Checking the Tank

A hybrid of a tempo run... I have some questions I would like to ask since I found this website! There is a wealth of information here, but I cannot seem to register for the forums since it always says it is down. 

Evening 8.5mile biking 

Mainly 800 intervals with 200 rests. Some warm up and cool down of course!

Had to cut this short as I was caught in a thunderstorm... I like rain but running in lighting was not a good idea. 

Evening 3.5mile biking 

8 min miles- felt sluggish today, not completely sure why! I took miles for my legs to wake up. 

2.5 Mile evening bike ride

Very humid today, totally sapped my strength. I need a better way to hydrate on days like these.

 3 Mile Biking 

Usually run the morning, but had a running partner so I ran tonight instead. I always think it feels better in the morning since I get a little sluggish in the afternoon if I do not run. I wonder if any other feel that way...

Nice easy run, felt very nice today since the weather has cooled off some and humidity is down. 

Just adding those base miles, I am picking up the pace at the end just because I like to finish strong! 

3.25 Evening Bike Ride

I wanted to run a 5K a month while I add base miles. Although not spectacular I set me PR and was very happy about that!

Good run today, much of it in the rain. I may ask this on the board, but I ran a 5K last night, so obviously I ran hard. This morning when I ran I felt very good. I would think my legs would be fatigued. I didn't push myself this morning because I didn't think it would be smart, but I am curious why I feel so good after an evening run. 

Decent run, up early before the heat!

Evening 3.5 Bike Miles

Pretty good morning to run. Started slow, but ran strong for the last few miles and enjoyed it. 

Good run, but it did take me 2 miles to wake up! 

Felt good today, nice solid run. 

Tired to start my run, picked up nicely. It's great when you run the area so long that you know who has dogs and when they are out :) Of course today I was totally surprised by a little yappy dog that made me jump!  I guess someone got a new dog or they let him out at an unusual time! Talk about throwing off the rhythm... oh well good day anyway. 

Evening 4 miles bike ride

Running in a light rain and wind... nice treat!

I am on a short business trip so I went hunting for a place to run. Found a middle school with a track there that was open so I was able to push out 8 miles today. That made me happy as traveling can mess with running schedules. I plan on hitting it tomorrow too. 

I pulled the trigger and bought the Kinvara's. I really like them, they are very light and feel great. It was a tough choice so that means I will likely buy some Boston's in a few weeks! 

Hot and humid today, had to gut out some of those miles. Wind felt good at times but was against me for more of the miles. I feel more accomplishment on days like these at times. 

Great run. I went a little shorter because of the running team I went with- they run shorter distances and had to con them into more miles :)

It was lightly raining for part of this so I really enjoyed that!

Finally back home. That half was nice, that bad part is its HOT. Heat warnings out for our area. Angel rode her bike and brought water so that was nice. Overall nice strong run. 

Up this morning and much cooler :) Good, seemed to get a pain/cramp in my lower left back around 5 1/2 miles but it worked itself out as I kept at it and was gone by mile 7. 

Got the family out on the bike path and I ran while they rode, good morning! :) 

Started out a little sluggish today, but eventually got moving through the morning. My wife says it is going to cool down tomorrow.... I am not holding my breath on that one. 

It was cooler today, how bout that. It did make the run easier and me happy :) 

Ahhh 57 degrees this morning!! Run felt GREAT! 

Another cool morning and another good run. I feel like a am getting stronger on my base runs which is nice. I do have a nagging next to the pinky toe on my left foot. The nail is black and it is tender. Its not a runners toe so I am not sure why it is acting up. 

The good Lord is spoiling me with the cool morning weather. My running has been much more enjoyable like that!

The wife rode her bike while I ran today which is always nice. Gives us a chance to talk while the kids rest. Good run today, felt strong at the end! 

Very humid race today, but set my PR anyway! It was a much bigger 5K than the last few I ran, over 1100 people ran. I took some advice and ran against some stiffer competition. 

Recovery run today. I ran early but we are in another heat wave and it makes it rough. 

I went on run today and found something I lost yesterday.... my legs! Ok it was hot and humid which is not fun, but I felt strong and that was nice. 

Holy cow it was hot and humid. I am sure there are others of you in hotter areas, but wow I was drained during my morning run today. I was 'trudging' through. I didn't quit, I ran what I was suppose too, but it was tough miles. 

Still hot and humid :/ but I did feel pretty good anyway. It did rain for the first 3 miles of my run and I certainly liked that. Nice long run and spent some time in good deep thought. 

Today was something new. Fog. Lots of fog. So for the first 3 miles I had to keep wiping my glasses off as they would steam up all the time! So a bit annoying but that's ok. I was trying to practice proper hydration and using gu. When I run daily I just wait till I get back, but when I run more than 10 miles I need water and a boost. The problem is I do not have a running partner which is okay if wife rides her bike with me because she can attach the water bottles to the bike. Our youngest went to granny's today (we call it granny camp) so she did not ride while I ran. So i set up my water bottle in the driveway on the car and put some gu in my pockets. The draw back with that is when I run I have to come back by the house to get the water and there is always temptation of saying 'that's enough'.I kept strong today and fought that urge :)

Anyway, good run, two quick gu/drinks (at 5 and 10) and despite the humidity I felt pretty good!

I don't usually run on Sunday since we are involved at church and our day is pretty full. Today however is our last day before we take the youth group to camp in Tennessee. I doubt I will post while at camp, but will still run of course. It will be early early mornings to run on top of the mountains! It will take a lot of discipline since I will also be a camp counselor with the youth. 

My run today was a little rushed since I didn't wake up as early as I wanted to! That is a bummer and since we are driving to camp tomorrow it will be my rest day. 

At camp this week with the youth! Ran on top of the mountain in Tennessee! 

This is a race almost straight UP the mountain (bluff)- there are a few parts where I had to push my hands on my thighs to keep moving. Its BURNS- so you cannot actually run all of it because you need to grab trees to pull yourself up! About 35 people race this and most are teenagers since it is a Christian Youth Camp (that also does Christian Athletics- NACA) so I was happy to beat almost all kids half my age, but not in a mean way. It was a good time in fellowship :)

At camp this week with the youth! Ran on top of the mountain in

Tennessee! It was humid this day, but felt good!

At camp this week with the youth! Ran on top of the mountain in

Tennessee! Hot and humid this morning. I am home now so I could enter all this. What a great week with great speakers at camp. 

Back home from a great camp week, getting back in the home groove.

Hot and humid... sounds like a broken record. Felt good to get out today all the same, good soild run. 

Decent day, I felt like my legs didn't wake up until mile 3. Overall though felt pretty good! 

Felt pretty good this morning. The humidity is very draining, but plugging away on those base miles. I am pretty sure I will use the half marathon in September as a test. I want to see if I can get under the bq time so I can plan the full one and go for my goal. 

I think it was a whole 2 degrees cooler this morning :) I may just making it up, but I felt very good running today and thought maybe that was it! 

