It was cloudy and 88 degrees when I walked out the door. Just as I was about to hit the "start" button on my watch, there was a rumble of thunder in the distance. I thought that I needed to hurry or get wet, but even if I hurried I would probably get wet any way.
I completed the first mile of my 4 mile run in 8:34. I tried to push Mile 2, but the pace of Mile 1 was catching up to me, and I finished it in 8:48. Not too bad, for me.
The nagging question of "Why are the 4 and 5 mile runs becoming more difficult?", came to mind in Mile 3. I feel so tired this week for some reason, but still I've ran 4 and 5's for weeks now. I was comfortable running them, even a little cocky, I guess. As I would be heading out the door, my wife would ask, "How many are you running today?" I would say, "Five", like it was a walk in the park. Maybe the karma of cockiness is teaching me a lesson.
Miles 3 and 4 also dropped - 9:31 and 10:14. A total time 37:07 for a 9:17 pace. I have had 4 miles over 10:00 minutes in my last 2 runs. Three of Wednesday's 5 miles (10:00, 10:35, and 11:00) and today's 4 miler had one (10:14). My runs are not only getting tougher, but slower. I don't know what is going on.
Even though I ran an 8:34 mile 1 and struggled most of the rest of the way, my max heart rate only reached 182. I guess maybe I could have pushed harder, but whole body felt tired, especially my legs. My average HR was 166. My recovery was only 170 to 160.
My worry of the threat of rain was mute. It did thunder a few more times, but about half way through the run, the sun came out! I think this was one of the muggiest and sweatiest runs I've ever done!
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
After about an hour-and-a-half of mowing and weedeating, I hit the road for a 5 mile run. I was already sweating like crazy as I changed into my running clothes. I drank a little PowerAde and was still quite thirsty, but was too nasty to go inside.
I planned on this being an easy (slow) run, and it was - a 10:09 pace. I was wondering if I was going to be able to finish the whole 5 miles. After several weeks of running 4 to 5 milers, one would think the runs would be getting easier. However, it seems to be getting harder for me.
I planned on this being an easy (slow) run, and it was - a 10:09 pace. I was wondering if I was going to be able to finish the whole 5 miles. After several weeks of running 4 to 5 milers, one would think the runs would be getting easier. However, it seems to be getting harder for me.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
Another day for flying?
On the way home from work, we stopped at Foodlion for Sherri to run in and pick up a few things, so we were a little late getting home. Sherri said she was hungry, so I decided I wouldn't run, since I was to grill some hamburgers. She told me she had to do some other things first anyway and to go ahead and run.
I had decided after Saturday's "failure" that I would run 5 miles on M,W,T and 10 on Saturday until I got it right. Since Sherri would be waiting on me and we didn't need to be eating supper after 8:00, I decided on 4 miles. Before I finished Mile 2, I was thinking, "Maybe just 3 miles today!" It wasn't easy, but I forced that thought out of my head and ran 4 miles. I even almost stopped somewhere in the middle of mile 4 and was going to call it a 3.x run. But I pushed on. I really struggled that last mile. I guess I was still feeling Saturday's 10 and the previous 2 weeks of not running as scheduled. (I've got to get back on track). I was also feeling the effects of trying to "fly" through this run. The thought of Sherri waiting had me run Mile 1 in 8:25 and Mile 2 in 8:24. Instead of turning around and heading toward home, I ran a little further, so I wouldn't be as tempted to stop after 3 miles. Mile 3 came in a 8:52.
Now, I wanted Mile 4 to be under 9:00, too. I was already on the verge of slowing to a walking during Mile 3, but I ran as hard as I could. I was gasping for breath and just wanted to fall over in someone's yard. When it was over, another 8:52 mile!
This 4 mile run in 34:33, an 8:38 pace, is the fasted I have ran 4 miles. My previous best was 8:51 in February. I was kind of consistent: 8:25 and 8:24, then 8:52 and 8:52. My heart rates: 173 avg, 189 max - I thought both would be higher, especially the max with the way I was struggling. Recovery was from 189 to 148. It was 90 degrees and totally cloudy. The urine was bloody. I kind of expected it, though.
