I had lunch with my son and he asked me for a running program that will help him prepare for playing football this coming season. He has not played for a few years but has been asked to join a team. His concern is about conditioning that will give him endurance. His goal is to be able to be fresh at the end of the game.
Since he has not been running, I am going to suggest a plan that is light and easy to begin. I encouraged him to stick with it for a month, until a "habit" of running is developed. We will see if we can get a run in together, which will be an encourgement to him to have someone to run with.
Somewhere along the line, I have gotten that habit. If I miss a run for one day, it is fine. However, I find that my body craves the benefits that running gives and a second or third day without running, brings this need out.
I did get in 3.02 miles later this afternoon and this assures me of meeting my mileage goal for the first month of the year. I ran in the cemetary which meant that there was thankfully not anything going on. It felt good to get out for the run.
My total now stands at 85.47 miles.
The 1,000 mile pace bunny is at 82.2 miles.
The 500 mile pace bunny is at 41.1 miles.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Why are runs so different?
As someone who runs an average of 5-6 times a week, one observation has been that every run is different.
One day as you start to run, you feel like you are gliding along with little effort. Your breathing is fine, your legs feel fine, and your attitude towards running is extremely positive. You have NO idea why you feel so good and you wish you could just keep on running this way. Thoughts of being in great shape, pop into your head and you just KNOW that this feeling is the result of your heard work.
Then there are the other days. These are the times when as soon as you start, you feel like quitting the run. Your breathing is labored with that burning sensation being felt in the chest area. The legs are tired and you just know that it is only a matter of time before you will have to deal with cramping. Now you are asking yourself the question of why you have let yourself go so badly that you can't even get in a few miles.
Sometimes you DO know what has caused a run to be difficult. Maybe it is an injury that has been nagging at you. What you have recently eaten may make a big difference in how you feel as you run. Weather conditions and how you are dressed also enters in some times. A smart runner is always learning what helps and hurts the running experience.
In all cases, the best cure and solution is to keep on putting in the miles as long as you are medically okay to do so. A run that may start off being difficult, often turns into a decent run before it is all over. Just keep running and the benefits will mount.
Today it was 3.15 miles run at noon time.
This gives me a total of 82.45 miles
The 1,000 mile pace bunny is at 79.46 miles.
The 500 mile pace bunny is at 39.73 miles.
One day as you start to run, you feel like you are gliding along with little effort. Your breathing is fine, your legs feel fine, and your attitude towards running is extremely positive. You have NO idea why you feel so good and you wish you could just keep on running this way. Thoughts of being in great shape, pop into your head and you just KNOW that this feeling is the result of your heard work.
Then there are the other days. These are the times when as soon as you start, you feel like quitting the run. Your breathing is labored with that burning sensation being felt in the chest area. The legs are tired and you just know that it is only a matter of time before you will have to deal with cramping. Now you are asking yourself the question of why you have let yourself go so badly that you can't even get in a few miles.
Sometimes you DO know what has caused a run to be difficult. Maybe it is an injury that has been nagging at you. What you have recently eaten may make a big difference in how you feel as you run. Weather conditions and how you are dressed also enters in some times. A smart runner is always learning what helps and hurts the running experience.
In all cases, the best cure and solution is to keep on putting in the miles as long as you are medically okay to do so. A run that may start off being difficult, often turns into a decent run before it is all over. Just keep running and the benefits will mount.
Today it was 3.15 miles run at noon time.
This gives me a total of 82.45 miles
The 1,000 mile pace bunny is at 79.46 miles.
The 500 mile pace bunny is at 39.73 miles.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Running can be dangerous
A local news web site has the following posted this evening:
"A man is found dying in a southwest Roanoke County neighborhood street just before 6:00 Monday morning and police are trying to figure out how it all happened.
Police say a jogger was struck by a motor vehicle that subsequently left the scene. The jogger, Thomas Farrell of Roanoke, was pronounced dead at the scene.Neighbors tell us someone found the man "near death" lying on Springlawn Avenue. That neighborhood is just across the street from Cave Spring Elementary and Middle Schools. Witness say the man died in the street.Police are seeking assistance in identifying the vehicle and driver involved in the crash." WSET-TV
I have had several times while running that I was aware of the fact that it would not take much to get in a lot of trouble with passing vehicles. I try to always stay aware of my surroundings and respectful of the idea that the road and street is meant for vehicles.....not runners.
On occasion a runner will encounter a motorist with "an attitude". These are drivers who are upset and frustrated that anyone would be running on the street that they are driving. They will purposely come as close as possible to hitting the runner, presumedly to send a message. While I am sure this is often due to a bad experience that has brought this attitude on, it still is not worth the risk of taking someone's life in order to make their point.
Meanwhile, it was a beautiful day for a run and run I did. I ran 4.92 miles during the noon day sun.
This brings my total now to 79.3 miles.
The 1,000 mile pace bunny is at 76.72 miles.
The 500 mile pace bunny is at 38.36 miles.
