It's Wednesday evening and I have just showered up after my run. I'm feeling a little better than I did this past weekend when I think I got food poisoning from a dead, pissed off tuna used for sushi. My body has just gotten back into a rhythm, if you know what I mean. For some strange reason, I'm still sore all over (stomach bug vs poisoning?). Additionally, it seems the acid I so freely deposited to the porcelain bus, must have done some damage to my esophagus and I'm taking Prilosec on top of my morning Nexium. Things seem to be straightening out.
Based on feeling better today, I went and ahead and signed up officially for the Mercedes Half. I was planning on running it in Susan's place but decided to register . . . I am not a big fan of "bandits", even in smaller races like ours here in B'ham. So as I have titled my blog tonight-For Better or for Worse, I will be running 13.1 miles in 11 days.
So tonight I did 4 miles. I did not fartlek as I had wanted. Body just wasn't into it. I did feel decent throughout the run and that was much better than the pitiful 2.5 miles I did on Monday. I plan on doing 4 miles on Friday and doing somewhere between 10 and 12 miles on Sunday afternoon before the Super Bowl.
In case you didn't notice, I have added a new link on the right hand side of my blog. The "Mushy Stuff". Enjoy!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
It is past my bedtime and I'm sitting here trying to decide what to say.
I ran 2 1/2 miles and felt terrible the whole time. I guess the weekend took more out of me than I thought. My body ached the entire time-from my neck to my butt, I was sore. I hope tomorrow brings a better day.
I've sort of lost my "zip" and I know I need to get it back since I have less than two weeks to run a half-marathon.
Fartleks on Tuesday. Maybe that will help.
I ran 2 1/2 miles and felt terrible the whole time. I guess the weekend took more out of me than I thought. My body ached the entire time-from my neck to my butt, I was sore. I hope tomorrow brings a better day.
I've sort of lost my "zip" and I know I need to get it back since I have less than two weeks to run a half-marathon.
Fartleks on Tuesday. Maybe that will help.
Set back
Yep. Two very bad words if you're training. I had a short set back but enough to make my head spin and set me into pseudo panic mode. Story follows:
I had a good run on Friday afternoon after work. I really didn't press the pace but it was a good effort and I recovered quickly. A 4 miler run at about 80 percent effort. As I spent Friday evening eating and watching a movie with Susan, I kept thinking . . . I cannot wait for my 10 miler on Sunday!
Saturday was one of those days. You know the kind of day where you don't do anything physical and you're more tired than if you had gone for a long run or worked in the yard all day? Susan and I enjoyed the lesson with Dr. Louis Markos (http://fc.hbu.edu/~lmarkos/) who spoke on CS Lewis and his works Mere Christianity and The Problem of Pain. Very good lectures and enlightening. Susan got a call and found out here dad was in the hospital. Gall bladder. Fortunately, the hospital was less than 10 minutes from church. Her dad was somewhat sedated due to pain meds and nausea medicine. He had had a gall bladder attack the previous evening and went to the hospital in the middle of the night, never contacting anyone. Fortunately, somebody from his church got to calling and Susan and her sister both were told about it. We hung around the hospital while they did an ultrasound and got him somewhat comfortable for the evening. We left after he ate and decided to change our plans. We had previously planned on making fajitas at my house but we were both tired and decided to eat out. I wanted some pasta or mexican to prepare for my 10 miler the next day. However, I offered Thai Emerald as an option and Susan wanted to go there. BIG MISTAKE. I don't want Susan to feel guilty about her decision but it affected the training schedule!
First, before everyone starts yelling at me, let me say that I have eaten at this restaurant in the past and I've eaten sushi here before (actually, I think the smoked and cooked sushi is not actually sushi). We had double shrimp rolls and tuna crunch. Susan only nibbled at the tuna crunch so I will blame the next 24 hours on the tuna crunch. We did not over induldge . . . I had one Stella Artois so I know it wasn't that. Within the hour, I started feeling "funny". You know the feeling-not bad but your body is letting you know that something isn't quite right either. I was belching a lot and had some upper GI distress, which isn't unusual if I eat to much of the wrong thing. We went back to Susan's house so she could be close to the hospital in case her dad needed her. We played scrabble and I just couldn't focus. A little Gaviscon and I felt a little better. However, by the time we played a couple of games of scrabble, I was definitely in a downward spiral. Susan's girls were with her dad and I was feeling bad so Susan was kind enough to let me stay. The intent was to get up feeling better and go to church and then to go see her dad. Believe me . . . no romancing happening. Let's just say when I say I was up all night, it was nothing to brag about! Between diarreaha, vomiting, delirium, sweating, neither of us got much sleep. A miserable night. I think I "woke up" around 7:30 and decided to make a mad dash home. No sense in messing up Susan's day and if I'm going to die, I'd rather do it in the privacy of my own home, on my own sofa.
I spent most of the day Sunday sprinting to the powder room (which is now off limits to guests until the HazMat team arrives later this week). Susan came by in the afternoon to let me know her dad had had his gall bladder removed and should be going home on Monday. My diet for the day consisted of Gatorade, sprite, half-can of chicken soup, and a WW dinner dinner around 6 when I started feeling halfway normal. I went to bed around 7:30 and slept straight thru until the alarm went off at 5:30 this morning. I feel better now but can tell my body had been through it.
