Am I really starting for the month of March .......or is this a way from all of you to tell me "happy birthday?" LOL!!
I'm honored, ha!! I got sick on Sunday and lost track of time. Thought it might be a 24 hr phase as I felt a little better on Monday but it got worse in the evening!! Stayed home Monday-Wed, in a state of loopiness. Then realized that it was MARCH!?! Just kinda shocked how susceptible I was..........but last two weeks I've been around sick people, coughing/sneezing in my space . Sleep has been elusive, thus waking times are strange. Needless to say, no running all week. However, pretty glad that I got in a 7.2 miler last Saturday. Hope that holds me up to start again from 4 or 5 miles. With walk breaks, I should be okay. Not pushing it too much. And, to make myself feel better and to give myself a boost for my birthday month, I registered for the 10k trail race near Albq, NM on March 11. Believe me, it was very difficult to not sign up for the HM!! That would not have been smart, I don't think. Anyway, I'm still around and hope all is well with each of you!!
Doggone birthdays, eh Az...lol Hope you enjoy yours! I'm still checking in on occasion. Nothing's really changed with me, graduated to walking boot a few days ago that seems to be the cat's meow, but still not running just yet. You were smart to decide on the 10K for the 11th. You're getting wise in your old age...
Hard to believe it is March already! Weather has been unbelievably nice around the Bay Area, which is good given all the rain we had after my return. Could be some rain this weekend, tho.
Yes, I'm back, tho that was touch an go for awhile...can you say "plane trip from hell?" Anyway, I've have been ramping up my runs since returning. Felt like I had been running too slowly last year, so beginning in December I've sped up training runs. Not sure that it has been a wise or prudent choice and thinking I need to slow things up a bit and get back to more sane paces. We'll see...
Finished up Feb with 2 consecutive days of 10 miles and started March with a 10 mile run. Starting to feel a bit better about Boston in April, but have to keep up the higher mileage runs and weeks. Still, rule #1 is get to the starting line healthy...
Az - good to see you running again, but so sorry you got sick! Hopefully you'll be better soon.
Chantilly - Nothing wrong with scoping the home improvement stores. Just be careful, it can get expensive fast...
Altair - Ouch!! I think it has been awhile since I've taken a self-inflicted spill (beware of small girls on bikes! . Hope your marathon training is back on track!
Dan - I think I might know all too well the pain of hip/butt/piriformis. Good that the last 10K felt better!
Mark - Previous company was purchased by Harland Clarke based in New Braunfels...Hope your 10K goes well.
Art - Biking and running in addition to the gardening and home repairs! Does that make you a quadruple threat?
Rich - Hope the foot is healing. Walking boot? DS1 sprained his ankle before Thanksgiving and was in a walking boot for 6 weeks before he was able to return to work.
Ray
Runs in the rain
Hello everybody! I finished last week with 7.9 on Friday and another 3.87 Sunday, giving me 23.38 miles for the week. This week I am resuming my long distance running, I seem recovered now from my fall. Monday 8.8, Tuesday and Wednesday did 6.01 runs (same distance but different courses) and my long run today of 13.14 miles! That makes a total of 33.96 so far and I may try to reach 40 by Sunday. Temps this week ranged from low 50’s to 65 on Wednesday. Saw my first crocus, a red winged blackbird at the feeder and killdeer peeping in the fields! Strong winds last night knocked down some trees in this area and the temperature went from 37 to 35 degrees during my run. This weekend single digits are expected, and then up into the 60’s by Tuesday. Today’s run had about a 400 foot increase in elevation, 300 feet of which occurred from mile 5 ½ to mile 7, then it was mostly downhill after that. It was partly cloudy at the start with some strong winds. I was warm when the wind would stop and the sun was out, but otherwise chilly. It became more overcast halfway through and some snowflakes fell the last few miles. I had to slow for the hill, but ran up it without stopping. I did a few rest stops and brought my camera. The photo is about 41/2 miles into my run, before the big hill and when it got overcast. You can see the field starting to get green and in the distance the hills of the other side of the valley. Tired the last few miles, but I am now able to keep running even when tired. Concentrating on my form now, don’t want to fall again, and it seems to have improved my speed a little.