Today was brutal with the heat and humidity. I mean I was dripping with sweat when I came in the house. I had to hang my shirt and shorts outside right away so I did not get the kitchen floor all wet! I was happy to just run today, I had to drink more than usual from that heat, but all is well. 

So my wife just checked and our area is under and 'excessive heat warning'. It would bother me if I did not already run :) 

This had to be the most humid week I have ran this year. All in all pretty decent morning running, lots of hydration needed. I am sooo looking forward to even a 10 degree weather break and some drop in the humidity. 

Ahhh it was cooler today. Only mid 60's for my run, talk about feeling nice. My ankles felt a bit sore as I ran. I stopped after 3 miles to re-tie my shoes and rub my ankles and then they felt fine. Very weird. Overall some nice base miles :) 

Another cooler morning - felt strong at the end... love that!

My shoulder has been sore the last few days. I actually hurt it taking off my running shirt! It was so stuck to me from being so hot that I yanked it. It was bugging me today and the humid air was back so I just did some slow base miles today.

Nice morning run today, just a tad cooler but 100% humidity. 

Ah it was nicer today. Yeah it gets old saying some things, but when it is cooler it is so much easier to finish strong!! 

So today was a good day to run, but then again, isn't every day? I realized last night I had no gu and although it is not a must I like to have it on Saturday when I run longer. I decided to start my run around 8:30 instead of my normal 6-6:30. That was I could run my normal area but break off and head to the Dick's Sporting Goods. I arrived there a few minutes after they opened. Running, hot, sweat - oh yes. So I pause my Garmin and walk briskly to the counter to grab a few packets of gu. I remembered to stuff my bank card in my running shorts pocket and was able to get out of the store in less than one minute to resume running. I was laughing to myself though because the 3 girls at the counter gave me the look of 'this guy is crazy'. I started to attempt to explain, but quickly gave that up since it appeared futile! I'm still laughing haha. They should hire some runners and then maybe they could expand their shoe line to shoes I actually wear. 

After that I was able to run my area again and ran into a few people that I had never seen out running. One younger guy was running 8 miles today as we spend 2.2 seconds talking as we passed one another. I could use a running partner, but didn't think that would sound good in the middle of a run 'Hey want to run with me some days - see it doesn't sound to smooth. Oh well.

 Overall pretty happy with my run since I still feel pretty strong. Last summer when I did NOT understand proper training and had no real good advice I ran 18 one Saturday and felt like I couldn't walk for days.

Now the big question... what to cook for dinner :)

Start of another running month :) 

Weather was so so today.  I ran a little later than usual because I am off work today so me and my wife can celebrate our 20th anniversary :)

So I kicked off the day with a nice run and she is now getting up. Looking forward to a great day!

Looks like this week is creeping back up in temperature. This morning was humid and tough running. I kept my normal base pace and felt good overall, but it made me earn it that is for sure. 

Today was nice since I was able to try my first pair of Brooks Launch shoes. They have a new black color that look pretty cool. Of course, that all means nothing in a week at the pace we wear on these things. My Kinvara's have taken a beating too and do not get me started on my Wave Riders :) For the first day I will give my shoes a solid 'B'. No final judgment until I have run some more in them.

Off to work as the kids go 'back to school' shopping!

Wow. I feel entirely drained! Today has to be one of the 3 most humid days of the year. More later.... 

All I seem to start with is the weather, but I'm telling you the humidity is killing me!!!!!!!! Draining... but all is well now, and there looks to be relief on the horizon. 

It was funny, it was the 2nd day in a row that I was hoping to find someone outside watering their plants so I could ask to use the hose! I double back from my usual route to make sure I could get some liquid in me so that did help. 

 Did not push too hard today nor will I tomorrow since I hope to make the 15K on Saturday.

As hoped for, a cooler morning and much  better to run. I felt good and maybe held a bit back so if I race tomorrow I will hopefully not be flat. It is not like it is important, but I feel a bit anxious wanting to do well. I feel like I need to verify my training is working... odd 

I decided to run the local 10K this morning. I did not really prepare specifically  for it - just thought I would add it in. I did okay I suppose. I could have set my PR for a 5K today gauging on how strong I felt, however I seemed to slow down a bit over the last 2 miles. Odd how my training is much further but of course I am not pushing that hard. 

Ran a recovery run in the evening to add some more miles to my day and felt pretty good. I know the blog is for me to help keep me honest in my training and that is great (and important, I know no one on this blog so no one is checking), but I kept thinking I should have done better in the race. It let's doubt creep in. Boston has become a real goal for me and I want to make sure I prepare right. Maybe it is time to add some speed work back in now that I feel fairly comfortable with my base miles. 

I do not usually run on Sunday, but I wanted some quiet time with God and thought another recovery run would be a good idea. I also will be traveling a little next weekend so if I have to miss a day I would like to have my weekly miles all in. 

A pretty good morning with a slow start. My legs were kinda tight when I got started today but once I got about a half mile in I could feel the blood flowing and it was better. It has dropped into the high 60's for the morning and I swear its better than someone throwing money at me while I run :) 

Humidity was back... blah... I wanted to do a little speed work so I did an easy tempo (i call it that at least) run today.

1- 9:13

2- 9:11

3- 8:11

4- 8:09

5- 7:27  <-- I want this to be my marathon pace

6- 7:23

7- 8:27

8- 8:35

9- 8:37

I felt pretty darn good all day afterwords. I guess I should clarify that I almost always feel good after running, but today it was nice to stretch the legs. I guess if I am suppose to listen to my body it is telling me to keep my base up and put 1 or 2 speed workouts a week. Of course tempo runs are a little fun and intervals.... well that is another story. I will save those :)

Humid. That does not describe it. How about wet. No, no... hummm I do not have a good word, but within the 1st 10th of a mile I was sweating like crazy. Another 'Extreme Heat Advisory'. I would thank the weather channel for letting me know this. Today was bad though. In other news..

Today was the first day for the public schools in this area. They started back earlier this year due to building new schools for next year. I mention it because my usual very quiet morning run was not as quiet :/  It is not like anyone gets in my way, but I have to run by some of the kids waiting for the bus and the roads are just busier. I kinda like most people being asleep and running my the old couple drinking coffee or the few early birds watering plants (and me asking for a drink haha) 

 Overall 9 hot and slowish miles and happy to be in the a/c.

Warm and humid, suppose to be worse tomorrow. It's August though so I guess I should expect it. Overall a good run today, thought about racing a school bus, but figured I would scare the kids :) 

I think I will go on a bike ride this evening. 

Pretty good run this morning. Still very humid and the like, but was a little more tolerable. I getting ready to head out of town for a few days to see some old friends. One is getting married and I have not spent anytime with them since I became determined about my running. That being said I will still run and I am sure they will look at me like I am crazy :)

 You know... being a runner adds some bulk to my packing!

I am up with some friends as planned and thought about taking the day off running mainly because I knew it would be a late night on Friday and I almost always take 1 day a week off. Well despite being up till 2am I got up early and just a ran a quick 6. Good run :) 

Back home so things getting back to normal. Nice weather this morning for running :) Angel met me about half way on her bike and had some wonderful water! You have to love that! 

