A clydesdale no more!

Nice and easy run on the LPT with Becky and Tara.

My poor eating over the last couple of months is finally catching up to me.  I feel so ridiculously out of shape right now.  Knew that if I went running today it would be slow and lazy miles so I decided to go to the gym so that I would put in an honest effort.  Didn't feel great but at least it was something.  One of the cycles included a run that I extended to get a full mile in.

Should have put more miles in but was content with 10.  I've been thinking about following the FIRST marathon training program for Salt Lake.  Basically 3 hard runs and 3 days of hard cross training.  My thought is that my body has gotten used to the miles over the years and a little change of pace would be nice.  As I read a lot of fall marathon race reports, I noticed that most of the people that had break through races attributed it to increased training volume.  I'm now questioning what the best approach is.  Running high mileage with 3 good days at the gym would be ideal but I simply can't justify dedicating that much time to fitness.

Ran to the LPT to get in a few quickish miles.  Poor planning on my part meant I ran 3 of the 4 tempo paced miles into the wind.  I was really struggling to hold 6:45/mile pace.  I stopped at each mile marker for a short break because I was struggling so much.  Spent the entire run trying to figure out why it was taking so much effort.  Running the last mile with the wind made me realize how much the headwind had affected my pace.  With less of an effort, I was able to run the last mile in 6:30.  That was more in line with what I was expecting.

The pain in my right ankle is getting worse.  This may be something more than just joint soreness. 

Workout at Firehouse included two runs (1 mile and 0.7 miles).  Really didn't have much to offer today.  Energy level is super low.  Felt like I was just going through the motions but still enough effort that I felt like passing out.

A very cool, crisp morning.  Perfect running conditions. I was moving pretty well until mile 6 when my entire right side decided to rebel against me.  Ankle, hip and groin started to hurt and altered my gait.  Hoping it is the cold weather moving in that is causing the aches and pains.

Level testing at FireHouse.  I'm only on level 2 so the test was: 3 minute squat, 0.8 mile run, 15 burpees, 15 pushups and 10 tire lunges on each leg.  My only concern was the squat.  For some reason, I am unable to sustain a squat for more than a couple of minutes.  Got to 2 minutes without much of a problem then was able to gut out the last minute.  My legs were shaking uncontrollably but I made it.  I set a goal for 4:30 (5:37/mile) for the 0.8 mile run and failed miserably.  Hit the halfway point at 2:15 then was unable to embrace the pain and limped in at 4:45 (5:56/mile).  I felt fine but was just unable to push through the discomfort.  Very disappointed but my mental toughness has always been a weakness.  The last month has been a really unhealth month for me which probably contributed to the slow time.  I completed the other tests so now it is off to level 3 - whatever that means.

Seems like the only way I can get myself out the door on Saturday morning is to tell myself that I can run as slow as I want.  Got out the door at 8 am and the body was moving much better than I thought it would.  Was averaging 7:40/mile and felt very comfortable.  Kind of surprised how easy the pace felt so I just went with it.  Made a loop through town then made my way to the LPT in Centerville.  Ran into Becky with about 4.5 miles to go so I finished the run with her (avg 8:15/mile with her).  My right ankle is still problematic but I think I can deal with it.

Went to Firehouse with Becky (we rarely go together).  She really put me in my place.  It was a truly humbling experience.  She blew through the workout while I lolly gagged through each exercise.  While I'm proud of her for doing as well as she is doing, there is that little bit of machismo in me that struggles with it.

Ran on the LPT with Becky, Kam and Tara.  Becky was short on time so she had to turn back after 2.5 miles.  I ran back to the car with her because it was too dark for her to run on the trail alone..  After dropping her off, I headed back to the group.  Picked up the pace and made it almost 2 miles before meeting up with them (averaged 6:50/mile for these 2 miles). 

Kam: Here is the elevation comparison of Veyo to 1800 South.  I know you have been waiting all day with bated breath.

Absolute killer workout at Firehouse.  One of those that leaves you laying on the ground in a pool of sweat unable to move.  Until I can take control of the amount of sugar I put into my body, it is probably a complete waste of time for me to do any sort of exercise.

Went out hoping for this to be a good head clearing run.  Came away mostly unsuccessful.

Becky and I paced the 1:55 group at the South Jordan half marathon.  About half way into the race we realized that the course was going to measure very long.  We were hitting the miles about 0.2 before the marathon mile markers, putting the course 0.3 miles long.  We debated whether or not to speed up to hit the time goal or maintain the correct average pace.  Didn't really decide on either and ended up somewhere in between the two.  Our average pace was right on until mile 10 when we sped up to get closer to 1:55.  Kind of a disappointing experience.  I was not as impressed with the race as I hoped I would be.

Workout at Firehouse included a 7 minute run.  I did the mile loop and then a little bit more.  Luckily the run was at the beginning of the workout because I struggled the rest of the morning.  I can't expect to eat junk all weekend then perform well on Monday.  I've been down in the dumps also which certainly doesn't help physically.

Met Tara at the LPT.  We kept it at a good general aerobic pace (7:45/mile I think).

Nice, brisk run on my usual 8 mile loop.  Went watchless but pace felt between 7:30 and 7:45.  Had to convince my body to pick it up a few times because I got lulled into a relaxed pace. 

Another week, another race to pace.  Without the desire to competge, I like to use pacing to still experience race day.  I would like to find a way to get back the competitive spirit.  Becky and I paced this together and dressed up as Frankenstein and the bride of Frankenstein.  Tried to convince her that it would be a good opportunity for us to make things official but she wouldn't go for it.  Bus loading started at 6:15 which was way too early for a 9 a.m. race start.  We had to wait in the freezing cold for way too long.  Once the race started, the temps felt great.  It was absolutely perfect racing weather.  We hit our 1:50 groove very early in the race.  We were within a few seconds of every mile the entire race.  It's not very often that we are able to hit our splits so easily.  The first 7 miles of downhill felt great. The uphill sections through the U were a little more effort but it was a nice change of pace.  Had a girl join up with us for the last 5 miles.  It was kiind of nice having somebody stick with us for so long.  Hit mile twelve with our total elapsed time 7 seconds fast.  Ran the last mile down City Creek a little fast but still came in at a good time.

One more race to pace next weekend then it is time to reevaluate my running.  Not sure if I am ready to start intense training again or just enjoy the way I am running now.

Workout at Firehouse included 2 short (0.4 miles) runs.  It was a good total body workout.  Kind of hit a little bit of everything.  I think I like those better than the workouts that focus on one area. 

A chilly and soggy run on the LPT with Tara.  The first 3 miles were pretty rough.  Lots of rain and a little bit of a hail but it less than comfortable.  The rain stopped after a few miles and the run was much more enjoyable.  The second half of the run turned into a bit of a therapy session for me.  I'm sure Tara misses the good old days when I kept my mouth shut.

Two 0.8 mile runs during the workout at Firehouse.  There didn't seem to be as much cardio as other days.  I guess most people consider the running a good cardio workout but that short of a run just feels like a nice little rest from the other exercises.