swiftshoe - runners blog

Overdue Update

2008-12-15T03:44:00.000-08:00

So, this is an overdue update. I felt a little guilty about not writing anything for the last couple of weeks. Anyway, its been an interesting two weeks since the Seattle Half. Training has been slow but methodical. Not a lot of heart in it. I might even make my goal of 1000 miles if I keep it up. Only 50 miles to go.

This is a video of the Half. My video race report. There are several things that went wrong for me that day. First, I was not (and had not been feeling good for the last couple of weeks.

I began to feel better Saturday, but I was not anywhere near 100%. At the race, I headed out with hopes that I would miraculously feel better and be able to stick it out. My pace was good for the first few miles. I was on track to beat my Spokane Half time. The 2 mile water station handed me water and gateraid. I drank it and by mile 4 my stomach was getting upset. By mile 6 when they gave me the GU I was throwing it up by mile seven. I started to have foot cramps in both feet that ran across my arches and up into my shins. I slowed drastically and just tried to stick it out to the end. The hills from 7 to 11 are really tough, steep and long. Madison was the long one and it was a long walk with cramps. When I turned onto Harrison (mile 12ish) the volunteer told us that marathoner's were at mile 24. I decided I wanted to finish before they crossed the line and ran as fast as I could to the end. I finished in 03:07:08 a 14:17 pace

The expo afterwards was very nice, soup, water and a medal. I am proud that I finished and want to do it again. Looking forward to trying the full next year (maybe).

New Video

2008-11-26T21:23:00.000-08:00

Day 13 - exercise and blog updates

2008-11-13T11:40:00.001-08:00

I have managed to both exercise and blog every day so far. Today, I took a run on the Foothills Trail along the Carbon River. The river is still close to flood stage and is really ripping along. Muddy trail and lots of water. Did video of it and it should be posted on runcastTV later today. 8 miles for the KelownaGirl challenge.

Nablopomo challenge, let's face it. I don;t have a lot to say and did not before. I just say it more frequently than before. Part of this for me was a commitment besides running that I needed to do every day. That has worked. In fact for the most part, It has been another thing I enjoy doing. So maybe I will start taking this a little more seriously than before. No self pressure. Just a thought.

All's well in Orting as the floodwater recedes! Looking forward to blogging more miles in the future.

Day 12 Update

2008-11-12T20:57:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note - They are recommending that the South part of Orting (towards South Prairie and the Carbon River) evacuate due to Carbon River flooding. They are also recommending that McMillan, about 1 mile from where I live (same rivers) is also recommending evacuation. I'm in the middle and still dry. We are not in any danger only if the road gets flooded - which if it does not stop raining it is possible. Army Corp of Engineers are running dump trucks and surveyors up to river dike to add about two feet of promised rocks and stuff to the dike (a 2006 agreement from the last flood that the current admin (fed) put on hold as to expensive - wonder what it is costing now!) If the dikes hold and the rain stops, we will be fine. If the road goes, we will be fine and if the dike goes, we should be fine. It would take a lot of water to get us but at this point, I would not be surprised if it happened.

As a stupid note: I did get my workout in for the KelownaGirl challenge - 6 hours sandbag stacking. Shoulders and back are very sore, but still functioning.

Will update tomorrow!
Bryan

Day 11 - Sleep - Run - Post - Twitter - Sleep

2008-11-11T11:01:00.001-08:00

Sleep - 7 hours
Run - 6.3 Miles
Post - Buckeye, RunnerPlus, Blog
Twitter - read about 12 hours of tweets, respond to a few
Sleep - Hoping for 5 hours before work tonight!

Done!

Day 10 - I feel like SH*T today

2008-11-10T22:55:00.000-08:00

I feel like SH*T today. Still managed to walk around the neighborhood trying to get warmed up for a short run. Ended up walking to the bridge and back about 40 minutes of walking. Slight nausea today. Might be the fact that I have not had a decent nights sleep since Oct. Going to try and get a good sleep in then up early for a 7 mile run (I hope). We are supposed to sever weather tonight, still if a flood and wind watch till Wed.