On the way home from work, we stopped at Foodlion for Sherri to run in and pick up a few things, so we were a little late getting home. Sherri said she was hungry, so I decided I wouldn't run, since I was to grill some hamburgers. She told me she had to do some other things first anyway and to go ahead and run.
I had decided after Saturday's "failure" that I would run 5 miles on M,W,T and 10 on Saturday until I got it right. Since Sherri would be waiting on me and we didn't need to be eating supper after 8:00, I decided on 4 miles. Before I finished Mile 2, I was thinking, "Maybe just 3 miles today!" It wasn't easy, but I forced that thought out of my head and ran 4 miles. I even almost stopped somewhere in the middle of mile 4 and was going to call it a 3.x run. But I pushed on. I really struggled that last mile. I guess I was still feeling Saturday's 10 and the previous 2 weeks of not running as scheduled. (I've got to get back on track). I was also feeling the effects of trying to "fly" through this run. The thought of Sherri waiting had me run Mile 1 in 8:25 and Mile 2 in 8:24. Instead of turning around and heading toward home, I ran a little further, so I wouldn't be as tempted to stop after 3 miles. Mile 3 came in a 8:52.
Now, I wanted Mile 4 to be under 9:00, too. I was already on the verge of slowing to a walking during Mile 3, but I ran as hard as I could. I was gasping for breath and just wanted to fall over in someone's yard. When it was over, another 8:52 mile!
This 4 mile run in 34:33, an 8:38 pace, is the fasted I have ran 4 miles. My previous best was 8:51 in February. I was kind of consistent: 8:25 and 8:24, then 8:52 and 8:52. My heart rates: 173 avg, 189 max - I thought both would be higher, especially the max with the way I was struggling. Recovery was from 189 to 148. It was 90 degrees and totally cloudy. The urine was bloody. I kind of expected it, though.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
I meant to be on the road between 8:00 and 8:30 am, since today was to be a scorcher. Well, I didn't quite make it - it was 9:30 before I hit the pavement and a cool 86 degrees.
Although I knew this 10 miler was going to be difficult, I was excited about running it. I'm not sure why, except that "double digits" makes me feel like I've accomplished something. I did not run a long run last weekend and had not ran since Tuesday, that, plus the heat, was why I knew this was not going to be an easy run. I've also failed at my last few attempts of completing 10 milers without walking.
I started off slowly. Mile 1 was 9:43, Miles 2-4 over 10:00, Mile 5 at 11:01. I ran the first half with a 16.9 oz bottle of PowerAde. I still had half when I returned to my vehicle. About half of the half I used, I just rinsed and spit. At my truck, I changed shirts, toweled off a little, peed, and exchanged my 16.9 oz bottle for a 32 oz bottle. I guess I had to pee, because I tried to hydrate some before I left home. I lost about 2 minutes at the pit stop.
Instead of running the same out and back for the last half, I decided to run in the opposite direction. I was hoping a change of scenery would be more expiring. Other than the pit stop at about 5.1 miles, I kept up a jog through 6 miles. I had to do some walking during the final 4 miles. Miles 7 and 8, not too much with times of 13:20 and 13:30. Miles 9 and 10 were quite different - 17:47 and 18:01. I also drank the whole 32 oz bottle of PowerAde before finishing.
I was disappointed that I wasn't able to keep up the run. Another failed attempt - maybe I'll have better luck next time. My total time was 2:07:33, 12:45 pace. The first time that it has taken me more than 2 hours to complete 10 miles. I'm getting worse!
My heart rates: 161 avg, 190 max, 70 resting. Recovery from 152 to 147 - Wow! A big difference. There wasn't much difference, because I was moving quite slowly during that last mile and I was still huffing and puffing when I stopped.
