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.