Hi there. Been running more, but not really in the habit of putting them down in blog-form anymore. Sorry 'bout that. I'm getting better at it. You're reading THIS, right?
I do have a couple of things to share, however!
I signed up for MapMyRun.com a few weeks ago, and have been kind of lax on using it while running (it's another thing to update -- we all know how I am about that); but I did happen to post a long-distance run I did a while ago. I went between the two big colleges in our area, South Alabama (my alma mater) and Spring Hill College. There's a large park between the two, and I spread my run out to cover a lot of ground. The distance isn't perfect (it's actually closer to 9 miles), but that's only because school properties (and other private properties) aren't given a lot of detail on the map. It IS Google Maps, after all.
Here's an interesting article from Runner's World about a professional runner with insomnia. I found this fascinating; around the time I started running (about a year before, really) I was kind of experiencing some slight insomnia, but nothing this bad!
Anyway, that's about it for now. More posts to come later. Promise. I want to start training for the half-marathon soon, but we'll have to wait for it to cool off a little.
Until next time!
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Getting back into the habit
Time: 30 minutes
Speed: Brisk jog, some walking
Length: 2.4 miles
Pace -- 12:30
It's been a while since my last post, and unfortunately that also means it's been a while since I last ran (at least in the way I used to -- I've been running on a treadmill a lot lately because of the weather). But this morning I forced myself back into the habit, and I honestly couldn't be more tired -- nor more relieved I wasn't too out of touch with the habit. I've recently begun re-evaluating my goals for the short term, as you've read in the previous post, so my training will probably not follow the same pattern as before. I'll continue updating this blog with my runs, though, and add all of my personal reflections/anecdotes as they occur. It is still a blog, after all.
With that in mind ... I need to get the eff outta this city! It's so damn hot! Seriously, man, we've been having highs in the 90s for the past 2 1/2 months!
Speed: Brisk jog, some walking
Length: 2.4 miles
Pace -- 12:30
It's been a while since my last post, and unfortunately that also means it's been a while since I last ran (at least in the way I used to -- I've been running on a treadmill a lot lately because of the weather). But this morning I forced myself back into the habit, and I honestly couldn't be more tired -- nor more relieved I wasn't too out of touch with the habit. I've recently begun re-evaluating my goals for the short term, as you've read in the previous post, so my training will probably not follow the same pattern as before. I'll continue updating this blog with my runs, though, and add all of my personal reflections/anecdotes as they occur. It is still a blog, after all.
With that in mind ... I need to get the eff outta this city! It's so damn hot! Seriously, man, we've been having highs in the 90s for the past 2 1/2 months!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Change of plans
As it turns out, sometimes in life, we can't always prepare for every little obstacle that we face; we just have to do the best we can with what we have.
I know, it sounds corny, and it also may sound like I've injured myself or gone through some harrowing experience that makes running an impossibility. No, no injuries here (other than a few scraps on the leg from tree branches), and no harrowing nightmares. But, I am unfortunately dropping out of the Dublin Marathon this year. Money and family issues. Plus, it was more than just a race: I was going with my parents and my sister and her whole family, and it was going to involve more than just a 26.2-mile run -- we were going to visit Dublin and Wales (where my brother-in-law's family is from). As you can probably guess, money is a huge part of this happening. Plus, we just had a big life-altering change in the way we live around my house: my grandparents on my dad's side are staying with us now, which means we have to take care of them. So, it would be difficult for all of us to find the time to get the trip going.
On a more positive note, I'm still running, and concerned with become a more active person. I want nothing more than to live a long, healthy life (like my 93-year-old grandparents) full of fun experiences. This means a change in a lot of things: change of diet, workout regimen, running habits, etc. I'm excited to see what the future holds, though.
In fact, I'm running in the First Light Marathon here in Mobile next year (January 10, 2010), and we're banking on doing Dublin the same year.
So, we will see! You'll still get regular updates from me periodically, though I may change the name of this blog to reflect my new ambitions.
I know, it sounds corny, and it also may sound like I've injured myself or gone through some harrowing experience that makes running an impossibility. No, no injuries here (other than a few scraps on the leg from tree branches), and no harrowing nightmares. But, I am unfortunately dropping out of the Dublin Marathon this year. Money and family issues. Plus, it was more than just a race: I was going with my parents and my sister and her whole family, and it was going to involve more than just a 26.2-mile run -- we were going to visit Dublin and Wales (where my brother-in-law's family is from). As you can probably guess, money is a huge part of this happening. Plus, we just had a big life-altering change in the way we live around my house: my grandparents on my dad's side are staying with us now, which means we have to take care of them. So, it would be difficult for all of us to find the time to get the trip going.