AZ – Glad your injury has been better and you’ve been able to do some longer runs. Good job running in the cold weather! I’m glad you had fun with your biker friends. Thai food is a favorite of mine! I don’t eat meat, so I always get the vegetable curry dishes. Bummer with the deep snow and feeling ill, I hope you recover and do well in your 5K. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Rich – It is good to walk even if you can’t run. What distances are you able to do with your “boot”?
Chantilly – I looked into any nearby 50 k races. At first it looked like they were all out west, like in California or something, but I found one only about 25 miles east of where I live! The “Can 50” gives a choice of running a 50 mile loop around Canandaigua Lake or running a 50k partial course. Canandaigua Lake is one of New York State’s Finger Lakes, a series of long, narrow lakes formed by glaciers. It is about 16 miles long. It is the fifth lake east of me, the smaller Conesus Lake is the nearest and some of my runs take me to the shores of Conesus Lake. I would like to run the 50k; however the race is scheduled just 6 days after my planned marathon.
Mark – you have recovered enough to run at fast paces! I’m sure you will do well in your 5K this coming Saturday! Hard for me to imagine 85 degree humid heat right now, hope it is cool running for the race!
Dan – From upper 60’s to freezing rain, like me your weather is very variable from day to day at this time of year! I had to look up piriformis, fantastic that your PT has allowed you to run over 6 miles without problems.
Art - another long bike ride – good cross training! Great 8.4 run along canal route! I have not had time yet to start seedling but I am thinking about my garden.
Ray – The China trip must have been exciting, but it must feel nice to return and restart your regular training! You are a dedicated runner to do those consecutive 10 milers and a a faster speed too! I am sure it will help as long as you don’t overdo it too much. I’m sure you have a good idea of what you’re doing by now.
Long distance runner, what you standin' there for?Get up, get out, get out of the door!
Altair - Nice pic! And a good long run! I'm not sure of the benefit of the really long runs for marathon training. Hanson book says you don't gain much from anything over 3 hours and that it is the cumulative miles that matter. Think I've capped my longest training run around 18.5 miles with mileage of 72 for that total week. Another rule of thumb, keep long run to 25-33% of total mileage for week. Don't know if it is true, we're all different and what works for most doesn't work for all and most of us don't have time to experiment to find what works "best"
Another 10 mile Thursday and a slower 5 miler on Friday. Hopefully I'll be able to get a longer run in today...we'll see. '57 Ghia should be leaving today...
Ran the 8.4 mile canal route again. Weather was nice enough that I wore a short sleeve shirt. Then worked in the yard for a couple of hours. Rest of the day is a birthday party for one of the grandsons.
AZ - Is this the first time running this trail race next week? Funny how healthy we feel and then Bam!, something comes along and knocks us down for a couple of days. Weather in Flag doesn't sound too bad for the coming week. Well, maybe those low temps are on the cold side for me. At least the sun will be out.
Rich - Pretty soon you'll be out of that boot and in your running shoes.
Ray - Only six weeks to Boston. Interesting thoughts on the different ways to prep for a marathon. Hopefully the weather will be cooler this year and more conducive to running. Good mileage the past few days.
Altair - Nice pic. Running in areas like that are really enjoying to me. Probably because there isn't anything like it close by. There are some mountains a short distance away but nothing like the rolling hills you show there. Have to drive a couple of hours North for that.
Art in AZ
Mesa, AZ
2.29 short run today, 19 degrees but sunny. 3.87 miles yesterday, weekly total now over 40 miles. Rest day tomorrow.
Ray, I think we've discussed this before. I understand from what I have read that the latest research says a series of short, high intensity workout intervals is the most effective training method and spending time doing long slow distance is not necessary. From what I read Hanson does not go over a 15 mile run on his marathon training plan, However, I realize now that I am basically a recreational runner. I enjoy the longer runs and spending time outside. I have most of my courses starting at the end of my driveway and when I do a new long run I sometimes go on roads I've never gone down before. It is fun to explore new places. I look forward to doing longer runs and plan to do at least a 22 mile run before the marathon. I know that I have not yet developed the speed I need, but I have lots of time before the October race to train for that and my current focus has been on endurance and strength. The long runs and doing the hills will both work to achieve that part of my goal. Now as far as I know you are the only one in this forum who has qualified and run the Boston, so don't think that your advice is not carefully considered and valued. Some of the other members have been a bit too kind in their encouragements and I know that a BQ is a difficult achievement that I might not attain on my first try. But I shall continue to report on my progress here and welcome any advice.
justrundan
3.2 yesterday on TM, 3.7 today on RiverWalk. had planned on long run today, but the wind in my face @ 39 degrees convinced me otherwise! Hope to get out tomorrow when it is warmer for long run.
