point since September (that's about 8.5 months!) I even survived the winter without packing on so much!
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
April 28, 2012 - St. Jude's Country Music Marathon
My second marathon. My second Country Music Marathon.
After the success of my 20 mile run a couple of weeks before, I felt pretty confident of breaking the 5 hour mark, but it did not happen. I started in the 5 hour corral, which I will never do again. I will put on my form that I expect to run it an hour faster than I really expect. I spent most of my energy maneuvering around other runners for about the first 10 miles. They started the half and full marathons together. I guess the half marathoners in my corral were expecting 2.5 hour finishing times, because it included slow runners/walkers. I would get hemmed in and have to walk. I even had to walk downhill
during the first 3 miles!
If I could maintain a pace of 11:25, I could finish in 4:59:06. After running that 20 miler at a 9:52 pace, I thought I had a really good chance. According to the watch, I was at a 10:15 pace after 3 miles. However, when I crossed the 5k mat, the watch had almost 3.5 miles. The CMM website had that my 5k time was 33:23. Okay, the watch is off about a half-mile, and I'm 23 seconds behind what I thought I would be at this point. I wanted to keep a slow pace, so I wouldn't lose all my energy early, but still be under the 11:25 pace.
At the 10k mark, my official time was 1:06:55. Still slipping. I was hoping for 1:06, but hey, I'm close. I cannot find the paper where I wrote down the times from the watch, so I can't give a comparison. (I'm sure you don't want even more tedious numbers).
I believe it was during Mile 10 that I had to stop to pee. It was to be in the 80's, so I tried to drink enough to stay hydrated. I drank too much. I had to wait in a short line. Of course, when I came out, there was no one in line. It cost me about 5 minutes.
Somewhere after Mile 11, the half and full courses split. I saw about 10 people in front of me. In the half marathon lane, the runners were still jam packed. I was happy to be out of the traffic jam, but was thinking "I could almost be done, but have twice as much plus a few more miles to go". Oh, well.
My half marathon pace time was 2:23:13. For a half, that is bad, but with another half to go, I was happy with it. I was just under an 11:00 pace at 10:55. This allowed for even slower miles at the end.
Somewhere between Miles 17 to 20, I began doing some walking that wasn't because I had to. It was the beginning of the end. By the time I hit the 20 mile mark, my pace was 11:35. That is officially. The watch was almost a mile off now. Somewhere between miles 21-23, the GPS battery died. I thought Shane said he had put a new battery in it, because when he brought his watch to me, the watch battery was dead. It didn't really matter at this point. I was over 20 miles in. The time was correct on the watch. I just had to finish the last few miles in..... What? I have to run 9:00 minute miles to finish in 5 hours? It's over! I began walking more. I didn't want to push and not make it under 5, so I didn't push. Pushing was only for a guarantee.
Then I came upon a station that had Coke. The first little cup was gone in a blink. There was only one more Coke cup on the table. I asked if I could have it, too. "Yes, we have more under the table." Then they offered me a whole bottle. It was so tempting, but I declined. And I'm glad I did. Two cups made my side hurt. The pain went away about after a mile.
I tried to keep cool by running through water people were spraying and dumping water on my head at each water station. I saw a four people down, one being golf carted out of an area, 2 ambulances heading into an area, and EMT's pushing a gurney to get another. One of the guys at work said he talked to someone that ran and her running partner went down around Mile 12 of the Half Marathon. He was in ICU for awhile. There is no way he should have been running after 10 o'clock. It wasn't even the heat of the day.
Well, anyway, I finished in a disappointing 5:20:51, a 12:15 pace. It was around 40 minutes faster than last year, but 20 minutes and 52 seconds slower than I wanted this year. I was 2803 of 3925 overall; 1620 of 2125 males; and 247 of 325 in the 40-44 age group.
I was hardly sore at all. I got sleepy on the drive home, but got my second wind and stayed up past 10:00. I was a little tired and sore the next day, but not enough to say I ran a marathon. I felt I could have actually done another the next day. I guess my body was more prepared than I thought, even though I was off about 3 weeks of training. It was my mind telling me I wasn't ready. My mind was telling me, during the last few miles, that I would never do another marathon. The next day my mind was saying, "Let's do another!"
After the success of my 20 mile run a couple of weeks before, I felt pretty confident of breaking the 5 hour mark, but it did not happen. I started in the 5 hour corral, which I will never do again. I will put on my form that I expect to run it an hour faster than I really expect. I spent most of my energy maneuvering around other runners for about the first 10 miles. They started the half and full marathons together. I guess the half marathoners in my corral were expecting 2.5 hour finishing times, because it included slow runners/walkers. I would get hemmed in and have to walk. I even had to walk downhill
during the first 3 miles!
If I could maintain a pace of 11:25, I could finish in 4:59:06. After running that 20 miler at a 9:52 pace, I thought I had a really good chance. According to the watch, I was at a 10:15 pace after 3 miles. However, when I crossed the 5k mat, the watch had almost 3.5 miles. The CMM website had that my 5k time was 33:23. Okay, the watch is off about a half-mile, and I'm 23 seconds behind what I thought I would be at this point. I wanted to keep a slow pace, so I wouldn't lose all my energy early, but still be under the 11:25 pace.
At the 10k mark, my official time was 1:06:55. Still slipping. I was hoping for 1:06, but hey, I'm close. I cannot find the paper where I wrote down the times from the watch, so I can't give a comparison. (I'm sure you don't want even more tedious numbers).
I believe it was during Mile 10 that I had to stop to pee. It was to be in the 80's, so I tried to drink enough to stay hydrated. I drank too much. I had to wait in a short line. Of course, when I came out, there was no one in line. It cost me about 5 minutes.
Somewhere after Mile 11, the half and full courses split. I saw about 10 people in front of me. In the half marathon lane, the runners were still jam packed. I was happy to be out of the traffic jam, but was thinking "I could almost be done, but have twice as much plus a few more miles to go". Oh, well.
My half marathon pace time was 2:23:13. For a half, that is bad, but with another half to go, I was happy with it. I was just under an 11:00 pace at 10:55. This allowed for even slower miles at the end.
Somewhere between Miles 17 to 20, I began doing some walking that wasn't because I had to. It was the beginning of the end. By the time I hit the 20 mile mark, my pace was 11:35. That is officially. The watch was almost a mile off now. Somewhere between miles 21-23, the GPS battery died. I thought Shane said he had put a new battery in it, because when he brought his watch to me, the watch battery was dead. It didn't really matter at this point. I was over 20 miles in. The time was correct on the watch. I just had to finish the last few miles in..... What? I have to run 9:00 minute miles to finish in 5 hours? It's over! I began walking more. I didn't want to push and not make it under 5, so I didn't push. Pushing was only for a guarantee.
Then I came upon a station that had Coke. The first little cup was gone in a blink. There was only one more Coke cup on the table. I asked if I could have it, too. "Yes, we have more under the table." Then they offered me a whole bottle. It was so tempting, but I declined. And I'm glad I did. Two cups made my side hurt. The pain went away about after a mile.
I tried to keep cool by running through water people were spraying and dumping water on my head at each water station. I saw a four people down, one being golf carted out of an area, 2 ambulances heading into an area, and EMT's pushing a gurney to get another. One of the guys at work said he talked to someone that ran and her running partner went down around Mile 12 of the Half Marathon. He was in ICU for awhile. There is no way he should have been running after 10 o'clock. It wasn't even the heat of the day.
Well, anyway, I finished in a disappointing 5:20:51, a 12:15 pace. It was around 40 minutes faster than last year, but 20 minutes and 52 seconds slower than I wanted this year. I was 2803 of 3925 overall; 1620 of 2125 males; and 247 of 325 in the 40-44 age group.
I was hardly sore at all. I got sleepy on the drive home, but got my second wind and stayed up past 10:00. I was a little tired and sore the next day, but not enough to say I ran a marathon. I felt I could have actually done another the next day. I guess my body was more prepared than I thought, even though I was off about 3 weeks of training. It was my mind telling me I wasn't ready. My mind was telling me, during the last few miles, that I would never do another marathon. The next day my mind was saying, "Let's do another!"
Friday, April 27, 2012
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Ran 3 miles. Still a little sore. Time: 31:06. Pace: 10:22.
