New Year's Eve

So the plan Monday night was to get the insoles ready and try them out as well as some of the new socks but I decided that doing 2 new products at the same time might not work because it was changing two variables instead of one so I wouldn't be able to tell which one was better...so I just tried the socks.

I liked the socks...but realistically all new socks feel great. I could tell they had extra cushion especially when walking on hard surfaces like tile floors or hardwood floors. I couldn't tell a huge difference when I went out for a jog but I went a short distance. I'm thinking that longer distances I would benefit for a more comfortable sock instead of the super light weight running socks I normally wear.

I'm still waiting for the 2009 local running calendar to come out so I can plan a course of action for 2009. I did see that there was a 5k/10k in late January that's indoors so I'll probably start running and training for that next week. That's all for now.

Keep on keepin' on.

It's Been a Bit

Like most running blogs my blogging has slowed down due to weather as well as lack of motivation. Since I'm not training for a specific run I don't have the motivation to run as much as I was with a specific goal...well thanks to the people at Yaktrax and their sister company Sof Sole I'll be doing some reviews of some of their products so that ought to get me out and going again.



Included in their lovely care package came 2 pair of insoles as well as 2 different kinds of socks and a set of Yaktrax! I plan on trying some of the insoles tonight. I'll keep you all posted.

Keep on keepin' on.

LB

She DID not like the hat...hope everyone has a great Holiday Season!

I'm the Mother Flippin' Rhymenocerous

It's so cold outside it's beyond cold. It's like cold cold. Single digits cold. Windchill below 0 cold. Trying to decide how many layers to wear tonight if I brave the great outdoors.

Funniest blog of the day...if not week. Check it out.

She's a Brick and I'm Drowning...

My running has been suspect lately because of a sore foot...I need a new pair of running shoes but I'm waiting to see if Santa Claus hooks me up before I buy a new pair. So when I have gone out to run I only run until I feel some discomfort and then back off. It has been getting better and last night I decided to give it another go...after 12 miles on the bike. It actually wasn't bad. I ran until I saw water or ice on the road and then walked around that until the pavement look dry again...no sense slipping and getting put on the DL.

Anyhow it was really good until I tried to move later that night...man my legs where dead. I have no idea how you people do it...

Keep on keepin' on.

First Real Snow?!

So we got our first real snow yesterday along with some sleet...this turned my normal 35-40 commute into 2 hours and 21 minutes of hell...although the carpool came within 2 or 3 words from completing the crossword puzzle.

Yeah.

It was that long of a trip.

Ice and snow covered roads meant no run or walking of the dog last night so instead I just hit the bike. I have a feeling there will be a lot more of that through the winter. Boo.

Keep on keepin' on.

Dog Tag

In addition to the normal run and ride I did 20 rounds of what I refer to as "Dog Tag" in which I tag the dog and then run like hell around the house waiting for LB to attack my pants as I run away...then repeat. I figure it's like intervals but with more laughter and tail wagging...from both of us. I have tried to document this several times. Below is probably the best attempt.

More info...

That last post would've made more sense if I posted a picture...



Anyone else think I look like a douchebag in this picture?

Survey says....yes

what they are saying about my running pics...

Dude... hilarious. A few notes:

a) bench the 1988 walkman style headgear >> see ipod earbuds.
b) bench the headband. No excuse.
c) bench the all-white snow ranger look >> see black/blue shirt.

Last nights 3 mile run was interrupted/delayed/shortened by cleaning up dog poop in the house after LB got sick...I'll spare you the details.

Keep on keepin' on.

Worky Work

Busy bee. Not a lot knew. Haven't ran since last Sunday. I'm going to do 3 0r 4 tonight depending how the legs feel. I'm thinking 2 maintenance runs a week through the winter and then hit the bike the other 3 days...but I'm not sure if that's enough running. I don't want to lose what little speed I have...not sure if that's possible unless I start running backwards. Otherwise not a whole helluva a lot going on...

Keep on keepin' on.

Turkey Drama

I'm smoking the turkey this year for Turkey Day...after I got it all prepped I realized the marinade contained milk...step mom is allergic to milk. So I had to run to the store to get a Turkey breast to make sans the marinade.

On the way home I heard an old song...blast from the past.



If I was in a band I would cover this song...just so I can do the Prettyyyyyyyyyyyy prettyyyyyyyyyyyyyy prettyyyyyyyyyyyy part really loud. The dog hates the song.

Gobble gobble. Happy Thanksgiving!

Day After Soreness

For the first time in months I woke up yesterday and didn't have a run of any kind I was training for...it was weird. I didn't really like it. It was like I had no goal, drive or ambition. I knew I probably shouldn't run so I hit the bike for 30 and then walked a couple miles. Nothing too serious just enough to stretch the legs a bit. I'm not sure what I'll do tonight...I still feel a little too sore to run.

What I learned yesterday...no crossover snot rockets (no one said running was pretty). Don't ask...just don't do it.

Keep on keepin' on.

Race Report

Now I'm not one to brag but I pretty much owned the Gobbler Grind yesterday...and by owned I mean ran it very slowly while occasionally walking the big hills.

Starting on Friday I drank as much water as I could handle and then drank a little more so I wouldn't cramp up and it paid off. Despite the extra sweat from layers I managed to not cramp up really horribly bad until I sat on the couch last night...which is much better than mile 7 last time.

The actual run itself was much better although I ran out of gas about 1/2 way through and then just found the last few miles. I would run until my legs felt dead and then would walk and repeat.

Going into the run my goal was to improve my time by any way shape or form and once I got to the 10 mile mark I knew that was going to happen so I readjusted and decided my goal would be to break 2:50 (babysteps I know). with about 1/4 a mile left I was sitting at 2:47 and some change and barely trudging along...I hit the 13 mile mark at 2:46:04 and could see the finish so I took off and just sprinted as hard as I could (2 legged rhino comes to mind)). As I got closer there was an older woman in front of me...I resisted the temptation of knocking her over to make up time and passed her on the outside to cross the finish line at 2:49:57. About 14 minutes faster than last time and I stopped twice to tinkle.

Overall it was a lot of fun...much more so than the KC marathon but that's probably because I did better time wise. There was some confusion with course markings but it was still a blast.

Keep on keepin' on.

Finished

I finished with a new PR (it counts right?). I'll try to give more details tomorrow. Been a long day. My elation from the run only last an hour until I found out childhood neighbor and friend was shot and killed last night...long day.

Keep on keepin' on. Back tomorrow.

So Cold...

It was cold and windy last night so I hit the bike instead of hitting the road...it was only 15 this morning when I rolled out of bed so no way was I running this morning. I decided to skip the 5k tomorrow and just do the 1/2 on Sunday...gotta save the legs and push fluids. I'm going to drink so much water I hope to wet the bed...no cramps please.

Do you ever have something so horrible stuck in your head that you love it...you will now.

Nice Little Wendesday

Very unseasonably nice for a November in Missouri so instead of crosstraining indoors LB and I went for a walk instead...no iPod today so I heard an interesting line from some neighborhood kids who I'm guessing were in the 11-13 range...

"Britney Spears little sister is pregnant and she's not even 20"

I have no idea what the context of the conversation was but I wish I could've heard the whole thing...

Anyway 2 mile stroll through the burbs on a cool evening. Nice.

Keep on keepin' on.

Bloggers Block

I haven't had much to write about lately so...I haven't written. I've still been training when the weather allowed me too...Saturday the windchill was in the teens and despite all my layering attempts I was cold so I hit the bike after a couple miles. I'm watching the forecast for Sunday to see if the weather will be nice enough to run the Grind or if it's crappy I might opt for a 5k they are having close to me on Saturday. Or I might do both...or I might do neither. If I do both I could set 2 PR in the same weekend (I've only done 1 of each and both involved a lot of walking...both should be better this time). Hmmm.

But it's cold and I'm not motivated...who is right? I have learned my lesson from the KC 1/2 in 2 ways. First, I'm not talking about it at all so i won't have to talk about it if 1) I flame out again 2) I decide my bed is more comfy/cozy than the 13.1 mile run...eh we'll see.

Keep on keepin' on.

Eventful 2 Miles

Yesterday was pretty eventful considering it was a little ole measly 2 miles. I forgot to charge my iPod so I got in touch with the Suburbs. Around 3/4 of a mile I heard a front door slam and a mom, probably around 30 +/- 3 comes storming out the front door followed by 2 kids ages 2-6. The oldest boy was bawling his eyes out yelling, "Please mommy don't go", while 'Mommy' (if that was her real name) replied "Are you going to be behave?".

