The Rare Early Thursday Run

Since we have a trip planned today I got up almost as early as a normal workday and went for a hill run. It was nice out - overcast, 71 degrees, and humidity not horrible. I ran up to Pleasant Valley Baptist and then down Flintlock to get in the all the worst hills in the area, or most of them. I went the full 6 miles without walking, even up the worst hills. It's amazing the difference temperature and humidity make in the quality of a run. Seems elementary, but sometimes I think it doesn't matter so much if you get used to it. Maybe if I lived in a tropical climate I'd be more acclimated. I'd be willing to try.

Bad Timing

Today I planned on running a little later in the evening, but that went by the wayside when I found out my schedule had already been planned for me. So I ran at about 4:30 p.m., when it was 92 degrees and a heat index of about 100. The first mile went okay but quickly deteriorated. I was supposed to do 1-2-3-2-1 fartleks but got nowhere near running faster than 10 minutes/mile. I ended up going 2.5 miles, an incredibly short outing, and a good half-mile of that was walked. I plan on getting up early Thursday before it gets hot. The first two days of the training plan have produced mixed results so far.

The Beginning

Today marks the start of the training plan for the November Route 66 Marathon. I was going to get up early and run this morning but slept in later than planned, which was nice. So I figured I would run much later in the day since the temperature was going to be in the low 90s. Instead it was overcast and still relatively cool when I walked out to the deck, so I went for it. I ran 6 miles nice and easy. That worked out pretty well since we then spent several hours buying a new car. Glad I got the running done first.

Early On a Saturday

Since I haven't been able to sleep late recently I decided to haul myself out of bed early this Saturday morning. It paid off with a nice cool run. The sun peeked over the horizon soon after I started but the pleasant temperature made for a nice 7-mile run. I saw lots of bunny rabbits along 96th Street as well as Shoal Creek. The humans didn't start showing up in number until the last twenty minutes or so. I was done by 8 o'clock and came home to fix up a tasty breakfast of eggs, bacon, hash browns, and English muffins. Simple and good.

Humidity Makes a Difference

Delayed my run today by an hour due to dealing with car troubles, but it worked out okay. I ran my usual 6 mile route today and didn't have to walk even one time. I attribute the good run to low humidity, which strangely enough makes a big difference. I moved at a decent enough pace, although I left the GPS at home and have no idea the actual numeric pace. That's okay, it was just a good day to enjoy a run in nice 84 degree sunny weather - with low humidity.

Baltimore to KC

I flew to Baltimore Sunday and it was a nice, sunny day for running. I stayed at a hotel right by the Inner Harbor, so it was a short hop and skip over to the area. I ran around the harbor on the north side and it soon became apparent the humidity was nice and high. I turned around and retraced my path and ended up a little over 5 miles, with a couple of bouts of walking mixed in. It was fun to run by the various ships docked there, including sailing, Coast Guard, and even a submarine. Across the harbor I saw saw big Navy ships, either under construction or in for repairs. Gigantic. I know it wasn't that big in comparison, but the Coast Guard ship I ran by seemed pretty darn big up close. As a desert rat who now lives in the middle of the country I find that stuff fascinating.

Today I flew home to KC and after some work on one of the vehicles I went out for my regular Tuesday run. Even though it was "only" mid-80s again the humidity was up the scale. I did the walk every mile or so thing and it turned out just fine. I went 5 miles with an eye to do more this coming weekend. I believe the marathon training plan starts next Monday - time to get with the program.

86 and Easy

Today was a fairly nice day, especially for mid-July. The temperature was in the mid-80s and there was a nice breeze from the south. I took my water bottle with me and walked every mile or so. It paid off in what turned out to be a good run. I kept it slow and just enjoyed the day and the podcast I was listening to, which was about WWI. I don't know much about that conflict but this Hardcore History series is really good. It's been a century since the war started and it's high time this guy learned more about it. WWII gets most of the press and the study time in school. What I've learned so far is that this one is where the world changed, and definitely not for the better.

7 on Saturday

Went 7 miles this morning after staying up late last night with The Boy. The girls held a slumber party for a bunch of younger girls last night and so The Boy and I went to BWW and a movie, not getting home until 12:30 a.m. or so. I didn't get a whole lot of sleep so today's run could have been bad, but it went very well due to the nice temperatures. It was a sunny day but mild enough to not be horrible. The only time I walked was up the hill by the golf course on the way back. I probably could have pushed and run it but my left knee has that slightly swollen feeling and I decided to not go crazy. Overall it was a good run and one of the better ones I've had recently.

Another Unseasonal Day

Today there was a little bit of cloud cover and the temperature only got up to 75 degrees. As far as mid-July goes, that is an AWESOME day. I ran a full 6 miles and threw in about 6-7 fartleks. I did walk up the hill by the golf course on the way back because I felt like I was laboring a little bit, but other than that the run was decent enough. I was hoping for a great run, but it was only average. Still, I'm not going to complain about that, especially since it's supposed to return to normal temps next week.

Pleasant Run

I ran 5 miles today on a different route through the neighborhood and north. Mainly I needed to get the address of a house where we like the paint scheme since we're having our house painted in a couple of weeks. Beyond that it was an unnaturally cool day, especially for mid-July. The temperature was in the mid-70s due to a large mass of cold air that descended from the northern latitudes. According to the forecast that won't last, though, since we're due for hotter temps next week. I also threw in about six fartleks to get some speedwork for a change. Each time I ran the distance of about three light poles at an 8:30 or faster pace. I figured I should do it while it's cooler out rather than later when it's scorching hot.

Brought to You by the Letter 'H'

Saturday's run was brought to you by the letter 'H', as in hot and humid. And really it wasn't all that hot, just in the low 80s when I ran in the morning, but the unhindered sunlight made it seem hotter. And the humidity. I had an overdue library book so I ran by the library and dropped it off. Then I switched over to the side of the street with a little bit of shade and also walked up the big hills as I started overheating. At the end I'd tallied 5.25 miles and that was plenty for a 'long' run. This week it's supposed to be cooler outside, which will be a nice change here in mid-July.

Yesterday

Worked from home yesterday and went running after getting off work, which was earlier than usual. I ran 6 miles in the mid-80s temperature. There was a nice breeze during part of it and a few clouds here and there, but I took it easy and it was a good outing. I walked up the hills by the golf course and again near the traffic circle. Pretty sweaty.

Van Run

We needed to pick up the van today from the shop and I volunteered to run there and drive it back. Today was hot and humid, as usual, but not as hot as it could be mid-July. I ran the "back way" to the shop - down Shoal Creek and then across whatever street that is that intersects with Flintlock by Penney's. The distance ended up being 4.25 miles, which was just fine with me on this summer day.

Another Tardy Post

I ran yesterday morning when the forecast was for cooler weather. It was cooler than normal for July, but it was still pretty warm. I opted out of the Thursday run for a Friday morning run because of a couple of factors. One being that it was hot on Thursday afternoon. I considered running later in the evening but that didn't work out. The second reason was knowing I wouldn't be running on Saturday due to the youngest child's birthday party, plus I always take the kids out to breakfast on their day. As I write this it's overcast and cool out, and I should probably go for a run. But I'll just settle for the 6 miles yesterday in my new running shoes and call it good for the week.