Needless to say, I did not get in my 10 miler. Now what do I do? Do I try to get the 10 in tonight? Personally, I don't think it would be beneficial at this point. I know my body is still recovering and the strain might do more harm than good at this point. Plus I've read in several places that if a run is skipped for reasons such as this, the thing to do is just pick up as the normal schedule falls. I'm thinking I'll adjust my weekly schedule slightly but let the 10 miler pass. However, that means 12 might be tough next weekend. I guess I'll play next week's long run by ear. BTW, I've lost almost 6 pounds in the last two weeks. Of course my spell with food poisoning helped out!
here's progress and this week's adjusted schedule-
I had a good run on Friday afternoon after work. I really didn't press the pace but it was a good effort and I recovered quickly. A 4 miler run at about 80 percent effort. As I spent Friday evening eating and watching a movie with Susan, I kept thinking . . . I cannot wait for my 10 miler on Sunday!
Saturday was one of those days. You know the kind of day where you don't do anything physical and you're more tired than if you had gone for a long run or worked in the yard all day? Susan and I enjoyed the lesson with Dr. Louis Markos (http://fc.hbu.edu/~lmarkos/) who spoke on CS Lewis and his works Mere Christianity and The Problem of Pain. Very good lectures and enlightening. Susan got a call and found out here dad was in the hospital. Gall bladder. Fortunately, the hospital was less than 10 minutes from church. Her dad was somewhat sedated due to pain meds and nausea medicine. He had had a gall bladder attack the previous evening and went to the hospital in the middle of the night, never contacting anyone. Fortunately, somebody from his church got to calling and Susan and her sister both were told about it. We hung around the hospital while they did an ultrasound and got him somewhat comfortable for the evening. We left after he ate and decided to change our plans. We had previously planned on making fajitas at my house but we were both tired and decided to eat out. I wanted some pasta or mexican to prepare for my 10 miler the next day. However, I offered Thai Emerald as an option and Susan wanted to go there. BIG MISTAKE. I don't want Susan to feel guilty about her decision but it affected the training schedule!
First, before everyone starts yelling at me, let me say that I have eaten at this restaurant in the past and I've eaten sushi here before (actually, I think the smoked and cooked sushi is not actually sushi). We had double shrimp rolls and tuna crunch. Susan only nibbled at the tuna crunch so I will blame the next 24 hours on the tuna crunch. We did not over induldge . . . I had one Stella Artois so I know it wasn't that. Within the hour, I started feeling "funny". You know the feeling-not bad but your body is letting you know that something isn't quite right either. I was belching a lot and had some upper GI distress, which isn't unusual if I eat to much of the wrong thing. We went back to Susan's house so she could be close to the hospital in case her dad needed her. We played scrabble and I just couldn't focus. A little Gaviscon and I felt a little better. However, by the time we played a couple of games of scrabble, I was definitely in a downward spiral. Susan's girls were with her dad and I was feeling bad so Susan was kind enough to let me stay. The intent was to get up feeling better and go to church and then to go see her dad. Believe me . . . no romancing happening. Let's just say when I say I was up all night, it was nothing to brag about! Between diarreaha, vomiting, delirium, sweating, neither of us got much sleep. A miserable night. I think I "woke up" around 7:30 and decided to make a mad dash home. No sense in messing up Susan's day and if I'm going to die, I'd rather do it in the privacy of my own home, on my own sofa.
I spent most of the day Sunday sprinting to the powder room (which is now off limits to guests until the HazMat team arrives later this week). Susan came by in the afternoon to let me know her dad had had his gall bladder removed and should be going home on Monday. My diet for the day consisted of Gatorade, sprite, half-can of chicken soup, and a WW dinner dinner around 6 when I started feeling halfway normal. I went to bed around 7:30 and slept straight thru until the alarm went off at 5:30 this morning. I feel better now but can tell my body had been through it.
Needless to say, I did not get in my 10 miler. Now what do I do? Do I try to get the 10 in tonight? Personally, I don't think it would be beneficial at this point. I know my body is still recovering and the strain might do more harm than good at this point. Plus I've read in several places that if a run is skipped for reasons such as this, the thing to do is just pick up as the normal schedule falls. I'm thinking I'll adjust my weekly schedule slightly but let the 10 miler pass. However, that means 12 might be tough next weekend. I guess I'll play next week's long run by ear. BTW, I've lost almost 6 pounds in the last two weeks. Of course my spell with food poisoning helped out!
here's progress and this week's adjusted schedule-
Thurs 1/17 4 m (done)
Sat 1/19 8 m Weekly mileage 20 (done)
Mon 1/21 4 m (done)
Wed 1/23 4 m (done)
Fri 1/25 4 m (done)
Sun 1/27 10 m (skipped due to bad tuna) Weekly mileage 12 not 22 as wanted
Mon 1/28 4 m
Tues 1/29 4 m fartleks
Thurs 1/32 4 m
Sat 2/2 10 to 12 m Weekly mileage 22 to 24 miles
Mon 2/4 4 m
Tues 2/5 4 m
Thurs 2/7 4 m
Sunday 2/10 is Mercedes Half-marathon 13.1 miles Weekly mileage 25
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Feeling pretty good
Hey all. It's Wednesday evening and I'm sitting here typing to you and watching Hunt for Red October for the 118th time. Goes to tell you how good network TV is nowadays.