"A man is found dying in a southwest Roanoke County neighborhood street just before 6:00 Monday morning and police are trying to figure out how it all happened.
Police say a jogger was struck by a motor vehicle that subsequently left the scene. The jogger, Thomas Farrell of Roanoke, was pronounced dead at the scene.Neighbors tell us someone found the man "near death" lying on Springlawn Avenue. That neighborhood is just across the street from Cave Spring Elementary and Middle Schools. Witness say the man died in the street.Police are seeking assistance in identifying the vehicle and driver involved in the crash." WSET-TV
I have had several times while running that I was aware of the fact that it would not take much to get in a lot of trouble with passing vehicles. I try to always stay aware of my surroundings and respectful of the idea that the road and street is meant for vehicles.....not runners.
On occasion a runner will encounter a motorist with "an attitude". These are drivers who are upset and frustrated that anyone would be running on the street that they are driving. They will purposely come as close as possible to hitting the runner, presumedly to send a message. While I am sure this is often due to a bad experience that has brought this attitude on, it still is not worth the risk of taking someone's life in order to make their point.
Meanwhile, it was a beautiful day for a run and run I did. I ran 4.92 miles during the noon day sun.
This brings my total now to 79.3 miles.
The 1,000 mile pace bunny is at 76.72 miles.
The 500 mile pace bunny is at 38.36 miles.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
When the going gets tough...
Yesterday I took the day off. This partially was by choice but also had to do with the fact I did not manage my schedule for the day very well. I simply put the POSSIBILITY of running off until it was too late in the day to run. Probably the reality was that I didn't feel motivated enough to make a run a high priority for the day. It was not a problem since I had a good amount of miles in for the month and had some "in the bank" so to speak.
However this meant that I definitely needed to run today in order to stay on pace. I struggled from the get-go but kept putting in the miles until I had run 4.5 miles. As usual, after I had run a couple of miles it did not feel as bad. This is not to say it became an easy run, just better.
This now gives me 74.38 miles for the year.
The 1,000 mile pace bunny is at 73.98 miles.
The 500 mile pace bunny is at 36.99 miles.
However this meant that I definitely needed to run today in order to stay on pace. I struggled from the get-go but kept putting in the miles until I had run 4.5 miles. As usual, after I had run a couple of miles it did not feel as bad. This is not to say it became an easy run, just better.
This now gives me 74.38 miles for the year.
The 1,000 mile pace bunny is at 73.98 miles.
The 500 mile pace bunny is at 36.99 miles.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Running with renewed purpose
There are some days when it would be hard to determine exactly why I run.
I started running almost five years ago with the desire to be adding some new things to my life. Part of it was the realization that at this stage in life I needed to be staying physically active for my health. My life style up to that point had included a lot of physical activity. However, this had been brought to an end and it was time to make the adjustment.
I have been running long enough now that other factors enter in. There are days when simply getting outside and enjoying the weather is a compelling force. When I am preparing to run in a race and need to be doing extra miles in preparation, that becomes my motivation. Of course, goals that have been carefully set (like running 1,000 miles in a year) gives me the mental "boot" to get out and put in the miles. Today however, it was different.
It started last night when I heard that a 35 year old pastor from Tennessee had suffered a heart attack. They apparently had to airlift him to a city hospital for help. I don't know whether he survived or not. I wondered about his family, his church, his friends and of course him. As if that wasn't enough, this morning a lady from my Sunday School class informed me that her ex-husband had a heart attack last weekend. She wrote and said, "We never know what's around the next corner in life". Family plans were suddenly changed in a moment in time.
It was cooler outside today and my plan had been to take this opportunity to rest and not run. However the two examples that I had been given within 12 hours of each other gave me all the motivation I needed to run a few miles. Thank you Lord, for health today that allows me to be able to run.
While running does not guarantee the elimination of heart attacks and strokes from happening, statistics do bear out the fact that exercise will reduce that risk when done sensibly and properly.
I only put in 2.79 miles today but that was enough to slightly add to my lead on the pace bunny.
My total for the year now is at 69.88 miles.
The 1,000 mile pace bunny is slightly behind me at 68.5 miles.
The 500 mile pace bunny is at 34.25 miles.
I started running almost five years ago with the desire to be adding some new things to my life. Part of it was the realization that at this stage in life I needed to be staying physically active for my health. My life style up to that point had included a lot of physical activity. However, this had been brought to an end and it was time to make the adjustment.
I have been running long enough now that other factors enter in. There are days when simply getting outside and enjoying the weather is a compelling force. When I am preparing to run in a race and need to be doing extra miles in preparation, that becomes my motivation. Of course, goals that have been carefully set (like running 1,000 miles in a year) gives me the mental "boot" to get out and put in the miles. Today however, it was different.
It started last night when I heard that a 35 year old pastor from Tennessee had suffered a heart attack. They apparently had to airlift him to a city hospital for help. I don't know whether he survived or not. I wondered about his family, his church, his friends and of course him. As if that wasn't enough, this morning a lady from my Sunday School class informed me that her ex-husband had a heart attack last weekend. She wrote and said, "We never know what's around the next corner in life". Family plans were suddenly changed in a moment in time.
