Doesn't Get Easier

Returning back to the blog after a long break.  Really miserable weather here during the winter.  Finally get to run outside more often.  Today's weather was fantastic so I trotted out 10 miles.  I'm struggling with a lot of things so I'm returning back to running more often to build my self confidence and enrich my life.  Rebuilding for now.

Could only muster up just under 6 miles.  Legs felt really flat, but it feels good to be on the road again.  Did some easy strength training afterwards.  I have to wonder how that first long run of the year is going to feel.

Light rain, cooler, and more windy today.  Jogged around an 8:30 pace.  Felt better today versus yesterday, but when I get tired , I get tired quickly.  Feels like a big cliff between feeling good and feeling tired right around the hour mark.  Not tracking shoe miles anymore because I'm still rotating the same beaters I had all last year.  I lost count, but probably getting towards 1200 miles a piece on them.  Getting my money's worth in these tough economic times!!! 

Rest

Did a loop around the neighborhood around a 8:30 pace.  I planned to go out for another half loop, but noticed my little daughter crying while passing my house.  She couldn't keep up with her bigger sister so I cut my run short to go trot around and play with her.  All better now. 

Didn't feel too bad, some soreness by the end.  I did a little strength training afterward.  I'll try for another 40 or so miles next week.  Forecasting 70s!!

Ran just over 7 miles @ 8:00-8:30 pace.  Another great day weather wise.

Another easy 7 miles at around 8:30 pace.  Sunny, windy, with temp in the low 70s.  Feeling pretty good, but would like to shift to a early morning running schedule.  Too tempting for me to blow off the run late in the afternoon.  But I don't care for colder dark mornings either.

Another terrific day and another 7 miles.  Planning a longer run tomorrow and then more 7s to finish the week.

Ran on a bike trail until I was good and tired, which ended up being 11 miles.  I then walked the last mile.  My feet and right leg were barking.  The extra weight during the break I took is going to take some time to work off.  Once you've earned your endurance you definitely want to fight to keep it.  I didn't and lost out on some things I now have to earn back.  Terrific weather today.

I wanted to go a little further, but the bottom of my right foot is tender, a strain from walking around barefoot one morning, and my GI system is not with the running program yet.  So I called it at 5 miles. 

Except for those issues, I feel pretty darn good.  Feels like I'm recovering quickly.  I have plenty of stored nutrients for sure.

Ran 7 mi easy with my brother-in-law.  Great day.  Spending time with relatives now.

Rest day.

Covered 7 miles at 7:30-8:00 pace.  My right knee was stiff afterward.  Last time I had this problem I fixed it with some basic strength training, particularly single leg squats.

Hot weather conditions.  The most difficult 7 miles I've had in a long time.  Slow pace, but mentally just draining.  I think my body was protesitng the idea of a return to running daily.  I was waiting for one of these days.

Wind, cold, and rain. You guessed it, treadmill time. Ran the last 0.5 mile about a minute faster than normal, which means slow instead of really slow.

Dealing with some "hot foot" now along with the stiff right knee.  Still able to run, just not in comfort at times.  I keep chugging along with injuries like these.  Other than that, I 'm feeling more alive. 

Ran 7 easy followed by strength training. Everything felt great during the run. Feeling stronger.

Easy run on the trail with my daughters who were riding bikes.  I was wanting to go farther, but one got really tired so had to turn around.  Not a big deal.

Rest

Another beauty of a day for a run.  Completed 12 easy with the last mile progressively faster.  Feeling ok for the most part.  I wish classes were over.

Started out with some aches and a lighthead.  I ate some pretzels before heading out and doing that always seem to lead to a lighthead and sugar level drag.  Anyway, I stopped at the half way mark to catch my wits and then gradually felt better during the return. 

Running followed by some strenth exercise.

Rest day since my right knee was tight.  ITB needs work.

Ran twice in order to give my right knee a break.

Ran some of the hills harder.  Right knee feels better as long as stick with strengthening the area.

