What a great movie. Today was the longest run I've been on in nearly 4 years, and I'm still a little weary. I went for a leisurely 3.5 mile run today, and did everything in my power to make sure that it was exactly that...leisurely. I really was not interested in trying to set some sort of personal record today, because I did not want to crash and burn with still over a mile to go, or something like that. The path takes me from Shelterhouse #1, all the way down 29th, and turning around just past the largest baseball field, you know, in the middle of the "rehabilitation". It's a hike, and the section from 1 Mile to 1.75 Miles is basically straight uphill. Running races not at the lake is probably going to seem like a breeze without hills. I was keeping time today, even though I wasn't aiming for a certain time. But more on that later.
I lamented last time about how hot I was getting during running. Regular T-Shirts just have no breathability to them, they stick to you, and it weighs you down and causes you to heat up big time. I went out and got a couple of lightweight, breathable shirts to run in, and I feel they worked like a charm. It was 87 degrees out there today, and I was sweating it up like always, but the shirt did not stick to me, and I always felt as if there was a cool breeze throughout my torso. Yes, "cool breeze throughout my torso" definitely made it onto the blog. So, I think that this will work for all future runs when it is warm out. As for time, I clocked in at 33:20, which hit the one goal I did have, which was running it under 35:00. I feel that at this point if I can't go under 10 minutes a mile, running a 10K at any point will just be humiliating. Until next time...
Today's Playlist:
"Entertainment" - Rise Against (Surprise! Dropkick Murphy's didn't make the cut today. Oh, and this song kicks ass. I think it would make a killer song to close a race.)
"To The End" - My Chemical Romance (OK song.)
"Injection" - Rise Against (You should know my feelings on running to Rise Against at this point)
"Drones" - Rise Against
"House of Wolves" - My Chemical Romance
"The Good Left Undone - Rise Against
"I'd Tell You But..." - Anti-Flag (Nice upbeat punk song, ideal for running.)
"Sleep Now In The Fire" - Rage Against The Machine (I love Rage, but really, their songs are not great for running.)
"Beat It" - Fall Out Boy (Not as great a beat as I once remembered. I think I have since gained speed which negates the song.)
"Murder City" - Green Day (Good song.)
"Duality" - Slipknot (Good running song. Lots of anger.)
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
Claritin
I've got to say, I did not think that the allergy soreness in my throat was all that big of a deal on Tuesday, but today it was killer. I owe it completely to the fact that I dosed up with a Claritin before my run today. Did you know that it really dries you out? It also gives you some crazy cotton mouth. This really affected the run today, I think. Other factors today were that I don't really have any "running gear", per se, so I just run in normal cotton T-Shirts. Those hold in sweat, and as I have mentioned, I sweat like crazy. Just silly amounts of sweat. I don't really mind that the shirt sticks to me, but when it sticks to my arms, it is tough to really keep that running motion working because you constantly have to adjust your shirt. I think I'm going to have to go buy some sort of macho running shirts, with something that breathes and doesn't stick to me. Otherwise I'm going to bitch and whine about it, because I can.
Two miles today out at the smelly lake. Very sunny, around 80 degrees at 10 O'Clock, with a very slight breeze. Pretty nice to run, but it is certainly warm out. Covered the first half-mile in under 4 minutes today, so I should have been on a great pace, but by the time I made the turn I felt pretty gassed. Second mile was a lot tougher, mostly because I was really struggling with the dry-mouth and the extremely sore throat, so I think this ended up affecting my time because I wasn't really focused on just running. Time ended up being 16:09 today, a drop off from my last two mile run. Close to the goal I had of being under 16:00, but not quite there. I feel that this whole running thing is going to be easier when I am running with other people, either during a race, or if I ever find someone to just go run with. But, all things considered, trying to push myself has been OK. As long as I don't gas myself during that first mile, keeping it between 8:00-8:30, I think I'll be able to put together a solid time next week during my race. Until next time...thanks for reading.
Today's Playlist:
"The State of Massachusetts" - Dropkick Murphy's (probably changing after the race, but at this point it has become such a good pace-setting song for me, I can usually gauge how my running is from the start.)
"Rough Landing, Holly" - Yellowcard (excellent upbeat song, with a quick beat which I think helps during a quick run like today's, but probably would push me too quick during the start of a race.)
"Brooklyn is Burning" - Head Automatica (nice song for a longer run.)
"Spin the Black Circle" - Pearl Jam (really doesn't fit a running mix, so I'll have to evaluate it later.)
"Time to Dance" - Panic! at the Disco (it's too bad these guys had some issues after this disc came out, because it is awesome, and very awesome to run to. Good for long runs or short runs.)