As of today, I have 99 miles for the month. If my last run for the month goes as planned, I will have 125.2 miles for April.
As of today, I have 99 miles for the month. If my last run for the month goes as planned, I will have 125.2 miles for April.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
My legs were a little sore from "hurrying" yesterday. I would like to say I took it easy, but it wasn't easy. Time: 38:57. Pace: 9:44.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
I didn't run Monday, because I didn't like the weather. The temp was around 60, and it was windy. I had planned on running Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, to have two days off before the marathon. Now, it looks like I will be running Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
I ran 5 miles - kind of in a hurry, because of the threat of rain. Time: 43:27. Pace: 8:41.
I ran 5 miles - kind of in a hurry, because of the threat of rain. Time: 43:27. Pace: 8:41.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Last long run before the big day. Funny how 10 miles doesn't seem that far a week after running a 20 miler. That's a lie! 10 miles is a long way no matter when!
After a warm March, in which some temperature records were broken, April has been somewhat cool. Today's high was to be around 60-65, but we had some things to do in the afternoon. I was running at 8:00 am. It was 47 degrees with a 90% chance of rain. It was windy! Weatherman said 10 mph winds; it seemed double that to me. I can't complain about the wind, though. God held the rain back, so I finished before a single drop fell.
I ran 10 miles in 1:36:35. A 9:39 pace. Each mile's time varied quite a bit. I would have preferred a more consistent pace this being the Saturday before the marathon.
After a warm March, in which some temperature records were broken, April has been somewhat cool. Today's high was to be around 60-65, but we had some things to do in the afternoon. I was running at 8:00 am. It was 47 degrees with a 90% chance of rain. It was windy! Weatherman said 10 mph winds; it seemed double that to me. I can't complain about the wind, though. God held the rain back, so I finished before a single drop fell.
I ran 10 miles in 1:36:35. A 9:39 pace. Each mile's time varied quite a bit. I would have preferred a more consistent pace this being the Saturday before the marathon.
Friday, April 20, 2012
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Ran 5 miles. Felt some effects from yesterday. Tried to push some. Time: 44:23. Pace: 8:53.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Today, I had 8 miles scheduled, but since I missed Monday's 5 miler, I ran 13. It was sunny and 70 degrees when I started, but felt cooler in the shade. It was even cooler once the sun went down. There was a breeze, but I won't complain about it today. The temp had dropped to 58 by the time I had finished.
I didn't run Monday, because we went to the funeral home after work. I had several opportunities to run Tuesday - after dentist and before funeral, then all evening after funeral - I just didn't do it, mainly because it was a dreary day. The temperature was to reach a high of 70, but it only got to 62 at our house. And it was cloudy all day.
I ran the 13 miles in 2:04:22. Pace of 9:34.
I didn't run Monday, because we went to the funeral home after work. I had several opportunities to run Tuesday - after dentist and before funeral, then all evening after funeral - I just didn't do it, mainly because it was a dreary day. The temperature was to reach a high of 70, but it only got to 62 at our house. And it was cloudy all day.
I ran the 13 miles in 2:04:22. Pace of 9:34.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Saturday, April 14, 2012 --- 20 Miles!
Saturday. What a day.
I was up at 7:00 am, but wasn't sure if I would have time to complete a 20 mile run/walk and have enough time to get ready for church directory pictures. I had essentially talked myself out of even trying it, when Sherri said I would have enough time to get in a run that would probably take 4 hours. I downed a quick cup of coffee, had a few gummie-like pieces of candy, and drank a little PowerAde. Then I was out the door by 7:30. I left a pack of gummies and the rest of the PowerAde at my truck in the driveway. I was to run four 5 mile laps, and the fuel would be there. I planned on needing it, because I didn't really fuel up beforehand.
It was 57 degrees and cloudy when I started. It also looked like rain may be moving in, but the weatherman had said nothing about that. After the first lap, I did not stop for a drink. I just turned around and kept going. About Mile 7, the sun finally won the battle and beamed through the clouds. What kept this from being perfect? The increasing wind speed. However, every time I was about to really get mad at the wind, it would die down. It had reached 71 degrees by the time I finished. So, it was really almost perfect weather (to me).
At Mile 10, I made a quick pit stop. I ate about 5 gummies and drank a little PowerAde. I also wrote down my time in case something went wrong. (I was using my cell phone to keep track of the mile splits. My watch is still "dead", and the last time I used my iPod, sweat-moisture got into the armband and has affected the on/off button. I do not want to risk damaging it any further.) And something did go wrong, I closed my phone - I have an old school phone that flips open - and when I did, I lost all my per mile times. After 10 miles, my time was 1:36:46, a pace of 9:41.
After 15 miles, I made another quick stop for a few more gummies and a little bit too much PowerAde, because it sloshed around in my stomach for a little while. I also wrote down my time, and it was getting faster. My total time was now 2:23:25 for a 9:34 pace.
As I headed into my last lap, I had two things I wanted to accomplish: 1. No walking; 2. Finish with a pace of 10:00 or less. No walking would most likely be a "mind over matter" dilemma. Finishing in under 10:00, would be "no walking". I could run it slow - I just had to keep running. I am proud to say I did both. It was very difficult, though. It took all I had just to run downhill. My final time was 3:17:16, for a pace of 9:52.
As I sat on the porch, finishing off the PowerAde and savoring my accomplishment, my heart and mind felt ecstatic to the brink of exploding. The rest of my body begged to differ; it was on the verge of imploding. Seriously, though, my body felt pretty good for having run 20 miles! I went upstairs to shower, when all of a sudden, I found myself in the floor hugging the commode. I gagged a little, but never got anything up. I think I would have felt better if I did, but not eating anything left my stomach empty, I guess. It wasn't too long before the feeling went away, though.
We went and had the pictures done. Then we went to Houston County. Sherri went with her sister to carry some food to a family that had a recent death. Lainey and I went to my mom's. I was tired and could have taken a nap, but I wasn't really sore. When Sherri returned, we went to the high school to eat hamburger steaks. (The baseball team had a dinner to raise money.) I ate my hamburger steak, about half of Lainey's, my roll, half of Lainey's roll, was able to obtain another roll, and a big cinnamon roll for desert. I was starved. Other than the gummies, I only had a Fudge Round at mom's all day. I had 3 Dr. Pepper's, a Pepsi, and some chocolate milk after the meal until bedtime. By Sunday morning, I had only lost 1 pound!
I thought I would be sore Sunday. Not so. I don't know if it was all the chocolate milk (I've read it helps keep down soreness) or if I was still on a high knowing that I ran 20 miles. I talked to Shane (a former runner - LOL) Sunday afternoon. He said the soreness usually hits him the second day. So far, so good.
I believe this 20 mile run is the best run in my life!
I was up at 7:00 am, but wasn't sure if I would have time to complete a 20 mile run/walk and have enough time to get ready for church directory pictures. I had essentially talked myself out of even trying it, when Sherri said I would have enough time to get in a run that would probably take 4 hours. I downed a quick cup of coffee, had a few gummie-like pieces of candy, and drank a little PowerAde. Then I was out the door by 7:30. I left a pack of gummies and the rest of the PowerAde at my truck in the driveway. I was to run four 5 mile laps, and the fuel would be there. I planned on needing it, because I didn't really fuel up beforehand.
It was 57 degrees and cloudy when I started. It also looked like rain may be moving in, but the weatherman had said nothing about that. After the first lap, I did not stop for a drink. I just turned around and kept going. About Mile 7, the sun finally won the battle and beamed through the clouds. What kept this from being perfect? The increasing wind speed. However, every time I was about to really get mad at the wind, it would die down. It had reached 71 degrees by the time I finished. So, it was really almost perfect weather (to me).
At Mile 10, I made a quick pit stop. I ate about 5 gummies and drank a little PowerAde. I also wrote down my time in case something went wrong. (I was using my cell phone to keep track of the mile splits. My watch is still "dead", and the last time I used my iPod, sweat-moisture got into the armband and has affected the on/off button. I do not want to risk damaging it any further.) And something did go wrong, I closed my phone - I have an old school phone that flips open - and when I did, I lost all my per mile times. After 10 miles, my time was 1:36:46, a pace of 9:41.
