Training Log - Day 22

Ran 5 of the 5.5 route today...slow pace. My left calf got a little tight towards the end so I walked the last .5 miles. Months ago I would have just tried to run through the tightness but no longer. I can't afford to sit out another 8 weeks. I'm probably a little over cautious but with only 6 months to train better safe than sorry.

Now it's time for some playoff football!

Run, Willie, Run!

Training Log - Day 21

Finally...I'm back! It has been an extremely frustrating 8 weeks. My calf injury was much more severe than I thought as I was literally unable to run any sustained distance. I feel like I'm starting over and have lost the mental edge from starting early. With that said...time to move forward.

Today I ran 5.5 miles in approximately 55 minutes. I kept waiting for my calf to tighten up but it didn't...whew! I certainly didn't feel strong throughout the run but that will come back soon. This week I plan to get some help with a formalized training plan and then get started. As Brian stated...Game On! Brian, I'm glad to see you back!

Run, Willie, Run!

Training

Another day back in the saddle (although I'm not on my bike).  It's a bit gusty out as we have a front heading our way in the next day or so, but the weather was fine.  Low to mid 50's I'd say.  I had a desire to cut the run short early on as my hip was hurting and my head is aching for about the 20th consecutive hour, but I fought through it.  Small victories.

Keeping me company today were some choice selections from Sneaker Pimps, Radiohead, Smashing Pumpkins and some pre-Dark Side Pink Floyd.  It was a nice mix.  I ran for a solid 35 minutes and did a little cross training before, so I feel good about the effort.  I haven't checked into the marathon program yet, but that schedule will come soon enough.

Overall the body is feeling pretty well.  I haven't gotten much of an endorphin rush yet, that sometimes elusive and much sought after 'runner's high', but I guess that only means I'm not working hard enough.  It will come.  In the meantime, I work, build and clear my head.  It's good to have an outlet.

Willie, I hope your leg is getting better.  Do they make snowshoes in your size?

Training - Game on

After a lengthy and painful absence, I'M BACK! A number of issues arose over the last month plus that have had me at less than full speed, but now is the time to get back up and drive hard for the goal. I've endured a somewhat problematic bit of eye surgery, some freakin' cold weather and various and sundry other issues that I won't go into here that have taken their toll on everything from availability, to strength, to desire. So much for that.

I've had some good runs since my last blog entry, but it's high time to get serious about this again. My plan is simple - run my butt off and get ready for this thing. I need to reassess the training time left to determine when to use a really nice marathon training program I found. I'll just keep putting down a base in the meantime.  My enemy now is time. I've got to return to consistency and start upping the time and miles.  The mountains loom ahead and I won't let them beat me without a fight.

Today's run was simple - 35 minutes in the cool drizzle. My right hip flexor started to feel just a tad tight again, but nothing unmanageable. My feet still feel great and I can thank my shoes and socks for that. I've never been one for socks, but they have become a necessity. My lungs are feeling pretty good and I can feel a second wind coming on at about the 30 minute mark.

Excuses are for the weak and I've never wanted to fall in that camp, physically or mentally.  Game on.

Training Log - Day 20

My first real injury from training occured today. I felt great and wanted to push myself a little more so I picked up the pace. My intent was to run 6 miles but stopped at 5.5 miles due to my left calf. It Feels like I have strained or pulled a muscle and will probably be limping around for awhile.

Time of Day - 12:30
Weather - beautiful day in 40's and sunny; wind from NE
Route - St Vrain Greenway to Quicksilver Road
Distance 5.5 miles (stopped short)
Pace - Moderate
Time - 46 minutes
iPod - Earth, Wind, & Fire
Comments - strained left calf. Felt it at very end of run...probably pushed too hard as this calf has been bothering me lately. Will not worry about getting back out until seems completely healed.

Run, Willie Run!

Training Log - Day 19

Brian, I appreciate the Thanksgiving Day call. It is always good to hear from friends!

Yes, I did get a massage last Saturday and it was amazing. The gal, however, could not get the knots out of my calves and recommended I stretch and drink more water. I hate stretching but will take her advise on that as well as water consumption.

Time of Day - noon
Weather - Clear, blue sky and sunny; 30's
Route - St Vrain Greenway to 119th Street overpass
Distance - 5.5 miles
Pace - slow
Time - 55 minutes
iPod - Carrie Underwood
Comments - slow, easy run. Left calf tight and uncomfortable thorughout the entire run. Looking forward to my family getting back from DC tomorrrow.

Run, Willie Run!

Training Log - Day 18

Extended distance on my long run for the week - 8 miles today. The only positive comment is that I finished.

Time of Day - noon
Weather - upper 30's, cloudy
Route - St Vrain Greenway to County Line Rd
Distance - 8 mles
Pace - slow
Time 76 minutes
iPod - Sugarland; Classic Rock Ballads
Comments - Soreness abounds! Left calf tight the entire run; bottom of right foot hurts which concerns me because I've had plantar fascitious on that foot before...will start stretching it; hamstrings very tight, especially last 2 miles. I have a Massage Envy gift certificate that I may "cash in" today!

Run, Willie Run!