Two miles today out at the smelly lake. Very sunny, around 80 degrees at 10 O'Clock, with a very slight breeze. Pretty nice to run, but it is certainly warm out. Covered the first half-mile in under 4 minutes today, so I should have been on a great pace, but by the time I made the turn I felt pretty gassed. Second mile was a lot tougher, mostly because I was really struggling with the dry-mouth and the extremely sore throat, so I think this ended up affecting my time because I wasn't really focused on just running. Time ended up being 16:09 today, a drop off from my last two mile run. Close to the goal I had of being under 16:00, but not quite there. I feel that this whole running thing is going to be easier when I am running with other people, either during a race, or if I ever find someone to just go run with. But, all things considered, trying to push myself has been OK. As long as I don't gas myself during that first mile, keeping it between 8:00-8:30, I think I'll be able to put together a solid time next week during my race. Until next time...thanks for reading.
Today's Playlist:
"The State of Massachusetts" - Dropkick Murphy's (probably changing after the race, but at this point it has become such a good pace-setting song for me, I can usually gauge how my running is from the start.)
"Rough Landing, Holly" - Yellowcard (excellent upbeat song, with a quick beat which I think helps during a quick run like today's, but probably would push me too quick during the start of a race.)
"Brooklyn is Burning" - Head Automatica (nice song for a longer run.)
"Spin the Black Circle" - Pearl Jam (really doesn't fit a running mix, so I'll have to evaluate it later.)
"Time to Dance" - Panic! at the Disco (it's too bad these guys had some issues after this disc came out, because it is awesome, and very awesome to run to. Good for long runs or short runs.)
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Close call
I can't imagine how people can run, or workout for that matter, without using an iPod, MP3 player, radio, etc. I like to workout, don't get me wrong, but if I wasn't able to listen to music while I do it, I would probably not do it. It's boring and monotonous. Music clearly influences my workouts. The harder and faster the music, the more effective my workouts/runs seem to be. Today my iPod died about a minute after I finished running, right when I finished calculating my running time. I would have been pissed for two reasons had it died while I was running. First, running with no music. Gross. Second, I wouldn't be able to chart my time. Important to me in that I like to chart progress, which I have been making.
Today was very nice. Tried to get an early start because I didn't want to battle the heat today. I've got a feeling that is going to be a recurring theme with my running over the summer. I sweat bad enough as it is, so running when it really warms up will only make it worse. Another 3 miles today. I skipped my first water stop because I hadn't really warmed up yet, and I felt pretty hydrated. There was minimal wind, which is evident in today's time of 26:58. Pretty stoked that I broke the 27:00 minute mark, because it only felt like I was pushing it for the last mile or so. I went back to my normal starting line, so I was tackling hills right off the bat. I definitely know what Nick Bundy was talking about when he was mentioning how bad his shins hurt when he was running, because mine do the same thing. I don't really notice until I finish, so during the run it is not a big deal, but damn do they hurt when I am done.
Other observations from today's run. I apparently do have some sort of allergies flaring up, but nothing major. My throat is just bone dry and raw from drainage, but again, did not really affect my run today. Also, have you ever noticed that a lake smells a lot like rotten fish when it gets warm? Gross, again. It's all good. I'm feeling pretty good about my race next weekend, with the exception of having to wake up at 6 AM or so to eat breakfast. You'd be amazed at how much working second shift kills your ability to go to sleep at a reasonable time. But it's worth it to sleep in. I'm getting away from the subject at hand, so until Thursday...later.
Today was very nice. Tried to get an early start because I didn't want to battle the heat today. I've got a feeling that is going to be a recurring theme with my running over the summer. I sweat bad enough as it is, so running when it really warms up will only make it worse. Another 3 miles today. I skipped my first water stop because I hadn't really warmed up yet, and I felt pretty hydrated. There was minimal wind, which is evident in today's time of 26:58. Pretty stoked that I broke the 27:00 minute mark, because it only felt like I was pushing it for the last mile or so. I went back to my normal starting line, so I was tackling hills right off the bat. I definitely know what Nick Bundy was talking about when he was mentioning how bad his shins hurt when he was running, because mine do the same thing. I don't really notice until I finish, so during the run it is not a big deal, but damn do they hurt when I am done.
