In the morning I am on my way to San Francisco for a few days. While I am out there I will be looking for interesting running routes for me. Not sure I can manage the hills, but I am told over and over again San Francisco is a great running town.
So I won't be training this week. I will be in the Bay Area in talks with an organization for a possible job. This would be an exciting opportunity for me.
I will write if possible. I do plan to be back on Saturday for my long run.
:-)Charlie
Monday, July 30, 2007
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Sometimes the Body Says NO!
Today was a scheduled 12 mile run. It was cloudy and very humid. I have not felt this humidity in a long time. I described to a friend that it was like running while breathing a wet sponge. It was bad.
My start was ok. In fact I was doing ok up to mile 5. I was under an hour at this point. Mile 5.25 though, my body sayd - NO! I felt like I could not go on. My calves hurt, and I was having a great deal of difficulty breathing. I walked, and tried to run again, but it didn't happen.
I made the decision to turn around and head back to our starting point. I felt very dejected during this walk. I ran into something like this in my previous marathon training. Sometimes your body does not want to cooperate. I say better it happen today, than on race day.
I was down the whole trip home, and was grouchy the rest of the day. Sorry to any of my friends I was not cheerful with.
Next week will be a 13 mile run.
This next week I will be in San Francisco. So I won't be training with the group until the long run. I will do my best to put in some miles in San Francisco. No doubt I can get some hill work in.
:-)Charlie
My start was ok. In fact I was doing ok up to mile 5. I was under an hour at this point. Mile 5.25 though, my body sayd - NO! I felt like I could not go on. My calves hurt, and I was having a great deal of difficulty breathing. I walked, and tried to run again, but it didn't happen.
I made the decision to turn around and head back to our starting point. I felt very dejected during this walk. I ran into something like this in my previous marathon training. Sometimes your body does not want to cooperate. I say better it happen today, than on race day.
I was down the whole trip home, and was grouchy the rest of the day. Sorry to any of my friends I was not cheerful with.
Next week will be a 13 mile run.
This next week I will be in San Francisco. So I won't be training with the group until the long run. I will do my best to put in some miles in San Francisco. No doubt I can get some hill work in.
:-)Charlie
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Emotional Run
Tonight was speed training. We had to do 800m/1600m/1600m/800m. For those who are not into metric, this was roughly - 1/2 mile/1 mile/1 mile/1/2 mile. Here were my times:
800m - 4:50
1600m - 10:40
1600m - 10:10
800m - 4:10
That was some fast times my friends. I mean fast! The whole time I did those, all I could think about was the need for speed.
On the walk home though....I got emotional. It was 3 years ago this month I started walking, then running. 3 years!!!
My first 5K was the Trick or Trot. I ran the 3.1 miles in 45 minutes. Since then I have cut that time significantly. I almost teared up on my walk to the gym. I have become an athlete, and it feels amazing.
Now look at those times I mentioned again. Now look at what I wrote for my first 5K. Pretty amazing to me.
This is also the 4 year anniversary of my journey to lose weight. I am currently at 206.5 lbs. I was tipping just over 300 lbs this time in 2003. Again...a very emotional thing for me to comprehend.
As I have said before no one does this alone. Friends, family and loved ones have been with me on this journey, and I am so happy they have been there.
Tomorrow I am supposed to run 6 miles. We will see what the body says. Saturday is a 12 mile long run.
:-)Charlie
800m - 4:50
1600m - 10:40
1600m - 10:10
800m - 4:10
That was some fast times my friends. I mean fast! The whole time I did those, all I could think about was the need for speed.
On the walk home though....I got emotional. It was 3 years ago this month I started walking, then running. 3 years!!!
My first 5K was the Trick or Trot. I ran the 3.1 miles in 45 minutes. Since then I have cut that time significantly. I almost teared up on my walk to the gym. I have become an athlete, and it feels amazing.
Now look at those times I mentioned again. Now look at what I wrote for my first 5K. Pretty amazing to me.
This is also the 4 year anniversary of my journey to lose weight. I am currently at 206.5 lbs. I was tipping just over 300 lbs this time in 2003. Again...a very emotional thing for me to comprehend.
As I have said before no one does this alone. Friends, family and loved ones have been with me on this journey, and I am so happy they have been there.