First, let me tell you some touchy feely junk and get it out of the way. My cousin, Courtney and her husband Bobby had a baby boy today. For the women out there I can provide statistics if you want but the important thing is that everyone involved is healthy. I'd give you a name but as I've been reminded many times, pictures and names of children posted on the internet without permission is a no-no. So for right now we'll leave it at that.
I'm upping my weekly mileage this week and I'm trying to do it carefully. However, I am also wanting to get back into a pattern that includes more than just slogging around. My midweek runs are fartleks. Tonight I did 4 miles with 2 1/2 mile of the 4 being fartleks run at about an 80% effort. I felt much better than I did on Monday and that is a good sign. Body is recovering quicker. The fartleks felt good and I'm looking forward to my Friday run and my Sunday 10 miler. Bottom line is that I'm feeling pretty good.
Saturday is my normal running day but Susan and I are going to a day long conference at her church on C. S. Lewis. We're both looking forward to the time together and the opportunity to learn more about one of the most highly regarded lay theologians in recent history. Of course we will do something fun for dinner at the end of the day . . . just need to figure out where to go.
Progress towards Mercedes Half-Marathon:
Thurs 1/17 4 m (done)
Sat 1/19 8 m Weekly mileage 20 (done)
Mon 1/21 4 m (done)
Wed 1/23 4 m (done)
Fri 1/25 4 m
Sun 1/27 10 m Weekly mileage 22
Tues 1/29 5 m
Thurs 1/31 5 m
Sat 2/2 12 m Weekly mileage 22
Mon 2/4 4 m
Tues 2/5 4 m
Thurs 2/7 4 m
Sunday 2/10 is Mercedes Half-marathon 13.1 miles Weekly mileage 25
First, let me tell you some touchy feely junk and get it out of the way. My cousin, Courtney and her husband Bobby had a baby boy today. For the women out there I can provide statistics if you want but the important thing is that everyone involved is healthy. I'd give you a name but as I've been reminded many times, pictures and names of children posted on the internet without permission is a no-no. So for right now we'll leave it at that.
I'm upping my weekly mileage this week and I'm trying to do it carefully. However, I am also wanting to get back into a pattern that includes more than just slogging around. My midweek runs are fartleks. Tonight I did 4 miles with 2 1/2 mile of the 4 being fartleks run at about an 80% effort. I felt much better than I did on Monday and that is a good sign. Body is recovering quicker. The fartleks felt good and I'm looking forward to my Friday run and my Sunday 10 miler. Bottom line is that I'm feeling pretty good.
Saturday is my normal running day but Susan and I are going to a day long conference at her church on C. S. Lewis. We're both looking forward to the time together and the opportunity to learn more about one of the most highly regarded lay theologians in recent history. Of course we will do something fun for dinner at the end of the day . . . just need to figure out where to go.
Progress towards Mercedes Half-Marathon:
Thurs 1/17 4 m (done)
Sat 1/19 8 m Weekly mileage 20 (done)
Mon 1/21 4 m (done)
Wed 1/23 4 m (done)
Fri 1/25 4 m
Sun 1/27 10 m Weekly mileage 22
Tues 1/29 5 m
Thurs 1/31 5 m
Sat 2/2 12 m Weekly mileage 22
Mon 2/4 4 m
Tues 2/5 4 m
Thurs 2/7 4 m
Sunday 2/10 is Mercedes Half-marathon 13.1 miles Weekly mileage 25
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
It's Tuesday morning, 9:00. Taking a break at work to eat my Total bran flakes. I've lost a little over 2 pounds since last week which absolutely amazes me considering I really did not count points (Weight Watcher Flex Plan) over my long weekend. In fact, I ate chicken wings and pasta Sunday during the Green Bay-NY Giants game. I also indulged in the beverage department and fully expected a zero sum loss on the weight loss battle. Definitely a moral victory!
As you already know, I successfully completed my 8 miler on Saturday. I did a 4 mile recovery run Monday afternoon. It felt a little sluggish. Legs were a little sore but not bad plus I had been sitting in a theater, eating popcorn and watching the movie Water Horse with Susan and her girls Monday afternoon (yes, I got MLK Jr holiday off). Bottom line is that I got the run in even though I didn't feel like it.