Other observations from today's run. I apparently do have some sort of allergies flaring up, but nothing major. My throat is just bone dry and raw from drainage, but again, did not really affect my run today. Also, have you ever noticed that a lake smells a lot like rotten fish when it gets warm? Gross, again. It's all good. I'm feeling pretty good about my race next weekend, with the exception of having to wake up at 6 AM or so to eat breakfast. You'd be amazed at how much working second shift kills your ability to go to sleep at a reasonable time. But it's worth it to sleep in. I'm getting away from the subject at hand, so until Thursday...later.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Everyone knows it's windy
I don't know if The Association had running over a dam in mind when they wrote that great song. All I know is that running in the wind is both challenging and exhausting. Add in the 85% humidity today, and today's run was a workout in every sense of the word.
***As a side note, I would like to point out that the NHRA Nationals are in Topeka this weekend, and Heartland Park is nearly 9 miles away from where I run, and I could hear the engines as clear as day. Your brain must shatter if you are down there by the track.***
Now, the wind should only be a detriment when you run for half of your run if you think about it. This is assuming you hit your halfway point and turn around and go back to your start. But, this particular run that I do is mostly East-West, while the wind almost always seems to be North-South, over the dam. So, for instance, in today's 3 mile run, nearly two miles of it is spent running with the wind blowing straight into your side. Now, it's better than running with it in your face (20MPH today), but it lasts twice as long, so it really feels like you have extra weight on you. Keeping that in mind, I knew it would be tough sledding to improve my previous 3 mile time, so I decided to take it a little bit easy and give myself a nice relaxing run. I have learned now, that doing this (not pushing myself) will lead to my shins burning as much as they have since I started. Slower pace turns into plodding steps and not easy strides. So, even with the wind, keeping up a slightly quicker pace would have prevented me from tearing up my shins, even though my time might not have improved that much.
Today's time was 28:45. This is good in that I feel I'll be able to hit a time of under 28:00 in the Victory for the Valley 5-K, now just 13 days away. Plus, it will almost certainly be windy in Wichita, so I feel I will be used to being able to adapt and fight through the wind. Also, I have now officially completed Hal's 5-K 8 week training program. I am now going to continue the running program with Hal's 10-K program, in anticipation for the Brew-to-Shoe 10K in Manhattan, KS on August 7th. Until Tuesday...later.
Today's Playlist:
"The State of Massachusetts" - Dropkick Murphy's
"Of All The Gin Joints In All The World" - Fall Out Boy
"See the Light" - Green Day
"But Tonight We Dance" - Rise Against
"Confessions of an Economic Hit Man" - Anti-Flag
"American Idiot" - Green Day
"Beat It" - Fall Out Boy
"Porch" - Pearl Jam
"Camisado" - Panic! at the Disco
***As a side note, I would like to point out that the NHRA Nationals are in Topeka this weekend, and Heartland Park is nearly 9 miles away from where I run, and I could hear the engines as clear as day. Your brain must shatter if you are down there by the track.***
Now, the wind should only be a detriment when you run for half of your run if you think about it. This is assuming you hit your halfway point and turn around and go back to your start. But, this particular run that I do is mostly East-West, while the wind almost always seems to be North-South, over the dam. So, for instance, in today's 3 mile run, nearly two miles of it is spent running with the wind blowing straight into your side. Now, it's better than running with it in your face (20MPH today), but it lasts twice as long, so it really feels like you have extra weight on you. Keeping that in mind, I knew it would be tough sledding to improve my previous 3 mile time, so I decided to take it a little bit easy and give myself a nice relaxing run. I have learned now, that doing this (not pushing myself) will lead to my shins burning as much as they have since I started. Slower pace turns into plodding steps and not easy strides. So, even with the wind, keeping up a slightly quicker pace would have prevented me from tearing up my shins, even though my time might not have improved that much.
Today's time was 28:45. This is good in that I feel I'll be able to hit a time of under 28:00 in the Victory for the Valley 5-K, now just 13 days away. Plus, it will almost certainly be windy in Wichita, so I feel I will be used to being able to adapt and fight through the wind. Also, I have now officially completed Hal's 5-K 8 week training program. I am now going to continue the running program with Hal's 10-K program, in anticipation for the Brew-to-Shoe 10K in Manhattan, KS on August 7th. Until Tuesday...later.
Today's Playlist:
"The State of Massachusetts" - Dropkick Murphy's
"Of All The Gin Joints In All The World" - Fall Out Boy
"See the Light" - Green Day
"But Tonight We Dance" - Rise Against
"Confessions of an Economic Hit Man" - Anti-Flag
"American Idiot" - Green Day
"Beat It" - Fall Out Boy
"Porch" - Pearl Jam
"Camisado" - Panic! at the Disco
Friday, May 21, 2010
Rain Delay
So yesterday's running session got wiped out by rain. Sort of like a baseball game. But, the good thing is that the schedule goes on, and there is always another day to run, or game to play. Are we still talking about baseball? Anyways, I was determined to go as all out as I could today since I was on a two mile run. I've got just over two weeks until I run my next race, and I have set my goal for 28:00 minutes. Maybe not a huge step up, but I don't want to kill myself going for something silly like a 25:00 time.