Off to take some medicine then to bed for a few hours.

Water! Water! FZTHP!!!

2008-11-09T12:52:00.000-08:00

Okay, I may be a novice to running but I'm not stupid. I was thinking of doing a couple of out and back loops on the Riverfront trail 3 out, 3 back then grab some water run other direction 3 out and back. 12 miles. Did I ever mention that I suffer from DD (distraction disorder)? It directly relates to the number of shiny objects that end up in my path. Today was not without its shiny objects - stinky spawning salmon, a barefoot runner and this. So when the Garmin (which I was paying attention to also) announced to me that I was at 6 miles and me without water, I knew I was in trouble. I turned and slowed the pace hoping to avoid the crash. Last mile and a half I had nothing left for the run, walk 2 mins run 2 mins repeat. When I finally got back to the car and drank some water, it came back up as fast as I could get it down. Lesson learned - do not run for whatever reason without water and avoid running the night before (6 miles at 10 pm) then less than 12 hours later do the long run for the weekend.

Legs are a lot stiff and I am finally able to drink some water. Headed to bed!

eight for eight

2008-11-08T23:36:00.000-08:00

Technology sucks sometimes. First, my Gaarmin405 crapped out and will probably have to be sent in for repair. I read that some issues are caused by sweat and moisture. Ummm. Hello Garmin, I would think that if you were going to sell a product that is going to be worn on the person using it, outside where the sweat and rain might get to it, you would built it to survive those harsh conditions!

Issue B, iPod! On my return drive from Vancouver BC Thursday night my iPod just stopped working. It would list all the music and podcasts on it, but would not access it to play it. Thinking that it was dead (kind of looking forward to might getting one of the new nano's) I was a little upset. Fortunately (or unfortunately) when I plugged it into iTunes and hit restore. FIXED!

Way to much driving in the last 3 days. Close to 1000 miles, Seattle to Vancouver round trip = 400 (D2D my house) Seattle to Portland = 370 (also D2D) and about 300 miles local on Wednesday night. Not complaining, but all that driving wears me out and cuts into my night run times. I like running at night, no one around and it is quite, no prying eyes, no questioning (occasionally the local deputy dog swings by and laughs).

So I am 8 for 8 on the blogo challenge and 8 for 8 with the Kelownagirl Challenge. 5.5 miles tonight and I'm hoping 10 miles early tomorrow. Thinking that I might do a runcast on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge on Monday.

RuncastTV

2008-11-07T20:43:00.000-08:00

Playing around with runcasts on runcastTV.com. Check out my video @ http://runcasttv.ning.com/profile/OrtingRunner.

Took today off from running, legs a little stiff and planning on running first thing after work Sat. morning. Might try to record again. Did walk for 40 minutes while I was up in Vancouver BC waiting for the airport to open. Lots of driving lastnight. Carbon and White river (both about a half mile from my house) are almost flooding. Looking forward to not driving much tonight, taking running gear with me and loaded my iPod up with latest fdip and runningstupid episodes.

Day 7 of Kelownagirl's 30/30/30 challenge and day 7 in daily blog month. Things are going good and I might be over the hump! See you tomorrow.

8.5 miles and smiling

2008-11-06T20:09:00.000-08:00

I was listening to the UltraDad Podcast today while out on my run. Rob mentioned that I was having some mental issues getting through this part of my training. Like I have said to anyone that would listen, I know that this is temporary but it feels like it has been going on forever.

It might be the other exercise I have been doing or it might have been the fact that I was out in the rain, wet, cold and running but I felt fantastic. I had a true desire to run out the distance. Originally was scheduled to run 7 but after UltraDad I decided to run an extra mile or so.

Soaking wet, I realized I can do this. This was a nice mental break for me. I have a race on Nov. 30th and I need to get some miles in these old legs. I am looking for to this weekends RunningMates weekend commitment and already have it planned out where I am going to run, Sat and Sun.

Water Aerobics was interesting, not sure if I will go back but it was challenging. Thinking I might give it a go once a week just for something different.