It was cooler outside today and my plan had been to take this opportunity to rest and not run. However the two examples that I had been given within 12 hours of each other gave me all the motivation I needed to run a few miles. Thank you Lord, for health today that allows me to be able to run.
While running does not guarantee the elimination of heart attacks and strokes from happening, statistics do bear out the fact that exercise will reduce that risk when done sensibly and properly.
I only put in 2.79 miles today but that was enough to slightly add to my lead on the pace bunny.
My total for the year now is at 69.88 miles.
The 1,000 mile pace bunny is slightly behind me at 68.5 miles.
The 500 mile pace bunny is at 34.25 miles.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
An unplanned run
So much of my running is determined by the circumstances. That works fine as long as your goal and habit is to run. If you wait for the circumstances to determine whether to run, it is too easy to never find the right opportunity. With my mind set that I WILL run but exactly when is left to what develops during the day, it works out.
The forecast was for cold weather moving in for just a period of 24 hours. That left me thinking that most likely I would skip running today and simply make use of warmer temperatures tomorrow. However, between some frustration from work that made me want to get out of the house (where my office is located) and the fact the temperature was in the mid 40's and sunny, I headed out for a quick run.
The result was 3.05 miles that put just a little bit more space between me and the pace bunny.
My total for the year is now 67.09 miles.
The 1,000 mile pace bunny is at 65.76 miles.
The 500 mile pace bunny is at 32.88 miles.
Where are you?
The forecast was for cold weather moving in for just a period of 24 hours. That left me thinking that most likely I would skip running today and simply make use of warmer temperatures tomorrow. However, between some frustration from work that made me want to get out of the house (where my office is located) and the fact the temperature was in the mid 40's and sunny, I headed out for a quick run.
The result was 3.05 miles that put just a little bit more space between me and the pace bunny.
My total for the year is now 67.09 miles.
The 1,000 mile pace bunny is at 65.76 miles.
The 500 mile pace bunny is at 32.88 miles.
Where are you?
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
I caught the Pace Bunny
I had not intended on catching up to the pace bunny today, but the weather was so beautiful that once I was out there running the decision to add a couple of miles was easy.
I noticed that there were quite a few people out around enjoying the weather as well. Several dogs that I have not seen on my running route for a while, were out in their yards.
My miles run today were exactly 6. I actually am happy to be ahead of the 1,000 mile pace standard as I am sure there are some winter days coming when I won't want to run. I am very much a "fair weather" runner.
This now gives me 64.04 miles for the month and year.
The 1,000 mile pace bunny is caught chasing me with 63.02 miles.
The 500 mile pace bunny is at 31.51.
I noticed that there were quite a few people out around enjoying the weather as well. Several dogs that I have not seen on my running route for a while, were out in their yards.
My miles run today were exactly 6. I actually am happy to be ahead of the 1,000 mile pace standard as I am sure there are some winter days coming when I won't want to run. I am very much a "fair weather" runner.
This now gives me 64.04 miles for the month and year.
The 1,000 mile pace bunny is caught chasing me with 63.02 miles.
The 500 mile pace bunny is at 31.51.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
The edge......of ice
The weather forecast for today was calling for rain showers that could turn to freezing rain . This would depend on where you were located and what the temperature would be at that particular time of day.
I looked outside at noon and decided I would try to get in a minimum run of three miles before the rain hit. Too late!
I just started running when a soft mist/rain started. I had noted that the thermometer in my back yard was recording 32-33 degrees Fehrenheit. Quickly the decision was made to continue the run but to carefully monitor the traction on the road. The cemetary where I planned to run was hosting a funeral, so I continued down the road to the neighboring subdivision instead.
I finished the 3.08 miles for the day with no problem. It really is great that I have gotten so many miles in for the month because I now am at a good stage mileage-wise to take a day off from running if the weather dictates that I should.
My total for the month is now at 58.04 miles.
The 1,000 mile pace bunny is at 60.28 miles.
The 500 mile pace bunny is at 30.14 miles.
I looked outside at noon and decided I would try to get in a minimum run of three miles before the rain hit. Too late!
I just started running when a soft mist/rain started. I had noted that the thermometer in my back yard was recording 32-33 degrees Fehrenheit. Quickly the decision was made to continue the run but to carefully monitor the traction on the road. The cemetary where I planned to run was hosting a funeral, so I continued down the road to the neighboring subdivision instead.
I finished the 3.08 miles for the day with no problem. It really is great that I have gotten so many miles in for the month because I now am at a good stage mileage-wise to take a day off from running if the weather dictates that I should.
My total for the month is now at 58.04 miles.
The 1,000 mile pace bunny is at 60.28 miles.
The 500 mile pace bunny is at 30.14 miles.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Ahead of last year's pace
Last year I managed to meet my goal of running 1,000 miles. However, I made the feat more difficult than what I hope will happen this year.