It was finally sunny today. 63 degrees with a nice breeze from the West. I altered my route just a little bit today. Same lake trail, but I started at a place where the run would be more flat at the beginning and at the end. My shin splints really flare up at the beginning of the run, and the original starting line has steep declines and inclines right off the bat, so I wanted to avoid the pain that comes with those particular challenges. I was hoping for another time under 17:00 today, to back up what I had done last week. I was able to put together a run of 15:33, which I attribute to both the flatter run, and a terrific start. My legs are to the point that they don't really get worn out on 2 miles like they had before, so it is a lot more mental than anything. As long as I keep working at it, I think my times are going to be pleasing to me.
Today's Playlist:
"The State of Massachusetts" - Dropkick Murphy's
"The Only Difference..." - Panic! at the Disco
"I'd Tell You But..." - Anti-Flag
"Sweetness" - Jimmy Eat World
"Bro Hymn" - Pennywise
"Bleed American" - Jimmy Eat World
It was finally sunny today. 63 degrees with a nice breeze from the West. I altered my route just a little bit today. Same lake trail, but I started at a place where the run would be more flat at the beginning and at the end. My shin splints really flare up at the beginning of the run, and the original starting line has steep declines and inclines right off the bat, so I wanted to avoid the pain that comes with those particular challenges. I was hoping for another time under 17:00 today, to back up what I had done last week. I was able to put together a run of 15:33, which I attribute to both the flatter run, and a terrific start. My legs are to the point that they don't really get worn out on 2 miles like they had before, so it is a lot more mental than anything. As long as I keep working at it, I think my times are going to be pleasing to me.
Today's Playlist:
"The State of Massachusetts" - Dropkick Murphy's
"The Only Difference..." - Panic! at the Disco
"I'd Tell You But..." - Anti-Flag
"Sweetness" - Jimmy Eat World
"Bro Hymn" - Pennywise
"Bleed American" - Jimmy Eat World
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Carbonation Domination
Yikes. So, any reading material you can find dealing with running will tell you that pop/beer/carbonation will really hinder your running. Well, learned that one the hard way today. After a weekend filled with lots of beer, lots of pop, and lots of great food, running today was horrible. Just horrible. Starting off wasn't bad, but I could tell it wasn't going to be a smooth ride. It felt like I was going to start side stitching almost right off the bat. I did have a good pace going, but it probably was a little too fast, and it felt bad. But, I haven't stopped a run to walk yet, and today wasn't going to be the first time. I could go on about how I felt like I was really struggling with my run, but I'll spare you the details about how my back tightened up, and then my shoulder tightened up, and then it felt like I was side stitching again, but you get the point. Either way, I have really learned my lesson on carbonation and will plan on cutting it down when I know I have a longer run upcoming.
Now, the run wasn't a total loss. As I said, I did get off to a good start, so that is something I have been working on. I focused a lot on how bad I felt running that I got away from the other things I've been working on, such as striding longer and controlling my breathing. But, having said all that, and as terrible as I felt throughout the run, I did improve my time from Saturday. It was a marginal increase, but today I ran the three miles in 27:35. A slight improvement, and enough to make me think that I can hit 28:00 on my next 5-K. Hopefully I can keep improving without the terrible feeling I had today.
Today's Playlist:
"The State of Massachusetts" - Dropkick Murphy's
"Bro Hymn" - Pennywise
"Rough Landing, Holly" - Yellowcard
"Are You Gonna Be My Girl" - JET
"Kill Caustic" - AFI
"Dead On Arrival" - Fall Out Boy
"XO" - Fall Out Boy
"Bricks" - Rise Against
"The Only Difference Between Martyrdom and Suicide is Press Coverage" - Panic! at the Disco
Now, the run wasn't a total loss. As I said, I did get off to a good start, so that is something I have been working on. I focused a lot on how bad I felt running that I got away from the other things I've been working on, such as striding longer and controlling my breathing. But, having said all that, and as terrible as I felt throughout the run, I did improve my time from Saturday. It was a marginal increase, but today I ran the three miles in 27:35. A slight improvement, and enough to make me think that I can hit 28:00 on my next 5-K. Hopefully I can keep improving without the terrible feeling I had today.
