I've almost forgotten what normal is like. It's been almost seven weeks since I've been able to follow my normal routine. I traveled to & from California for 3 weeks. We brought a grandchild with us when we returned and that was a month ago. I've loved it all but it does present challenges when it comes to keeping routines and routines help me get my exercising done.
On top of that I've been dealing with a family member's health crisis for nearly 2 weeks. This has included emergency room trips and hospital visits and at home crises. I'm still working on this.
But, despite all, Wednesday I had a nice resistance workout. Thursday (yesterday) was a totally different day. With 2 visitors coming to 2 different airports, my exercise day was ruined. I got up a 2:45 am (yes 2:45 am not a typo!) and drove to Boston and back with one arrivee. My wife pick up the other. I was back home at about 1pm. Traffic and fog slowed us a bit. I admit that exercise was possible when I returned but the reunion with loved ones and my fatigue convinced me to take a day off. I don't take many. I stayed up until nearly my usual bedtime so I was pretty tired. On top of that I had a couple of adult beverages. I didn't know how I was going to feel this morning.
I decided to alter my usual protocol. Normally I do resistance training on Friday. But, I decided to run. The basement was in use as a bedroom and I really felt like a run was my best option. The upcoming marathon takes precedent right now. So I headed out the door tired but happy to feel the cool air.
The first couple of miles were a bit of a struggle but as usual my legs pulled me through. After the 1st steep hill climb I started to feel better. By the time I got to about mile 8 I was as good as new (okay I exaggerate a bit LOL). I crossed paths with a young woman who was obviously a training hard. She had great form and her determination going uphill was inspiring (even if she was on the wrong side of the road). I had to laugh at the 2 guys in the big truck who honked at her. I mean, did they really think she would be even remotely interested in 2 big overweight, scruffy-looking, middle-aged, need a bath, shave, and a haircut bums? Get real!!
I finished my 12 miles feeling quite strong. My confidence got a boost and I was, and still am, grateful for my two good legs.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Marathon Training - Lovely Morning For A Run
After a day of golf and an abbreviated resistance workout I was eager to run this morning. I did wonder a bit about how I'd feel after the long run on Sunday. I love to run on Sunday because the traffic is lighter but it doesn't give me as much rest before my regular Tuesday run. No problem, though!
It was 63 degrees when I hit the pavement this morning. And, there was a nice cooling breeze. Ah, the difference it made. It was so nice I ran right by my water stop. No need when it's nice and cool. 12 miles seems so short after the long weekend run. I can't say my legs had completely forgotten Sunday's run but they didn't protest much and I really enjoyed the run this morning, with a couple of exceptions.
Right around the mid-point of the course, where the road is narrowest and traffic the heaviest, a big man in a big car drove right at me and I had to jump off the road toward the ditch. I don't know if it was on purpose or not although my immediate reaction was that it was intentional. He was looking right at me. I also had a guy in a red truck making a right hand turn without looking right. It's typical for people turning right to do this. I've learned over the years to look at the driver. I stopped because I could see he was unprepared for an encounter with me. Since it was obvious (I hope) that he might have run over me had I not been alert I'm hoping he learned a lesson.
On the other hand I had several drivers wave good morning to me when they stopped to let me pass. I always enjoy that. A lot. As a bonus I saw 2 other runners this morning. One was ahead of me that I was unable to catch before he turned onto a different route than I was taking (He was pretty fast too!). The other was a friendly young lady going in the direction I had just come from. She was pretty cheery! And why not? It was a lovely morning for a run.
It was 63 degrees when I hit the pavement this morning. And, there was a nice cooling breeze. Ah, the difference it made. It was so nice I ran right by my water stop. No need when it's nice and cool. 12 miles seems so short after the long weekend run. I can't say my legs had completely forgotten Sunday's run but they didn't protest much and I really enjoyed the run this morning, with a couple of exceptions.
Right around the mid-point of the course, where the road is narrowest and traffic the heaviest, a big man in a big car drove right at me and I had to jump off the road toward the ditch. I don't know if it was on purpose or not although my immediate reaction was that it was intentional. He was looking right at me. I also had a guy in a red truck making a right hand turn without looking right. It's typical for people turning right to do this. I've learned over the years to look at the driver. I stopped because I could see he was unprepared for an encounter with me. Since it was obvious (I hope) that he might have run over me had I not been alert I'm hoping he learned a lesson.
On the other hand I had several drivers wave good morning to me when they stopped to let me pass. I always enjoy that. A lot. As a bonus I saw 2 other runners this morning. One was ahead of me that I was unable to catch before he turned onto a different route than I was taking (He was pretty fast too!). The other was a friendly young lady going in the direction I had just come from. She was pretty cheery! And why not? It was a lovely morning for a run.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Marathon Training - Hard Day
I took yesterday off to participate in a golf tournament at the invitation of a friend. I thought it might do me some good. Maybe it did but I couldn't tell by my run today.