I did not run enough miles during the first six months of the year and that left me making up mega miles at the very end. While that was a good lesson and provided a great sense of accomplishment in the end, there is an easier way that spreads the miles evenly throughout the year.
Today with 4.05 miles run at noon time, I passed the total number that I ran in January last year which was 51.5 miles. This means that every mile I put in for the rest of this month is an improvement over last year. It is very encouraging to be at this stage during the colder winter months when I find running most difficult.
My total for the year now is at 54.96 miles.
The 1,000 mile pace bunny is at 57.54 miles.
The 500 mile pace bunny is at 28.77 miles.
I did not run enough miles during the first six months of the year and that left me making up mega miles at the very end. While that was a good lesson and provided a great sense of accomplishment in the end, there is an easier way that spreads the miles evenly throughout the year.
Today with 4.05 miles run at noon time, I passed the total number that I ran in January last year which was 51.5 miles. This means that every mile I put in for the rest of this month is an improvement over last year. It is very encouraging to be at this stage during the colder winter months when I find running most difficult.
My total for the year now is at 54.96 miles.
The 1,000 mile pace bunny is at 57.54 miles.
The 500 mile pace bunny is at 28.77 miles.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Running shoes
When I was a kid we bought "sneakers". I don't believe there was such a thing back then as a running shoe or a basketball shoe like there is today. The going name brand at that time was the "Red Ball Jet". This was a sneaker that had a little red circle on the very back of the shoe along the tread. If you walked behind someone wearing Red Ball Jets, you could easily see the little red ball. It did not matter what sport you played, there really was only one type of shoe to choose from....the "Red Ball Jet".
Then came the day we heard about Converse sneakers. My Junior High basketball team all bought these after being told by the coach that this was what the Boston Celtics wore. Being from Maine, this information had high impact on all of us. Besides, we were getting them at a reduced price of about $10 a pair, as I remember it.
Years later in the early 1990's I received a pair of Reebok basketball shoes. They were excellent and the best pair I had ever owned up to that time. My kids gave them to me that year for Christmas. The only problem was, they were not comfortable. I slowly broke them in but never wore them as much as I would have liked. In time I did find them to be comfortable and wore them often for sports activities. After a while they got replaced by nicer looking pairs and were only used on rare occasions. They sat in the back of my closet for years.
I started running seriously in 2003. I first used the best pair of running shoes that I had at the time. In time I got to the place where I needed a second pair of shoes to use. While hunting in my closet to see what I had, I came across the pair of Reeboks and decided to see if they would work.
Experienced runners will tell you that shoes should be replaced every 350 to 400 miles in order to avoid injury. Some will retire their shoes even sooner than that, but everyone warns about the dangers of keeping shoes too long.
When I record my run each day, I always indicate which shoes I wore. Yesterday the Reebok pair that I brought out of the closet reached 1,000 miles. Sadly, it is time to retire them for good. I have not minded using them up until now. I have felt that because I am not a heavy person and since I also don't run for speed, the miles have been more friendly than those that most runners experience. However, the shoes are beginning to be thin in the tread area.
It is a cold 24 degrees here today so I only ran a minimal amount of 3 miles.
This brings my total to 50.91 miles.
The 1,000 mile pace bunny is at 54.8 miles.
The 500 mile pace bunny is at 27.4 miles.
Then came the day we heard about Converse sneakers. My Junior High basketball team all bought these after being told by the coach that this was what the Boston Celtics wore. Being from Maine, this information had high impact on all of us. Besides, we were getting them at a reduced price of about $10 a pair, as I remember it.
Years later in the early 1990's I received a pair of Reebok basketball shoes. They were excellent and the best pair I had ever owned up to that time. My kids gave them to me that year for Christmas. The only problem was, they were not comfortable. I slowly broke them in but never wore them as much as I would have liked. In time I did find them to be comfortable and wore them often for sports activities. After a while they got replaced by nicer looking pairs and were only used on rare occasions. They sat in the back of my closet for years.
I started running seriously in 2003. I first used the best pair of running shoes that I had at the time. In time I got to the place where I needed a second pair of shoes to use. While hunting in my closet to see what I had, I came across the pair of Reeboks and decided to see if they would work.
Experienced runners will tell you that shoes should be replaced every 350 to 400 miles in order to avoid injury. Some will retire their shoes even sooner than that, but everyone warns about the dangers of keeping shoes too long.
When I record my run each day, I always indicate which shoes I wore. Yesterday the Reebok pair that I brought out of the closet reached 1,000 miles. Sadly, it is time to retire them for good. I have not minded using them up until now. I have felt that because I am not a heavy person and since I also don't run for speed, the miles have been more friendly than those that most runners experience. However, the shoes are beginning to be thin in the tread area.
It is a cold 24 degrees here today so I only ran a minimal amount of 3 miles.
This brings my total to 50.91 miles.
The 1,000 mile pace bunny is at 54.8 miles.
The 500 mile pace bunny is at 27.4 miles.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
A cool Saturday run
It had been forecast that we would get some light snow today. So far nothing has showed up and this allowed me to get in an easy 3.14 miles.