Trying something new

2008-11-05T18:05:00.000-08:00

Tonight I will try something new. The local community pool has water aerobic classes after the kiddies are done learning how to swim. 12 sessions for $20. It fits well into my schedule, I can do it then head to work right after. Looking forward to the new challenge.

Day three

2008-11-04T21:35:00.001-08:00

So, it appears that we have a new democrat president. I'm glad but the reality is that change will be slow and a lot of people will be unhappy.

For me, what is more important is that I managed to squeeze in some exercise today that was not running! A rest/cross exercise day and I did 38 minutes at the Sumner Pool. I have know idea how many laps but it felt great.

Struggling a little with my diabetes. Work up tonight (nap before work) 2 hours after breakfast and blood sugar @ 65. Very low for me. Probably low for everyone. I'm very shaky and feel a little distracted. Hoping that some Kiwi will bring it up.

Day 4 of thirty blogging and kelownagirls exercise are in the bag!

Slow wet weekend

2008-11-03T11:26:00.000-08:00

Two days of running this weekend. Finally have everything dried out and am planning for a few miles tonight when I get up. Working nights has its advantages during the summer, I usually get home before it gets to hot and I am able to get out and get the runs in. Working nights in winter, it is cold, wet and dark way to early in the day. Rethinking my schedule has proven to be a real problem. I make more money at night (less drivers to compete for jobs) than I would during the day. Besides, ever since I totaled two vehicles (within one month) I have not been able to drive during the day without extreme white knuckles. No reason for me to be here other than well built vehicles. First accident sitting at stoplight (red) car rear ends me @ 35 mph sends me off the road, into ditch and onto top. Second, high traffic volume, slow moving, car rear ends me @ 75 mph. Sends me over center barricade into oncoming traffic, flip and slid - no other vehicles involved. Walked away from both with six broken ribs, pulled shoulder muscle, sore back and a mental bruise about driving during the day.

I have decided to experiment a little this week. On work nights I will run evenings twice, day off, then line up for weekend and run twice days, then weekend run middle of the night (long runs with headlamp, backpack lights and flashers). This pattern worked well during the summer. Again it is a lot different at 70F then at 35F.

I really do not want to turn this into a blog (whine) about why I am not running, so this is the last post I make (I hope) about why I am struggling with running right now. I do love running and want to move out of this mental rut. Moving forward to the next run will help.

Off to sleep then head out for a run!

Day 2 - NaBloPoMo

2008-11-02T22:37:00.000-08:00

WTF? NaBloPoMo? National Blog Posting Month? This is something I have been thinking about for a few months. A commitment to post everyday for a month. Just what I need. Another project to add to my struggling couch potato existence. Here the problem is that this part of my commitments encourages spending time in front of my computer. I really do not need any help there. Between Twitter, Nike+, Runner+, researching training plans, finding races and general wasting of time, this should be fairly easy. Unfortunately it will require some focused effort on my part to do.

This opportunity will give me a chance to work on my short term writing, prioritization and organization skills. Each of which I have been trying to work on but have not found a good challenge to make it work.

Today was also day 2 of my 30/30 challenge. Officially, the challenge starts on Monday. Good to have a few practice days. Felt great to get out and run today. The weather was atrocious and I was soaked to the bone when finished. 7 miles in the rain and wind with a grin.

It is my hope that I will be able to find topics that will help me write. The meandering unfocused mind can be a challenge to follow. Having a structured objective for my blog will be better for me and the reader in the long run. That is what I am going to try and do. Not sure if it will be successful, but I will give it a try.

A Daily Commitment

2008-11-01T13:07:00.000-07:00

So, I have been feeling a little depressed lately. I think it has to do with a let down from all the hard training I did this summer for the Spokane Half Marathon and the Worldwide Festival of Races. It feels like I'm stuck in a rut. Everywhere I turn, I run into myself. I really feel that things are starting to turn a new direction.

I have another event coming up the end of this month - Nov 30th, the Seattle Half Marathon. It;s not that I did not know that this was coming. I signed up for it after the Spokane Half on Oct. 12th. I have set up a training schedule that will take me through to Dec. 21st for another half, which I have to yet sign up for.

