ORN: 4 miles, no watch, comfortable pace
Heard yesterday that we have had the warmest January since 1880 here in central Indiana. Not that I remember quite that far back (though my kids think I could), but it has sure been nice. 13 days in the month had a high temperature over 50.
My "Joe Index" simply reminded me that I've run in shorts for all my long weekend runs this month and a few of my early morning runs during the week. Last winter, it was March before I got rid of the tights. What a treat.
Persevere.
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Saturday, January 28, 2006
A Fascinating Surprise, A Goal Achieved
ORN: 13.3 miles, 2:00:19, 9:03/mile
First off, many good wishes to David of Adventures in the Thin Trade as he runs the ING Miami Marathon tomorrow…I look forward to the report!
My run today was one of the most fascinating I’ve had in a long time. I hope I can capture it here.
The schedule called for 13 miles. The weather was amazing, as it was 51 and warming at 11am. I popped on my favorite Long Sleeve T-Shirt and headed out the door. I intended to run at or a little quicker than my planned 9:50 pace I’m shooting for in the marathon.
And during the first two miles, I was astounded at how difficult it was to not run around 9:00. So, feeling good, I decided to see just how long I could keep the pace.
The pace stayed. Check these splits:
9 08
9 00
9 16
9 16
9 00
8 55
8 54
9 09
9 06
9 02
9 01
9 08
8 45
Which is only significant in light of my 2006 Goals: run a full marathon and do a half marathon under 2 hours.
The second goal has been a bigger concern to me than the first. A 2 hour half requires 9:09 miles. So, as I saw mile after mile at or below that level tick off, I got more and more fascinated to see just how long I could carry the pace. Could I do a half, by myself, under two??
It happened. I think. I say “I think” because I’m not certain my Garmin Forerunner 201 is perfectly accurate. In earlier half marathons measure to TAC standards, my Garmin has called the distance 13.3 miles, not 13.1. Anyway, my time at 13.1 miles was 1:58:30. I stopped the watch at 13.3 miles, a time of 2:00:19.
Now, this does not achieve my goal…I still have to do this in a race. But to have it happen by myself, without race conditions, without the wonderful energy of a race, with no planning, is very encouraging to me. Actually, I’m thrilled beyond words. I wasn’t sure I could get there at all and here it is, January 28, and it looks like I have a real shot.
I’m astounded at how easy it was. I simply got in a groove by mile 4 and kept it going. I paid attention to my form, especially to keep my shoulders relaxed and low, my head up and looking ahead. I walked through 5 water stops at the usual places where I had stashed Gatorade. I had one Gu packet at mile 6. My stomach actually felt lousy through much of the run. And still the legs and lungs all held together and I’ve felt fine the rest of the day.
So, thanks for listening. It was a marvelous day in late January. The focus remains 26.2 on April 9. And what an encouraging step along the way.
Persevere. I will too.
First off, many good wishes to David of Adventures in the Thin Trade as he runs the ING Miami Marathon tomorrow…I look forward to the report!
My run today was one of the most fascinating I’ve had in a long time. I hope I can capture it here.
The schedule called for 13 miles. The weather was amazing, as it was 51 and warming at 11am. I popped on my favorite Long Sleeve T-Shirt and headed out the door. I intended to run at or a little quicker than my planned 9:50 pace I’m shooting for in the marathon.
And during the first two miles, I was astounded at how difficult it was to not run around 9:00. So, feeling good, I decided to see just how long I could keep the pace.
The pace stayed. Check these splits:
9 08
9 00
9 16
9 16
9 00
8 55
8 54
9 09
9 06
9 02
9 01
9 08
8 45
Which is only significant in light of my 2006 Goals: run a full marathon and do a half marathon under 2 hours.
The second goal has been a bigger concern to me than the first. A 2 hour half requires 9:09 miles. So, as I saw mile after mile at or below that level tick off, I got more and more fascinated to see just how long I could carry the pace. Could I do a half, by myself, under two??
It happened. I think. I say “I think” because I’m not certain my Garmin Forerunner 201 is perfectly accurate. In earlier half marathons measure to TAC standards, my Garmin has called the distance 13.3 miles, not 13.1. Anyway, my time at 13.1 miles was 1:58:30. I stopped the watch at 13.3 miles, a time of 2:00:19.
Now, this does not achieve my goal…I still have to do this in a race. But to have it happen by myself, without race conditions, without the wonderful energy of a race, with no planning, is very encouraging to me. Actually, I’m thrilled beyond words. I wasn’t sure I could get there at all and here it is, January 28, and it looks like I have a real shot.
I’m astounded at how easy it was. I simply got in a groove by mile 4 and kept it going. I paid attention to my form, especially to keep my shoulders relaxed and low, my head up and looking ahead. I walked through 5 water stops at the usual places where I had stashed Gatorade. I had one Gu packet at mile 6. My stomach actually felt lousy through much of the run. And still the legs and lungs all held together and I’ve felt fine the rest of the day.