Did 0.5 mi at a faster pace than usual.

Ran these much slower at around 9:00 pace.  I had a lot of thoughts swirling around in my head to the point of making the run a little difficult.  Plus I had something to eat shortly before and then was light headed most of the time during the run.  Always happens and I'm sure it's due to my glucose and insulin levels moving around.  

One of those days where I felt like I could have gone 20+ miles, but I had to get real and take it really slow at the end as my right knee was whining and then barking.  I wish I had a leg extension and curl machine for rehab.  I think that would solve this issue.  We'll see what tomorrow brings.  Might need to break it up into smaller chunks or insert some walking breaks.

Very easy day of running and then strength training the legs.  Since I don't have a leg extension machine, I did partial sissy squats instead, which really hit the area of my knee trouble.  You have to be very careful while doing those, but I could tell my right quad is weaker.  Hopefully strengthening will clear it up.

AM:  6 miles

PM: 4 miles

I checked my log and can't believe how much I was running during this same time last year.  Depressing how much I've slipped.

Mostly pain free 8 miles.

Had to stop for some walking as knee was nagging again.  Frustrated and angry with the world today.  I haven't felt this depressed since my mother passed away over 10 years ago.  I feel stuck not only in running, but in life overall and not being able to run as much as I'd like is not helping.  Feeling like a failure in this life and really being hard on myself.  I just don't understand why all of this is happening.

Slow with some walking.

Slow with some walking.

Still hanging in there.  Not much progress on the knee front.

20 min spin cycling + 20 min of running + 10 min spin cycling + strength training

Final exams and then blew off the run because of sinus issues.

Still sick.  Final exams and then illness have really screwed up this week.  

Due to my injury I just did a run and walk combo for 60 min on the treadmill this morning before church.  During the walking portions I cranked the incline to 15 and walked 4.1 mph.  Good workout.

Same thing as yesterday, but had to walk more often.  Once again put the incline at 15 and walked 4.2 mph (more like hiking).  Then did some strength training.

Rest

2 easy sets of 15 min run and bike brick for 1 hr. workout.  Then followed by strength training.

Did another run and bike combo.  Knee still gets stiff, but making some progress.  Followed up with some rolling.

Run & Walk combo and then strength training.

5 mi run & walk combo followed by strength exercises.

Knee allowed only a 1 mile run and 30 min. of spinning.  Long stretching session afterward.

5 mi run & walk combo nearly pain free!!  Followed by some strength exercises.

Ran on the TM.

Run & walk combo

Run & walk combo.

Yes!  A break through.  Ran 7 miles easy and pain free!

Knee was tender today so I didn't venture far.  Missed a really good day for a longer run.  A little breeze and cloud cover.

Mostly pain free run until half way point, but pain subsided.  Kind of strange.

Ran 6 miles easy then completed the last mile run & walk style.

Easy run

Right knee still aches off and on so I completed the miles run & walk style.  Then back home to hang out with the kids and go to the park.  Great weather day.

Run & walk style again, but jogged the last 5 miles without any issue.  Strange as the right knee aches off and on during the first 4 miles, but then disappears thereafter.  Must be some tendonitis with the IT band problem.  I count my blessings just being able to keep moving with the injury. 

Jogged the first 5 miles very slowly and walked about 2 min at 5 mile point.  Then ran the rest of the way.  Last mile done barefoot.  Knee still acts up during miles 1 thru 4, but becoming more tolerable.

Ran the entire way.  Knee was aching less today.

Ran the whole way without major issue, but right knee hurt afterwards, which is strange since it wasn't hurting this bad after running earlier in the week.  Still an IT band issue.  Very warm and humid out there today.

Easy run before heading off to soccer game.  No issues.

Easy run with all systems go before, during, and after the run.  After last Friday I thought I would be set back another week with the knee issue.

Easy run with no injury issues.  Just going to run easy over the next 2-3 months while increasing the running time.  Then start incorporating some faster paces.