Tomorrow I am supposed to run 6 miles. We will see what the body says. Saturday is a 12 mile long run.
:-)Charlie
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
6 Miles FAST!!!
Last night was a 6 mile tempo run. I actually enjoyed it most of the way. I zipped along at a good clip. I have been making some changes in my gait, and I think it means I am a bit faster and running easier. Last night's time was 1:09:41. That is less than 3 minutes ahead of pace time.
I felt good most of the run. I started to think about how far I have come. I have been running since 2004, so this is quite a deal for me. I thank my goodness for my running. I feel better about life, me and my health.
I also feel blessed for the supportive people in my life. The family, friends and loved ones are amazing to me with their support. I can't thank them enough.
Wow....that was a lot to think about in a 1:09:41 run.
:-)Charlie
I felt good most of the run. I started to think about how far I have come. I have been running since 2004, so this is quite a deal for me. I thank my goodness for my running. I feel better about life, me and my health.
I also feel blessed for the supportive people in my life. The family, friends and loved ones are amazing to me with their support. I can't thank them enough.
Wow....that was a lot to think about in a 1:09:41 run.
:-)Charlie
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Long Run -10 Miles
Today was our 10 mile long run. The weather was ideal. It was in the upper 60s when we started - very sunny and a nice breeze. We were back on the lakefront path again, as were all the marathon training groups.
Last night I talked with a co-worker who is also a track coach. He told me about the importance of starting the long run slow, and then speed up. I tried to take his advice. My group started slow...or so I thought. When we hit the first mile, it was 11:10. My goal was 12:05. So I was WAY too fast. Ironically I felt I was on a smooth and easy pace, until mile 8. I had two miles about the 12:00 pace. I finished the 10 miles at 1:59:07. That is an excellent run for me. It comes to a 11:54/mile pace. So I was ahead of the 12:00 pace.
Overall I felt good. I really want someone to pace me slower at the start of a long run, so I am not struggling at the end. I'm going to ask Scott about that.
Ok...time to rehydrate.
:-)Charlie
Last night I talked with a co-worker who is also a track coach. He told me about the importance of starting the long run slow, and then speed up. I tried to take his advice. My group started slow...or so I thought. When we hit the first mile, it was 11:10. My goal was 12:05. So I was WAY too fast. Ironically I felt I was on a smooth and easy pace, until mile 8. I had two miles about the 12:00 pace. I finished the 10 miles at 1:59:07. That is an excellent run for me. It comes to a 11:54/mile pace. So I was ahead of the 12:00 pace.
Overall I felt good. I really want someone to pace me slower at the start of a long run, so I am not struggling at the end. I'm going to ask Scott about that.
Ok...time to rehydrate.
:-)Charlie
Friday, July 20, 2007
Quote of the Day
Run when you can, walk when you have to, crawl if you must; just never give up.
- - Dean Karnazes
Runner and author of
Ultramarathon Man.
- - Dean Karnazes
Runner and author of
Ultramarathon Man.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Stormy Weather
Last night's 5 mile run was moved indoors due to thunderstroms. It was rough outside. Inside I ran on the treadmill, and did a great job. Very pleased. I ran the 5 miles in 59:44. That is still under the 12min/mile pace, and I am always happy about that.
:-)Charlie
:-)Charlie
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Cross Train Tuesday
You would think the last thing I would want to do after last night's hill workout would be another workout. Well that's what I did.
I hit the gym this morning for strength training and a bike workout. I did about 25 minutes of strength training. Then I hit the bike for a 6 mile ride. T-i-r-e-d! Phew!
I feel good though. I am upping the weights I use to give me a more intense workout. As the miles increase, the workouts will decrease, so I want to be sure I am getting the most effort out of each workout. So if I was doing a lat pulldown at 60 lbs for 3 reps of 15, I change it to 2 reps of 15 ay 70 or 90 lbs.
The bike workout is an excellent way to train. All of these workouts give me an opportunity to use different muscles and strengthen my core.
Tomorrow is a 5 mile run!
:-)Charlie
I hit the gym this morning for strength training and a bike workout. I did about 25 minutes of strength training. Then I hit the bike for a 6 mile ride. T-i-r-e-d! Phew!