My friend Cassie is hounding me (in a good way) to run some 5K's... like 4 in the next 3 weeks... not gonna do them all,  but maybe 2. 

I think I will start calling my Tuesday's - Temp Tuesday's. Okay, not very creative. That being said had a wonderful tempo run today. I laugh at myself because I never really know what my 'fast miles' are. Sometimes if I am not racing I think everything is 'slow'. I warmed up at my normal base pace for 15 minutes, sped up for the next 15, and the 20 after that was a little faster than my goal marathon pace... I slowed for a bit, but since I had energy to spare I ran the last mile+ around my 10K pace.

I read to much me thinks. There are so many books and articles that say do this or that. So far the advice on these blogs and website have helped more than anything before so I believe I will stick to that!

What a long day... I ran extra early today since I needed to be at work early. It was a nice soild run though :) Had to terminate someone, that is never fun :/

After that was much training of others at work and then I was teaching our youth at church tonight. So all in all a productive day, but a bit tiring.  Off to read some more (Once a Runner) and then to bed!

Some days you have it and some days you don't... today I did not have it. I was tired waking up... used the dreaded snooze button. I felt like I had to drag myself out of bed, downstairs and finally out to the road. Today I had to gut out these miles...

I was so tired today that I thought an evening 3 miler would be good for me. It was :)

Good fresh morning, run felt very good, I think those pm miles help. I am still debating on a race (5K) tomorrow or piling on a much longer run. I know I can run post race as well. I guess I will see how work goes.

PM: 4 Mile bike ride

Started off nice and strong today and a light rain started about 4 miles in. I enjoyed running in the rain - it was on and off until about 10 miles and then it was a steady light rain until mile 16 and it stopped. I felt pretty good, but the steeper hills at mile 17 were a gut check. Good run today for me (8:31/mile - BQ goal is 7:38), although I am fatigued somewhat now. :) 

Normally I take Sunday off running, but I felt like I needed to get the blood flowing in my legs after Saturday's 20 miles. So I took an afternoon recovery run between church services, it also helped clear my mind since I was speaking Sunday night at church. Warm but nice day :) 

Nice morning run today. It always feels good to get the legs moving on a Monday morning.... even when you do not feel like waking up :)

Had a work meeting this am and had to take Angel to the dentist for an emergency extraction (infected and quite painful) so I took a little personal time from work and ran this afternoon. Did I mention how I really dislike running in the afternoon? It is hotter, and just feels worse. That being said today was the tempo run that was not! I am pretty sure it is all mental today. I started with a 2 mile warm up and thinking 'I do not think I can push it this afternoon' - of course no real good reason to think that, but mental like I said. After the 2 mile warm up I sped up the next 2 miles to about a 7:50ish pace and then the next 2 at a 7:15-20ish pace. Ahhh then my body decided it could not hold the pace for some reason. Again I think it was mental. I backed off the pace some and just ran the next 3 miles as a base run...

So after 9 miles 'Devil Dan' (Bon that is for you if you are reading today) said... 'you're not done are you? Letting your mind get the best of you...tisk tisk'... so I ran a little more and did some quick strides 6x200. After that I was ready to punch myself for the abuse of running those on tired legs. I know it was good for me to teach my body to run fast when tired, but I certainly was not thinking that during them!

Nice and cool morning. Decent run after yesterday. Decided to race a 5K Saturday so I will run 'slower' the next few and see if I cannot set a new PR.

Ahahahahahahha 55 degrees this morning!!! Yes very early but that was all the inspiration I needed. Best run of the week - I felt and feel great. If I did not have work this morning I would push out another 9. Ah well, it pays for a few things (like running shoes) :) 

AM- 9 vEZ miles. Plan on that 5K in the AM tomorrow so I did not want to skip on aerobic base yet wanted a little rest so hopefully that translates into a good time for me. If not I will just keep working! 

PM- good day of work, did some fast but brief strides to loosen up :) 6x30sx6:15

Good race this morning :) Nice weather and decent crowd. 3 of my friends/co-workers raced as well and that always makes for a better day. 

The race went well, I think I started a bit quick, but did not bonk so that was good. I dropped my pace slightly on that last mile and so I did not break 20, but set my PR so I was pretty happy with that! 

 Rode the bike with Aly for about 3 miles tonight, and that was enjoyable for tonight. Big day tomorrow as I have the entire service!

Nice Monday morning run. It was 90 yesterday and suppose to be so for this week.. blah. I run early so it is cooler, but still... it makes my desire to move to Alaska that much stronger. 

While other bloggers have interesting wildlife encounters I must say I enjoyed seeing my 11 squirrels, 4 bunnies, 2 groundhogs and countless neighborhood dogs today. When you run your same route many times you learn who has let their dog out early or who has a new dog :) 

 Anyway, good base run to start off the work week.

Good morning, maybe a tad on the humid side, but good. More than the usual number of people out today, some new power walkers I saw - outside the usual people I might see in the neighborhood. 

Some good base miles with 6x30s@6:15ish after 5 miles.

Off to work... someone out there has to want to work for me today!

Decent morning to run, was up way early. Ran 10 base miles and then some intervals 6x800@6:25pace w 300m in between, followed with 2 more base miles. I will admit it kicked my butt lol...

Overall a nice day, on the way home from work stopped at the running store. I knew compression socks were not cheap, but man they wanted $60. I guess I do not want them that bad yet :)

Nice morning with some good ol' base miles.  Legs were just a little tired after yesterday so it was an easy pace. 

Made some Pad Thai for dinner, spicy :) the way I like it. The fam enjoyed it as well so I am sitting here full and ready for the Ohio State game coming on in a few!! O-H!

I-O!

Decent morning, I mean we won the game so it had to be good :) Rumor has it that the weather is going to drop for tomorrow :) I am so excited... like a little kid. 

Today was a decent run, legs still a bit tired. After 6 miles did 8x20s@6:00/mile pace with 40sRecovery. Finished up fairly upbeat. Still not sure if I am running that 5K tomorrow or just a long run. 

 I also saw online some Saucony A3 racing flats for $50. I like how the new A4's look, I wonder about the A3's (I know its cheap cause the are replaced by the A4). I love the Kinvara and the A4 design is like that, just love that price tag! Decisions, decisions...

So I do not usually like race back to back weekends, but these were close and we decided to run them.

Sound round 2? Same exact time! I guess this race was better  because last week was clear and flat. This race has hills and a 17 MPH cross wind (yes I looked on the weather channel... I am a dork) and that wind was against us a heck of a lot more than it was for us. So overall running I felt stronger this week later in the race and with the same conditions it would have shaved the time off I wanted. So time is the same with better performance....such is life!

 Aly turns 10 on Monday so went shopping this afternoon. I think kids should all get boxes as gifts. They play with them more than anything. That old furnace box we have got TONS of use.

 Got home and made some pan fried Tilapia with some noodles with a creamy marjoram/wine sauce. Secret to us for great Tilapia is not only a healthy amount of salt and pepper, but a nice coating of cumin, sprinkle some paprika on it too. Trust me, kids love it too. Okay so there you have cooking with Dan. I promise I will not do that often lol!