So, thanks for listening. It was a marvelous day in late January. The focus remains 26.2 on April 9. And what an encouraging step along the way.
Persevere. I will too.
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Eat Your Veggies First
ORN: 6.1 miles, 57:17, 9:20 pace
I dunno about your mother, but most moms tell their kids to "eat your veggies." The astute kid figures out that if you do that, you can usually get dessert too.
Which hit my mind this morning as I got to the corner of Henderson and Cumberland and had a choice to make between two routes. Turning left, I was straight into the 25 mph wind. Turning right, the wind was at my back.
I turned left.
I figured that I'd really enjoy the return trip this way. Yeah, I like dessert.
And it turned out to be a good run too. I do enjoy the longer midweek runs in this ramp up to St Louis. The splits tell it all:
10 03 in mile one, as I warmed up and then turned into the wind.
8 58, as I turned north, getting a side wind and it felt like no resistance at all
9 32 back into the wind
9 30 turn around but had to stop for some cars
9 10 big wind at my back...wow.
8 51 side wind or tail wind. Plus the horse was headed back to the barn.
Persevere. Dessert tastes great.
I dunno about your mother, but most moms tell their kids to "eat your veggies." The astute kid figures out that if you do that, you can usually get dessert too.
Which hit my mind this morning as I got to the corner of Henderson and Cumberland and had a choice to make between two routes. Turning left, I was straight into the 25 mph wind. Turning right, the wind was at my back.
I turned left.
I figured that I'd really enjoy the return trip this way. Yeah, I like dessert.
And it turned out to be a good run too. I do enjoy the longer midweek runs in this ramp up to St Louis. The splits tell it all:
10 03 in mile one, as I warmed up and then turned into the wind.
8 58, as I turned north, getting a side wind and it felt like no resistance at all
9 32 back into the wind
9 30 turn around but had to stop for some cars
9 10 big wind at my back...wow.
8 51 side wind or tail wind. Plus the horse was headed back to the barn.
Persevere. Dessert tastes great.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
A Runner's Dream Sequence
ORN: 4 miles, no watch, nice pace.
After the long run Saturday and only some biking on Sunday, the legs felt very fresh once I got warmed up and stretched. Kind of amazingly fresh.
Saw four other folks out running this morning. I haven't seen anyone since Christmas in the early-morning run times. Is it the fact that spring races are out there and looming?
Before I went to bed last night, I had my calendar out and was doing some planning for the weeks between now and the St Louis Marathon. Must have been on my mind, as I dreamed I was 4 miles into the marathon when I realized I had not brought my watch. Instead I had a nice, formal, men's analog watch on my wrist and I was trying to figure out how I'd get my splits by just remembering where the second hand was. I woke up with a start...and a laugh. I wonder how many more such dreams I'll have by April 9.
Persevere.
After the long run Saturday and only some biking on Sunday, the legs felt very fresh once I got warmed up and stretched. Kind of amazingly fresh.
Saw four other folks out running this morning. I haven't seen anyone since Christmas in the early-morning run times. Is it the fact that spring races are out there and looming?
Before I went to bed last night, I had my calendar out and was doing some planning for the weeks between now and the St Louis Marathon. Must have been on my mind, as I dreamed I was 4 miles into the marathon when I realized I had not brought my watch. Instead I had a nice, formal, men's analog watch on my wrist and I was trying to figure out how I'd get my splits by just remembering where the second hand was. I woke up with a start...and a laugh. I wonder how many more such dreams I'll have by April 9.
Persevere.
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Come to think of it, I'll do a Half
ORN: 13.1 miles, 2:05:50, 9:35/mile
I really couldn't believe the reading on the wireless thermometer as I was getting set to run mid day. So I went outside, checked another thermometer...yep, it really was 51 degrees. And sunny. And only a mild wind. Talk about amazing for January in Indiana!
Off I went in just my favorite long sleeve T shirt, shorts, gloves and cap. The schedule only called for 12 miles, but I was crusing and just kept cruising. By bumping out a couple of turnaround points, I added another mile or so and rounded it off at a half marathon for the day.
The legs felt great, still do a couple of hours later. The rhythm was good, the weather was nice, there just wasn't anything not to like about the run.
In a long winter, this is an amazing treat to have a run like this.
Persevere!
I really couldn't believe the reading on the wireless thermometer as I was getting set to run mid day. So I went outside, checked another thermometer...yep, it really was 51 degrees. And sunny. And only a mild wind. Talk about amazing for January in Indiana!
Off I went in just my favorite long sleeve T shirt, shorts, gloves and cap. The schedule only called for 12 miles, but I was crusing and just kept cruising. By bumping out a couple of turnaround points, I added another mile or so and rounded it off at a half marathon for the day.
