I was recovering from the Chicago Marathon with a fine dinner with my wife and Tiffany and Glenn. So much has happened in the last 12 months... My running hit a rough spot with the stress fracture. My goal of 1500 miles this year and my second marathon are not readjusted to 1000 miles and a 5K PR by Thanksgiving. I am depressed by this, but I can roll with the punches. Lesson learned about too many races and no recovery days. I do need to ramp up my discipline about running consistently. Now that my stress fracture seems to be behind me, I need to get back to a set pattern of running, with Wednesday perhaps as my recovery day... maybe it should be Monday after a long run on Sunday? I don't know. I'll play around with it next weekend. Too much stress about the cats. Need to get this resolved in the next week or so and have it moving in a positive direction. At least I feel like there are non-tragic options and at worst we humans will feel bad, but the cats will be happy and safe. Ah life..
Now, the big change in Headmaster at work has the potential to really change our life. We shall see how that goes. Added to that is the upswing in cupcake orders and the path to a different and positive work outlook for the family is high.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Falling behind with two blogs!
THIS IS WAY OLD... found it in my drafts and wanted to publish for my record.
Back to the long run week - 50 miles
This is a week of 6 and 7 mile runs capped off with a half-marathon. While it is a busy week for sure, I'm excited about running in a race (haven't done that since the beginning of my training). I feel pretty good about my prospects on the half up in Fort Collins. My unofficial goal would be at 2 hours - I would love to finish under, but I don't think that can happen. I have been running with one orthotic and one normal insole and I think I will go back to both orthotics. I like the feel of the insole until mile 4 or 5 and then my toes start to hurt. Times have been at 10 minute a mile and under... I think I will do better when I'm not getting up at 5:00 am to run. I am so physically tired in the morning, it takes a while to get my engine going. My mile averages get shorter my on mile 4 or 5.
Back to the long run week - 50 miles
This is a week of 6 and 7 mile runs capped off with a half-marathon. While it is a busy week for sure, I'm excited about running in a race (haven't done that since the beginning of my training). I feel pretty good about my prospects on the half up in Fort Collins. My unofficial goal would be at 2 hours - I would love to finish under, but I don't think that can happen. I have been running with one orthotic and one normal insole and I think I will go back to both orthotics. I like the feel of the insole until mile 4 or 5 and then my toes start to hurt. Times have been at 10 minute a mile and under... I think I will do better when I'm not getting up at 5:00 am to run. I am so physically tired in the morning, it takes a while to get my engine going. My mile averages get shorter my on mile 4 or 5.
One month to go...
Exactly a month to go until the marathon. All systems are go. Gearing up for the big two weeks before I tapper leading into the race. I might try going without my orthotic in my left shoe (not the p.f. foot) to see is I like it better. The orthotic doesn't quite fit right, but I of course don't want to screw up my foot this close to the race.
Exactly a month to go until the marathon. All systems are go. Gearing up for the big two weeks before I tapper leading into the race. I might try going without my orthotic in my left shoe (not the p.f. foot) to see is I like it better. The orthotic doesn't quite fit right, but I of course don't want to screw up my foot this close to the race.
Easy week
I have enjoyed this easy week! The schedule has been 3, 4, 6, 3. Nice stuff. I am running in the new shoes and it is nice to have the short mileage week to start breaking them in. I have two weeks of 50 miles each coming after this nice break. Then it is tapper time. I like the new shoes and have really enjoyed my sports massage on my legs! Thank you Mary Ellen!!!
I have enjoyed this easy week! The schedule has been 3, 4, 6, 3. Nice stuff. I am running in the new shoes and it is nice to have the short mileage week to start breaking them in. I have two weeks of 50 miles each coming after this nice break. Then it is tapper time. I like the new shoes and have really enjoyed my sports massage on my legs! Thank you Mary Ellen!!!
14.5 and some new shoes!