After 15 miles, I made another quick stop for a few more gummies and a little bit too much PowerAde, because it sloshed around in my stomach for a little while. I also wrote down my time, and it was getting faster. My total time was now 2:23:25 for a 9:34 pace.
As I headed into my last lap, I had two things I wanted to accomplish: 1. No walking; 2. Finish with a pace of 10:00 or less. No walking would most likely be a "mind over matter" dilemma. Finishing in under 10:00, would be "no walking". I could run it slow - I just had to keep running. I am proud to say I did both. It was very difficult, though. It took all I had just to run downhill. My final time was 3:17:16, for a pace of 9:52.
As I sat on the porch, finishing off the PowerAde and savoring my accomplishment, my heart and mind felt ecstatic to the brink of exploding. The rest of my body begged to differ; it was on the verge of imploding. Seriously, though, my body felt pretty good for having run 20 miles! I went upstairs to shower, when all of a sudden, I found myself in the floor hugging the commode. I gagged a little, but never got anything up. I think I would have felt better if I did, but not eating anything left my stomach empty, I guess. It wasn't too long before the feeling went away, though.
We went and had the pictures done. Then we went to Houston County. Sherri went with her sister to carry some food to a family that had a recent death. Lainey and I went to my mom's. I was tired and could have taken a nap, but I wasn't really sore. When Sherri returned, we went to the high school to eat hamburger steaks. (The baseball team had a dinner to raise money.) I ate my hamburger steak, about half of Lainey's, my roll, half of Lainey's roll, was able to obtain another roll, and a big cinnamon roll for desert. I was starved. Other than the gummies, I only had a Fudge Round at mom's all day. I had 3 Dr. Pepper's, a Pepsi, and some chocolate milk after the meal until bedtime. By Sunday morning, I had only lost 1 pound!
I thought I would be sore Sunday. Not so. I don't know if it was all the chocolate milk (I've read it helps keep down soreness) or if I was still on a high knowing that I ran 20 miles. I talked to Shane (a former runner - LOL) Sunday afternoon. He said the soreness usually hits him the second day. So far, so good.
I believe this 20 mile run is the best run in my life!
Friday, April 13, 2012
Thurdsday, April 12, 2012
I only ran 8 of the planned 10. It was 62 degrees, but I wore pants, long sleeves, and a skull cap, like I did yesterday when it was about 8 degrees cooler. It was sunny and a little windy. The wind didn't seem as bad as yesterday, mostly because it was warmer. The wind did pick up the longer I ran, so I cut it 2 miles short. Now, I'm 5 miles behind for the week with 99.9% chance of not making it up. Last week, I finished 8 miles short. I always seem to begin missing runs within a month of the marathon. Last March, I ran 58 miles and should have logged around 136, with a long run of 18 miles. My long run was 12 (I also ran two 10's). Last April, I put in 67 miles (not including the marathon) of 92 training miles. My long run should have been 20; I did 14 (and four 10's). This year, even though I'm still ill-prepared, I hope to be in better shape. This March I ran 95 miles (only about 41 miles short versus 78 last year). I had longer long runs, including a 15, 14, half marathon, and a 10. Although I've already missed a few April runs and 2 weeks is not up yet, I have gotten in 39 miles. Hopefully, I will surpass last April's mark. My long run has been 16, so I'm already 2 miles ahead of last year's longest. I hope to do 18-20 Saturday.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
This was my first run since Saturday's 16 miler. I didn't run Monday, because I had other stuff to do. I didn't run Tuesday, because it was kind of windy and cool. Today was to be an 8 mile run. I'm already behind since missing Monday's 5 miler. I thought I would run 10. It was 54 degrees and sunny. I dressed appropriately, but the wind was more than I could take. I only ran 5 miles. Time 46:02. Pace: 9:12.
Monday, April 9, 2012
April 7, 2012 - 16 Miles
I was on the run at 7:45 am. It was 39 degrees and sunny. The high was to reach 73 today, but it didn't warm up as quickly as I expected. When I finished about 2 hours and 40 minutes later, it was only 57 degrees. What has happened to the above average temps we've been having? I broke a sweat in the sun and froze in the shade. The wind was just strong enough to really tick me off. Of course, it was strongest in my longest in-sun stretch. If it wasn't for the wind, I think I could have enjoyed this run. My body felt pretty good. I was tempted to walk a few times, not because I needed to, but because my mind kept telling me I was "doing 16 miles" and I needed to "save up".
I ran with my iPod. I didn't listen to any music. I used the stop watch on it. The first 9 miles were under 10:00 each; the last 7 miles were all over 10:00. My fastest was Mile 8 at 9:09. Why 8? I don't know. My slowest was 16, of course, at 10:53. Total time: 2:37:59. Pace: 9:52. I can live with that.
I ran with my iPod. I didn't listen to any music. I used the stop watch on it. The first 9 miles were under 10:00 each; the last 7 miles were all over 10:00. My fastest was Mile 8 at 9:09. Why 8? I don't know. My slowest was 16, of course, at 10:53. Total time: 2:37:59. Pace: 9:52. I can live with that.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
I did not run Monday, which I should have. The half didn't affect me that much. I ran 10 miles today, instead of the scheduled 5, because I probably won't get to run Wednesday's 8. I'm planning on another 10 Thursday.
As I was lacing up my shoes, I push the button to go from the time to the running display. The screen went blank. No numbers had shown up before I was ready to head out, so I got the time from my truck's clock to be sure I had some idea of how long it took me. Before I reached Mile 1, the numbers were beginning to fade in. I thought it was coming back. I pushed the button at Mile 1. The screen went blank, as it has been for the last few runs, before appearing again. The same thing happened for 3 miles. I never saw a number after that. The watch would beep like always indicating the next lap for the next few miles. When I pushed it for Mile 9, it seemed like it beeped twice (as if I had punched it twice). I held it up to my ear. There was a low, constant shrill. It lasted for a minute. Now, my watch is totally dead.
According to my truck clock, it took me 1:38:??. A pace of 9:48. I also wished I had my heart rate monitor on. My heart seemed to go a little haywire for moment. Of course, the watch would never have connected to it.
As I was lacing up my shoes, I push the button to go from the time to the running display. The screen went blank. No numbers had shown up before I was ready to head out, so I got the time from my truck's clock to be sure I had some idea of how long it took me. Before I reached Mile 1, the numbers were beginning to fade in. I thought it was coming back. I pushed the button at Mile 1. The screen went blank, as it has been for the last few runs, before appearing again. The same thing happened for 3 miles. I never saw a number after that. The watch would beep like always indicating the next lap for the next few miles. When I pushed it for Mile 9, it seemed like it beeped twice (as if I had punched it twice). I held it up to my ear. There was a low, constant shrill. It lasted for a minute. Now, my watch is totally dead.
According to my truck clock, it took me 1:38:??. A pace of 9:48. I also wished I had my heart rate monitor on. My heart seemed to go a little haywire for moment. Of course, the watch would never have connected to it.
4th Annual Clarksville Half Marathon
Well, the final results were finally posted either late last night or this early this morning that was run on Saturday, March 31, so now I can blog all the details you want to know about. :)
Other than some wind issues, it was a beautiful day. Some runners probably appreciated the wind, but you know me. I bet we had to run into it for three-quarters of the race. It wasn't strong; it was just enough to get on my nerves. It was mostly sunny with temperature around 60 degrees at the start and around 70 when I finished.
My GPS is not working, so I am having to manually push the button for my miles. When I saw painted on the road "1 Mile", I pushed the lap button and saw Mile 1 was under 6 minutes. I knew that was wrong for sure. I had not been running hard. I had even gotten behind a row of runners that was really slow - they were too busy talking. Then I remembered that the course starting line had been moved from the first two years. Later on, I saw the real Mile 1 marker. My time was 8:20. I thought I would wait until the Mile 2 marker to push the button to get the lap count back on track. I missed the Mile 2 marker, so I pushed the button twice at Mile 3. After 3 miles, my time was 25:05. These were my best miles. I did manage to keep the first 5 miles under a 9:00 pace, and 8 of the first 9 miles. Miles 10 thru 13 were all over 9:00, with Mile 13 being a disappointing 9:42! The hills hit about the same time as the "wall". My total time was 1:56:15, for a pace of 8:52.
