Out Of Breath

Today I ran the Jesse Owens 10k in Moulton. I could not get off work so I worked 12 hours Friday night (6:00pm - 6:00am) and then went home, took a shower and went to the race. I got there at 7:00am and tried to get a nap in my truck but got worried that I would not wake up for the race. So I tried to warm up a little.

The weather was great, cool for this time of year. The race started and I just thought that I would run nice and easy and conserve my legs. By the time that I made it to mile 4 I knew that I was going to be alright. I sprinted the last couple of hundred yards and actually passed two people. Finished with a 54:49 /8:50 pace. All in all not a bad race but I wish that I had got a good nights sleep before tha race.

Pizza and watermelon after the race made me feel better! A good race, can't wait until next year.

Today I ran the Brooke Hill 5k.The morning started with a lite mist of rain but stopped for the race.Not feeling very good this morning because what little speed that I have has seem to left me. Probably because I have gained 6 pounds with all the eating out on the road.My daughter plays Dixie Youth softball and made it to the world series this year and with all the traveling I have not been training properly.

The race started and I was all hyped up and started toooooooo fast.Trying to keep up with a friend from work Bob Anderton who finished with just a little over 20 was a big mistake.The first two miles I was in a daze just trying to keep from losing my breakfast!The last mile another friend from work Sooi Ooi came to my rescue and encouraged me to keep going. (Thanks Sooi)

I finished with a 26:47 Which was not to bad but I really wanted a 24.I have another 5k in Sept.and I will lose that 6 pounds and shoot for that 24!!!!

Today I ran the Depot Days 5k in my home town.I'm excited about this one because I really feel like I can reach my goal of 24 min.'s The day started with lite rain but stopped about 15 minutes before the race started.I ran about a half mile warm up before the race.

The race started and my first mile was 7:45, just where I thought I needed to be to reach my goal.The next mile I was still feeling good but it was only a 8:05.Got to pick up the pace!!

The last mile I started to day dream (why do I do that???)The last few hundred yards of the race Eric Schotz (a very talented runner)who had finished in 19:07 was coming back to encourage those of us who are slower.He ran up beside me and said you are doing good, lets pass that guy up there.Dont know why I wasnt already running faster but I took off and did pass the guy and crossed the finish line at a 24:39. Thanks Eric!!!

It feels so good to set a goal and reach it.I shaved 2:08 off of my last 5k.I had lost 6 pounds in 3 weeks and it made a BIG difference in my speed and energy.

This is my first blog so please be patient with me. Last night I went for a run at 9:30pm.The first mile was a warm up mile at a 8:50 pace.The next mile was at 7: 12 and the 3rd mile was at a 7:43 pace.The last was a cool down at 8:45.I like running at night when its hot but its starting to cool off and it feels great.

Tonight I ran 3.1 miles and never really got into the run. Every time that I tried to speed up my legs said no! So....I just took it easy and tried to enjoy the cool night air. A long day at work and then the wife has a wonderful dinner prepared just doesnt seem to do my speed work any good. I'll do better tomorrow.

 Woke up this morning , took the kids to school and figured that I would go ahead and run because my mother is having us over tonight for a cook-out.Yummm!! My wife can cook but those mothers are awesome!

I did 1/2 mile warm up and then mile number 1 was a 7:27.The next mile was 7:55. Slowed way down ,caught my breath and ran hard the last half  a mile at 3:35. Jogged 10 minutes for a cool down.

I may try another couple of miles tonight after the cook-out,its according to how much that I eat. (ya know)

I woke up this morning ,dropped off the kids at school and ate a small breakfast. A cool front is coming through this morning and there is a pretty stiff breeze out of the north.

It took forever to get warmed up this morning and the entire run I felt like BOTH my harmstrings were going to pull at any second.After a warm up my first mile was a 7:50. Stopped and stretched my hamy's but they seemed tighter after I got back going?? The next two miles were at a slower pace and the last was a 7:18.(yay me!!)

I'm still trying to drop some pounds. Current weight is 196. I ran a 5k in August at 205lb's and the time was 26:47 :(  I ran another 5k in September at 198lb's and the time was 24:39 :) Losing weight makes me feel like a different runner. It is amazing!

I did'nt run today because I have to go in to work tonight for a 12 hour shift. (6:00pm - 6:00am) I just took it easy and took several naps.I'll get back out tomorrow.

