How Much Discomfort Can I Tolerate?!

Weather - 74 degrees, hard rain. 

A hard rain fell this morning but that did not stop me from getting in my easy run. I ran through the flooded streets and the woods path was flowing like a creek, where I saw a box turtle enjoying itself, and a little further down the path a lone goose was standing still in the 2 inch deep water.

I was reminded of a run this past winter, when the rain was freezing and I was wearing shorts. That run toughened me up, and made today's run seem very pleasant in comparison.

My legs were not sore from yesterdays long run. I took a hot bath after because I was covered in mud. Knowing that the warm water would exaggerate any inflammation in my quads, I took a bottle of ice and rolled it over my thighs for 15 minutes after the bath, I think this helped reduce any soreness which may have occurred today.

I also slept well last night, about 10 hours, and my allergies did not bother me.

After the run I did 3 sets of strength exercises, stretching, and 35 minute walk home.

#303

Weather - 64 degrees, cloudy. 

Nice and cool today, I took it easy and ran 4 miles. Felt good and seem to be reaching for another boost in fitness.

Tomorrow I am planning to run hill repeats at the arboretum, that should get me somewhat ready for the difficult 12k cross country race next weekend at Kickapoo. Last week I had to cancel the hills because I was feeling lethargic and not getting enough sleep due to allergies. This week I am catching up on sleep and feeling stronger. 

#304

Weather - 67 degrees, sunny.

Was not able to get out for a run until 5:00pm, and I was feeling sluggish and tired. I still wanted to try running some hills, so I jogged 1.5 miles to the arboretum and planned to do the usual hill workout -  100m at 5k pace to the base of the hill, 100m hard up the hill (regular form on odd repeats, bounding on even), and 250m downhill sprint. I knew it was going to be rough because the 1.5 mile warm up jog was taxing my respiration.

I was able to complete 12 hill reps, the first 3 were a strain on my lungs, but it became easier to breathe after each completed rep. I think I was able to complete 25 reps during my last hill workout, but 12 still seems decent considering I am nearing the end of my racing cycle.

After the run 3 sets of strength exercises, stretching, and 15 minute walk home.

#305

Weather - 73 degrees, sunny.

5 easy miles today, with 1 mile barefoot in the grass. 

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

#306

Weather - 82 degrees, sunny.

I ran 1.5 miles to the arboretum, then got into the workout - 400m run at 5k pace with a 200m recovery on dirt roads.  It was noon so the temperature was warm. I did not have water, but my body did a good job of keeping its temperature under control. I was able to run 12 x 400m, which is pretty good considering my allergies are making sure I am not at full strength. My effort was a bit softer than a normal interval workout, one reason being my low energy, another is that I am finished running fast for the year. I am trying to maintain my fitness, but I am letting the speed get away for now.

After the run 2 sets of strength exercises, stretching, and 25 minute walk home.

Reading Benn's blog I discovered Dean has a new book out, today I got it at the library. I am looking forward to learning more about this amazing runner. 

#307

Weather - 73 degrees, sunny.

Ran an easy 4.5 miles in the park and woods. Felt like going longer, but knew it was wiser to feel fresh and relaxed at the end of the run. 

Maybe I will do a medium long run tomorrow, 10-12 miles. I will see how I feel.

#308

Weather - 78 degrees, cloudy, raining.

What started out as a medium length run turned into a 3 1/2 hour long run. When I was nearing the 90 minute mark it started to rain, which kept me cool and refreshed, so I altered my plan and decided to run until I hit the wall.

I wanted to get a recent feel of the discomfort which the wall can inflict, so that when I run the ultra marathon next month I will be sure to keep the pace moderate and slow, especially for the first 15 miles.  

I tried to make todays pace reflect the pace which I will set for the race, which is about 9:00-9:15 per mile. A few of the miles I probably ran 8:30-8:45, but when I started to feel bad I made sure to slow down until recovering.

Last week I ran 3 hours, but todays run seemed so much more. Maybe it was the route, or the weather, but I seemed to hit more peaks and valleys today. At the 3 hour mark I felt punch drunk, which means that I lost some leg coordination. I felt like it would be easy to trip on a stone or root. I wasn't exactly staggering, but my leg strength began to slowly dwindle as the minutes pressed further forward.

I never did feel awful, I was in control the whole way, which gives me confidence. When I stopped I wasn't yet at the wall, but I could feel the death march commander creeping along the nearing horizon. I know that I am going to have a date with this taskmaster at the race, probably around mile 25-26, meaning I will have to suffer through 7 miles of agony. I can't wait....

After the run I walked 25 minutes, then plunged into a hot bath. Immediately after the bath I rolled an ice bottle on my legs for 20 minutes. They did not feel sore after this, just a bit fatigued, which is a good sign. Hopefully there will not be much soreness tomorrow.

#309