Today's Run: 2.91 miles: 23:33, 8.05/m
To have just a little more fun with me, Winter decided to throw 20 miles of wind into my face - from all directions today. There were moments where I felt like I was running backwards. God this winter sucks. It sucks it sucks it sucks!!!! (I know, literary brilliance)
With that in mind, I'm happy to just to have come under 24 today. Looking back, I had my greatest two runs this year on those two days in 2014 where it was almost, sort of pleasant out...
I hate winter
Saturday, March 29, 2014
The Boston Market Mishap
Wednesday's Run: 2.91 miles: 25:04, 8:36/mi
Yesterday's Run: 2.89 miles: 23:19, 8:03/mi
I learned a valuable lesson on Wednesday - never run directly after eating Boston Market. Or maybe the lesson should be... Never "eat" at Boston Market... Either way, Wednesday's run was doomed from the start. I had just arrived from a tiny business trip, where I had spent 9 hours driving in a 24 hour span. Sprinkle in two heavy meals before Boston Market and another painfully, freezing temp - and you get a pretty bloated, tired, cold, runner - resulting in my worst run in 3 weeks. Though the time wasn't that surprising - or important. I just wanted to make sure I got it in. If you haven't figured it out yet, I've entered "obsessive mode" of late - with new crazy, crazy goals (which I'll get to in my next post) and couldn't go two days in a row without a run.
After another day of rest, I finally felt like myself, and ran more like myself as well. Yesterday's run wasn't quite as good as Monday's BOY (best-of-year) pace, and certainly didn't feel as good - but it was much, much closer to that - than Wednesday's debacle, so I feel much better.
Weather Update: With April approaching, we're finally starting to get typical February weather. I shouldn't bitch too much about it being in the 30s - considering what I ran in six weeks ago, but I'm bitching none the less. This is, and hopefully will be, the worst winter of my life - times twenty. It is never going to end. At least after six weeks - the paths are finally clear.
My goal this weekend is nothing major. I just want to break the BOY set last Monday, to convince myself I'm still trending in the right direction after a rough eating week. In fact, let's go for under 22:30. My best chance will likely be today. It seems lately that my second day of a back-to-back is usually the better time.
Yesterday's Run: 2.89 miles: 23:19, 8:03/mi
I learned a valuable lesson on Wednesday - never run directly after eating Boston Market. Or maybe the lesson should be... Never "eat" at Boston Market... Either way, Wednesday's run was doomed from the start. I had just arrived from a tiny business trip, where I had spent 9 hours driving in a 24 hour span. Sprinkle in two heavy meals before Boston Market and another painfully, freezing temp - and you get a pretty bloated, tired, cold, runner - resulting in my worst run in 3 weeks. Though the time wasn't that surprising - or important. I just wanted to make sure I got it in. If you haven't figured it out yet, I've entered "obsessive mode" of late - with new crazy, crazy goals (which I'll get to in my next post) and couldn't go two days in a row without a run.
After another day of rest, I finally felt like myself, and ran more like myself as well. Yesterday's run wasn't quite as good as Monday's BOY (best-of-year) pace, and certainly didn't feel as good - but it was much, much closer to that - than Wednesday's debacle, so I feel much better.
Weather Update: With April approaching, we're finally starting to get typical February weather. I shouldn't bitch too much about it being in the 30s - considering what I ran in six weeks ago, but I'm bitching none the less. This is, and hopefully will be, the worst winter of my life - times twenty. It is never going to end. At least after six weeks - the paths are finally clear.
My goal this weekend is nothing major. I just want to break the BOY set last Monday, to convince myself I'm still trending in the right direction after a rough eating week. In fact, let's go for under 22:30. My best chance will likely be today. It seems lately that my second day of a back-to-back is usually the better time.
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
23 minutes, a 5K, and a medal
I'm quite a few days (and runs) behind:
Thursday: 2.89 miles: 23:43, 8:11/mi
Friday: 2.91 miles: 22:58, 7:53/mi
Sunday: 5K: 24:30, 7:53/mi (2nd place, age group)
Monday: 2.9 miles: 22:35, 7:46/MI
My first 5K of the year was rather disappointing.