This was my sixth half marathon. As I was running, I felt like this was one of the best two feelings I had while running half's. My time didn't show it. The time for this was 4th best of the sixth. It is only followed by my very first two races. Not counting the first year, I'm getting slower on this course: 2010 - 1:46:38, 2011 - 1:52:47, 2012 - 1:56:15.
Before I left the parking lot, I checked to see where I stood. I was last in the 40-44 age group. I didn't see anybody I knew, so I left. I didn't think I would actually be last in my age group. And I wasn't. I was 4th of 11. I was only 1 minute and 19 seconds behind the guy that finished third. I blame the wind. Overall, I was 48th out of 133.
The change from October to March did not help the event. In 2009, there were 884 finishers. It has been declining every since. When they thought 2010 would break the 1,000 barrier, there were only 493 finishers. It dropped to 183 in 2011, and to just 133 this year. I fear it is on the way out. The first year we received a bag full of goodies. Last year, the expo was a disgrace. It was just a hotel lobby with the necessities - shirt, number, timing chip, and safety pins in a bag. The bag. Well, it was just one of those small trash bags that are used in hotel rooms. I called Sherri after picking up my "race packet" to tell her, "This year we didn't even get the bag."
Other than some wind issues, it was a beautiful day. Some runners probably appreciated the wind, but you know me. I bet we had to run into it for three-quarters of the race. It wasn't strong; it was just enough to get on my nerves. It was mostly sunny with temperature around 60 degrees at the start and around 70 when I finished.
My GPS is not working, so I am having to manually push the button for my miles. When I saw painted on the road "1 Mile", I pushed the lap button and saw Mile 1 was under 6 minutes. I knew that was wrong for sure. I had not been running hard. I had even gotten behind a row of runners that was really slow - they were too busy talking. Then I remembered that the course starting line had been moved from the first two years. Later on, I saw the real Mile 1 marker. My time was 8:20. I thought I would wait until the Mile 2 marker to push the button to get the lap count back on track. I missed the Mile 2 marker, so I pushed the button twice at Mile 3. After 3 miles, my time was 25:05. These were my best miles. I did manage to keep the first 5 miles under a 9:00 pace, and 8 of the first 9 miles. Miles 10 thru 13 were all over 9:00, with Mile 13 being a disappointing 9:42! The hills hit about the same time as the "wall". My total time was 1:56:15, for a pace of 8:52.
This was my sixth half marathon. As I was running, I felt like this was one of the best two feelings I had while running half's. My time didn't show it. The time for this was 4th best of the sixth. It is only followed by my very first two races. Not counting the first year, I'm getting slower on this course: 2010 - 1:46:38, 2011 - 1:52:47, 2012 - 1:56:15.
Before I left the parking lot, I checked to see where I stood. I was last in the 40-44 age group. I didn't see anybody I knew, so I left. I didn't think I would actually be last in my age group. And I wasn't. I was 4th of 11. I was only 1 minute and 19 seconds behind the guy that finished third. I blame the wind. Overall, I was 48th out of 133.
The change from October to March did not help the event. In 2009, there were 884 finishers. It has been declining every since. When they thought 2010 would break the 1,000 barrier, there were only 493 finishers. It dropped to 183 in 2011, and to just 133 this year. I fear it is on the way out. The first year we received a bag full of goodies. Last year, the expo was a disgrace. It was just a hotel lobby with the necessities - shirt, number, timing chip, and safety pins in a bag. The bag. Well, it was just one of those small trash bags that are used in hotel rooms. I called Sherri after picking up my "race packet" to tell her, "This year we didn't even get the bag."
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
First, let me say, "No, I did not walk any."
And, even though this was my third consecutive day to run, that didn't affect my pace. My problem was stomach pains. I had only taken three strides before the pain hit. The pain shot through my upper stomach area every time a foot with hit the ground. I had no symptoms until those first few steps. It was a miserable 4 miles. My miles were 9:49, 10:19, 11:01, and 11:37. Total time was 42:46. Pace: 10:41.
Now, two days of rest. Then the Clarksville Half Marathon on Saturday.
And, even though this was my third consecutive day to run, that didn't affect my pace. My problem was stomach pains. I had only taken three strides before the pain hit. The pain shot through my upper stomach area every time a foot with hit the ground. I had no symptoms until those first few steps. It was a miserable 4 miles. My miles were 9:49, 10:19, 11:01, and 11:37. Total time was 42:46. Pace: 10:41.
Now, two days of rest. Then the Clarksville Half Marathon on Saturday.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Monday, March 26, 2012
I got a late start (7:15 pm), after riding the mower around the yard. I ran 4 miles with most of it in the dark. It took me 37:31 (9:23 pace).
For the CMM, I should be running 5, 8, 5, 18, this week. However, I'm running the Clarksville Half this weekend, so I'm taking it easy. Since I'm behind anyway, I was only going to try 16 for my long run. If I stick to the "behind schedule", I will be running the marathon the week I am to run 20 miles. I will not be tapering, but I will hit the marathon the day I would be running the training max.
For the CMM, I should be running 5, 8, 5, 18, this week. However, I'm running the Clarksville Half this weekend, so I'm taking it easy. Since I'm behind anyway, I was only going to try 16 for my long run. If I stick to the "behind schedule", I will be running the marathon the week I am to run 20 miles. I will not be tapering, but I will hit the marathon the day I would be running the training max.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
I'm the Man
No, I'm no where near being the man, but I feel pretty good about myself.
I didn't really have time to think about running. I went to the dump and was at Lowe's by 8:00 am to get a few things. When I got back home, Sherri asked me when I was going to run. She said for me to right then, because storms were possible and could contain some hail. (Lainey was coming, too). I was thinking later in the day or maybe even on Sunday, but, after downing 1.75 pop tarts and about 1/2 of a PowerAde, I was out the door by 10:00.
It was about 60 degrees and cloudy when I started the run. The wind picked up trying to blow in the storm. It was just strong enough to get on my nerves from time to time. I was cruising at a pretty good pace for me. Then about mile 9.75 it began to sprinkle. About mile 10.25, it began to rain. I could have turned around, for I was just a quarter-a-mile away from home, but I kept going. I just finished mile 11 when Sherri drove up. I passed up the ride. Right after she passed me after she had turned around, it seemed to start raining harder every quarter-mile until my turnaround point at mile 12. It slacked backed to a sprinkle. That lasted about half a mile. Then it began raining harder than before. That, too, only lasted about for about a half-mile. Then it was a steady light rain until the finish. The temp had dropped to 54.
For the most part, my pace was pretty consistent. My best pace was mile 1 at 8:52. My slowest mile was mile 4 at 9:29. Can you believe that? With the way running has been going for me, I thought it would be one of the latter miles. One of the miles I had to walk. But I did not have to walk. Maybe I should say "get to walk", since it was raining, and I was doing my best to get home. Mile 12 was my only other mile under 9:00, and it was 8:59. I'm amazed that I not only keep every mile under 10:00, but under 9:30. My total time was 2:09:15, for a 9:14 pace.
I didn't really have time to think about running. I went to the dump and was at Lowe's by 8:00 am to get a few things. When I got back home, Sherri asked me when I was going to run. She said for me to right then, because storms were possible and could contain some hail. (Lainey was coming, too). I was thinking later in the day or maybe even on Sunday, but, after downing 1.75 pop tarts and about 1/2 of a PowerAde, I was out the door by 10:00.
It was about 60 degrees and cloudy when I started the run. The wind picked up trying to blow in the storm. It was just strong enough to get on my nerves from time to time. I was cruising at a pretty good pace for me. Then about mile 9.75 it began to sprinkle. About mile 10.25, it began to rain. I could have turned around, for I was just a quarter-a-mile away from home, but I kept going. I just finished mile 11 when Sherri drove up. I passed up the ride. Right after she passed me after she had turned around, it seemed to start raining harder every quarter-mile until my turnaround point at mile 12. It slacked backed to a sprinkle. That lasted about half a mile. Then it began raining harder than before. That, too, only lasted about for about a half-mile. Then it was a steady light rain until the finish. The temp had dropped to 54.
For the most part, my pace was pretty consistent. My best pace was mile 1 at 8:52. My slowest mile was mile 4 at 9:29. Can you believe that? With the way running has been going for me, I thought it would be one of the latter miles. One of the miles I had to walk. But I did not have to walk. Maybe I should say "get to walk", since it was raining, and I was doing my best to get home. Mile 12 was my only other mile under 9:00, and it was 8:59. I'm amazed that I not only keep every mile under 10:00, but under 9:30. My total time was 2:09:15, for a 9:14 pace.