I feel good though. I am upping the weights I use to give me a more intense workout. As the miles increase, the workouts will decrease, so I want to be sure I am getting the most effort out of each workout. So if I was doing a lat pulldown at 60 lbs for 3 reps of 15, I change it to 2 reps of 15 ay 70 or 90 lbs.
The bike workout is an excellent way to train. All of these workouts give me an opportunity to use different muscles and strengthen my core.
Tomorrow is a 5 mile run!
:-)Charlie
Hill Training
Last night's workout was hills. This is a tough one in Chicago. One might be tempted to think we ran up and down the Sears Tower, but that was not the case. If it was Monday, there must have been a threat of bad weather, so we moved indoors again.
I have used the hill program on the treadmills, but this was going to be different. Overall we had to run 5 miles , and in that 5 miles, we had to run 10 hills. These hills started at a 5% incline, and rose to a 6.5% incline. We would run a hill for 1 minute, with a 45 second recovery phase. We would run an "easy" 2 miles at the start, and then run at whatever pace, the miles we had remaining at the end.
This was tough....as all these workouts are. I remember Scott telling me this program would kick my ass, and it does. I also feel darned good afterwards.
To me, hill training is a combination of tempo runs and strength training. You are really pouring some power into your leg workouts with this kind of work. This will also help me tackle those hills during the marathon...not! :-)
After this workout...I was ready for some food. A turkey burger awaited. I skip the fries, and the restaurant I go to is great about substituting cottage cheese for them. Got to have that protein.
I can assure you a slept well when I got home.
:-)Charlie
I have used the hill program on the treadmills, but this was going to be different. Overall we had to run 5 miles , and in that 5 miles, we had to run 10 hills. These hills started at a 5% incline, and rose to a 6.5% incline. We would run a hill for 1 minute, with a 45 second recovery phase. We would run an "easy" 2 miles at the start, and then run at whatever pace, the miles we had remaining at the end.
This was tough....as all these workouts are. I remember Scott telling me this program would kick my ass, and it does. I also feel darned good afterwards.
To me, hill training is a combination of tempo runs and strength training. You are really pouring some power into your leg workouts with this kind of work. This will also help me tackle those hills during the marathon...not! :-)
After this workout...I was ready for some food. A turkey burger awaited. I skip the fries, and the restaurant I go to is great about substituting cottage cheese for them. Got to have that protein.
I can assure you a slept well when I got home.
:-)Charlie
Monday, July 16, 2007
Quote of the Day
Just got this in an email and had to share -
"Running has given me the courage to start, the determination to keep trying, and the childlike spirit to have fun along the way. Run often and run long, but never outrun your joy of running."
Julie Isphording, winner of the 1990 Los Angeles Marathon
:-)Charlie
"Running has given me the courage to start, the determination to keep trying, and the childlike spirit to have fun along the way. Run often and run long, but never outrun your joy of running."
Julie Isphording, winner of the 1990 Los Angeles Marathon
:-)Charlie
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Joy
One of my many thoughts as I was running on the trail today was how I have fallen in love with running. Often I hear people tell me about the joy they feel when they run. I will say I love running, and I certainly enjoy running, but I did not understand the joy people talked about until I was on that trail.
Maybe it is because I run in a city. Don't get me wrong, I think Chicago is one of the most beautiful cities around. But my options for running are along the lakefront, on the sidewalks, or in the street. Today, being in the woods, I felt JOY!
As I mentioned in my last post, the area reminded me of Woodland Shores, where we had out cottage when I was a boy. It was a woods with, for many years a gravel road. Eventually it was all paved. But I loved going for walks on that gravel road. Today I saw trees, creeks....or at least where they were, hills, sun and people really enjoying being out in nature.
In this world, it is not often we feel joy. I don't mean happiness. That is a bit different. I am talking about the feeling of overwhelming happiness over something. I felt it today, and I call it joy. I felt I ran better and easier. Well who wouldn't in that environment.
As always, I am not telling anyone they need to run. I am saying each of us needs to go do or find something which gives us joy!
:-)Charlie
Maybe it is because I run in a city. Don't get me wrong, I think Chicago is one of the most beautiful cities around. But my options for running are along the lakefront, on the sidewalks, or in the street. Today, being in the woods, I felt JOY!