Kelownagirl started a 30 minute daily exercise challenge today and I will join her. Although my exercise will be running for the most part, it should get me out the door every day. The hope being that if I cant do it for myself, do it for the commitment.

Looking forward to the challenges of getting back on the road and into living the challenges.

For my Friend...

2008-10-13T00:28:00.000-07:00

A lot of things can happen to a person running a half marathon. Injury, sickness, euphoria... The list could be a long one and I will let more qualified people fill it in. For me, I was struck by something I was not prepared for.

It was a cold start at 08:45 AM. 675 half marathoners lined up waiting for the start. I forgot my sensor for my iPod so I was kicking myself a little at the start. Other than that, I was layered against the cold, well hydrated and I thought I had eaten right. Breakfast was fruit cocktail (canned and crappy), eggs (probably freeze dried) and bacon. I was not able to eat everything but I had enough to know that if I ate any more, the race course would have some of it (if you get my drift).

The cold crisp air kept the starting line very quite. Without any warning we were off. The Spokane Half Marathon starts out on Spokane Falls Rd in downtown at Riverfront Park weaves its way though town heads out past four cemeteries and connects up with the Centennial Trail. The trail wanders along the Spokane River though beautiful pine trees and rolling hills, then heads back into town and ends at Riverfront Park. Here is my Garmin link. It was a beautiful run. I chose to run for the first four miles with a group that had a similar strategy (run 25 minutes/walk 5). At mile two we started the first of many long ups that I managed to run most of. The one thing I was told about hills by a veteran Bloomsday and Spokane Marathoner was that I should run the downs faster than the flats and the hills as slow as I need, "Just keep your arms and legs moving," he said. I kept that in mind on every hill climb. Slow up, fast down and cruise the flats. Okay, it worked for a while. Then my right knee started to flair on the downhills so I just took it easy on it all and enjoyed the sights. I walked the water stops every 2.5 miles whether I needed to or not. I nurtured my knee as well as I can. By mile 5 I was still in my run walk pattern but the hills were taking there toll so I started my backup up run one mile, walk 3 minutes. I was able to do that through to the end (sans hills). By mile six, I was with a new group of run/walkers that I managed to stay with for the rest of the race.

At mile seven (out of the valley and behind Spokane Falls Community College. Here was one of my breakthough moments in the race. I was really worried about my knee. I was in a lot of pain and I was feeling really emotional about it. As I came into the water stop, cheers from the large contingent of support their boosted my spirits and gave me strength. I received a hug from a happy cow. I was so overcome with emotion that I... (I'll explain at the end). From mile 7 to mile 8.5 it is a steady down hill path to the base of Doomsday Hill. Doomsday hill is a long (.7 mile) up that was a big challenge for most of my group. As I ran across the bridge and turned to the hill, I said to the guy next to me, "Here is that goofy little speed bump we have been waiting for!" I slowed and chugged my way to the top. I ran 80% of that hill. I should have walked it. This left me without much fuel in my soul. Even the HammerGels were not making much difference at this point. I slowed and just walked when I had to and ran when I could. Funny thing happened just before the speed bump. I was listening to FDIP 156: Cheers from a Little Blue Bubble and just as I turned the corner for the hill, I heard "You can do it, Orting Runner!" It couldn't have been more perfectly timed. I really needed it.

I spent the last part of the race trying to put the knee pain out of my mind and just focus on the next step. The rolling roads and beautiful scenery kept me going forward and finally we turned into Riverfront park for the finish. I finally saw the finish clock and it showed 02:56:00 and I started to "sprint" to the finish. I finished in 02:56:14 (official) and I placed 629/675.

So what happened to me at Mile 7? History: Saturday night I drove around Spokane to check out a few things. A friend of mine was a EMT here and I drove by his station. His devotion to helping people killed him. I was the last person he talked to one night over 15 years ago. He called me and said that he could not do it any more. He was sober and grieving his life. He felt guilty for the things in is past that he had to do to save is brother from an abusive step dad and uncaring mom. I will spare you the details of that event only to say that his brother is alive today do to his actions. My friend called me and told me that he was going to commit suicide. I tried to reason with him but I could not. 20 minutes after I hung up and called 911 he had driven to Alki Point in Seattle, put a shot gun in his mouth and pulled the trigger.