Normally my day off running, but it was so nice out I had to just take a small run :) 

Good morning! Aly's Bday and she it going bonkers.... the big 10. Got my run in before she was up and seeing when present time was...oh-boy.. 

The .08 was just something a little extra for you all :p 

Good run to start the day. Weather was low 60's so enjoyable - After 5 miles ran 6x30s @ 6:25ish strides (although one was at 5:55 - I have no idea what I was thinking) and then a nice pace for the final 3 miles after that. 

I had a nice surprise when mom sent me some money just to spend (she was months late on my bday so since it was Aly's she sent stuff for her and then me), I love when mom's do this, it makes me feel 12 again. Hey I act 12 so that is fair. So I ordered some compression socks that I was checking out and another pair of shoes to throw in the rotation. Who says guys do not like to shop! 

 PM- 4 mile bike ride

Nice cool morning to run. I had a little trouble getting my legs going - so I felt sluggish the first few miles. After 4 miles I did some pace work. 6x1 mile - with 1 minute recoveries.

 5- 7:07

6- 7:09

7- 7:10

8- 7:12

9- 7:20 <--- entering some decent hills

10- 7:22 <--- almost all uphill (not crazy steep, but uphill)

Did a moderately easy pace to finish up and cool down. Feel decent afterwords, but realized that I did not hydrate at all during. I usually leave water out so I can circle at some point but just did not think about it too much. The cooler weather obviously has something to do with that. I hope my package comes tomorrow :)

Good running weather! My fingers were a tad cold to start out but then everything felt smooth. I still wonder why some days feel better than others, some days after a race or hard run I need that recovery pace and some days I do feel I need it (but still do it, I know not to double up).

I was up early before the public school kids were out waiting for the buses so I could get into work early today. I am also working late so I stopped off on the way to my second stop to grab a bite and thought I'd update this while I have a moment. 

Anyone want to work for me right now? Ahhh back to it :) 

I got my package from RW last night -woo hoo! I love getting new shoes, I should get new shoes right before a race because I get jazzed about silly stuff. So today was a nice break in day. 50 degrees before the dawn broke today and my run felt very good. After 6 miles I threw in some quick strides (8x20sec @ 6/mile pace w/40sec recovery) and felt very nice. 

So yes, I am 40 and act 12 :) 

Whew... that took a little effort today. Weather was pretty decent, but I had a youth meeting last night which kept me up a little later than normal and messed with my schedule today. That is okay though because that is what happens when you lead teens.. anything can and will happen haha.

So when I started out I felt like my legs were a bit tired and it was going to take some effort. I wanted my aerobic miles to be around 8:30ish (1 min slower than MP), but since I felt like I did not have it  - I would have swore I was running 9 min miles. I looked down at my watch after 3 miles and I was at 8:20/mile. My body lied to me! :) Okay just kidding but I would have bet I was slower than that and finally everything feel into place. After every 4 miles I ran 1 at MP or at least my goal (7:30-7:40 is my goal).

1-4 8:20/; 4-5 7:34/; 6-9 8:23/; 9-10 7:31/; 11-14 8:20/; 14-15: 7:29/; 15-19: 8:20/; 19-20: 7:28/

Time for college football today :)

Nice fresh morning to run. Nothing too eventful, just did a lot of mind clearing while I ran. 

Nice morning, felt pretty strong. Did some quick strides 6x30s@6:15ish/mile after running 5 base miles. 

There is the a lady who power walks in the neighborhood that I see often. One of the few regulars I suppose. Talked to her for a few today, she asked about my constant running and if I was training for a marathon. Always nice to talk with some people during a run. 

Solid morning, temperature a nice 50-55ish degrees. Low and behold I mention a consistent person out every morning and they are not there today! Go figure. 

10 base miles @ 8:30 and then some 800m intervals w/ 400m rests @ 8:20/mile. I was not going all out, just around CV.

1. 6:44

2. 6:40

3. 6:34

4. 6:38

5. 6:41

6. 6:37

Throw in a few cool down miles around 8:40/ and call it a day.... oh wait... had to go to work... Maybe if I win the lottery that I do not play :)

Unexpected humidity in the 90% area. Today was just a slow recovery type run so it did not bother me too much, but makes that idea of Alaska running more appealing. :p 

My friends wedding is this weekend, I am in the wedding so I have to head out early tomorrow. Funny how I still try and tailor things around my running schedule... 

Up and back long before dawn, had to leave early to pick up the tux... will be getting ready for rehearsal here in a few! Good run, but 100% humidity...really?  

Long day here... so I am in northern Ohio for a  wedding I am in. No worries, do not have to be there till 1:45 for pictures. Sooo I can leave by 1. 

I decided to head to a local park to run today while the fam (staying at Angel's cousins) eats and eventually gets ready. It is 9am (late for me to run compared to my daily before dawn, but felt good) and I figure I will run about 2 hours and head back, leaving more than enough time to get ready and the like. So I leave, my keys, phone, water, extra pack of gu blocks in the car. In one pocket I have some cliff blocks and the other my car fob (clicker to unlock the doors). So I decided to run today 1 mile base (around 8:15-8:30) and then 1 mile and mgp and alternate every mile. After about 6 miles in I head back up the trail to where the car is when I feel my pocket and my car fob is GONE! I have a tiny hole in my pocket and oh crud it is gone. I do not panic but decide to eat a few cliff blocks even though I have no water and just re-run my route and see if I can find it while running.

Long story...trying to shorten it... so I do my run and no such luck finding the fob. I even asked a few other people on the paths to look out (remember I am no where near home, these are trails I have never seen before and will likely never see again). So after 16 miles I am done and no way in my car. A younger girl sees I am searching all around my car and cannot get it. She lends me her phone (mines locked in the car). Speed dial has ruined me.... I cannot recall the number. I know I am close but cannot get it right. Sigh. She then leaves and I then remember Angel's number. Luckily another person comes by and I use her phone.

Ugh...by the time I she gets there with her keys and I get in the car and quickly hydrate (wow was I thirsty) we head back to her cousins. Its noon now. Had to fly through everything to get to pictures right on the second. Whew.

Overall, despite the mess up and no hydration during the run, it went very well. Trails were awesome as it was part asphalt and then parts packed stone and others packed dirt. There were some wet lands to run around and lots of wildlife. I was able to keep the pace I wanted too :) Overall the base miles were around 8:15-8:20 and the mgp was good around 7:33-7:29.

Did not get much sleep last night, but good to be home all the same. Easy base run this morning...long day of work

I was tired this morning...legs very unresponsive. Like a sponge, that is what I felt like I was running on. Did some strides after 5 miles, trying to boost myself a bit. Not much good, I could run the strides at a normal 5K pace by the legs were just tired me thinks. I have not slept as much the last 2 days so I will be getting some good sleep tonight I hope!