Today's Playlist:
"The State of Massachusetts" - Dropkick Murphy's
"Bro Hymn" - Pennywise
"Rough Landing, Holly" - Yellowcard
"Are You Gonna Be My Girl" - JET
"Kill Caustic" - AFI
"Dead On Arrival" - Fall Out Boy
"XO" - Fall Out Boy
"Bricks" - Rise Against
"The Only Difference Between Martyrdom and Suicide is Press Coverage" - Panic! at the Disco
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Rehabilitation Project
The title represents what is currently going on at Lake Shawnee, where I do my running. They are expanding the baseball field area to include multiple diamonds, soccer fields, and other assorted sporting areas. Now, I laugh when they call it the "Lake Shawnee Rehabilitation Project" because Lake Shawnee is as nice a place as I have seen in Topeka. The lake is very nice, it has a golf course, a 7.8 mile paved path around it, the aforementioned sporting areas, a garden, an arboretum, multiple docks, a campground, and even a disc golf course for all the stoners in Topeka to go get blitzed out of their minds and throw the frisbees around. This place does not need to be rehabilitated. It would be akin to someone giving Jay-Z lessons on how to rap. Why would he need them? Give those lessons to Bubba Sparxxx.
But, I can draw a parallel from the Lake Shawnee Rehabilitation Project and my own personal rehabilitation project. Like I have previously stated, I have had a hard time keeping up with my workouts over the long term, and running, to this point, has kept me going forward with goals and benchmarks to keep track of and attempt to better. Sort of rehabilitating myself in regards to fitness, weight loss, and overall health. Today's run, early, and in the very light rain, was terrific. I have learned to just wear the minimum amount of clothes, because damn it, you get sweaty and warm in no time. Then, you have to keep running with the equivalent of a wet towel or three weighing you down. Sure, I'm a little bit cool/cold during warmups and stretching, but it certainly makes it nicer once you get to running. So, lesson learned from the last few times I took a jacket and wore pants. Also, since I've got some extra fat (lots of it), I sweat like a bitch. Just something terrible. Decided to rock a headband today to try to keep me from having to wipe my face the entire run. It really worked. Sure, I looked like doofus running in the rain with a headband, but it seemed to save me some trouble. Today was a 3-mile run, with no goal in mind, and no time in mind that I was shooting for. Tuesday, I ran 3 miles in 29:09. Today, I bettered it at 27:58. I felt great throughout, as well. That, to me, was important because I'd been having issues with the shin splints. Tried to limit my high-impact steps today and focus on striding more, and I think it worked. Tomorrow is a 60 minute walk, which ends up being about 4 miles, Monday is a light workout, and Tuesday is another 3 mile run. Until then, later.
Today's Playlist:
"The State of Massachusetts" - Dropkick Murphy's
"Bricks" - Rise Against
"Error:Operator" - Taking Back Sunday
"Bro Hymn" - Pennywise
"The Trooper" - Iron Maiden
"Behind Closed Doors" - Rise Against
"Re-Education (Through Labor) - Rise Against
"Chop Suey" - System of a Down
"Duality" - Slipknot
But, I can draw a parallel from the Lake Shawnee Rehabilitation Project and my own personal rehabilitation project. Like I have previously stated, I have had a hard time keeping up with my workouts over the long term, and running, to this point, has kept me going forward with goals and benchmarks to keep track of and attempt to better. Sort of rehabilitating myself in regards to fitness, weight loss, and overall health. Today's run, early, and in the very light rain, was terrific. I have learned to just wear the minimum amount of clothes, because damn it, you get sweaty and warm in no time. Then, you have to keep running with the equivalent of a wet towel or three weighing you down. Sure, I'm a little bit cool/cold during warmups and stretching, but it certainly makes it nicer once you get to running. So, lesson learned from the last few times I took a jacket and wore pants. Also, since I've got some extra fat (lots of it), I sweat like a bitch. Just something terrible. Decided to rock a headband today to try to keep me from having to wipe my face the entire run. It really worked. Sure, I looked like doofus running in the rain with a headband, but it seemed to save me some trouble. Today was a 3-mile run, with no goal in mind, and no time in mind that I was shooting for. Tuesday, I ran 3 miles in 29:09. Today, I bettered it at 27:58. I felt great throughout, as well. That, to me, was important because I'd been having issues with the shin splints. Tried to limit my high-impact steps today and focus on striding more, and I think it worked. Tomorrow is a 60 minute walk, which ends up being about 4 miles, Monday is a light workout, and Tuesday is another 3 mile run. Until then, later.