Three Times

I've been out three times in the last week and just now getting around to logging them. I guess I'm going for completeness instead of timeliness.

Last Thursday (June 26th) I ran in the morning with the Virtual Running Partner, who was in town for a few days. He went 4 miles and I went 6, and it wasn't too bad at that point in the day. It was humid, though, and I had to walk up the hill by the golf course on the way back because I overheated.

On Saturday (June 28th) we went out again in the morning and really felt the humidity. We ended up going 5 miles with a bit of walking. That one was a tough run and I didn't feel good at any point during the outing. I struggled to tough it out.

Yesterday (July 1st) I ran 6 miles. The day was cooler, only about 80 degrees, but again very humid. I ran slow and walked after each mile. Again, it wasn't a great run but it felt a little better than Saturday. In about a month I'll begin the marathon training plan and I'm hoping to get in a good foundation before then.

Good Running Day

I lucked out today. Temperatures stayed in the mid 80's but when I went out for a run this afternoon it was cloudy, and stayed that way. A thunderstorm passed to the north and then when got home it rained briefly. I ran 6 miles on my usual route. Today I switched things up and listened to a podcast instead of music, which made the run go rather quickly. For a Tuesday in mid-June I certainly can't complain. Plus I worked from home today and headed out the door before I would have made it home from the office. Another reason to not complain.

Temperature Matters

I did not sleep well last night. I blame that on food and drink. So when I woke up at 7 a.m. I was not happy. I also realized it would be a 50/50 shot at having a good run if I got up and went for it. Since at that point I wasn't going back to sleep I decided to run before it got hot and humid outside. For the most part I made it.

I decided early on to run 7 miles, mainly because I had to decide early on. Plus, it was nice and tidy to run 5-6-7 this week, even if the 5 was more like an 8 or 9 in effort. And to tell the truth, I actually felt pretty good through the whole run and never walked. The temperature was in the low 70s and the sun didn't come out and when it did start to shine it was still shrouded by thin clouds. If I'd waited another hour I would have paid. When I got home I mowed and trimmed the lawn, and yeah, that was hotter but not as bad as running.

I also learned that if my iPod is on shuffle and 'Sabotage' or 'Blue on Black' pops up then I am required to turn up the volume as well as to play the song twice. Rules to live by.

Cloudy and Humid

This morning it rained quite a bit, and by the time I left work it had stopped. Clouds covered the sky and the temperature was only about 80 degrees. The humidity was up though because of the rain and so the air was sweating. A breeze came out of the south and helped when running that direction, but not so much in other ways. I kept it slow and made the 6 miles with only one walk, up the hill by the golf course. Not many people out today, which was not a surprise given the different conditions. I thought about cutting it short but again, I didn't really have anything else to do and going the whole distance seemed like the right thing to do.

The Heat Is On

Today was my first day of teleworking, which meant I got out for my evening run a little earlier than usual. I'm not so sure that was a good thing at this time of year because the temperature was about 90 degrees. I planned to run/walk this one as I get acclimatized to the hot weather again, but man, that ended up being more walking than I planned. I also took my water bottle with me, which had sat in the freezer since last fall. It didn't take long for it to thaw. I went 5 miles, and even with the walking it was one of those outings where the effort felt like a lot more mileage than that. Thursday is also supposed to be hot, and it looks like we're in that pattern. It'll be okay once I get more used to it.

Regular + 1

Weird dreams last night, and then I ran later this morning than planned. I ran the route to do 7 miles and seriously considered knocking off at 6. But then I realized I really didn't have anything else planned for today other than some stuff on my list for the house and went for it. I walked a couple of times when I felt like I was heating up too much, but other than that it was a steady slow run. The guys from the youth group TP'd our house last night and I spent an extra half-hour or so cleaning that up before the run, which probably didn't help much. This afternoon I defrosted the freezer, cleaned stuff off the driveway from the youth group guys, and cleaned out the garage floor. By mid-afternoon I was pretty much done. Fortunately the rest of the day was pretty much stress-free and I made it through okay. Tomorrow will be a day of rest.

Keeping it Slow

On yesterday's 6-miler I kept it slow. It was another day where it had rained during the night and most of the morning, and when I went out it was partly sunny and humid. The heat stayed away, though, and that helped some. I was able to run the whole way, except when I had to stop because people in cars don't understand that people in the crosswalk have the right of way. It ended up being a pretty nice day for a run.

One thing I've found out is how good squats are for you. I can tell their effect when I'm out running. On my off running days I usually do at least 30 of them. I've heard before how they help your core and some other muscles that don't necessarily get a workout during a run. And at this point I guess I can say that's true. And now I'm off to do some more as I do strength-building exercises on this Friday.

Much Rain

It seemed iffy for getting a run in today due to the fact it rained yesterday and most of today up until mid-afternoon. But it turned out great since the skies stayed cloudy and the temperature was mild, perfect for a run. Especially a run in almost mid-June. I'm certainly not going to complain. I ran the whole 6 miles, including the hill by the golf course. I left the GPS and iPod at home and just enjoyed a nice easy run.

I also put together the training plan for the Tulsa Run full marathon in November. The plan officially starts in August, so between now and then I'm going to work on getting a good base with some occasional speedwork.

It's All About Timing

I should have run one more time in Boston, but it rained on Thursday and I was too lazy to get out and do it on Friday morning before I left the hotel to catch my plane. Friday morning would have been perfect . What an idiot.

Today I waited until the rain passed through and went for a run. I probably should have waited until tonight when it was  perfect, but how was I to know? It actually wasn't too bad when I ran this afternoon. Mid-70s and clouds passing by, but it was certainly humid. I ran 6 miles and am setting my sights on a fall marathon. Time to do a full again. This week I'll hopefully get my training plan set up.

Slower Boston Run

Second day in a row for a run along the Charles River. The temperature was a little cooler, but not by much, and I took it slower this time. I found it interesting that the crowds along the paths today were a lot sparser than yesterday. I don't know what that means other than the people around consider Monday more of an exercise day than they do Tuesday.

Beyond that it was another beautiful day. Lots of water and green scenery. I felt a little tired after yesterday's run but kept up my pace today and came in about 9:40/mile. That's twenty seconds slower than yesterday but it's okay, because that was the pace that worked today. Tomorrow is an off day and then I'll run one more time in Boston on Thursday. It'd be nice to qualify for the marathon some day, but I doubt that'll happen. My training classmates and I talked about it at lunch today. One of the guys has run the Boston Marathon twice but it was a charity run, not because of his time. Cool for him because he's run it twice. For now I'll just settle for going on a few runs in a pretty part of the country.

Boston Run

In Boston this week for the some training and took the opportunity to go for a run along the Charles River. I ran 6 miles and enjoyed a nice view along the water. It was 83 degrees, a little warm for this part of the country, and probably ran a little fast. Overall I felt pretty good, and the humidity wasn't as bad as KC. Although I ran past a nice thick garden along Beacon Street that overhung the sidewalk and made me realize how humid that little patch was. I hope to go running a few more times this week even though there's a little rain in the forecast.

