You know you had a good run when……

There are those runs that one has that you end up knowing that you have had a good run when you accomplish multiple things in one run and feel really good when you finish! My run today had 3 different focuses all wrapped up into one. They are: 1) Distance = 3 miles, 2) Hill runs, 3) Speed Drills – 2 and let me tell you, Wow! Total time for the run was 38 minutes. Finish time was not the objective. I’ve been known to combine different aspects into training runs in the past. I probably could have went another mile today, but kept it at 3 miles Not a bad start considering that my first race is just around the corner. Oh, I’ve longed for Spring…

Race Calendar developing for 2009

If you look to the right, you’ll see that my race calendar is mostly complete, but still in development. Currently there are 8 possible races listed. I am planning for a maximum of maybe 11 races this year. These include one or two more 5k or 10k races and a half marathon. I am hoping that this is the year that I finally get that goal behind me. It’s been like a thorn in my side. It won’t go away. It’s funny though, despite the fact that I am ruined when I finish a 10k race, I view that distance as simple. But, when it comes to the half, I respect the distance and somewhat fear doing it. However, I really want to tackle it some day. A few years ago, a runner at a 10k race I was in told me that it’s all about how you pace yourself when you do the half marathon.

Runner’s Challenge coming soon!

Well, we all love running of some form or another and it’s that time of year when most of us head out and put ourselves through torment of some kind. As part of my Herbalife business, I decided to offer a “Runner’s Challenge” to anyone interested. It’s a simple challenge. Although, any challenge isn’t really that simple if you put effort into it. If you want to spice up your running or if you want to get into running this is the time to do it.

If you are curious or interested, check out the Runner’s Challenge section for more information. What do you got to loose? Weight?

You know you want too..

If you want to check out my Herbalife blog — AboveNBeyond4u.com

Got Sun? Gotta Run!

What a great day it was for a run and so I did! 64 degrees with a cool semi-hard wind, but, with a sense of warmness in the air. I know, cool but warm you say, well, kind of.
First, I worked out for 10 minutes with some weights and some stretching exercises followed by running for 33 minutes. It was a run/walk thing, but it was good. I did one sprint which was quite a surprise in how it went. I think I sprinted farther than I ever did today. During my run I started to get concerned with the time vs distance philosophy. If I’m concerned about doing a certain distance in a specific amount of time, I’m not so sure running according to time will work. Well, anyway back to today’s run. The only thing bad about today’s run was the wind. I’m not to big on wind. I can’t stand wind burn. I kind of think I’d rather run when it’s raining (light) then if it’s windy. I’m discovering that my running form is also improving. Hmmm, guess the weight loss may be having something to do with that? As of today, I lost 12.5 pounds.
I’m also wondering if this is the year for me to pursue my next race level – The Half Marathon??? Time will tell.

Nice day = Good run

Today was one of those days that you just could not pass up a good run! It was 30 minutes of a great quality run. Yes, I did have some walks here an there, but it was a good run. You know it is a good run when you reach the finish and feel satisfied! I’ve already planned for one tomorrow if the weather holds out. Legs seem in good shape, which is great, considering that my first race of the year is about a month away.

New header image

Well, the new image says it all. While I really liked the previous one, this one fits better then a new pair of sneakers! The preceding image lacked color even though it was one of my favorite images. I wanted one that had more life to it and I think I found it. I love running in races and this image best represents that. The left image was the preceding image.
The image at the right was the one that I had before recent changes. Good, but not as good as the latest update. I welcome comments.

This year’s plan

Well, finally in a click, I’m loosing weight, more focused and determined. I’ve lost 10 to 12 pounds so far. I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my running form. Each time I go out of late, I see that the way I run has changed. I motivation has changed to more of an aggressive nature. While I’ll be doing all the same races as before, I am also hoping to pursue a half marathon either this year or next year at the earliest. My weight is lower than it’s been in probably a good 10 years or more. So, basically, my plan is as follows:

1. Too loose weight
2. Exercise more
3. Speed training

I’ve been doing core training and back exercising lately which I think may be part of my improvement. I have had back trouble for quite a while. With some of the trainings that I’ve been doing, I’ve noticed that my back is slowly getting stronger. I lost my balance and kind of fell a few years ago and ever since then, one wrong twist and my back is OUT! I’m hoping to end this and so far so good. Bending over was never a problem, just twisting wrong. So with the above plan, I am working on improving myself. I have a good outlook for this year and am working my way to loosing my weight down to about 165.