How Much Discomfort Can I Tolerate?!

Weather - 72 degrees, sunny.

Back home and back to the usual running routine. 4.5 miles through the park and Busey Woods, felt a bit stiff the first mile, then loosened up to normal 8:15 pace. The last 1.5 miles was 6:30-6:45 pace.

Will run easy and short all week, looking forward to a nice recovery.

I might run a small 5k at Crystal Lake Park this Saturday if I feel 100% recovered.

#282

Weather - 75 degrees, sunny.

3 easy miles through the park and Busey Woods.

After the run 4 sets of strength exercises, stretching, and 35 minute walk home.

#283

Weather - 66 degrees, sunny.

4 easy miles through the park and Busey Woods.

After the run 5 sets of strength exercises, stretching, and 35 minute walk home.

I weighed myself today, first time since the winter, and saw that I am 10 pounds overweight. I was surprised because I have been running so well lately. I don't think I have ever been overweight and fit at the same time. I can blame it on my recent eating habits, which has included more cheeses and dairy, and a few sweets. I guess I can't eat with impunity even if I can run 100 miles in a week. I am confident that in 2 months I will be back to a good running weight if I cut out the fatty foods. I am motivated because I have been setting PR's with the extra weight. I should be able to gain some more speed when my weight goes back down.

 #284

Weather - 82 degrees, sunny.

My seasonal allergies started this week, and last night was my first bout of asthma. It woke me at 4:00am, allowing me to get only 5 hours of sleep. I was dragging at work this morning, and my 3 easy miles felt like 6 hard ones. I will go to bed early tonight and hopefully get a full nights sleep.

#285

Weather - 82 degrees, sunny, humid.

Energy was a bit better today, but still recovering from last weeks high mileage. Ran 3.5 miles, the final mile pace was 6:45.

Last week my mental and physical state was on a mountian top, but this week I have sunk into a valley. Low energy, fatigued muscles, allergies and asthma have initiated a fast decline. I will continue to take it easy until I feel better.

I don't have much enthusiasm for racing a 5k this Saturday, but the race is only a mile from my house so it will be hard to pass up.

#286

Weather - 83 degrees, sunny, humid.

My energy felt higher today, probably because I had a respite from night asthma for the past couple of days. Muscle fatigue is still lingering, so I feel about 75% overall. Ran 2 miles easy, then worked hard for 1.5 miles at 6:30-6:45 pace.

Afterward 3 sets of strength exercises, stretching, and 35 minute walk home.

I think I will end up running the 5K tomorrow at the park if I get an asthma-free sleep tonight. I won't be 100%, but I will follow my usual strategy of allowing my body to set the pace.

#287

Weather - 68 degrees, sunny.

A nice morning for a race. I felt pretty good jogging to the park, about 80% recovered, which is better than I have felt all week. My goal was to allow my body to set the pace. I had little desire to push myself too hard today.

The initial pace was moderate, and I was able to get to a comfortably hard pace at the halfway point, which I passed in 10:10. The second half I never went beyond the comfortable pace, and I finished in 20:20, which is my slowest 5k of the year.

This 5k indicates that my racing season is coming to a close. I plan to run 2 more races, the Wild Wilderness 7.5 mile trail race in September, and the Farmdale 33 mile trail race in October. After Farmdale I will take a month of easy running, and in December begin to build a new base.

This year has definitely been a success, and I am looking forward to my first ultra marathon. I have not put in super long runs, but my training has been consistent for 10 months, so I should have the strength to finish the race, although my time will most likely be mediocre. Running 5-6 hours in autumn woods will be pleasant and beautiful, at least for the first 3 hours.

#288