Early but Hot

I needed to get out early for today's run since Daughter #1 was having her graduation party in the afternoon. Plus I knew it would be warm later in the day, which provided a little extra motivation. I made it out by 8 o'clock and lo and behold I didn't beat the heat. I only walked once during the 6 miles, up the big hill by the golf course. When I got home I checked the temperature and it was 78 degrees with a heat index of 83. That seems about right since it was humid and I was sweating quite a bit. I was determined to make it with only the one walk and that's the way it worked out. My plan from Tuesday for a 4-5-6 week panned out. This week I'll be in Boston and I plan on running three times while I'm there. The weather there should be cooler and I'm looking forward to some nice runs along the Charles River.

Where'd the Clouds Go?

Came home from work and the sky was totally overcast. I changed, laid on my back on the bedroom floor, almost fell asleep, and went outside to a totally sunny day. And a hotter one than when I got home, too. I wanted to go 5 miles and that's what I did. I walked after every mile and up the big hills, which worked out just fine.

I took a Benadryl for allergies at work about 1 o'clock this afternoon and it leveled me the rest of the afternoon. That's probably why I came close to napping before the run. I was a little surprised at the effect this time since I was feeling pretty energetic before then. Guess that's the price you pay for trying to keep allergies at bay (gratuitous rhyme).

Post-Allergies

Well that was the worst allergy attack I've had in a while. Last Tuesday night after my run was pretty bad, and I hardly slept at all that night. Probably less than two hours. On Wednesday I lasted at work until after a conference call in the morning and then I came home and slept about four hours. I was still in bad shape Thursday and Friday, which was great because my brother flew into town and we went over to Manhattan for Dad's 70th birthday party. On Friday night I was going to go see my aunt and uncle but chose not to because their house is full of cats (ten!). It turned out to be a good judgment call. Saturday I felt better, and Sunday even more, until yesterday and today where I'm almost back to normal. My sinuses and ear tubes are still filled somewhat with phlegm (the nicer term for snot), but even that is fading away.

Today was therefore my first run in a week. It was 80 degrees and sunny for my late-morning outing, and it feels like summer is almost here. I ran a mile and walked a minute (or two) from the start, especially after being off like I was for a week. Also, I purposefully kept the mileage down and only went 4 miles. My plan this week is to go 4-5-6 on my three runs so that when I'm in Boston next week I can go six every time. I can only hope that the worst of the allergies is over.

Allergy Run

Today I felt the effects of allergies all day long, and it certainly showed up in how my run went. Plus it was 87 degrees and sunny, something I'm not used to yet this early in the year. I ran and walked 6 miles, definitely with a lot of walking, especially up hills. I thought I was smart because I found a route through the park near here that offers shade. What I didn't anticipate was the humidity from all the vegetation in that area. Unfortunately that might not be as good a choice this summer as I'd hoped. My overall average was still less than 11 minutes/mile, even with all that walking. I wonder how much better my running would be if I didn't suffer from allergies.

A Tale of Two Runs

Really there's not much to tell about these two runs. I was out of town again this week, this time in Philadelphia, and didn't even take my running gear since I knew I wouldn't have time. Went to watch the Phillies on Tuesday night and the wind made it really cold. Maybe I should have run.

I should have run on Thursday after work but still felt like I was recovering from the trip. So I ran on Friday morning since I had the day off, one of my usual 6-milers. I took it nice and easy and the day was cool but not horribly so.

Today I ran another 6 miles, same route and same result. It was a little warmer but still pleasant. I avoided all the neighborhood garage salers and came away unscathed. I left the GPS at home for both runs since I didn't want to push it when running two days in a row.

Boston Run and then this

Spent the week in Boston for a training class. The Virtual Running Partner also showed up and we went for a run along the Charles River on Monday. He hadn't run more than 4 miles since our half-marathon, and for this one we ended up going 5. Our route was stymied by a bridge inaccessible from the running path. We walked a few times as we figured out where we were going and ended our run along Beacon Street on the way back to the hotel. The rest of the week we spent going to baseball games, eating fried food, and taking in more than the two recommended drinks each day.

Which led to today's run. In the annals of my runs, this one would go down as 'crappy'. I left the house feeling just fine. Two miles into it I was in trouble. I'm sometimes amazed at how quickly the human body can acclimatize itself to different zones, which is what mine did this week in Boston when the days were about 60 degrees and the evenings about 10 degrees cooler. The temperature today was 80 degrees when I was out running. That combined with a three-and-a-half hour plane ride and the bad eating and drinking on my trip made for a run where I walked six times. Certainly not one of my finest hours. Or in this case, 1:06:30. On my return trip to Boston next month I think I'll take care of myself a little better.

Thought About 8, Went 7

I considered going longer today but decided against it since I missed two runs last week. I felt pretty good for most of the 7 miles, but I can tell I need to do some speedwork. That'll probably be on the agenda for the week after next since I'll be on a business trip this week.

Another Cool One

I really didn't want to go on a run this afternoon. The ground is still damp from all the rain, the wind was blowing from the northwest, and it was cloudy. Basically the same weather as Tuesday. For some reason I just had that intense feeling of wanting to lie around and skip the run, but I went for it anyway - because I need to. I ran my 6 miles, yelled at a guy who made a right turn out of his neighborhood and almost hit me, and listened to the new Old 97's album 1 1/2 times. In the end I felt pretty darn good and now I'm glad I endured the elements to get it done. It sets me up for another nice run on Saturday when hopefully the weather has improved.

One Week

Yes, it's been a week since I last ran. On Thursday I flaked out. I should have run but the weather was just bad enough to convince my lazy self to blow it off. Saturday I was in Manhattan and had my running gear with me but again distracted myself with other things. Today it was back to running. In fact, the weather was probably worse today than last Thursday and yet I went for it. The big reason for the difference is that today the new album from Old 97's dropped and I wanted to run with it blasting in my earbuds. I listened to it last week about five times through streaming and I already knew it rocks. Today it kept me going 6 miles at a 9:12 pace. Good job guys.

Perfect Spring Day, New Route

About 70 degrees today, although it felt a little warmer. I've been thinking about trying a new route, and so I did. Instead of heading east I went west and into the Shoal Creek area. I was worried that this course wouldn't be 6 miles, but it actually ended up being a little more than that. Part of the run was on trails and gravel, which was kind of a nice change. There were a few big uphill portions, and that caught up to me in the last couple of miles, which was the same as my usual last two miles. I walked up the hill at the golf course, partly due to the hills and also because the temperature was higher than the latter days. The sun was shining the whole way, which also played a part. At least maybe I've found a route more shaded and a little easier during Summer.

