It's been a couple weeks since the blog's been updated, so I figured it was about time.
Training is progressing nicely, and the miles are continuing to increase. Week 10 was a high mileage week, putting in close to 30 miles that week, with a high of 14 miles on the Saturday run (14.28). The Saturday run was long, and it rained that day, making for a lot of soaked runners. And interesting things happen to one's body when running in the rain. I had some blistering on both feet in between the second the third toes. Not too bad, but noticeable. And lots of joint pain between miles 10 and 14. But it felt so good once I stopped running! (LOL) Overall the week was pretty good. Got to try some more e-gel and a honey stinger waffle during the run in an effort to test some food options while running.
Week 11 was low miles, which was good because it seemed like it was a week where I had zero energy most of the week. Everything was laborious and nothing seemed to come easy. Short runs became painful and tedious, but they were done. Even with all that, the few runs I did do were sub 10:00/mile runs. I think part of that is knowing up front that it would be a low mileage week and maybe that set me up for the boredom.
I feel like I need to run with some tunes. If you know of any good running tunes that have served you well, please pass them along. I prefer something uplifting and positive, and not aggressive or demeaning (lyric-wise) so please keep that in mind when suggesting tunage.
I also signed up for the Tulsa Run (October 27th). 15k and it should be a training run for me. I don't have a goal time, but maybe I should think about one.
Week 12 is starting off great with the Labor Day holiday today. I decided to mix things up a bit and went for a bike ride this morning. 25 miles was fairly easy with a lot of energy. Amazed that I didn't feel the lactic acid burn very much on the hills, and my lungs were strong as well. I guess I can attribute that to my conditioning from running. I really like cycling and want to get faster and increase my mileage. I also would like to get a nice road bike to ride on the paved surfaces. I take donations.....:)
All for now. Thanks for reading and following my journey!
Monday, September 3, 2012
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Week 9
Ah, week 9 was nice. Cooler weather, a little rain, and rest time for the legs this week as the training schedule wasn't as brutal. And somehow I still managed to get a little calf tweak. Don't think it's much, but I have been massaging it and trying to roll the pain away. It's in a location that's difficult to stretch.
Some observations from the week:
Some observations from the week:
- Low miles - good.
- Calf pain - bad
- Starting to add some miscellaneous workouts into the routine.
- Getting a little bored with the runs - ready to just get the marathon here. I know that's probably a normal feeling, but I also know that I need to keep the miles coming and focus on nutrition during the longer runs. So far, so good.
- Took advantage of Runner's World Tulsa 50% off of winter gear. Hard to buy winter gear in the summer, but it's the only way to save big $$.
- Need to find some other routes - I think riverside is starting to wear on me. I should be glad that Tulsa has a place like Riverside and RiverParks for runners and cyclists. It's pretty amazing, really.
I am thinking about carrying tunes while running. I see a lot of people do it, but usually I am talking to a fellow runner, so the time goes by fairly quickly. I have a feeling the actual marathon might be a little lonely, so maybe I'll start doing that.
All for now. Thanks to all my Runner's World Badgers and friends and everyone else who is supportive and encouraging.
Steve
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Week 8
Week 8 is complete. This was a great week. I was fortunate to run well, and mostly pain free. Notes from the week:
- Ran three runs this week - 7, 5.3, and 13.1 for a little over 25 miles. This was my longest week ever, and the Saturday distance of 13.1 (half marathon) was a distance PR for me! And it was like 65 degrees out during the run. It felt great!
- My left calf is healed up and gave me really no problems at all this week.
- Still have some what I will call minor issues with heel and knee pain at the longer distance, but I believe they will adapt and be pain free as well. They are not injuries, just some joint pain.
- Tried a new gel this week from Crank Sports - yeah we had fun with that name on the run on Saturday. Good stuff and my body received it well. I'll keep using them and try the other flavors in the pack to see which ones I like the most.
- I am thankful for body glide - enough said.