The legs felt great, still do a couple of hours later. The rhythm was good, the weather was nice, there just wasn't anything not to like about the run.
In a long winter, this is an amazing treat to have a run like this.
Persevere!
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Bubbles Always Go Up
ORN: 4 miles, no watch, nice pace.
Had to do a double-take at the thermometer this morning. 39?? Really? I looked outside and the snow was still on the roof and the yard. I looked again...still 39.
The issue was what to wear. My trusted temperature chart says to just wear shorts at temps over 38. I've honed this chart over the years. But after the tough cold yesterday, I just couldn't quite believe I was going to go out in bare legs.
I decided to trust the chart and wear what I've learned is comfortable at that temperature. Shorts. Two layers of polyester shirts. My nylon shell vest. Wind cap. Cotton gloves. OK, out the door.
And it was perfect. Even with a stiff wind (that had swung to the south overnight, thus the temperature rise).
Years ago, (in college I think) I heard a SCUBA diver speak. He talked about the disorientation that happens at times while diving deep. And he said "We learn that bubbles always go up." The diver trains herself to know that when disoriented, follow the bubbles to the surface, even if all her other senses tell her that "down" is "up."
There are reliable indicators around us. It is good to learn what they are and follow accordingly.
Persevere.
Had to do a double-take at the thermometer this morning. 39?? Really? I looked outside and the snow was still on the roof and the yard. I looked again...still 39.
The issue was what to wear. My trusted temperature chart says to just wear shorts at temps over 38. I've honed this chart over the years. But after the tough cold yesterday, I just couldn't quite believe I was going to go out in bare legs.
I decided to trust the chart and wear what I've learned is comfortable at that temperature. Shorts. Two layers of polyester shirts. My nylon shell vest. Wind cap. Cotton gloves. OK, out the door.
And it was perfect. Even with a stiff wind (that had swung to the south overnight, thus the temperature rise).
Years ago, (in college I think) I heard a SCUBA diver speak. He talked about the disorientation that happens at times while diving deep. And he said "We learn that bubbles always go up." The diver trains herself to know that when disoriented, follow the bubbles to the surface, even if all her other senses tell her that "down" is "up."
There are reliable indicators around us. It is good to learn what they are and follow accordingly.
Persevere.
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Crunch, Shelter, Grandpa
ORN: 6.1 miles 1:01:09, 10:01/mile
Brutal weather this morning, with 23 degrees and a vicious wind out of the west. And, it was a really good run. This is my midweek long run. Finally starting to dial this up a bit, as anything over 5 is more interesting to me.
It rained yesterday all day, turning to sleet and then snow as the day went on. Snowed some overnight and by the time I was out the door at 5:30am, the snow was nice and crunchy. It was a very nice surface to run on, for the most part, with a gritty "crunch" with every step. Great traction, except for the places where water had run across the trail and it was pure ice...There I had to walk and that took any starch out of the times today. No bother.
The run was nice because of the thinking. I got started as I loped along a large wooded area to the west of the trail. Wow, what a shelter from the 30mph wind. It was almost calm in the shelter of the large, dense, wooded area. In other parts of the trail, a small rise or fall in the trail gave more or no defense from the wind.
Which got me thinking further of my ancestors. My Great-grandfather moved to Nebraska in the mid-1860s and homesteaded. We still own that farm, where I grew up in the 60s. What must life had been like for them? I was out today in well-designed technical clothing and was comfortable. They had to LIVE in this weather and worse (Nebraska is much more severe than here in Indiana). They farmed, lived, had babies, had family events, made a living in this brutal climate. What a resilience. And a heritage.
Yeah, a nice run. And they sure did persevere.
Brutal weather this morning, with 23 degrees and a vicious wind out of the west. And, it was a really good run. This is my midweek long run. Finally starting to dial this up a bit, as anything over 5 is more interesting to me.
It rained yesterday all day, turning to sleet and then snow as the day went on. Snowed some overnight and by the time I was out the door at 5:30am, the snow was nice and crunchy. It was a very nice surface to run on, for the most part, with a gritty "crunch" with every step. Great traction, except for the places where water had run across the trail and it was pure ice...There I had to walk and that took any starch out of the times today. No bother.
The run was nice because of the thinking. I got started as I loped along a large wooded area to the west of the trail. Wow, what a shelter from the 30mph wind. It was almost calm in the shelter of the large, dense, wooded area. In other parts of the trail, a small rise or fall in the trail gave more or no defense from the wind.
Which got me thinking further of my ancestors. My Great-grandfather moved to Nebraska in the mid-1860s and homesteaded. We still own that farm, where I grew up in the 60s. What must life had been like for them? I was out today in well-designed technical clothing and was comfortable. They had to LIVE in this weather and worse (Nebraska is much more severe than here in Indiana). They farmed, lived, had babies, had family events, made a living in this brutal climate. What a resilience. And a heritage.
Yeah, a nice run. And they sure did persevere.
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