Today's Playlist:
"The State of Massachusetts" - Dropkick Murphy's
"Bricks" - Rise Against
"Error:Operator" - Taking Back Sunday
"Bro Hymn" - Pennywise
"The Trooper" - Iron Maiden
"Behind Closed Doors" - Rise Against
"Re-Education (Through Labor) - Rise Against
"Chop Suey" - System of a Down
"Duality" - Slipknot
Friday, May 14, 2010
Liztomania
Writing very late tonight, because I had some things to do after running. Namely, trying to help what appeared to be a stray cat and it's lone kitten huddled up in the ceiling of Shelterhouse #1 at the lake today. Nevermind that. The kitten is fine, and it looked like it was abandoned by it's mother. Terra took care of it. Back to the running.
Today was a 2 mile run, and I wanted to hit those 2 miles in under 17:00 today, trying to build on last week's time of 17:30. It was a little cool again today, and I think my legs are starting to feel the effects of running on the concrete every other day, because it never felt like I completely warmed up my legs. Plus, I think I'm starting to get shin splints when I run, which, so far, sucks. I didn't loaf through the first mile today. I was out like a shot, mostly because I knew that where I have lost time is in the first mile. By estimation, I made the turn at the 1 mile point in about 8:10, so that was good. By the last half-mile, I felt done. Out of gas, shins hurting, and starting to side stitch a little bit. But, I really felt I was doing pretty good on time. When all was said and done, I had run 2 miles in 16:40. So, mission accomplished in that regards. Not to get to far ahead of myself, but I think if I am able to keep pushing myself with each run, I can hit a 24:00 5-K by the end of the summer. Now, my goal for the June 5th race is going to be under 28:00, which I feel will be attainable by the time I run 3 mile segments more frequently (at least 5 more times by June 5th.)
No playlist today. Too lazy to go find my iPod. Rest assured, it had lots of Rise Against on it. Until Saturday...
Today was a 2 mile run, and I wanted to hit those 2 miles in under 17:00 today, trying to build on last week's time of 17:30. It was a little cool again today, and I think my legs are starting to feel the effects of running on the concrete every other day, because it never felt like I completely warmed up my legs. Plus, I think I'm starting to get shin splints when I run, which, so far, sucks. I didn't loaf through the first mile today. I was out like a shot, mostly because I knew that where I have lost time is in the first mile. By estimation, I made the turn at the 1 mile point in about 8:10, so that was good. By the last half-mile, I felt done. Out of gas, shins hurting, and starting to side stitch a little bit. But, I really felt I was doing pretty good on time. When all was said and done, I had run 2 miles in 16:40. So, mission accomplished in that regards. Not to get to far ahead of myself, but I think if I am able to keep pushing myself with each run, I can hit a 24:00 5-K by the end of the summer. Now, my goal for the June 5th race is going to be under 28:00, which I feel will be attainable by the time I run 3 mile segments more frequently (at least 5 more times by June 5th.)
No playlist today. Too lazy to go find my iPod. Rest assured, it had lots of Rise Against on it. Until Saturday...
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
7
Week 7 of running. Today, I hit the 3 mile mark, and I probably could have kept going. I felt about as good as I have over these past 6+ weeks. Luckily, I had a break from the tornadoes and heavy rain that have been hitting the state, as the weather was borderline perfect. 58 degrees with a slight wind. Today, I really focused on using my core again to generate some power while running. I thought I did a pretty good, but not exactly consistent. I wanted to make sure that I wasn't just pumping and moving a lot for the sake of moving a lot, as this would probably drain me of my energy. Took the first mile easy today, but tried to really push it over the last two miles. Today's time was 29:09 for 3 miles, so a little ahead of my 5-K pace from a couple of weekends ago, without the near death. I think to really make the most of my runs I am going to have to focus on cranking it up a little sooner than the one mile mark. I don't know if this means I need to warm up and stretch more prior to a run, or if it is just a mental thing right now. Thursday, weather permitting, is a 2 mile run, and I'm hoping to make it in under 17:00, which will sort of test my mental theory. Until then, later.
Today's Playlist
"The State of Massachusetts" - Dropkick Murphy's
"Behind Closed Doors" - Rise Against
"Animal" - Pearl Jam
"I'm Not OK (I Promise)" - My Chemical Romance
"Misery Business" - Paramore
"Drones" - Rise Against
"Get Busy Living or Get Busy Dying...)" - Fall Out Boy
"To The End" - My Chemical Romance
"Time To Dance" - Panic! at the Disco
Today's Playlist
"The State of Massachusetts" - Dropkick Murphy's
"Behind Closed Doors" - Rise Against
"Animal" - Pearl Jam
"I'm Not OK (I Promise)" - My Chemical Romance
"Misery Business" - Paramore
"Drones" - Rise Against
"Get Busy Living or Get Busy Dying...)" - Fall Out Boy
"To The End" - My Chemical Romance
"Time To Dance" - Panic! at the Disco
Friday, May 7, 2010
Baby, it's cold outside
And windy. 51 degrees with 25-30 MPH winds out of the North. Not ideal for running, of course, but good for building up that fabled "mental toughness" I'm going to need if I plan on running over the long haul. Today's run basically took me into the wind the entire run, so I'm not fretting that my time for 2.75 miles was just a shade under 28 minutes (27:57). No joke, it was windy. During the last mile, I really tried to focus on using my core and upper body to generate some power and longer strides. Being only 5'10", my shorter legs are not ideal for being able to really stride and cover ground. I felt like it made a difference, as well as the fact that I got off to a much slower start and was able to save some energy for the short distance I had with the wind at my back after running into the wind the whole time. I don't have a run day until Tuesday of next week, so my shins will appreciate the extended time off.