My plan was to go 19 miles with my brother & training partner. He's hurting and can't run (worries me). So, undaunted, I headed out alone this morning. It was a decent day that got better (clouds & a nice breeze) as I went until about 13-14 miles when I started fading. When I got to the turn for 19 miles instead of 17.5 I changed my plans. I was feeling too low and dehydrated. The 17.5 mile finish has a water stop. It made a huge difference. Next attempt at 19 will have to include a water drop before hand. I could carry water but the prospect is not appealing to me.
I finished but I was tired and not feeling as well as I had 2 Sundays ago when we ran the same route. I'm hoping that staging a water stop will prevent a repeat. The good news is I got a taste of how it's going to feel at the end of the marathon. I'll have to have my head on straight.
My plan was to go 19 miles with my brother & training partner. He's hurting and can't run (worries me). So, undaunted, I headed out alone this morning. It was a decent day that got better (clouds & a nice breeze) as I went until about 13-14 miles when I started fading. When I got to the turn for 19 miles instead of 17.5 I changed my plans. I was feeling too low and dehydrated. The 17.5 mile finish has a water stop. It made a huge difference. Next attempt at 19 will have to include a water drop before hand. I could carry water but the prospect is not appealing to me.
I finished but I was tired and not feeling as well as I had 2 Sundays ago when we ran the same route. I'm hoping that staging a water stop will prevent a repeat. The good news is I got a taste of how it's going to feel at the end of the marathon. I'll have to have my head on straight.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Much better day.
What a difference a day makes! I had an excellent workout this morning. It didn't feel like it would be when I got up. But, once I got going it kept getting better. Sir Isaac Newton was right!
I am also wondering if the small vodka I had at about 9pm helped. Long run scheduled for tomorrow. I'll find out. Just had another tonight! LOL
I am also wondering if the small vodka I had at about 9pm helped. Long run scheduled for tomorrow. I'll find out. Just had another tonight! LOL
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Marathon Training - Middles
Pretty good workout yesterday, but not great because I felt a bit worn out. Just not a great day. It happens. Good run this morning due primarily to the really nice cool (relatively) weather. I ran 12 miles at a moderate pace and it got me to thinking about this part of training. I'm right about in the middle of my training for the upcoming marathon. It has been about 2.5 months since Vermont City where I ran half as part of a 2 person relay with my brother. It was a really great day for us. And now I'm about 2.5 months from the upcoming marathon in October.
It's a lot like the middle of a race. The beginning of race (and training) is full of adrenalin. The excitement of the moment is such that you actually have to hold back a bit so you don't give up too much too early. The end of the race, on the other hand is filled with the excitement of finishing. I liken it to the horse smelling the barn. Somehow at the end a race, most people perk up a bit and find something extra to carry them to the finish. Training is similar. As race day gets close, your fitness is peaking and your excitement is building as you anticipate the big day. But, the middle is, well, the middle. The excitement of the start is over. You're tired. The end is still too far away to get excited about. In a race, often, there is no crowd support. Training, too, is mundane. All of your home support has grown accustomed to your training. All there is to do is run. This is when you have dig down and find that something that keeps you going.
For me, visualizing my race when I'm running helps. Pep talks with my training partner really help. He inspires me with his great attitude and resolve. And, of course, like a lot of people, recording my progress helps. Writing this blog helps as well. Especially when I hear from a reader.
So, I'm looking forward to getting closer and having the excitement build. I'm hoping to remain injury free. I'll be at 20 mile training runs soon and that's a milestone that will help. Marathon training is tough, for me anyway, during the middles.
It's a lot like the middle of a race. The beginning of race (and training) is full of adrenalin. The excitement of the moment is such that you actually have to hold back a bit so you don't give up too much too early. The end of the race, on the other hand is filled with the excitement of finishing. I liken it to the horse smelling the barn. Somehow at the end a race, most people perk up a bit and find something extra to carry them to the finish. Training is similar. As race day gets close, your fitness is peaking and your excitement is building as you anticipate the big day. But, the middle is, well, the middle. The excitement of the start is over. You're tired. The end is still too far away to get excited about. In a race, often, there is no crowd support. Training, too, is mundane. All of your home support has grown accustomed to your training. All there is to do is run. This is when you have dig down and find that something that keeps you going.
For me, visualizing my race when I'm running helps. Pep talks with my training partner really help. He inspires me with his great attitude and resolve. And, of course, like a lot of people, recording my progress helps. Writing this blog helps as well. Especially when I hear from a reader.
So, I'm looking forward to getting closer and having the excitement build. I'm hoping to remain injury free. I'll be at 20 mile training runs soon and that's a milestone that will help. Marathon training is tough, for me anyway, during the middles.
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