Progress towards Mercedes Half-Marathon:
Thurs 1/17 4 m (done)
Sat 1/19 8 m Weekly mileage 20 (done)
Mon 1/21 4 m (done)
Wed 1/23 4 m
Fri 1/25 4 m
Sun 1/27 10 m Weekly mileage 22
Tues 1/29 5 m
Thurs 1/31 5 m
Sat 2/2 12 m Weekly mileage 22
Mon 2/4 4 m
Tues 2/5 4 m
Thurs 2/7 4 m
Sunday 2/10 is Mercedes Half-marathon 13.1 miles Weekly mileage 25
As you already know, I successfully completed my 8 miler on Saturday. I did a 4 mile recovery run Monday afternoon. It felt a little sluggish. Legs were a little sore but not bad plus I had been sitting in a theater, eating popcorn and watching the movie Water Horse with Susan and her girls Monday afternoon (yes, I got MLK Jr holiday off). Bottom line is that I got the run in even though I didn't feel like it.
Progress towards Mercedes Half-Marathon:
Thurs 1/17 4 m (done)
Sat 1/19 8 m Weekly mileage 20 (done)
Mon 1/21 4 m (done)
Wed 1/23 4 m
Fri 1/25 4 m
Sun 1/27 10 m Weekly mileage 22
Tues 1/29 5 m
Thurs 1/31 5 m
Sat 2/2 12 m Weekly mileage 22
Mon 2/4 4 m
Tues 2/5 4 m
Thurs 2/7 4 m
Sunday 2/10 is Mercedes Half-marathon 13.1 miles Weekly mileage 25
Saturday, January 19, 2008
another one done
Yep. It's Saturday afternoon and I have showered and taken my arthritis strength Tylenol after completing my 8 miler. Here in Birmingham, it was supposed to snow 2-4 inches but as usual, it was a flop. It snowed for about two hours-just enough to make the unfrozen ground muddy. Susan's girls have been out playing in the snow. At least it started off that way. Now they're playing in the muck and (bless Susan's heart) they keep tracking in everytime Susan gets the mess cleaned up from the previous trip in. The patience of Job. I on the other hand cringe when I see them tracking in. However, it is not my business so I just sit and huff like the old man I am. I know I need to loosen up around the kids but I have to admit it is tough. Right now the girls are outside in the mud with a couple of the neighbors' kids climbing on the fort (treehouse) and dragging up all manner of boards, bricks, and just about anything that isn't nailed down or is so large that they simply cannot pick it up. Thank goodness the dogs can out run them . . . otherwise, there would be doggy missiles being launched from the fort.
Okay, back to my run. I waited for the snow/sleet to stop before heading out. It was about 1:00 and the temperature is hovering just about freezing. The snow started melting as soon as is stopped so there are a few small remnants but mostly everything is wet and messy. I wore shorts, a long sleeve heavy coolmax, a wind vest, thin poly gloves. I also started out with a poly headband to cover my ears but immediately put it in my vest pocket as I broke a sweat right away and my head was overheating. I try to practice the old adage "if you're comfortable when you start then you are overdressed". Gladly, after removing the headband, I was dressed just about right. The plan was for me to do 4 miles and stop back at Susan's house where MAC would join me for the final 4 miles. Well it didn't quite go that way. I stopped in after 4 miles to get some water and pick up MAC and she was hovered in front of the fireplace, still in her play clothes. Yes, the normally corageous, dependable one fagged out on me. She whimpered about it being cold which really didn't make sense since she had been outside all day playing. Regardless, I am dissing her. I owe that to her since I also brag on her. My philosophy on kids . . . cut 'em no slack! You do good, you get praise. You pull a bonehead stunt, you get dissed. That's the way it is in Jim's world. Maybe a little bit AR but that's what I believe.
I went back out for my second 4 miles and realized that the temp was dropping and the wind was picking up. I guess it's a good thing that MAC fagged out . . . otherwise she wouldn't have had much fun and chances are I'd have to drag her back home. I finished the second 4 miles without incident and did it in a negative split.
I am not going to recap each mile. However, I am glad to say that I did the run in 1 hour, 18 minutes and change. Faster than the 10 minute average I had planned. Plus the negative split that I actually planned on helped me build a little confidence. LONG SLOW RUN. Repeat it with me. LONG SLOW RUN. I felt good afterwards and have enough confidence that I am looking forward to the 10 miler next weekend!
Okay, back to my run. I waited for the snow/sleet to stop before heading out. It was about 1:00 and the temperature is hovering just about freezing. The snow started melting as soon as is stopped so there are a few small remnants but mostly everything is wet and messy. I wore shorts, a long sleeve heavy coolmax, a wind vest, thin poly gloves. I also started out with a poly headband to cover my ears but immediately put it in my vest pocket as I broke a sweat right away and my head was overheating. I try to practice the old adage "if you're comfortable when you start then you are overdressed". Gladly, after removing the headband, I was dressed just about right. The plan was for me to do 4 miles and stop back at Susan's house where MAC would join me for the final 4 miles. Well it didn't quite go that way. I stopped in after 4 miles to get some water and pick up MAC and she was hovered in front of the fireplace, still in her play clothes. Yes, the normally corageous, dependable one fagged out on me. She whimpered about it being cold which really didn't make sense since she had been outside all day playing. Regardless, I am dissing her. I owe that to her since I also brag on her. My philosophy on kids . . . cut 'em no slack! You do good, you get praise. You pull a bonehead stunt, you get dissed. That's the way it is in Jim's world. Maybe a little bit AR but that's what I believe.