Friday, March 23, 2012
March 22, 2012
I didn't get the 10 miles in, but ran 6 again. It wasn't easy, but this run was better than yesterday's as far as time goes. 54:41. Pace 9:07.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
I had planned to run 10 miles, but Sherri and Lainey were waiting on me. I ran 6 and hope to run 10 tomorrow. With the way I felt during the 6, I don't think I could have did 10 anyway. Will the aching ever go away? It took me 59:57, 10:00 pace.
Monday, March 19, 2012
6 Miles.
I did not feel particularly well. What I could feel of my legs ached. I had to force myself to run. After a sluggish 3 miles, I decided to stop feeling sorry for myself and run a little harder. 6 miles in 56:00 (9:20 pace).
Sunday, March 18, 2012
March 17, 2012
I thought I could handle 12 miles; I wanted to run 14 to get in 30 for the week; I wanted to run 16, since that is what I should be running for the marathon.
I decided to try the 16. I felt good the first 10.5 miles, but faded fast. I completed 15 miles, but walked 99% of the last 3 miles. I didn't realize the toil it took on me until later. I mean, I felt good, and when I didn't, I walked. I drank 3 bottles of PowerAde - 1/2 a bottle before, the rest after the run. I HAD to take a nap, and felt bad the rest of the day. I was asleep by 6:30, and woke up at 8:00 Sunday morning.
My time was 2:49:10. Pace: 11:17.
I decided to try the 16. I felt good the first 10.5 miles, but faded fast. I completed 15 miles, but walked 99% of the last 3 miles. I didn't realize the toil it took on me until later. I mean, I felt good, and when I didn't, I walked. I drank 3 bottles of PowerAde - 1/2 a bottle before, the rest after the run. I HAD to take a nap, and felt bad the rest of the day. I was asleep by 6:30, and woke up at 8:00 Sunday morning.
My time was 2:49:10. Pace: 11:17.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Soreness
Ran 6 miles. Going from 0 to 10 miles yesterday, sure made me sore for this run. I did drink about 2 bottles of water during the day. It took me 1:03:18, a 10:33 pace. The temp was 80 degrees. The wind picked up toward the end. It was warm, so it wasn't too bad. I still didn't like it, though.
I think my watch is dying. When I push the button for the next mode, the screen goes blank for 20-30 seconds. Shane also gave me some batteries for my heart rate monitor. Sherri used them for the dog's shock collar. I bought some more, and she used them, too. It's been a long time since I've used the HR monitor. I would just like to see where my heart rate is now.
I think my watch is dying. When I push the button for the next mode, the screen goes blank for 20-30 seconds. Shane also gave me some batteries for my heart rate monitor. Sherri used them for the dog's shock collar. I bought some more, and she used them, too. It's been a long time since I've used the HR monitor. I would just like to see where my heart rate is now.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012 - Same Old Song
Yes, it's the same old song - "Back Again", but this time it's an extended mix.
I ran for the first time in 12 days. I thought this month was to be better than February's lowly 44.1 miles. It started good - 6 miles on March 1. Then I had a half marathon on March 3... except that I didn't go. So, 19 miles in 3 days did not happen. I didn't run the half, because I had stomach pangs the night before. It was also to be in the 30's. It was in the 30's, but felt warmer, because of all the sunshine. I should have ran!
I didn't run the next week for various reasons, mainly the weather. I also haven't been feeling well. Two or three nights I took some TheraFlu before going to bed, trying to head off major illness.. I have been aching all over. I am also not drinking enough, but I don't want anything. It's been awhile - I may have blogged about it before, but I still haven't had to get up to pee in the middle of the night. I'm thinking maybe the lack of fluid maybe causing my aches, especially when I have the headaches. I tried drinking some water at work, but just couldn't do it.
By extended mix, I mean I went ahead and ran double digits! I have about 7 weeks left before the Country Music Marathon, so I thought I better hit the ground running - so to speak. In February, I ran a 5k, five 5 milers, one 6, and one 10 miler, and, until today, only 6 miles in March. In essence, I am 9 weeks behind schedule. I'm supposed to run 16 Saturday - I don't think so! I think I'll try 12.
Sunday's time change will now allow me to finish my runs in the daylight (hopefully :) ). It was 78 degrees and sunny when I headed out at 5:30 pm today! Finally! I finished the 10 miles in 1:40:43, a pace of 10:03. I would have liked for it to have been under 10:00, but it's been awhile. Plus, I'm still feeling achy and weak. I was thirsty after the run. I didn't have any sports drinks and I refused water, so I drank orange juice and Dr. Pepper, mostly Dr. Pepper. I had to get up and pee, but only once.
I ran for the first time in 12 days. I thought this month was to be better than February's lowly 44.1 miles. It started good - 6 miles on March 1. Then I had a half marathon on March 3... except that I didn't go. So, 19 miles in 3 days did not happen. I didn't run the half, because I had stomach pangs the night before. It was also to be in the 30's. It was in the 30's, but felt warmer, because of all the sunshine. I should have ran!
I didn't run the next week for various reasons, mainly the weather. I also haven't been feeling well. Two or three nights I took some TheraFlu before going to bed, trying to head off major illness.. I have been aching all over. I am also not drinking enough, but I don't want anything. It's been awhile - I may have blogged about it before, but I still haven't had to get up to pee in the middle of the night. I'm thinking maybe the lack of fluid maybe causing my aches, especially when I have the headaches. I tried drinking some water at work, but just couldn't do it.
By extended mix, I mean I went ahead and ran double digits! I have about 7 weeks left before the Country Music Marathon, so I thought I better hit the ground running - so to speak. In February, I ran a 5k, five 5 milers, one 6, and one 10 miler, and, until today, only 6 miles in March. In essence, I am 9 weeks behind schedule. I'm supposed to run 16 Saturday - I don't think so! I think I'll try 12.
Sunday's time change will now allow me to finish my runs in the daylight (hopefully :) ). It was 78 degrees and sunny when I headed out at 5:30 pm today! Finally! I finished the 10 miles in 1:40:43, a pace of 10:03. I would have liked for it to have been under 10:00, but it's been awhile. Plus, I'm still feeling achy and weak. I was thirsty after the run. I didn't have any sports drinks and I refused water, so I drank orange juice and Dr. Pepper, mostly Dr. Pepper. I had to get up and pee, but only once.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
I usually run - let me rephrase that - I'm scheduled to run on Mondays, but yesterday I just didn't feel like it. I think I'm a little dehydrated. For about 5 nights now, I have not gotten up in the middle of the night to pee. I usually do it 2 or 3 times a night. So, I'm thinking maybe Monday's feeling of being drained and the headache was caused by the lack of fluid intake.
Dreadfully, I drank some water Tuesday - about the equivalent of 3 bottles. It didn't make me have pee as much as I thought it would. It usually runs through me, but I guess it had some work to do.
I didn't really want to run, but I made it out the door. I didn't have a set number to the miles I would run. I began running with 5 or 6 on my mind. As I ran, I got to thinking that I needed to run more. I signed up today for a half marathon this Saturday, so I would be forced to run 13.1 miles in preparation for the Country Music Marathon. I've got to do something. I haven't ran in 5 days. My last run of more than 6 miles was on January 29, when I ran 12. Plus, I may not get to run Wednesday. I ran 10 miles.
The first 3 miles were a struggle. My legs felt tired and sore for some reason. The farther I ran the better I felt - except for getting tired. The weather was good, too. It was 70 degrees when I left home at 5:30 pm, and 66 when I finished about an hour and 40 minutes later. The wind was picking up, trying to blow in a thunderstorm. I was okay with it, because of temps. Total time: 1:39:04. Pace: 9:54.
Dreadfully, I drank some water Tuesday - about the equivalent of 3 bottles. It didn't make me have pee as much as I thought it would. It usually runs through me, but I guess it had some work to do.
