Change Up

It was another run on the treadmill today since that darned snow is still piled high all over the city. Rather than just go for a straight run I decided to change it up and make it a fartlek run. I did a 2:30-3-4-3-2:30 pattern and pumped up the pace from 6 miles/hour to 7.5 miles/hour. In the measurements used by everybody but the people who make treadmills, it was from a 10 minutes/mile pace to 8:30 minutes/miles. Overall I went 6 miles and felt good the whole way.

So why do treadmill manufacturers make their equipment with the measurements that way? It makes us have to do math, but that can't be the reason. Maybe it's for the more casual users. Or maybe the common man (and woman) is more easily capable of figuring out that type of system as opposed to those of us who live and die with pace and trying to hit a certain number. It's annoying, but it's what I would call a 21st-century First World problem. Kind of like the person who complains how when they use the remote start on their car and the seat warmers don't come on. Yeah, it's not really a problem.

Snow Again

I was right. We were blasted with snow last night to top off the snow that fell last week while away. It was enough to make deep piles on all the sidewalks and roads. Which means I ran on the treadmill for 5 miles. Sigh.

Last Run Outside

One more run in Texas in nice weather before returning to the snowy Midwest. Today we ran another 4 miles in sunny, reasonably warm temperatures. I knew as we went that it could be a couple of weeks, at the least, before I get to run outside again. The KC area got a foot of snow a couple of days ago and now the prediction is for another 8-10 inches (at this point) for Monday. I thought I'd missed the big snow of the season but apparently not completely. Darn it. I need to live someplace where it doesn't snow.

Texas Again

Another good run today in Texas. Yesterday it was cold and rainy, and today it turned nice again. It was 52 degrees with no wind, or at most a little breeze from the south. I ran 4 miles again with the Virtual Running Partner and his ankle continues to improve. I'm especially grateful to be running in Texas since today snow hit Kansas City in what the weather sites refer to as a blizzard. Ha! I am so glad I missed that.

More Texas

Another run in Texas this morning, this time for 4 miles. It was a new route near Brad's house, through a nice neighborhood and even nicer lake area. The weather was a little cooler but that's okay, because it still wasn't as bad as home. The rest of the day was spent at the record store and playing penny can. It was a good day.

Texas Run

Today we're in Texas and the weather is outstanding. It's vacation time and normally I'd slack off, but I don't want to lose the training I've developed recently. I'm feeling good about my running and don't want to go back to ground zero, so I brought my stuff and plan to run four times this week. The wind was out of the south today but I didn't mind. All I brought to wear for running and shorts and short-sleeved Ts, which means it better stay nice. I went a full 8 miles today and finished with an overall 9:23 pace. Not bad for a long run the day after driving nine hours. I could get used to weather like this.

Valentine's Day Run

Meant to post this yesterday but got involved making dinner and such. The weather was quiet breezy from the north, probably in the 15-20 mph range. That made the last couple of miles tough and I slowed down a little, but still finished with an overall 9:05 pace or so. Not as fast as Tuesday's run but still not bad. On that run I was adjusting the volume on the podcast I was listening to and accidentally hit the skip button, which took it back to the beginning of the podcast. I couldn't find my place again but was able to finish it on yesterday's outing. I've mentioned Hardcore History here before, I think, but I'll say they're really good for a break from music. This was a 5-part series on Genghis Khan and the Mongols. Fascinating stuff, which I knew very little about. In fact, prior to this if you'd asked me what timeframe he and his descendants lived, I wouldn't have had a clue. Hint: it was in the years prior to 1260, at which point the unified Mongol alignment is generally believed by historians to have ended. Anyway, I really enjoyed it. It's a good break from music sometimes, and besides that it's just cool. Very much recommended.

Quick

I knew today was going to be a good run and I was looking forward to it from the time I woke up this morning. The forecast was for a temperature above freezing with little to no wind. For once, the forecast was right. The temp was about 42 degrees and the wind nonexistent. Right before I left work my running time was compressed due to having to pick up a kid at about 6 p.m. I started out quick and kept up a good pace for the entire 6 miles. My one hiccup was when I attempted to adjust the volume on the podcast I was listening to and accidentally started it over. I walked for about two minutes trying to get it back to the point where I'd left off and finally gave up. Overall I finished the distance in 52 minutes, which if I'm doing my math correctly works out to an 8:40 pace. It felt good the whole way.

Some runs are worth waiting for.