A little warm this morning, but at least I had a little more sleep than I had been getting lately. 4 miles at base 8:20, then 6x1mile @ 7:15ish with 60 sec recoveries, with another 1.5 mile base to finish up. Long day of work, going to finish up some projects! 

Decent morning to run. Nice and easy today. Decided not to wear my watch so I wouldn't be tempted to push myself. 

Funny how our perception changes... when it is the dog days I would love to run in 75 degrees and 90% humidity - that would be a treat off the very humid and hot days, but today (after a few weeks of 50-60 degree running) 75 felt way too warm. 6 base miles and then some quick strides (8x20sec @ 6/mile pace w/40sec recovery and my legs feel the sharpest they have all week now. Hope that is a good sign for tomorrows long run. 

Good run today...

1-16 7:43/mile

16-20 7:30/mile

Avg 7:40/mile

My goal was to finish stronger than I started and I did that. My goal marathon pace is 7:30-7:40 and although I did not set out to run MP today (except the last 4, that was planned) , it kinda happened. The first mile was 8:20 and each mile after just kept getting faster. So I am a happy camper :)

Nice afternoon, just wanted to get out and stretch the legs with a slow run. 

Nice temp this morning, high 40's, but after a few miles it rained a cold rain for almost the whole run. I was just doing a slow pace anyways so I really did not mind it. I usually like a nice rain, this one was a tad cold though...and I am always amused by the looks that I get since I am in shorts and a running shirt on a day that others shiver :) 

50 out this morning with more rain, so my short was wet but not from sweat for a change. I enjoyed my run, but the hands were cold when I got back in. I will have to break out some morning gloves soon. Anyone have any that they recommend? 

Run felt decent, 5 base miles then some (8) short (30 sec)  strides at 6 min/mile. Overall 8:20 pace today.

Had a little trouble waking up today. 47 this morning for my run which was decent, Started with a few (2) warm up miles and then did a slower tempo run (around MGP) for the next 7 miles. I slowed a bit during mile 9 so after 10 miles I did 6x800 intervals (around 6:35 pace) with 400 rests. Last mile and a half were slower for cool down (8:45 pace) and I tell ya that I know those speeds are not epic, but I was whipped after those intervals that followed the tempo run. 

Now I am working on my presentation for work for our meeting tomorrow. Don't worry, it wont be boring, I like fun presentations :)

Nice easy run, good cool weather... at least I think so. I did run by a guy kinda jogging who was wearing long pants, a heavy shirt, coat, scarf and hat. I am still wearing my shorts and short sleeve running shirt so he must think I am crazy.

Busy day up ahead, going to get to our meeting which is always a full day. Afterwards we are going to the Reds game though (as a company) and that will be fun.  

Great meeting yesterday and all kinds of things going on today. Work as always, have a new person to start/train and then tonight we have a missions meeting. The girls of the house are doing a Jane Austen study and having fun with that. 

My run today was good. A nice 47 degrees to get me motivated. First 6 miles a base 8:20/mile and then 8 set of strides (6:00/mile) for 20 secs with a 40 sec recovery. Last 2 miles right around MGP. 

Nice brisk morning, mid 40's and warming up quickly (near 60 in a few quick hours). Overall felt pretty darn strong and while I was planning running mostly at MGP (7:40), that was what I did.

• 0-1.5 12:06 (8:04/pace) and then my mile splits were - 
• 7:32
• 7:30
• 7:24
• 7:34
• 7:34
• 7:30
• 7:34
• 7:26
• 7:28
• 7:39
• 7:36
• 7:39
• 7:28
• 7:38
• 7:18

Avg 7:34/mile pace :) Now for the game to watch and some sweet potato hash to make for dinner later. Kids love that stuff! (ok so do I)

Crisp and honestly a tad cold for the fingers, need those gloves... Nice and easy today, but I am thinking this may be a heavy running week. 

Actually wore my long sleeve running shirt today... it is getting to that season in the OH...

Good run today, 5 good miles followed by a mile and a half of strides and then 3 strong miles to finish. Time to warm up and head to work.  

A brisk 37 at the beginning of todays run. I used the $1 wal-mart gloves that Kelli suggested and they worked great. I actually took them off around mile 7 because my hands were too warm. When it gets to single degrees, I will evaluate again :)

4 Base miles (8:20/)  followed up with 6x1 mile intervals (7:05 pace) and 1.5 mile cool down (8:30/).

 PM- 2+  miles, easy pace

9 easy miles, no watch. About 50 today. I think that is about my ideal running temperature, maybe a few degrees warmer. 

Decent morning, mid 40's, but felt good. Out early again as I had a full day of work. After 6 base miles (8:20/) did some strides- 

• 6:35
  
• 6:35
• 6:32
• 6:23
• 6:13
• 7:08
• 6:03
• 5:39

Finished pretty good, prolly faster than I should have since Sat is the bigger run day. Ahhh made some shrimp risotto w/ sugar snap pea pods. Yum! Loving that.    

PM- 2.55 easy miles, just stretching the legs for a bit longer run tomorrow.

Woof. I thought, after reading that post about even splits, I would run my 20 today at my MGP with even splits. I usually like to start slower and build up and after today I think I am more economical that way. I like to run even, but that first mile I usually run about a minute slower and when I force that pace I feel like it is a little draining. Maybe it is in my head. Anyway, great running weather - started at 50 and was near 70 at the end (too warm for me). Bon if you read this one, I have nothing but respect for your AZ running. Sure we have much worse humidity, but some of those runs you had were nothing short of amazing in those temps. 

20 miles, 2:32 on the nose. 7:36 pace. Pretty darn close to even splits. The slowest was 7:40 and the fastest was 7:32, but most miles were right around the 7:35 mark. I did have some kick at the end which is good, but I admit I was tired. I really want to run 26.2 at 7:40 or better... but right now I think I want more food since I have the game on! Go Bucks!  

Nice easy run on a beautiful morning! Today was just fun and relaxing as my legs needed that easy run after Saturday. No watch on these days :) Work was long and it is leftover night... gotta clear up all those meals. 

5 easy miles and then 6 30 sec strides follow by 3 solid base miles. Another beautiful day to run in the land of Ohio. Full day of work today and took the kids to Carriage Hill Metropark - it is beautiful and even more so with the leaves changing colors. We walked a few miles around the lakes and trails as it was getting dark. Lots to see with the oldest getting her fill of pictures with the digital slr - she wants to be a photographer.  

Today was the..... attack of the Hawaiian Bread!  So let me paint the picture. It is hours before dawn and I am looking for something to eat real fast before my run. I am still looking for that perfect food by the way. I found out yogurt was good, but upset my stomach so it is better after a run for me. I found that most energy bars did the same. Oatmeal works well enough, but one gets tired of that. Various fruits were good, but left me lacking in the late miles...