I came in from work this morning and slept until 10:30am, woke up and went and ate lunch with my wife at her lunch break.Came home and slept another 2 hours (because I have to work again tonight) and then went out for a run.

I jogged 1/2 a mile for a warm up and then did a 2.5 mile tempo run at a 8:25 pace. I had to keep reminding  myself  to slow down. Then I jogged another 1/2 mile or so for a cool down. I felt strong today, I think the rest day helped.

While I was leaving my house for the run I saw the Good Year Blimp flying over. Pretty cool I never saw that before!

Today after church I ran some intervals. I jogged a mile to get warmed up and then started off with 1/2 mile intervals.

1/2 - mile in 3:04 @ 6:08 pace.

1/2 - mile in 3:03 @ 6:06 pace

1/4 - mile in 1:25 @ 5:40 pace

1/4 - mile in 1:26 @ 5:44 pace

1/8 - mile in :45 @ 6:00 pace

1/8 - mile in :45@ 6:00 pace

 Pretty tough for me. I normally would run 3 sets but did not feel like I could hold out.

If you guys have not noticed....I'm not a talented runner. But I really enjoy it and work hard to reach my goals. Running helps me clear my head of all the problems that we all face. If running makes me healthier and helps me live a better life....what more could anyone ask for??

I got my new garmin in today and I had to try it out.

I ran my 5k course and beat my best time of 24:39 by 5 seconds.24:34 / 7:54 pace and the first 1/2 mile was a warm up at around a 9:00 / pace!!

I can't wait to learn how to use the garmin better.

Tonight I ran the loop in my neighborhood.

The first mile was 7:55/pace.

The second mile was a 7:54/pace.

The last mile was a 7:34/pace.

Negative splits in spite of not feeling that well. Had to push myself hard the last mile.

No run today. Sicker than a dog. Stomach flu???? Barely survived work.

No run again today. Still trying to recover from being sick. Very dehydrated from all the trips to the bathroom.

WARNING-- Do not leave a roasted chicken sub from Subway in your car for 5 hours in 82 degree weather and then put it in your refigirator and then reheat it and eat it the next day!!! DUH!!

Legs are very weak and mouth is like cotton. Will try to get out tomorrow and give it a try.

I finally felt like running today. I ran 4.37 miles at a easy pace to get back into the swing of things.

Mile - 1 - @ 9:41 / pace

MIle - 2 - @ 9:22 / pace

Mile - 3 - @ 8:42 / pace

Mile - 4 - @ 8:33 / pace

.37 mile- @  8:02 / pace

Leggs felt better towards the end , but still a little weak. Maybe everything will be alright by Oct.-18 for my next 5k.

Today I did 35 sec. hill repeats with down hill recovery's. I warmed up with a 1 mile jog.

1st- 5:30 / pace

2nd - 5:16 / pace

3rd - 5:18 / pace

4th - 5:29 / pace

5th - 5:35 / pace - Getting very tired , hard to recover!!

Did a cool down and now I'm going to get some rest for work tonight.

I slept today until 12:00 pm. (worked last night) I ate a small lunch and went out for a run. Wonderful day to be out. I'm trying to increase my mileage and today was a good day to start. I ran 5 miles starting off easy and then slowly increasing the pace. The first mile was a 9:24/pace and the last was a 8:32/pace. Legs were a little sore from the hill work  yesterday but after I warmed up everything was ok.

Once again I had to work last night so I woke up at 11:30 am. I ate lunch and went out for my run. (5.20 miles) Here are the splits.

9:27 / 9:04 / 8:52 / 8:22 / 7:57

It was cloudy and cool today, Another great day to be out on the road.

I took vacation from work tonight because today is my 24th wedding anniversary!!!! We are going out tonight!

This morning I tried to get out early because it is suppose to get warm today.

I ran 4.80 miles in 38:35 / 8:02 pace. I picked up a running friend this morning. A 12 inch tall little brown dog. He followed right behind me for 3 miles and then he saw another dog in a yard that he liked better than me. (I guess) Pretty good morning.

I ran a easy 6 miles this afternoon while my oldest daughter and wife followed me on their bicycles. We met an elderly lady walking and she said that I had 2 very pretty trainers.(very nice)

I was surprised that I felt strong at the end. My last 1/4 mile was at a 7:15 pace. Nice afternoon.

