Closing Out the Month

As January comes to a close in Texas, we're sitting at a balmy 74 degrees. It was an outstanding weather day for a run, the only flaw a stiff breeze from the southwest, but even that was helpful in cooling me off. It was a late one last night as we went to a Mavericks game in downtown Dallas, which meant a shorter sleep time. My legs felt a little tired so I tried to keep the pace a little slower during the 6 miles, and mostly succeeded. I walked a minute up the big hill again due to an elevated heart rate, but overall I'd rate this as a fairly average run. Glad I did it and especially glad for the beautiful weather.

Allergy Run

Yep, it's definitely allergies that have me feeling so bad most of the last week. People who don't have allergies are fortunate. When it hits like this it's like having the flu. Your whole body aches, your mind is cloudy, and you have no energy. Still, I forced myself on a run since I refuse to give in. I ran 7 miles, with a short walk at 6 uphill against the wind, and another partway up the big hill when I felt like my heart rate was getting too high. It wasn't a horrible run, but it wasn't the best, either. I'm glad I did it since it keeps me on track with my resolve to exercise more consistently this year. Plus I'm already down about seven pounds in about ten days, mainly due to a better diet and exercise. Don't tell The Wife, though. She might be a little jealous.

Lethargy

Not sure if it's a cold or allergies, probably allergies, but I was feeling pretty lethargic today. Even took a half-hour cat nap this afternoon, which helped somewhat. At least I felt well enough to run 6 miles in 50-degree weather, with a slight breeze from the north. Also, to be a little gross, it was beneficial to be outside to hawk up some loogies and snot rockets to clear out the system a little bit. Now for a hot shower that should also help.

Is this January?

Today the thermometer rose to 76 degrees. I'm loving Texas winters. I ran 6 miles and felt pretty good, even though I was a little worried about my knees at first. On Sunday we went to an indoor ropes course/activity center and played some archery tag, gaga ball, and of course the ropes. My knees felt horrible that evening, probably because of the gaga ball but also because I dropped to my knee at various times on the thinly padded concrete. I iced both knees and felt better in the morning, when I realized I had a bruise on my right knee. Fortunately yesterday was not one of my running days, and I waited until later today to get out, which I think paid off. At first it felt like things could go bad, but surprisingly the rest of the run went okay. And actually the only worries I had toward the end concerned my right ankle, which felt like it was going to buckle a couple of times but held up all right. Is this what it feels like to get old? If so I better keep running.

In a Race

I decided to run the usual route today, and quickly found out it was in use for a race. It looked like there was a 1-mile fun run, a 5k, and a half-marathon. On my way out it looked like most of the 5k field was returning, so I adjusted my aim and went through the neighborhood instead of around the lake. Once I rejoined the regular path and crossed under Hardin the first of the half-marathon runners passed by on their way back. I saw about a dozen or so before I turned, and then I was passed by a few before I deviated from the path again.

The day was cloudy and a little breezy but nice enough to where I ran up the big hill and into the neighborhood to complete my 6 miles. I think it was a little humid because I perspired more than expected, but can't complain too much since it turned out to be a good run.

Post-Vegas Run

I took my workout clothes and shoes to Las Vegas and they never got out of the suitcase. When you're there for work and they keep you busy from eight in the morning until ten at night it's a little difficult to get in a run. Last year at least I got in one, but that was by skipping a session. None of that this time around.

Today I was glad to get back out there, and my goal is to get back to a regular cadence. No more of this missing a run each week. Today the temperature was mild and there was a strong south wind. I ran 5 miles knowing that the wind would be with me on the way back for the most part. I walked up the big hill because I was not going to run uphill against that wind. Other than that walk my pace was in the 9:30s, probably a little too fast but it didn't turn out too bad since I was running on fresh legs.

New Trail

I decided to head west this morning rather than east, and even ran in the morning as opposed to later in the day like I've been doing. I used my maps app to check out the possibility of running some hills, but I didn't want to go all the way to Stonebridge. Too much traffic to dodge during the morning rush. Instead of that I ran to Ridge and took a right. Just up the road there is a path (new to me) running behind a nice neighborhood. It comes out close to Stonebridge, which I ran up about a quarter of a mile before turning back. This morning was quite humid and I pondered walking several times, but I didn't give in until the way back I walked the last half of the big hill going east from Ridge up Virginia Parkway. All told I ran just over 5 miles. It was good to get that in and do a little hill work in the process.

Back to Normal

Today was a 5-miler that was pretty much back to normal. The temperature this afternoon was about 76 degrees and there was no weirdness at the end like on Saturday. It could also be because I walked up the big hill instead of trying to run it. I haven't slept well the past couple of nights and wavered between exercising or not. The deciding factor was the nice day outside. This morning it was really windy and gusty, but that died down by the time I made it out. I ran into one of my church buddies on the running path where he was talking to another guy who I met for the first time. Several families out with their kids - as usual I'm glad I ignored the part of my brain (actually most of it) that wanted to skip it.Stupid brain.

Strange Ending

Today was actually almost perfect weather for running. The temperature was right at freezing, the sun was shining, and the breeze was almost non-existent. Donning long sleeves, mittens, and a stocking cap, I ran about 5.8 miles with no issues. As I ran up the big hill before entering the neighborhood I suddenly felt like I was going to throw up. I coughed and retched a couple of times as I walked and then turned the corner. Three more times I was prepared to vomit in the side yard of the lucky person with the first house in the development. I started feeling overheated and took off my cap, and as soon as I did the feeling vanished. The only thing I can figure is that I was overheated even though I didn't really feel like it. After another half block of walking I finished up the run at 6 miles. The weirdness hasn't returned since then. Strange, but something to remember next time I layer up for a run in the cold.

Managing the Wind

Another cold (33 degrees) day with a nice wind out of the northwest. I went 5.5 miles and felt pretty good. The path by the pond would have been nicely exposed to the wind on the return route, so I decided to manage the wind and run back through the neighborhood. By running that route I went due west through the development with the houses serving as a windblock. The wind chill wasn't horrible. Heck, I've run in worse. And as much as I didn't run during all the heat and humidity this past year I figure I need to run while I can, and do it without stopping at that.

5 in the Wind

New year and time to get back into the routine. Last week I only ran on Tuesday, with an impromptu trip to Austin messing up things toward the end of the week. Today the temperature was supposed to be in the mid-50s, but it never even reached 50 degrees and it got progressively colder as the day went on. It was cold, gray, and windy, but I got in 5 miles. Either fresh legs or the cold prompted to run faster than I wanted. My pace overall was below 9:30, and even though I kept dialing it back I would soon find myself running too fast.

Looking back on 2016 I can say that I got to take part in a race I'd wanted to do for several years, the Bataan Memorial Death March, and it was humbling experience. Beyond that my running record was spotty and never consistent. As I reach a milestone birthday this year my goal is to resume consistent running, with hopefully a half early in the year followed by a full marathon, whether in the spring or fall I don't know yet. Either way I want to stay fit for several more decades, and running is the way I'm going to do it.