Felt sluggish the first couple of miles and the very last mile.  Feels great to run without pain again.  Took the kids to see the new Shrek movie last night.  Lots of laughs and popcorn!!

Easy pace and then picked it up just a little the last mile.  Cloudy and cooler day with hardly any wind.  Perfect running weather, but didn't see one person running on the trail.  Nothing but pedal pushers.  Am I the only person that likes to run bike trails?   I can tell that some of the cyclists don't appreciate my company on the trail though.  Just a feeling I get when I make eye contact with them.

Covered 10 miles in butt kicking humidity.  Completely whipped by the end.  Then came home to a rejection notice in the mail for a job.  I thought I did really well in the interview.  Just don't get it.

Simply ran and let my mind go adrift.  One of those days where I'd rather run all day.  Don't feel like doing much else.

A combo of jogging, running, and short sprints with several walking breaks between.  Just a fun run while the kids rode their bikes.

Easy run over a hilly course near my house.  It was misty and very moist outside.  I was soaked afterward.  Hamstrings were a little tight on the uphills.

Great run out on the trail.  Cooler and cloudy.

Easy run with last 1.5 mi in five fingers.  Body continues to recover and responds well to the slower pace of training.

Easy run, very tired at the end due to humidity and dehydration.

Another taxing run no matter how slow or fast.  Need to drink more water!!

Ran easy as my older daughter rode her bike.

Easy run with some slightly faster miles as rain storm moved in and drenched me.

Legs were a little heavy today and the high humidity didn't help.  Finally, passed another runner just before getting started and she definitely appeared to be the long distance type.  Rare to see any runners these days.  I had a funny conversation with one of my daughters while eating lunch.  We were debating if Tweety bird from Looney Tunes is a boy or a girl.  Definitely a boy!

Another day of high humidity.  Enjoyed the run, but became a death march by the end because of dehydration again.  Need to carry a bottle next time.  It's all about the humidity with me.  At least that has been my excuse for several years now.  Did see a couple of runners again.  My thoughts revolved mostly around the high probability of relocating for a job.  Somewhere with four seasons, but less snow would be nice.   

Ran as my daughter rode her bike.  We had to make a few stops.  Had a good time connecting with one another.  I thought about my jobless situation.  It can be depressing some days.  I'll probably just need to go the physical labor route if things don't pan out.

Explored a new bike trail today.  Body was out of sorts first 4 miles, but felt great the rest of the way.  Last 3 miles barefoot.  On a side note, I was cat called by a "lady" for the first time while passing through a neighborhood.  Her comments gave me a chuckle, but it was also a bit strange.

Felt like a slug again during the first 4 miles, but was fine for the remainder.  It was heating up fast, which reminded me of a funny article. 

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/news/story?id=5198604

Did some very easy laps around a lake with the wife and kids walking and running along.

AM: Very easy run on a bike path.  I've been having the urge to go for a little jaunt later in the day so it's in today's plan.

PM: Very easy 4 mi before supper.  Lots more heat.

AM:  Easy 12 mi run down a bike trail.  There was some flooding so I got my feet wet within the first mile, which led to a huge blister on my arch by the end of the run.  Other than that I felt really good and strong at the end.

PM:  5 mi in beautiful weather

AM: 12.5 mi exploring a new bike path.  It has shaded areas, water fountains, and porta-potties!!  Legs were a little dull the last 2 miles.

AM:  Hilly run in fantastic conditions, but pain throughout.  The large blister on my arch is becoming a problem.  Bloody sock after run moves the injury to a code red.  Calls for bandage and duct tape combo.

AM: Solid 13 mi on the bike trail.  Bummed that I had to take yesterday off because of my blister, but it feels much better now.  Have to wrap it up a lot before running though.  It's in a bad spot on the arch of the foot.  I'd like to at least hit 80 miles for the week so I might try a run later.

PM: I could only tolerate 2.25 mi with the heat and the blister.  Felt like my legs had more to give, but pulled the plug.

Heading out for family camp today.  I won't be reporting during the week.  Have a great week of running!

