Chasing my Dreams

The knee is feeling about the same and not getting much better. I ran 4 easy miles on the treadmill. I tried at one point to move the legs all the way through, but that full range of motion with the pounding makes sharp pain. I don't think it's IT band because when I've had problems in the past it has been dull not sharp. I really want to race. I just have to try and heal while trying not to lose any strength or fitness, which is nearly impossible unfortunately.

I warmed up with the team running. They were doing intervals on the indoor track out and I brought a bike out there and would go hard when Zach was doing his intervals. Bike intervals are not fun, but I was able to get the heart rate up though. Zach was having probably the best workout of his life. He was struggling on the last one so I jumped in there and helped him through it. The knee didn't hurt either during that. I did about 35 total minutes on the bike. Then I cooled down jogging for 15 minutes with Zach. The knee can fully bend normally today so that is good.

I ran six easy miles with Zach today. It was my first time on the roads in almost a week. We ran pretty easy, about 7:15 pace. My knee did pretty well, it did ache a little from about 1.5 to 3 miles. We picked it up and ran the last mile in 6 about 6:20, which felt a lot more natural than the slow pace. I fell on the bridge while watching a hawk which was embarassing, haha. We also saw a bald eagle which was cool. I still can't fully bend my leg when running though, like butt kicks are a no go.

I waited until really late to run because I was helping my Dad build shelves in the garage. I wasn't very motivated to get a run in. I ended up doing six miles which felt good. I averaged 6:33. It started at about 7 minute pace and I think I gradually got faster. It felt nice to finally run and not have anything hurt. I also ran into Trace again, haha. I think I'll be healthy to get in some good training next week.

I just wanted to see how things felt and held up going farther today. I felt really good going out, but is also downhill. I scraped my right knee on a snowbank and that was bothering me a little, but not bad. I had to stop and go to the bathroom on the way back. I felt fine other than that coming back. I picked it up the last mile and wanted to see how I did. I tried to catch Zach. I came back about even so I must have slowed down a bit coming back. The last mile felt fast but I don't think it was. 6:29 average for run. I think if I can get in a good 6-8 weeks of this type of intensity base/strength training I'll be able to run some really good times and races.

I didn't feel smooth at all today. My hamstrings were especially sore and things just didn't feel fluid or easy. I also had lots of gas and lacked energy. I still averaged 6:37 about for 7 miles. Then I did a half mile worth of some jogging and strides to try and get the legs moving and feeling a little better.

I warmed up for 10 minutes inside and did some drills. My hamstrings are still pretty sore and tight. Once I was warmed up and changed into my Kinvaras. I did 2x18 160 meter laps on the indoor track. I would run one lap in 40-45 seconds and then one at 30 seconds which is about five minute pace. The first set felt pretty comfortable. On my second set I was still able to hit the times, but my heart rate never got down. It was a good general strength and cardio workout. My legs felt fine the whole time, no problem from the knees or my hamstrings. After I went out with Zach and we ran an easy 4 miles that was somewhere between 7:30 and 8 minute pace. Our legs weren't working very well during that.

Went out for an easy ten. The snow had stopped and it was pretty nice running weather. The inside of my left knee ached until I stopped 2.8 miles in to do some dynamic drills really fast. My legs were feeling pretty tired today and are not ready to run fast. The uphills really caused my legs to struggle. My hamstrings are also still a little sore. 6:48 average.

NOTE: I've been really hungry today

Started out not pushing much at all. My legs still didn't feel fresh or ready to run fast, plus my hamstrings are still sore. The last mile I started feeling better overall and picked it up a little. Tanner ran with me. 6:42 average over 5 miles. Then 4 strides in the hall to get the legs going.

The fact that my legs don't feel the best might not be a bad thing for tomorrow.

Not the best start to the indoor season. I warmed up for the mile with Zach, Thomas, Fessler, and Tanner. We ended up doing quite a bit of warming up because it took a long time to get to the 1600 and because Zach was really anxious. I was just trying to help some of the other guys out by running five minute pace and because I haven't done much of anything track related. I was right on at 400 meters but slowed down a bit to where I was 3 seconds slow at 1200. I picked it up to finish in 4:59.9. It felt pretty smooth other than 200 meter tracks make things kinda everywhere and physical. Nothing gave out and I felt like I could go farther at that pace, which was good. It was a little more challenging aerobically than I had anticipated though. I did a 10 minute cooldown after and then put on tights and sweats to help my legs recover for the 800.

I did over a mile of running again to get ready for the 800. I jumped in the second heat because I had no idea if I could run with those guys. My legs felt strong, but they don't have the speed/turnover to run fast like you do in track. I fell off a little after the first lap. I ran 2:14.9, which was slower than I had hoped.

After that I went out and ran around the USU campus for 4.5 miles. I needed that to calm down a little, and they weren't junk miles. 

Other than leg speed the other thing that I need to work on is confidence and not being afraid to compete against the best in the state.

8 miles great weather. My IT bands were tight and my knees ached a little, probably from the tight curves on Saturday. 53:16 so 6:40 average. I was mentally struggling today and not motivated at all. I was also missing by old TEAM. Somehow I need a mental recharge...