Stealing Miles

I have this little thing I do to steal a mile here and there. It's kind of a mental game, but it works out to some extra mileage and that's what matters. For instance, today (and several "long" runs recently), I run a block into a couple of neighborhoods and right back out. And then on my way back on the old out-and-back course I retrace the route. Those little forays into a neighborhood net me about .12 miles each. But when I do the out-and-back it comes out to a quarter-mile. And doing it twice adds up to a half-mile. I also add in a little extra to the "out" portion of the run and and suddenly I've tagged an extra mile onto my run. Today I ran 7 miles total and it was completely my 6-mile course plus these extras. I've done this before with brief sojourns into a neighborhood, and it works because it's barely noticeable on the run but it adds up in the end. Recommended.

Another Cool One

This week is the Easter program at church, so I'm taking off work a half-hour early each day in order to get in my exercise and not feel rushed to get to church on time. Today I ran my usual 6 miles, and once again it was cooler than normal. I wore long pants, a long-sleeved technical t-shirt, and a race cotton t-shirt over that. I took along mittens just in case but I ended up not needing them. Again it's one of those things that's relative. The temperature is about 50 degrees, yet it feels cold compared to the warmer temperatures we've already experienced. In winter this would have been absolutely balmy. Oh well, it helps me run a little faster than I would at this point in the spring, and I'm not complaining. Before too long it'll be in the 90s and I'll be searching for shade.

Spring Cool Run

Today was cool but it was almost perfect for running. A nice breeze blew from the south but not too bad. I ran my 6 miles today without the Garmin again, which means I can't tell exactly what my pace was. I slept really well last night which translated to a good run today. That seems timely given an article about the importance of sleep in that running magazine that all the runners read. I'm guessing my pace was in the 9-minute range. I felt good all the way through. It's amazing what a good night's sleep will do for a person.

I'm Counting It

Today my goal was 8 miles. I ran (with a couple of walks up the big hills) 7.6 in total. But with my pre-run walk and post-run cooldown I went over 8 miles, and that's what I'm counting so I get to 20 miles this week. I talked yesterday with a co-worker about the effort that goes into a run against the wind and that was definitely the case today The air blew from the south in a big way today and that affected my run up some big hills. Even though my GPS said 7.6 the actual effort was well over 8. And so it goes.

Pleasant Run

Another nice 6-miler, which was almost exactly the same as Tuesday's run. The wind blew out of the NE and I ran without GPS. And all of that was fine with me. Wore the previous set of shoes again and trying to figure out when to work in the new ones. I wore them a couple of times out and about to break them in and will probably do so a little more before running in them again.

In the Groove

Today was a normal run, on a normal day, and felt pretty normal. I'm back into the routine, and ran the usual 6 miles. The wind was blustery and made it a little cool given the temperature, but all in all it was a nice easy run. I went without the GPS this time and I'm guessing my pace was somewhere in the 9:30/mile range. My goal for now is to keep up the routine and log approximately 20 miles a week until I figure out a race to run.

7 Up

Today was one of those rare and gorgeous days in MO. Sunny, temperate, and very little wind. It's one of those days where I like to say even if I wasn't a runner I'd still run. Today's schedule kept me tied up until about 2 p.m. but that was okay. I ran 7 miles this afternoon, nice and easy, and enjoyed it. I ran my normal 6-mile route and added in some side streets and a quarter-mile extension early on that kept me from having to figure out any other math. I wore the shoes from my previous race and I think that helped. My right heel has been hurting the past couple of days and I don't know why, but after today's run it seems okay, for now. In the meantime the off-race training shall continue.

Easy Thursday

I swear the wind changed direction while I was out running today. Several times. Nevertheless, I ran 6 miles at a nice, easy pace and overall felt pretty good. When I returned home and went to put my shoes away I found that I had made a mistake with my shoes. I didn't want to wear the new pair again, so I grabbed what I thought was the pair I'd used for the race - in other words, the pair before my new ones. Instead I picked up the shoes previous to that one, which I actually wear sometimes as sneakers. Oh well, no harm I suppose. It was just funny that I didn't notice until the run was long over.

Return to Running

First run since the race, and hey, I got new shoes. I put them on and went out for a 5-miler. I probably should have broken them in a little first since they were kind of tight. It was nice to get out for a run after over a week. The weather was cooler than normal but not horrible, with a slight breeze from the northeast. My plan is to run 6 on Thursday and 7 on Saturday to get back into the swing of things without losing my modest level of training so far this year.

Race Recap

The Dallas Rock 'n' Roll Half-Marathon on Saturday was a decent run for me. The overall result was more like a training run and twenty minutes off my PR. My official time was 2:05:20. The weather wasn't as bad as expected, particularly the wind, and the temperature was a little cool at the start but not horrible. I lined up in Corral 7 (instead of 4) with my running partners, and we stayed together the first six miles or so. At one point I unconsciously ran faster up a hill and lost them both. My Virtual Running Buddy's friend Laurie caught up to me but the last time I saw her was about mile 10, I think. The last half was better than the first as my pace continued to get faster as the race went along. I finished pretty strong, especially with the crappy training I've done. Before doing another early Spring race I need to put some thought into how better train during the cold months.

This was a pretty fun race with bands scattered all along the course. The recovery by far had the best drinks and snacks of any race I've ever done. I could have walked away with a lot more but didn't have a way to carry more. My only complaint is the same for any race that ends at Fair Park - the long walk to the parking lot after the race is killer. Shuttles, trolleys, whatever...it would sure be nice. The shuttle from Fair Park to the starting line downtown actually went off without a hitch. The expo was also well done and I got a little bit of swag.

I'd like to use this race as a springboard to get back into better training mode, which also means eating better. Tough to do with summer approaching, but getting older all by itself means I'm not going to do well without changing a few other habits. I'll be taking off this week and plan on running again on April 1st. No joke.

Final Speedwork

Another windy day, but at least it was another day to run outside. I did not sleep well last night and we all know what that means. Today's 5-mile run included 3 miles of tempo run. When I was gearing up to go outside I discovered someone had turned on my GPS and the battery was almost dead. Oh, well. I went with a faster run but have no idea how fast. I'd guess it was probably in the 8:15-8:30 range, with a few slowdowns when going uphill against the wind.

All that's left before Sunday's race is a 3-miler on Thursday. I certainly don't look to set a PR with this race, and a finish in under two hours would be a really good result for this training cycle. As I mentioned before I just haven't ever hit a good rhythm. I need to sign up for another race in a couple of months in order to build on this foundation and hopefully feel like I'm in better shape.

Mustang Run

This was the my last Monday run before the race. I probably ran it too fast, but I had plans for the evening. The big thing was finishing so I could go buy a Mustang to "replace" the truck Daughter #1 wrecked a few weeks ago. The next thing after that was getting home in order to grill so we could have dinner before 9 p.m. Mission accomplished on both accounts. And now I'm up too late after my 6 mile run because I figured out how to work the various gizmos on the new car and put the plates on it. Tomorrow might be a somewhat relaxed day at work, all things considered.

Final Long Run

This was the last long run before the race and I even got to run it outside. Today was gorgeous, like a Spring day should be. I went 8 miles and had no issues. I won't say everything's clicked yet and that the race is going to be fine, but at least it was a decent run. Now for a few shorter tune-up runs this week and it's off to Texas.