Wow. Really?

The kids act up so the mom threatens to abandon them? Call me old fashioned but that is f'd up.

As I was finishing the run I took my glove off to stop my watch, causing me to drop the leash, causing me to step on the leash, causing me to give LB whiplash into my shin, causing a bruise and welt the size of a baseball on my shin (I'll take pictures in a couple of days after the bruise has really set in). LB was fine. She's tough...and adorable.

The week that will be...

Monday: 2
Tuesday: 4
Wednesday: off
Thursday: 4
Friday: off
Saturday: 7
Sunday: off

I think I am going to need a treadmill to get through the winter...srsly. Craigslist don't fail me now...

Keep on keepin' on.

So Cold

My Saturday 11 turned into 7 because...well...it just did. It was freaking cold and breathing through my nose (sucking in snot) was killing my sinuses so I called it a day. I don't know how you crazy b@st@rds run when it's that cold. The windchill was in the mid 20's and it was mentally too much...or not enough whatever. Probably didn't help that my iPod's battery died 7 minutes in to the run.

Steep and cheap anyone? Thanks Marcy! I thought woot.com was cool.

Here Comes the Rain Again...

So something came up to where I wasn't going to be able to get in my 4 miles after work tomorrow and it's supposed to be rainy before work so I decided to tough out and get it in tonight. It started raining a 1/2 mile in and the wind was howling but we finished...slowly but damn it we finished.

As I started the run I came passed a house with a car that had 'I <3 you' on the window. It was obviously done from a high schooler to a high schooler but it made me wonder at what point would it no longer be considered socially acceptable. Now if you are married and you are 'that guy' I could possibly see it but that's a little much but these kids were obviously in high school and not married. So the question is if you in your late 20's and were dating someone for like 3 or 4 months, woke up and went outside (morning run) to find 'I heart you' on your window do you:

A. Think it's sweet
B. Have a serious talk
C. Bring the pet rabbit into the house
D. Move

I don't know...maybe I'm wrong but at some point doesn't that get creepy? Personally I've never done the shoe polish terms of endearment...then again maybe that's why I'm still single? Rhetorical don't answer.

Keep on keepin' on.

5 Miles...

5 miles after work...probably the best overall run I have had in a couple months. My legs never really felt good but I was able to overcome that and finish strong. Otherwise no dogs, raccoons or anything super exciting...just a good old 5 mile run. Mmmmm...

Cross training tomorrow. Keep on keepin' on.

Monday Funday

Needed to run 2 on Monday in order to stick to my plan but I had a headache and didn't want to do it (that's what she said) but I ate dinner sat around and decided to run anyway...which leads us to today's thought of the day:

Q. Of all the dogs I pass on a daily basis why is it the fatty wiener dog who decides he wants a piece of me?

A. Because, probably for the first time in a long time he/she feels like he/she has a chance. I imagine Tootsy (I gave him/her a name because he/she is now my imaginary nemesis) sees on average 12-15 people a day pass his/her territory. Some are finely tuned running machines, some are almost finely tuned athletes and some (me) look like they are trying to make it McDonald's before they cut off breakfast service.

So everyday Tootsy sees these athletes run by and he/she knows deep done with his/her tiny little legs and fat little body he/she can't catch them...no way....no how. But finally he/she has a chance. It's Tootsy's time to shine...

As I rounded the corner in front of Tootsy's lair he/she saw me before I saw him/her and he/she came charging as fast as his/her stubby little legs could carry him/her...covering the front yard in only 17 race waddles. Lady, sensing immediate danger, cut me off and tried to trip me with her leash. At this point the only thing betwixt myself and a wiener dog attack was a 3 foot ledge at the edge of Tootsy's yard...he/she reached the edge looked over and made a couple of halfhearted attempts to jump down but it appears Tootsy has a nemesis as well...that 3 foot drop off.

I quickly regained my composure at Tootsy gave me the stink eye for as long as I could see him/her. As I ran away I began to feel as though this may be a conspiracy. This entire time I thought the other dogs were barking barks of encouragement but now I'm not so sure. What if the other dogs had been warning Tootsy, telling him/her that I was coming then it occurred to me...what if the other way around? What if they were telling me to beware of Tootsy?

The Week That Will Be

I'm 3 weeks out from the Gobbler Grind and with the mileage increasing during the week I will be switching to evening runs with the exception of the Saturday long run. Here is the schedule for this week:

Monday: 2
Tuesday: 5
Wednesday: C/T
Thursday: 4
Friday: off
Saturday: 11
Sunday: off

This years Halloween Costume which was wasted on old people at work who had no idea who I was:



Keep on keepin' on.

Saturday +1

So the plan was to run 7 on Saturday but Friday night was Halloween and some beers were drank which lead to alarms being shut off and naps being taken so the Saturday run was pushed toot Sunday...no better way to spend that extra hour with Daylight Savings right?

The run itself was pretty bizarre to say the least. I slept in later than I normally do when I run but stil made it out the door by 630. It was extremely foggy but the temperature was great. The first 3 miles were slow and steady as normal..but then I tried to pick up the pace which lead to walking. Then something happened...my ipod went to the next song which was Kanye West...as the song started with "What don't kill you can only make you stronger" I cranked it and took off.


Lady and I were motoring...we went mile 3-5 in under 18 minutes which was easily a personal best...unfortunately my legs were toast after that but it was a blast. It was fun. It seems like it's been a while since I had a lot of fun during a long training run but today was a blast. I ended up doing around a little over 6 miles in 1:04:02 and I'm okay with that.

I wonder how many people saw me doing the robot while running? Weird.

Ho Hum

Low key 3 miles this morning...it was cold but not too cold. I considered running tonight instead but I couldn't sleep so I got up and went. Seemed to get into a good rhythm after a mile or so which is roughly how long it took me to really wake up. My right foot bothered me a little bit but I'm guessing it's from the new Dr's I'm trying to break in (big clearance sale). So yeah nothing too good or too bad.

Why is rhythm such a hard word to spell?

Off tomorrow then 7 on Saturday. Keep on keepin' on.

Night Running versus Daytime

Easy 3 miles yesterday once I got actually going. First 1.5 were really sluggish...it didn't help that Lady had to stop to use the facilities 5 times once we started running...she hasn't adjusted to evening runs either. 3 miles in 33:42. Not great but given the potty breaks it's not too bad.

Yesterday's evening run made me think of the pro's and con's of daylight running.

Pro: You are aware of your surroundings so no possibility of wild animal attacks.
Con: More dogs in peoples back yards which leads to barking and Lady not being such a great running partner
Pro: Sun is warm...mmmm warmth
Con: Whether it be Lady or I, pooping in a field during daylight hours seems less than socially acceptable
Pro: Great feeling after finish
Con: Dramatic reenactments of songs normally hidden by darkness are no longer hidden (seriously Mile 4 in the KC half was spent developing a dance to M.I.A. "Paper Planes"...it's good not great.
Pro: Less chance of getting hit by paperboy driving like a madman
Con: Higher chance of getting hit by all other cars since there is no traffic at 5 AM
Con: People can see when you flip off their barking dog (yap, yap b@st@rds)

I can see the positives and negatives for each...no run today just a little bike action. Keep on keepin' on.

Boo Cold Boo

Right Now for
LS, MO

Clear
40°F
Feels Like
34°F
Updated Oct 27 06:45 p.m. CT


So, so cold. The schedule called for an off day but since I haven't ran in a few days I decided to brave the cold.

My lungs hurt...so hard to breathe. I didn't wear my muffler and I felt it...tomorrow will be better. Colder but better. 2 miles very slowly. 3 tomorrow. Not sure if I will run in the morning or after work...depends how Game 5 goes.

Keep on keepin' on.

Race Report Appendix

On my original race report I left out a comical moment from the run.

As I was barrelling like a runaway elephant down the shute towards the finish everyone was yelling encouragement and since our names were on our bibs I heard a lot.

"Come on Ashley you are almost there"

"Good job Ashley"

"Looking good Ashley"

and finally

"Ashley is a girls name"

Classic.

Keep on keepin' on.

Weird

I don't consider myself a runner. I mean I run but I'm still not a runner...I'm not sure why I feel this way but I do. It's not a personal insult or anything just a feeling. I probably will never really consider myself a runner but every once in a while I'll find myself thinking something that surprises me. Last night after dinner and some household stuff I saw there a was break in the rain. I said to myself, "If I hurry I bet I can get 4 miles in before it starts raining again" and off I went...