On a more positive note, I'm still running, and concerned with become a more active person. I want nothing more than to live a long, healthy life (like my 93-year-old grandparents) full of fun experiences. This means a change in a lot of things: change of diet, workout regimen, running habits, etc. I'm excited to see what the future holds, though.
In fact, I'm running in the First Light Marathon here in Mobile next year (January 10, 2010), and we're banking on doing Dublin the same year.
So, we will see! You'll still get regular updates from me periodically, though I may change the name of this blog to reflect my new ambitions.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
MTD 24: Yesterday's 5k
I did the Mellow Mushroom run last night, a 5k, in under 37 minutes. I'm extremely proud of myself! I actually kept up with some of the faster runners for a decent time. I was definitely happy to get that half-price pint, too!
MTD 23: Old Mobile 8k
Length -- 8k (4.96 mi)
Race time -- 1:01:06
Pace -- 12:18
Well, I improved my time overall. Plus my pace went much faster this time than ever before. Which is surprising, since this is a new course to me. It went through the Oakleigh District and all around "old" neighborhoods in downtown Mobile, starting and ending on Broad Street. Kinda cool, though, it was nice change.
Race time -- 1:01:06
Pace -- 12:18
Well, I improved my time overall. Plus my pace went much faster this time than ever before. Which is surprising, since this is a new course to me. It went through the Oakleigh District and all around "old" neighborhoods in downtown Mobile, starting and ending on Broad Street. Kinda cool, though, it was nice change.
Monday, March 30, 2009
MTD 22: Azalea Trail Run
Length -- 10k (6.2 mi)
Race time -- 1:19:35
Pace -- 12:49
Race time -- 1:19:35
Pace -- 12:49
I didn't do nearly as well as I'd hoped on this one, but also not as bad as my worst time (1:21), so I can't be disappointed. At least not now. I refuse to let myself be negative. I clocked a decent pace, considering.
If anything changes at all between now and Dublin, I think it has to be both the place I run and the type of running. I'm hoping to mix a little fartlek-type running in there as well (which is kind of what this race felt like -- short bursts of quick speed every once in a while).
My diet most definitely needs to change -- especially after going through the health expo and learning what I learned from it.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
MTD 21: Jog/walk for 20-25 minutes
Time: 25 minutes
Speed: Brisk jog, some walking
Length: 2.25 miles
Pace -- 11:06
Went out to USA again. This time with new shoes.
I've come to the incontrovertible conclusion that the shoes are very important. My last pair (Asics) lasted several years, but these felt like I was running on clouds. AND they were Asics as well.
I'm not a big shoe person...so this was a huge revelation for me.
...the end.
...oh, and I've also come to the conclusion that one day I will turn into a giant foot. My new pair are size 14's.
Speed: Brisk jog, some walking
Length: 2.25 miles
Pace -- 11:06
Went out to USA again. This time with new shoes.
I've come to the incontrovertible conclusion that the shoes are very important. My last pair (Asics) lasted several years, but these felt like I was running on clouds. AND they were Asics as well.
I'm not a big shoe person...so this was a huge revelation for me.
...the end.
...oh, and I've also come to the conclusion that one day I will turn into a giant foot. My new pair are size 14's.
Monday, March 9, 2009
MTD 19: Jog/walk 20-25 minutes
Time: 25 minutes
Speed: Brisk jog, some walking
Length: 2.4 miles
Pace -- 10:25
This was a decent time for a short run. I went to Cottage Hill Park this time around. The weather's picked up, it was basically 70 degrees all day, and we've lost our hour again, so the Mellow Mushroom runs will continue!
Starting tomorrow, in fact, right after I substitute for a few history classes!
More to come on that.
Friday, March 6, 2009
MTD 18: Rest
...but I walked 7 miles. I suppose that's not really resting, but I was dying to know my pace. I actually did it in just 2 hours, which is pretty impressive to me!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
MTD 17: Jog/walk for 80-90 minutes
Time: 90 minutes
Speed: Brisk jog, some walking
Length: 7 miles
Pace -- 12:51
So I finally went for the big endurance run. I went out to USA as per usual.