Fierce Wind

I should have run yesterday, but allergies kicked my butt and I thought the better decision was to take a nap. Today I had time after church, and I paid for the 24-hour delay. Yesterday was nice and calm, while today is very windy with some fierce gusts. My plan was to run 8. Instead I ran 6 and called it good. It was back to that whole level of effort thing. I actually walked a couple of times up some hills because the wind was just too much. There was one point where I even felt like I was going backward. Nevertheless I'm glad I did it. The sun was out and I put on some sunscreen even though it's early February. I suppose I should be glad the temperature was nice enough for an outdoor run, and I am. I thought about a treadmill run but chose the outdoors instead. Even with the wind it was a better choice.

Suitable

Last night and this morning it rained, but by the time I was off work the sky had mostly cleared. The sidewalks were dry excepting a few spots where mud had run onto the concrete. The temperature was in the mid-40s with a nice, stiff breeze out of the north. It was just suitable enough to run, and so I did. I was feeling blah all day at work, the result of that first feeling of allergies from yesterday, I'm sure. Oh, good. I was hoping that would start early this year. In my ongoing battle to never give in I ran 6 miles and it made me feel better, albeit colder. That hot shower afterward removed the chill from my bones.

I know my pace was about 9 minutes/mile even though I didn't have my Garmin. And how do I know? Because when I started to run I was listening to a podcast that had 57:28 to go, and when I finished it still had at least two and probably three minutes to go. I'm giving myself the benefit of the doubt because the last couple of miles was against the wind and the effort was definitely there. And to top it all off, I'm glad tomorrow is Friday, because I'm tired.

Weathercasting

The weatherman was wrong today. Again.

The forecast high was about 45 degrees. When I was on my way home from work the temperature readout on my truck said 56 and never wavered. I'd say the forecast was wrong.

The sun was shining and with a minimal breeze it was another great day to run. I'd felt congested in the afternoon and if today had been nasty I would have skipped the exercise. As it turned out, I couldn't not run (double negative intended). I ran 6 miles at a pretty good clip, probably in the 8:30 range for most of it. I'm guessing since once again I left the Garmin at home. Beautiful day, nice run.

Variable Running

This was a week of extremes with the weather. I ran in 76 degrees, treadmill, treadmill, and 42 degrees. It was a record-breaking high temperature on Monday followed the next day by wind and snow. Today the temperature ascended to a point above freezing and it was nice enough to run outside. My long run for the week was 6 miles, but in light of the overall mileage it was fine. I made it to 21 miles total, which is a nice uptick from the previous week. As usual lately I ran without the Garmin, and it was nice easy run. Saw several people out enjoying the intermittent sunshine, including one older lady who was shuffling along in a "run." As I've said before I'm not going to make fun of anyone who has the wherewithal to get out and exercise. I saw that particular lady twice and waved to her both times. It's the people who won't get off the couch who don't deserve a wave.

More Scrubs

Another run inside as the temperature around here has plummeted, getting into the single digits tonight. I ran while watching Scrubs on the iPad, some great episodes from the first season. For some reason I thought we'd starting watching the show a couple of seasons into the original run, but going back to the very beginning makes me realize we were there pretty much from the start. Good stuff. The run itself was for another 5 miles, this time without any speed bursts. We'll see how the weather looks on Saturday before deciding where and when to run.

Winter

It's amazing how quickly the climate can change in just 24 hours. Yesterday the temperature was 76 degrees, and at the same time today it was 38. For anyone keeping score at home, that's half of what it was one rotation of the Earth earlier. Today was rainy, with thunderstorms, and then snow expected in a couple more hours. All that in combination with the temperature was enough to keep me indoors. I thought about not running but decided I needed it, so I ran on the treadmill and even threw in three three-minute bursts. My normal speed is 10 minutes/mile, although I think it's faster than that since the machine isn't calibrated. My pickups were at about 8:30/mile. Overall I ran 5 miles, which is according to my plan for the week. At this rate it looks like the rest of the plan might be on the treadmill, too. Here's yet another moment in time where I wish we lived someplace warmer.

Summer

Today the temperature set a record high temp here in KC. And not just by a little. The previous record high on this date was 63 degrees, and today that mark was shattered as the mercury rose to 76 degrees. Of course that meant I needed to get out for a run, which I promptly did on my arrival home. But wait, you might say. It's Monday. You're not training for a race and you don't normally run on Mondays.

Let me explain.