I didn't really want to run, but I made it out the door. I didn't have a set number to the miles I would run. I began running with 5 or 6 on my mind. As I ran, I got to thinking that I needed to run more. I signed up today for a half marathon this Saturday, so I would be forced to run 13.1 miles in preparation for the Country Music Marathon. I've got to do something. I haven't ran in 5 days. My last run of more than 6 miles was on January 29, when I ran 12. Plus, I may not get to run Wednesday. I ran 10 miles.
The first 3 miles were a struggle. My legs felt tired and sore for some reason. The farther I ran the better I felt - except for getting tired. The weather was good, too. It was 70 degrees when I left home at 5:30 pm, and 66 when I finished about an hour and 40 minutes later. The wind was picking up, trying to blow in a thunderstorm. I was okay with it, because of temps. Total time: 1:39:04. Pace: 9:54.
Monday, February 27, 2012
February 26, 2012
I did not run Saturday (25th), because Sherri and I went to rescue a dog. By the time we got back from Dickson, visited Dr. Shane Sykes at the Animal House Veterinary Clinic in Clarksville, I was out of the running mood.
Sunday was a beautiful day for running. I just didn't do it.
Sunday was a beautiful day for running. I just didn't do it.
February 22-23, 2012
February 22 - Around 58 degrees. Felt cooler as wind picked up. Hated it. Was cloudy and rainy during the day, but avoid rain during the run. I struggled, though. It felt like I had concrete on the bottom of my shoes, especially whenever a foot hit the ground. Total: 54:15. Pace: 9:03. Only one (the first one at 8:40) mile was under 9:00, but my pace was 9:03.
February 23. Around 73 degrees. It had been sunny, but sun was going down by the time I got started. We were also to have thunder storms with damaging winds according to meteorologists at my run time, but the sun was still shining. The first half was not bad, but the wind picked up for the return trip. I wasn't too upset, though, because of the temperature. I'm still struggling. Again, only one mile under 9:00. Again, it was Mile 1, but this time it was barely under 9:00 at 8:53.
Total: 46:48. Pace: 9:22.
February 23. Around 73 degrees. It had been sunny, but sun was going down by the time I got started. We were also to have thunder storms with damaging winds according to meteorologists at my run time, but the sun was still shining. The first half was not bad, but the wind picked up for the return trip. I wasn't too upset, though, because of the temperature. I'm still struggling. Again, only one mile under 9:00. Again, it was Mile 1, but this time it was barely under 9:00 at 8:53.
Total: 46:48. Pace: 9:22.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
February 20, 2012
From what I understand, it "was" a nice day. When I left home for work, it was 25 degrees (had gotten down to 22). Since it was President's Day and there was no mail, I did not step foot outside until time to go home at 3:30. The temperature wasn't bad at that time and it was sunny. However, the wind seemed to be picking up. By the time I got home and out the door to run about 5:15, the temperature was down to 50, the sun was going down, and there was a constant wind. To prepare for the wind compared with last weeks temps. I wore a short sleeve shirt over my long sleeve one. It worked out pretty well. I ran 5 miles in 43:20 (8:40 pace), but I felt like I was running faster (harder). My watch must have had a glitch for a few moments. It had that I reached a Maximum Speed of 22.7 mph and a Best Pace of 5:33. I do not know how long I must maintain such a pace for it to register, but I know I've pushed harder before and never saw such numbers.
** Note: Received an e-mail from Relove Haiti 5k that I finished 4th in my age group. If they would not have allowed an overall winner to double-dip, I would have finished 3rd in the 36-45 age group and got a paper with my name on it. :) That double-dipper finished 2nd overall in 18:19. **
** Note: Received an e-mail from Relove Haiti 5k that I finished 4th in my age group. If they would not have allowed an overall winner to double-dip, I would have finished 3rd in the 36-45 age group and got a paper with my name on it. :) That double-dipper finished 2nd overall in 18:19. **
Monday, February 20, 2012
Relove Haiti 5k
I didn't think I was ready for this 5k. Not only because I had not been running, but as we drove out of our driveway, I said that my stomach felt full and my head was hurting. I was also thirsty. I had Dr. Pepper (which I knew wouldn't be good to drink before the race) and water (which I did not want, not sure my stomach could handle it anyway) with me. I guess the adrenaline chased those feelings away. I did sip some Dr. Pepper, because I had to have something.
The first half of the race was into a light breeze that I could live with - I didn't like it at times, but I managed. Mile 1 was 7:19. Mile 2 - 7:37. Mile 3 - 7:48. The last 0.1 miles was 0:30. My total time was 23:14, for a pace of 7:30. To my amazement, this was my second fastest 5k, behind the September 2010 Houston County Fair 5k, which was in 23:06 (7:27). (For my own info, my fastest pace of any mileage was a 3.0 mile training run in October 2010, which I did in 22:11 (7:24).
I finished 36 overall of about 400 runners. I don't know how I did in my age group, which was 36-45. I've never seen a grouping like that, usually when the categories consist of 10 years, it is 40-49 or 41-50. I think their were quite a few people unhappy with the age grouping: 0-18 (someone complained their 10 year-old couldn't compete with an 18 year-old), 19-25 (why was this age group so tight - 7 years), 26-35, 36-45, and 45+ (which a 70 year-old didn't care for). The stats that were published do not give ages, so I couldn't determine my place in age group. The website also said that there were clock problems after the first 43 runners and only posted the results for the first 43 finishers.
The first half of the race was into a light breeze that I could live with - I didn't like it at times, but I managed. Mile 1 was 7:19. Mile 2 - 7:37. Mile 3 - 7:48. The last 0.1 miles was 0:30. My total time was 23:14, for a pace of 7:30. To my amazement, this was my second fastest 5k, behind the September 2010 Houston County Fair 5k, which was in 23:06 (7:27). (For my own info, my fastest pace of any mileage was a 3.0 mile training run in October 2010, which I did in 22:11 (7:24).
I finished 36 overall of about 400 runners. I don't know how I did in my age group, which was 36-45. I've never seen a grouping like that, usually when the categories consist of 10 years, it is 40-49 or 41-50. I think their were quite a few people unhappy with the age grouping: 0-18 (someone complained their 10 year-old couldn't compete with an 18 year-old), 19-25 (why was this age group so tight - 7 years), 26-35, 36-45, and 45+ (which a 70 year-old didn't care for). The stats that were published do not give ages, so I couldn't determine my place in age group. The website also said that there were clock problems after the first 43 runners and only posted the results for the first 43 finishers.
February 16, 2012
Another run? On back-to-back days? Yes, I did!
I wasn't sure if I would be able to do it. During yesterday's run, I almost took a tumble. A pain shot through my right ankle as it hit the ground close to the Mile 1 marker. After a few limping strides, it worked itself out for the final 4 miles. However, it gave me problems that night. Then I almost fell getting out of bed this morning. During the day, there was also some pain, so I was not sure if I would be able to run 5 miles on it. It was 52 degrees when I got home from work, so I decided to give the ankle a try. It didn't bother me one bit. My legs felt a little sore, though. Since the temperature (52 start, 48 finish) was about the same as last night, I wore the same exact thing. Tonight, I got a little chilly, and my hands went numb. The wind was back to its tricks. I checked the forecasted winds and it was 10 mph, but seemed stronger than that to me, especially along the river. This 5-miler was over 40 seconds slower per mile than last nights. Pace: 9:13.
I wasn't sure if I would be able to do it. During yesterday's run, I almost took a tumble. A pain shot through my right ankle as it hit the ground close to the Mile 1 marker. After a few limping strides, it worked itself out for the final 4 miles. However, it gave me problems that night. Then I almost fell getting out of bed this morning. During the day, there was also some pain, so I was not sure if I would be able to run 5 miles on it. It was 52 degrees when I got home from work, so I decided to give the ankle a try. It didn't bother me one bit. My legs felt a little sore, though. Since the temperature (52 start, 48 finish) was about the same as last night, I wore the same exact thing. Tonight, I got a little chilly, and my hands went numb. The wind was back to its tricks. I checked the forecasted winds and it was 10 mph, but seemed stronger than that to me, especially along the river. This 5-miler was over 40 seconds slower per mile than last nights. Pace: 9:13.
February 15, 2012
Whoooaaaa! What am I doing here?