2x miles ran during camp.

Give the blister some time to heal.

1x miles

1x miles, hot and humid

Rest day.  Feeling tired and blister on foot needs some rest.

Very comfortable run on the bike path.  Many bikers out today.  Didn't see one runner, but maybe most don't run on a bike path.  Blister is nearly fully recovered.

AM - 10.8 mi of easy jogging early this morning.  Very muggy and buggy.

PM - 5.5 mi easy.  Legs felt better vs. this morning.

AM - Jogged out 13 mi.  By the end I was sweating like a turkey the day before Thanksgiving.  Just soaked from the humid conditions.

PM - Ran 6 in very hot and humid conditions.  I felt weak the first 2 mi, but then body clicked over and felt normal.  Shot down for another job today.  Oh well, I'm blessed, feeling great physically, and have my depression under control.

AM - Very easy run this morning.  The heat and humidity makes running fast nearly impossible, but had a better pace the last mile.  Took a few breaks to drink enough fluids.

PM - Heat index is sky high today so did 6 on the TM all easy.  Strapped the HRM on to see what happens when I get the energy surge feelings.  Well, as normal whenever I increased the speed or incline my HR would gradually increase and I would feel more fatigue.  What is strange is after some time my HR levels out and then eventually drops about 10 beats at the same time I get the energy surge feeling.  I can then increase the resistance and my HR stubbornly holds around the lower rate and I no longer feel any fatigue unless I get aggressive with the difficulty.  Not sure if I should get this checked out.

AM - Ran 13.3 mi on a bike trail all done...you guessed it....easy.  Made the mistake of telling the Mrs. about the strange heart rate changes and energy surge feelings I have while running.  I've had it for years, but set an appt with the doctor just to ease fears and end my curiosity.  I think that it might be low blood pressure coupled with a vasovagal episode (runs in the family).

AM - Great run.  Simple home remedy might have solved most of my heart rate issues.  I didn't get the drained/surge feelings as much as I had in the past and I felt level throughout the whole run.  After a couple of burps I could tell that my HR still came down after each one but not as much as before.  I'll have to try it again to see if it actually helps.  Still going to the doctor on Monday though.

PM - Easy 7 miles

Once again high humidity made the run feel much longer than it should.  Lost a lot of water and was really tired by the end.  Feels great to set a PR for weekly mileage this week by 15 miles. 

Quicker than usual 10 miles, but still easy.  Felt much better compared to yesterday.

AM - 3 quick miles outside before the rain, then 6 miles easy on the TM as it rained.

PM - 9 miles on a bike path.  All easy again.  Went to the doctor today to check out my irregular heart rate at times while running.  Did an EKG and everything was normal.  He thinks my resting pulse rate might be too low (36) and a lack of fuel combined with burping is causing a vasovagal episode.  I was thinking the same thing.  He's referred me to a cardiologist for a stress test to find out exactly what is happening.  I don't really want to go through all this because I don't see a solution anyway.  More for the wife's sake at this point.

AM - 7 miles easy, but in this humidity nothing seems easy for me.

PM - 10.5 miles out and back on the bike path.  I was soaked once again by the end.  I'll be on the TM the rest of the week while my wife is out of town.

AM - 7 miles on ye old mill.  Nothing fancy.

PM - Boring 7.5 miles on the TM.

AM - Another 7 on the mill while watching the tour.  Heating up big time outside again.

PM - Another 7 on the mill while watching Cops reruns.  All done in five fingers.

AM - See yesterday

11 miles on the mill while watching the tour.  Getting really tired of the mill.

Ran 10 miles with 6 short fartleks closer to the end.

Disaster of a run.  Legs were sluggish and I was just tired.  Losing a lot of fluid was not a help.  It's been 9 months since I completed this distance, but felt like my first 20 miler.  One of my worst performance wise.

AM - As usual, felt like I was in first gear until 3 miles then ran much stronger (overall 7:50 avg) compared to yesterday's survival fest.  Another hot day.