Today I ran the Liz Hurley 5k in Huntsville Al. The morning was pretty cool but felt good to me.(low 50's) I ran a 1 mile warm up. I set my garmin pace alert at 7:45 to try to keep me from starting to fast and getting tired at the start.

The race started and I could'nt hold back. The first 1/2 mile was at a 6:55. Slowed down a little and still felt good.The first mile was a 7:28.

The second mile had a few small hills but nothing to bad. I was still feeling good but I was thinking about the hills in the third mile that Eric S. had told me about.The second mile was 7:45.

The third mile was just as decribed, quite a few hills. None of them were very long but they were pretty steep and they really took their tole on me. I finally made it to the down hill side of the course which happens to be the last 1/2 mile of the race. I should have pushed harder but I was content with my NEW PR 23:55!!!! My garmin showed  3.12 miles at a 23:47- 7:38 / pace. Officially it was 23:55. My weight for this race was 193, down from 205.

Mile 1-7:28 , Mile 2 -7:45 , Mile 3 -7:47 , Mile .12 -6:38

Nice easy run after church. It was a cool and sunny afternoon.Felt great to get out and enjoy the weather.

I ran 1/4 mile intervals today. I ran 2.57 for a warm up and then started. I would run the 1/4 and then jogg back the same for a recover. Here are the splits...5:54 , 5:47 , 5:31 , 5:46.

Jogged back home for the cool down.

I woke up this morning and carried the kids to school and went for a run. My legs are a little sore from the intervals yesterday but I figured that everything would be ok after I got warmed up.

The air was a little nippy as I started but soon I was just fine and sweating. I could feel the soreness in my legs and hips the entire run and it was difficult at times to maintain a good pace. Tomorrow will be a rest day because I am working tonight.

Today I went out for a afternoon run at 12:30pm. I tried to increase the pace every mile and felt pretty good accept for the cool wind in my face. Probably about 15mph and gust up to 30 mph. I dont like the wind!! 5.29 miles / 8:38 pace.  Here are the splits...9:11 , 8:52 , 8:39 , 8:30 , 8:16 , 7:41.                                                                                                        When I got home my day turned bad. My wife called me from work and said that my teenage daughter had called her from school and said that a female student had taken her own life at the school. When I picked up my daughters from school and we got home we had a long talk about problems that we face and that they could come to us at any time  no matter what the subject. Please pray for this family and communicate with your childeren!!

After the events at my daughters school yesterday I needed a good run to clear my head.

It was a little cool but the run did me some good and my legs felt good. It seems that these longer runs are helping me.

Seven miles is the most that I've done in a while.The last 2 miles were 7:44 & 7:43/pace.

I finally got a day off from work and went for a afternoon run. It was cool/cold and windy.

The run started with a head wind and my shoes felt like they weighed 10lbs.each. I was having a hard time getting into the run and mentally I was just not into it.

At 2.5 miles I made a turn and finally got a tail wind and started to increase my pace. I started feeling good and wanted to finish strong.The run ended well and I'm really starting to feel like I am getting faster.(its about time!!) Here are the splits.

8:56 , 8:49 , 8:13 , 7:31 , and the last .33 was 6:32

Tomorrow I will do at least 7 miles.

Today I went for a long afternoon  run. The weather was clear with a light wind. My legs felt pretty good. I think that I am ready for my next 5k race Saturday.

Today I ran the All Saints Day 5k in Hartselle Al. The morning started off cool and calm. I ran a mile for a warm up and probably should have run more.This was the first time for this race and it was very well organized. Lots of friendly people and bunches of door prizes.

The race started and as usual I started a little to fast. It seems that I always have a good game plan but it falls apart when everyone takes off. I made it to the first mile marker but my garmin only showed .83?? Turns out that the first mile marker was marked wrong. The course is certified 3.1miles , just got their marks off. My first mile was 7:34.

The course had a lot of turns but mainly flat accept for a nice down hill in the second mile.I was a little gased in mile 2 and it only came in at 7:51 even with the hill. :(

The third mile made a loop back through the football stadium parking lot and then came back up the road where we started from. I was feeling a little better but was still trying to conserve energy for kick at the end. The third mile was 7:47.

The last .1 I sprinted with 2 other guys that I had passed at least three times during the race. I would pass them but could never pull away.The last .1 was at a 6:55/pace. I crossed the finish line at 23:52. Thats a new pr for me but I was not really satisfied with my time.Oh well, I'll train harder and maybe next time I will reach my goal.