I did sign up for the Door County HM first Saturday in May. DW is doing the 5k, she will run/walk it and enjoy the views of Green Bay and Peninsula State Park!
Ray- good luck as you finish your prep for Boston!
AZ- Happy Birthday month! You and Christie will be doing lots of fun things this month!
Altair- nice pic, so nice to see green! Good luck as you progress in your training for the FM. It is a challenge few accept and fewer complete. Look forward to hearing how it goes.
Art- running in short sleeves! Maybe someday soon here.
Dan
Warmer today, less wind. 6.9 mi run/walk. Everyone have good weeks!
az2mntrail Happy B'day! 🍰 I hope you don't have the 'flu and can feel better soon.
NH Runner Maybe you're done with the snow, now...??? Hope the boot is helping the heel. You're still getting in a workout with all the snow maintenance.
rmcj001 Good to hear you made it back in spite of what sounds like a bad plane experience. Hope the training is on track for Boston. (better to be healthy and undertrained than toeing the line with an injury) Your muscle memory will kick in on race day.
Altair5 I like your photo. I was sorry to read of your fall. Sounds like you are recovering nicely. Those lake areas seem like a scenic place. Many runners say a person can do a 50 Km on marathon training.
Art in AZ Nice run in the short sleeves. It must have warmed up there quite a bit. Can you grow tomatoes or is it too hot in the summer?
justrundan A couple of good workouts for you in spite of the weather. Door County looks like a scenic course on the lake.
mfender I hope you had a good race!
Pirate's Cove 12 hour March 3.
I had a good time in San Diego. The weather was about 68F and very windy, but sunny. I stayed at the Vieja's Casino Resort, which was very fancy and the next morning I drove almost an hour through winding mountain roads to get to the race. I do not seem to have understood what this race was when I signed up. LOL. It is at Lake Cuyamaca in the mountains about an hour outside of San Diego at 4613 foot elevation. But I thought that the race would be on a flat surface around the lake. It was a trail race. I kept thinking az2mntrail and justrundan would like this.
The race started at 8AM. There were about 100 starters for the 6,12, 24 hour events. It was a loop course and we had a chip pinned to our shorts on the left side and we could see our laps on a digital display each time we returned to the starting area/aid tents.
We ran down to the lake side on gravel, the water lapping at the edges and then up into a forest area , some muddy spots, hardly enough room to pass people, duck under branches, then a big climb up a rock strewn mountainside, afraid I was going to lose my balance and fall, nothing to hold onto, went across the top on thick pine needle path and then down the other side, deceptive descent, because it was a bit wet and hidden rocks jutted out. Then through a muddy area and out to a field where a skeleton gave us a "high 5" at the turn around. 2 wooden foot bridge crossings, where I could run faster, but I probably walked 70% of this race.
The course was a bit under 2 miles a loop, I finished 16 loops and was happy with my effort. Stopped three times to get stones out of my shoes, tripped twice and a branch scratched my face.
I wore the Montrail shoes that az had talked about before and had good footing.
They had hamburgers, eggs, potatoes, candy, nuts, pretzels, many kinds of drinks, cinnamon buns, rice balls.
Very nice organizers and racers. I had a fun time, since it was so different from my usual races.
The next day I walked all around the seaport in San Diego, ate fish and chips on the pier and also walked downtown. I had a lovely day.
"dancing on the path and singing, now you got away,
you can reach the goals you set from now on, every day"
Sonata Arctica
Chantilly: that sounds like an awesome TRAIL COURSE!! Definitely one that I would be grinning ear to ear on Sounds like a tough but do-able race, and you finished upright!! Falls and stumbles are almost guarantees on such trails but you maintained your balance it sounds like. GOOD JOB!! I like San Diego for quick trips but being that I'm not a 'sandy beach' person, I can take it or leave it. It's only about 8 hrs from Phoenix. My youngest Sis lived there w/ the family when her hubby was in the Navy. I actually ran one of the Rock and Roll marathon there years ago. IT WAS HOT, in June!! Great RR. Did you look up the elevation profile? Usually I will read a few of the post-race reports from previous runners just to get a sense of the terrain and weather. Doesn't always mean it will go any better but at least they look familiar when I get to certain areas of the course? WOW, that's about 32 miles you ran in 12 hours?!? AMAZING, especially when on such terrain/elevation for the first time. How many in your AG? I guess you didn't 'recognize' any other runners. It must have been NICE to be in some warm weather though, right? Any photos? CONGRATS on the finish!! You rocked the event!! Any bling?
