Sean's Running Blog

Another nice morning. It's a good thing Sunday was a day off because my calves were sorer than i though they would be after just those 10-10sec. hill bursts on Saturday. But that was nothing compared to how they felt after my workout today. I had a flight to NYC later in the day and wasn't going to arrive until 9pm so I knew I needed to get my early week workout in today rather than try for it in NYC.

10M tempo run. First 8 miles at 5:30 and then 2 more at 5:15-18. Each of the first eight miles was between 5:23 and 5:25 except two which were at 5:29-5:30. So I was fast on most of those which didn't help me any when it came time for the 2 5:15-18s. Mile 9 was a slow 5:22 and the final mile was in 5:18. My calves were burning every bit as much after today's workout as they were after last monday's half marathon.

After a cooldown and some stretching, I went home to pack for NYC. Unfortunately I didn't get upgraded to first class so i was stuck in coach in a seat that didn't recline. I drank lots of water and tried to get up and walk around several times. I felt OK but upon landing was really tight. Hope it doesn't jeopardize my planned double for tomorrow in Central Park.  

A.M.

A beautiful if not muggy morning here in NYC. My favorite part about coming to NYC is running in Central Park, especially in the morning when it's completely closed to vehicle traffic. I did the big loop and then the short loop before heading back to the hotel. It's always a bit eerie to run by the boathouse. It's been almost two years since Ryan Shay finished his running career there.

I was pleasantly surprised to feel great this morning. I got a good night's sleep and the three hour time change seemed to have no effect nor did yesterday's challenging workout.

P.M.

A muggy afternoon run but certainly bearable. Central Park was packed as usual which was all the more reason to again do the full 6+ mile loop since few venture out that far. As I passed the finish line for the Olympic Trials, so many great memories flooded back as they always do. Before exiting the park to head back to my hotel, I passed the "400 to go" mark and it sent chills down my spine. I'll never forget that day. It's impossible for me to run through the Park without completely focusing on that great day.

Back home in lovely Seattle. Stomach is still giving me fits. In fact the only time it doesn't bother me is when i'm running. So i skipped dinner and headed out for a run ending at my daughters soccer game. Ran 10x1/10 mile strides in the middle. I need to do more of that.

Got into my workout late this afternoon because of meetings. Was supposed to be a 8M tempo in the 5:2:1 format but three miles in my stomach issues resurfaced. I think I am going to get checked tomorrow. My stomach has been bothering me all week and it finally manifested itself during a run. Must have some kind of bug.

Well I tried to redo the workout today that I was supposed to get done yesterday. But managed to do only 6 of the 8 miles. Was supposed to hit 5M @ 5:28s then 2 @ 5:20 and then a final mile at 5:12. The first five were all in 5:22-5:27 and the final one was in 5:18. That was all the body had to offer today. I felt so good in NYC that I think I underestimated the effect of 13 hours of plane travel in 48 hours. Plus my stomach issues didn't help but they seem to slowly be getting better.  

My wife and I were in Seattle for an early appointment this morning so I decided to do my long run at Green Lake. It was raining most of the run which was nice from the standpoint that Green Lake was less of a mob scene than normal.

About five laps around Green Lake plus a set of 10x10sec hill bursts. The regular miles werew in the 6:20-6:30 range which felt perfect. This was the best I have felt running in a long time. I felt like I could have gone another 19.

Pretty good week overall. First time above 90 miles in many, many weeks.