Finally ran again. I thought I better, since I was signed up for a 5k coming up this weekend. It was 54 degrees when headed out and 52 when finished. My first run since February 6, and only the second run since January 31 (15 days). It began sprinkling when I left and turned to a very light rain for the last mile. I didn't care - it was 54 degrees! I would also like to think that the light breeze was due to the pace at which I was running. LOL. I was surprised at my pace for this 5-miler - 8:29. The last time I ran was a 5 miler over a week ago, and the pace was 9:49. I fell 7 miles short of 100 for January, and it doesn't look like I'll reach that mark in February either.
Finally ran again. I thought I better, since I was signed up for a 5k coming up this weekend. It was 54 degrees when headed out and 52 when finished. My first run since February 6, and only the second run since January 31 (15 days). It began sprinkling when I left and turned to a very light rain for the last mile. I didn't care - it was 54 degrees! I would also like to think that the light breeze was due to the pace at which I was running. LOL. I was surprised at my pace for this 5-miler - 8:29. The last time I ran was a 5 miler over a week ago, and the pace was 9:49. I fell 7 miles short of 100 for January, and it doesn't look like I'll reach that mark in February either.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
February 6, 2012
First run since January 31.
If I remember correctly, February 1 would have been a good day to run. It had rained early in the day. The sun was shining the rest, getting the temperature to 70 degrees. When I got home from work about 5:00 pm, the sun was still up, and the temp was still in the 60's. I JUST COULDN'T GET MYSELF TO RUN.
The next few days were dreary. They made me feel dreary, so I did not run.
I tried to wait for perfect - sunshine, no wind, comfortable temperature - weather over the weekend. It never got to what I wanted, so I did not run.
Finally, after a 6 day layoff, I ran. I got out the door about 5:15 pm. It was 42 degrees and the sun was falling fast, but there was hardly a breeze. As I neared the river just over 1.5 miles, it felt like it got much cooler and the wind became more noticeable. Under 3 miles into the run, the wind began to get to me. My hands began to feel like frostbite was setting in. It only got worse. What was a very little breeze in the beginning was now a constant wind that I had to run directly into for about a mile. Feeling it from the side was not too pleasant either. I decided to cut my run from 6 to 5 miles.
Cutting the run short saved bad from getting worse. It took me 49:04, a pace of 9:49 to complete 5 miles. I wouldn't be so disappointed if it were not for me being able to comfortably run 4 to 6 milers around 9:00 just a couple of weeks ago. Now, I'm afraid of how much conditioning I've lost. (And how much more I'm going to lose if the weather doesn't get better. There have been some nice days, but I leave for work too early and get home too late for the nice warm sunshine.) Also, contributing to the disappointment, is that I was trying to run hard. I was wanting to get the run over with.
If I remember correctly, February 1 would have been a good day to run. It had rained early in the day. The sun was shining the rest, getting the temperature to 70 degrees. When I got home from work about 5:00 pm, the sun was still up, and the temp was still in the 60's. I JUST COULDN'T GET MYSELF TO RUN.
The next few days were dreary. They made me feel dreary, so I did not run.
I tried to wait for perfect - sunshine, no wind, comfortable temperature - weather over the weekend. It never got to what I wanted, so I did not run.
Finally, after a 6 day layoff, I ran. I got out the door about 5:15 pm. It was 42 degrees and the sun was falling fast, but there was hardly a breeze. As I neared the river just over 1.5 miles, it felt like it got much cooler and the wind became more noticeable. Under 3 miles into the run, the wind began to get to me. My hands began to feel like frostbite was setting in. It only got worse. What was a very little breeze in the beginning was now a constant wind that I had to run directly into for about a mile. Feeling it from the side was not too pleasant either. I decided to cut my run from 6 to 5 miles.
Cutting the run short saved bad from getting worse. It took me 49:04, a pace of 9:49 to complete 5 miles. I wouldn't be so disappointed if it were not for me being able to comfortably run 4 to 6 milers around 9:00 just a couple of weeks ago. Now, I'm afraid of how much conditioning I've lost. (And how much more I'm going to lose if the weather doesn't get better. There have been some nice days, but I leave for work too early and get home too late for the nice warm sunshine.) Also, contributing to the disappointment, is that I was trying to run hard. I was wanting to get the run over with.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monday, January 30 - Did not run. Feeling the effects of Sunday's wind.
Tuesday, January 31 - It was a nice 62 degrees at 5:15 pm on the last day of January. The wind wasn't bad either. I ran 6 miles in 56:45, a pace of 9:28. I am surprised it was not slower with the way I felt. Still recovering from Sunday and some dehydration.
QUESTION TO SELF: If you think you are dehydrated, why don't you drink more?
ANSWER: I don't know, I just don't. I guess I'm not thirsty (more of a question than statement).
Tuesday, January 31 - It was a nice 62 degrees at 5:15 pm on the last day of January. The wind wasn't bad either. I ran 6 miles in 56:45, a pace of 9:28. I am surprised it was not slower with the way I felt. Still recovering from Sunday and some dehydration.
QUESTION TO SELF: If you think you are dehydrated, why don't you drink more?
ANSWER: I don't know, I just don't. I guess I'm not thirsty (more of a question than statement).
Monday, January 30, 2012
January 29, 2012
I did not get my Thursday 5 mile run in, because it was windy and rainy. The rain had slowed enough that I could handle it, but the wind was outrageous.
I also did not run my 16 miler Saturday. According to News Channel 4, the high was to be 48 degrees and sunny, but the wind was to have gusts in the 30 mph range, making the temperature feel like it was in the 30's. (At that time in the morning, they had recorded a 34 mph gust.) This had me to cancel my afternoon run, especially since Sunday was to be sunny and in the mid-50's.
After church, I forced myself to go for a run. It was sunny and around 54 degrees. There was an occasional gust of wind that did not seem too bad. That was before I decided to run! I drove up to Hill Top so I could see some different scenery as I ran. The wind was horrific!!! I thought I would be comfortable in a long sleeve shirt and sweat pants. The wind was blowing so hard I could barely stand up. I almost got back in the truck and drove home. And I would have, if I didn't just happen to have an Under Armour jacket that I had left in the truck from the other day.
Well, I ran toward Palmyra until I finally had enough of the wind. It was a constant, strong wind. I didn't see or hear what the wind speed was forecasted to be today, but it had to be like yesterday or more. It also was not just windy and a strong gust blow through. It was a nagging, constant wind! As I neared the Palmyra Market, the wind picked up. It was unbelievable. If I had not known that the wind had been blowing in a straight line for about 5.5 miles, I would have sworn it was a tornado. I forced another half mile and turned around. There would be no 16 miler today.
The first 6 miles took about 10 times as much energy to run as it would have under normal conditions. Running downhill even felt like I was running up hill. I couldn't settle into a comfortable pace; my feet didn't always strike the ground as expected. I don't think I have ever cussed the wind so much. The toil of the first 6 not only stopped me from getting in 16 miles, but stopped me from running 12, even though I finally had the wind at my back. After 10 miles, I walked. Total Time: 2:10:49. Pace: 10:54. Pathetic!
I have not felt soreness like this in awhile. I feel I am getting worse instead of better. I think I will adjust my schedule to where the upcoming long run is 10 miles. The 14 miler a couple of weeks ago was not that bad, but to complete 10 was so difficult today.
I also did not run my 16 miler Saturday. According to News Channel 4, the high was to be 48 degrees and sunny, but the wind was to have gusts in the 30 mph range, making the temperature feel like it was in the 30's. (At that time in the morning, they had recorded a 34 mph gust.) This had me to cancel my afternoon run, especially since Sunday was to be sunny and in the mid-50's.
After church, I forced myself to go for a run. It was sunny and around 54 degrees. There was an occasional gust of wind that did not seem too bad. That was before I decided to run! I drove up to Hill Top so I could see some different scenery as I ran. The wind was horrific!!! I thought I would be comfortable in a long sleeve shirt and sweat pants. The wind was blowing so hard I could barely stand up. I almost got back in the truck and drove home. And I would have, if I didn't just happen to have an Under Armour jacket that I had left in the truck from the other day.
Well, I ran toward Palmyra until I finally had enough of the wind. It was a constant, strong wind. I didn't see or hear what the wind speed was forecasted to be today, but it had to be like yesterday or more. It also was not just windy and a strong gust blow through. It was a nagging, constant wind! As I neared the Palmyra Market, the wind picked up. It was unbelievable. If I had not known that the wind had been blowing in a straight line for about 5.5 miles, I would have sworn it was a tornado. I forced another half mile and turned around. There would be no 16 miler today.