1. It was sub 20 degrees
2. The track was mired with bumps, snow, and ice
3. There was a ginormous hill - which is part of the elements - but does affect time considerably.
4. Turnout was low
5. Energy was low too (no music, tents, kiosks, etc...)
6. Didn't come close to my time goal, though 23 was a bit realistic - even on a warm day/clear track
Here's the good news: rather than take a few days off, I ran yesterday. I ran angry! Angry about this God awful, cold f***** weather that just Won't let up!! How many runs do I have to suffer in sub 20 degree weather!!?? I can't take it anymore!!!!
And so I put on shorts, in spite - and ran my ass off. My first mile was a 7:55 pace. After 2 miles it was 7:52. The worse it felt - the harder I ran. I ran as fast as I could in the last 100 yards - and came in at 22:35 - a 7:46 pace.
Take that weather!
Thursday: 2.89 miles: 23:43, 8:11/mi
Friday: 2.91 miles: 22:58, 7:53/mi
Sunday: 5K: 24:30, 7:53/mi (2nd place, age group)
Monday: 2.9 miles: 22:35, 7:46/MI
My first 5K of the year was rather disappointing.
1. It was sub 20 degrees
2. The track was mired with bumps, snow, and ice
3. There was a ginormous hill - which is part of the elements - but does affect time considerably.
4. Turnout was low
5. Energy was low too (no music, tents, kiosks, etc...)
6. Didn't come close to my time goal, though 23 was a bit realistic - even on a warm day/clear track
Here's the good news: rather than take a few days off, I ran yesterday. I ran angry! Angry about this God awful, cold f***** weather that just Won't let up!! How many runs do I have to suffer in sub 20 degree weather!!?? I can't take it anymore!!!!
And so I put on shorts, in spite - and ran my ass off. My first mile was a 7:55 pace. After 2 miles it was 7:52. The worse it felt - the harder I ran. I ran as fast as I could in the last 100 yards - and came in at 22:35 - a 7:46 pace.
Take that weather!
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
24 minutes
Yesterday's Run: 2.92 miles: 23.22, 7:59/mi
With 98% sidewalk clearance, and a balmy 40 degrees, I was able to log my best run yet; missing my best time by 2 seconds, but with a bit longer distance. All in all - I clocked my first sub 8 minute pace - by one measly second.
This run was followed by my best "runner's high" to date. It's such a great feeling which is difficult to describe; it's a bit of a floating, lightheaded, calming feeling. It didn't occur so much in my first couple of runs - but now that I've picked up the pace, I'm experiencing the feeling after each run - sometimes, to some extenct, for hours.
Now that I've been eating just a tad healthier as well, everything is starting to come together. This morning I felt so good. Essentially, my body was happy with me. I rewarded myself with a ten minutes massage at work (long story).
I've gotten to the point where I'm dissapointed on days that I can't run. Today my only shot was to get home by 4:30 - but I didn't even leave the office till 5. It was raining pretty hard, and I was actually looking forward to the challenge.
Good news is - I have the next four days off. I plan on running the next two days, take one day to rest, and then Sunday is the big day - my first 5K of the year. I am really looking forward to it.
With 98% sidewalk clearance, and a balmy 40 degrees, I was able to log my best run yet; missing my best time by 2 seconds, but with a bit longer distance. All in all - I clocked my first sub 8 minute pace - by one measly second.
This run was followed by my best "runner's high" to date. It's such a great feeling which is difficult to describe; it's a bit of a floating, lightheaded, calming feeling. It didn't occur so much in my first couple of runs - but now that I've picked up the pace, I'm experiencing the feeling after each run - sometimes, to some extenct, for hours.
Now that I've been eating just a tad healthier as well, everything is starting to come together. This morning I felt so good. Essentially, my body was happy with me. I rewarded myself with a ten minutes massage at work (long story).
I've gotten to the point where I'm dissapointed on days that I can't run. Today my only shot was to get home by 4:30 - but I didn't even leave the office till 5. It was raining pretty hard, and I was actually looking forward to the challenge.
Good news is - I have the next four days off. I plan on running the next two days, take one day to rest, and then Sunday is the big day - my first 5K of the year. I am really looking forward to it.
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Weekend Update
This weekend's runs:
Friday: 2.89 miles: 24:14, 8:22/mi
Saturday: 2.89 miles: 23:45, 8:12/mi
After Tuesday's anomaly, I came back to Earth for my last two runs. Were it not for Tuesday, in fact, I would have been even more jubilant about today's, which I did push myself considerably - especially at the end. Still, making it in under 24 minutes feels pretty good at this point.