As I said, it was 86 "cool" degrees when I headed out; the thermometer had 100 when I got back. There was a heat advisory, because the heat index was 109, according to one TV station. Still, after 10 miles in such heat, and although it was about 3 hours after the run before I peed, it was blood free!
Although I knew this 10 miler was going to be difficult, I was excited about running it. I'm not sure why, except that "double digits" makes me feel like I've accomplished something. I did not run a long run last weekend and had not ran since Tuesday, that, plus the heat, was why I knew this was not going to be an easy run. I've also failed at my last few attempts of completing 10 milers without walking.
I started off slowly. Mile 1 was 9:43, Miles 2-4 over 10:00, Mile 5 at 11:01. I ran the first half with a 16.9 oz bottle of PowerAde. I still had half when I returned to my vehicle. About half of the half I used, I just rinsed and spit. At my truck, I changed shirts, toweled off a little, peed, and exchanged my 16.9 oz bottle for a 32 oz bottle. I guess I had to pee, because I tried to hydrate some before I left home. I lost about 2 minutes at the pit stop.
Instead of running the same out and back for the last half, I decided to run in the opposite direction. I was hoping a change of scenery would be more expiring. Other than the pit stop at about 5.1 miles, I kept up a jog through 6 miles. I had to do some walking during the final 4 miles. Miles 7 and 8, not too much with times of 13:20 and 13:30. Miles 9 and 10 were quite different - 17:47 and 18:01. I also drank the whole 32 oz bottle of PowerAde before finishing.
I was disappointed that I wasn't able to keep up the run. Another failed attempt - maybe I'll have better luck next time. My total time was 2:07:33, 12:45 pace. The first time that it has taken me more than 2 hours to complete 10 miles. I'm getting worse!
My heart rates: 161 avg, 190 max, 70 resting. Recovery from 152 to 147 - Wow! A big difference. There wasn't much difference, because I was moving quite slowly during that last mile and I was still huffing and puffing when I stopped.
As I said, it was 86 "cool" degrees when I headed out; the thermometer had 100 when I got back. There was a heat advisory, because the heat index was 109, according to one TV station. Still, after 10 miles in such heat, and although it was about 3 hours after the run before I peed, it was blood free!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Flying
Tuesday is usually a rest day from running. We usually mow, but after keeping Lainey most of the day, Sherri wanted to put mowing off. I decided I should better run, because I won't run tomorrow if we mow. Plus, I don't remember if I've mentioned it or not, but we are mowing our neighbor's yard until his house sells - that may take another whole evening.
It was 90 degrees (same as yesterday) when I headed out. However, even with the sun beaming down on me, it didn't seem as hot as yesterday. Thankfully, I got some cloud-cover just over halfway through this 5 mile run. There was also a nice breeze blowing for the second half.
I believed I started off slower than yesterday's pace, but when I looked at my watch at Mile 1, it said 8:59. I thought to myself, "Man, under 9:00." I continued on, feeling my pace declining. Then I hit Mile 2 and my pace hadn't declined - 8:45. "8:45? What's going on?" The first 2 miles both under 9:00, but I knew I couldn't keep that pace. It was true; Mile 3 was at 9:17, which happened to be my fastest time yesterday at both Mile 1 and Mile 5. I must have gotten my second wind for mile 4 as I ran it in 8:48. Then the race was on! I wanted to finish with a pace better than 9:00. I didn't do any calculating on what pace Mile 5 needed to be. I just ran. I ran hard. Well, as hard as I could with what I had left. Mile 5 came in at 9:03. I wish I could have cut 4 seconds off of that, but I was happy I was able to just keep my feet. My total time was 44:52 - a pace of 8:58!
Okay, so I wasn't really flying. Cutting 30 seconds off my pace from yesterday sure made it seem like it, though. Except for the pain afterwards - a crash landing I guess you could say. My average heart rate was 172, max 193, resting 60. Recovery was from 189 to 133. I was trying to finish Mile 5 as fast as I could (max heart rate), but I was already slowing down.
