track fan

1:45:xx.  Woke up today to a huge snowstorm.  I only had a couple of hours this morning to run because we had to pack up and get home -- so, I ran in the snowstorm.  The roads were bad, hardly any traffic yet so the snow was about 6-7" deep -- about ankle deep in most places, a little higher in others.  It was like running in sand.  Unfortunately the head wind was on my way back (bad because it makes it much colder - once you are sweaty), I couldn't even open my eyes on one stretch, because the snow was blowing in my eyes so hard.  Even though I am sure it was SLOW, it was a terrific workout.  It was a little harder than it would have been otherwise, because I drank a little too much wine at dinner last night, so I wasn't really feeling very well -- penance was served.

We are home now ... it was a little nerve-wracking coming down the mountain in the snow, but luckily everyone was driving smart and now we are in the lovely 50F again (although it is supposed to get down to 28F tonight).

Happy Sunday bloggers. 

AM: (9.5 miles, 1:24:50).  31:01 wu + strides/28:30 cd.   1 mile, 1200, 800 and 400 @ HM, 10K, 5K, 3K pace w/400 recovery.  Pace (1600 m conversion): 7:21 (7:19), 5:15 (7:00), 3:24 (6:48), 1:40 (6:40).  So, it is about 5 secs/mile off for the HM, just about right for 10K and 10sec/mile off for the 5K and nearly 20sec/mile off for the 3K (which is about right since I have never run a 3K ;-)).  I think that Greg had me do this so I would not feel so bad about my fitness, in the past I have been able to take 5secs/mile off my times with solid month of speed work, so I guess I can work on my stamina and endurance and not be soooo worried about my current fitness ... I think I feel pretty good about it ;-) which is good, since it is where it is ... you have to start somewhere!

PM: (3.5 miles, 30 mins) easy with orthotics.

Happy Tuesday bloggers!! 

1:07:43.  Might be a little closer to 7.5, but who knows, so I am rounding down.  Very very pleasant run ... 35F and sunny.  I wore my orthotic this whole run, yea!  The last time I had worn it for 50 mins of a run (a couple Sunday's ago) I got a huge blister.  Now the blister is more of a callus so it was actually comfortable.  Not only that, and maybe it is in my head, but I think my legs are less fatigued with them than without.  I am having some PF problems, but I can tolerate it (so far) and I am hoping it goes away.

I am so very busy today.  I am teaching my class (and we are at an extremely difficult section of material - it is a challenge for the students, and for me) and then I am also doing a guest lecture in another class (not as difficult material but very long) so I will be in class for almost 6 hours today --- plus this mornings 3 hours of prep (because I did not get finished last night - even though I did not run until 8PM).  Oh well, next week is the last week of classes YIPPPEEE!

 Then I have almost 6 weeks to get two papers submitted ... yikes.

Have a wonderful day bloggers!!!

Scott left a very funny YouTube video link on my blog yesterday -- so I am giving you all one here -- it is funny particularly to me, because I work with many people like the "blond guy":

Have a laugh.

AM: (8 miles, 1:10:04).  Nice hilly run + feeding my horse friends some carrots.  Beautiful morning!!!

PM: (easy 4).  

Almost two days straight with my orthotics -- no more blisters.  I am in a quandary though ... I bought some boots the other day and they are about a 1/2 size too big ... John says he wants me to wear my orthotics all day (not just when running) but most of my shoes that fit won't also fit my orthotic, so I haven't been wearing my orthotics except when I am running.  Because these new boots are larger than my usual size I can actually fit my orthotic in them, but I am not sure I want to *have* to wear my orthotic when wearing them ... but if I keep this size then the only time I will be able to wear them is when I am wearing my orthotic ... what to do???   

I wish that were my only problem ;-).

Have a wonderful day bloggers! 

1:02:28.  24:35 wu + 10 x :30 w/1` recovery + 22:53 cd.

Neuromuscular workout ... I am hoping these will help with my pathetic 3K pace ;-).

I am so so tired this morning.  I stayed up very late watching the U of A versus ASU (game for the territorial cup -- the oldest rivalry in the NCAA) game.  It went into double overtime and U of A lost by a freaken field goal.   Not only did it mean that ASU gets the cup (for the 3rd year in a row), but U of A lost their chance for a bowl game after starting off with a strong season and at one point I think they were ranked 8th.  I am not really a football fan, but I have watched quite a few U of A games this year, and was really into the game last night.  Dean said he is glad college football is over, otherwise he might have had to plan an intervention ;-).

Happy Friday bloggers! 

AM: (6 miles, 54:24).  Up the mountain on "my trail", however, I had forgotten how crowded "my trail" can get when the weather is beautiful.  Too late for wild life, but I did see the cutest thing.  There were these two little girls somewhere between 2-3 years old riding their "mountain bikes" -- they were little wooden "bikes" with two mountain bike-like tires but with no pedals.  They had on their helmets and riding gloves and they *loved* going over the rocks (they were on the very first part of the trail, which is really not very steep or technical)  SOOOOO adorable!  And very cool of their Dad, what cool gifts and what a great way to introduce kids to the joys of nature!!  The "bikes" were so tiny that the Dad could carry one in each had when the girls got a little tired of riding (which appeared to be every 10 ft or so ;-) ).

PM: (4 easy).

I have a very good friend visiting me next weekend, so I have to clean my house .... oh yea, and I have to write a final exam ... yuck, the only thing worse than taking this exam is writing it ;-).

Happy Weekend bloggers!  GO allie!!!!