My intention was to run on Saturday and complete a good week of mileage. The airlines and weather combined to conspire against me, though. My flight out of Philadelphia on Friday night was delayed by snow, causing me to miss my connecting flight in Atlanta. I don't know who thinks it's economical to fly from Philadelphia to KC by way of Atlanta, but that was the plan. I didn't get to the hotel in Atlanta until after 2 a.m., by which time I was originally scheduled to be home. I finally arrived at the house after noon on Saturday, and was pretty worn out. The day was nice enough but I needed a nap more than I needed a run. On Sunday I could have headed out as well, but the spirit didn't move me. It did today, though, and I took advantage of it with a 5-miler.

I was going to go for a full six but decided that if I'm going to run four times this week I should take it easy and not build up my mileage too high. It's supposed to be nice again tomorrow before the cold returns on Wednesday. If I can do another couple of 5-milers and then a 6-mile run on Saturday that would give me 21 for the week, and that seems acceptable.

Mid-Week

This week the "lazies" set in, aided and abetted by brutally cold weather. Also it was The Wife's birthday yesterday and it seemed unseemly to run on her big day. I should have run on Monday but somehow never got around to it, although I did rotate the tires on the van. Anyway, since I'm going to be out of town on business the next couple of days it was now or never today. And it worked out since today was pretty decent. The temperature was 44 degrees when I set out and even though it cooled off considerably as the sun descended it still wasn't horrible. I ran my regular 6-mile route at a good pace. I left the GPS at home but I would estimate my pace as between 9-9:30 per mile, and closer to the former. This will be a short-mileage week due to getting in two runs (the next on Saturday) as opposed to the usual three, but somehow I'll survive. I also like it that it was still reasonably light outside when I arrived home, even though the sun was past the horizon. It gives me hope that Spring on its way.

More Global Warming, Er, Climate Change, Umm, Nice Weather

60 degrees in January! I ran in shorts and a long-sleeved technical t-shirt today. The wind was pretty strong in spots, but I certainly can't complain about the temperature. I washed my truck before running, and thought since I was out in the sun so much I should put on some sunblock. Lots of people out today walking, running, and biking.

I went 7 miles today for my long run and wore the Garmin so I could get the distance right. I know my route for 4, 5, or 6 miles, but beyond that it helps to have a GPS. I didn't feel like I was running any faster than normal, but when I finished my time came in right at 63 minutes for a 9-minute pace. Not bad for a mid-winter's run where I still feel like I'm recovering from my unplanned two-week hiatus.

The weather returns to its regularly scheduled programming tomorrow. I'm thankful I got to enjoy it today as much I did. That reminds me, I still need to move someplace warm.

It Was Nice and Then the Sun Went Down

Today when I got home from work the temperature was in the mid-40's, a nice pleasant day especially for mid-January. The breeze was all but non-existent as I headed out for my 6-miler. I have to admit I was feeling crummy, like on the verge of sickness crummy, but there was no way I was going to waste a day like this. I felt just fine during the run and even afterward. I guess the exercise got rid of whatever crumminess I was feeling. In fact, this was a run where I decided to add a little speed work to break up the routine. Four times I ran faster for four light poles and then slowed back to my normal pace. I picked level or downhills for the faster runs. I'm not stupid.

For most of the run the temperature was really nice, but as soon as the sun dipped below the horizon it got cold in a hurry. As I was walking up the hill for my cooldown a guy was standing outside his garage and  commented on that same fact. I was glad to get back inside before it got colder, but I was even gladder that I wore a stocking cap and mittens or I would have been in bad shape.

Running Before Dark

Today was sunny but cold. I rushed home from work in order to run before the sun went down and made it, for the most part. The temperature was right at freezing, so I bundled up and had no problems. Although one member of my family didn't appreciate it when I held my frozen cheek against hers.

I stayed with a 5-miler today and will increase to 6 on Thursday. Still feeling good with no pain in the knees. My right foot is better as well. Although it still has some residual tightness in the morning when I get up it's nowhere near the pain it was prior to using the compression sock. That thing really works. I should probably write a review on Amazon but haven't gotten around to it yet. I'm kind of lazy about that kind of thing.

Out in the Cold

Today I had that urge to run outside, no matter the weather, and fortunately the weather cooperated. To a large extent, anyway. I ran 6 miles that started when the temperature was 28 degrees and ended at 30. The weird thing was the wind was blowing against me when I was running south/southwest and then hardly at all when going straight south. As soon as I turned around to head north it was blowing against me again. How in the world does that happen?

It was another run without the Garmin and I just went at my own pace. It felt good overall, no pains, and no stopping to walk. All in all a good mid-winter run.