One of My Favorite Runs

The long-time reader of this blog will already know that one of my favorite runs is the 2x800, which I usually do toward the end of a training program. Seeing as how I haven't been in sync so far with the plan I had low expectations for today's version. I kept the pace down for the 2-mile warmup, and then lowered the hammer for the first 800m. It was uphill and against the wind, yet I kept it at about a 7:30 pace. Granted, that's what my tempo runs are supposed to be, but I still felt pretty good about that. Then I ran slower for 15 minutes, and turned around with the wind at my back for the next 800m. For this one I was under 7:00, staying fairly close to a 6:30 pace.

And that about killed me. I walked for several minutes up the hill by the golf course and then jogged back the rest of the way with no issues. It's weird, though, this feeling that not everything is right. Maybe it's the long layoff between races. Or maybe (gasp) it's that I've lost a step with the ever-descending curtain of age.

No, that can't be it. Not yet. I'm getting older, but it's not time to get slower. Finishing this half under two hours seems like a monumental task at this point, but I still think it's possible. We'll see in ten days.

Windy, in Tempo

Fortunately it was warm enough to run outside today. On the flip side it was windy as anything. The wind blew from the north, which made the return trip up Shoal Creek quite the challenge. Especially up the hills. I chose the run of least resistance and walked up the big hills. Really, there was no reason to press through them. When I got home I checked the weather and it said the wind was blowing at 17 mph. That's a lie. I've run in wind like that and this was far worse, and not just gusty either. My guess is that wherever they were measuring was partially blocked, while I was out in the wide open. The plan called for 6 miles with four of it at a 7:30 temp pace. I ended up at with 6 miles and 3.5 at an 8:00-8:15 tempo pace. When I finished my overall pace was 9:30, and that's with a good 4-5 minutes of walking. I guess my tempo wasn't too bad, but still I don't feel like I've hit a rhythm yet in my training. And it's only 12 days to the race.

Two-Thirds of a Six-Mile Run

Today I decided to mix things up a bit and run my normal route in reverse. While that worked fine for the most part, the blood donation yesterday and recent lack of running outdoors conspired to make me call it a day at 4 miles. I seriously considered going the full distance but determined two extra miles wouldn't make that much of a difference in the long run (pun intended) and might actually make tomorrow's run tougher. I really do think this time on the treadmill has made it more of a struggle for an outdoor run. Although it's kept me in shape it still doesn't translate to road running on a one-to-one basis. I hope I can keep running outdoors until the race. I feel like I've not been able to get into a good training rhythm during this training plan, mostly due to the back and forth between inside and out.

Collateral Damage

Cold day, wind from the north, but I had to get in my 10 miles since the race is only two weeks away. I struggled through it, ending with a pace of 9:48 or so. Which was just fine. After the first six I stopped by the house and had some gel and a few swallows of sport drink. Then I went back out and made it through the final four.

But let's talk about something runners don't address very often. Since the day was cold I wore a pair of what could be termed long underwear under my running pants. The bottom layer really isn't very thick, and the problem with it is that it has seams. I've had experience with this in the past where those seams rubbed high up on my inner thighs and left some sore spots from the chafing. Not a very pleasant feeling, I have to say. And I'm sure it's not pleasant to think about for the one or two other people in the world who might read this. But, continuing on, today I used a nice thick coat of the non-chafing stick stuff (whose name I can't remember but you can find it at all the sports stores) and those spots that used to end up sore were just fine. Yeah, victory for me. Except I missed a spot. There's a place down under, which I call the taint 'cause it taint in front and it taint in back, and a seam down there rubbed a little. I didn't discover this until after the run, and it's not horribly uncomfortable. But in the interest of full disclosure, which is definitely what this is, I should have covered that area, too. The human body is a wonderful thing, but there are times when you realize there are just some areas you don't think about. Unfortunately.

The Start

Maybe this is the start of something new - running outside again. I know that running outside is tougher than doing it on a treadmill, and that was apparent today. The weather was gorgeous, temperature in the 50s and the sun shining. I ran 6 miles and the plan called for a 7:30 pace for four of those miles. Not happening. I was able to maintain at an 8:00 pace and faster than that on the downhills, but going as fast as the plan just wasn't possible. The hills kicked my but a little bit, especially right before the 5-mile mark. I'm hopeful that I can run outside again on Saturday, but we'll see. My left knee is barking a little again, but nothing too serious.

Marathon Pace In Place

Snow on the sidewalks again today, remaining from the weekend. Which meant another treadmill session. I ran 4x1 mile marathon pace intervals, with a 1-minute cooldown between each, for a total of 6 miles overall. I am so ready to run outside again. The weather forecast looks like no further hard freezes in the single digits or below, and if the snow will just melt then I can resume my outdoor sessions before the race. I can only hope.

Monday Run

Got my 6 miler done today on the treadmill. Back to single digits today. Spent a lot of time this afternoon with the insurance adjuster who was looking at my truck after the daughter's crash on Saturday night. She's okay and yeah, it's totaled. I get to look for a new truck. Woo hoo. Gotta stay focused on getting in the miles, though, even if they're indoor miles.

Treadmill Torture

The race is only three weeks away, and missing this week's long run was not an option. I had to do 12 miles - inside. Definitely not my preference. But sometimes you just have to man up and do it. I waited until the Cardinals' Spring Training game came on at noon and started the run. Two hours later the game was in the 6th inning and I was one. I'm not sure I actually went 12 miles because the treadmill isn't calibrated, but I went the time I would've normally spent running that distance. That's what I figure this is about, putting in the time.

It's supposed to snow tonight. I might get only one or two more outdoor runs before the race if this continues. That would make for an...interesting...race.

Back Inside (Repeat)

Cold wind and cold temperatures in the 20s today conspired to put me back on the treadmill. I went 6 miles with 4 miles being at tempo speed, or 8 minute miles. I kept wanting to slow down but told myself I'd be missing a run this week and I needed to get in a good speedwork session. So I did.

Interrupted by Dog

Even though it was only 35 degrees or so when I got home from work I decided I'd prefer to run outside rather than on the treadmill. I bundled up appropriately and set out for an easy 6-miler. I was about two blocks into it when a big black dog ran up beside me. I stopped and pet him (or her, I didn't check), and the dog jumped up on me, very friendly-like. I set out again and the dog ran beside me, through the yards, across the street, and so on. As we neared the busy main road I stopped and tried to coax the collarless dog back the way we'd come. The poor thing wasn't fooled. I hid once and ran around the corner, thinking I'd lost him, when sure enough he came running up behind me. I walked him back into the neighborhood and ran back toward home. Strangely enough that's where he disappeared. I ran all the way north and on an alternate route. I left my Garmin at home so have no idea if I actually went 6 miles or not, but hey, close enough, especially for an easy run.