I went back out for my second 4 miles and realized that the temp was dropping and the wind was picking up. I guess it's a good thing that MAC fagged out . . . otherwise she wouldn't have had much fun and chances are I'd have to drag her back home. I finished the second 4 miles without incident and did it in a negative split.
I am not going to recap each mile. However, I am glad to say that I did the run in 1 hour, 18 minutes and change. Faster than the 10 minute average I had planned. Plus the negative split that I actually planned on helped me build a little confidence. LONG SLOW RUN. Repeat it with me. LONG SLOW RUN. I felt good afterwards and have enough confidence that I am looking forward to the 10 miler next weekend!
Thursday, January 17, 2008
It's Thursday night and I'm sitting here about to hit the hay. I am taking off tomorrow to just goof off, pay bills, cut some firewood (which I will share with Susan), clean the basement, ready myself for the winter storm our local yahoos are saying we will get. I may also walk 9 holes later in the afternoon.
I ran today. It really did feel good and my knee has seemed to adapt to the increased stress of the maniacal mileage increase. I did 4 miles. I included fartleks and spent several stretches of 80-90% effort in my running. The body was reluctant but the mind sort of grasped hold of the idea and I enjoyed it. I also lifted weights afterwards.
The weatherman says that we should be gettting between 1-3 inches of snow Friday night-Saturday morning. Blah, Blah, Blah. We'll see. I am still planning on doing 8 miles, regardless.
I am having a long weekend. Off tomorrow, weekend, and MLK day on Monday. A four day weekend. I've already told you about Friday. Saturday, I am going to be over at Susan's (if the roads don't get iced over). I'm going to help out with a couple of things over there and will run in the afternoon. Her oldest daughter, MAC, is planning on running 6 miles with me during the half marathon, so she is going to run a four or five miler with me on Saturday. I told her that she needs to run in the cold just in case it is cold on race day. She's up for it and quite the trooper. If I were to ever have "fruit of my loins", MAC would be it!
Sunday. It is a rest day. It is also the NFL conference championship games. I will be parked in front of the TV after church. I normally abhor pro sports but this is the playoffs and I HATE the Patriots so I have to watch.
Monday . . . who knows what adventure waits. I'd like to do something with Susan and the girls but we have no plans right now. I could play golf or WE could go for a hike if the weather cooperates.
Here's a recap . . .
Thurs 1/17 4 m (DONE)
Sat 1/19 8 m Weekly mileage 20
Mon 1/21 4 m
Wed 1/23 4 m
Fri 1/25 4 m
Sun 1/27 10 m Weekly mileage 22
Tues 1/29 5 m
Thurs 1/31 5 m
Sat 2/2 12 m Weekly mileage 22
Mon 2/4 4 m
Tues 2/5 4 m
Thurs 2/7 4 m
Sunday 2/10 is Mercedes Half-marathon 13.1 miles Weekly mileage 25
I ran today. It really did feel good and my knee has seemed to adapt to the increased stress of the maniacal mileage increase. I did 4 miles. I included fartleks and spent several stretches of 80-90% effort in my running. The body was reluctant but the mind sort of grasped hold of the idea and I enjoyed it. I also lifted weights afterwards.
The weatherman says that we should be gettting between 1-3 inches of snow Friday night-Saturday morning. Blah, Blah, Blah. We'll see. I am still planning on doing 8 miles, regardless.
I am having a long weekend. Off tomorrow, weekend, and MLK day on Monday. A four day weekend. I've already told you about Friday. Saturday, I am going to be over at Susan's (if the roads don't get iced over). I'm going to help out with a couple of things over there and will run in the afternoon. Her oldest daughter, MAC, is planning on running 6 miles with me during the half marathon, so she is going to run a four or five miler with me on Saturday. I told her that she needs to run in the cold just in case it is cold on race day. She's up for it and quite the trooper. If I were to ever have "fruit of my loins", MAC would be it!
Sunday. It is a rest day. It is also the NFL conference championship games. I will be parked in front of the TV after church. I normally abhor pro sports but this is the playoffs and I HATE the Patriots so I have to watch.
Monday . . . who knows what adventure waits. I'd like to do something with Susan and the girls but we have no plans right now. I could play golf or WE could go for a hike if the weather cooperates.
Here's a recap . . .
Thurs 1/17 4 m (DONE)
Sat 1/19 8 m Weekly mileage 20
Mon 1/21 4 m
Wed 1/23 4 m
Fri 1/25 4 m
Sun 1/27 10 m Weekly mileage 22
Tues 1/29 5 m
Thurs 1/31 5 m
Sat 2/2 12 m Weekly mileage 22
Mon 2/4 4 m
Tues 2/5 4 m
Thurs 2/7 4 m
Sunday 2/10 is Mercedes Half-marathon 13.1 miles Weekly mileage 25
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
It's Wednesday morning and I'm about to start doing what "they" pay me to do . . . work. However, I thought I'd take a moment to update.