As I mentioned in my last post, the area reminded me of Woodland Shores, where we had out cottage when I was a boy. It was a woods with, for many years a gravel road. Eventually it was all paved. But I loved going for walks on that gravel road. Today I saw trees, creeks....or at least where they were, hills, sun and people really enjoying being out in nature.
In this world, it is not often we feel joy. I don't mean happiness. That is a bit different. I am talking about the feeling of overwhelming happiness over something. I felt it today, and I call it joy. I felt I ran better and easier. Well who wouldn't in that environment.
As always, I am not telling anyone they need to run. I am saying each of us needs to go do or find something which gives us joy!
:-)Charlie
Long Run - Waterfall Glen
This was a terrific long run! The group traveled to Waterfall Glen about 20-25 miles outside of Chicago. It a forest preserve surrounding the Argonne National Laboratory. It was so beautiful. The trail was crushed limestone, which I must tell you is heaven to run on.
http://dupageforest.com/PRESERVES/waterfallglen.html
Running on this path reminded me of the area in Michigan where my family had a cottage. This was woods, clearings, and more woods. I loved this trail. My feet must have loved it...or it was my new Brooks Dyads I was wearing today.
I ran the 9.5 miles in 1:56:47. I am happy with that time. Head coach Scott also seemed pleased. The first 4.5 miles were the easy portion of the trail. After that is was on incline of hills. Hills are not always my friends, but I tackled them pretty hard. The only time I walked was near the tops of two hills. I just did not have it in me to run.
As I ran the trail, I thought about age. Of course listening to Phedippidations podcast on runners over 50 had a lot to do with that. Hehehe... I thought that this was so incredible that at 44 I am running like mad, and feeling good. Take that 20something couch potato people.
So all in all a great running day!
:-)Charlie
http://dupageforest.com/PRESERVES/waterfallglen.html
Running on this path reminded me of the area in Michigan where my family had a cottage. This was woods, clearings, and more woods. I loved this trail. My feet must have loved it...or it was my new Brooks Dyads I was wearing today.
I ran the 9.5 miles in 1:56:47. I am happy with that time. Head coach Scott also seemed pleased. The first 4.5 miles were the easy portion of the trail. After that is was on incline of hills. Hills are not always my friends, but I tackled them pretty hard. The only time I walked was near the tops of two hills. I just did not have it in me to run.
As I ran the trail, I thought about age. Of course listening to Phedippidations podcast on runners over 50 had a lot to do with that. Hehehe... I thought that this was so incredible that at 44 I am running like mad, and feeling good. Take that 20something couch potato people.
So all in all a great running day!
:-)Charlie
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Run and a Workout
Tonight was a 4 mile run combined with some strength training. I did really tonight. I felt in a good groove. I did the 4 miles in 40:43. That is about 10:10/mile. That is a fast pace for me. I needed a good fast run after the last couple of runs. The thing is it never felt fast. I felt I was going at an easy pace. So this is a good thing.
The strength training was a bit rough. Quite a bit of it called for some good range of motion, which I don't have. Scott saw I got a bit frustrated. He offered some alternatives which helped. It's moments like that I wish I could do what other people could do. I can't balance on leg for more than a couple of seconds. Never have. So I was not able to balance and do shoulder presses.
I know...there are worse things in life. Still I just wish I could some of these things.
:-)Charlie
The strength training was a bit rough. Quite a bit of it called for some good range of motion, which I don't have. Scott saw I got a bit frustrated. He offered some alternatives which helped. It's moments like that I wish I could do what other people could do. I can't balance on leg for more than a couple of seconds. Never have. So I was not able to balance and do shoulder presses.
I know...there are worse things in life. Still I just wish I could some of these things.
:-)Charlie
Monday, July 09, 2007
Hard on Myself
My friends will tell you I am extremely hard on myself. This has been a life long deal for me. This brings me to tonight. Tonight was a tempo run - 3 X 1600m. I was just ok the first mile 5.6 MPH. After a walk and jog break, Scott had my crank up to 5.8 MPH. This is what killed me.