I was planning to run a bit longer today and chose the cemetary near where I live to run in. I like this route because it has a half mile cycle that allows me to set the distance of how far I will run for the day as I go. If I want to cut the run short, I can do so at anytime. The same is true if I feel like adding some more miles. The adjustment is easy to do. For times when I am not sure of how far I will run or on days when I don't have a set goal, this is definitely the route to do.
Today the amount of running I could do was affected by a funeral that was being held in the cemetary. Because it is so small a cemetary, it is not possible to run in there without being seen wherever you are. I quickly put in enough miles to make my minimum goal for the day and left. The grave diggers were already there waiting and I felt it best to be totally out of the area before the procession arrived.
My total is now at 47.91 miles.
The 1,000 mile pace bunny is at 52.06 miles
The 500 mile pace bunny is at 26.03 miles.
I was planning to run a bit longer today and chose the cemetary near where I live to run in. I like this route because it has a half mile cycle that allows me to set the distance of how far I will run for the day as I go. If I want to cut the run short, I can do so at anytime. The same is true if I feel like adding some more miles. The adjustment is easy to do. For times when I am not sure of how far I will run or on days when I don't have a set goal, this is definitely the route to do.
Today the amount of running I could do was affected by a funeral that was being held in the cemetary. Because it is so small a cemetary, it is not possible to run in there without being seen wherever you are. I quickly put in enough miles to make my minimum goal for the day and left. The grave diggers were already there waiting and I felt it best to be totally out of the area before the procession arrived.
My total is now at 47.91 miles.
The 1,000 mile pace bunny is at 52.06 miles
The 500 mile pace bunny is at 26.03 miles.
After the storm is over
Is there anything as peaceful as the day after a storm? Perhaps it is the contrast that the calm offers. In severe cases, it may be the thankful realization that you and your property came through the storm okay. Often you can sense the air of freshness that reflects a new beginning.
Friday was just such a day.
Thursday had brought the predicted winter storm that locally dumped two and a half inches of snow on the ground. This was topped off with sleet and freezing rain that only confirmed that my decision not to run was wise.
Friday was a beautiful day with a lovely warm sun taking care of the snow from the day before. I used the nice weather as an invitation to take a longer than normal early afternoon run. The weather forecast for the weekend is for more winter conditions so this also influenced my decision.
While my chest was slightly bothered at the start, once I had warmed up in the first mile it gave me no further discomfort at all. My route through a local neighborhood has sections where there really is no shoulder to run on. This forces me to go into the ditch while vehicles pass. On two occasions during this run I had to use the ditch and found myself in red mud from the snow melt off. This was slippery and I had to be careful not to fall.
The 8.13 miles brings my total now to 44.77 miles.
The 1,000 mile pace bunny is at 49.32 miles
The 500 mile pace bunny is at 24.66 miles.
Friday was just such a day.
Thursday had brought the predicted winter storm that locally dumped two and a half inches of snow on the ground. This was topped off with sleet and freezing rain that only confirmed that my decision not to run was wise.
Friday was a beautiful day with a lovely warm sun taking care of the snow from the day before. I used the nice weather as an invitation to take a longer than normal early afternoon run. The weather forecast for the weekend is for more winter conditions so this also influenced my decision.
While my chest was slightly bothered at the start, once I had warmed up in the first mile it gave me no further discomfort at all. My route through a local neighborhood has sections where there really is no shoulder to run on. This forces me to go into the ditch while vehicles pass. On two occasions during this run I had to use the ditch and found myself in red mud from the snow melt off. This was slippery and I had to be careful not to fall.
The 8.13 miles brings my total now to 44.77 miles.
The 1,000 mile pace bunny is at 49.32 miles
The 500 mile pace bunny is at 24.66 miles.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Winter storm coming
The local weather forecast is as follows:
"Tonight: Cloudy skies with a few snow showers after midnight. Some sleet may mix in. Low near 30F. Winds light and variable. Chance of snow 50%.
Tomorrow: Periods of snow during the morning will give way to a mixture of light rain and freezing rain during the afternoon. Cold. Temps nearly steady in the low to mid 30s. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precip 80%. About one inch of snow expected. "
If you are from the North, this forecast is a joke. Cold is not the word you would use to describe temperatures in the low to mid 30s. An inch of snow only cleans up snow banks and gives it a fresh look. In many communities, an inch would not even bring out the plows.
If you are from the South, this forecast is both exciting and scary. The very thoughts of seeing a whole inch of snow brings romantic thoughts of the beauty and majesty of the pure white flakes falling through the air. At the same time, the fear of actually being out in this "blizzard" is scary.
The four letter word "snow" evokes all kinds of thoughts and actions in Virginia. This morning's news warned that school would probably be cancelled tomorrow. Local stores are being bombarded today by customers buying up milk, bread, toilet paper, and shovels. An inch of snow is definitely considered a storm and the whole community prepares for the worst.