CAUTION: I knew there would be blood in my urine the first time I peed after this run. While I was running, I could taste blood in the back of my throat. I guess that's what it was. The stream wasn't as constant red as I expected, but portions were quite thicker than they have been. It was like 3 ingredients that didn't mix. The first was the water of my urine that blended with the water in the commode. The second was the thick, dark yellow that was very slowly easing its way to the bottom. The third was the thick blood that made a mad dash to the bottom.
It was 90 degrees (same as yesterday) when I headed out. However, even with the sun beaming down on me, it didn't seem as hot as yesterday. Thankfully, I got some cloud-cover just over halfway through this 5 mile run. There was also a nice breeze blowing for the second half.
I believed I started off slower than yesterday's pace, but when I looked at my watch at Mile 1, it said 8:59. I thought to myself, "Man, under 9:00." I continued on, feeling my pace declining. Then I hit Mile 2 and my pace hadn't declined - 8:45. "8:45? What's going on?" The first 2 miles both under 9:00, but I knew I couldn't keep that pace. It was true; Mile 3 was at 9:17, which happened to be my fastest time yesterday at both Mile 1 and Mile 5. I must have gotten my second wind for mile 4 as I ran it in 8:48. Then the race was on! I wanted to finish with a pace better than 9:00. I didn't do any calculating on what pace Mile 5 needed to be. I just ran. I ran hard. Well, as hard as I could with what I had left. Mile 5 came in at 9:03. I wish I could have cut 4 seconds off of that, but I was happy I was able to just keep my feet. My total time was 44:52 - a pace of 8:58!
Okay, so I wasn't really flying. Cutting 30 seconds off my pace from yesterday sure made it seem like it, though. Except for the pain afterwards - a crash landing I guess you could say. My average heart rate was 172, max 193, resting 60. Recovery was from 189 to 133. I was trying to finish Mile 5 as fast as I could (max heart rate), but I was already slowing down.
CAUTION: I knew there would be blood in my urine the first time I peed after this run. While I was running, I could taste blood in the back of my throat. I guess that's what it was. The stream wasn't as constant red as I expected, but portions were quite thicker than they have been. It was like 3 ingredients that didn't mix. The first was the water of my urine that blended with the water in the commode. The second was the thick, dark yellow that was very slowly easing its way to the bottom. The third was the thick blood that made a mad dash to the bottom.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Well, I missed a 4 miler and my Saturday long run of 11 miles last week. No excuses, just lazy. It seems I spent most of my weekend eating.
I ran 5 miles today in 47:22 (9:28 pace). I should have ran 4 to stay with the 4,5,4,11 schedule that I didn't complete last week. I decided to run the extra mile as punishment and to help burn off some of the weight I put on over the weekend. The sun stayed behind the clouds, but it was 90 degrees and humid - "extremely humid", according to one weatherman. My heart rates: 166 avg. 186 max. 60 resting, with recovery from 179 to 139.
Although I didn't do much over the weekend, I felt quite thirsty and my legs were tired. I drank quite a bit - none of it was water - but never actually quenched my thirst. I guess this led to having blood in my urine again after today's run.
I ran 5 miles today in 47:22 (9:28 pace). I should have ran 4 to stay with the 4,5,4,11 schedule that I didn't complete last week. I decided to run the extra mile as punishment and to help burn off some of the weight I put on over the weekend. The sun stayed behind the clouds, but it was 90 degrees and humid - "extremely humid", according to one weatherman. My heart rates: 166 avg. 186 max. 60 resting, with recovery from 179 to 139.
Although I didn't do much over the weekend, I felt quite thirsty and my legs were tired. I drank quite a bit - none of it was water - but never actually quenched my thirst. I guess this led to having blood in my urine again after today's run.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Tuesday, an off-day for running, Sherri and I mowed the neighbors yard. (They have moved to Florida. I got a riding mower and a canvas shed for agreeing to mow until their house sells.) We got done around 8:00. Since we usually mow ours on Tuesday and did not get to, I had to mow on Wednesday. Sherri went to babysit Lainey while Corey and Crissy went to the funeral home - Corey's mother had passed away. I had planned on running after mowing, but it was just after 8:30 by the time I finished. Now, I'm a day behind on running.