Today was the longest run ever. EVER. I was happy with the results - under a 10 minute mile (although barely) and I felt good the entire run. I saw three young deer on the trail, so beautiful and had a word of encouragement from a stranger on a bike. I was very pleased that I my legs felt fine at the end of the run and even now much later in the day I still feel good with little soreness.
I also got new shoes today! I am coming into a much lighter week of running and it is time to switch shoes before the race. I was pleased to find that my current shoe has been redesigned slightly, but still feels as great as ever. I decided to stick with Saucony Omni (now 9 instead of 7) for the race. Looking forward to trying out the new kicks tomorrow morning on my 3 mile recovery run.
Today was the longest run ever. EVER. I was happy with the results - under a 10 minute mile (although barely) and I felt good the entire run. I saw three young deer on the trail, so beautiful and had a word of encouragement from a stranger on a bike. I was very pleased that I my legs felt fine at the end of the run and even now much later in the day I still feel good with little soreness.
I also got new shoes today! I am coming into a much lighter week of running and it is time to switch shoes before the race. I was pleased to find that my current shoe has been redesigned slightly, but still feels as great as ever. I decided to stick with Saucony Omni (now 9 instead of 7) for the race. Looking forward to trying out the new kicks tomorrow morning on my 3 mile recovery run.
A Couple of Sixes
A tough run on Thursday, but an awesome run this morning. I think Thursday might have been a little harder because I had a sports massage on Wednesday night. It was a great massage to loosen up my hamstrings and calves, but it did make my legs tired! This morning though, I felt totally rejuvenated. 9:20 average this morning over 6 miles and a sub 9:00 average for the last mile.
The marathon is really coming up quickly and I am definitely excited and nervous. Making the plane reservation today!
Big run coming up on Sunday... 14 miles to cap off the 50 mile week. Wish me luck.
A tough run on Thursday, but an awesome run this morning. I think Thursday might have been a little harder because I had a sports massage on Wednesday night. It was a great massage to loosen up my hamstrings and calves, but it did make my legs tired! This morning though, I felt totally rejuvenated. 9:20 average this morning over 6 miles and a sub 9:00 average for the last mile.
The marathon is really coming up quickly and I am definitely excited and nervous. Making the plane reservation today!
Big run coming up on Sunday... 14 miles to cap off the 50 mile week. Wish me luck.
7 Miles at 5:30 am
I headed out very early this morning on my 7 mile run. I decided not to run to work today to make my wife less nervous, but that meant getting up early! I was out of bed by 4:40 am and on the road by 5:30. It is DARK at 5:30. That set aside, it was a beautiful run in the moments before daybreak. Today's fun was increased by the return (sort of) of the Two Gomers Run A Marathon podcast. The next challenge for the boys is to run a sub-5 hour marathon. I t was fun to listen to some stories and take my mind off the earliness and the 7 mile distance. Next major distraction? New shoes on Saturday or Sunday.
I headed out very early this morning on my 7 mile run. I decided not to run to work today to make my wife less nervous, but that meant getting up early! I was out of bed by 4:40 am and on the road by 5:30. It is DARK at 5:30. That set aside, it was a beautiful run in the moments before daybreak. Today's fun was increased by the return (sort of) of the Two Gomers Run A Marathon podcast. The next challenge for the boys is to run a sub-5 hour marathon. I t was fun to listen to some stories and take my mind off the earliness and the 7 mile distance. Next major distraction? New shoes on Saturday or Sunday.
AZ running
Back out on the road... I have run outside twice and once on a treadmill. I hated the treadmill and struggled on the first one outside, but today it went much better. Partly, because I am traveling and I love running in new places. I feel like you get such great perspectives on the area you visit when you head out to run in the morning. The trail I ran on had some nice views of the desert, a golf course, and the mountains surrounding Phoenix. Nice place... except for the politics.