Distance Again

Got back up to a 10-miler today, and it was only mildly painful. The first five miles were too fast, and I knew it, and kept trying to dial it down, but it didn't work. The last four miles were painful but I slogged through them. The temperature was actually pretty nice today, in the 50s while I was out, but a north wind made it feel colder. At one point as I ran near the football fields on 96th Street I had to walk for about a minute because my left knee acting the fool. Once I started back up it seemed okay. I also misjudged the distance and got to the 10-mile mark with about a half-mile left to walk home. Oh well. I kept telling myself this was more about spending the time on my feet than about the distance. When I finished my overall pace was at 9:05, which was definitely way too fast. Next time I'll do a better job of keeping it slow on the front half.

Modifying on the Run

Today was even warmer than yesterday, but also windier. The plan called for a tempo run, which I did for one mile. But after that I slowed it down and ended up walking about four times, mostly against the wind and up hills. The entire 6 miles was not one of my better runs, particularly after the excessive food intake the past several days. Still, it was one of those days where it was so nice I would have run even if not scheduled.

Running Out

Finally made it back outside for a run today with the Virtual Running Partner. It was cold, windy, but sunny. We went 6 miles easy with a lot of walks since he's not used to hills. And heck, neither am I after several weeks indoors.

Speeding Inside

Today was another indoor speedwork day, same as last Tuesday. I have high hopes that the snow will melt off the sidewalks by Saturday for my 10-miler, since I don't think I can do that on the treadmill. I ran my 6 miles today with 4 miles at the 8:00/mile pace. It was annoying and I look forward to running in the sunlight again someday.

Continuing the Plan

Even though I felt a little lazy today I still ran 5 miles on the treadmill. Or approximately 5 miles. I've decided running on the treadmill is more about the time than any precise measurement, mainly because I don't trust the pace, distance, or even the calories burned displayed on the screen. So I ran 45 minutes, which equates to approximately 5 miles. And that's what we're going with.

More

Spent more time on the treadmill today, to the tune of 8 miles' worth. I was driving home after lunch and picking up one of the kids from an activity, and we saw a woman running outside. The sidewalk on that side of the street was plowed, but closer to home, not so much. I suppose if I really applied myself I could have found a way to run outside, but it just seemed like too much work. Still, I need an outside run soon. Doubtful that the snow is going to melt anytime in the next week, though.

Even More Speed...Inside

More snow on the ground and cold temperatures means more speedwork inside. I did Yasso 800s today - 800m at a 7:30 pace (supposed to be 7:00 but I'm easing into it) followed by 400m at a slower recovery pace. Ran five of the 800s and it actually went pretty well, until the end of the second one when I realized I hadn't adjusted the incline on the treadmill. I hiked it up for the next three.

Overall I have to say I felt pretty good, especially since this run and the one two days ago were the first speed sessions I've done in awhile. Along with warmup and cooldown I went the standard 6 miles today. Maybe someday I can run outside again.

Speeding It Up

First speedwork session was today, and due to about 8 inches of snow it took place on the treadmill. I ran the usual 6 miles which included 4 miles of 8:00/mile pace. I haven't done speedwork on the treadmill a whole lot in the past, and I can't say I'm a big fan of it. One benefit it offers is a consistent pace. The downside is that it offers a consistent pace. I'm a slow starter and when it comes to speeding up it usually takes me a few minutes to ramp up. Plus the variations in terrain also dictate changes in pace, and that's missing on the 'mill.

The temperature is due to remain cold. No telling when I'll be able to run outside again, but I'm pretty sure it won't be this week.

Start

Today I began the training program for the half in March. And at least for the near future it's all going to take place on the treadmill. I ran 4 miles today, an easy run before tomorrow's speedwork. This should be interesting.

Back In

Snow yesterday and this morning means I ran inside again today. It would be nice if there was a better alternative to running outside. Other than living someplace warm, since that's apparently not going to happen anytime soon. I went 6 miles and with the Breaking Bad episodes I was watching, it went fast.

Made It Out

Today did not present the best of running conditions, but they marginally good enough. The temperature was about 40 degrees or so, but the wind out of the west was pretty steady at 12-15 mph. I decided it was worth the pain to run outside, and so I did my 6 miles. The run itself went pretty well with an 8:59 pace. My left knee is bugging me a little, probably because of the constant back and forth between treadmill and concrete.

And tonight I signed up for a race, finally. I'll be running the Rock and Roll Half Marathon in Dallas next month. I know, I keep saying I'm not going to run another race in Dallas, but when your Virtual Running Partner lives there you just have to suck it up and chance that the wind won't be so bad. At least the course doesn't go around White Rock Lake, which should help. Next week I'll start the real training plan, including speed work and maybe another run on Mondays.

Marginally Better

The day started at 0 degrees, which was the temperature on my way to work. It was in the 20s on my way home, and even though I saw a lady out running I didn't get the urge to do so myself. I stayed indoors and ran 6 on the treadmill. I'm going to register for a half in Dallas in late March and I have a feeling I'll be doing a lot of my training on the 'mill. I hope I'm wrong.

Surprise Outside Run

When I got up this Saturday morning it was cold and windy. Guys outside were installing Google Fiber down our street, and I felt bad for them. A little after noon I stepped outside and it was still way too cloudy, windy and cold for an outdoor run. I fell down on the couch and took a little bit of a nap, and when I got up a little after 2 p.m. the sun was out and the wind was much calmer. I decided it was good enough to run outdoors and sure enough, it was. I ran my 6-mile route at an 8:55 pace. On the way back by the golf course I was very tempted to walk up the hill against the wind but talked myself into slowing down and taking it easy. It turned out just fine, since any time I can run outside in January is a good time.

Need. Warm. Weather.

Another day of subfreezing temperatures. When I ran it was 14 degrees out with a wind chill close to zero. Which means...treadmill. Making my way again through the third season of Breaking Bad, which to me is where the series amped up the intensity. Almost every scene is pivotal and the stress on the characters is high. Today's run went really fast just because of that. I suppose as long as I can watch that show then running inside isn't as bad as it could be.

Cold Doesn't Really Describe It

When it's 21 degrees outside and the wind chill is 10 degrees lower than that, you know it's a day for running inside. 6 miles on the treadmill. Can we move someplace warm yet?

Another Treadmill Run

Another day where the temperature wasn't horrible, but the wind was. Seriously, the sustained wind was between 15-20 mph with gusts almost twice that. After my 6-mile treadmill run I went to the store and saw a couple just starting on a run. I wonder how long they lasted...

Back Inside

The temperature today wasn't actually too bad, in the mid 40s, but the wind was horrific. It knocked the wind chill down below freezing. Which meant I ran on the treadmill. Last time and this I used the golf course program to run "hills." The program only lasts about 40 minutes, and then I had to continue on just a straight run without the frills. Since I finished my second viewing of House of Cards yesterday I went back to Breaking Bad for today's run. I definitely couldn't run more than ten minutes on a treadmill without the distraction of some good TV shows.

In and Out

I forgot to post about Saturday's run, mainly because I probably should have run outside. It was nice enough, albeit a little breezy, but I was in that mode where I just didn't care anything at all about being cold. Yes, I passed up a chance to run in the outdoors. In retrospect, it was lame. But at least I stayed warm.