For me the word "snow" meant running a little extra in case I don't get to run tomorrow. While a day of rest is not a problem, since I have been behind schedule for keeping pace with the bunny, I decided to add some distance today.
Today's mileage was 4.1 miles giving me a total of 36.6.
The 1,000 mile pace bunny is at 43.8 miles.
The 500 mile pace bunny is at 21.9 miles.
"Tonight: Cloudy skies with a few snow showers after midnight. Some sleet may mix in. Low near 30F. Winds light and variable. Chance of snow 50%.
Tomorrow: Periods of snow during the morning will give way to a mixture of light rain and freezing rain during the afternoon. Cold. Temps nearly steady in the low to mid 30s. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precip 80%. About one inch of snow expected. "
If you are from the North, this forecast is a joke. Cold is not the word you would use to describe temperatures in the low to mid 30s. An inch of snow only cleans up snow banks and gives it a fresh look. In many communities, an inch would not even bring out the plows.
If you are from the South, this forecast is both exciting and scary. The very thoughts of seeing a whole inch of snow brings romantic thoughts of the beauty and majesty of the pure white flakes falling through the air. At the same time, the fear of actually being out in this "blizzard" is scary.
The four letter word "snow" evokes all kinds of thoughts and actions in Virginia. This morning's news warned that school would probably be cancelled tomorrow. Local stores are being bombarded today by customers buying up milk, bread, toilet paper, and shovels. An inch of snow is definitely considered a storm and the whole community prepares for the worst.
For me the word "snow" meant running a little extra in case I don't get to run tomorrow. While a day of rest is not a problem, since I have been behind schedule for keeping pace with the bunny, I decided to add some distance today.
Today's mileage was 4.1 miles giving me a total of 36.6.
The 1,000 mile pace bunny is at 43.8 miles.
The 500 mile pace bunny is at 21.9 miles.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Putting in the miles
It was a cool day in Virginia, but I managed to head out for a run late in the afternoon. The route I run in a nearby cemetary is a loop. There is one section where the cold wind was right in my face with each lap that I did. Thankfully, this was not what I faced the whole run.
3.2 miles today to give me 32.5 miles.
The 1,000 mile pace bunny is at 41.1 miles
The 500 mile pace bunny is at 20.5 miles.
3.2 miles today to give me 32.5 miles.
The 1,000 mile pace bunny is at 41.1 miles
The 500 mile pace bunny is at 20.5 miles.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Getting back into running
I can see improvement in my chest and considered giving it another day off from running. However, I felt that just maybe I was ready now to get back on track with my routine.
It is a cooler day for running than what we have been experiencing over the last little while. The temperature has hung in the upper 30's and this meant I needed to add a layer of clothing for the run.
As I started, I could feel that my chest did indeed feel better. However, it still is not totally healed and therefore I needed to hold my left arm close to my body for support. This is an improvement over the "hand over the heart" pledge position that I have used the last week. I am hoping that tomorrow will be even better.
3.50 miles run today gives me a total of 29.3.
The 1,000 mile pace bunny is at 38.4 miles.
The 500 mile pace bunny is at 19.2 miles.
It is a cooler day for running than what we have been experiencing over the last little while. The temperature has hung in the upper 30's and this meant I needed to add a layer of clothing for the run.
As I started, I could feel that my chest did indeed feel better. However, it still is not totally healed and therefore I needed to hold my left arm close to my body for support. This is an improvement over the "hand over the heart" pledge position that I have used the last week. I am hoping that tomorrow will be even better.
3.50 miles run today gives me a total of 29.3.
The 1,000 mile pace bunny is at 38.4 miles.
The 500 mile pace bunny is at 19.2 miles.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Stopping my run early
Some days you run and everything just seems so nice and smooth. It feels like you could run forever and you are so thankful for that feeling. Then there are other days.
Today I intended to do 4 easy miles. This would get me closer to being on target for the month.
However, as soon as I started running, I could tell it was going to be a day when running was not going to be easy. Sometimes I will try "running through" times like this and it usually will happen. Today I decided to simply stop my run early and see what tomorrow brings.
1.48 miles today to bring the total to 25.8
The 1,000 mile pace bunny is at 32.8
The 500 mile pace bunny is at 16.4
Today I intended to do 4 easy miles. This would get me closer to being on target for the month.
However, as soon as I started running, I could tell it was going to be a day when running was not going to be easy. Sometimes I will try "running through" times like this and it usually will happen. Today I decided to simply stop my run early and see what tomorrow brings.
1.48 miles today to bring the total to 25.8
The 1,000 mile pace bunny is at 32.8
The 500 mile pace bunny is at 16.4
Friday, January 11, 2008
My Purple Heart
Now three days after I fell into the seat at the basketball game, the area on my chest by my heart has turned purple. It does not feel bad except when I touch it or go to run. This meant that I had to hold my hand over my heart again today as I ran.
The weather was beautiful when I ran in the early afternoon. I was able to enjoy running 6.52 miles.
I am hoping to get another good run in over the weekend
My miles for the year now totals 24.4 miles.
The 1,000 mile pace bunny is at 30.1 miles.