Monday. I ran 4 miles at about a 70% effort. Not a hard run but not an easy run by any stretch of the imagination. The knee felt fine but the back is still stiff from my tumble down the hill last weekend. I also lifted weights. Actually felt pretty decent when all was said and done. Monday also started my "official" restart on Weight Watchers. I need some accountability and I'm very goal motivated . . . that's just the way I am wired. For those of you who may know the system, I am using the Flex plan . . . counting points. I find this method the easiest way for me to track what goes in my mouth. I will be updating my progress on a weekly basis. My "official" weigh-in is on Monday morning. The system worked for me in the past. I just was not disciplined enough to stick to it.
Tuesday-I ran an easy 4 miler. The legs were a little sore. My thinking is this . . . since I am trying to build for a "survival" half-marathon next month where I am going to run in Susan's place for her fund raiser for the Bell Center (HINT), I am more interested in building my long runs. The mid-week mileage will not be varying much since I don't want to pile too much on too quickly. Of course you input is appreciated. Here's what I'm thinking-
Thurs 1/17 4 m
Sat 1/19 8 m Weekly mileage 20
Mon 1/21 4 m
Wed 1/23 4 m
Fri 1/25 4 m
Sun 1/27 10 m Weekly mileage 22
Tues 1/29 5 m
Thurs 1/31 5 m
Sat 2/2 12 m Weekly mileage 22
Mon 2/4 4 m
Tues 2/5 4 m
Thurs 2/7 4 m
Sunday 2/10 is Mercedes Half-marathon 13.1 miles Weekly mileage 25
Monday. I ran 4 miles at about a 70% effort. Not a hard run but not an easy run by any stretch of the imagination. The knee felt fine but the back is still stiff from my tumble down the hill last weekend. I also lifted weights. Actually felt pretty decent when all was said and done. Monday also started my "official" restart on Weight Watchers. I need some accountability and I'm very goal motivated . . . that's just the way I am wired. For those of you who may know the system, I am using the Flex plan . . . counting points. I find this method the easiest way for me to track what goes in my mouth. I will be updating my progress on a weekly basis. My "official" weigh-in is on Monday morning. The system worked for me in the past. I just was not disciplined enough to stick to it.
Tuesday-I ran an easy 4 miler. The legs were a little sore. My thinking is this . . . since I am trying to build for a "survival" half-marathon next month where I am going to run in Susan's place for her fund raiser for the Bell Center (HINT), I am more interested in building my long runs. The mid-week mileage will not be varying much since I don't want to pile too much on too quickly. Of course you input is appreciated. Here's what I'm thinking-
Thurs 1/17 4 m
Sat 1/19 8 m Weekly mileage 20
Mon 1/21 4 m
Wed 1/23 4 m
Fri 1/25 4 m
Sun 1/27 10 m Weekly mileage 22
Tues 1/29 5 m
Thurs 1/31 5 m
Sat 2/2 12 m Weekly mileage 22
Mon 2/4 4 m
Tues 2/5 4 m
Thurs 2/7 4 m
Sunday 2/10 is Mercedes Half-marathon 13.1 miles Weekly mileage 25
Saturday, January 12, 2008
It's late Saturday afternoon and I've taken my Arthritis Strength Tylenol, rubbed my left knee with Blu Emu, and I'm having a toddy. I'm sitting at Susan's house updating my blog. We're both trying to improve our running and lose weight, though I have a much longer way to go than she does. Anyway . . . we're waiting on dinner to heat up. We are splitting a baked potato and we are splitting a filet that was left over from last night. We're also going to have small salads and Susan just informed me that she wants to put frozen peas in hers. YIKES! None for me, thanks. I eat almost anything but peas and brussel sprouts are on my yucky list.
I ran 3 miles Thursday afternoon. I wanted to go farther but
1) it was raining and the lightning started getting bad; and
2) my knee was hurting: and
3) I just didn't feel like it!
I did lift weights after the run and then I jumped on the trainer (stationary bike) and pedaled for 15 minutes. No ridicule please-at least it's something.
Today I did a six miler. SLOW. PAINFUL. but I did it. Trying to do what I know I shouldn't be doing-I'm trying to get where I can do 13 miles for the upcoming Mercedes Marathon. Stupid I know but what the heck. I deserve all the punishment I can deal out to myself for letting myself get out of shape. Additionally, Amy and Troy are entered and she has specifically called me out on it (gulp). I have asked them to come over the last couple of years and they decided to pick a year when they know they can beat me. BIG BUMMER. I'm looking forward to the next month of pain, pills, whining, etc. What I need to do is get Troy and Amy to go out the night before and get them wasted to give myself a chance!
Susan, who had signed up for the half, is now thinking about joining a relay team and doing a 5k leg. There are two 5k, two 10k, and one 7.6 mile leg (final leg). One of her friends is putting together a team and she's thinking that she might be interested in doing it. I think that she's in the same boat as I am-undertrained but even less enthusiastic!
I have lifted twice this week and run four days for a total of 17 miles. Boy do I have a long way to go.
Susan and I are going to my parents for brunch after church tomorrow and visit them for a while. That's about it for the weekend. Enjoy the rest of yours!
I ran 3 miles Thursday afternoon. I wanted to go farther but
1) it was raining and the lightning started getting bad; and
2) my knee was hurting: and
3) I just didn't feel like it!