At mile 7, after the cheers and hug, I started to grieve the loss of my friend. I have carried the guilt and shame of that night for a long time. Tears ran down my cheeks till I hit Doomsday Hill. I felt myself let go of the grief and I felt that my friend had forgiven me as I crested the top of the hill. The release from my past, the touch of forgiveness from him, the clarity of what I have to do from this moment on gave me the desire to finish.

Moral of the moment: Not all races are just physical efforts, some of us must battle with our pasts to gain a foothold in today's race. This is what happened to me and I am so grateful for it.

Pre-Half Marathon thoughts

2008-10-11T21:23:00.000-07:00

Sitting in the Spokane Travelodge and thought I would chime in on training for a half marathon. I have worked hard all summer for my first half (Sun. Oct 12th - Tomorrow). This is my third attempt to get to the finish line. I have tried several training programs, unfortunately, they rushed me and I ended up injured. I'm by no means an expert but I believe that a good 18 - 24 week program with a solid base mile program (somewhere between 300 - 400 miles) before you start training for the half is a good start. I used a simple program I found on BuckeyeOutdoors.com (free service that helps you track your miles and fitness) called base miles. It got me running long runs from 4 miles to 8 miles in 16 weeks. Then I used modified Hansen Brothers Half Marathon program. Ran 5 days a week, 25 to 40 miles with long runs on Mondays from 8 to 14 miles with a last week tapper of 18 miles. It is an intense training program. Lots of miles strategically organized so to put your legs and cardio in a good position for the final push.

I believe the best way to proceed is to find a program that does not push you to hard (10% increase each week) and end up with you hurt. I feel as good as I have ever felt. As I type this, I have less than 8 hours til the start of my race here in Spokane (www.SpokaneMarathon.US). No ITB, minimal knee pain, legs a little sore but very manageable. I am ready.

I have to tell myself that I am not here to win. My last race (a 15k in Bellingham, WA) took me 2:02:40. Very slow but I finished. I'm not a fast runner so my objective for now, just get across the line. I can work on improvement after the race.

So my goal for now is to finish. Hoping that I don't take longer than 3 hours but, if I do, that is okay. I have achieved the very thing I thought I would not be able to do. Somehow I have become a runner, not just any runner, I have become a half marathon runner! Not a lot of people can say that.

Something else happened along the way... I'm not intimidated by the miles ahead of me. I have come to trust the training and myself. I remember when 5 miles was a big deal and 7 miles a dream and anything more than that, impossible. Now, I can run 10 miles without any thought about the fact that I am running 10 miles. It does not matter. The only thing that matters is that I am doing it and having a blast.

Keeping the faith. The road ahead is well worth the effort I have put into it. I really believe that I will do great!

PS. I am already looking at races for Dec, Jan and beyond. Have a few surprises in-store for myself. ANYTHING is possible! ANYTHING!!

September Gratitude

2008-09-28T21:57:00.000-07:00

There are certain things in a mans life that must be acknowledged and this is one of those times. I sat in a meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous on Saturday night, celebrating one of the many gifts I have received since entering the program in 1988. "What gift?" you may ask. Its a gift that I am reminded of every time I go to a meeting and sit next to a new guy still reeking of alcohol, eyes full of fear, hungover from the booze and anxiety running through his soul. It is the hope that I can share with this person, the hope that if you choose, you may never have to feel that way again. The hope that he can exist on the planet with drinking again. Millions have done it and millions more will. We are not unique by any means. I sat next to such a man on Saturday night. Shaking and quaking with fear. The tears of fear floating just behind the eyes. The long lost look of a man wrecked by alcoholism and at the end of his rope. It is important to note (only for my ego) that I have nothing to do with his success or failure from this day forward, but it is he that I owe the debt of gratitude.

