Jelly Beans

I finished my longest run that I will be doing besides the actual marathon this weekend. I run with Arlington Road Runners and our loop went around Hains Point and then up Crescent Trail. It was a beautiful run and I felt pretty good considering the 22 mile distance. The only down side came from some wet socks which proved to be excellent blister magnets.

I've been experimenting with food on my long runs. They recommend that you bring some supplement so that you have enough energy to make it through the run. I stupidly tried one of my long runs without eating breakfast or a food supplement and had to stop before the end because I was feeling light-headed and dizzy. The sport jelly beans are my favorites. Currently the red and orange are my favorite flavors. My food routine now consists of a banana for breakfast and some beans for the run.

Only one more month until the marathon! I hope everyone's training is going well.

20+ miles and onward!

It has been a very long time since I last posted, and I chalk that all up to my new transition from work to school. I've been running on my own the past few weeks and because of my school schedule, have not been able to get to the Tuesday night track workouts. I've been doing my own long runs as well because I just find them more enjoyable than running the same course every week.

This past Saturday I ran for 3 1/2 hours, and it was well over 20 miles, but the majority after Mile 4 was flat. I think that, because I was running alone, I probably slowed down, which isn't good. That's the benefit of the group workout- it pushes me to keep going at a strong and steady pace.

Less that four weeks to go till the marathon, and I really, REALLY want to break my PR of 3:40:58. (As an aside, the Boston-qualifying time is 3:40:59. Yeah, THAT's how close I was, but I made it!)

20 miles and running

I hit two milestones this week: 20-mile training runs and 45 years on the planet. The first one was especially gratifying because I negative split the last five miles, averaging a 7:29 pace. This is a good way to test your readiness for a marathon. Some coaching sites say that whatever pace you can hold on the last five miles of a 20-miler is about what you can do on race day for the full marathon. We'll see. I'll do another 20-miler in two weeks and then begin tapering (reducing the length of the long runs) for race day.
The second milestone also brought some change. I learned that the Boston qualifying time for 45-yr-old men is 3:30. Since I had been training to run a 3:20, this initially seemed like good news. It's a perfect invitation to ease up. But on futher reflection, pride will not let me. I still want to be able to run like a 44-yr-old and get in with the 3:20. It's good to have the cushion, but I don't plan to use it.
Onward!

Working up to 6.2

I've been following Jim Galloway's 10K training plan, as I posted last time. I liked it because it was a lighter schedule than other training plans I saw, but I did worry that it wouldn't be enough training.

During the week I have two shorter runs. This week they are supposed to be 30-45 minutes long. I've been doing about 40+ minutes in and around my neighborhood, just exploring new streets and then finding my way back home. I don't always know how far I've gone, but I think I'm doing about a 10-minute mile pace.

On the weekend I have one long run. This last week it was, for the first time, five miles. I've been using the wonderful W&OD trail for these slightly longer runs. On Saturday I parked in my usual spot, about 2.5 miles in (those mile markers sure are handy), and ran out-and-back to the beginning of the trail. It was a less woodsy, less scenic part of the trail -- much of it along Four Mile Run -- and perhaps for that reason was a little less crowded. But I mostly ignored the scenery and tried to pick up the pace a bit. I kept up about a 9:30-minute mile for most of the course, which made me very happy!

I'm also really good at my one rest day each week.

If there's any part of the plan I'm having trouble with, it's the "cross training" days. For three days I'm supposed to be walking, cycling, doing aerobics, or something. Sometimes I end up walking a little (usually with my son in the stroller) but most days I do nothing at all. I need to come up with a concrete plan so I can make the most of those days in the five weeks before the race.

Still in the Running

Hello Everyone, just an FYI that I am still in the running. I haven't met up with the MCP's lately but, I have been working out. I am still having a slight problem with my right knee. I will more then likely break down this upcoming week and go to the doctor. I'm at a stand still regarding weight loss. It seems as though I'm gaining. How can this be? I guess the more weekly miles I complete, the more I want to eat. I did try Danni's chicken recipe, it was very tasty. MCP had an 18 mile run this past Saturday however, I did not go due to the rain. I see that Henry made it out - what a way to break in new sneakers - hope your foot is better. One thing about MCP come rain or shine you can count on them being at the designated location. I know a few other groups who cancelled their Saturday run due to the weather. I do plan to go this Saturday on the 12 mile run back at Belle Haven Trail (this time with my shorts of ole). P.S. I did print out the information with my Bib number (27304) and the Packet Pick-up hours. Until next time - Peace.

New Shoes and Soggy Socks

Getting new running shoes always has sort of a Christmas feel for me, but there are some down sides. I've always been leary about gettting new shoes two close to a race date. No matter how good they feel in the store, flaws inevitably turn up on long runs. These usually show up in the form of blisters. The other negative is I don't like the shiney glean they give off on the trail. Makes me feel self conscious, that I look like some kind of raw dude who decided to become a runner and has to have the latest hi-tech whiz-bang set of foam rubber and mesh out of Beaverton, Ore. They scream "this guy never runs, he just likes the shoe!" For me, the sooner I can get them muddy, the better.

Which brings me to last Saturday. I had my new Saucony's on, I had worn them three times for runs of 8, 12, and 13 miles. So far, so good, except for the small blister on my left achilles, which happened during the Abebe Bikila Half marathon. This time, I'd wear better socks. I did, but too little avail. They got soaked in the rain and standing puddles that quickly formed. The low-top socks eventually slid below the top of the shoe, exposing the blister. It soon burst and began to bleed. I didn't know this because I was soaked head to toe (or head to blister, I should say). When I completed the 18-miler, I pulled of the sock to wring it out, and the rain water ran red.

Little did I know the blood was sufficient enough to stain the top of my shoe. That's the left one, on the right. That's my silver lining from a miserable run. This stained shoe will be worn as a badge of honor.

Jogging Again!!!

It has been a while since my last post. Typing with one hand takes some learning. I guess the more I type the faster I will get. I like some of the others, have had leg injuries. Mine is due to the fact that my right side is really trying to compensate for my left side. I never knew how challenging it would be to learn how to jog again. When I see somebody jogging- - I will watch them and try to focus, and see how I can make my pace or pattern more rhythmic. It is so hard getting that rhythmic pattern down again. Physical therapy helps as well. My therapist works with me on muscle strengthening, balance, and getting a more normal running pattern down. I attempt to jog on the the trail close to our home in N. Arlington- - about 3 miles. I attempt to jog it as smoothly as possible. I just hope to run the race to be able to show my son that no matter what life puts in front of you. . . You must never give up! One of my favorite quotes is: "You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated." by Maya Angelou

Great Running in San Diego

What a great summer! We certainly have been lucky with weather here in Arlington.
I did get away for a week and enjoyed some great morning runs in Ocean Beach, San Diego. I only run 2 or 3 days a week, but I try to run 5 - 6 miles each time. I am hoping that is enough to get me to the 10K injury free and happy.
Hope everyone is doing fine and feeling positive about the future. I feel for those of you who are trying to do the marathon. It is a long haul and I wish you all good luck.