Doesn't Get Easier

9 + 6 mi + extra stuff

Wow, weather was simply awesome for running today. A bit breezy, but out of the north so I'll take it! Extra stuff was skipping rope, boxing/bag work, and weights.

Missed both the morning and lunch run so did one longer run after work. Don't care much for running later in the day, but you do see more people on the trail.

9 + 6 mi

Both were done slow because lower legs were complaining. As an experiment cutting out artificial sweeteners and see if that helps. I recently started consuming more in drinks. Need to avoid them. So much garbage in food these days. Second run was done in flats and there was no complaint, go figure!

8 + 6 mi

Morning run was one of those where nothing felt right. Tired from the start and a real slog. Second run was better and had company as one of the kids rode a bike.

Another struggle and could not hold pace. Temp was 78-83 and humidity was 60-70. I was sweating heavily and could not keep fluid intake high enough. Came home frustrated, drank as much as I could and then went back out to mow the lawn for an hour. Super tired now. Beginning to wonder if I should just take up golf again. That can be just as frustrating though. 

Jaunt around the neighborhood. Tired, but not sore. Good week for me with only 6 days running.

Hour run before church. Thinking back to how I use to run in constant pain, it's a real blessing to be able to go running without any issues.

8 + 6 mi + extra stuff

Feeling a bit stronger this morning, but backed off on pace during lunch run.

Very humid still. Was planning for more miles this week, but feels like I need a little break.

Run after work on the trail.

8.1 + 6 mi

Ugh, still takes about 30 min to about 4 miles until all systems are a go running wise. Not sure what is going on, but I feel breathless and tired during that first 30. Like my heart isn't beating fast enough and pressure isn't up. Then as if a switch is clicked everything feels good. More sodium in my diet helps shorten the prep time some, but wish I didn't feel like that at all. Maybe I should try going out at a faster pace?

Early morning run out on a bike trail. Temps in the low 60s, which was really nice. Decided to conduct an experiment and track my heart rate during the run. I have several HR monitor straps laying around the house, but they probably no longer work since I haven't used them in years. Besides I forgot about them, so I did it the old fashion way instead and counted it for 6 seconds. I started out the run a bit faster than normal at around 8 min. and started taking my HR at 20 minutes. At that point it was around 100 bpm. I was sluggish, tired, and a bit breathless as usual. I measured my heart rate every 5 minutes and it stubbornly stayed in the 100-110 range. At 35 minutes I experienced a little energy boost, which is typical for me around 25-35 minutes, making my running and breathing easier. I always thought at that point my HR must have finally climbed higher or got caught up so to speak.  Took my HR at 40 minutes and I was surprised that it was still the same, even though I was running a little faster at that point. So I just ran normal the rest of the time and measured my HR every so often and all of them ended up being the same at around 90-110 bpm. I already know I have Bradycardia, but didn't think that interfered with my running. Guess I was wrong. Not sure what I can do about this other than getting a pace maker, which I'm never going to do. Perhaps some dedicated speed training might improve the link. Doubtful. Just keep experimenting I guess. 

Jog and plyometrics while coaching my daughter's basketball team.

8 + 5 mi

Didn't feel like running today. Spent most of the time zoned out thinking about a good friend who is in the final hours of his life. I just found out a couple weeks ago that he's fighting cancer and feel terrible for not reaching out to him sooner. Now the end of the battle is near and I missed the opportunity to say how much I loved him as a friend. God is calling home a wonderful saint.

Barely got up this morning just for 7 miles. Had one of those morning neck kinks and feeling unmotivated since losing a dear friend last night. Wishing I could have been there for one more goodbye.

8 + 6 + 4 mi + weights

Good day considering the funk I've been in. Feels better to run more in down times, but the hard part is motivation to start. Super hot and humid outside with no break in sight for several days. I think I'm finally getting acclimated because I don't sweat as long after running as I did weeks ago. Just have to roll with it, I'm blessed to be alive and running regardless of the weather.

Four miserable miles in da heat! Legs were sluggish from weights yesterday as well.

8 + 6.4 mi

Too hot out so did the second run on the dreadmill. Used the incline to make it more challenging.

Planned for more, but volunteered most of the day to helping with a fund raiser for church and didn't get up early enough. Measured HR with a monitor this time and averaged 95 for the entire run with most miles ran in the 8s.

8 + 6 mi

Second run included 2 sets of fartleks for I'm guessing about 0.75 mi total. Feels like I'm making progress. Still warm and muggy out, but suppose to get a cool down soon.

Some speed play during second run.

Second run contained 5 speed surges of various distances.

One run done at easy slower miles in the 8s. Average heart rate was 93 with a max of 113.

A very good week considering all the work and meetings.

4.55 + weights

In a funk today and nothing felt good so cut the run short and hit the weights.

10 + 4 mi

Hams were sore and legs were heavy, but willed my way through these trips. Threw in some speed surges. Squats are terrific, but can be overdone very easily.

6 + 6 mi

Legs were still sore, can't believe how much I hit these on Monday. All is good once I start running though, but not so good when I have to pick up something off the ground. Some faster pace during second run.