Run wasn't too bad, though I must admit I'm more than a little tired now. I'm usually pretty winded even after 5k runs, and 10k's really knock me for a loop; but this is really the farthest distance I've ever run in one session. I severely need to look into getting an iPod too, because this run had me playing the same songs in my head over and over (a bad habit I tend to do when I'm in one place for a long time).
The weather was perfect today. I can't imagine spending days like these in crowded classrooms!
Speed: Brisk jog, some walking
Length: 7 miles
Pace -- 12:51
So I finally went for the big endurance run. I went out to USA as per usual.
Run wasn't too bad, though I must admit I'm more than a little tired now. I'm usually pretty winded even after 5k runs, and 10k's really knock me for a loop; but this is really the farthest distance I've ever run in one session. I severely need to look into getting an iPod too, because this run had me playing the same songs in my head over and over (a bad habit I tend to do when I'm in one place for a long time).
The weather was perfect today. I can't imagine spending days like these in crowded classrooms!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
A victorious return!
....or something. It's been a couple of weeks, I know, but a hectic couple of weeks at that -- I'd gotten out of the whole blogging-every-day-as-a-habit kind of thing, something I hope to not repeat much as I head closer to October.
I need to finally do my 90-minute endurance run. I rested today, but yesterday I got back into running regularly by running the 5k "swamp route" at USA -- it was the same route as the Jaguar 5k I did last month -- and I landed a 39-minute time, which wasn't bad. That matches my time I made on the last 5k, except this one had the tricky hills that kept slowing me down! But I'm glad I've gotten back into a groove I'm comfortable with.
I have big plans ahead for this month, so it's best not to become lazy. After all, there are a bunch of races, and I'll be renewing my weekly 5k running habit every Tuesday at Mellow Mushroom. I also have certain other plans in my professional life which might threaten my spare time a little -- I'll be substitute teaching at my old high school in the near future -- but I won't be cutting the running habit off entirely. I'll always find some spare time here or there.
I need to finally do my 90-minute endurance run. I rested today, but yesterday I got back into running regularly by running the 5k "swamp route" at USA -- it was the same route as the Jaguar 5k I did last month -- and I landed a 39-minute time, which wasn't bad. That matches my time I made on the last 5k, except this one had the tricky hills that kept slowing me down! But I'm glad I've gotten back into a groove I'm comfortable with.
I have big plans ahead for this month, so it's best not to become lazy. After all, there are a bunch of races, and I'll be renewing my weekly 5k running habit every Tuesday at Mellow Mushroom. I also have certain other plans in my professional life which might threaten my spare time a little -- I'll be substitute teaching at my old high school in the near future -- but I won't be cutting the running habit off entirely. I'll always find some spare time here or there.
Monday, February 16, 2009
MTD 16: Jog/walk for 25-30 minutes
Time: 30 minutes
Speed: Brisk jog, some walking
Length: 2.75 miles
Pace -- 10:55
Another day at USA. This time, though, I stuck it out for the extra five minutes and made some great time.It feels awesome to know I'm only half-way through the month and already making, slowly but surely, the kind of progress I want to make. I set out to decrease my mile time over the course of the month and it's happening as soon as two weeks in!
Not to mention that my next big endurance run is tomorrow. No resting between days, just a pure 80-90 minutes of jogging and walking.I know this sounds crazy, but I honestly can't wait 'til I'm doing full-on marathon-sized runs.
Speed: Brisk jog, some walking
Length: 2.75 miles
Pace -- 10:55
Another day at USA. This time, though, I stuck it out for the extra five minutes and made some great time.It feels awesome to know I'm only half-way through the month and already making, slowly but surely, the kind of progress I want to make. I set out to decrease my mile time over the course of the month and it's happening as soon as two weeks in!
Not to mention that my next big endurance run is tomorrow. No resting between days, just a pure 80-90 minutes of jogging and walking.I know this sounds crazy, but I honestly can't wait 'til I'm doing full-on marathon-sized runs.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
MTD 15: Rest (again)
Yeah, I had to take a break for another day. But my next big endurance run is coming up, so it may be worth it.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
MTD 13: Jog for 20-25 minutes
Time: 25 minutes
Speed: Brisk jog, some walking
Length: 2.25 miles
Pace -- 11:06
Went back to USA and managed to match my time/pace from last time. It's a good feeling knowing you can keep the pace up after resting for a day or so. Though, technically, walking 3 miles yesterday isn't really resting...