Today was another story. I don't normally run on Mondays unless I'm training for a race, but I couldn't pass up the the chance today. It was sunny and in the upper 40s. Tomorrow it's supposed to be "noticeably colder," according to the language on one weather site I look at daily. Which meant today was the day. I can adjust my routine in the interest of enjoying a run on a nice day as opposed to rigidly sticking to my schedule and having to hit the treadmill again. My actions on Saturday are beside the point. Leave me alone!

Yes, I'm sensitive about that decision, and we shall not speak of it again.

Treadmill Time

Another cold day, another run on the treadmill. Snow still on the ground outside and not an end in sight yet to get rid of it. I was feeling pretty blah after work today and thought maybe I was coming down with something. I almost blew off the run but wanted to get back to three runs a week, and you can't do that if you skip days. Plus that would have put four days between Tuesday's run and the next one scheduled on Saturday. I can't say I felt a ton better after the run, but I also didn't feel any worse. Lots of people were gone from work today because of the flu going around, and I'm hoping I'm not the next casualty.

Hope

I was kind of hoping to run outside today. It was a long shot since the snow is still on the ground from the weekend and yesterday the high temperature was 3. Yes, that's right. Three whole degrees. Today the mercury soared to about 35 degrees, a difference of over 40 degrees from the -8 I experienced on the drive to work yesterday.

Anyway, I was hoping the sun coming out today might have had an effect on the sidewalks. Strangely enough, someone had plowed some of the sidewalks along the main roads, but not all of them. Certainly not in the neighborhood itself. And the plowing left a skin of snow on the concrete. In other words, it still looked hazardous.

I ran inside again, a 6-miler on the treadmill. And so it goes.

Winter Cold

It was an easy decision to run inside today. Snow still covered the sidewalks and the wind blew pretty stiff. We're at the front end of a major cold spell. I guess I should be grateful we got to the freezing point since the high on Monday is predicted to be 1 degree. Yes, that will be the high. Anyway, I ran for an hour on the treadmill. I'm rewatching House of Cards since the second season is due out next month. It made the time go by very quickly, which is all I can ask for when I'm running place.

Final Run of the Year

I did get out for one final run in 2013, and it was a good one. Once again the temperature was nice enough (53 degrees) and the sun was out. The breeze from the southwest was pretty stiff but not horrible enough to cause me to stay inside. My pace for the 6 miles ended up being 8:55/minute. It didn't feel like I was going that fast, fast being a relative term. It was great to run outside and to finish up the year on a strong note.

I didn't race any in 2013, and I need to change that in the coming year. I stayed healthy all year, at least as far as running goes, so maybe I can translate that into a few races. It's been several years since I did a full marathon and I'm going to set that as my goal this year.

Another December Run Outside

I just might have to start believing in this global warming stuff, and I like it! Today the temperature rocketed into the mid-50s, although it felt cooler than that due to the stiff breeze. Nevertheless it was prime running weather in this season we call Winter. I ran 6 miles and saw a few others out as well. I started off with ear warmers an mittens but warmed up enough to remove both. The snow is pretty much gone and I was able to wash the winter off my truck, also a slightly cool experience due to the wind. I'm not complaining, though, since tomorrow's high is expected to be 17 degrees. Yes, that's right, that's the high temperature. At least I got in my kicks today.

Winter Run Outside

Today, the day after Christmas, the temperature soared into the mid-40s. Even though there was still residual amounts of snow on the sidewalks I went for an outside run. When I stepped out the door I almost took off down the street, but felt there was just enough chill in the air that I should grab my stocking cap. I'm glad I did since there was just the whisper of a breeze from the south that would have been on the chilly side of...well, chilly. I was sick on Monday and Tuesday, but recovered in time for Christmas. Therefore I took a mile off my usual session and only went 5 miles today. I'm hoping the forecast for Saturday comes true since it's supposed to get into the 50s.

No running gear for Christmas this year. Guess I'll have to see what I need and ask for it for my birthday.

Sleet

Nasty outside today, with sleet and as of this evening, sleet turning into snow. Ran 6 miles on the treadmill and watched three episodes of Scrubs. As with most treadmill runs, that's really all there is to say about it.

Expecting Ice

All the talk the past two days has been about the possibility of an ice storm tomorrow, and several of my employees are making plans to not come in to work. I thought it was getting cold, and since I have an office in the back of the building where we have no windows to the outdoors I was surprised when I walked outside and it was actually pleasant. My truck display read 62 degrees, which surprised me even more. I realized I would actually be able to run outside, and so I did. I took along some knit gloves but never even came close to needing them. I missed Tuesday's run due to a family birthday celebration, but today I ran 6 miles - in nice weather. It was cloudy and slightly breezy from the south, but not bad at all. My overall pace was 9:06/mile, probably a little fast, but I never felt like I was straining. I enjoy these runs outdoors in Winter - each one is like a gift.

Tripping Breakers

Back inside for today's run due to another dusting of snow last night. And wind. And temperatures below freezing. I set up the treadmill and the iPad to "enjoy" an indoor run. About three minutes into the run the circuit tripped and power disappeared. I told Daughter #1 to not run her heater and reset the breaker. Twelve minutes later it happened again. She said she'd turned off a couple of other things when the power was off and didn't realize her heater was still on. After I reset the breaker - again - I ran for the next 41 minutes without incident.

Sometimes running 6 miles outside is a lot easier.

Unexpected Outdoor Run

I wasn't expecting the temperature to get as far above freezing as it did today. But I'm glad it did. When I checked before my run it was 46 degrees, and any thoughts of running inside went right out the front door. I layered up and started running right away instead of doing my usual walk to the end of the street. I ran 6 miles and my overall pace was 9:15. I missed my run on Tuesday due to truck problems (it's now at the mechanic) and because the temperature was in the low teens. Today I went without music or podcast and just enjoyed being outside. I know this was short-lived, but any time I can run outside in winter is a treat.

Chicken

I probably could have run outside yesterday when the temperature was 9 degrees, but I chickened out. So I ran on the treadmill. It went quickly due to three episodes of Scrubs. It's supposed to be cold for a while, so no telling when I'll get back outside again.

One More Nice Day

The cold front is supposed to come through tomorrow, but in the meantime it was about 60 degrees outside when I started my run. I wore shorts and a long-sleeved technical T. And that's probably the last time I'll get to do that for a while. My pace for the 6 miles was right at 9 minutes. I saw lots of other runners out today, no doubt getting in their last run before the cold hits. I felt loose and easy and left the iPod at home. While running along the fence line on 96th Street I kept hearing scurrying in the tall grass by the sidewalk. I figure the mice were not happy with the little earthquakes caused by my footfalls. As long as they stay away from my house I won't bother them.

Is This November?

For being the last day of a normally cold month it sure was nice today. I worked about five hours to replace some rotted-out wood on the railing in front of the house, and thought about not running since I'd been on my feet for so long. But it was just too beautiful outside and I couldn't resist. I ran 6 miles although I'd originally come into the weekend planning to run more. It was 55 degrees and not breezy at all, with the sun shining brightly. I thought I'd take it slow and easy but it didn't work out that way. I felt good and had more spring in my legs than expected. I finished with an 8:48 pace, a lot faster than I would have predicted. I felt good the whole way and even though I tried to throttle down a few times my body decided otherwise. I'm glad I didn't wait until tomorrow because you never know what will happen with the weather. Take advantage of it when you can!

