How Much Discomfort Can I Tolerate?!

Weather - 20 degrees, cloudy.

Feeling a little better day by day, the cold is still in my lungs, but not as bad as a few days ago, so it is getting easier to run. Nice and easy 6 miles today, felt good to run more then 2 or 3 miles. My legs feel fresh and strong, so the lay off was probably a good thing overall.

Also did 3 sets of strength exercises and stretching.

Last year I went to Brookens gym quite a bit to do my strength exercises, so far this year I am doing them outside in the cold. I will try to keep this up, as it saves time.

#387

Print made yesterday :

Rawley's Bay, Door County
Printed 2008

Weather - 42 degrees, cloudy, windy.

The warm weather felt good, and although I am only 80-85% recovered from my illness, I decided to do a full South Farms loop. My legs felt strong and fresh, that is one reason I believed it would be not very difficult to cover the distance. 

There was a stiff head wind on the South Farms road, so I had to trudge patiently until the turn-around. The final 5 miles were mostly with the wind, so that made things feel good.

#388

Print made recently :

Railyard, Winter Study
Printed 2008

Weather - 47 degrees, cloudy, raining.

Today I became a different runner, reaching a new level of endurance and stamina. 

The weather was perfect for running, although quite windy when out in the open areas. Only wearing shorts and 4 shirts, I was 3 pounds lighter than normal, and this made me feel quick and strong.

I noticed I was running faster than usual during the first 5 miles, but I tried to keep the pace moderate, because I wanted to do the usual full South Farms loop.

When I reached the South Farms road a heavy wind slowed me down, but the somber gray clouds and some fog rising near the copse made for some beautiful scenery to gaze at.

I was hoping for rain, as I have grown to love running in it, but it did not start falling until 400m to the finish of the 1st loop. I was planning to stop at Jimmy Johns and call it a day, but I noticed that I was not tired, my legs were still fresh, and I felt I had not worked hard enough to deserve the sandwich.

I decided to continue running, as the rain, and everything else, felt good. I was looping back to Busey Woods, but realizing I could be on my feet for another few miles, I stopped at Strawberry Fields and bought some Bolthouse green juice, a hummus sandwich, and some chocolate almond energy chunks. The checkout girl eyed my muddy legs and dirty shirt and asked if I was out running. I told her I was on mile 14, and needed some food because I was probably going 6 more. She told me she liked to bike, but usually not when it is cold. As I was leaving she suggested I sit down in the cafe to eat. I told her I was going to eat on the run, and she could not believe it. "No Way! Won't you get indigestion?!" I laughed and told her no, I wouldn't, and waved goodbye.

I decided I would run until I felt tired or sore, whichever came first. When I reached the arboretum at mile 18 or 19, I looked up at the hill, closed my eyes, and started doing knee-ups. I concentrated on my form, and also how I was feeling. My legs were going up and down easily, not too sore, and my energy was still good. Amazing, I thought, and a wave of inspiration/adrenaline rushed through me - I realized I had a chance to complete a full second loop, for 26 miles. I smiled, opened my eyes, and attacked the hill.

When I got to the South Farms road for the second time the crows did not even bother flying away as I ran by, they just looked up, then continued pecking at the ground. I was still feeling good, and I knew in 1 mile I would have the rest of loop with the wind at my back.

When I reached MBK I stopped at a bench to stretch, and just as I was finishing I looked up to see a group of 6 or 7 lean and mean runners approaching. When they passed I started running at their pace, about 20m behind them. I noticed their gear, and how easy they were running at 7:00 pace - they were Univ. of Illinois runners out for a leisurely slow run. However, 7:00 pace seemed REAL fast to me, but I was handling it ok considering I was on mile 23. They started to move the pace up after 800m so I let them go, I had no choice, 6:45 pace on tired legs was not going to happen. But they got me through the tough part of MBK, the uphill, so I was thankful for their timely appearance.

The final 3 miles felt pretty good, although the last mile seemed to drag on - I must have been pressing up against the wall right about there.

When I reached Jimmy Johns for the second time, I knew I had earned my sandwich. I walked home in a wet glow of happiness, eating my sandwich, feeling the rain, and thankful for having such sturdy legs to carry me such a long way.

#389

Weather - 30 degrees, cloudy, windy.

I was unsure how my legs would feel after yesterday's run. The first few steps are usually an indicator, and I felt loose and energetic, like yesterday had never happened. 

I needed to buy a headband so I ran to Champaign Surplus. I felt pretty good, not much soreness or stiffness, just a usual run.

After I bought what I needed I ran to Busey Woods, then did 4 sets of strength exercises. I still felt good so I ran another mile. I was at a point where I could walk home, or run to the arboretum. I knew once I got to the arboretum the South Farms road would be hard to resist, but a 12-14 mile run would not be smart, so I stopped at 7.75 miles.

#390

Weather - 20 degrees, clear.

I am runing 13-14 miles tomorrow, so just a couple of easy miles today.

#391

Weather - 22 degrees, cloudy, snowing.

An unusual run because of the park district Christmas party. I ran 7.5 miles across town to Jupiter's Bar and Grill, played scrabble and pool, ate pizza, received $50 for 5 years of service, a $20 gift card to the local grocery store, and a $25 gift certificate to my favorite Thai restaurant. I then ran 6 miles back home. 

My leg strength has increased since the 33.5 mile ultra in October. I can now run longer distances without getting sore. Today I had no remaining stiffness from the 26 mile run a few days ago, and running 13.50 miles was not a problem.

I love being this fit and strong, and it only took 1 year of dedicated running to achieve it. What am I going to be like next year?

#392

Weather - 35 degrees, cloudy, windy.

4.5 miles around the park and woods, then 3 sets of strength exercises, stretching, and 45 minute walk home.

#393