So back to today, yes hours before dawn and I am looking in the kitchen. Ah there is some Hawaiian bread (if you have never had this, it is yummy, slightly sweet and good with dinner.... yes dinner... not what I did) sitting out. Why I will just have that and some peanut butter. Sure sounded like a great idea and boy did it taste good this early morning. I eat, read and head out. I planned on running 10 miles with each mile being progressively faster and then doing some intervals and cool down today.  Start off fine, a nice easy 9 minute first mile. Great. Next mile 8:40, 8:30, 8:20, 8:00 and the... grumble, gurgle, rumble.... oh no.... the attack of Hawaiian Bread!!! Then I realized it was a BAD IDEA. Luckily for me I was running the neighborhood and was able to spring to the house for a pretty darn quick pit stop. Of course now my rhythm is all messed up and legs are tight (no, not the good kind of tight). Uck... back to 8:40 and I wanted to be around MGP (7:40) by this point. Oh well, it took a bit to get loose again and then to intervals. 6x800m w/400m recoveries. 6:45, 6:46, 6:38, 6:39, 6:48 (incline and head wind!), 6:34 pace - which I was happy with considering the situation. So I cool down and end my run. Yes I threw in the .01 for good measure to say I ran MORE than 16 miles :) . Okay now I get in and my left quad is killing me. Ugh took a few hours after my shower and at work where I did not have to limp anymore. I was worried for a bit, but I feel alright now, it is just a bit sore. I will be running very easy tomorrow. 

Easy run as I said I would. Thigh felt pretty good when I woke up and ran. It has been decent all day, but yet I know it is not 100% right, but should be fine as it felt so much better today. Long day of work, but night ended well.

I had to run the late afternoon/evening tonight. Blah. Give me my mornings. Any I figured out that I have strained my groin muscle. It is just minor and feels fine when I wake up and run. The problem is, like today, after I ran it is sore. Not unbearable, or sharp pain, but it does force a slight limp. So I am unsure what to do. Marathon is 3 weeks from tomorrow. I want to do my long run tomorrow and fully plan on it... but I do not want to make this worse. I read and read but all I see is it can be treated at home, should only last 1 to 2 weeks and you can exercise with it oh and of course they say rest in the same breath. 

Anyway my miles were pretty easy, progressively got faster and after 6 miles to did 8 strides or 20 secs to test the legs and all went well. Made some spicy stir fry and creamy potatoes! Stir Fry rocked, my 10 year old - Aly- said it was the best ever haha.  

Cool Sat morning run. 36 to start things off, but not to bad. I admit I was a little hesitate at the beginning because of this groin pull. Even though it is slight I do not want to make it worse and yet I do not want to give up my endurance 3 weeks from the race. I decided to take it slow and just run at basic base pace for most of it. I felt pretty decent even though every now and again the muscle let me know it was there. At mile 18 I decided to push it close to MGP and then mile 19 I pushed it to 7:20/mile (20 seconds faster than MGP). I felt very good and just slowed up for that last mile to cooldown. Since I did not push hard for the whole 20 I finished with plenty left in the tank and knew I could push it. That is a good feeling. No running tomorrow as it is my one day off each week (at least most weeks), hope to heal some. 

Easy run today, feels better running than not running (I know, because the muscles get warm). Trying to ice it after, but sometimes difficult being on the go a lot. I will be heading to Chicago after running tomorrow which means treadmills Wed and Thurs... blah, hate those things. 19 Days to impact. 

It is getting cold! Not complaining, since I will take that over extreme heat any day. Tried to keep my intensity up and my muscle felt pretty good. Trying to stay on top of the RICE treatment as well, but life is life... 

10 miles @ 7:40 pace 2 extra miles for fun and cool down.  Off to Chicago! 

Treadmill running at the hotel... blah... good thing all my training is not on a treadmill, I would never make it. 

 Work started at 5 am and I finished just after midnight. I was temped to run then, but did not. So tired.  

Great weather (50's) and the run felt good. My daughter turned 16 today and we totally surprised her with a new laptop. She had NO idea! I love those moments. I will not bore anyone with the whole day worth of events. 

Anyway run felt great like I said. 16 miles, splits were 8:08, 7:33, 7:30, 7:32, 7:34, 7:36, 7:34, 7:38, 7:37, 7:30, 7:31, 7:34, 7:35, 7:38, 7:37 & 7:20 (oh the .02 was 6:22 haha). Lots left in the tank at the end. 

Overall pace 7:35 (2:01:30) 

and so it begins... easy run today, warm!! Rained for a good part of the run, light rain, but huge drops! 

Aly has been sick, hopefully I will not get it (I never get sick, but starting the taper it certainly is possible). Busy day of work, lots of people to train.  

Warm! Almost 70 today. Good run, after  6 miles did 8 sets of strides. All felt well and was encouraging :) 

We had some serious storms here today, tornado warnings all over the area. Luckily everyone in our area was safe and no real issues, and I know some areas were not near as fortunate :(  

From 70 to 46 at the same time running. Good run, felt pretty strong and finished strong. The little one is still sick - hope she is well soon without giving it to me. 

A cool 46 and feelin strong. Good run, good pace today! Wish work wasnt so busy! 

Woo hoo.... 32 degrees at run time today! I figure that is about what it will be for the race so best get used to it. Fat miles today, had myself convinced I was running a super slow 8:50-9 min mile while I was actually averaging about 8 with the last few at mgp. Kelli those gloves still holding up at 32. I took them off at mile 4-5ish as my hands were sweating. For the marathon I will toss them instead of pocketing them (you owe me a dollar when I do that). :) 

Another 32 degree start, so getting used to it. Just gloves and normal running gear. Compression socks help keep the lower legs warm. Well next Sat. will be the race. Feel decent and am hoping the taper will refresh my body so I am ready to go. Friends from out of town here today so will be hosting and the younger ones will munch on candy I am sure. 

Low 40's - easy pace. I was happy that my groin pull seems to be almost completely healed, but now when I got out of the car today my lower back was killing me. I am getting old... or maybe I am already there... okay I may act 12, but the body... Prayin I wake up with it feeling decent and perfect by the weekend. 

Cold this morning.... 27 degrees... Gloves worked, but shorts and compression socks were not enough - I was cold when I finished. My back is still sore and did affect my run, but it is better than yesterday and as long as that continues I will be happy. I ran a few of these miles (last few) a bit faster than mgp. I do believe I am anxious :)

A solid 28 today... not miles, degrees :) Hope I found a sweet spot for the right amount layers (2) to keep warm without losing mobility. Felt decent - back a little better... I hope hopeful things will come together for Saturday. Busy day of work and tomorrow will be even more so, blah. 

Getting the blood flowing. In Indy now... legs ready to run. 

After all the miles of training my focus race finally arrived. We spent the night in Indy and I slept like a log. I was surprised how well I slept since I went to bed earlier than normal, before bed I read and listened to things that inspire or motivate me and honestly I was anxious. It is kinda funny since Angel said there were people down the hall making all kinds of noise in the middle of the night. I vaguely remember hearing some door slam, but that might as well have been a dream. 

Woke well enough and it was cold. 27 Degrees. Nice. Did I mention I like sarcasm? I packed a few throw away shirts and used them well. The convention center was open so most of us stayed warm until about 15 minutes till the race began. I spent a few minutes in the elite starting area to see if I could see Paul, just to say hello, but nada. He had an amazing race. Somehow I got 3rd level seeding, I guess based on the time I told them I wanted to run. I find that amusing.