It's a neat story but of course I had just finished dinner 30 minutes before and the rain came when I was a mile from the house so I had to turn around and sprint home on a full stomach (yes I am a big dumb animal thanks for asking). I did another 2.5-3 this morning to make up for cutting that one short. My legs felt like turds this morning after running like hell for about a mile...I wish I would've time that last mile by itself.

I'm trying to take it easy for this week before redoing the last 4 weeks of my training for the next 1/2. Keep on keepin' on.

PS It's getting cold. Time for warmer running clothes. Boooo.

If At First You Don't Succeed...

Registration: 12th Annual Gobbler Grind Marathon, Half-marathon and 5k
Purchase Date: 10/21/08
Category: Half Marathon
Event Date: 11/23/08
Name: Ashley

I hope this b@st@rd isn't hilly...

Keep on keepin' on.

KC Half Report

The race started at 7 am just North of Crown Center. I got there about 45 minutes early and stretched and tried to track down some safety pins. I probably gave out 500 safety pins while I volunteered at packet pickup the day before yet when I got my stuff I totally forgot to grab some for myself. I managed to find 3 and then made my way to the start area.

It started out well. I found the 2:30 (pipe dream) pace group. We stood around and waited, listened to the National Anthem and finally started running. Initially I couldn't get my ipod to work but after turning it off and on a few times if finally came to life so that's good. First couple of miles were pretty easy just down and over and back. I stayed with the 2:30 pace group for the first couple of miles and pulled ahead when I passed through the first water stop with just a sip of water. One of my strategies was to not actually stop for water until the later stops so I could keep my legs longer (huge mistake).

Immediately after the first water stop was the first big hill. The main big hill. The big hill that gave me nightmares. I backed off my speed (downshifted from 2nd to 1st) and trudged up the hill. I topped the hill and felt pretty good but my legs were hurting. Not good considering we were only 2.5 miles in or about that. By the time I crested the hill the 2:30 pace group had pulled. I don't know where they went but when I looked up they were gone. After I rounded a corner I never saw them again.

I continued my theory of not walking through water stops which makes less and less sense the more I think about it but that's what I did. Miles 4-6 felt great. I walked some of the hills, which was unplanned but necessary. During that stretch I felt strong and my legs were good. I made mile 6 in under a 12 minute mile pace so I still felt like I could still finish with a good time. Somewhere along I started feeling a little discomfort in my left quad. It wasn't bad just annoying. It hurt a little and then would go away. I didn't think that much about it and continued along.

Around mile 8 the 2:40 group caught me so I was definitely slowing down. The hills were just killing me. I thought I had been running hills in my neighborhood but I realized those hills aren't like these hills. Right after the 2:40 passed my left quad locked up in a cramp...a massive nasty cramp. I reached down and felt what seemed to be a baseball attached to the inside of my leg. I rubbed and rubbed and it finally started to feel better. I walked for a bit and tried to run again...I lasted about 5 seconds before it locked up again. It was horrible and it continued.

For the last 5 miles I ran until I cramped and then walked and rubbed. Then I ran, cramped, walked repeated. For 5 miles. I walked so much that my legs weren't tired anymore I just couldn't stop cramping. I drank water at every rest stop after that but it just wouldn't stop. It was too late.

At some point in the lat 5 miles I started thinking about how much water I drank the day before...1 glass. I made a couple of bad decisions with meals plus I was busy a lot of the day and didn't even think about pushing water. Even the morning of the run I didn't drink water...just some Powerade.

Around mile 12 the 3:00 pace guy caught me...I did everything I could to keep up with him but the cramps were too much. I ended up finishing in 3:01:34.

I'm not going to lie but I was absolutely crushed. I've been working for this for 6 months and I bombed. I finished but it was not good. It wasn't how I wanted to finish...it was supposed to end like this.

I've always been big on accountability so I hope nothing I wrote comes across like an excuse. My training for the past month has been crap. I didn't run as much as I should have the miles I did run have the intensity they should have. Plus who doesn't drink water the day before a run? That was ridiculous.

I deserved that 3:01:34. I deserved every last second.

Everyone has to start somewhere and even though I failed miserably with that showing it has never stopped me before. There is another 1/2 next month. I'm going to repeat the last 4 weeks of my training and try to redeem myself to myself for myself.

Keep on keepin' on.

Won't Be Long Now...

Today was pretty good. I spent a good portion of the day volunteering at the packet pickup for the marathon. If you runners have never volunteered to work an event you should try it some time...give back a little. I got to meet Topher, a fellow running blogger. He's a very nice guy and a great writer. I think I startled him when I knew who he was... I get that a lot.

I'm getting nervous but I'm not as nervous as I thought I would be...then again I haven't tried to go to sleep yet...that's when I've been told the nerves will really start kicking. Here's the course:

Mile 2 to 3 should be the beast...it's pretty much all up hill. It'll be the biggest challenge for me...trying to save my legs for the other 10 miles. I'll be back tomorrow with a full report. Keep on keepin' on.

Last Run Before 1/2 Mary

Easy 3 miles today except it was damn cold. Upper 30's when I was first out the door...made it hard to catch my breathe. I had to have a talk with myself about 1 mile in. Seemed to work pretty well so I finished strong after stopping to stretch and call myself a few names. finished in 34 and some change but I"m not even sure right now. I'm getting really freakin' nervous. Keep telling myself that the only way I'll fail is by not showing up. Otherwise just run and have fun and don't die. Anyway that's it for today. Keep on keepin' on.

2 days or 3?

It's Wednesday morning and the run is on Saturday so does that make it 2 days or 3? I'm going to say 3 since today hasn't really even technically started. Did a couple of easy miles last night but that was more by force than anything. I ate a big salad an hour before I ran...little advice don't eat a big salad an hour before you run. I still don't know how I didn't puke. Anyhow I thought I would share my goals for Saturday in order of importance:

1. don't die (self explanatory)
2. Finish
3. Under 2:30:00 (pipe dream)

So those are my goals for now. 3 miles tomorrow if it's not raining. Keep on keepin' on.

Last Long Run Before My First 1/2 Marathon (working title)

So today was my last long training run before the 1/2 on Saturday. My plan was to do around 7 miles but I never really got specific. I figured I would just let me legs decide for me. I ended up running around 5 before I stopped to stretch for a long time then walked for a while before finishing strong on a hill. Total distance was around 5.75 in 69 and some change.

My foot felt fine since I wasn't using the ankle brace just the Ace bandage. My legs felt tired for a while but they came back around 2.5 miles and then I pushed it pretty hard for the next 3 miles...probably too hard if I was going further but it felt good to 'open it up' a little bit (imagine lumbering elephant). I contemplated backing off and going further but there is really no point now. I'm either ready or not. Don't have much of a choice.

Physically I can lumber 13.1 miles...mentally I'm nervous.

Lame

Last night I bought an Ace Bandage to wrap my ankle hoping that it would allow me to run with out the irritating my foot so I decided this morning would be better to try than waiting until a longer run on Saturday. I wrapped then walked around the house and took it off and then repeated until I found a way it did not bother my foot so out the door I went. Because of the added time and my tight morning schedule I knew 3 miles was out of the question but I was hoping for 2. I started running I realized I forgot my knee straps and about 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile in both knees started bothering me...probably just in my head but I decided to just turn back rather than risk getting a sore knee.

This is getting old. I just want to run this damn thing and get it over with. Seems like I'm so paranoid about getting hurt before the 1/2 I'm not having much fun running anymore. 10 more days. Keep on keepin' on.

Foot Suck (not in a perverted way)

Don't have a lot to report other than my foot is still bothering me where I wear my ankle brace but only when wearing my ankle brace and for a few minutes after that. Within 5-10 i have no discomfort. So the plan is to take a couple days of from running but continuing to bike ride for cardio and buy an ace bandage so I can use my forefoot to support my ankle without putting pressure on the sensitive area. The big day is under 2 weeks away and it's in my head...not in a good way.

Keep on keepin' on.

Nice 3 Miles

It feels like I haven't had a good run in weeks even though I know that's not the case. today was a nice, easy 3 miles. My right foot bothered me a little from trying new inserts on Tuesday (horrible idea) and my left is worrisome at best but I"m sure it's just paranoia of being this close to the 1/2. 3 miles in 31:08 not bad for taking it real easy the last 3/4's of a mile.

There was another racaggle sighting as I went out to run including what must have been the grand poobah of raccoons as it has to be 20 pounds and was not scared of anything...so I threw pennies at it to create a diversion until I could make it past him. Keep on keepin' on.

Sweet Georgia Brown

Here it is 2 days after my 11 and I'm still sore...probably shouldn't have sat in a car for 3 hours after the long run eh? Oh well...here is the tentative plan for this week. It's based loosely on my ability to move.