Other than that, everything else is great. I am trying to find a half distance race in early October. If anyone knows of one, please let me know.
The Honey Badgers are an amazing group of people to run with. Many strong runners in the group, and we just keep badgerin' along! Remember the motto- "Anyone can run just one more mile"
Steve
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Week 7 - Heat Wave Continues
Completed week 7. Remarkable things from week 7 include:
- Monday run that was terrible. Left calf started giving me trouble at mile 3. I was running with a team member, and he was having some other difficulty, so we walked almost a mile of the 4.5 that day.
- Thursday run was better, but still had calf problems at mile 3. Wound up slugging out 6.5 miles that day
- Saturday 2:00 am woke up with some nasty stomach/intestinal stuff that lasted until around 10:00 am, so I missed the group run which I had planned to do 10 miles. Ran in the evening and although I still had calf issues, I took a break every mile to stretch and hydrate. Finished up with 6.5 miles.
- Got my new hydration belt, and got to use it on Saturday night. I love it! It's gonna be my best friend for sure.
Feel like my calf is starting to recover, and I'll just kind of take it easy on the pace until it starts to feel strong again. Right now, it's tentative and day to day. Didn't do as many miles as I needed to do in week 7, and week 8 is supposed to be a little less mileage, so I think I'll be able to recover even more this week. In about two weeks, I'll start to eat while running to get used to that for the longer distance days.
I desire to put more weight training back into my week, but finding it difficult to get the motivation to do so.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
And the Beat Goes On...
Week six is completed. It was a shorter mileage week for me, since after Monday's run, my legs were not cooperating and I really felt badly (14 miles this week). Monday's heat was rough as well, and it looks like there's no relief in the short term future. We'll just have to slug it out, take it easy, and hydrate like crazy.
Well, the heel and knee issues are really starting to aggravate me. On Monday evening. Kathy Hoover, owner of Runner's World, spent a few precious minutes with me to check out my stride and helped me make a few adjustments. Then the adjustments would be immediately put into practice during the Monday run. I was really hoping for immediate relief, but wasn't able to find any. I did however generate some new complaints, mainly in my lower calves. I think this is the area where the Achilles connects to the calf muscles. Hurts like you know what. So, I rested until Saturday, with the hopes that the rest would equal healing and freedom from pain.
Saturday's run was once again a very tough run. Ran 9 miles and it was pretty tough all the way, especially after the first 6 miles. I felt my left calf tightening up, and wanted to stretch it out. I should have stayed in the rest area longer to do just that, but the group was leaving to cover the last three miles for the day. So, I ran right away with them. BIG MISTAKE. At about mile eight I felt my calf tighten up even more and then the sharp pain ran through it. I stopped and walked for a while and then stopped to stretch. A few Badger's asked me if I was okay, and they offered to stop and help. But, there really wasn't anything they could do, and we were near the end for the day. I stretched out and then moved on at a snails pace to finish the day actually running.
A few more lessons this week about my body, it's limitations, and the effort I will need to endure to push through the training needed to prepare for the marathon in November. My legs are protesting every run now, but I am determined to push on and run anyway, as long as it does not mean a run ending injury. I am proclaiming that my legs are strong, and that I will prevail. He who made me, made me for running the race, both spiritually and naturally.
Week seven, I am coming right at you.
Well, the heel and knee issues are really starting to aggravate me. On Monday evening. Kathy Hoover, owner of Runner's World, spent a few precious minutes with me to check out my stride and helped me make a few adjustments. Then the adjustments would be immediately put into practice during the Monday run. I was really hoping for immediate relief, but wasn't able to find any. I did however generate some new complaints, mainly in my lower calves. I think this is the area where the Achilles connects to the calf muscles. Hurts like you know what. So, I rested until Saturday, with the hopes that the rest would equal healing and freedom from pain.