Race starts well enough, always some weaving early on as some people just do not get the point of starting at your planned pace. Oh well. Here are some mile thoughts, but they blend together.. I seriously do not know how so many of you remember so much!  Mile:

1- 7:42 Ok it was cold but being in the large crowd made it not so bad. Good start.

2- 7:40 The big sweat shirt went off as I was starting to sweat.

3- 7:19 Honestly I think the excitement of everything was running through me, but I was trying to remain calm :)

4- 7:24 5- 7:36

6- 7:53 My first and only potty break! I was happy I only had one, but this was coming since mile 2 so I needed it!! I am sure someone out there agrees!

7- 7:18 Really I made a mistake. I was trying to make up the lost bathroom time over the next 3 miles, but instead I made it up in less than a mile. I have to learn to control that.

8- 7:37 Long Sleeve white throw away shirt gone, down to running shirts 9- 7:33 10- 7:35 11- 7:31

12- 7:21 the coarse was almost all flat, but there were a few minor hills to note. I remember the small down hill here that was nice.  

 13- 7:29 Some guy was playing 'Hang On Sloopy' and being a Buckeyes fan I was yelling back to him that he was awesome. Good times. Still feeling pretty strong at the half way point. 

14- 7:31 15- 7:27

16- 7:44 When I passed mile 16 we headed into some park area. There was a wooden bridge that was a bit slippery. I was recalling my training, but felt a little tired. I had been using Shot Blocks throughout, but now I reached into the caffeine shot blocks. I had 2 packs of them, more than enough, but was saving them for the end and I felt like I needed a boost soon. 

17- 7:43 18- 7:41

19- 7:26 Me thinks the caffeine is kicking in! Okay I admit, this was one of the other down hills. Some exit ramp.  

20- 7:39 I keep chomping blocks, more as a way to keep my mind occupied than actually doing any more good at this point.

21- 7:29 Good mile here, mentally I knew when I hit 20 I wanted to stay sharp. I may have expended a bit more energy, but that was the edge I wanted. I was starting to feel it though.

22- 7:35 The wall was coming... think think....

23- 7:52 'I can do hard things' Phil 4:13 kept racing through my mind...

24- 7:44 Legs were starting to give some... I heard someone yell 'Its all heart from here' and I was trying to focus on anything. When I saw the mile 24 marker I felt like I passed the wall... good thoughts were coming...

25- 7:15 An old movie I used to watch was running through my head. The lines went something like "You done everything you came here to do?" "Not yet"  So yeah I was digging deep. One neat thing was you were headed right to the center of Indianapolis here and it was beautiful to look upon.... if my legs were not killing me! 

26- 6:59 Best mile for the end. I was reaching for anything I had left and it was not much, but I was surprised what the garmin said! I was thanking God and running everything motivation thought through my head I could!  .2- 7:00 I could see the kids and camera and threw the hands up at the finish! 

Total time- 3:19:04 Pace 7:36 Boston Qualified, yeah I am happy. Some of you better go to Boston in 2012, I have to meet some of the people who inspired me. My first marathon just over a year ago was 4:26:35. I will take a 1:07:31 improvement. Thanks to God, thanks to the loving family, thanks to those of you who have honestly motivated me and just helped make the blog enjoyable!! 

Sore legs Sunday and Monday starting to get along... So I thought I would take a nice easy recovery run. I am in KY right now fro work so it is nice and warm this evening when I ran. Funny how after a good race that normal work things do not bother me as much. Well summaries to type...

a little better today, still pretty sore... it is nice down here right now. Warm and the countryside is awesome. 

Recovery runs getting a little faster... legs getting/feeling better throughout the day and just starting to show signs of life while running. I will keep it slow tomorrow but add a few more miles. My friend wants me to run a 5K on the 20th. I am not so sure thats a good idea that soon. Maybe I could pace her, but I do not want to run all out yet. Maybe I am being too strict, I dunno.

B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L DAY! Its 70 and just awesome out here (back home in Ohio). Nice change after the 27 degrees a week ago. No wonder the kids get sick so fast.  

Getting there :) Legs feeling pretty decent. I did  not do any sprints or anything, but I am feeling stronger again. The weather here is perfect right now, about 50 when I ran... it won't last but it is sure nice while it is here! 

26 degrees... hello.... love that Ohio weather change! Crazy I say. Legs are coming along nicely. I have no races coming up so I will be bring my miles back at a nice even pace. 

40 degrees and heavy cold rain. I think I overdressed since I was very warm. Overall run felt great and pushed the pace a bit. How fast:? no clue, didn't wear my watch :) 

Work work.... 

A solid 37 today... funny how that is cold somedays and yet after the 20s and cold rain, it felt pretty good. Legs are feeling good, had a nice easy run. Figure I better start adding some miles soon with Thanksgiving coming. 

We have a HP marathon tomorrow and heading to the midnight showing. Should be fun!  

HP is in full swing here... fun day going on... lots of food! Good run, a little short with company here, but decent all the same. 5.2 - 7:53/pace - I guess the good thing is I felt like I was running 8:20's. I would like to think I am getting faster, but I am sure that is just a fluke :p 

We had a good time last night. Highly recommend to anyone who is a fan of the movies and/or books. The kids enjoyed the day and night and even though it was 3am when we got in we thought it was worth it. So after a little sleep in, had a nice run. Legs feel good and I don't even feel tired so thats a plus. Oh I take back that 30's feel warm from the other day. I felt a little cold today, probably from the wind that was kicking up today. 

Kids are off to 'Granny Camp' this am and we will catch up with them in KY on Wed night and stay through the eating holiday. Cold run this morning and although I worked up a good sweat my legs never really warmed up - so the run was just ok, not bad, but not as lively as I would have hoped for. Let's eat some more.

Heat wave! 50 degrees during my early am run, have to love that. Should be about the same tomorrow. Crazy Ohio. My legs felt kinda dead today. Not really sure why, but they certainly were. No worries I guess since I am only doing some aerobic base work for a bit. 

47, Legs felt better today but I kept to a slower pace today since my body has been resisting me pushing hard. Busy day at work... ugh... crazy time of year for work! Off to KY tomorrow evening :) 

24 degrees hours before sunrise - how everyone wants to start a run. I felt good today. I know that seems like a silly statement, but it is the best I have felt running post marathon. Did some strides and legs seem to respond well. I need to get a 5K in soon and really stretch things out. Busy day and work then the drive to KY as we got here about an hour ago. Happy Thanksgiving, there is much to be thankful for! 

HAHA from 24 to 60 degrees... yep love it. In KY with the fam, all hill (very steep inclines- pushing hard) and trail running, great time. Time to eat and play! 

+1 PM, had to run that 'hill' one more time... talk about steep! 71 degrees in the afternoon!  

39 this morning, so no back to back super warm days, but we were all very thankful for what we had and enjoyed it oh so much! If I always trained here these mountains would either kill me or majorly increase my endurance. They are crazy steep and muddy today - I pushed hard up them, felt the burn in my lungs that us for sure. 

