How Much Discomfort Can I Tolerate?!

Weather - 30 degrees, cloudy, windy. Spent the weekend in Chicago, ran 6 miles yesterday morning before leaving, and in the evening hiked 9-10 miles around the north side of the city. Ate too much good food (Indian for lunch, beer and stuffed mushrooms for a twilight appetizer, Ethiopian for dinner, and Austrian pastries for a night time sweet snack), but since I was burning a lot of calories I did not mind. This morning got up at dawn and hit the downtown city streets, heading out through Millenium Park to the lake shore, and ran 8 miles to Addison Street. Turned around and walked 2 miles, doing some strength exercises and stretching, and took the 151 bus back to the hotel. I was concerned the 15 miles of running/hiking on Saturday was going to be too much work for my legs, but they felt good today, so I am happy about my improving fitness.

#58 

Weather - 25 degrees, cloudy, windy. Easy 6 miles in cold conditions, felt like 10 degrees in the wind. Body is still feeling good even though my daily mileage is increasing. Jeff commented a few days ago that I should not avoid going fast while I am doing my endurance runs, so I have decided to include 5 or 6 strides in most of my upcoming runs this month. Today I did 5 x 40 second strides in the middle of the run, with a 1-2 minute jogging recovery. I am hoping the striding will keep my legs accustomed to faster movement as I put in the slow base work for the next 6-8 weeks. After the run 4 sets of strength exercises, stretching, and 40 minute walk home.

#59

Weather - 15 degrees, sunny. Was hoping to run 8 easy miles today, about half way through the run I was feeling good and decided to push it a little further, and ended up going 9.1. Did 6 x 40-60 second strides at the 4 mile split. I can feel some overall improvement in my running strength, it is giving me confidence to keep at it every day. After the run went to Brookens Gym and did 6 sets of strength exercises, stretching, and 15 minute walk home. 

#60 

Weather - 33 degrees, sunny. Weather warmed up a bit, which made my 6 easy miles feel pleasant. I had some pep in my stride today, ran it fairly quick, yet the intensity felt easy. Tomorrow will try for 8 easy miles with 5 or 6 strides.

#61 

Weather - 25 degrees, windy, cloudy. Tough day to run, the wind was wicked cold, and there were ice patches on the streets and sidewalks. I decided it would be safest to run at the arboretum, but I knew the wind there can be brutal. I ran 3 miles, then did 8 x 25-60 second strides, then continued running until I reached 8 miles. I had the wind at my back during the final mile, and I was feeling pretty good, so I decided to let my legs unwind and the pace unfold. I ran the last mile in about 6:15, of course, the wind helped out a lot, but it felt great to have the legs turning faster than usual. Tonight I am going to Brookens Gym to stretch and do some strength exercises while watching the Lakers/Suns game - should be a good one.

#62

Weather - 31 degrees, windy, sunny. A lot of wind made for tough running. Because I exercised at Brookens while watching the Lakers/Suns game yesterday evening I only got 4 hours of sleep. Consequently I felt horrible today on my run, and ran a very easy 6 miles, slower than my normal easy pace. After the run 4 sets of strength exercises, stretching, and 40 minute walk home. Am looking forward to 8 hours of sleep tonight.

#63 

Weather - 5 degrees, sunny. Ran 10.20 easy miles this morning, felt decent enough considering the weather was rough and I was wearing about 6 layers of clothing. Had a good week with my mileage, I hope to continue with a slow upwards trend. Next week I am running the Riddle Run in Mahomet. It is an informal trail run, with a beginners race of 12 miles, and an advanced run of 28. I signed up for 12, if I finish I get a homemade cupcake. 

 #64