Saturday's run was once again a very tough run. Ran 9 miles and it was pretty tough all the way, especially after the first 6 miles. I felt my left calf tightening up, and wanted to stretch it out. I should have stayed in the rest area longer to do just that, but the group was leaving to cover the last three miles for the day. So, I ran right away with them. BIG MISTAKE. At about mile eight I felt my calf tighten up even more and then the sharp pain ran through it. I stopped and walked for a while and then stopped to stretch. A few Badger's asked me if I was okay, and they offered to stop and help. But, there really wasn't anything they could do, and we were near the end for the day. I stretched out and then moved on at a snails pace to finish the day actually running.
A few more lessons this week about my body, it's limitations, and the effort I will need to endure to push through the training needed to prepare for the marathon in November. My legs are protesting every run now, but I am determined to push on and run anyway, as long as it does not mean a run ending injury. I am proclaiming that my legs are strong, and that I will prevail. He who made me, made me for running the race, both spiritually and naturally.
Week seven, I am coming right at you.
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Week 5
Week 5 is in the books. Less mileage this week, as it was supposed to be a taper week. Still managed to run 4 times though. Slower pace and shorter mileage make for some good recovery time. Still dealing with some moderate heel and knee pain. I've been doing extra stretching and leg strengthening work, and trying to understand more about what's going on. This is new for me, and it is not comfortable. I've spoken with a few people, and will probably go back to RW and talk to them about it as well to make sure it isn't the shoes.
On the fun side I tried trail running this week! It was a blast. TATUR hosts trail runs at Turkey Mountain on Tuesdays and Sundays. I got grouped up with about 8 - 10 people and we went for about 3 miles in an hour or so. It's a lot more work than it seems, and you definitely have to stay focused on the path and the runner directly in front of you, because if they tumble, you might tumble as well. Well, fortunately I didn't take a spill and was able to run the three miles comfortably. I definitely felt it in my his and legs at the end. It was pretty awesome. And I am now a trail running evangelist. So, if you are interested in running trails, come and join us at 6:30 on Tuesday evenings at Turkey.
All for now. Next week we up the mileage again. Getting to see some really nice areas of Tulsa during the runs, and it's neat to run with the group, Seems like I get to talk to someone different every run, and that makes it enjoyable.
Drop me a comment on here if you'd like. I could always use the encouragement. Thanks!
On the fun side I tried trail running this week! It was a blast. TATUR hosts trail runs at Turkey Mountain on Tuesdays and Sundays. I got grouped up with about 8 - 10 people and we went for about 3 miles in an hour or so. It's a lot more work than it seems, and you definitely have to stay focused on the path and the runner directly in front of you, because if they tumble, you might tumble as well. Well, fortunately I didn't take a spill and was able to run the three miles comfortably. I definitely felt it in my his and legs at the end. It was pretty awesome. And I am now a trail running evangelist. So, if you are interested in running trails, come and join us at 6:30 on Tuesday evenings at Turkey.
All for now. Next week we up the mileage again. Getting to see some really nice areas of Tulsa during the runs, and it's neat to run with the group, Seems like I get to talk to someone different every run, and that makes it enjoyable.
Drop me a comment on here if you'd like. I could always use the encouragement. Thanks!
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Week 4 Update
Covered about 23 miles this week. Ran a 6.75, 6.75, and 9.2 or thereabouts. Monday and Thursday runs were more walk/runs with a timed mile on the return side. It was hot again this week, with weekday runs being near 100. I was thankful for the slower pace.
Saturday was a good run and the longest of the week by design. We started at Veterans park and went through downtown Tulsa, by the BOK and Brady district. Ran the 4.2 mile loop twice and then ran to Riverside and back to get over 9 for the day. Nutrition was good, as I tried some carb loading on Friday night eating mashed potatoes, bread and cheesecake (1/2 slice). Then Saturday morning I ate the remainder of the cheesecake at 5:30 am! So, my run was cheesecake fueled! I may be onto something here....