AM - 15 miles felt pretty good given how humid.  I was losing steam at the end though.

Afternoon run after doing chores around the house.  Legs had some good bounce today with the lower humidity (8-9 min pace).  Last two miles were the slowest though, but can tell I'm getting used to longer trips.  Had a fall on the sidewalk while daydreaming and ended up with a strawberry on my knee.  Totally took me by surprise and noticed I make a funny grunt sound as I fall.

A bit of a struggle so I took things really easy and incorporated some walk breaks.  Saw the cardiologist this morning and he didn't think my heart rate fluctuation was a major concern.  Great news!  Set up a "stress" test in a couple of weeks to make sure.

Easy out and back run on a bike path.  Ran about 2 mi worth of fartleks during the last 6 mi.  No idea how fast.  Just ran faster than normal while focusing on staying relaxed.  Feels great to have another week over 100 miles.  I can't believe I'm running this much with no orthotics and using old beaters that are at least 2 years old.

This run was a real butt dragger, but felt good to get outside.

AM - 12 miles at easy pace.  Outside of right ankle started to bother me and then I realized it's probably due to the cambered surface of the bike path.  Felt better running on the middle or other side of the path.  I was a sweaty mess again at the end.  The humidity is awful this year.

PM - 5 miles before supper 

(941054)

16 miles on a bike path.  Another tuffy due to the temp and humidity.  I walked some parts while taking in fluids.

(332) 

Kept everything easy.  Still was a bit knackered by the heat and humidity by the time I was done.  Note to self:  No peanuts before running.  I had a couple handfuls of peanuts before leaving the house and ended up burping them during the whole run. 

I took advantage of the low humidity and went long today.  I felt strong throughout.  On the job front, I might be heading to Springfield, IL for an interview.

Incorporated some faster stuff throughout this run, but no idea on how fast or how much so I'm counting it all as easy.  Felt pretty good considering the longer run yesterday.  I was dragging a little during the last mile though.  Now off to a cabin to see relatives for the weekend.  Plan to run up there, but won't be reporting.

Ran along the mighty Mississippi.

Mixed in 6 short bursts over the last mile.

The plan to run early was washed out due to the heavy t-storms last night.  I was tired and so was everyone else.  So after rolling out of bed I helped my wife set up her Discovery Toys booth at the Iowa State Fair.  Then I was off to Cedar Falls to meet an old friend for golf and beers.  It was hot and humid, but a lot of fun hanging out and talking about the old days.

Wow, a total barn burner out there again!  I ran a brisk 16 miles with a MP kick of about 1 mile at the end while chasing after someone.  Legs and overall energy felt really good considering the heavy air and sun.  Must have been all the "carbo loading" I did yesterday on the course.

Completed another 1.5 during my stress test at the doctor's office. Not fun! 

Crazy busy this week.  Something will likely come together on the job front next week, but I've been wrong before.  Good news regarding my heart as well.  Cardiologist gave me a thumbs up on my overall health and condition of my heart.  The vasovagal reactions I've been having while running are not a concern and I should keep on trucking.  I celebrated with a 16 mile run.  Started out in terribly hot and humid conditions, but after mile 3 the temp dropped and skies opened up with light rain.  It felt great and I threw in some fartleks at the end, but no idea how fast.

Mixed in some faster work during an easy 10 miles.  Weather is becoming much more favorable.  More job interviews this week.  It feels like my unemployment will be coming to end shortly.

All easy 15 miles.  Felt tired the last mile, but overall a well paced run.  Planning to jump back into higher mileage after my break last week.

All easy

All fast

Slightly faster than easy

Easy long run at a slightly faster pace than the usual easy.  Got tired the last 2 miles, but it was humid as all get out and I was sweating like a dog.

What a week.  I was hoping to bank more miles, but was watching the kids most days as my wife worked at her Discovery Toys booth at the Iowa State Fair and most of my free time was filled with finding employment.  The good news is I finally received a job offer on Thursday!!!  Decided to accept the position on Monday and then plan for the relocation.  Still a little stressed because I keep thinking something might happen to blow the whole deal.  As you can tell, I've become extremely paranoid during my unemployment.