The first 6 miles took about 10 times as much energy to run as it would have under normal conditions. Running downhill even felt like I was running up hill. I couldn't settle into a comfortable pace; my feet didn't always strike the ground as expected. I don't think I have ever cussed the wind so much. The toil of the first 6 not only stopped me from getting in 16 miles, but stopped me from running 12, even though I finally had the wind at my back. After 10 miles, I walked. Total Time: 2:10:49. Pace: 10:54. Pathetic!
I have not felt soreness like this in awhile. I feel I am getting worse instead of better. I think I will adjust my schedule to where the upcoming long run is 10 miles. The 14 miler a couple of weeks ago was not that bad, but to complete 10 was so difficult today.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Catching Up for 2012
Short and sweet (and sour):
Jan. 5 - 6 Miles in 47:41. 7:57 pace.
Jan. 7 - 8 miles in 1:08:04. 8:30 pace. Nice 57 degrees.
Jan. 8 - 12 miles in 1:56:50. Pace 10:33. 55 degrees. Cloudy and windy!
Jan. 9 - Did not run. Alabama beat LSU 21-0 to win the National Championship!
Jan. 10 - 4 miles in 33:25. Pace 8:21. 51 degrees and a light mist.
Jan. 11 - 6 miles in 52:02. Pace 8:40. 48 degrees and misting some. Windy at times, but always strong. Toward end the wind made the mist feel like rain. May be blowing in snow for tomorrow.
Jan. 13 - 3 miles in 25:27. 8:29 Pace. Well, didn't get that snow during the day yesterday, but got it last night. It wasn't much - just enough to cover the road and grass at our house. We didn't go to work mainly because of the previous rain and cold temps that caused black ice. I ran at 2:15. (Most of the other runs in the post are between 5:00-5:30 pm - when I get home from work.) It was sunny, but only 35 degrees. And it was Windy! Windy! Windy!
Jan 14 - 14 Miles in 2:15:35. Pace 9:41. Excited about the pace for this distance. This was a Saturday, so started at 12:15. 35 degrees at start, 45 when finished. Sun came out around Mile 4. It was WINDY! for half. I wore my yellow Under Armour jacket for the first time, and it really helped with the wind.
Jan. 16 - 4 miles in 34:13. 8:33 pace. This run began at 5:15 pm. Strange, but it was54 degrees when I left and 56 when I returned. It was up to 58 by 10 pm. Windy! So wore yellow jacket again. Didn’t need it, got hot. I checked the temps on 2 different thermometers to make sure it was getting warmer the later it got.
Jan. 18 - 6 miles in 50:05. Pace 8:20. Even though it was only 33 degrees, I felt pretty good during this run, probably because it wasn't so windy for the first time in awhile.
Jan. 21 - I have had a lapse in my running. The wind and cold "prevented" me from running Thursday and Friday. Today was to be a long run of 16 miles. Tomorrow (Sunday) is supposed to be a little warmer, so I decided to wait.
Jan. 22 - After church, I changed into my running clothes. Drove back to the church to begin my 16 miler. I never got out of the truck. I thought it was to be warmer with some sunshine. Plus, I was dreading the "16 miles".
Jan. 23 - 6 miles in 54:20. 9:03 pace. 49 degrees felt cooler than that. The wind wasn't too bad, but i really had to force myself out door.
Jan. 5 - 6 Miles in 47:41. 7:57 pace.
Jan. 7 - 8 miles in 1:08:04. 8:30 pace. Nice 57 degrees.
Jan. 8 - 12 miles in 1:56:50. Pace 10:33. 55 degrees. Cloudy and windy!
Jan. 9 - Did not run. Alabama beat LSU 21-0 to win the National Championship!
Jan. 10 - 4 miles in 33:25. Pace 8:21. 51 degrees and a light mist.
Jan. 11 - 6 miles in 52:02. Pace 8:40. 48 degrees and misting some. Windy at times, but always strong. Toward end the wind made the mist feel like rain. May be blowing in snow for tomorrow.
Jan. 13 - 3 miles in 25:27. 8:29 Pace. Well, didn't get that snow during the day yesterday, but got it last night. It wasn't much - just enough to cover the road and grass at our house. We didn't go to work mainly because of the previous rain and cold temps that caused black ice. I ran at 2:15. (Most of the other runs in the post are between 5:00-5:30 pm - when I get home from work.) It was sunny, but only 35 degrees. And it was Windy! Windy! Windy!
Jan 14 - 14 Miles in 2:15:35. Pace 9:41. Excited about the pace for this distance. This was a Saturday, so started at 12:15. 35 degrees at start, 45 when finished. Sun came out around Mile 4. It was WINDY! for half. I wore my yellow Under Armour jacket for the first time, and it really helped with the wind.
Jan. 16 - 4 miles in 34:13. 8:33 pace. This run began at 5:15 pm. Strange, but it was54 degrees when I left and 56 when I returned. It was up to 58 by 10 pm. Windy! So wore yellow jacket again. Didn’t need it, got hot. I checked the temps on 2 different thermometers to make sure it was getting warmer the later it got.
Jan. 18 - 6 miles in 50:05. Pace 8:20. Even though it was only 33 degrees, I felt pretty good during this run, probably because it wasn't so windy for the first time in awhile.
Jan. 21 - I have had a lapse in my running. The wind and cold "prevented" me from running Thursday and Friday. Today was to be a long run of 16 miles. Tomorrow (Sunday) is supposed to be a little warmer, so I decided to wait.
Jan. 22 - After church, I changed into my running clothes. Drove back to the church to begin my 16 miler. I never got out of the truck. I thought it was to be warmer with some sunshine. Plus, I was dreading the "16 miles".
Jan. 23 - 6 miles in 54:20. 9:03 pace. 49 degrees felt cooler than that. The wind wasn't too bad, but i really had to force myself out door.
Monday, January 9, 2012
End of 2011
I didn't realize I was so far behind. You will be thankful that I forgot all the details and will provide only a summary of the last runs for 2011.
December 8: ran 8 miles
December 9: ran 10 miles
December 10: ran 5 miles
December 12: ran 2 miles. Yes, only 2. It was cold, dark, and I just wasn't into it.
December 13: ran 8 miles.
December 17: ran 20 miles. Well, traveled 20 miles. I ran from Crissy's house to the lake at Danville. I turned around and ran another mile, but 11 miles was about all I could run. I did try to run every now and then, but 99% of the last 9 miles was spent walking. I felt like I was about to freeze to death. The wind was awful - both directions. This let down really told me to forget the Mississippi Blues Marathon on January 7.
December 20: ran 10 miles
December 23: ran 9 miles.
December 31: ran 10 miles.
I used the Christmas "going-ons" to slack on my running, which cost me from hitting the 1,000 mile mark for the year. I finished 27.5 miles short. The good news is that the 104 miles I ran during the month was my second highest monthly total ever, just behind September's 108.1. Something I would not have expected during a winter month, but it was a unusually warm December for the most part. This was my 5th month to go over 100 miles, and the 4th time in 5 months (November was only 69.3).
December 8: ran 8 miles
December 9: ran 10 miles
December 10: ran 5 miles
December 12: ran 2 miles. Yes, only 2. It was cold, dark, and I just wasn't into it.
December 13: ran 8 miles.
December 17: ran 20 miles. Well, traveled 20 miles. I ran from Crissy's house to the lake at Danville. I turned around and ran another mile, but 11 miles was about all I could run. I did try to run every now and then, but 99% of the last 9 miles was spent walking. I felt like I was about to freeze to death. The wind was awful - both directions. This let down really told me to forget the Mississippi Blues Marathon on January 7.
December 20: ran 10 miles
December 23: ran 9 miles.
December 31: ran 10 miles.
I used the Christmas "going-ons" to slack on my running, which cost me from hitting the 1,000 mile mark for the year. I finished 27.5 miles short. The good news is that the 104 miles I ran during the month was my second highest monthly total ever, just behind September's 108.1. Something I would not have expected during a winter month, but it was a unusually warm December for the most part. This was my 5th month to go over 100 miles, and the 4th time in 5 months (November was only 69.3).
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