The 500 mile pace bunny is at 15.5 miles.
The weather was beautiful when I ran in the early afternoon. I was able to enjoy running 6.52 miles.
I am hoping to get another good run in over the weekend
My miles for the year now totals 24.4 miles.
The 1,000 mile pace bunny is at 30.1 miles.
The 500 mile pace bunny is at 15.5 miles.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Falling up the steps
I was at a college basketball game last night and was trying to climb the steps to get to the tunnel leading out by the concessions. In my desire to move quickly I lost my footing and pitched head first into the end seat of row number two. The couple sitting in the two end seats of row three were quite surprised to see this man crash right in front of them.
The end result was that the edge of the seat bruised my chest high up on the left side. My ego was also bruised but I won't discuss that.
As I ran this evening, I had to hold my hand on my chest much like you would do to pledge allegiance to the flag. Needless to say, I did not run very long. However, the 3.48 miles was more than enough to meet the requirement for the day.
My miles now total 17.8 miles.
The 1,000 mile pace bunny is at 24.6.
The 500 mile pace bunny is at 12.3.
The end result was that the edge of the seat bruised my chest high up on the left side. My ego was also bruised but I won't discuss that.
As I ran this evening, I had to hold my hand on my chest much like you would do to pledge allegiance to the flag. Needless to say, I did not run very long. However, the 3.48 miles was more than enough to meet the requirement for the day.
My miles now total 17.8 miles.
The 1,000 mile pace bunny is at 24.6.
The 500 mile pace bunny is at 12.3.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
When do you run during the day?
Yesterday was one of those days that I intended to get a good run in, but I had to deal with the resignation of my business partner. This meant a series of emails and phone calls that lasted far longer than what I would have liked, with the result being that I never did get my run for the day in. The good news is that I am still on track to have a good month of running so this is not a problem.
I enjoy running in the afternoon. It seems that my stomach is never quite as settled for running in the morning and when I smell gas fumes it makes for a queasy time. This has always been a problem when I go to run in races, most of which have early morning starts. It is not something that can't be done, just not something I enjoy doing.
Today I had to run in the morning or not run at all. This afternoon I am traveling to Tennessee and simply would not be able to get a run in. The weather this morning was wonderful for January in Virginia, with a temperature of 47 degrees and a lovely sun. I was able to enjoy 5 nice miles.
My total for the year is now 14.36 miles.
The 1,000 mile pace bunny is at 21.9 miles.
The 500 mile pace bunny is at 11.0 miles.
Don't get too far behind the bunny you are chasing.
I enjoy running in the afternoon. It seems that my stomach is never quite as settled for running in the morning and when I smell gas fumes it makes for a queasy time. This has always been a problem when I go to run in races, most of which have early morning starts. It is not something that can't be done, just not something I enjoy doing.
Today I had to run in the morning or not run at all. This afternoon I am traveling to Tennessee and simply would not be able to get a run in. The weather this morning was wonderful for January in Virginia, with a temperature of 47 degrees and a lovely sun. I was able to enjoy 5 nice miles.
My total for the year is now 14.36 miles.
The 1,000 mile pace bunny is at 21.9 miles.
The 500 mile pace bunny is at 11.0 miles.
Don't get too far behind the bunny you are chasing.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
First two runs of the new year
I have wanted to rest for a few days starting off the new year.
When I was shooting for my goal of 1,000 miles last year, I got behind the pace in the first part of the year and was playing "catch up" the rest of the year. With 3 months to go, I had only 600 miles run. Needless to say, I was putting in more miles than I was accustomed to during those final weeks. That is why I have wanted to take some time off to start this year.
At the same time, I don't want to fall behind early again this year to repeat the same cycle. Hopefully I am smarter this year and have a better plan going on.
Last year during January my miles run was only 51 when I needed to be at 85 for the month to be on track.
So here are my first two runs of the year:
January 4..................4.02 miles
January 5..................5.34 miles
My total for the year is now 9.36.
The 1,000 mile pace bunny is at 13.7 miles
The 500 mile pace bunny is at 6.85 miles
Have you started? How are you doing?
When I was shooting for my goal of 1,000 miles last year, I got behind the pace in the first part of the year and was playing "catch up" the rest of the year. With 3 months to go, I had only 600 miles run. Needless to say, I was putting in more miles than I was accustomed to during those final weeks. That is why I have wanted to take some time off to start this year.
At the same time, I don't want to fall behind early again this year to repeat the same cycle. Hopefully I am smarter this year and have a better plan going on.
Last year during January my miles run was only 51 when I needed to be at 85 for the month to be on track.
So here are my first two runs of the year:
January 4..................4.02 miles
January 5..................5.34 miles
My total for the year is now 9.36.
The 1,000 mile pace bunny is at 13.7 miles
The 500 mile pace bunny is at 6.85 miles
Have you started? How are you doing?
Friday, January 4, 2008
A review of my running history
Before I start on this goal of 1,000 miles for this year, it is important to evaluate my running over the last few years.