Weight for this race was 192lbs.

I went out for a run today after church and was in agony the whole way!! I even stopped to walk a couple of times and my legs did'nt even want to do that.UUHHGG!!!!!!!!

I went out for a easy afternoon run today and felt much better. Beautiful day to be out.

I carried the kids to school this morning and then went for a run. I really thought that I felt good and could'nt wait to get going. It was awesome weather and really nice to be out. I tried to increase the pace each mile but could only muster a 7:57 :(  My breathing was good but my legs felt weak.

At the end of mile 5, I made a decision to stop whinning like a baby and suck it up!!!!I reset the lap button on my garmin and took off. I was trying to run a mile at a 7:20/pace. My pr for a mile is 7:11. At a 1/4 mile I glanced down at my garmin and it said 7:04/pace and I was feeling great. At a 1/2 mile it said 7:01, still feeling good. Increased the pace and finished the mile at 6:53. WOW!!!! New PR :)

Rewarded myself with a .69/ mile walk home and thought about how much of running is mental. The mind is a powerful tool.

I went back out this afternoon (pm) and did three more miles to build some mileage.

I ran a easy warm up mile at a 9:00/pace and then 4.27 miles at a 7:50/pace. Started about 20 minutes before sundown and got sweaty. After the sun went down it was cool and my hands were freezing!!

I had to work Saturday night so I woke up and went for a short run after lunch. The first mile was easy and then 2 miles at 7:47 / pace. Went back home and took another nap for work tonight.

I woke up this morning at 10 am and went for a short run again. I'm not working tonight because I am leaving for Gatlinburg Tenn.

The first mile was easy and the next two were at 7:57 / pace.

I got back home from Gatlinburg this afternoon at 3:30 pm. Could'nt wait to get out and hit the road.

1st mile - 8:25 / pace

2nd mile - 7:30 / pace

3rd mile - 7:18 / pace

mile .27 - 6:55 / pace

Felt strong toward the end of the run.

Easy miles after I got home from work and ate dinner. It was a great night to be out enjoying the cool air.I wanted to go farther but there was a small dog following me and I was afraid that he was going to get run over being hard to see at night and all.(not my dog) It was 62 degrees and calm.

3.1 miles 8:55 / pace.

Ran 1/4 mile intervals today, cold and windy.

5:50 / pace

I ran a easy 4.25 this afternoon. A little windy and cool. Ran 3.25 miles easy and one mile at a 7:25 / pace.

My run felt better today than it has in a long time. One of my miles was at a 7:16 / pace.

Overall - 7.69 miles at a 8:22 / pace

Cool and windy. 3.19 miles - 8:04 / pace

Ran 4.23 miles today. My last mile today was 6:46 / pace. Another new pr. I have been working on trying to increase the length of my strides and it seems to be easier for me to keep a fast pace with longer strides. We shall see.

3.12 miles at a 8:02 average pace. The fastest mile being 7:18 / pace.

Sick.

3.56 miles at a 7:51 / pace.

4.38 miles at a 8:10 / pace. Nice day!

Today I ran the Living Waters 5k in Decatur AL. It had rained all night but stopped this morning. The temperature was perfect. My plan for this race was to start slow and settle in to a 7:20 / pace.

The race started and I glanced at my garmin at a 1/2 mile and I was at a 6:51/pace!! I am not fit enough to run a 5k at that pace yet.Tried to slow down and settle in. The first mile came in at 7:22.

The second mile I started to labor because of my fast start. I guess?? I could not get into a rythm. The second mile was a 7:58.

The third mile was much of the same.(me struggling) I had to put the hammer down to preserve a 23:54 finish. Lucky for me it was good enough for second in my age division. The third mile was at 8:01. :( This is a awesome course and I should have done better. John Elmore was the race director and did a great job.(as always)

My legs were a little sore from the race yesterday so I ran some easy miles to work the soreness out. It was misting rain but other than that it was a relaxing run.

I went for a cold run this afternoon in the sleet and lite snow. Pretty cool!!

3.80 miles at a 8:03 / pace

No run. Starting to get a head cold.

Got a head cold. I hope that I am better by Saturday because I really want to run a better race on this course than I did last time. I ran a race there in August and the course owned me!!!!

I feel awful!!