I officially signed up for the Victory in the Valley 5-K race in Wichita on June 5th. I'll be representing the West Side of Wichita. Have not set a goal for the time I would like to run that race, but I would imagine I'll come up with something.
Today's Playlist:
"The State of Massachusetts" - Dropkick Murphy's
"House of Wolves" - My Chemical Romance
"Viva La Gloria!" - Green Day
"Spin the Black Circle" - Pearl Jam
"Helena" - My Chemical Romance
"XO" - Fall Out Boy
"Entertainment" - Rise Against
"Well Thought Out Twinkles" - Silversun Pickups
I officially signed up for the Victory in the Valley 5-K race in Wichita on June 5th. I'll be representing the West Side of Wichita. Have not set a goal for the time I would like to run that race, but I would imagine I'll come up with something.
Today's Playlist:
"The State of Massachusetts" - Dropkick Murphy's
"House of Wolves" - My Chemical Romance
"Viva La Gloria!" - Green Day
"Spin the Black Circle" - Pearl Jam
"Helena" - My Chemical Romance
"XO" - Fall Out Boy
"Entertainment" - Rise Against
"Well Thought Out Twinkles" - Silversun Pickups
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Some much needed rest...
Comes tomorrow. Today, more running. First, I should mention that I really tweaked my right shoulder lifting yesterday. It was not a run day yesterday, so I didn't feel the need to do an update. Anyways, my shoulder feels strained, so luckily I don't have to do anything tomorrow. I'm just getting old. As for my run today, this is the second week that my midweek run (or Second Run of the Week) has been a 2 mile trek, so I wanted to make sure that I pushed it and really tried to increase my pace. Last week, I ran this in about 18:30, so today I was really pushing for a time that was under 18:00.
I did it, but again, I am not really making it easy on myself. I started out very determined to hit my goals, which of course let to me starting off entirely too fast. I felt like I was lumbering to the finish line, as I had exerted a little too much from the get go. But, it's only two miles, so I figured I need to suck it up and shut up. My two mile time today was 17:31, so the goal was met. Next week, I'll have to evaluate where I'm at and see what I should aim for. A slower start, for sure.
Some quick news though to follow up the race from last Saturday. I did not finish last in my age group, which was pretty much all I cared about. Finished 8th out of 12 in my age group. Overall, finished 79th out of 272. Granted, I think the last 100 or so of those were the "walkers", I don't care. Also finished 48th out of 64 men, so plenty of space to improve. I would like to make the next 5-K run be about 28:00 or less. Feel better about it after today's two mile run, and I've still got another month to go.
Today's Playlist:
"The State of Massachusetts" - Dropkick Murphy's
"Spin the Black Circle" - Pearl Jam
"But Tonight We Dance" - Rise Againste
"Unchained" - Van Halen
"Helena" - My Chemical Romance
"Duality" - Slipknot
I did it, but again, I am not really making it easy on myself. I started out very determined to hit my goals, which of course let to me starting off entirely too fast. I felt like I was lumbering to the finish line, as I had exerted a little too much from the get go. But, it's only two miles, so I figured I need to suck it up and shut up. My two mile time today was 17:31, so the goal was met. Next week, I'll have to evaluate where I'm at and see what I should aim for. A slower start, for sure.
Some quick news though to follow up the race from last Saturday. I did not finish last in my age group, which was pretty much all I cared about. Finished 8th out of 12 in my age group. Overall, finished 79th out of 272. Granted, I think the last 100 or so of those were the "walkers", I don't care. Also finished 48th out of 64 men, so plenty of space to improve. I would like to make the next 5-K run be about 28:00 or less. Feel better about it after today's two mile run, and I've still got another month to go.
