Back from Washington

Ran about 3.5 miles today, one with Natalie and the rest by myself. After 5+ hours on a plane the last two days it was nice to get out and stretch my legs, although I didn't feel like pushing it too much. It was a little humid, but that just means spring is on the way. After the cold of winter I'm not going to complain.

A Pleasant Run

Indoors, that is. A little bit of rain today, and the wife had to run to the store, so I stayed in and ran on the treadmill. 3 1/3 miles of intervals, all of which felt a lot better than the last outing. Apparently my body has (mostly) recovered from the weekend. I'm off to D.C. tomorrow, but will be back by noon on Thursday, so hopefully I won't miss my second run of the week.

Learning to Listen

You'd think I'd have learned by now to listen to what my body tells me, but nooooo.

Helped a friend move yesterday, which absolutely wore me out. Then decided to go running today thinking, hey, five miles won't be a problem. Fell asleep on the living room floor while stretching, which should have been the big sign. Went running anyway, heading out into a 20+ mph strength-sapping south wind. Thought I could go the whole distance. Ended up stopping after 3, and that's being generous because it includes the tenth of a mile warmup and cooldown walks.

When will I ever learn?

Better Day

Today was a much better day. 5 miles outside, and the weather was just about perfect. Overcast, probably in the mid-50's with a slight breeze. Although if someone could tell me how in the world you could be running into the wind against three out of four points of the compass, I'd sure be grateful. I felt more energy today and didn't really strain at all, so I count this as one of those good days, especially when compared with the last few times.

Rainy Outside = Running Inside

5 miles on the treadmill with quite a bit more incline than I've used in the past. Hopefully this equals an easier transition when I resume running outdoors.

I've felt kind of blah the last few runs, and it was a struggle to go as far as I wanted. I think it's the lingering effect of the head cold from a few weeks ago combined with the general malaise of allergies. My wife showed me an infomercial last night about a training program that gives you six-pack abs and a ripped body after ninety days. Maybe a change of pace is what I need, but not that drastic. Although it would be a good core builder for a long run, it would set me back when what I really want to do this year is run a marathon. Maybe a program like that will be next year's blog.

Another Cold Wind

Winter keeps hanging on by a fingernail, delivering a cold north wind. That caused me to run inside today, a 4-miler on the treadmill with varying speeds and inclines. Don't know if it will be nicer tomorrow, but if it is I'd like to get a nice outdoor run in the books.

And by the way, I was right about those Stevie Ray Vaughan songs. Instant motivation!

The Wind Blows from the North

3.5 miles today, which wasn't bad considering it's 25 degrees cooler and the wind has shifted to the north with a lot stiffer touch. Natalie ran the first mile with me, and then I braved the elements on my own for the rest of the time.

No music today, but I'm thinking that a lot of stuff by Stevie Ray Vaughan is good for running. For instance, "The House is Rockin'" is a classic get-your-butt-moving kind of tune, as is "Look at Little Sister" or "You'll Be Mine." Good blues mixed with the Texas shuffle is good for the circulation. You died far too young, Stevie.

Seven Days?

Wow, has it really been a week since I ran? We had company, went to Manhattan (the Kansas version) for my grandpa's memorial service, and had more company. I intended to run while away but somehow never made the time.

Anyway, today was beautiful, albeit with a stiff breeze from the south. Ran about 3 miles, including a half mile that was from an aborted run with the kids since a couple of them started complaining and had to walk. Natalie rode her bike with me while I ran, so she got some extra exercise.

Really, that was a week?

Spring is Almost Here

3.5 miles today in beautiful sunshine, nice temperature, and the hint of a breeze. Does it get any better than this? The older girls ran with me for a mile, and it's time for them to get back in shape!

Easy Run

Didn't get to post this yesterday, but I ran an easy 3 miles as a follow-up to Saturday's long run. Just because I felt like it, that's why. Plus I missed last Tuesday since I was flying back from Baltimore, so this helps up the total for the week.

And now back to our regularly scheduled program.

Further and with more of an incline

Snow flurries this morning, so once again ran on the treadmill. 6.5 miles this time, with up to 4% of an incline at certain points so as to make the transition back to the KC hilly terrain easier next time I go through the front to door to run. Pretty good run at a pretty good pace of less than 9 minutes per mile.

One of these days I'll have to put together a list of music that motivates me while running, which is most important while running in place on the treadmill. Today the song "Adonai" from Petra got me through the last half-mile. Thank God - literally.

Blah

Thunderstorms went through the area last night, so naturally I'm tired and feeling blah today. The wind was just brutal and cold, and running inside seemed to be the order of the day. 3.25 miles of intervals on the treadmill and then it was time for dinner and a trip to Target. Even with a heavy jacket it was cold! If I haven't mentioned it before, I am soooooo ready for spring.