Not much better. It does'nt look like that I will make my 5k tomorrow. :(

I have not run in 4 days, but the good news is that my head and chest is starting to loosen up.(if you know what I mean)

Finally feeling well enough to run again.I kept it slow and easy because my legs felt like noodles.Still quite a bit of drainage which was kind of gross.I am glad that I was by myself.

It still felt good to be outside on the road.

3.26 miles @ 8:45/pace

Feeling better again today. It felt wonderful to get out and stretch my legs!The temperature was probably 60 degrees, the only draw back was that the wind was gusting 35 - 40 mph.The head wind was rough but the tail wind was fast and furious.I am starting to get back to normal. :)

6.44 miles @ 8:33/ pace

Today I ran a 1 mile warm up mad then 400m intervals.

10 x 400's in 1:46 @ 7:04 / pace

Then .82 mile cool down. Still feeling good at the end.

4.05 early morning miles. Then shopping with the family the rest of the day.

Squeezed in 4.23 miles at the end of the day.Very busy schedule here latley.

I went for a run this morning after carrying the kids to school.

I am confused, Yesterday I ran 4 miles and it felt like my fitness had melted away.I struggled to finish.

Today I ran 5.53 miles in 43:53 @ 7:55/pace and it felt comfortable.???? I haven't got this figured out yet.

Update** I felt so good today that I went back out this afternoon and ran again.I did'nt warm up I just took off.

3.1 miles in 23:26 @ a 7:33/pace This would be a new pr by 28 seconds if I were running a 5k. I dont want this day to end.

I did'nt have a lot of time so I only got in a couple of miles this afternoon.

I started off at a 8:20/pace and worked my way to a 7:41/pace the first mile. The second mile was at a 7:31/pace.Cloudy and lite rain.

I went for a run this afternoon and worked up a BIG sweat.Very warm and muggy for this time of year.

Felt pretty good. 6.14 miles in 48:45 @ a 7:56/pace.

After Saturday I'm going to be off work for 2 weeks and I'm planning on getting in some miles.

Warm again today. 6.71 miles and by the end my legs were gone!

6.71 miles in 53:51 @ a 8:01/pace

I went for a run today and whimped out because of the wind.(painfully cold) My nose almost broke off.

I started out at a 8:50/pace and worked my way down to an average of 8:00.

3 miles in 24:01 @ a 8:01/pace

I went for a run today in the afternoon hoping it would warm up a little.Today something was different , I felt really good.

I started off at a 8:45/pace and worked quickly down to a 7:45. I tried to keep it around a 7:55-8:00/pace but my legs wanted to go faster. So...why argue with them right?? I threw in some strides at a 6:40/pace during the run which helped out on the average pace.

6.30 miles in 47:47 @ a 7:34/pace.

A great day of running for me.

I cut my run a little short today because my legs were sore from yesterdays run. It took me a little while to get on pace today.

4.09 miles in 31:49 @ a 7:46/pace.

I felt better towards the end.Stretched for about 15 minutes after the run.

Got in a quick run after I got home from the family get together.

4.49 miles in 34:43 @ a 7:43/pace.

Nice weather today.

5.74 miles in 44:38 @ a 7:46/pace.

A afternoon run. I didnt get to run yesterday because of some honeydoo's that I promised to do around the house.I thought that I would get done in time but I worked all day. Man those honeydoo's can be rough!

Todays run- 4.60 miles in 37:14 @ a 8:05/pace.

It was a beautiful day for a run today. It was the longest run that I have done in a while.I started off slow just trying to enjoy the weather and then picked it up towards the end.I felt pretty good at the end but my feet were starting to hurt.

8.56 miles in 1:12:08 @ a 8:25/pace.

Mile-1- 8:57

Mile-2- 8:54

Mile-3- 8:46

Mile-4- 8:49

Mile-5- 8:33

Mile-6- 8:15

Mile-7- 7:57

Mile-8- 7:56

Mile-.56- 7:08/pace

Today I did 8 x 200 intervals. It was another very nice day for this time of year. (62 degrees)

My run before the intervals was easy mile @ a 8:24/pace and then 2.3 miles @ a 7:27/pace.

The intervals were 8 x 200 in .39 @ a 5:16/pace.

Jogged back home and took a nap.

I ran a easy 6.61 miles today because of sore hips and legs. I guess because of the speed work yesterday???