I just checked my marathon training guide to see if there were any big races coming up in which I'd be expected to participate. It doesn't appear that there will be anytime soon, but there is a half-marathon race to be run by day 56 (the end of the eighth week), so I suppose by the end of March/beginning of April I'm expected to be at that point.
It's always good to have reasonable, attainable goals set. I know March is going to be a hectic month to train, since I have a lot of races coming up -- there's a St. Patrick's Day 5k downtown on the 17th, then a 5k in Baton Rouge 4 days later with Mike, plus a 10k the week after that -- it'll be busy.
But it'll be worth it.
Speed: Brisk jog, some walking
Length: 2.25 miles
Pace -- 11:06
Went back to USA and managed to match my time/pace from last time. It's a good feeling knowing you can keep the pace up after resting for a day or so. Though, technically, walking 3 miles yesterday isn't really resting...
I just checked my marathon training guide to see if there were any big races coming up in which I'd be expected to participate. It doesn't appear that there will be anytime soon, but there is a half-marathon race to be run by day 56 (the end of the eighth week), so I suppose by the end of March/beginning of April I'm expected to be at that point.
It's always good to have reasonable, attainable goals set. I know March is going to be a hectic month to train, since I have a lot of races coming up -- there's a St. Patrick's Day 5k downtown on the 17th, then a 5k in Baton Rouge 4 days later with Mike, plus a 10k the week after that -- it'll be busy.
But it'll be worth it.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
MTD 12: Rest
Rested for most of the day, though the weather was so good I just had to walk a bit. Old habits die hard.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
MTD 11: Jog for 20-25 minutes
Time: 25 minutes
Speed: Brisk jog, some walking
Length: 2.25 miles
Pace -- 11:06
I don't think I was supposed to walk, but I did just on the hard inclines (the hills). I went to USA again. This time I had to be choosey with when and where I ran because the weather was terrible, but I found the right pocket of sunlight to run in -- it lasted almost exactly 25 minutes.
I've decided to add a little light weight workout into my routine to help strengthen the muscles I don't use when running. I already do a core workout on my off days, so I decided a little tone here and there couldn't hurt. I may post my results for those on rest days. I usually do them at night before going to bed, though, so they may show up after midnight on here.
Speed: Brisk jog, some walking
Length: 2.25 miles
Pace -- 11:06
I don't think I was supposed to walk, but I did just on the hard inclines (the hills). I went to USA again. This time I had to be choosey with when and where I ran because the weather was terrible, but I found the right pocket of sunlight to run in -- it lasted almost exactly 25 minutes.
I've decided to add a little light weight workout into my routine to help strengthen the muscles I don't use when running. I already do a core workout on my off days, so I decided a little tone here and there couldn't hurt. I may post my results for those on rest days. I usually do them at night before going to bed, though, so they may show up after midnight on here.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
MTD 10: Rest
My running hadn't been as up to par as I'd hoped yesterday, so here's hoping for good things tomorrow.
Monday, February 9, 2009
MTD 9: Jog/walk for 55-60 minutes
Time: 60 minutes
Speed: Brisk jog, some walking
Length: 4.25 miles
Pace -- 14:07
My first endurance trial did not go as well as the other runs, and I think it had to do with the heavy breakfast.
Either way, not too bad for my first one. I'm not disappointed, just kinda surprised. If this had been the Azalea Trail Run, it would've taken about 87 minutes to finish, which is slower than when I first started running. So, I'll keep at it. There's no telling what to expect.
Oh, and just FYI: if you're an Arizona green tea fan, there are these awesome over-sized cans of Arizona Green Tea: 23 oz. of fluid for only 99 cents! I'm kinda broke, so it helped to know.
Speed: Brisk jog, some walking
Length: 4.25 miles
Pace -- 14:07
My first endurance trial did not go as well as the other runs, and I think it had to do with the heavy breakfast.
Either way, not too bad for my first one. I'm not disappointed, just kinda surprised. If this had been the Azalea Trail Run, it would've taken about 87 minutes to finish, which is slower than when I first started running. So, I'll keep at it. There's no telling what to expect.
Oh, and just FYI: if you're an Arizona green tea fan, there are these awesome over-sized cans of Arizona Green Tea: 23 oz. of fluid for only 99 cents! I'm kinda broke, so it helped to know.
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