Monday: rest
Tuesday: 3
Wednesday: cross
Thursday: 3
Friday: off
Saturday: 7
Sunday: off

The way the schedule works out I added another week of tapering before my 1/2. Mainly because it's not a question of my wind when it comes to distance but more my legs. I want them to be as fresh as possible so I'll do another week very similar to this one then a really little week so my legs are at there freshest for October 18th. Keep on keepin' on.

11 Mile Saturday

Well today was the last building run now I will taper and hopefully be 100% for the big day. Overall it went pretty well. I pushed threw tired legs and was strong for the first 7 or 8 miles or so. The problem is I took Powerade and set it to the side of the course and picked up and drank it to simulate getting fluids at water stops. After that I just couldn't keep going. I would get my legs back but mentally couldn't get back over that hump. Towards the end it was just flat out pathetic but I finished damn it so get off my arse.

As for time it was 11 miles in 2:15:08. Slow? Very. Do I care? Nope. It was around a 12 minute mile pace so if I can do a little better that day I can still finish in under 2:30 which is a legitimate goal for me at this point. Keep on keepin' on.

Ho Hum

3 miles plain and simple. No raccoons or dog chases or other unpleasantries just 3 miles. Boring right? Yeah pretty much. 11 hopefully on Saturday. Keep on keepin' on.

Prerace Nerves

Even though it's still over 3 weeks away I'm already getting nervous. Every soreness immediately jumps to the front of my head...what was that? The last thing that I want to happen after 5 flippin' months of training is a booboo that keeps me from being able to run in the 1/2 marathon. That being said I still have to keep running so my body doesn't freak out at the run. Anywho...what to do what to do. Keep on keepin' on.

My Official Statement for Monday

No comment.

Yeah Not So Much

Today started like almost every Saturday for the past 4 or 5 months. Alarm goes off sometime around 430 and I stumble out of bed and start getting ready. I grab some clothes get dressed. Everything is going fine until I try to find my knee straps. I look and look and look and finally after 20 mnutes I find them hiding on the couch...so I strap up, stretch some more and head out the door.

I have a prerun routine involving walking and stretching until I get to a certain corner and then start running. So I'm walking and stretching my hips and whatnot as I make it towards the starting point. Once I get to the corner I stop and give a good couple minutes of stretching. Sometimes when I am stretching I wonder how stupid I look because 1) I'm not flexible 2) I stretch then take off running like I'm going to be late but not by very much. Just a little tardy like maybe 30 seconds. So instead of being late maybe I can't just slow jog/fat man shuffle to make up that time. Seriously I'm waiting for someone to yell out "You stretched for that".0 Any how I throw on earphones and take off.

Let the drummer kick die
Let the drummer kick die
Let the drummer kick die
Let the drummer kick die

Off in the distance I see ears sticking up in someones yard. Not just any ears...dog ears. Specifically big dog ears. More specifically they are what appear to be German Shepherd ears. Most specifically the German Shepherd dog ears belonging to a neighbor who happens to be a K9 cop. Police doggie? Zoinks.

He see's me runnin' he's hatin' tryin' to catch me runnin' dirty.

"Son of a bitch" I say as if someone besides Ladybird will hear me. We stop running while I try to figure out what my next move is. I decide to double back and head to the normal spot so I can still get my run in this morning without getting chased by a dog. So Lady and I head to a side street to avoid getting attacked by a dog. I turn back a couple of times to see if he is following...yeah of course if not it wouldn't be a good story.

We get to a 2 lane highway that goes behind my house and we start running. I figured with the hill between us and that dog we would have no problem getting far enough away for that dog to leave us alone. Tricked again. I glance over my shoulder to see this dog hauling a$$ straight for us. I instinctively pull the leash back to get between this dog and Lady and assume the Karate Kid stance. You know the one after that coward Johnny swept the Leg?

Kreese: Sweep the leg.
[Johnny stares at him in shock]
Kreese: Do you have a problem with that?
Johnny Lawrence: No, Sensei.
Kreese: No mercy.

As I prepare to rumble the dog starts to walk away and so do I but now we are in the middle of the highway. We started to walk towards the shoulder of the road while still facing the dog when suddenly I fall into a creek bed (I don't know what else to call it)...well not fall entirely more like slide down on one knee. So there I am in the dark, with some strange dog stalking us all the while screaming "Get out of here!". Oh wait I didn't mention that? Yeah for some reason when a strange dog comes near me I always yell "Get out of here". I have no idea why as it does no good at all but instinctively that's what I do.

After 4 or 5 tries I finally scale the little wall and I am out of the ditch/creek bed whatever the hell it is. My knee is all scraped up and my hand hurts to for some reason and the dog is gone. Or at least I can't see it...

At this point I'm done. It was a bad running week already. I had a booboo on my knee and getting chased 7-11 miles by a dog does not sound like my idea of a good time. So that was that. Lady and I went home and called it a day. We probably went a total of 2 miles or at least thats what I am going to call it. So the recurring theme of this week is epic failure.



Next week.

Monday: 3
Tuesday: 3
Wednesday: off
Thursday: 3
Friday: off
Saturday: 11
Sunday: off

Rambling Post

Well the good news is I got up and ran before work...the bad news is it wasn't the 4 miles that I planned. Only had time for 2 because of other pressing issues...I'll spare you the details.

I'm going back and forth between doing 7 or 11 miles this Saturday. I'm still pretty sore from the 9 last Saturday and I really don't want to push myself too hard with the 1/2 only 4 weeks and some change away. I would be wicked pissed if I had to miss it so I'll probably just wait and see how feel. After the first couple of miles I'll just listen to my legs or more importantly my hip flexor which gets louder and louder the longer I run. Or walk. Or sit. Yeah it's sweet.

That's all for now.

Running at Night Sucks...

When I run at 430 in the morning no one is out. I might see like one other runner but usually there is no one out. I mean no one. Over 4 miles I might see 5 cars...running at night is completely different.

It sucks.

There are dogs out, other people walking and whatnot...way too many distractions for Lady. So after about a mile and nearly having my shoulder separated for the 17th time we turned around and walked it in with her sniffing and pulling the entire time.

So as of tomorrow I will be a morning runner again which is a good thing. I always feel better and doing it that way...or at least until it gets too cold for the normal people.

Hope everyone is well. Keep on keepin' on.

It's Official...

Thank you for registering for the Waddell & Reed Kansas City Marathon!

This is your email receipt.

PLEASE BRING THIS RECEIPT WITH YOU TO PACKET PICK-UP.

Packet Pick-up is at the Health & Fitness Expo:
Crown Center Exhibit Hall B (connected to Hyatt Regency, Pershing and
McGee)
Thursday, Oct. 16: 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 17: 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Parking is free with validation.

To begin fundraising for our charities, go online to create your personal
fundraising page:
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Your participation in this event will help support two deserving charities:
Rotary Youth Camps, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Association. Visit
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these charities and become eligible to win premiere prizes.


Please visit www.kcmarathon.org for updated race information, packet
pick-up details, training tips, fundraising and volunteer opportunities,
listing of prizes, spectator info, and more.



Ashley
Gender: Male with a girls name
Age On Race Day: 31
Mailing Address:
The Summit, MO

So I officially signed up for the Kansas City Half Marathon on October 18. When this all started I wanted to do the full marathon but since I lost that month with my knee I wasn't able to build up the mileage necessary to run the full marathon yet so this half will have to do...half have get it.

Slept in today so I will get my 4 miles in later tonight. Keep on keepin' on.

Nice...

It was a windy and slightly chilly morning when I stepped out the front door. The first 3 miles where pretty much straight into the wind so once I hit the turn around point the wind was at my back. I kept running and running. My legs reached that point of exhaustion but once I pushed passed it they were fine. I got to my 7 mile turnoff and decided to keep going. I wanted to do 9 at that point so I was adding every side street in he neighborhood to try to get to 9. By the time I was done it was closer to 8.5ish than 9 in 1:35:18 so if I could have added about 1/2 mile or so I would've beet my last 9 by over 10 minutes...f'n a cotton. F'n a. As it was I ran 8.5ish in 1:35:18.

Because I ran on Sunday instead of Saturday this week will be a little messed up.

Monday: off
Tuesday: 4
Wednesday: off
Thursday: 4
Friday: off
Saturday: 11 (sweet moses)
Sunday: off

Bleck

The transition to evening runs started to today. Bleck...I mean gross. It's low 70's with 94% humidity. I mean it was gross. I mean really gross. When I was in REno this weekend I actually thought I missed humidity because it was so flippin' dry. Man was I wrong. Funk humidity.