I did lift weights after the run and then I jumped on the trainer (stationary bike) and pedaled for 15 minutes. No ridicule please-at least it's something.
Today I did a six miler. SLOW. PAINFUL. but I did it. Trying to do what I know I shouldn't be doing-I'm trying to get where I can do 13 miles for the upcoming Mercedes Marathon. Stupid I know but what the heck. I deserve all the punishment I can deal out to myself for letting myself get out of shape. Additionally, Amy and Troy are entered and she has specifically called me out on it (gulp). I have asked them to come over the last couple of years and they decided to pick a year when they know they can beat me. BIG BUMMER. I'm looking forward to the next month of pain, pills, whining, etc. What I need to do is get Troy and Amy to go out the night before and get them wasted to give myself a chance!
Susan, who had signed up for the half, is now thinking about joining a relay team and doing a 5k leg. There are two 5k, two 10k, and one 7.6 mile leg (final leg). One of her friends is putting together a team and she's thinking that she might be interested in doing it. I think that she's in the same boat as I am-undertrained but even less enthusiastic!
I have lifted twice this week and run four days for a total of 17 miles. Boy do I have a long way to go.
Susan and I are going to my parents for brunch after church tomorrow and visit them for a while. That's about it for the weekend. Enjoy the rest of yours!
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
It's Tuesday evening around 9:00 and I'm winding down. It's thundering and lightning and raining pretty hard. We have storm warnings but the radar does not look too bad. I'm about to wash face, brush teeth, read a little bit, and hit the hay. I'm 48 going on 88! I'm reading a pretty neat little book I picked up called PEACE-The words and Wisdom of Mahatma Gandhi. Here's a great quote . . . "There are many causes that I am prepared to die for but no causes that I am prepared to kill for". That's your thought of the day.
I ran four fairly quick miles yesterday afternoon. I'm still running without a watch. All things are relative at this point and I am just running by feel. I felt good about the run and the weather was perfect-70 degrees, beautiful sunset, running along the ridge on top of the mountain I live on. My body did tell on me somewhat last night . . . a little sore but that's okay. By the way . . . How about those LSU tigers? National champs! I'm an Auburn fan but anytime the SEC does well, I'm satisfied. Sorry for you PAC 10, Big 10, Big 12 folks . . . that's just the way it is.
This afternoon I ran another four miler but much slower than last night. Legs were sluggish and my back still hurts from falling down the hill behind my house over the weekend.
I have relatives that like the touchy feely stuff so here's a little something for them-Susan came over and watched the ball game last night. She brought dinner . . . Italian roast and polenta. Yummy.
I ran four fairly quick miles yesterday afternoon. I'm still running without a watch. All things are relative at this point and I am just running by feel. I felt good about the run and the weather was perfect-70 degrees, beautiful sunset, running along the ridge on top of the mountain I live on. My body did tell on me somewhat last night . . . a little sore but that's okay. By the way . . . How about those LSU tigers? National champs! I'm an Auburn fan but anytime the SEC does well, I'm satisfied. Sorry for you PAC 10, Big 10, Big 12 folks . . . that's just the way it is.
This afternoon I ran another four miler but much slower than last night. Legs were sluggish and my back still hurts from falling down the hill behind my house over the weekend.
I have relatives that like the touchy feely stuff so here's a little something for them-Susan came over and watched the ball game last night. She brought dinner . . . Italian roast and polenta. Yummy.
Monday, January 07, 2008
Monday-fleeing the fat man
Greetings to all.
I've decided to try to run the Mercedes Half here in B'ham about a month from now. I will be doing it in survival mode. Susan has not been able to train adequately and I am going to run in her place since she is raising money for the Bell Center (see link at right). Of course, I have not been training for a half marathon so we'll just see how it goes. This is a hilly course and I may resort to walking on the uphills. The best part of the race is that every finisher in the half and full marathon qualifies for a chance to win a new mercedes SUV. And there is one heck of a party afterwards with BBQ and mucho fluid replacement.
I actually lost 1 pound over the weekend. I know it doesn't sound like much but considering the weekend is when I do my "heavy" eating, I'm pretty pleased about it! I've been watching my intake and trying to control portion size based on my WeightWatcher training. I am sitting here at my desk at work during lunch hour eating my small can of tuna, 2 dozen pretzels, 5 ginger snaps, and diet soda. That's about a 6 point lunch for those of you familiar with counting points.
I ran last Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Monday was tough because it was New Year's eve and I had lots of things on my mind but I did 4 miles.
Wednesday was the kind of day when you really want to stay inside. We had been having normal weather for Alabama-low to mid 50s. Well, old man winter struck with fury on Wednesday. The temp never got over 30 and there were 20-30 mph winds. By the time I got home from work, stretched and headed outside, the temp was 28 degrees and the wind was NASTY. It was doubly tough since I live on top of a ridge and the wind just seems to cut you in half. I managed a measely 3 miler and called it quits.
Thursday was almost the same as Wednesday except the wind wasn't quite so bad. I did a 4 miler but still wished I was indoors! Also lifted weights after I ran.