Today marks one month since I began this blog - and started getting serious again about running. Since then I've been sprinkling in a situp and pushup here and there - and a slightly better diet as well. I obviously feel better, and am certainly in better shape - but i don't see much difference in my appearance yet. I won't be winning any metals with this tire around my belly. Granted, I didn't want to make this about weight, but deflating this stomach a bit will certainly be welcomed, and obviously I'm bound to run faster if I can shred a few pounds.
Anyway, here's a glimpse of the improvement in my first month. On February 17 I was happy to get in 2 miles. My time was 8:28/mi. For the past week I've been running my "3-mile" track - and averaging about 24 minutes (8:15/mile).
btw - this being my first blog, I'm glad I only shared with 3 or 4 people - and wish I hadn't shared this with anyone. A blog is all about me, me, me.... I'm sure if any of you are still reading these - you got to be pretty annoyed. You may stop now. I'll consider this my little running journal going forward, which is all it was meant to be anyway. I thought at first it might be "motivating" - which is why i shared - as I always get motivated when I see people's facebook posts about running, etc.... but I can see now that a blog about "me, me, me" isn't at all motivating. There are other, better ways of accomplishing that.
Friday: 2.89 miles: 24:14, 8:22/mi
Saturday: 2.89 miles: 23:45, 8:12/mi
After Tuesday's anomaly, I came back to Earth for my last two runs. Were it not for Tuesday, in fact, I would have been even more jubilant about today's, which I did push myself considerably - especially at the end. Still, making it in under 24 minutes feels pretty good at this point.
Today marks one month since I began this blog - and started getting serious again about running. Since then I've been sprinkling in a situp and pushup here and there - and a slightly better diet as well. I obviously feel better, and am certainly in better shape - but i don't see much difference in my appearance yet. I won't be winning any metals with this tire around my belly. Granted, I didn't want to make this about weight, but deflating this stomach a bit will certainly be welcomed, and obviously I'm bound to run faster if I can shred a few pounds.
Anyway, here's a glimpse of the improvement in my first month. On February 17 I was happy to get in 2 miles. My time was 8:28/mi. For the past week I've been running my "3-mile" track - and averaging about 24 minutes (8:15/mile).
btw - this being my first blog, I'm glad I only shared with 3 or 4 people - and wish I hadn't shared this with anyone. A blog is all about me, me, me.... I'm sure if any of you are still reading these - you got to be pretty annoyed. You may stop now. I'll consider this my little running journal going forward, which is all it was meant to be anyway. I thought at first it might be "motivating" - which is why i shared - as I always get motivated when I see people's facebook posts about running, etc.... but I can see now that a blog about "me, me, me" isn't at all motivating. There are other, better ways of accomplishing that.
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Holy Shit! And First 5K.
Today's Runs:
2.90 miles: 23:20, 8:02/mi
For those of you keeping track at home, that's a Minute and Thirty seconds (1:30) better than yesterday. 30 seconds per mile. I don't know how that's even possible. I expected at some point during the first few weeks - there would be a run that shattered the previous year's record - maybe even by as much as 45 seconds... but a minute and half? I've never had an improvement like that in all my years of running.
I knew I was in good shape to outdo my year's best time after a mile, when I was at a pace of 8:08; and still looking (and feeling) good after 2 miles with a 8:18 pace. At that point I decided to turn it up a notch, thinking I had a prayer at getting under 24 minutes.
I kicked it into "flash mode" once I hit my block. I don't know where the energy came from - but with that final effort, I though I might actually do it.
What I did no expect was 23:20, or anything close to that. I don't think I've ever been that far off of expectations - and in a good way.
So wow! That brings me to my announcement. I've signed up for my first 5K of the year! It'll be in Farmington Hills on March 23. "The Bunny Hop". Judging by last year's times, and by the way I ran today, and considering I probably have a good jump on the competition at the moment (there haven't been many other runners out there in the past few weeks) -- there's actually a shot in hell of my getting my bronze (or better) on the first run of the year. When I signed up last night, I thought -- 24 or under would be a great goal. After today, how can I not have my sights on 23?