I heard on the radio this morning that a heat advisory was out until 7:00 pm. I began my run just 15 minutes before the advisory expired. It was 91 degrees, and I spent most of the run searching for oxygen. I think I ran the 5 miles pretty well considering the weather conditions. I don't know what the heat index was, but I was sweating like crazy.
I began getting that "thirsty feeling" at about 3.5 miles. I had also experienced a few minor chills after mile 3. About mile 4.75, a cold chill ran through me - so much so that my entire body was covered with goosebumps. This was one of those times I wish I had my phone to call Sherri to come get me. I had about a mile walk home after completing the run. I was tired, thirsty, and soaking wet. Sweat was pouring off my head and I had no where to wipe it. I could feel drops of sweat from my shorts hitting the backs of my legs; my shoes were making a "squishing" sound. It was like I had just climbed out of a swimming pool.
Still, considering my overheating, I think I ran the 5 miles in pretty good time. I did it in 47:49, a 9:34 pace. My heart rate average was 173, max 192, rest 66. Recovery was 191 to 154.
I heard on the radio this morning that a heat advisory was out until 7:00 pm. I began my run just 15 minutes before the advisory expired. It was 91 degrees, and I spent most of the run searching for oxygen. I think I ran the 5 miles pretty well considering the weather conditions. I don't know what the heat index was, but I was sweating like crazy.
I began getting that "thirsty feeling" at about 3.5 miles. I had also experienced a few minor chills after mile 3. About mile 4.75, a cold chill ran through me - so much so that my entire body was covered with goosebumps. This was one of those times I wish I had my phone to call Sherri to come get me. I had about a mile walk home after completing the run. I was tired, thirsty, and soaking wet. Sweat was pouring off my head and I had no where to wipe it. I could feel drops of sweat from my shorts hitting the backs of my legs; my shoes were making a "squishing" sound. It was like I had just climbed out of a swimming pool.
Still, considering my overheating, I think I ran the 5 miles in pretty good time. I did it in 47:49, a 9:34 pace. My heart rate average was 173, max 192, rest 66. Recovery was 191 to 154.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Monday, July 12, 2010
Even though I didn't complete the 10 mile run on Saturday as I would have liked, I decided to move on to the next week's schedule. As Will Rogers said, "Even if you are on the right track, you will get ran over if you just sit there."
Although it was 82 degrees and cloudy with a very slight breeze, the weather was not that "cool", because of the humidity. This was a very sweaty run. When I had finished, my shirt and shorts were SOAKED. They were hanging on me like someone had hung them on a clothes line, without wringing them out.
I finished the 4 miles in 37:52, a 9:29 pace. I was still feeling the effects of the 10 mile run. My legs were tired with the shins being somewhat sore. I was also feeling quite thirsty, a feeling I usually do not get. I was afraid that this would lead to blood in the urine again, but it did not - third straight run of blood free pee.
My heart rates were 166 avg, 188 max, 62 rest. Recovery was from 182 to 133. The 182 is a little high to start the recovery, because I was pushing toward the last half to last quarter mile. I'm sure I hit the max somewhere in this part, and when I could no longer hold the pace, I dropped to 182 as I crossed the finish line. This was the only point in which I pushed - my average was only 166.
Although it was 82 degrees and cloudy with a very slight breeze, the weather was not that "cool", because of the humidity. This was a very sweaty run. When I had finished, my shirt and shorts were SOAKED. They were hanging on me like someone had hung them on a clothes line, without wringing them out.
I finished the 4 miles in 37:52, a 9:29 pace. I was still feeling the effects of the 10 mile run. My legs were tired with the shins being somewhat sore. I was also feeling quite thirsty, a feeling I usually do not get. I was afraid that this would lead to blood in the urine again, but it did not - third straight run of blood free pee.