It's crazy the difference a new day makes, when I woke up I knew today was going to be a much better day. I also talked to Buhrley and he said I just need to be consistent and things will work out. I'm also working on enjoying running and keeping a positive attitude.

It was a BEATIFUL day to run. It felt great. Rob gave a well needed talk at the church about how some people need to step it up and not just goof off and have a social outing. Unfortunately one of the ones that really needed it was doing intervals. It even motivated me a little. Rob ran most of the way out with me and we were averaging just over 6:40s. It was good to have someone to talk to. He was struggling though. I stopped at the porta potty on the way back. Things felt better today, I could still feel my right IT band though. I closed in around 5:40 I think for the last mile. The average for the whole run was 6:32 miles.

Rob gave a nice talk again today, and of course once again the person that needs to hear it the most wasn't there.. Hopefully things will change when Zach beats him. I jogged for 9-10 minutes to warmup and then did dynamic stretching and drills while doing my positive self talk. My ankles were hurting where I had tendonitis last track season. I changed shoes and did a couple strides. The workout was 3x3laps RP 1lap jog, 2laps RP 1lap jog, and 1lap RP 1lap jog on the indoor track. I was just off 4:40 pace on that one and my legs were struggling to get moving. I switched directions after that. I did better on the next two. By the last set my legs were working better, but I was also a little more tired which made it harder. Right after my last one I jogged another lap and then ran a lap in 24 which is about 4flat pace. I talked to Lindsey and the sprinters for a minute. Then I hopped in with Zach on his last one. He got mad at the hurdlers during it which was awesome, haha. I went with Nick on the last lap of Zach's last one and ran 22, which was awesome. It was a good workout. After it took Zach forever to change I went out with him and we did 4 really easy miles, like 7:50 average.

Overall a good workout and feeling pretty strong!

My right foot was hurting during the day and I could tell where I had tendonitis was sore. I went out and did 10 miles. I started out a little slower and then picked it up a little in the second half. My right IT band was killing me, I'm sure from running on that tight track yesterday. I could also tell that around my achilles were a little sore too. I had a lot of gas that wouldn't come out though, which made it a little miserable. I averaged 6:36, so not bad for my "easy day." 

I iced my feet and ankles after, hopefully that will help since I've got a big day come Saturday.

It ended up being a little slower of a run than I thought it would be. I warmed up and then ran with Zach out 2.5 miles. I think that is what slowed the run down overall is that it started slow. I ran a faster 1.5ish miles after that that felt like low 6 minute pace. I slowed back down after that. Hopefully me legs will be feeling rested for tomorrow.

It was a pretty crazy and long day. I warmed up for a long time before the mile because it was hard to judge when we would run and if they would make us just hang out in the bull pen. My hip flexors were kind of achy. I didn't have a great start and was toward the back of the pack. I knew at 800 I was about 2:26 so I really picked it up. My last two laps were much better than my first three because I was really strong and was able to move. I wasn't happy with my time because I know I can do much better, but it is still early in the season. I cooled down with Zach.

After refueling and laying around for a long time, which included some massage from Fess and Burrell along with lots of time on my feet, I started to warmup for the 800. I warmed up, took a break, and then tried to get things going again right before we ran. I tried to start more aggressively, but still didn't have great position. I was 66-67 at the 400 mark and knew I had to move. Once again I ran a better second half than first half.. I finished in 2:12.34. After I finished I could tell that my body can do so much more. I can tell that I am in great shape, and my legs are really strong in the races, but they aren't moving fast enoungh. I cooled down again. 

Warmup time number three.. At this point it didn't matter too much. I was running on our B Team 4x1 lap relay just to work on leg speed, because that is what I need. It went pretty well I think. I slit 44 which would be around a 55 second 400. I did a brief cooldown, which was more than anyone else that ran the relay..

I was really disappointed with my races because I can tell that they weren't close to what I am capable of. I talked with Jared Ward before the relay and he said that this is normal for indoor, which made me feel a little better. Once I got home I was reflecting on one of my Dad's favorite poems, "Good Timber" by Douglas Malloch, which talks about how the stronger people and trees go through hardships and it makes the successes more rewarding. I'm sure these poor races will actually make a difference come May at Region and State.

After further comparison I'm still pretty close to Davis' 4-7 guys, so things will work out, I've just got to trust that my coaches will get me race ready, because I know my body can do it.

In the morning I ran 4 miles on the treadmill. It was a really solid effort. It was also nice that I didn't have the pounding that I would experience on the roads. My quads felt a little tight maybe, and my feet ached, but everything felt fine. It was a good intense run and I'm excited to finally run 3200 on Saturday.

I went out in the afternoon and did six more miles. I felt pretty good too, there has been more energy in the air lately. I've decided to not take stops unless necessary, so my only stop was 1.1 miles in to warmup/stretch. I could feel all of the weird muscular inbalances from still adjusting to racing on those turns. Over the last two miles my left lower back/hip started to ache like it used to when I had problems with it. I averaged 6:33 for the run.