2.90 miles: 23:20, 8:02/mi
For those of you keeping track at home, that's a Minute and Thirty seconds (1:30) better than yesterday. 30 seconds per mile. I don't know how that's even possible. I expected at some point during the first few weeks - there would be a run that shattered the previous year's record - maybe even by as much as 45 seconds... but a minute and half? I've never had an improvement like that in all my years of running.
I knew I was in good shape to outdo my year's best time after a mile, when I was at a pace of 8:08; and still looking (and feeling) good after 2 miles with a 8:18 pace. At that point I decided to turn it up a notch, thinking I had a prayer at getting under 24 minutes.
I kicked it into "flash mode" once I hit my block. I don't know where the energy came from - but with that final effort, I though I might actually do it.
What I did no expect was 23:20, or anything close to that. I don't think I've ever been that far off of expectations - and in a good way.
So wow! That brings me to my announcement. I've signed up for my first 5K of the year! It'll be in Farmington Hills on March 23. "The Bunny Hop". Judging by last year's times, and by the way I ran today, and considering I probably have a good jump on the competition at the moment (there haven't been many other runners out there in the past few weeks) -- there's actually a shot in hell of my getting my bronze (or better) on the first run of the year. When I signed up last night, I thought -- 24 or under would be a great goal. After today, how can I not have my sights on 23?
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Two for One
Yesterday's Runs:
#1: 2.92 mi: 24:58, 8.32/mi
#2: 2.89 mi: 26:12, 9.03/mi
I rarely run twice in a day, but I felt a bit robbed during my morning run. It seems that each day this week, the next promised to finally bring a little more sun, warmth, and perhaps - for the love of everything holy - a clear path. Instead the sidewalks were icier than ever. The entire route was a thin sheet of ice; and I found it impossible to gather any traction. I had to come to complete stops when approaching curbs.
I then learned a valuable lesson on run #2. Never run twice in one day.
It was a bit less icy; even a little warmer - or...less cold.. I should say - but apparently the legs need a day to recharge after a run. My night pace was a whopping 30 seconds per mile slower. My legs felt so heavy.
I learned another lesson yesterday. I have such a long way to go. Even my first run yesterday was a step backwards. A quick start had raised my expectations a bit; I thought I was days away from a 24 minute run. I can see now that it'll be a few weeks before I get there (perhaps another reason I ran a second time yesterday).
I'll leave on a positive note. I've run my "3-mile" course four straight times now. Yesterday I ran my "official" track both times. It's great to be running again through my familiar course; along the park, past Gilda's House, the Running Shop, and then slapping the light pole that represents the half-way point, past places which I no longer eat - McDonalds, then Little Caesars, and then final stretch down my home road... Yes. it was good to be back. I hadn't run that route since last October.
Now I just need to run it fast.
#1: 2.92 mi: 24:58, 8.32/mi
#2: 2.89 mi: 26:12, 9.03/mi
I rarely run twice in a day, but I felt a bit robbed during my morning run. It seems that each day this week, the next promised to finally bring a little more sun, warmth, and perhaps - for the love of everything holy - a clear path. Instead the sidewalks were icier than ever. The entire route was a thin sheet of ice; and I found it impossible to gather any traction. I had to come to complete stops when approaching curbs.
I then learned a valuable lesson on run #2. Never run twice in one day.
It was a bit less icy; even a little warmer - or...less cold.. I should say - but apparently the legs need a day to recharge after a run. My night pace was a whopping 30 seconds per mile slower. My legs felt so heavy.
I learned another lesson yesterday. I have such a long way to go. Even my first run yesterday was a step backwards. A quick start had raised my expectations a bit; I thought I was days away from a 24 minute run. I can see now that it'll be a few weeks before I get there (perhaps another reason I ran a second time yesterday).
I'll leave on a positive note. I've run my "3-mile" course four straight times now. Yesterday I ran my "official" track both times. It's great to be running again through my familiar course; along the park, past Gilda's House, the Running Shop, and then slapping the light pole that represents the half-way point, past places which I no longer eat - McDonalds, then Little Caesars, and then final stretch down my home road... Yes. it was good to be back. I hadn't run that route since last October.
Now I just need to run it fast.