My heart rates were 166 avg, 188 max, 62 rest. Recovery was from 182 to 133. The 182 is a little high to start the recovery, because I was pushing toward the last half to last quarter mile. I'm sure I hit the max somewhere in this part, and when I could no longer hold the pace, I dropped to 182 as I crossed the finish line. This was the only point in which I pushed - my average was only 166.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Not a success, but not a complete failure.
I finally did the 10 mile run without walking the last few miles. Unlike last Saturday, when I started off with a 9:00 mile, I started off with a 10:00 mile. I tried to start slowly, so I could finish with a descent pace. The only walking I did was just after mile 5 when I returned to my truck to quickly towel off, change shirts, and grab a drink to carry for the final 5 miles. I lost 53 seconds at this pit stop. For the rest of the run, I slowed to a walk, which really wasn't much slower than I was "running", for a sip of PowerAde. I took a drink at about every half mile, instead of every mile. I meant to be running before 8:30, but didn't get started until 10:30. It was 82 degrees when I headed out, but seemed much hotter. The temperature had reached 92 by the time I was finished. Today was "supposed" to be the coolest day between the last 7 and the next 7 days. I don't know what the heat index was, but it seemed hotter today than when the temps were at 97 - maybe it was just me.
I finished the 10 in 1:52:45, an 11:17 pace. I am disappointed in the pace, but glad I was able to complete it. My heart rates were 166 avg, 182 max, with recovery from 177 to 142.
After this run, my pee was blood free! I hope I have this issue under control now.
I finally did the 10 mile run without walking the last few miles. Unlike last Saturday, when I started off with a 9:00 mile, I started off with a 10:00 mile. I tried to start slowly, so I could finish with a descent pace. The only walking I did was just after mile 5 when I returned to my truck to quickly towel off, change shirts, and grab a drink to carry for the final 5 miles. I lost 53 seconds at this pit stop. For the rest of the run, I slowed to a walk, which really wasn't much slower than I was "running", for a sip of PowerAde. I took a drink at about every half mile, instead of every mile. I meant to be running before 8:30, but didn't get started until 10:30. It was 82 degrees when I headed out, but seemed much hotter. The temperature had reached 92 by the time I was finished. Today was "supposed" to be the coolest day between the last 7 and the next 7 days. I don't know what the heat index was, but it seemed hotter today than when the temps were at 97 - maybe it was just me.
I finished the 10 in 1:52:45, an 11:17 pace. I am disappointed in the pace, but glad I was able to complete it. My heart rates were 166 avg, 182 max, with recovery from 177 to 142.
After this run, my pee was blood free! I hope I have this issue under control now.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Thursday, July 8, 2010 - No Blood!
This was the 3rd day in-a-row to run. The lower half of my legs were sore everywhere, except where I expected - the shins and calves. Since this was the 3rd day in-a-row and I will once again attempt the 10 miler this weekend, I knew I had to take this 3-miler easy. I was once again running late and didn't head out until 7:00 pm. Still, it was 86 degrees and sunny.
I kept a consistent pace with times of 9:20, 9:15, and 9:17, for a total time of 27:52, a 9:17 pace. My average heart was 166 and max at 183. Recovery didn't go down much, 173 to 155.
The best thing is that there was no blood when I peed after the run! The first time that I didn't do so in just over 2 weeks. I don't want to get too excited. I did prepare a little more. Instead of my usual one bottle a day of water, I drank another 48 ounces. Plus, I drank about 16 oz of PowerAde before hitting the road.
I kept a consistent pace with times of 9:20, 9:15, and 9:17, for a total time of 27:52, a 9:17 pace. My average heart was 166 and max at 183. Recovery didn't go down much, 173 to 155.
The best thing is that there was no blood when I peed after the run! The first time that I didn't do so in just over 2 weeks. I don't want to get too excited. I did prepare a little more. Instead of my usual one bottle a day of water, I drank another 48 ounces. Plus, I drank about 16 oz of PowerAde before hitting the road.
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