Ran in the afternoon because we were supposed to be meeting as a team, which not very many showed up. I went out and did 8 miles and figured I wouldn't push things too much because yesterday was pretty intense and tomorrow will most likely be pace/speed stuff. After warming up it still took a while to get my left quads feeling better and not tight. I didn't ever take a break which was good. The longer I ran the more my left IT band seemed to tighten up though. It was pretty achy by the end. I averaged 6:45, so that's not too bad. I could tell my legs didn't have it today. 

Warmed up thoroughly. Then did two sets of 6 laps, 60sec reco, 4laps, 60sec reco, and 4laps with about 5 minutes between sets. I did this at about 5:07 to 5:12 miles pace. Splits were 3:05, 2:02, 2:04 and then 3:05, 2:02, 2:03. It felt really natural. I was breathing really hard but it wasn't slowing me down. My legs started to get tired in the second half of the second set, but it was good. I feel like I'm preparing for outdoor more than indoor but it should hopefully give me a few good indoor 3200s. After I did a good 4 mile run for after intervals, averaging 7:06.

Note: My eating schedule changed today for A day. I ate lunch earlier and then ate a granola bar after school. My stomach felt good other than I was hungry by the end.

My whole body felt out of wack while running today. My lower legs were sore and very tight. My knees hurt a little like they have lately. I had lots of gas and my stomach was sloshing around. I didn't feel like I could run fast today. I ran 7.5 miles at about a 6:48 average and then biked for 25 minutes. I want my legs to be rested for Saturday.

Just a normal five miles. I ran the first half with Jeff, and it ended up being slower than I thought or wanted. I picked it up on the second half. My right IT band hurt a little bit in a few points. 6:45ish average. Then I did 4 strides/accelerations in the hallway. My legs felt pretty good today, but still not race ready.

Once we got to the meet sat around for a while. They have a nice new facility. I kind of had a headache before hand. I went outside and jogged for a while. I did some casual drills and stretching. I jogged a little and went to the bathroom a few time. My stomach felt a little weird too..

I started out right in the very back, but I was hitting the splits that I wanted which was awesome. Carson was way out ahead of me and I knew he couldn't hold that. I went through 1600 in 5:10-11. I was able to start picking guys off and battled with a super frosh from Davis for a while. I really was able to run strong through the second mile. I felt strong and didn't really feel tense. Over the first mile my legs weren't working super well, but I got over it and felt better the second mile. I ran negative the second mile to finish in 10:17. This is awesome because it's only a second off of my PR from Simplot last year. I know I'm in better shape than that even right now, which is exciting. It should be a good season as long as I'm smart. 

I tried to let the body cooldown a little. Then I went outside and ran 25 minutes outside. It wasn't fast, but just using the legs and keeping the heart rate up to hopefully gain a little more fitness. I elevated my legs after. 

Cool part of the meet was that at the end we looked up to see Luke Puskedra doing a workout up on the suspended track. After the meet ended we went up there and met him, which was kind of fun and cool.

Rob gave a nice talk before the run, and I think everyone was a little pumped up from it. I was already motivated because I know I can run fast and because the Darts already have 5 guys under 10 minutes. I did 8 miles. I was 6:38 average, and came back uphill against the wind averaging 6:38, so 6:28 average for the whole run. I felt pretty good, and was really just getting in a good run. My right IT band was hurting, like usual lately, and I could feel my ankle tendonitis a little aching from Saturday. 

After I did some light strength lifts, hurdles, and core.

I did a long and easy run today. Tried not to push hard or anything, but just run pretty comfortably. My right knee was aching in the first .75 before I stopped for some dynamic stretching. After that I did fine. I could still tell my IT band was a little tight though. I felt pretty good overall. 6:42/43 average for the whole run. 

Some abs after. I got looking at Arcadia qualifying times today, and I really want to run the 3200 there. Gotta keep working.

Feeling tired today, I need more sleep. Today we did intervals. I ran for 10 minutes to warmup and did drills. After a couple accelerations I jumped into it. I ran 8x3laps with about 1:1 reco. My first one was slow. After that I was able to lock on for the most part and would be within a second of my 4:40 pace I was supposed to hit. We switched directions half way. My legs were struggling some today, especially on those third laps. On my last two repeats I really had to go to the bathroom, which caused me to tighten up and made it hard to relax and run fast. 

After I went outside and did 4.5 easy miles at about 7:30 pace. I was dead by the end and really hungry.

Pretty easy day today. I ran six miles with Tanner, and some of it with Burrell and Jeff. Some parts of it were decent pace, but it was overall slow. My knees themselves are kinda sore and iffy today so I'm playing it safe to stay healthy, especially because of the 4 mile tempo/time trial tomorrow. We averaged 6:49.

After that I did twenty minutes of cross training on the elliptical. Then stretching and abs.

Little bit of a different day. We were doing a tempo run but I guess some one requested to change it. I warmed up pretty well. Then we did some pace repeats that were pretty long. I felt good and was glad it wasn't fast stuff. I did 5 Repeats that were about 4:20 in length. I cooled down outside for twelve minutes after. Things felt good today.