Nutrition was pretty good all week, thanks to the seminar we attended last Sunday. Overall, pretty good training although my heels and knees are still feeling it pretty good. Still stretching and doing some strengthening exercises for my core, which is helping. Thinking about trying some gel inserts for the heel issue, and hoping that may help the knees also. Staying on the glucosamine-chondriotin and fish oil regimine this week, and was also taking multivitamins.
Thankful for my Runners World Training group - the Honey Badgers - as they continue to support and encourage each other. They are an amazing group of dedicated runners who really take care of their own. Special thanks to the group leaders Ed Snow and Tom W.
Saturday was a good run and the longest of the week by design. We started at Veterans park and went through downtown Tulsa, by the BOK and Brady district. Ran the 4.2 mile loop twice and then ran to Riverside and back to get over 9 for the day. Nutrition was good, as I tried some carb loading on Friday night eating mashed potatoes, bread and cheesecake (1/2 slice). Then Saturday morning I ate the remainder of the cheesecake at 5:30 am! So, my run was cheesecake fueled! I may be onto something here....
Nutrition was pretty good all week, thanks to the seminar we attended last Sunday. Overall, pretty good training although my heels and knees are still feeling it pretty good. Still stretching and doing some strengthening exercises for my core, which is helping. Thinking about trying some gel inserts for the heel issue, and hoping that may help the knees also. Staying on the glucosamine-chondriotin and fish oil regimine this week, and was also taking multivitamins.
Thankful for my Runners World Training group - the Honey Badgers - as they continue to support and encourage each other. They are an amazing group of dedicated runners who really take care of their own. Special thanks to the group leaders Ed Snow and Tom W.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Week 3
Week 3 is in the books. Ran 4 times this week - 4.5, 3+, 3+, and 7.1. Total of around 18 miles. Had some issues with my shoes since I got them about a month ago, and was able to take them back to Fleet Feet, where they graciously refunded my purchase. Went to RW and bought a pair of Adidas Supernova Sequence 5's. I like them a lot, and my legs and feet are being retrained in them.
Another OK summer this week. Monday's run looked like it might be more comfortable as it rained pretty hard on Brookside around 5:00. But no such luck as the air was sticky humid as the rain stopped and the heat took over again.
All in all, a pretty good week. I think my nutrition is starting to come together better, although I still need to refrain from the junk. Carbs are important, but sometimes I think I just use that as an excuse to indulge. Working on it.
Today's 7 miler was tough. Start temp was 82 this morning at around 6 am, and it was humid. The first half of today's run went pretty well - breathing good, pace good, and legs felt fairly strong. The second half was a different story though. By mile 5 my heels and knees were beginning to hurt pretty much every strike. But I gutted it out and kept moving at the desired pace. I started a glucosamine chondriotin regimen and will probably add some fish oil as a daily supplement. We'll see how that works.
On a great note, I ran my first 5K this week, the Firecracker 5k in the Blue Dome district! It was a super fast pace for me starting out, but managed to steady out. My timing chip didn't work so I never got an official time, but the race clock showed 24:56 when I crossed the finish line. Not sure how accurate that clock was. I definitely pushed myself, but didn't really think the time was correct.
Overall, I am happy with my improvement and will just take it as it comes. Not too concerned about pushing too hard in the heat. I am concerned about my heels and knees however. Going to attend a nutritional seminar tomorrow at Runners World especially focused on marathon training and nutrition. Looking forward to that info.
Feel free to drop me a line of encouragement if you think about it.
Thanks
Steve
Another OK summer this week. Monday's run looked like it might be more comfortable as it rained pretty hard on Brookside around 5:00. But no such luck as the air was sticky humid as the rain stopped and the heat took over again.
All in all, a pretty good week. I think my nutrition is starting to come together better, although I still need to refrain from the junk. Carbs are important, but sometimes I think I just use that as an excuse to indulge. Working on it.