I felt my legs giving out a couple times (Note: due to bad weather we were inside on treadmills). I took a couple of breaks. Scott told me to scale back a bit. I did, but I was mad at myself for doing it. If I continued I would slipped off the treadmill.
I just felt like lead tonight, no matter what I did. My mind was also being a mess. In the shower I felt like I had failed. I hung my head and felt low. I met up with Scott and talked about it. He did not seem concerned. He told me it is much better to get the bad sessions out of the way early. He told me I am very much on pace for my sub 6 hour marathon. So this made me feel a bit better.
On the train ride home I thought some more about it. I know my running has improved, and I have to be patient and cut me some slack. I am a much better runner than I was 3 years ago. I am a stronger person, and there is still 3 months until the marathon.
When I am in a down mood, I tend to forget the strengths I have. Emails from friends lately have pointed out to me how strong I am. I am reminded of things I have overcome. Most importantly I reminded myself on the train that I am the guy who finished the marathon in Arizona with blisters and pain...and I DID IT! I CAN DO IT AGAIN!
So this workout is behind me...time to get it in gear!
:-)Charlie
I felt my legs giving out a couple times (Note: due to bad weather we were inside on treadmills). I took a couple of breaks. Scott told me to scale back a bit. I did, but I was mad at myself for doing it. If I continued I would slipped off the treadmill.
I just felt like lead tonight, no matter what I did. My mind was also being a mess. In the shower I felt like I had failed. I hung my head and felt low. I met up with Scott and talked about it. He did not seem concerned. He told me it is much better to get the bad sessions out of the way early. He told me I am very much on pace for my sub 6 hour marathon. So this made me feel a bit better.
On the train ride home I thought some more about it. I know my running has improved, and I have to be patient and cut me some slack. I am a much better runner than I was 3 years ago. I am a stronger person, and there is still 3 months until the marathon.
When I am in a down mood, I tend to forget the strengths I have. Emails from friends lately have pointed out to me how strong I am. I am reminded of things I have overcome. Most importantly I reminded myself on the train that I am the guy who finished the marathon in Arizona with blisters and pain...and I DID IT! I CAN DO IT AGAIN!
So this workout is behind me...time to get it in gear!
:-)Charlie
The Week Ahead
So now we are under three months until the Chicago Marathon. Here is what the week looks like.
Today: 3 X 1600m tempo runs
Wednesday: 4 miles and strength training
Thursday: 5 miles
Saturday 9.5 miles at Waterfall Glen. I'll talk more about that later.
I want to add a couple extra miles in there this week as well.
Over all I am pleased with the training. This last weekend I was not as fast as I like, but we have those days. It's all a process.
:-)Charlie
Today: 3 X 1600m tempo runs
Wednesday: 4 miles and strength training
Thursday: 5 miles
Saturday 9.5 miles at Waterfall Glen. I'll talk more about that later.
I want to add a couple extra miles in there this week as well.
Over all I am pleased with the training. This last weekend I was not as fast as I like, but we have those days. It's all a process.
:-)Charlie
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Running Two Races at Once
I have done the incredibly almost impossible. I am running two races at once. Yup....it's true.
I have entered (drum roll) The Phedippidations Worldwide Half Marathon!
www.worldwidehalf.com
This race was created by Steve Runner, host of the incredible Phedippidations podcast. From the website:
The World Wide Web, and the Internet have drawn people all over the world together, and dissolved barriers to communication and isolation. Runners, are by nature, social creatures who seek to share their experiences on the road, compete with each other, and establish friendships that transcend their individual beliefs, cultures and localities.
The sole purpose of the Phedippidations World Wide Half Marathon is to remove the barriers to camaraderie, with the intention that like minded athletes who harbor this passion for running, could share a single experience of competing in a world wide event.
The Phedippidations World Wide Half Marathon is a free, non-commercial event where everyone is invited to register, train and run with us in the spirit of friendship.
So how is it I can run this? You can either create your own 13.1 mile course, or enter a race. As it so happens I will be in the Chicago Marathon on Oct. 7, and will use the time of my first half as my official race.
I like the premise of this - people all over the world running in community with others. The race is free to enter. All you need is a course. Easy to do. You can use any course you like. You have the whole world to choose from.
