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…

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.

Tuesdays training

Yesterday, I ran for 30 minutes instead again for distance. I found the benefits are no different so far. The only concern I have so far is when I time my runs for a specific distance. Guess, when I do this, I should run for distance and make note of the time. Being new to this format, I will have to figure things out as I go. The weather yesterday was really nice. There was a chill in the air and at the same time you could feel kind of a warming sensation. After taking Jobe out, when I realized how nice it was, a training run was in order. I started out slow and easy and kept up the pace until the return trip. I did to short tempos on the way back. Overall it was a good run. For a cool down, I walked for about 1/8 of a mile. I must confess, since it was a nice day, I thought that I would take my time returning home.

Have a great run!

Cracked the door, opened up and ran for it

It was 37 degrees outside and sunny with a chill. At 2:00pm I ran for 26 minutes which ended up being for a distance of 2 miles. I am in the process of converting my focus from distance to time. My only concern with this is how it could effect my performance with the races I do each year. I’ve been distance oriented all this time just so I could do these races. Today’s run was great! I loved it! I am sooooo glad I ran today, that I can’t even express it. Now, I admit, to some degree I took it easy except for a certain part on the way back in which, I’ll explain later on in this post.

Now as far as this time vs distance thing, can anyone tell me the pros and cons about this subject? If there are any? I’ve learned a lot about running in the 12 years that I’ve been running and never once attempted to focus my runs on time except for limiting myself for distances depending upon the day when time was a factor because of other things going on.

I was surprised how good the run went today. Distance wise, it was my very first good run of the year. Unfortunately, my running will slow for a bit this month due to a project at work. It will be March when my running starts picking up.

Speaking of picking up, as I was starting to mention earlier, on the way back, I picked up my pace and applied something that I learned from runnersworld.com on the subject “bouncing” as I ran. I must admit, I could not believe what I was experiencing. Thank God there was no ice on the road, for my face would have met the pavement. So, I now have 2 elements to start working on in my training. These elements are the bouncing and the all out “afterburner” runs that I did last summer. This should be interesting as it gets warmer. Well, for all of you that haven’t ventured out yet, “get out there!”

Have a good run!

Tim

Afterburner run completed

Tower 12 12, requesting take off clearance on runway 2-niner, we are go for launch!

Just a funny and appropriate way to begin this post. While I do need more improvement from the
2 month break I had, I have made an interesting but real discovery about my running. I have always had a basic understanding of just how fast I could run. But, after the last two afterburner runs that I did, I have found that I am learning how to run even faster than before. At age 46, this is amazing for me. So, I have some investigating to do. I need to find out just how fast I can run and how far I can keep the speed going. I’m hoping there is something to this and I’m not imagining it. There is one common denominator that could be the answer. For the last year, I’ve been using Herbalife products faithfully. I’ve not been able to run like this until now. As I was into my afterburner run today, I saw or felt myself gaining speed in phases during the run. I didn’t even feel my legs tiring from the sprint. The only reason I stopped was because the end of the road was coming soon. I may be doing a race in September after all. That race, “The Milton Harvest Festival 5k” is a completely flat course with one lap. So, if nothing happens in the meantime, I may be doing a race?

Green Light means Run!

Well, great news to share…..While I haven’t posted of late, I have been running and I have been given the “Green Light” to return to running. I had to stop running in around mid June due to some possible health conditions at that time. Health conditions regarding my heart. Well, after being poked, prated, scaned and exrayed, the conclusion is that “I do have a heart”! I was told to return to running and exercising and that is what I am doing. I have ran about 3 or 4 times since starting back up. Granted, since being off since June, the engine needs primed again. But, the legs seem fine despite the break. I’d say a few more times out and I should be back in full running order. Just goes to show you what staying in shape can do for you. I ran a 2 mile run today with some walking involved. Total time was 28 minutes which what very acceptable in light of my situation. Grant you that, that is not my norm or best.

First Run 2008

This afternoon with a temp of 54 and light to no wind (chilly), I first started my run with a short 3rd of a mile run with Jobe. His first run this year too. We ran down the street where we live. By the time we reached the half way point down the street, I was able to get Jobe to run a bit faster. When we got to the end of the road, we turned around and did a walk/run thing back to the house. Since this was Jobe’s first run this year too,I wanted to take it easy with him. As I type this post, he is “crashed” on the sofa with me.
Then 5 minutes after we returned to the house, I went back out and finished a distance of 1 1/2 miles. I wanted 2 miles, but, I guess, with Jobe, I kind of got it. I wasn’t properly fueld for the run. When I went to do the return run, I hit a very cold head wind. Total time with my run was 15 minutes and total overall was 25 minutes. Funny thing was, while I had to think about whether to run or not, Jobe didn’t have to think about it. I asked him and of course he was willing.

5k or bust, well then it’s bust!

I was planning on running in a 5k race this weekend, but, with a bad head cold, I decided that it is just not going to happen. The last time I tried to run when I felt like this, it just got worse. So, no race this weekend! Hopefully I will do one later. The bad thing is that this was going to be a suppppperrrr easy one too. But, even so, no go!

Back in action

Well, due to the heat and other obstacles, I’ve been off on my usual summer break. Believe it or not, I don’t plan on this break, it just happens this time of year for one reason or another. I am preparing for a 4 mile race this weekend. And I went running this morning and did 2 miles. It was a slow easy run. I will post later on the stats for the race.

This mornings recovery run

I ran 2 miles this morning in very light rain. I wasn’t really concerned with the time except to know when I started and finished for the purpose of logging it. It was a 22 minute run. I ran light and easy. Upon nearing home, it got very humid as the rain ended. The legs felt real good especially since this past Sunday was the 10k. I found myself running up the hill to our driveway like never before. Wow, Couldn’t believe it. Was a good run as short as it was. I am due for a 7 miler very soon. Perhaps this weekend. Got to get back on track to reach 13 miles by mid August.