Ran 15 miles before lunch.  All at an easy pace with the exception of the last mile, which I finished Van Aaken style (progressively faster).  I felt light headed and flushed of energy the first 4 miles.  Felt like the last 3 miles of a marathon, but without the soreness.  Thought I would bag the run, but then all that subsided and I finished feeling fine.  I think my blood sugar was dropping after eating breakfast beforehand about an hour or so.

Accepted the position in IL today and will being moving there within the next month.  Finally will be working again!!!  That is a good thing, right?  Yeah, work is good.  I think.

6 miles on the mill in the afternoon and then 6 miles on the mill LATE!

Easy 6 miles on the mill while the little one takes a nap.  Have I mentioned that I hate the mill during this time of year.  I can't stand it even when it's raining out or 100 degrees.  When the snow is flying, that's when I don't mind.

Still working out the details of the relocation.  Krista and I plan to make a trip down for house hunting.  My tenative start date is 10/1. 

Easy progression run on the mill again while our youngest one takes a nap.  I really wanted to snuggle up and take a nap as well.

Mostly easy run, but was a little faster than usual and did a few surges.  Getting hot and humid again.  Leaves are starting to fall already.  Bummer. 

I hope to rack up more miles this week and have a solid Sept. before a mary in October.  Last week fell apart as I was busy with house related stuff and was out of town by Friday.  I can feel the stress level increasing.  Need to make running a priority as it helps keep me balanced. 

Waited until the storms cleared off before hitting the trail for 12 miles.   One mile was faster, but not sure how fast.  Legs felt dead the last 3 miles.

Another 12 miles finishing fast.  Beauty of a day.  Now it's house chores to get the place ready for sale. 

Last mile progressively faster.

Easy run mixing in some faster paces during second half.  I was going to do 20 miles, but my right leg has been complaining all week.  This morning my right hamstring sent out a few bites so I slowed down and decided to shorten the run.  It was feeling much better once it warmed up, but I had to be careful not to overstride.

The plan was to run 15 miles, but I felt like exploring a bit more because the conditions were excellent outside.  Pushed the pace during miles 13-18 and the final mile.  I hardly wear a watch anymore so all I know is it was faster than normal.  Now it's family time.

Nothing fancy.  Last mile was faster than the rest.  It felt better than expected given the run yesterday.

Another twelver with the last mile faster.  Felt like a million bucks today with 53 and sunny conditions.  I need to lose about 10 lbs to have a good race late in Oct. 

Ran around the neighborhood doing all kinds of goofy loops.  Did the guy thing and made up some nicknames for running mileage.  Came up with these while running today.

8 = Snowman

9 = Jimi 6

10 = Dime

11 = Snake Eyes

12 = Twelver

13 = Baker's Dozen

14 = Charlie Hustle

A ho-hum twelver on a bike path.  Mixed in some faster stuff during the second half, but just wanted to be done today.  My mind was a total blank most of the time.

Long run with some faster miles mixed in during the second half trying to trick the legs into thinking it was closer to 20 miles.  Everything felt really good until mile 15 when I started to get some random aches in my lower hamstrings and left achilles.  At first I thought I over did the speed, but then all the aches went away and I had a solid feeling during the last mile.  Kind of strange.

I took the past two days off so I thought I'd push the distance today.  Kept everything at a normal pace (in the 8s) and drank water throughout.  It was a slug fest at miles 19-21 since I didn't take in any fuel.  Thankfully it got a better during the last few miles so I didn't walk it in.  Pretty tired now.

12 miles at normal paces during the first half and then pushed the pace more during the second half mixing in some fartleks at various speeds.  Legs were stiff during the first mile, but had good zip during the rest of the run.  I think eating a solid meal last night was key to the recovery.

Jogged and walked 2 miles with Claire.

Intended to go my usual 12 miles, but after a bathroom stop I felt clammy and dizzy so I turned around at 4 miles.