If a half marathon is too daunting, you can enter the "Kick the Couch 5K". you can register for that at the same website. So c'mon...join us as we "Think global, run local!"
:-)Charlie
I have entered (drum roll) The Phedippidations Worldwide Half Marathon!
www.worldwidehalf.com
This race was created by Steve Runner, host of the incredible Phedippidations podcast. From the website:
The World Wide Web, and the Internet have drawn people all over the world together, and dissolved barriers to communication and isolation. Runners, are by nature, social creatures who seek to share their experiences on the road, compete with each other, and establish friendships that transcend their individual beliefs, cultures and localities.
The sole purpose of the Phedippidations World Wide Half Marathon is to remove the barriers to camaraderie, with the intention that like minded athletes who harbor this passion for running, could share a single experience of competing in a world wide event.
The Phedippidations World Wide Half Marathon is a free, non-commercial event where everyone is invited to register, train and run with us in the spirit of friendship.
So how is it I can run this? You can either create your own 13.1 mile course, or enter a race. As it so happens I will be in the Chicago Marathon on Oct. 7, and will use the time of my first half as my official race.
I like the premise of this - people all over the world running in community with others. The race is free to enter. All you need is a course. Easy to do. You can use any course you like. You have the whole world to choose from.
If a half marathon is too daunting, you can enter the "Kick the Couch 5K". you can register for that at the same website. So c'mon...join us as we "Think global, run local!"
:-)Charlie
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Long Run Saturday - 8 Miles
Today was a hot and humid 8 mile run along Chicago's lakefront. Temperatures were in the 80's. I have not run in a lot of humid weather this year, so I can see I will have to get used to it. Time wise, I finished the 8 miles in 1:42:12, which is a 12:46/mile pace. Not great, but considering how hard this was, I'll take it.
This run was a lesson in hydration. I took sports drink with me, and made sure I was drinking, but it never felt like enough. I took walking breaks around 6 mile mark, which really slowed me down. Still I was very glad to be running at the end. My marathon group was there cheering me on as I caught up with them.
My main worry had been about my right heel. It has been bothering me. My manager at the store thinks I may have pinched a nerve. My shoes need to be replaced, but they are on back order, and have not arrived yet. So my body is really feeling the effects of older shoes.
Now that it is summer, I also have to remember to put sunscreen on. So stay hydrated and protecting myself from the sun are the important lessons of the day!
:-)Charlie
This run was a lesson in hydration. I took sports drink with me, and made sure I was drinking, but it never felt like enough. I took walking breaks around 6 mile mark, which really slowed me down. Still I was very glad to be running at the end. My marathon group was there cheering me on as I caught up with them.
My main worry had been about my right heel. It has been bothering me. My manager at the store thinks I may have pinched a nerve. My shoes need to be replaced, but they are on back order, and have not arrived yet. So my body is really feeling the effects of older shoes.
Now that it is summer, I also have to remember to put sunscreen on. So stay hydrated and protecting myself from the sun are the important lessons of the day!
:-)Charlie
Friday, July 06, 2007
Running to Cope
Yesterday’s entry made it seem like I am really down. I want to be clear – I’m not. I just have a lot in my head as I get back on the job hunt. Job hunts create stress. The good thing is I find running helps. It not only clears my head, but it is something I do for me.
I believe in times of trouble, sadness, stress, or a low period, we need to be even better to ourselves. This can take any form. When my mom was dying, I went once a week for a massage. I found it not only healthy physically, but it was tremendous for me mentally.
So what does running do? It allows me to focus on something other than the outside world. For the 30 – 60 minutes I am running (longer soon), I can just think about what is ahead of me on the path, road or course.
Running allows me to check how my body is doing. What seems to be working ok, what is in pain. Do I notice anything different?
As I have written before, I also use running as meditation. I think I need to do more of that these days. The time running is a terrific opportunity for me to pray, think, meditate, and mentally talk with God.
My normal readers know I am not the most religious person on the planet. I am spiritual, and believe in a solid one on one relationship with God. Ok…that is about as preachy as I will ever get.
My point, which I am taking forever to get to, is if things are not working too well in your world…find something to help you cope. It is amazing that once you focus on that activity, it raises your spirits and improves your mood – even if it is temporary.