Sat we spent the day in the car.... ack. Throws off my schedule completely. a solid 19/20 out this morning, easy run. 

I am tired today. Traveling was one thing, but we had friends from Kenya come home! :) First time they have been back in 3 years so we stayed up pretty late. They will go back to Kenya in June/July. They have already told me I need to visit them and train there for 18 weeks with the locals so they can take me to the next level lol. I plan on visiting, but we will see about the rest!

So all things being equal, my run was good today, but I felt sluggish all day afterwards where normally I feel pretty energetic afterwards.  

So I woke up in a sweat today. Some family members have not felt well and I thought maybe I was getting a cold even though that is rare for me. After getting up and getting my running clothes on I realize it is just warm and thats why I am hot. So my last week of running temps.... 47, 24, 61-71, 39, 19, 30 and 55 & rain today... Makes it.... fun.... 

Good overall run, ran some strides after 6 miles and finished the last mile HMP.  

29 degrees and snow flurries. No real snow to run through, just flurries, but it did make it slick in a fee spots. Decent run, just running some base miles. Busy day of work, I would love a nap on these days... 

19 and snow flurries again. Everything is clear so there was so slick surfaces, but man is that wind cold! Good run, I was not planning any fast running, but funny how when you are cold you want to get that run done! 

30's and windy, but a pretty decent run. Took it easy (8:20/mile) and it felt nice just to look around today. Work was crazy, I tell ya this time of year is hectic. 

Interesting am run today. I had drama practice this morning so I figured I would just run this afternoon. Well my part is near the middle, but what I did not expect was we did my part very early so that kinda left me done, but I had to wait for the other fam members. I did not have any running gear but I thought, well what the heck. So there I went in jeans, my old worn out New Balance running shoes (now relegated to walking shoes- prolly over 1000 miles on them) down the way. Oh, I forgot to mention we were in a winter weather advisory so it was snowy and windy. I only put in 5 miles, but it was full of resistance and running 8 min/mile in jeans was a little effort :) The other people in the drama looked at me like I was nuts when I got back.

 PM Quick 3 Miles, felt pretty good, but slick and snowy.  

18 degrees with a pretty brisk wind (8 degree wind chill)... great day to break out of two day slump due to an impossible schedule! Anyway, despite the 15 pounds of clothing the run felt pretty good.

11 and 2 degree wind chill. I hate treadmills, but today I would have welcomed one. Wind was biting today. I did some fartleks to keep things moving this morning and then off to another long day of work. 

Another cold day in mudville. I believe I am having a case of the Monday's... wait... its not Monday. Our drama is tonight (my wife and both daughters are in it.. as a matter of fact my 16 year old has the lead, they get old fast) and tomorrow. I cannot sing, yet somehow I have a song to sing with my parts in this drama. At least it is the Grinch song so it is fun. 

Tonight we had our 2nd performance and it was even better. Threw some banana peels at the audience :)

Better day to run today and a bit warmer.  

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow... Sissy snowstorm. Of course I have to drive in this tomorrow morning....ack... Id rather run in it some more. I love running by people snow blowing their driveways. I knew I should have picked up those yak tracks.... 

Long days on the road driving through feet (yes feet) of snow. So I was resigned to the hotel treadmill.... boo.... Progressive run, felt good despite being tired

1- 8:57

2- 8:42

3- 8:30

4- 8:20

5- 7:53

6- 7:42

7- 7:30

8- 6:40 

9- 7:50 (+cooldown)

Another day of hotel treadmills... it could be worse so I am thankful for the run. Heading home tomorrow afternoon, might actually have better roads. 

I'm back home now :) That is nice, but I am beat. So no more treadmill. This was a tough 5 miles. It was about 23 degrees which was not horrible, but we have lots of snow. Most of my run was in 4 inches of snow. It was slippery in parts as I lost my footing several times and almost fell once. It took over an hour to do 5 miles and yes I was running. My legs were actually a bit sore after the run - I am assuming from all the resistance from the snow and extra clothes. Makes me wonder if I should use a gym for a few months.... 

Okay still lots of snow and I did not want to trudge like yesterday! So I had a one day pass for the gym close by and used it. 10 TM miles after warmup - mid-last 4 a bit faster than 10k pace. 

Then shopping... ugh!  

Yesterday I played basketball with our youth group. one 5 on 5 full court and then one 4 on 4 full court. I do not know if it counts for any miles, but I can tell you it got the heart rate up. These moments are when its nice to be a runner. I am 40 and they are from 16 -20something. They all were winded and tired. I smiled as the old guy was running them ragged :)

This was a tough 9. Good effort, but lots of snow to run through. The resistance has to be worth something I hope since I am actually a little sore. 

Snow, big surprise there. It did warm up after my run today (33) so I have hope that I can run on pavement tomorrow instead of beating my legs up in the deepish snow and ice. 

This seriously has not been my month for running. Started as always in the morning knowing I had to work and a pm run was not going to happen. So it was a bit warmer... 30, but we had freezing rain during my 'run'. It was so slick, but I wanted to tough it out... but after taking a pretty big fall on my side I packed it in. 

Well it was slick but not near as bad as yesterday. I did fall again, after 5 1/2 miles, but picked up and kept running. The snow and ice - makes me run slower than I want. Oh well, Christmas is coming :) 

Hey a decent run. Sure I had to fight some ice and snow, but it was much clearer today than the past week so I was able to pick up the pace and that made for a great start to my Christmas Eve. Working today, but have the next 3 days or so off and that will be great! Merry Christmas :) 

Ah the joy of family from all overing visiting yesterday... and the joy of them getting the heck out! Ha! 28 people in the house... okay it was fun and good to see everyone, but that was a lot of cooking even for me. 

Mom bought me some running shoes for Christmas. Nice thought, but she doesn't know much about them. It was cool, I was able to exchange them. 

Good run today, have to get my groove back soon!  

Decent day to run. A bit icy though. The weather channel makes me laugh, I mean who says this stuff? Example - Yesterday 26 but feels like umm 26 they say. Okay I probably slightly under dressed but it was a good run. Today 27 but feels like 13 they say. So I add a shirt. I was way to warm. I think they pay a guy in a room to sit there and guess what the temperature 'feels' like and they go with that. Tried my one pair of gift shoes, not to bad, I will see how they feel after a 100 miles. 

A little colder this morning (22) but not bad. Icy in spots which drives me nuts as it throws off my pace. I guess thats ok since my legs feel a little dead anyway. Getting close to the year end. Going to add my garmin miles pre-blog and see where I end up. I never had a year goal, but I think I may for 2011. 2011????? What happened to 1988. Too bad I didn't run back then. Sheesh. 

Cold steady rain today - which means it is above freezing :) Although the rain did make it cold - but a good run either way! 

49 at the start of the run!! So from freezing, to freezing rain to shorts and running shirt in 3 days. Ha, and people wonder why I love in Ohio!

Great run, how could it not be in this heat wave!