Today's Playlist:
"The State of Massachusetts" - Dropkick Murphy's
"Spin the Black Circle" - Pearl Jam
"But Tonight We Dance" - Rise Againste
"Unchained" - Van Halen
"Helena" - My Chemical Romance
"Duality" - Slipknot
Monday, May 3, 2010
I'm still Alive
A little tribute to Pearl Jam, whom I'm going to be seeing tonight in Kansas City. A perfect, perfect day to go out and run. Like, when people say they are just going to go out and run, days like this are why. 71 degrees with a slight breeze and no clouds. Very nice. First run after my race, and I spent most of it thinking about things I can do to improve for my next race. My coach (Terra) tells me I should alter my running schedule to race in more 5-K's before I dive into a 10-K, and to push off the half-marathon for a while. She's probably right, as I am not quite as far along in my training as I hoped to be. As for today's run, I took some advice from Hal and took a water break when I came to a water fountain. There is one just past a mile on my way over the dam, and just under two miles on the way back (same fountain). So, I decided to take about 15-20 seconds to stop, get a drink, relax, and then go again. It made a world of difference. Today is the first run where I didn't feel like my legs were really sore, or I was gasping for air. Just a nice 27:40 run for 2.75 miles on Monday.
As I was saying earlier, I have been looking for new races to fill out a schedule over the summer and see if I can improve my times. I'll probably be running in the Victory in the Valley 5-K in Wichita on June 5th, running for the West Side, or course. There are a few other things lined up, including the Governor's Cup (now just the 5-K). We'll get to those as they approach.
Today's Playlist:
"The State of Massachusetts" - Dropkick Murphy's
"To The End" - My Chemical Romance
"Drones" - Rise Against
"Hot for Teacher" - Van Halen
"Dead on Arrival" - Fall Out Boy
"Panama" - Van Halen
"Main Offender" - The Hives
"Entertainment" - Rise Against
As I was saying earlier, I have been looking for new races to fill out a schedule over the summer and see if I can improve my times. I'll probably be running in the Victory in the Valley 5-K in Wichita on June 5th, running for the West Side, or course. There are a few other things lined up, including the Governor's Cup (now just the 5-K). We'll get to those as they approach.
Today's Playlist:
"The State of Massachusetts" - Dropkick Murphy's
"To The End" - My Chemical Romance
"Drones" - Rise Against
"Hot for Teacher" - Van Halen
"Dead on Arrival" - Fall Out Boy
"Panama" - Van Halen
"Main Offender" - The Hives
"Entertainment" - Rise Against
Saturday, May 1, 2010
I threw up when I finished
Yep. I was that guy. Not the most humiliating part of the race, to be honest. So, waking up at 6:15 AM wasn't that bad. I could probably handle getting up early every day, but I don't have to, so why would I? Anyways, so I went and checked in this morning around 7:15, did a little walking/jogging to warm up, stretching, etc. Big bowl of Cheerios and a protein shake for breakfast, and I was ready to go. Running with a lot of people is not easy. I wanted to start at my normal pace and then gradually increase my speed, but that is probably not what happened. I wasn't timing the splits or anything, but I certainly got slower around the halfway point once the field spread out. It is nice to have actual runners to pace with, but part of that is that you have to be diligent to be able to watch your pace. As I was finishing up, I was able to catch the timer at the finish line. I immediately started to sprint, because I was at 29:52 and I was sort of hoping to make it in under 30 minutes. It didn't happen. I crossed the line at 30:03! So close. As soon as I got done I instantly felt the need to vomit. I hauled ass over to the nearest trash can and lost it. Terrific. Oh well. I finished, and I was stoked, so I felt I earned the right to puke everywhere.
Considering that this particular race was A. My first and B. I have not completed Hal's 5-K training program yet, I really can't complain about my time, or the fact that the winner of the 0-9 age group ran a faster time than me (both boy's and girl's...yes, that is humiliation). I now have a good benchmark to start with going forward, and to hopefully improve upon as I keep running. Thanks for checking in. Oh, and if anyone has any tips for how to run and not make your calves feel like they are going to explode, I would be all ears. Later.
Oh, and of course, today's playlist:
Well, I killed my iPod before I could type up my list. Whoops. Maybe next time.
Considering that this particular race was A. My first and B. I have not completed Hal's 5-K training program yet, I really can't complain about my time, or the fact that the winner of the 0-9 age group ran a faster time than me (both boy's and girl's...yes, that is humiliation). I now have a good benchmark to start with going forward, and to hopefully improve upon as I keep running. Thanks for checking in. Oh, and if anyone has any tips for how to run and not make your calves feel like they are going to explode, I would be all ears. Later.
Oh, and of course, today's playlist:
Well, I killed my iPod before I could type up my list. Whoops. Maybe next time.
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