:-)Charlie
I believe in times of trouble, sadness, stress, or a low period, we need to be even better to ourselves. This can take any form. When my mom was dying, I went once a week for a massage. I found it not only healthy physically, but it was tremendous for me mentally.
So what does running do? It allows me to focus on something other than the outside world. For the 30 – 60 minutes I am running (longer soon), I can just think about what is ahead of me on the path, road or course.
Running allows me to check how my body is doing. What seems to be working ok, what is in pain. Do I notice anything different?
As I have written before, I also use running as meditation. I think I need to do more of that these days. The time running is a terrific opportunity for me to pray, think, meditate, and mentally talk with God.
My normal readers know I am not the most religious person on the planet. I am spiritual, and believe in a solid one on one relationship with God. Ok…that is about as preachy as I will ever get.
My point, which I am taking forever to get to, is if things are not working too well in your world…find something to help you cope. It is amazing that once you focus on that activity, it raises your spirits and improves your mood – even if it is temporary.
:-)Charlie
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Sometimes I Struggle
A belated Happy 4th of July to all my American friends. Sorry I did not post yesterday.
The idea yesterday was to run a few miles, but I didn't. My right ankle was being a bother, and to be honest, I didn't feel I had it in me. I did swim at a friend's place though, so I did get some exercise going.
Today's run was 5 miles. I did 4.1. I know...I can hear you all saying, "C'mon Charlie, it was only .9 miles to go." I know. Again I did not have it in me. I feel good I could run though.
So what was going on? As I mentioned a few days ago, I am trying to look for a new job. So there is a lot of inner stuff going on. I feel good that I got 4.1 miles though. You can't let the inner turmoil keep you from what you need to do - RUN!
So I got 4.1 miles in the bank. Saturday is a long run of 8 miles. We are creeping up to the 90s this weekend, so I will have to make sure I am taking water or sports drink with me. Got to stay hydrated!!!
Tomorrow if I have time I will squeeze in a couple miles. It's two-job Friday, so I won't have a lot of free time.
:-)Charlie
The idea yesterday was to run a few miles, but I didn't. My right ankle was being a bother, and to be honest, I didn't feel I had it in me. I did swim at a friend's place though, so I did get some exercise going.
Today's run was 5 miles. I did 4.1. I know...I can hear you all saying, "C'mon Charlie, it was only .9 miles to go." I know. Again I did not have it in me. I feel good I could run though.
So what was going on? As I mentioned a few days ago, I am trying to look for a new job. So there is a lot of inner stuff going on. I feel good that I got 4.1 miles though. You can't let the inner turmoil keep you from what you need to do - RUN!
So I got 4.1 miles in the bank. Saturday is a long run of 8 miles. We are creeping up to the 90s this weekend, so I will have to make sure I am taking water or sports drink with me. Got to stay hydrated!!!
Tomorrow if I have time I will squeeze in a couple miles. It's two-job Friday, so I won't have a lot of free time.
:-)Charlie
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
5 Mile Tempo Run
Last night's group run was a 5 mile tempo run. I ran with a woman from our group. Our goal pace was 11:00/mile. We started out well, but got slower as the time went on. Part of the problem was me. I had some soreness in my left calf, so at the half way mark, I told her I needed to walk for a minute. She was fine with that. It killed our time, and I apologized to her later.
Still both of us ran hard. My feet are still sore this morning from the hard running we did. We finished the run in 1:00:34 or 12:06/mile. Clearly we were off our pace. Overall though I think it was a good run.
I apoligized to the woman for our slow time. She reminded me of something I write often and had told her about. She said, "Charlie...life is a marathon, not a sprint." I knew it was ok then.
Today is a cross train day. Tomorrow I will rest, then Thursday is a 5 mile day.
:-)Charlie
Still both of us ran hard. My feet are still sore this morning from the hard running we did. We finished the run in 1:00:34 or 12:06/mile. Clearly we were off our pace. Overall though I think it was a good run.
I apoligized to the woman for our slow time. She reminded me of something I write often and had told her about. She said, "Charlie...life is a marathon, not a sprint." I knew it was ok then.
Today is a cross train day. Tomorrow I will rest, then Thursday is a 5 mile day.
:-)Charlie
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