Of Mice and Marathons

PM: 4 miles w/ Megan, averaged 10:21. HR 132.

I was going to run a bit longer but wasn't feeling great so I cut it short and did some weights.

Incline curls 3 x 20 @ 12# ea.; incline hammer curls 3 x 20 reps (10 ea); incline press 3 x 20 @ 17.5# ea.; flat bench 3 x 20 @ 17.5# ea. Flat flys 3 x 20 @ 12# ea.

Was going to do more, but I had to get home to make dinner. Need to get workouts and mileage back on track this week.

PM: 10.6 miles, averaged 8:50. HR 148. Did some strides.

Had a hard time getting out of bed today and ended up napping twice. Not sure if it is being over tired (somehow) or if its the onset of depression. Feel like the previous two days have been kind of sinking. Marking it here so I have a note on it. Felt a good deal better after the run. Strides were fairly fast without pressing too much.

Lunch: Off. Skipped workout. Slept until 1:15.

Didn't feel great today. Took a nap and then got out for a little single track on my bike.

PM: 15.3-mile ride. HR 140

Did okay staying on the bike and the trails. Still trying to figure out the proper pattern to do the full course. Didn't hit any trees, so that was a plus. Exited the woods when the thunder started. I will try to get my workout in tomorrow. If nothing else, I hope to get in two runs. Really fell off the last handful of days.

My right ear is plugged and think it is likely an ear infection, so hopefully I can get into urgent care tomorrow before Megan's brother's wedding this weekend.

PM: 13.2 miles.

4-Mile Tempo (6:32 Average)

Splits: 6:30, 6:32, 6:33, 6:33

3 up/6.2 down

Went to urgent care and got my ear straightened out. Swimmer's ear.

I wasn't sure if I would do a medium long run or ride or what, but I decided to do the scheduled workout and see if it might lift me out of the funk. Prescription was 4 miles starting at marathon effort working down to half marathon effort, 1 mile jog, 10 x 1' on/off. It was 80 degrees but very dry so I wasn't too concerned. I took off way to fast and couldn't seem to slow down. Effort was pretty much honest LT tempo effort to a touch deeper toward the end. I was pretty gassed at the end, so I just did a long cool down with short strides.

Definitely the fastest I have run since earlier this winter. Hoping after this week I will be back on track to get some miles in August as I build toward a late fall marathon. Currently have a lot of work to do.

Lunch/PM: 8.6 miles, averaged 11:06. HR ~132.

Instead of dropping like yesterday my HR monitor was spiking. Upper 70s and nice and dry. Looking forward to the ride tonight.

Did weights after lunch:

Tri press 3 x 20 @ 55#; bicep curls 3 x 20 @ 40#; shoulder press 3 x 20 @ 30#; rows 3 x 20 @ 40#; pull downs 3 x 20 @ 60#; chest press 3 x 20 @ 40#; pec flys 3 x 20 @ 45#; rear deltoids 3 x 15 @ 40#

PM: 32.7-mile ride. HR 156.

Thursday Night Dirt. B Group, shorter loop but solid pace. Had a good time even getting there late with INSANE metro Detroit traffic.

AM/Lunch: 10 miles, averaged 8:56. HR 156.

Headed to my brother-in-law’s wedding in Toledo.

AM: 5.25 miles, averaged 9:59. HR 136.

Fell on the sidewalk almost immediately. It hurt. Banged my knee, but I think all is good.

Day of Mike's wedding. We had a good rehearsal and dinner last night. Cigars were part of the wedding gift, which I decided to partake in even though it's been many years since I had tobacco and have moved on from that business. Definitely an very occasional rarity.

The wedding was lovely and the reception was fantastic. First time at a mass in quite some time. Took communion for the first time in I don't know how long. Probably not supposed to given that I haven't done the typical proper steps of recent confession (though I am confirmed), but it felt right for the occasion I guess. I do miss the singing.