Only thing worth noting is I mixed in some speed play and I hit a bad spot during miles 16 and 17 that eventually subsided.

A real struggle today.  Just wasn't into running and the heat/humidity made it really tough at the end.  I just wanted to sit down in the shade after this one.

A hilly 15 miles.  Felt a little bit better, but was sweaty mess at the end because of the humidity.  Felt good and tired at the end.

Had to stop and walk a few times because of stomach cramps.  My feet were complaining about the string of 15 miles this week.

Better day temp and humidity wise.  Ran really easy and enjoyed the trip more than the past couple of days.   Included a fast quarter down to 10K pace during the last 3 miles.  Focused on staying relaxed and effortless during the whole run.

Absolute perfect day for running!  Suppose to rain tomorrow so I did 20 today.  Mixed in a faster quarter during each of the last 4 miles.  I felt pretty good overall and probably could have stretched it out a bit more, but had to get back home.  4 more weeks until the marathon. 

An easy snowman on the TM.  A little faster at the end.

12.4 easy

1.6 fast during last 4 miles

13.5 easy, but pushed the pace faster after 10 miles.

12 miles easy with a Van Aaken finish over the last mile.

Participated in the 12th annual On the Road for Education Marathon in Mason City, IA.  More than likely the last marathon I'll run in Iowa since we have relocated to Springfield, IL.  Anyway, instead of recording split details, I'll just summarize the highs and lows.  The day was cloudy, humid, with starting temps in the low 50s.  I ran very well the first half with the only setbacks being a 1 min bathroom break at mile 5 and running about 3 miles on gravel road.  Running on gravel is a bit tricky and kind of like running in sand.  I was wearing flats and stepped on a rock which jabbed into the ball of my left foot.  It got better as I ran, but this would come back to haunt me later.  I crossed the first 13.1 mi in 1:31:30.  During the second half I gradually started to fade.  The course was interesting because it covered all kinds of terrain, trails, and roads.  So the scenery was always changing.  A cold wind started to blow through during the second half.  My arms were getting a bit chilled.  Around mile 16 the ball of my left foot started to burn at the spot where I landed on the rock.  It felt like an extreme case of "hot foot" that just got worse and worse with every step.  A couple miles later I was going to call it quits.  I slowed down and tried to change my foot landing, but it was still burning terribly.  Then a bit later it gradually got a little better or I just dealt with the pain better.  At mile 23 I was mentally drained.  Legs were still moving pretty good, but I had a hard time picking things up.  I stopped looking at my Gramin and decided to just stay comfortable, as much as possible, until the finish.  Surprised I ended up 4th overall and winning my age division for the first time.  Yes, it was a small race, but I still got my first trophy!!  Overall, I feel really good about the effort considering the injury, heavier bodyweight, and all the stuff going on in my life.  I obtained my "C" goal with a BQ, but more importantly I recharged my running as I slowly got my life back on track this year. 

Ball of left foot is still injured so I walked an hour.

More walking, but at steep incline on TM.

Left foot is getting better.  Walked and jogged during this session.

Life is getting back to normal.  Family moved to Springfield last week and I can build a regular running schedule again.  I plan to run only in the morning over most of the winter.  Did this session on the TM with hills since I don't know the area and it was pitch black.

On the TM again, but mostly flat and slighly faster.  Feeling good already.  Plan to run a spring marathon in IL next year.

TM with hills program.  I think I'll alternate with a hills program every other day with a pick up in duration and then slope over the next couple of months.  Then in Jan. or Feb start running longer everyday.  Just need to drop the bodyweight and I'll have a really good result in April.  My motivation is building, feels like a really good distance runner is trapped inside. 

Ran all of these about MP + 30-45 sec. outside before darkness.  Wonderful run.

Got up late so cut the run short. 

Hills routine on the TM before work.  I'm really excited about the future again.

Speed and slope progression routine on TM before work.

Ran this one in shorts and a t-shirt outside!!!