Good afternoon everyone! Hope it was a great weekend for everybody.
az - Sure hope you're feeling better! Be sure to let us know how your trail race goes this weekend!
Ray - Glad you're safely back after your "plane trip from hell." I'm sure you'll make the right call on your training paces. Of course, if you are still on the faster paces and logging 3 days of back-to-back-to-back 10 milers, you might not need to back things off too much. Can't wait to see how things go for you in Boston!
Altair - Those are some great distances, and a great picture from mid-run! It's awesome that you're running in strong winds and scattered snowflakes. I should probably quit complaining about 85 degrees. I'm pretty much of a light-weight when it comes to making the "too windy" excuse.
Art - Nice 8+ miler again! It's nice to already be moving into the short-sleeved weather!
Rich - Hang in there - hope you're out of that boot soon and back to running!
Dan - Nice weekend runs! And good luck on your May HM!
Chantilly - What a great report on your ultra- trail race! I'm glad that you enjoyed it, even with the wind, surprising elevation and conditions. Very impressive race!
Saturday was my 5K - my first race back after taking 3 1/2 months off because of PF. The conditions were near-perfect: overcast, about 56 degrees and light wind. I ran a 23:39 officially, which was good for 2nd in the M 50-54 age group. Happy with the time and the AG award. But even happier that out of 348 finishers, I was drawn for one of the 6 door prizes! My wife and I will be making another trip to New Braunfels soon to use our gift certificate for a dinner for two at Mozie's!
Yesterday, I did a 9-mile run, the foot is still feeling good, and so I'm thinking very hard about registering for a night HM on April 28th in SA.
Have a great week everyone!
Mark
Art: yes, it will be my FIRST trail race this year!! if and when I run the one near Albq on Sat, March 11. Considering that I just recovered from THE FLU, yes, THE FLU, I'm just gonna take it easy and enjoy the event. I LOVE ALBQ so I will be surrounded by mountain deserts and NM food!! and family as well. NOT at the race, I mean, metaphorically. I know I will be ok despite just being sick, will run 3-5 miles this week and save the 6+ miles for Saturday. It lightly snow last night, temps have been in the 20s and it was WINDY all weekend, I mean WIND gusts!! It's gorgeous today, SUNNY, blue skies and the breeze is just enough to wear light jacket. LOVE IT!!
Altair: sounds like you have a solid experience plan on your journey to Boston!! I don't usually 'follow' a 'training plan' .......just kinda pick this and that and put it together, but I listen to my body and incorporate rest days no matter what. I do run at least two 22 milers and maybe a 24 miler but I find it's tough to go further than 3.5 hours when training on mountain dirt trails.
Dan: YAY on registering for the Door County event!! You've run that before I remember, and I think Debra ran it the same year you did, right? Anyway, looks like you're in serious training mode till then!! Glad DW is doing the 5k!! Looks like a nice place for a run, too bad it's a road course.
mfender: hope you share your RR!! I'm sure you rocked the race too!!
Ray: welcome back! Yes, slow progress here and the flu certainly created some back steps but all is good now. I'm so excited to follow along on another of your Boston experience!
Mark: crossposted ...............CONGRATS!! on the finish time and place!! High five!! That is very fast!! And to place 2nd from that many entrants, wow!! Why not, register for the HM, sounds like a challenge and lots of time to train!!
Thanks, I'm back to normal and feeling good, had the flu all last week and started feeling a little better on Friday, just in time to enjoy a quiet birthday dinner all by my lonesome on Saturday,.
Just a quick note to say I only stayed for under 8 hours, not the full 12.
az2mntrail The race results aren't up yet, but there were some talented ultra runners there. I recognized Ed Ettinghausen. He is always friendly and encouraging. I saw him in Phx. before. I was talking to one lady (70) who has met 4 runners from my group at previous races. She has done 52 marathons in 52 weeks and has run a marathon in each state twice.
Good to hear that you are feeling better, but take it easy, so that you can have fun in Alburquerque.
mfender Congratulations on your race! And free dinner! A night race would be fun.