You see, I was celebrating my "success" in the program of Alcoholics Anonymous. It was birthday night and when the chairperson asked, "Anyone here celebrating a birthday of 20 years?" I was able to stand and say, "I am Bryan, alcoholic and I am!" I stood and shakily walked up and received a wonderful hug, and my 20 year chip. I stood thinking that it could not be possible. I looked at those that had received their coins before me - 4 months, 9 months and 4 years. From all appearances, one could not tell that they were ex-drunks. They were normal. I looked at the new guy and knew that he had a message for me. The message? "It does not matter the time we have, it matters what we do with that time." I was not there to celebrate as much as I was there to help this man. There are no words that can prevent a person from going out and drinking. The reality is, they need a reason to stay. They need common issue that will overcome there fear of staying. They need to belong. AA can give hope to the hopeless. That is what I have to offer and that is what I offered. I could see that he felt the hope. The reality of this situation, I could feel the hope coming from him. He reminded me of what I was like when I came in. I ate my cake and recaptured the hope in my life.

So, what does this have to do with running? For me, it is everything. Alcoholism killed my soul and made me the man I am today. I was hopelessly unteachable, uncaring and unforgiving. I never thought I would be alive this long, let alone without alcohol. Every vision I had I always had some sort of gimmick be it alcohol or drugs. Today, I am an artist in my own life, redrawing the pre-programmed picture and will of my life. Running is one of the things I never thought I could do, would do or wanted to do.

On my long run today, I thought about the man from last night. I thought about me siting in his chair 20 years ago. I thought about the hopelessness of my life, the drinking, drugging, suicide attempts and the fear. The fear that I will never make it out of the sadness of my life. With each step I ran today, I could feel the pain and sadness ebb away being replaced by the joy and hope of each hard breath. As the steps turned into miles, I could see how fortunate I am. I have been given a chance to build a life that I never thought I would have. As the miles stacked on, I was overcome by a wave of gratitude. Gratitude that now, at the age of 46 and 20 years sober, I am just beginning to do things that I NEVER thought I would.

It was not a pretty run. It had its ups and downs, fast and slow points. At times I thought I should give up and go home, but the look of the man last night, reminded me that I need to trudge forward. Take my fear, set it aside and just go. I have never ran more than 14 miles before. Today - 16.5 a personal distance best. Today's run reminded me of my struggles in sobriety. The hopelessness turning into hope, the give up turning into I wanna stay. The simple statement "I ARE ONE!" I am an alcoholic and I am a runner!

Fairhaven 15k Race Report - Sept 13 2008

2008-09-14T00:18:00.001-07:00

Today was a great day for a run. Luckily, I had one planned. The
Fairhaven 15k is a race along the shoreline south of Bellingham. It runs down State st and eventually drops down along the shoreline through the marina's. The out and back course is a beautiful run, worthy of the 250 mile drive (round trip).

Warm day, with friendly people. I did not have the fear that I had during the Chuckanut run. This time I just showed up and ran. It felt great. There was about 600 of us running including one wheelchair participant. Started at 8:30AM (ish). I made good time for the first three miles. I was on target to beat my goal of under 2 hours. But I went out to fast and had to take an extra walk break. The extra walk break added 5 minutes to my finish time putting me in at 02:02:40. I'm proud of my time, but next year, I'll beat it. I placed 512th/596. Here is a link to my Garmin data http://tinyurl.com/6bozzk.

I learned a couple of things today that will help me in the future. First, do not go out to fast. Passing the slow pokes is fun, but eventually they catch up with you if you are not careful. Second, when in doubt of where the finish line is, run until they tell you to stop. My mistake today was that I slowed to a walk when I crossed what I thought was the finish line. Turns out it was a chip reader so the announcer could say your name as you crossed into the finish area. After I heard my name, I slowed thinking that I was finished but there was another 100 feet to go. It would have helped if they had a finish line sign. I'm not mad about it or upset with them. I'm just a newbie runner that has a lot to learn. It was a great lesson.

Looking forward to next years race. But first, I have the Spokane Half Marathon coming up in Oct. and then who knows. I plan on many more.

Weekly update - What would you do?