New Thrice record Major/Minor came out today. I didn't have it downloaded in time for my run this morning, but will run to it tomorrow. I have had a chance to listen to it once through ad so for I am a HUGE fan. One of their best efforts. I was an early fan of Thrice and they really appealed to the metal fan in me. Their recent albums have been much moodier and more atmospheric. This album doesn't return to the metal days, but the tempos are up and the musicality really comes through (one of the reasons I liked the earlier music). Can't wait to see them in Denver next month, they are one of my favorite bands and certainly different than my normal rotation of Killswitch, All That Remains, and good old Iron Maiden.
New Thrice record Major/Minor came out today. I didn't have it downloaded in time for my run this morning, but will run to it tomorrow. I have had a chance to listen to it once through ad so for I am a HUGE fan. One of their best efforts. I was an early fan of Thrice and they really appealed to the metal fan in me. Their recent albums have been much moodier and more atmospheric. This album doesn't return to the metal days, but the tempos are up and the musicality really comes through (one of the reasons I liked the earlier music). Can't wait to see them in Denver next month, they are one of my favorite bands and certainly different than my normal rotation of Killswitch, All That Remains, and good old Iron Maiden.
Friday, September 16, 2011
I ran!
Only two miles and it was on a treadmill, but I ran and it didn't hurt! I'm going to take it slow and not get myself re-injured. So happy. In other news... Jenn had successful thyroid cancer surgery. Body scan coming up to see if there is any signs of spreading into other systems. It so gives life a new perspective. Be healthy my friend.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Rest....
So I am now done with week 4 without running. I really have enjoyed the biking, but miss running. It gives me some reassurance that I really am now a RUNNER and that I won't just give up on running as I continue my stress fracture rehab. I can't wait to get back out there and run! I had to be talked out of testing my leg yesterday on the tread mill. I am nervous that I will have pain again after 6 weeks and will end up having to sit out longer. Well - here's hoping for good healing!
Friday, September 2, 2011
Stress fractures suck
So I over-did-it a little. My left leg has been hurting since late spring and I decided to push through the pain and continue to race and train... stupid. I have know taken 3 week off and still have 3 weeks to go before I can run again. It is so hard not to run. I am now acutely aware of how much I rely on the mental and physical release of my daily run. So, I have lost weeks of running and had to defer the Marine Corp Marathon for a year. Lesson learned. I will pay more attention to pain and not try to pound through it.
The only upside is I have been able to bike and I have put in some serious time in the saddle. I can swim, but I really don't like swimming. SOOO boring. Off to my first ever Phish concert tonight. Interested in the experience even if I'm not that big of a fan. I enjoy some songs, but I never became a follow.
The only upside is I have been able to bike and I have put in some serious time in the saddle. I can swim, but I really don't like swimming. SOOO boring. Off to my first ever Phish concert tonight. Interested in the experience even if I'm not that big of a fan. I enjoy some songs, but I never became a follow.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Back from SF
Lots to cover... Had a great trip out to San Francisco and the Napa Valley. The upside is I got to go on an 8 mile run over the Golden Gate Bridge. It was really fun to run across the bridge and I had great weather for it. The downside is the pain in my left leg continued to increase. I ran on the Wharf the next day, but I couldn't imagine running on it the next day. I took an entire week off from running. I hadn't had that much time off from running for three years. I swam everyday at the hotel we stayed at and biked once we got back home. I have now run for 5 days solid and still have some minor pain, but not too much. The other running news is that Tiffany has a fractured rib! Not a good thing for running!! The Marine Corp Marathon is now a bit in jeopardy. We are going to meet early this week to check in and see if she is still going to try and make it to the marathon.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Brooks Ghost 4
So I had to take the ASCIS back to the store. Blister on my left foot's arch was the sign to give it up... I ended up with Brooks Ghost 4 and after the initial run, I gave them a "B". Good, but not exceptional. I'll wait for the final review until after a few more runs. If this doesn't work, I think I'll look at Saucony Mirage. The minimal shoes have left my with some foot fatigue after longer runs and left leg pain. Here's hoping that these Ghosts will do the trick!