Today's 7 miler was tough. Start temp was 82 this morning at around 6 am, and it was humid. The first half of today's run went pretty well - breathing good, pace good, and legs felt fairly strong. The second half was a different story though. By mile 5 my heels and knees were beginning to hurt pretty much every strike. But I gutted it out and kept moving at the desired pace. I started a glucosamine chondriotin regimen and will probably add some fish oil as a daily supplement. We'll see how that works.
On a great note, I ran my first 5K this week, the Firecracker 5k in the Blue Dome district! It was a super fast pace for me starting out, but managed to steady out. My timing chip didn't work so I never got an official time, but the race clock showed 24:56 when I crossed the finish line. Not sure how accurate that clock was. I definitely pushed myself, but didn't really think the time was correct.
Overall, I am happy with my improvement and will just take it as it comes. Not too concerned about pushing too hard in the heat. I am concerned about my heels and knees however. Going to attend a nutritional seminar tomorrow at Runners World especially focused on marathon training and nutrition. Looking forward to that info.
Feel free to drop me a line of encouragement if you think about it.
Thanks
Steve
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Week 2
Week 2 is in the books. Three runs this week with the group - a couple 4 milers and a 6 miler today. The heat for the evening runs just takes it right out of me quickly. I seem to be at the 3 - 4 mile range in the heat. This morning's run was much better temp wise.
Having knee and heel pains on both sides, mostly on my left side. I was fitted with new shoes a few weeks ago, and hopefully what I am experiencing is only some break-in and conditioning required. Advanced arthritis formula is my friend today.
Two nights this week, it was over 100 F for the runs. Monday's run I tanked at 3 miles and walked the last mile. Thursday was better, as I was able to cover the 4 miles or so without walking. Learning more about nutrition and recovery. A few things I did prior to running was to ensure that I drank copious quantities of water, and cold water at that. Post run, I packed a cooler with some frozen strawberries to cool down and replenish glycogen stores. That seemed to work fairly well. Strawberries, grapes, or any other frozen fruit that is convenient to carry will be included on the hot training days of summer.
I did sign up for the Firecracker 5k on the 4th. It will be my first official race since I started running about a year ago. My original goal was to finish, but now am thinking sub 28 would be really good for me. Something to shoot for at least. I'll start pretty slow and then do negative splits. That's the plan anyway.
This year I turn 50, and I am looking forward to saying that I completed a marathon at this stage of my life. My training group (Honey Badgers) is awesome and very encouraging, as well as my FB group (Health Kicking Team). They both have supplied much encouragement and love over the course of my fitness journey, and I thank and bless them all in their endeavors as well. HKT was especially encouraging during my 2 rounds of P90X, during which I lost 20 lbs and 3 - 4 inches from my waist. Special shout out to my coach Lea Fanelli. Check out her Beachbody group on FB (Health Kicking Team)!!!
As usual, I'm logging workouts on Dailymile.com. I'm also starting to use Mapmyrun app for my phone. All for now and have a great 4th!
Having knee and heel pains on both sides, mostly on my left side. I was fitted with new shoes a few weeks ago, and hopefully what I am experiencing is only some break-in and conditioning required. Advanced arthritis formula is my friend today.
Two nights this week, it was over 100 F for the runs. Monday's run I tanked at 3 miles and walked the last mile. Thursday was better, as I was able to cover the 4 miles or so without walking. Learning more about nutrition and recovery. A few things I did prior to running was to ensure that I drank copious quantities of water, and cold water at that. Post run, I packed a cooler with some frozen strawberries to cool down and replenish glycogen stores. That seemed to work fairly well. Strawberries, grapes, or any other frozen fruit that is convenient to carry will be included on the hot training days of summer.
I did sign up for the Firecracker 5k on the 4th. It will be my first official race since I started running about a year ago. My original goal was to finish, but now am thinking sub 28 would be really good for me. Something to shoot for at least. I'll start pretty slow and then do negative splits. That's the plan anyway.