2008-08-11T21:45:00.000-07:00

Okay. So I might have bit off more than I can chew. Man I hate that saying! Training has been going well. I did manage both my long runs (2x10 mi) last Monday and this. Felt pretty good both days. Noticed today during run (and I mean run) that I was running it more than last week. Although my time does not reflect that. Okay I'm wrong. It is reflected in today's run... 12:17 per mile compared to 12:44.

Two years ago I was training for the Foothills 5k (local) and my times were 10:40 - :50 during training. I mentally struggle with this all the time. I wonder when (if ever) I will get my speed. But the difference this year is that this is the longest I have run without an injury of any kind. I hurt less also. I am running more frequently and with consistency that I only dreamed of before. Plus I am running farther. That makes this all so strange in my mind. More speed to soon could equal injury. Running consistently and frequently with dedication could equal continued ability to run without injury. Hmmm. What should I do? Hell, what would you do?

Wet and Soggy... Thank you Steve

2008-08-01T09:54:00.000-07:00

I was out for a nice wet run today, listening to Steve from the Phedippidations Podcast. Thank you so much Steve for reading my Chuckanut 7M race report and making my run today most enjoyable. Thanks again, I have to go dry out.

World Wide Half Commitment

2008-07-31T21:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I signed up for the Spokane Half Marathon scheduled for Oct. 12th. It's a small marathon (which is good for me -- I hate crowds). I am hoping that I can make it through to the event this year without injuring myself. I have signed up for the World Wide Half the last two years and have hurt myself both times. This year my approach is more organized and realistic than in the past. I am running more consistently and I feel stronger than I have in the past. I am still sticking to my solid training plan. Hopefully, this will be a successful year.

The run yesterday was great. 7 miles and only a couple of walk breaks after the 2nd mile. Looking forward to many more miles. Day of rest then a weekend of running. Should be good. I am going to try and squeeze a bicycle ride into the mix. Last weeks really helped me mentally and physically. Need to do some work on the bike though.

Week (weak) reflected

2008-07-28T10:48:00.000-07:00

This was a week of tired and restless running. Looking for a way to make it interesting I tried mantra's, prayer, music and jokes. I just felt like I was logging useless miles. Saturday I was fed up. I could not face another run day and I had had two days off already. I read a TWEET from blackfonzie about bicycle riding and remembered that I had a bike. Off I went to find and headed out for a ride. I rode 20 miles. Felt great and think it will be part of my regular training.

Yesterday, ran 6 miles and 11 miles today. Really slow but I did it. Looking forward to a day off then it starts again 6,c,4,5,8. C will be a cross day definitely riding the bike. So long until next week.

Training re-evaluating

2008-07-21T03:45:00.000-07:00

I had a great week of running. I feel great and my confidence is up. Looking forward to a strong summer and fall of running.

So... After my experience last weekend I took a serious look at what I think I am going to be capable of doing this fall. After almost 5 months of training I struggled badly in this race. Maybe it was the hills maybe not. I know it shook my confidence in my ability to run distances. Given the choice, if I could continue to increase my miles drastically (which I would have to do) without causing injury (of which I am prone) then I would. But this is not about miles equaling success, it's about long term investment in the health and welfare of my knees, feet and any other part of my body that can get hurt. I have decided to switch to a half marathon on Oct. 12th in Spokane and I will probably run a half on Nov. 30th depending on my work schedule. The Spokane Marathon is hilly, but my training now includes hills. My wife and I will make a weekend of it and enjoy being away from work and the house.

I picked a training program off of buckeye outdoors for a half marathon. It is a modified Hanson Brothers program that should work well with my current situation. I work nights (m - f) 10 to 14 hours a day. The Hanson Brothers offers a five day work out and two rest schedule with a cap on the long miles of 12 miles (twice) and a max miles on week 13 of 36 miles. It is aggressive and should fit in with my schedule well.

Back on the training train

2008-07-14T21:46:00.000-07:00

Still stiff and a little sore from Saturday. Wanted to get out and shake the legs webs off. Hit it early (7am) before the heat of the day. 6+ miles in 01:24'20/12'24". Sluggish and tired. Another rest day Tuesday then back on the training train.