Really enjoying the new Thrice single! Can't wait for the entire album!!!
Really enjoying the new Thrice single! Can't wait for the entire album!!!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Long Slow Run
Today I had a 7 mile run scheduled. I completed it, but was it ever a tough run. Not sure if it was lack of sleep, not enough food or what. Kicked my butt. New shoes... not so good today. I got a nice blister on my left arch. That is a rotten place for a blister. I think I might try the Saucony Mirage. Saucony shoes seem to fit my foot pretty well. That or the Kinvara 2. Sigh. Not my best moment. Hopefully tomorrow will be a better running day and hopefully my foot will feel better.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
5 Miles in the new shoes
So I made the switch back to "regular" running shoes. I have been running in more and more minimal shoes, but I have had increased leg pain as my mileage increased. I went back to have my running analyzed and ended up with some ASICS. They feel SO big! They are also really comfortable. I think I will do a little switching back and forth to until they get more fully broken in - pretty stiff right now. I think I need a more substantial show for the marathon - my form will break down over 26.2 miles and I hope a more cushioned ride will save my feet at the end of the run.
In other news... we got our first order for cupcakes from an unknown entity!
In other news... we got our first order for cupcakes from an unknown entity!
Monday, July 18, 2011
Hello old friend...
So I completely fell off the wagon with writing on this blog. Kinda forgot about it to be completely honest. I think I should give it another go and see how well I can keep up with it now. Life update... I have run a lot. Averaged 100 miles a month and have completed 4 half marathons since March. The heavy running and racing has been awesome, but I am sore as I start training for the Marine Corp Marathon. Trying some new shoes today and hope they help.
In other news, working to get our cupcake business off the ground. We have all the paperwork and permits except the Health Department one - that is in process. Looks like we could be giving this a go as early as the start of September. I think Shelly has really enjoyed the creative outlet and the success she has received from her baking. I am very proud of her.
Off to California for some R&R before the start of the school year. I'm looking forward to some time off and to run in a new place. I really love going on adventure runs when I'm on vacation. Time to sign off and complete a few more task before I head off to the treadmill (barf) to try out the new kicks.
In other news, working to get our cupcake business off the ground. We have all the paperwork and permits except the Health Department one - that is in process. Looks like we could be giving this a go as early as the start of September. I think Shelly has really enjoyed the creative outlet and the success she has received from her baking. I am very proud of her.
Off to California for some R&R before the start of the school year. I'm looking forward to some time off and to run in a new place. I really love going on adventure runs when I'm on vacation. Time to sign off and complete a few more task before I head off to the treadmill (barf) to try out the new kicks.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Happy New Year!
So I dropped off the radar for a little while. The update. The marathon is now in the rear view mirror and I didn't have too much post-race depression. It was hard to have something that I had thought about for 6 months suddenly be done and out of my mind, but I quickly focused on maintaining the higher level of miles I could run comfortably and on the trip to Maui for Christmas.
The trip was awesome and running was a big part of that. I ran everyday while we were there and
enjoyed going on adventure runs. The crowds made it a little challenging to run at times, but the scenery was a decent trade off. We enjoyed lazy mornings on the beach and incredible seafood at night. I think I could live there, but who couldn't?
On to New Years and new challenges... I signed up for a print triathlon and started some of the training and I also plan to do another marathon. Off to the doctor for my annual check-up!
The trip was awesome and running was a big part of that. I ran everyday while we were there and
enjoyed going on adventure runs. The crowds made it a little challenging to run at times, but the scenery was a decent trade off. We enjoyed lazy mornings on the beach and incredible seafood at night. I think I could live there, but who couldn't?
On to New Years and new challenges... I signed up for a print triathlon and started some of the training and I also plan to do another marathon. Off to the doctor for my annual check-up!
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