Just ran 3 miles. Nothing too big just had to get out there. Only 5 weeks til the 1/2 marathon. I'm running out of time to get the mileage up there. Keep on keepin' on.

Back from Reno

Okay so the for the brief absence. I was out of town for work so as Chris says, "Life called" so I had to step away from the blog for a bit. I was only able to get in one run while I was in Reno and I honestly have no idea how long it was. One map said over 8 and another said around 6 so I'm calling it 8. Otherwise I worked too much and couldn't find the time to squeeze in another run.

The plan for the rest of this week is pretty simple. I'll do 3 on Thursday and then somewhere in the 8-10 range this weekend. It may get pushed back to Sunday depending on what happens at a friends bday part on Friday night. Anyway hope all is well with both of you. Keep on keepin' on.

Uninspired Running

It's been rainy nasty blah up here as what's left of Hurricane Gustav rolls through the Midwest. So yesterday got rained and slept out and then today was a shortened 3 miles slog.

I've been in a bit of a fog this week and the effects the desire to run or at least my desire to run. 9 miles on Saturday. Last time I did that it put a hurt on me but this week should be better. Why I don't know but I have a good feeling about it. Keep on keepin' on.

Labor Day

With the holiday and my hangover I decided to push back my runs a day. So here is the schedule for this week:

Monday: off
Tuesday: 3
Wednesday: 4
Thursday: 4 hilly miles
Friday: off
Saturday: 9
Sunday: off

I hope everyone has a good week.

Awkward...

Today the plan was for 7 easy miles. Nothing too big. Unfortunately due to unfortunate circumstances involving hiding behind a tree, a sweatband and walking home I was only able to get in 5 miles. Trust me you don't want the details. Next week will be a real 4 day rn week and I'm gong to add a hill on the Tursday run per the training schedule. Details to follow. Have a great long weekend.

Today...was pathetic

I got up and got dressed. Put the leash on Ladybird and then walked a couple blocks. Turned around came home and went back to bed. that was a first. Oh well. It's been a long week. 7 on Saturday at least my legs will be fresh.

< 30 Minutes?

There was a chill in the air which made the feat possible. My thought as we started the 3 mile run was if I was close at the 2 mile point I could power through to break 30 minutes. So today it started pretty well...my legs felt good after that extra day off and I had plenty of energy.

At the 3/10's of a mile spot I was under 3 minutes so that was good. At the 1/3 I was right at 13 minutes which was still on pace. Between the 1.3 and 2 miles there is 1 of my 2 biggest hills and that slowed me down so I reached the 2 miles point around 21 flat. No problem right? I've ran a mile in under 9 the last time I really tried to break 30 so I kept pushing.

I was flying...well as fast as I can possibly go. Last time I hit the 2.5 mark and was at 26 even. This time I was at 25:31. I knew I had a real good chance so I kept pushing. My legs were tired. My chest was pounding. I was hurting...hell even Lady actually had to slightly run instead of trot.

2.8 miles @ 28:10. I huffed and I puffed and I ran like the wind err a stiff breeze...okay fast for me. At this point I decided not to look at my watch in case I went over 30 that way I wouldn't let up. I pushed up the last, biggest hill and reach my stopping point. Reached down to stop my watch. Looked at the time and....30 flat. 1/10th of a second from breaking 30 minutes.

Son of a beesch. Seriously WTF? I just want to break 30 minutes. Just once. Show me something damn it...

Recovery Week7

After the 9 mile thing on Saturday it's time for a recovery week.

Monday: Off
Tuesday: 3
Wednesday: Off
Thursday: 3
Friday: Off
Saturday: 7

What I learned this weekend:
1. 9 miles is a far.
2. Smoked pork tenderloin is underrated. It's cheap, easy to grill, healthy and amazingly good. Try to make it or let me know and I'll make it for you sometime (not really).
3. Homemade chicken jerky is easy to make just time consuming.

That's all I know. Keep on keepin' on.

9 Mile Saturday

Typical Saturday morning where I got out of bed way entirely too early to run a distance that is entirely too far. When I stepped out the front door it was warmer than it was in the house and pretty damn humid. Almost immediately a headwind picked up and I ran into that for the first 3 miles. It made me expend a little more energy than I wanted to but my 3 mile time was pretty good. The next 6 were pretty damn ugly. I ended up walking a lot more than I expected to and that sucks but I kept going. Overall I probably walked 1/2 to 3/4's of a mile throughout the last 6 miles mainly on the uphill portions of the road.

I would be fibbing if I said I felt great about the run. The amount I walked was discouraging but that head wind in the beginning hurt me for sure. That being said I did 9 miles in 1:49:32 which sucks but I finished...so that's better than nothing.

On a side note instead of my patented sweatband I went with my dry fit visor that I got for doing the Hospital Hill 5k earlier this year (because I shave my head (chose to) I sweat like a...um...a...well damn I sweat a lot and I've been told the sweatband is dbagish). Any who the dry fit thing must be for nonsweaters not mansweaters or manateesweaters. Needless to say 3 miles in sweat was dripping off of my hat to the point I thought it was raining on more than one occasion. I've tried bandannas but the cotton doesn't pull away the sweat as well at the sweatbands. I'd say it's okay to laugh and point but you'll be so far ahead of me in won't matter.

Recovery week next week. Details to follow.

Rainy days

I actually woke up before my alarm clock and went out to run 4 miles but I couldn't find my braces (ankle and 2 knee straps). I looked and looked and looked and then looked some more. Finally after found them in the laundry basket under other clothes. After that I didn't have the time for 4 miles so I only did 3. I really need to switch to evening runs. After I get back from Reno in a couple of weeks I'm going to make that transition. Too many lost miles because of time restraints.

The actual run was pretty good.I stopped with Lady when she had to pee on the busy stretch of road. Ended up finishing in 34 and some change which wasn't bad considering it was raining the entire time. 9 miles on Saturday. Keep on keepin' on.

Sh!tty

Well that sucked arse. First I hit my snooze 3 times before I realized it so I couldn't get in 4 miles and instead had to settle for 2 and the 2 absolutely sucked. I was just in a piss poor mood and couldn't get into to it today. My pace was horrible and then I walked and then bleck...it was sh!t. Enough about that. Can't win 'em all. Cross train for a bit tomorrow and then 4 on Thursday. Should be a good run since I'll be taking out aggression for todays weak attempt.

Monday Funday

Today felt pretty damn good. Ran it in 32:52 but actually felt like I did better. I've developed this bad habit of stopping and stretching while running which hurts my times. My legs always feel better after the run but I wish I hadn't developed that habit. Oh well. Despite the stop to stretch I feel like today was a good run. 4 miles tomorrow. Hopefully I won't have to stop to stretch.

Keepin' on rockin'.

Goals for this Week

I feel like I am finally to a point where I can push past where I was before I missed those two weeks last month despite what my times may say. So this week the plan is:

Monday 3
Tuesday 4
Wednesday cross train
Thursday 4
Friday rest
Saturday 9
Sunday rest

Within the next month or so I'm planning on switching from running in the mornings to running in the evenings so I can get more mileage in during the week. Getting up earlier than 415 to get in 5 miles just does not sound appealing so to accommodate more mileage I'll make the switch. I'm not looking forward to it because I love how I feel after the runs especially going into a long day at work but you gotta do what you gotta do right? Keep on truckin'.

7 Mile Saturday 2.0

7 miles today and it went as planned. I felt very strong for the first 3 miles. I think I was close to 31 minutes which made me pretty happy. I had to stop to stretch a couple of times and the hills gave me some trouble but I'm okay with the results. I finished in 1:20:42 and I'll take that. It felt good to fun the 7 but since I had done it before it wasn't the release it was the first time. I'm just to happy to be back to where I was before.

The only problem I has was my iPod battery died 15 minutes in to the run so the last hour I had no tunes. It wasn't as bad as I expected but still music makes the world go round.

I saw a raccoon around the 2 mile mark. My guess he was on watch and went to round up the rest of the convoy/posse/family or whatever we decided to call them. Luckily I'm pretty confident that I can outrun a raccoon.

Lastly Michael Phelps is freakin' amazing. That 100 meter butterfly race last nice was the most exciting 50 seconds I've seen in a long time. Keep on keepin' on.

Ummm

So my plan was to run a simple 3 miles today. About 1.3 miles in my stomach cramped up (yeah in that way) so I decided to turn around and walk home. I tried to jog but I didn't want to...so I just walked. No biggie. At least I didn't have to throw my shorts away.