This year I turn 50, and I am looking forward to saying that I completed a marathon at this stage of my life. My training group (Honey Badgers) is awesome and very encouraging, as well as my FB group (Health Kicking Team). They both have supplied much encouragement and love over the course of my fitness journey, and I thank and bless them all in their endeavors as well. HKT was especially encouraging during my 2 rounds of P90X, during which I lost 20 lbs and 3 - 4 inches from my waist. Special shout out to my coach Lea Fanelli. Check out her Beachbody group on FB (Health Kicking Team)!!!
As usual, I'm logging workouts on Dailymile.com. I'm also starting to use Mapmyrun app for my phone. All for now and have a great 4th!
Monday, June 25, 2012
Opening Comments
Well, here we go. I have decided to document and share my journey to prepare and successfully run a marathon this year. A marathon. As in 26.2 miles. Of running. It takes a long time to run a marathon. Did you know that? Never mind that I have never run even a 5k race. More on that development later.
Sometimes in life you just get to a point where you make decisions that you have no idea where the inspiration came from. And sometimes you second guess those decisions. And guess some more. And doubt that you can. And wonder if you are even sane. Yup - been there, done that. Time to move on and make good on what I started out to do.
No looking back and no second (third) guessing. What is done is done. Now it's time to prep and go for it. I read recently that only 0.08% of the world's population will ever run a marathon. That's a small number, indeed. Makes me wonder if someone did the math correctly on that one. Anyway, it is an extremely small number and I wonder why that is so. I have a feeling that I will learn more about that fact soon enough.
I am training with Runner's World here in Tulsa. They have provided training for runners for many years here in Tulsa, and for the longest time, have done it for free. Just because they like Tulsa and want to give back to the community of runners. They're awesome and Kathy, the owner is amazing and generous. She really likes running and building community. I just met her and I can already tell she has been a major influence in the running scene in the city.
Well, my goal here is to document my training and progress this year leading up to the marathon. I am determined to finish, although running days like today (105 degrees) make it seem like such a lofty and ridiculous goal. It is about the journey, though, isn't it? That's where the fun is. That's where the memories are created and the friendships made. Laughter, sweat, tears, pain, and joy all wrapped up into one human being. God was so good when He created us.
That'll be all for the opening comments. I have been on two training runs thus far. I will try to log about once a week on here and I am also logging my training into Dailymile.com for those who want to train or follow along with me. If you are interested, it's not too late, either. Join me and I promise you'll have the adventure of a lifetime - at least on this earth.
Sometimes in life you just get to a point where you make decisions that you have no idea where the inspiration came from. And sometimes you second guess those decisions. And guess some more. And doubt that you can. And wonder if you are even sane. Yup - been there, done that. Time to move on and make good on what I started out to do.
No looking back and no second (third) guessing. What is done is done. Now it's time to prep and go for it. I read recently that only 0.08% of the world's population will ever run a marathon. That's a small number, indeed. Makes me wonder if someone did the math correctly on that one. Anyway, it is an extremely small number and I wonder why that is so. I have a feeling that I will learn more about that fact soon enough.
I am training with Runner's World here in Tulsa. They have provided training for runners for many years here in Tulsa, and for the longest time, have done it for free. Just because they like Tulsa and want to give back to the community of runners. They're awesome and Kathy, the owner is amazing and generous. She really likes running and building community. I just met her and I can already tell she has been a major influence in the running scene in the city.
Well, my goal here is to document my training and progress this year leading up to the marathon. I am determined to finish, although running days like today (105 degrees) make it seem like such a lofty and ridiculous goal. It is about the journey, though, isn't it? That's where the fun is. That's where the memories are created and the friendships made. Laughter, sweat, tears, pain, and joy all wrapped up into one human being. God was so good when He created us.
That'll be all for the opening comments. I have been on two training runs thus far. I will try to log about once a week on here and I am also logging my training into Dailymile.com for those who want to train or follow along with me. If you are interested, it's not too late, either. Join me and I promise you'll have the adventure of a lifetime - at least on this earth.
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