Trotting

This morning four of us ran the Parkville Turkey Trot. I don't know how many times I've run this particular event but today might have been the slowest outing yet. The older girls ran on their own, although we caught up with the oldest a few hundred yards from the finish. I stayed with The Boy, who had problems and had to walk not even a mile into it. We were way back in the pack and not running fast to begin with, but that's okay. Even though it was tough for me to have to walk, it was more about spending time together than trying to set a PR. I think we accomplished that, and managed to have a good time together. Next year we'll try to have the kids trained better, but I have to hand it to The Boy. He ran the last 1.2 miles or so without stopping even though it was painful. That was a good accomplishment.

Short

I took The Boy out for a run again today, and when he was done so was I. It was absolutely nasty out with an awesome wind out of the north. We went 2.5 miles and that was enough. I had a tiny bit of desire to go back out and get in my six but none of the willpower to accompany the desire. The Turkey Trot is on Thursday and we'll be ready. And hopefully the weather won't be as bad.

Fall

Yesterday was an odd running day. The temperature was below freezing, with a nice little wind out of the north. The kids needed to run in order to be ready for the Turkey Trot this week, but they weren't ready to go when I was. I took off and ran 6 miles and then stopped by the house to pick them up. We started running right away due to the cold and made the turn south. The Boy was crowding us a little bit so I told him to back off. I told them the story of how their cousin did that to his mom (my sister) and caused her to fall and she ended up needing knee surgery. As I was telling the story my youngest tripped over a crack in the sidewalk and fell. She hurt her leg and knee a little bit, but she was done running for the day. We walked her back to the house, and The Boy and I finished up the rest of the 2 miles they were supposed to do. I went 8 miles total, a little disjointed to be sure. On Thursday I skipped the run since it was downright nasty outside and I didn't want to run on the treadmill. yet this winter. Not a good reason, really, but I think it's too early to start on the treadmill and get cabin fever.

Dark

It's getting dark early again, which is not my favorite time of the year. I took The Boy and the youngest daughter out with me for 1.5 miles, and it wasn't too bad starting off. The sun was still out and even though it was a bit breezy the temperature was still good enough for the kids to wear short sleeves. After dropping them off I ran the rest of my 6-miler. I kept a pretty good pace, mostly below 9 minutes/mile, at least when I checked. My overall time was under 10 minutes/mile, which means I must have been running at a pretty good pace by myself since the run with The Kids was more of the 12 minute pace variety. Regardless, I felt good even though I'm not a fan of early darkness. But what can you do? Another month or so and the days will start the cycle of getting longer again.

Oops, Forgot a Title for This One

Yesterday's Saturday run was definitely a windy one. The first 1.6 miles were with The Boy, who had a tough time and we had to walk twice because he was having pains in his side. Once I delivered him back to the house I went out to finish the remainder of an 8-miler. The wind didn't really bother me too much, although I got tired of it. It was coming out of the SSW at a steady pace of 18-20 mph or so, with gusts up to 40 mph. I kept it loose and relaxed, and walked up the hill by the golf course since there was no sense in killing myself running against the wind. I was certainly windblown by the time I arrived home and it was nice to spend the rest of the day out of the wind.

Complainers

I ran the first 1.1 of my 6 miles today with a couple of little complainers. They're young and made it clear they weren't happy to be running in the lead-up to the Turkey Trot in a couple of weeks. I made it clear I wasn't interested in hearing about their aches and pains and that complaining is not what our family does. They made it without walking, even ascending a hill to get back to the house, and they made it without any ill effects. The training will increase over the coming fourteen days, and there will be joy in our house. They may complain, but I know it's better for them than sitting in front of a computer or TV screen.

Mid-Afternoon

The weather here has turned markedly colder. Last night it got down to 16 degrees, a quick plummet to well below freezing. Today the high was 36 degrees, and since I had the day off I waited until it warmed up that far before running. The breeze was very slight and therefore it wasn't too bad. I don't usually run that time in the mid-afternoon, but the wait was worth it. I ran the usual 6 miles and kept it pretty free and easy. My overall pace was 9:12, which surprised me somewhat since I didn't think I was going that fast. One of the kids said something when I got home about running so early, but when I pointed out I was running when the sun was up they understood.

Disappointment

I had high hopes for today's run. I planned to run 9 miles and keep improving my fitness even though I don't have a race planned anytime soon. It was a beautiful morning with lots of sunshine and mild temperatures.

Instead, I had trouble sleeping and woke up about 5:30 a.m. I know from past experience that a bad night's sleep means a sub-par run, and that pattern held again. About 9:30 I went out for my run and struggled to make it 6 miles. The congestion I've had in my sinuses and throat the past few days didn't help, and I felt foggy brained the whole time. I was listening to a history podcast and there were a few times where I had trouble following the story. I probably should have listened to music instead. Even though it wasn't a good run I still did something. I hope by next weekend all this will be behind me and I can have that good run I planned.

Clear

Today the sky was totally clear, a marked difference from Tuesday when I ran in the rain. I wore pants and a long-sleeved technical t-shirt, which seemed not quite enough as I walked down the street. A little bit into the run it was fine, though. Overall I ran the 6 miles at a comfortable 9:20 pace. I was going to say that it was quite unremarkable, and then thought about how remarkable that is. No knee pain, no foot pain, nothing out of the ordinary. It was a just a plain ol' run, no frills and no bumps in the road. Considering some of the minor aches and pains of the past few years it actually feels good knowing that I went on a run and it was...regular.

Rain

Before I left work it looked like there would be a nice long break between storms. Actually, I didn't plan on running because I felt kind of crummy and thought maybe today would be a better day for weights than being outdoors. The temperature was about 60 degrees, though, and I talked myself into a run. A few drops fell on me as I walked to the end of the street and I thought about turning back but it wasn't bad enough to do so. I modified my route and ran by the golf course. On my way back it started sprinkling and then picked up into a full-on rain about 3/4 of a mile away from home.  By the time I got to the neighborhood I was soaked and feeling good. I ended up going 4.25 miles and I'm glad I did. It seemed like the rain gave me extra energy and made me feel a lot better than when I started. When I got back to the house The Boy was walking a friend home and he asked if I had a good run in the rain. I yelled and gave him a high-five. Yes, I did have a good run in the rain.

Breezy Autumn

Today the temperature was definitely autumnal, and the accompanying breeze made the day even more so. I ran 7 miles total at a 9:13 pace. The breeze came out of the west/northwest, making certain parts of the run nice and cool while the opposite was true when running with the wind. For the first time I dug out my stocking cap to combat the cooler temperature. Overall it was a good run. I originally planned to go a full 8 miles but adjusted when I decided I was not enjoying the coolness very much and besides, I'm not training for anything at the moment. Next week I should be able to get in all three of my planned runs and I might shoot for 9 miles next Saturday, depending on the weather of course.