Running Out of Clever Titles

Today was good. Ran 4 in 45 and some change. It wasn't 100% legit as I stopped to stretch I may have accidentally on purpose stopped my watch since I wasn't actually running. Not sure why I did that (actually yeah I do because my run times are so damn slow). But anyway I stretched for probably 30 seconds tops so even with that it was a good run. I got up at 4:15 so right now I'm freaking beat, tired and sore but I go a run in so that's all that matters.

No run tomorrow but I'm gonna do crosstraining for 45 minutes or so. Keep on keepin' on.

PS: The Olympics rock. Not sure why but I'm really into it this year. It's been a blast to watch.

Long Time no Blog

Haven't had much to say lately...I have just been running slowly. Hit all my distance goals last week so this week I am bumping it up. Here is the plan:

Monday: 3
Tuesday: 4
Wednesday: Crosstrain
Thursday: 3
Friday: Rest
Saturday: 7

This will get me to where I was a month ago before I had to take some time off with the knee suck and all. The weather had been amazing for the past few days and is expected to remain that way for this entire week so that's good news...otherwise not a whole lot going on. Run hard.

Slower than Slow

Wow I am slow.

It's flippin' hot.

3 miles done but probably the slowest I have ever run. I'm ready for September or Wednesday whenever this flippin' heat breaks.

Raccoonapalooza 2008

It started off like every other Saturday. Alarm goes off at 4:27 but I'm already awake. I quickly turn off the screeching alarm and turn on my bedside light. Lady knows we only get up this early to run so she springs out of bed in anticipation. I, of course, am a little slower. I grab my running garb and quickly get dressed. After a brief stop in the lil' boys room I head to the living room where I look out the front door to see if it is or has been raining. That's when it happened...Raccoonapalooza 2008 in the cul-de-sac.

You know I don't have the slightest idea what you would call a group of raccoons. I checked the raccoon wiki page but it doesn't say what one would call the possee either. I know geese are called a gaggle so whould racoon be called raccaggle? Is it a herd? Flock? Family? Convoy (man I love that song)?Personally I'm not comfortable with family because what if they aren't a family? I mean trapsing through the sewers and eating garbage is probably like clubbing or going to a baseball game for raccoons so what if they don't even know each other? What if they are like friends of friends or a guy they went to raccoon elementary school with? What if they just ran into each other down in the sewer? It's possible...

Raccoon 1 "Hey do I know you?"
Raccoon 2 "I don't believe so"
Raccoon 1 "Nice ninja costume"
Raccoon 2 "Thank you kind sir. Yours as well. Ha, ha, ha" (in my mind raccoons are pompass)
Raccoon 1 "Would care to go to knock over trashcans and eat trash?"
Raccoon 2 "Indeed"

It's possible. Really. It it.

So anyway I'm standing at my front door overlooking (raised ranch style house) my yard and driveway while 6 or 7 raccoons are chilling in the street. At that point I realized I don't like raccoons. At no point in my life prior to Raccoonapalooza 2008 had I ever had a reason to dislike raccoons. Possums--yeah i friggin' hate possums. They are nasty, but raccoons ehhh, whatever. Now I hate raccoons. I mean seriously how can you trust much less like anything that dresses like a ninja everyday? Sneaky little trash suckers.

Okay back to the battle...at this point I'm stuck in the house. One raccoon heads for my yard and disappears on the other side of my neighbors van. Thinking quickly I turned on my porchlight...that ought to scare them away (I know pathetic right?) but of course it didn't phase them. Next I hit my door with the palm of my hand. Nothing. The raccaggle of raccoons continued to party like it was 1999 which I believe is 175 in raccoon years. They still sniffed and snorted (technically I couldn't hear them but I'm sure they were). Finally I opened my front door and they heard that. One of them stood up on his back legs in what I would consider an attempt to intimade me by making himself look bigger (it worked a little). With that they all headed straight for the draining system at the bottom of the street.

I stood watch from the front door for another 15 minutes so I wouldn't get attacked when we went out for our run. The paperboy (can you still say that?) or paperperson drove down the street and turned around. I figured that would be my best change to escape the horror so Ladybird and I took off and made it safely to the top of the street...made me wonder how many times I almost got attacked by raccoons and didn't even know it. I'm gonna have to get some bear mace or something especially since I run so slow. Although getting chased by raccoons might help me run faster. Is that allowed in marathons? Nice...

Anywho the actual run today was pretty pathetic. I had absolutely no energy and ended up walking quite a bit. I had some moments of brilliance where it seems to be coming together and then I would have to walk for a while. The weather was gross and with all the raccoon excitement I walked out the door without drinking anything at all so it made for a miserable morning. I didn't sleep enough last night either which didn't help the cause. I finished in 1:04:32 which is slow but no bad considering the walking. Next week will be better. I can feel it.

Today was a Good Day

Today felt like it was a lot better even though it didn't necessarily show up in my time. I ran 3 miles in 34:03 which although slow is an improvement over earlier this week. My tempo and pace felt better and I didn't have to do the "fat man shuffle" at all with the exception of one moderate incline. It's finally coming back to me...hopefully. Additionally yesterday i got in 30 minutes of cross training on a bike. Eventually I'll build back up on the bike but I wanted to save my legs for this mornings run.

I haven't felt this good after a run in quite a while. Combination of finishing strong and actually getting a good nights sleep first probably helped. I haven't been using bandaids though and my nipples are raw...(oh man so many things I could say there but none of them are great...like Brittney Spears on dollar night--but that's not good enough--I was thinking maybe a Miley Cyrus reference but she's too young). Also my shoes are finally getting broken in so thats a plus too.

Plan for Saturday is 5 miles.

Sweet Moses

The goal for the day was 4 miles...simple enough right? I got up at 430 but had to make a pit stop in the little boys room so I didn't get out the door as early as I planned so with my lack of speed lately I figured I would have to push it to get my 4 in or just go for 3. Going for 3 made more sense so off I went.

I started out like I hadn't missed basically 3 weeks. Pace and speed were even a little faster than before for the first 1/2 mile or so but then I just hit a wall. I slowed way down just so I could keep going. 1.5 miles in Lady need to tinkle and instead of just dropping the leash as I normally do (she catches up) I inexplicably stopped too. Then we walked. We walked for a while and then ran for a while then walked for a while then ran for a while then finished by slogging (slow jog) to the finish. It was ugly. It was pretty muggy out and today was my first back to back runs in 3 weeks or so plus I worked in the yard for a couple hours last night but seriously I need to get back to running.

It's all mental...at least where I am right now. I need to get my mind right.

Windy Beast

Wow it was windy this morning...seriously windy. It seems like the entire last mile was straight into the wind. Combine that with the fact I still haven't figured out how to run again and it wasn't a pretty run at all. Jury is till out on the shoes but it'll take some time to get them broken in...just hope I didn't waste my money. Anyway did 3 miles in a very sluggish 34:52. Hopefully at some point this week I remember how to run because right now I'm slow, I mean real slow. Like so slow I may have to reenact the role of a "Sooner" during the Oklahoma Land Run of 1889 (there you just learned something) if I plan on finishing a marathon in under the time limit by sneaking out the night before.

4 miles tomorrow. Keeping on rocking.

Saturday, July 26

Today, as promised, I went to Gary Gribble's Running Sports, my friendly local running store to inquire about some new shoes. They measured my feet, watched me walk and had me try on several different pairs of kicks. I tried on a pair of New Balance, Brooks and a pair of Saucony. I ended up going with the Saucony ProGrid Omni 7 which should help my overpronation that the nice people at Gary Gribble's educated me about. I'm excited to try them out on Monday...

Missing those two weeks has killed the 18 week training schedule I was following so I going to repeat and build up from there. The plan for this week is as follows:
Monday 3
Tuesday 4
Wednesday Bike
Thursday 3
Friday off
Saturday 5
Sunday off

Ugly...Just Plain Ugly

When I stepped out the front door this morning the ground was wet and it was sprinkling a little. The first mile started out well and I was on my normal slow 10 minute mile pace. About 6 minutes in I realized it was gonna be ugly so I slowed down (yeah I know slowed down from a 10 minute mile) and kept going. Around 1.2 miles the sprinkle turned to a rain or what I thought was rain however at 2 miles it really started raining. I contemplated cutting it short and heading home but Lady and I were already wet so why stop now. I kept on slogging (slow jog) for the full 3 miles. Finished in around 35 minutes which is the slowest I have ran in a very, very long time but I finished with no knee pain at all so that's the plan.