I started running casually in 2003. At the time I lived along the course of a local Ten Mile race that was held annually. More or less on a whim, I decided I wanted to run in that race. I knew I needed to get in some miles so started on August 13th of that year by running 2 miles. About 6 weeks later I ran in the race and was able to finish, which was my simple goal. My total for miles run that year was 58.
I then put the running on hold and got on with life until the next spring when I decided I wanted to run that race again. This time I ran a few more miles of preparation and finished the race once again. For 2004 the mileage total was 86. Once again I put running aside during the cold winter months.
The year 2005 was a similar pattern but with more runs and more miles, 192 in total. I once again ran the Ten Miler race and realized my pattern for running was not really giving me the benefits of health that I wanted.
In the spring of 2006 I came across a runners website that allowed for interaction amongst other runners my age. Some of them had been running for years and I realized I could gain a lot of benefit by hanging around the various threads that were posted each day. For the first time, I also had accountability for my running because everyone would write each day to say how their run that day had gone. The result was that my mileage that year went up to 505 miles.
I also learned of other races around the country that different ones of my new running friends would enter. During the past year of 2007 I entered my first Half Marathon and also my first Marathon. These races became reasons to run each day as I prepared for them. I also set the goal to make this year the first year of running 1,000 miles. I MADE IT! On Christmas Day I ran 10 miles, finishing that run at the very same place as my first mile had been run back in 2003. I finished the year with 1002 miles.
All of this is important because it needs to be said that caution needs to be used in setting running goals. It has taken me several years to get to the stage of running this number of miles in a year. I did not start out the first year with 1,000 miles as my goal. Each person needs to evaluate their age, their physical condition, what their purpose is and THEN set a sensible goal that still provides a challenge to aim for. I am thankful that in these first few years of running, I have not suffered any serious injury. I attribute this to the fact I have increased my mileage slowly and I also have not tried to run too fast. Speed is not my goal, although I am concerned with how fast I run. I have attempted to listen to my body and take breaks when required.
It is the 4th day of the year and I have purposely not run yet. After my push at the end of the year to get my 1,000 miles, I sensed the need to take a short break. This has been accomplished and now I am ready to start. Are you?
To reach 1,000 miles for the year, I need to run an average of 2.74 miles a day. Even if you go at a pace of 15 minutes per mile, this means that only 45 minutes a day of running/walking will get you to the goal of 1,000 miles for the year. Physical fitness experts recommend that we get 1 hour of quality exercise each day for health. You can see that the goal here is right in line with a good exercise program.
I started running casually in 2003. At the time I lived along the course of a local Ten Mile race that was held annually. More or less on a whim, I decided I wanted to run in that race. I knew I needed to get in some miles so started on August 13th of that year by running 2 miles. About 6 weeks later I ran in the race and was able to finish, which was my simple goal. My total for miles run that year was 58.
I then put the running on hold and got on with life until the next spring when I decided I wanted to run that race again. This time I ran a few more miles of preparation and finished the race once again. For 2004 the mileage total was 86. Once again I put running aside during the cold winter months.
The year 2005 was a similar pattern but with more runs and more miles, 192 in total. I once again ran the Ten Miler race and realized my pattern for running was not really giving me the benefits of health that I wanted.
In the spring of 2006 I came across a runners website that allowed for interaction amongst other runners my age. Some of them had been running for years and I realized I could gain a lot of benefit by hanging around the various threads that were posted each day. For the first time, I also had accountability for my running because everyone would write each day to say how their run that day had gone. The result was that my mileage that year went up to 505 miles.
I also learned of other races around the country that different ones of my new running friends would enter. During the past year of 2007 I entered my first Half Marathon and also my first Marathon. These races became reasons to run each day as I prepared for them. I also set the goal to make this year the first year of running 1,000 miles. I MADE IT! On Christmas Day I ran 10 miles, finishing that run at the very same place as my first mile had been run back in 2003. I finished the year with 1002 miles.
All of this is important because it needs to be said that caution needs to be used in setting running goals. It has taken me several years to get to the stage of running this number of miles in a year. I did not start out the first year with 1,000 miles as my goal. Each person needs to evaluate their age, their physical condition, what their purpose is and THEN set a sensible goal that still provides a challenge to aim for. I am thankful that in these first few years of running, I have not suffered any serious injury. I attribute this to the fact I have increased my mileage slowly and I also have not tried to run too fast. Speed is not my goal, although I am concerned with how fast I run. I have attempted to listen to my body and take breaks when required.
It is the 4th day of the year and I have purposely not run yet. After my push at the end of the year to get my 1,000 miles, I sensed the need to take a short break. This has been accomplished and now I am ready to start. Are you?
To reach 1,000 miles for the year, I need to run an average of 2.74 miles a day. Even if you go at a pace of 15 minutes per mile, this means that only 45 minutes a day of running/walking will get you to the goal of 1,000 miles for the year. Physical fitness experts recommend that we get 1 hour of quality exercise each day for health. You can see that the goal here is right in line with a good exercise program.
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