A Conquering Run

If you know me, you would know that going to bed by 10 on Saturday, waking up at 7 to go run on Sunday, and doing it all to be outside in 19 degrees to get in a long run is all something I would never typically do. However, since I got to bed early, I made up my mind - out of desperation since my training has gotten so soft. I needed this run, to keep my spirits going as I continue to "train" for Boston.

And running with a great group was very awesome. Made the run go by so quick, the pace seem so comfortable, and was amazing to get it out of the way for the day.

We started off with our slowest mile at 7:30, and then were pretty much off. Not that we were trying to hammer, just that it was cold, the pack was large, and the runners are talented. Was able to hold on and not feel too taxed.

Longest run since Thunder Road '11, and pleased with the effort.

Miles: 12.1
Time: 1:26:05
Pace: 7:07

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/149093901

Week in Review: 24 miles on 3 days. One medium slow, one short, and one long at medium pace

first time running to work

Car back in the shop, and wife leaving early than I wanted, I chose to run to work and knock out a run. This probably will be it for the day for me. I think I need a nice recovery, and maybe the next time I run will be Tuesday night. Anyway, other than it being chilly, and having to carry a backpack, the run wasn't bad. Legs felt fine.

Miles: 3.92
Time: 29.52
Pace: 7.37

Looking back, I did 42 miles last week. A nice comeback from the lack-luster week prior. Also, good confidence from the 17 miler the other day.

morning shake out before beach wknd

Getting out of bed this morning wasn't tough, but 4 miles was kind of tough. 12 hrs after a hard run, 4 miles at a pedestrian pace was a chore...but no injuries or anything, just some recovery miles and now 24 hours until I take to the streets again for my run tomorrow. #runningneverstops

Miles: 4
Time: 33.12
Pace: 8.15-20

keeping my word

I really didn't want to get up to run. I know I say stuff like that a lot, but this blog is my reflection of my running - so I'll keep it honest. It mainly stems from morning running. I just dread it, but I was happy I gave my word to Mike Mitchell the night before because wanting to honor that is what got me out the door. Despite my mind while I wake up in bed, I am ALWAYS feeling better on a morning run as opposed to an evening run (Assuming I didn't party harty the night before).

We met at Old Bell at 8am and started off with the "old bell hill loop." I thought it would be sick to start off with some hills, and cover some ground before we got on the trails in an effort to minimize re-tracing our steps. The pace started off pretty easy, and a few miles in we found a nice rythem. The temp was not high, humidity was still a factor though. We clicked off some nice miles at the end as we kept building our pace.

My legs didn't have trouble in going for the furthest run of 2011, and that is a good take away. After the run though, my legs were dunzo and it wasn't until I napped that they felt better.

Distance: < 12
Time: 1.27.32
Pace: 7.20-25

Accomplished my goal of 35+ miles , with 37 for the week. Off 5 runs. 1 LR and one Track W/O.

Goal for this week: Speed work (800-200s), 40+ week

Beach run #2

Got up and was out for my run by 830am...drove to the beach access so I could do it all on the sand. The first 40% of the run was against the wind, so my pace was rather slow. The rest was quicker, especially the last 5 mins as I really really picked it up and got some fast running in. Was just moving to the music.

Link to the run

Miles: 5.47
Time: 43.45
Pace: 7.59

Long Run with Mitchell

Got up and out to McAlpine early to meet Mitchell for a 10 miler. I didn't feel great like I did a week ago, perhaps because the race was a little more recent than last time. Anycase, I ran succesfully for 10 miles was able to close my week on a high note, despite only running 4 days this week.

Miles: 10
Time: 1.17.35
Pace: 745-50

Easter Sunrise Long Run

Despite having gone out for beers and a big ole bowl of Mac and Cheese with Chili and Bacon for dinner, I found myself at the Sardis Lot of McAlpine Sunday morning with Jason at 6.20am ready for a long run. I was a little late, but when my revised alarm went off at 6am sharp, I was thinking it was back to bed - but alas I had a bbm from him saying Get Over here! So having someone count on me got me verticle and out the door.

I'm glad I made it. I really was excited about running on the trails, seeing the sunrise on this special day of the Resurrection.

I have to tell you. My legs felt awesome. I didn't have anything to eat or drink, but I had pleanty of energy. The only thing negative about the run was I got real thirsty (cant imagine why!) during the 7th mile, and I felt a little nautios during parts! haha..

Here is the link with the vitals for the run. Little slow during the last couple as we were weaving our way through the woods navigating through a couple wrong turns. ( I think the forest no doubt affects the garmin's satilite signal, ering on the slow side).


Miles: 10

out of the ordinary

What is happening? Running 5 days in a row last week, running during my lunch, running before work?!

I am not a morning person, so I really had to psych myself up to do this. When the clock went off this morning I didn't allow myself to think and got up and out the door to knock out this workout. Once I was out, I realized how nice the weather was and how it was kind of peaceful as opposed to 5pm and stress weighing you down from the day.

I went into a 10 min jog to wake the legs up, then it was go time.

The workout: 5x4 min hard ( I don't have a gps watch so I was going on old fashioned feel. Hopefully it was at 6 min pace or faster, as that was my target) / 2 min jog rest between sets.

The first few sets went by great. The last two I had to dig a little bit, but I really felt great. I didn't feel empty, and my stomach/energy level was perfect.

Cooled down with a 7 min jog, for 45 mins on the morning.

Miles: 6.5+

morning shake-out

Time: 30.37
Miles: 3.5
Pace: 8.40

Able to do my first morning run in sometime. Took a little while for my body to wake up, but a nice slow easy run was probably just what I needed. Ran from home and stayed in Montclair/Maddison Park.