I haven't ran 3 miles in 3 weeks and oh my could I tell. I finished and that's all that matters but seriously it took forever. I'm planning on going to a running store this weekend and checking out some new kicks that better suited for big boys.

Keep on keepin' on.

Sweetness!

I ran 2 miles today with no knee pain...I was very happy about that. Every day this week I have woke up around 4 with no alarm just wanting to run. It's amazing how much better I feel on the days that I get to get out there and move a little bit. Ran it in 20:34 which means I haven't lost all of my speed (please not the sarcasm). 3 miles on Friday then back at it on Monday. I'm not sure where to pick up again on the training but I have a few days to figure that out.

Thought for the day while I was running...I wonder where I'll be the first I poop my pants while running? I bet I'll be close to the house thinking I can make it back but I bet I'll be wrong.

Not bad...not bad

I woke up at 430 this morning but resisted the urge to go run...my knee feels good today so that means I'll plan on running 2 miles tomorrow and see how that goes. Hopefully I'll have no knee discomfort and then it'll be so on...

Start Slow

Did 2 miles this morning on a combination run/walk. I'm trying to start back slow so my knee doesn't balk at the idea. It went pretty well, it bothered me a little bit but not bad enough to turn back. I got home and iced it for a bit then hit the showers. I"m going to rest it tomorrow then try to run 2 miles on Wednesday and see how that feels. Then if all goes well run 3 on Friday then try to get back on schedule.

It felt really good to run...I've missed it a lot. Back on Wednesday.

Monday

Tried to run this morning but my knee bothered me almost immediately. I found some strengthening exercises to do for runners knee so I'm hoping they'll help but that means I may miss another week of running. I'm going to try again on Wednesday though. If I take this week off to do the exercises like I should than I'll be 3 weeks behind on my training...not looking good for October 18th but who knows. I do know that I need these runs but I also need my knees.

Knee Update

My knee is feeling much better but still not quite 100% so I've decided to wait and try to run again on Monday. I'm trying to let me knee dictate when I start up again. It's amazing how much I actually miss running...who knew? Weird. That's all for now.

Knee Suck

My knee still hasn't recovered from whatever is ailing it...I tested it a little yesterday but yeah that was stupid. I'm going to give it a couple days and then get it checked out...boooooooo.

Poopy

A recurring theme on a lot of the running blogs is listen to your body. My knee was still bothering me this morning so I decided not to run this morning. Hopefully 2 days of rest will let it get back to normal then long run on Saturday. I hate missing days and this entire week has been a struggle but these things happen so I have to stay positive. No pessimistic Pete at this blog.

Hope everyone has a safe 4th!

Make Up Run

Since I was such a slackass yesterday I decided to run today instead of just doing some cardio. I still struggled getting out of bed but I did get up early enough to get in 3 miles. Finished in 33:03 which is slightly faster than a 3 legged turtle but it was pretty windy. I ran my first mile under 10 but it was wind aided. For some reason the last two miles seemed to be directly into the wind which is not pretty.

About half way through the day yesterday my right knee started hurting a little bit. I wore my strap running this morning so hopefully that will take care of the problem.

4 miles tomorrow and extra sleep tonight so I can actually get up in time to finish.

well...

Well I hit the snooze bar once then turned off my alarm clock...2 hours later it was time to go to work. I missed my first scheduled run in 14 weeks today. I guess it happens but I'm not proud of it. Gotta get back on the horse tomorrow. Boo me boo.

Back to it...

After changing up the running schedule last week to allow for a weekend excursion I was back at it this morning. Nothing too big just a little 3 mile jaunt. No real problems one way or another just kind of put it in cruise control. Finished in 32:13 which is about normal. At this point I have no idea how I ran a 30:28 last week...seems lightening fast.

This week running:
Monday 3
Tuesday 5
Wednesday Bike 30 minutes
Thursday 4
Friday off
Saturday 9
Sunday off

What I learned last week:
*Just because you hang out with college friends it doesn't mean you can drink like you are in college.
*No puke streaks are meant to broken.
*Training partners are helpful but they can't make you get out of bed...that's on you.

It's Friday...

My plan for today was to do 5 miles but I only ended up doing 4. It was windy and raining but part of me feels like those are just excuses...bottom bottom line 5 just didn't happen. The training schedule that I'm following called for 4-6 so technically I'm still in there but I wanted to do the midpoint on each of my long days. I'm a little disappointed in myself but life isn't perfect...just have to keep on keeping on.

Dogs Breath

For those of you who aren't blessed with humidity the only thing I can compare it to is a dogs breathe...hot, heavy, wet, sticky air. Needless to today it was humid and about 1 mile in I realized...no decided today wouldn't be the day I broke the land speed record or 30 minutes whichever came first. I was actually looking forward to running through the sprinklers, much like the 5 year old little boy who lives next door(well except I would be dressed...seriously isn't 5 too old to be naked on a slip and slide?), however there wasn't a friggin' sprinkler on in my entire neighborhood. I ended up finishing in 32:48 but the fact I didn't break 30 was disappointing but my goal is to run 26.2 and finishing 3 without walking was more important today then breaking 30.

I've read a couple places that it'll take a couple of weeks to get used to running in hotter and more humid conditions so I hope that is the case because it's not even hot yet. Running with temperatures in the 60's everyday has spoiled me fast.

On a side note I use the expression on a side note a lot so I will apologize for overusing that phrase and I will try to think of other ways to express things that I feel are on a side note.

Off day tomorrow and then 5 on Friday.

Tuesday Crosstraining

Yeah it didn't happen. I slept in til 5:45 and it was glorious. It's a recovery week so I probably should just take it easy or at least thats what I told myself so I didn't have to get out of bed. 3 miles tomorrow and I will break 30 minutes...

Seriously 30 minutes...

My alarm clock didn't go off today but I managed to get out of bed anyway. Stretched out and then hit the door ready to break 30 minutes. I thought my problem last week with not being able to break the mark was my slow first mile so my plan today was to really push the first mile. I was on a 10 minute mile pace but I got slowed up a little when Lady had to pee so I dropped the leash like usual and she did her business and then caught up with me. Unfortunately for some reason I wasn't coordinated enough to keep my legs going and pick up her leash so I had to stop running to grab it and go but it was just a few seconds so no biggie. Reached the 1.2 mile mark in around 13:00 so I wasn't too far off pace. With a big finish at the end I thought I could make up that time.

The next half mile or so I drifted off...not sure exactly where by my pace was horrid. By the time I reached mile 2 and realized what happen I was already at around 22:00 so I just started pushing myself. With a little over 1/2 mile to go I was sitting at 26:00 and I kept running. I thought I had it...felt like I was finally going to get there but I guess my legs weren't going as fast as I thought they were. I finished at 30:38. Not quite the under 30 but I'm getting there.

Off day tomorrow but I'm going to ride a bike tomorrow just for fun. Until next time...

Recovery Week

After the run yesterday I actually felt sore. Up to that point my legs had been sore a couple times but yesterday was a new animal. I feel a lot better to day but it's a good thing this is a recovery week with an extra day off. This week is my first scheduled recovery week. I'm supposed to run Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday but I may do Monday, Wednesday and Friday instead because I may be out of town next weekend. So it looks like:

Monday: 3
Wednesday: 3
Friday: 5

Should be a good week. I would love to finally break 30 minutes but to do that I will have to run my first mile a lot faster than last week...or ever really. It'll happen.

One thing that has stuck wtih me from reading the blogs of other readers. I've read it more than once and it's a great answer to the question of why run...because I can.

7 Mile Saturday

Holy sh!t...I just ran 7 miles. I don't even care about the time although I finished in 1:16:25. After I got done running this morning I thought there is no way...I did something wrong I missed a mile or something. I mean seriously I can't run 7 run miles. I mean I ran 3 miles for the first time ever like 12 days ago. Huh, weird. Double checked it on www.mapmyrun.com and sure enough I did 7 miles. Nice.

Other than that I'm honestly at a loss. Nothing whitty or clever but that's no surprise...but you can call off the search and rescue teams I made it home.

On a side note I considered leaving Lady at home today because I thought 7 might be too much for her but she's a freaking rock star. Loves it...except sprinklers at which time she tries to hide behind me as we pass. Usually not a big deal but today we ran earlier and I guess the sprinklers were set to crotch level. Not cool. I guess not all Labs like water.

On another side note I started wearing bandaids/pasties all the time now just simply because it hurts too much to rip them off 4 x's week. I figure they'll just fall off naturally like all ohter bandaids.

Back tomorrow to give more words to live by.