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Home Course
Before I list my latest times, let me explain a little bit about my "home course"
It's not exactly 3 miles. It's actually 2.89, but this is what I use for my "3-mile" track. I could easily make some adjustments to stretch it out to 3, or even better yet - 5K, but it's the track I've been using for five years - and what I use to compare against historical paces - so I'm stubbornly sticking to it - even though it becomes a bit of a detriment when running in 5Ks (that extra .12 miles is a major difference). Anyway, when I refer to my "home course" going forward, it's really 2.89, not 3 miles. I'm cheating you and I'm cheating myself. It's all a lie! I'm sorry. I'm not sorry.
So anyway - back to the blog.
On Tuesday I made the leap. I ran the length of my home track. It took just over 2 weeks. Not hlaf bad. I then ran it again on yesterday - though my phone died with .5 miles to go. I was astonished to see the time and pace on Tuesday (24:42 8.33/mi). Yesterday's would have been even better. (I was about 10 seconds ahead of the previous pace when the phone died).
Here are the official times:
Tuesday's Run: 2.89 mi: 24:42 8.33/mi
Yesterday's Run:2.89 mi: ??? 8.30/mi
What's even more encouraging - last year, my first 2.89 mile run was about 27 minutes, over 2 minutes slower. So perhaps I wasn't quite as rusty as I imagined - or perhaps I'm just a little lighter now than I was in December 2012.
Next goal: Finish my home track in less than 24 minutes. I thought it would take at least six weeks. Looks like it's going to take about 4.
It's not exactly 3 miles. It's actually 2.89, but this is what I use for my "3-mile" track. I could easily make some adjustments to stretch it out to 3, or even better yet - 5K, but it's the track I've been using for five years - and what I use to compare against historical paces - so I'm stubbornly sticking to it - even though it becomes a bit of a detriment when running in 5Ks (that extra .12 miles is a major difference). Anyway, when I refer to my "home course" going forward, it's really 2.89, not 3 miles. I'm cheating you and I'm cheating myself. It's all a lie! I'm sorry. I'm not sorry.
So anyway - back to the blog.
On Tuesday I made the leap. I ran the length of my home track. It took just over 2 weeks. Not hlaf bad. I then ran it again on yesterday - though my phone died with .5 miles to go. I was astonished to see the time and pace on Tuesday (24:42 8.33/mi). Yesterday's would have been even better. (I was about 10 seconds ahead of the previous pace when the phone died).
Here are the official times:
Tuesday's Run: 2.89 mi: 24:42 8.33/mi
Yesterday's Run:2.89 mi: ??? 8.30/mi
What's even more encouraging - last year, my first 2.89 mile run was about 27 minutes, over 2 minutes slower. So perhaps I wasn't quite as rusty as I imagined - or perhaps I'm just a little lighter now than I was in December 2012.
Next goal: Finish my home track in less than 24 minutes. I thought it would take at least six weeks. Looks like it's going to take about 4.
Sunday, March 2, 2014
more snow. more cold.
Today's Run: 2 mi
I'm not including the time today. Superman couldn't have run a good pace in these conditions.
Clear sidewalks were far and few between. Most had six inches of snow. And it was just as cold, if not colder, than my previous run; which I thought - and hoped - would be the coldest run of my life.
But I had to get out. The cold, the snow, and life - and kept me off the road for three straight days again. I got out there today just in spite of this God awful weather. And believe me, I ran angry today. I swore multiple times. I flipped off home as I passed them that have NEVER shoveled this year, and even flipped off a car that honked at me for running on the road at times; trying my best avoiding the snowy sidewalks.
It's March 2, already. Can I please have my sidewalks back? It's been nearly three weeks since I've begun running again, and I haven't had a clear path yet.
I'm not including the time today. Superman couldn't have run a good pace in these conditions.
Clear sidewalks were far and few between. Most had six inches of snow. And it was just as cold, if not colder, than my previous run; which I thought - and hoped - would be the coldest run of my life.
But I had to get out. The cold, the snow, and life - and kept me off the road for three straight days again. I got out there today just in spite of this God awful weather. And believe me, I ran angry today. I swore multiple times. I flipped off home as I passed them that have NEVER shoveled this year, and even flipped off a car that honked at me for running on the road at times; trying my best avoiding the snowy sidewalks.
It's March 2, already. Can I please have my sidewalks back? It's been nearly three weeks since I've begun running again, and I haven't had a clear path yet.
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