Saturday was a very nice day. It was warming back up and it felt like running weather. I did about a 5 miler. I did 3.1 mile loop with my neighbor Dom. He calls it his super loop and includes the big hill in the 'hood. I did a mile before and after the loop.
I am looking forward to my run this afternoon. The temp is near 70 today, the sun is shining and I actually feel pretty good considering I took a tumble down the hill behind my house this weekend.
Thank you Susan for the kind words, the patience, and the trust.
I've decided to try to run the Mercedes Half here in B'ham about a month from now. I will be doing it in survival mode. Susan has not been able to train adequately and I am going to run in her place since she is raising money for the Bell Center (see link at right). Of course, I have not been training for a half marathon so we'll just see how it goes. This is a hilly course and I may resort to walking on the uphills. The best part of the race is that every finisher in the half and full marathon qualifies for a chance to win a new mercedes SUV. And there is one heck of a party afterwards with BBQ and mucho fluid replacement.
I actually lost 1 pound over the weekend. I know it doesn't sound like much but considering the weekend is when I do my "heavy" eating, I'm pretty pleased about it! I've been watching my intake and trying to control portion size based on my WeightWatcher training. I am sitting here at my desk at work during lunch hour eating my small can of tuna, 2 dozen pretzels, 5 ginger snaps, and diet soda. That's about a 6 point lunch for those of you familiar with counting points.
I ran last Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Monday was tough because it was New Year's eve and I had lots of things on my mind but I did 4 miles.
Wednesday was the kind of day when you really want to stay inside. We had been having normal weather for Alabama-low to mid 50s. Well, old man winter struck with fury on Wednesday. The temp never got over 30 and there were 20-30 mph winds. By the time I got home from work, stretched and headed outside, the temp was 28 degrees and the wind was NASTY. It was doubly tough since I live on top of a ridge and the wind just seems to cut you in half. I managed a measely 3 miler and called it quits.
Thursday was almost the same as Wednesday except the wind wasn't quite so bad. I did a 4 miler but still wished I was indoors! Also lifted weights after I ran.
Saturday was a very nice day. It was warming back up and it felt like running weather. I did about a 5 miler. I did 3.1 mile loop with my neighbor Dom. He calls it his super loop and includes the big hill in the 'hood. I did a mile before and after the loop.
I am looking forward to my run this afternoon. The temp is near 70 today, the sun is shining and I actually feel pretty good considering I took a tumble down the hill behind my house this weekend.
Thank you Susan for the kind words, the patience, and the trust.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Happy New Year
Greetings to all and wishes for a blessed, prosperous new year. For the runners out there-I wish you a year of achieved goals and minimal injuries.
2007 is gone. I spent a few days at the end of the year reflecting and reading back through my posts, comments, and assorted emails. 2007 was not my most stellar year. However, something about January 1 (or Jan. 2 in this case) provides a mental and emotional demarcation. Can't explain it. That being said, I, like most folks, have decided to turn things around in 2008. SERIOUSLY. Stop laughing!
You will be seeing more running posts, biking posts, progress on weight loss (gulp!) and less of the touchy feely emotional stuff that defined 2007. I really haven't made any resolutions for 2008 though I guess goals and resolutions go hand in hand. That being said, (drum roll please), here are my main goals for 2008-
1) lose weight. I have to lose weight if I'm going to achieve goal #2
2) Run NYC marathon. I am already in on the lottery since I delayed last years entrance to this year.
3) I'd like to get the 1000 miles this year but that's a stretch . . . let's make it easier and say 900 miles (17.3 miles per week vs. 19.2 miles per week). If I'm going to achieve goals 1 and 2 above, I will be having to put in some miles!
4) Do a Century ride . . . this means saddle time during the spring and summer. I have not done a Century ride yet and it's time I do so. I need encouragement from my biking buddies on this one.
Simple things to do but they will require focus and attention. I hope you help to hold me accountable for these.
2007 is gone. I spent a few days at the end of the year reflecting and reading back through my posts, comments, and assorted emails. 2007 was not my most stellar year. However, something about January 1 (or Jan. 2 in this case) provides a mental and emotional demarcation. Can't explain it. That being said, I, like most folks, have decided to turn things around in 2008. SERIOUSLY. Stop laughing!
You will be seeing more running posts, biking posts, progress on weight loss (gulp!) and less of the touchy feely emotional stuff that defined 2007. I really haven't made any resolutions for 2008 though I guess goals and resolutions go hand in hand. That being said, (drum roll please), here are my main goals for 2008-
1) lose weight. I have to lose weight if I'm going to achieve goal #2
2) Run NYC marathon. I am already in on the lottery since I delayed last years entrance to this year.
3) I'd like to get the 1000 miles this year but that's a stretch . . . let's make it easier and say 900 miles (17.3 miles per week vs. 19.2 miles per week). If I'm going to achieve goals 1 and 2 above, I will be having to put in some miles!
4) Do a Century ride . . . this means saddle time during the spring and summer. I have not done a Century ride yet and it's time I do so. I need encouragement from my biking buddies on this one.
Simple things to do but they will require focus and attention. I hope you help to hold me accountable for these.
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