Random Thought

I have been running a new route for the past couple of weeks and during which I have passed the same guy around 5:15 AM on five out of the seven days. He's usually trucking down a hill at the same time I am meandering up the hill. I call it a hill...it's not though. It's more of a slight incline if that but I digress. The days I see him I always think to myself 'man that guy is a runner'. Everything about him says runner: his stride, his confidence or maybe the fact he can pass me without breathing as though he's being chased by a pack of angry bee's. I think he says 'Morning' to me just so I have to make some noise back...smug b@st@rd. Actually he seems like a nice guy however it makes me wonder what he thinks about as he passes? I mean honestly you have nothing to do but thing while running so I'm sure he's thinking something. The possibilities are endless:

a. At least he's trying!
b. How is it possible for him to run yet his dog to walk?
c. Wouldn't it be easier to drive to Hardee's?
d. What are those C cups?

The best part is from here on out I will probably laugh every time i see him...

7 miles tomorrow. if there is nothing posted by 9 AM consider calling for assistance. Thanks.

First Mile Suck

Ever have one of those days where you wake up early and feel great but go back to sleep and wake up not so great? That was today. Woke up at 4:05 and decided that was too early so I went back to sleep and slept until 4:45 then got up for my morning run. That time I was groggy and not ready to face the day at all. In my lack of consciousness I ended up forgetting my band-aids and my sweatband. Not a good way with the whole runners nipple thing and I need a sweatband...trust me so not pretty.

I paid a lot more attention to my time today as I really wanted to break 30 minutes for 3 miles. The problem was I ran the first mile in around 13 1/2 minutes. Now I don't know why but I start out so slow. I do like a 5 minute walk and then run but a 13 1/2 minute mile is horrible. I finished mile 2 at around 24 minutes which is close around 10 1/2 minutes which I am fine with and then the last mile I ran in around 8 1/2 minutes for a total of 32:27 which is my best time for 3 miles but I actually was faster per mile on my 4 mile run on Tuesday. So if apply that logic to a marathon I should be running like what 6 minute miles towards the end? Sweetness.

2 weeks ago I couldn't run 3 miles now I don't even think about quiting while running it. It's like I own that distance...if by owning I mean slowly running it down over a long distance but not longer than 5 miles yet. Please. Thank you.

No run tomorrow. Then 7 miles on Saturday. Wowza.

mmm sleep

Today was an off day but I have the option of cross training by biking, lifting or doing something else somewhat physical. I really need to start doing something else on Wednesdays and Fridays but my bed was calling me today. My plan for cross training today is mowing the yard tonight. It's exercise right?

Just 3 miles in the morning. Would love to show some progress on these 3 mile runs as far as time goes. On a side note I said 'just 3 miles tomorrow' and I meant it...weird right? Only 3 miles. Perception is awesome.

I'll be back tomorrow. Keep on keep'n on.

Tuesday, June 17

I actually got a good nights sleep last night so that was helpful. Because I struggled with the 3 miles yesterday I had a little of that hangover today but once I hit the halfway point everything seemed to level out. I pushed myself pretty hard the last 1/2 mile or so which I was happy about. I ended up doing 4 miles in 42:33. Big thing is I finished and I gained some of the momentum I lost from the bad attitude run I had yesterday.

Tomorrow is an off day but I'll try to think of something clever to write. If that doesn't happen which it probably won't then it's 3 miles on Thursday.

Keep on trucking.

On a side note when I got to work today there was a little package with white running socks...I guess the black running socks I wore in Hospital Hill Run aren't attractive. Actually it was a very nice gesture from a lady at work who used to do a lot of running. Very nice of her.

Ugh Monday

Today was pretty bad. For some reason I didn't sleep last night. I woke up around 1 AM and couldn't get back to sleep. When I finally got up to run it was raining and I almost just went back to bed instead I just ran with a bad attitude. I never really got into it but finally I finished. 3 miles in 33:41. Not great but I finished. Four miles tomorrow. Hopefully I'll get my mind right between now and then.

Week of 6/15/08 - 6/21/08

My schedule for the week is as follows:

Sunday: Off
Monday: 3 miles
Tuesday: 4 miles
Wednesday: Off
Thursday: 3 miles
Friday: Off
Saturday: 7 miles

It should be a good week. I'm looking forward to the 7 mile run on Saturday.

On Saturday I talked to my training partner down in Springfield. It's amazing that this time 11 weeks ago neither one of us could even run a full mile and we are both now at personal bests in distance and length of time running. A lot of it has to do with our early training schedule that started slow and progressed at a pretty conservativel rate. If anyone is interested in starting a relationship with running check it out...it works like a champ.

Saturday Long Run (for me)

I hesistate to call it a long however it is long for me. My training schedule called for a 4-6 mile run and I wanted to split the difference in all of those long runs. So my goal for today was 5 miles. I was out the door by 5 o'clock and after a short warmup I was off. My ankle was tight at first and then loosened up and my legs were pretty good. Ran the 5 miles in 54:42. Uneventful run but I made it without any real problems. No dogs, no cramps, no nipple chaffing and great weather.

Tomorrow is an off day then 3 on Monday. I'l be back then.

Lessons Learned

Now before I start let me preface this with I haven't been running long...I'm sure both of the people reading this know that but I wanted to get that out of the way. If my running was a baby it would still be breast feeding, if it was a puppy it would still pee all over the carpet and if it was a car it would still have that new car smell but none the less I have learned a thing or two.

1. Running is mental especially when I think about running. I'm still at the point where if I think about running while running I will probably end up walking. If for some reason I can think about other stuff like the rain, gum drops or unicorns I seem to do much better.

2. That euphoric feeling knows as the "runners high" does exist and it's amazing.

3. Nipples chafe. I remember watching The Office and seeing poor Andy Bernard suffer from nipple chaffing while running in a 5k to rid the World of Rabies. At the time it was humorous however after 8 weeks I've realized nipple chaffing is real and I now wear pasties when I run. Who knew?

4. Much like Butters needed an acountabillabuddy at the de-gayifaction camp in South Park having others along for the ride makes the process a little easier. A good friend of mine in Springfield, Zach, is on the same training schedule as me and we constantly update each other regarding our progress. It's not a competition but it's positive support. In addition a couple of other friends from back in the day Kurt and Kyle have both already done marathons are giving me feedback and advice as well.

5. Humidity = bad.

6. Broken ankles never really heal right. The only recurring discomfort I have had up to this point is my right ankle that I broke in high school. It's stiff at first (that's what she said) but loosens up during the run. I'm doing more stretches to make it better early on during runs but I have a feeling it's going to be a battle.

7. If you pass a crawdad while running on the sidewalk they instinctively flip over on to their backs and flail about as if that will somehow protect them. Of all the natural reactions from creatures such as possums, crawdads to fainting goats this has to be one of the worst defense mechanisms ever.

8. No matter how small dogs are it's not pretty to see them out and about while running. I run with Ladybird because at this point I can't justify running and not getting her some exercise. The problem is when she sees another dog she pulls, growls or otherwise does whatever she can to break my rhythm. In the long run I see this as a benefit since it'll help me run faster when I need to or being able to get started again after I stop to pick up Lady so she doesn't nip other dogs.



I'm sure I've learned more but I'm drawing a blank.

5 mile run tomorrow. I'm looking forward to it. So if the good Lord's willing and the creek don't rise I'll be back tomorrow.

It's Not the Heat it's the Humidity

I hate it when people say that...seriously. Annoys the living crap out of me but it's true. I've been struggling with the humid runs. Earlier this week when I did my 3 mile and 4 mile runs the temperature was in the low to mid 60's which is ideal as far as I am concerned. But today it was 75 which 78% humidity for my first step. It wasn't pretty but I finished. 32:52 for 3 miles. Next run is 5 miles on Saturday morning. Should be interesting.

Getting Started

I have read a lot of blogs here lately. Some for motivation, some for inspiration and some just for entertainment. But after reading enough I thought hey I can do this so here we go...I'm doing this.

As for the purpose of this blog I'm going to attempt to chronicle my first marathon which will be the Kansas City Marathon, October 18, 2008. I was going back and forth between doing the half marathon and the full marathon however I decided to just go for it. I'm not getting any younger plus no telling if I will be in better or worse shape this time next year so as my friend Kurt's dad says, "If you're gonna be a bear be a grizzly" so I'm going for it.

The marathon is 18 weeks from Saturday. The longest run I have ever been on was yesterday and it was only 4 miles. Needless to say I have a long way to but I'm excited about the challenge ahead of me. So if the good lords willing and the creek don't rise I'll be back tomorrow.