FINISHING THIS WEEK

I finished out this week of training with a four mile run on Wed. evening and then today I did an eight mile run. Jamey suggested I do eight or nine miles this week and next (as my long runs) and then taper off to less the last two weeks prior to the marathon.
It was a difficult week to schedule training since we were dealing with my father-in-law's hospitalization and surgery for heart problems. I hope to find time to do a four mile run on Labor Day morning.

THINK AND RUN

Yesterday evening at our Monday meet and run we had a great session. The group headed out on the New Haven end of the River Greenway. Awesome running. As is usual I watched those ahead of me pull away gradually. I fell easily into my routine pace and also had to overcome my displeasure at not being able to go faster. So for some distance I thought about the story of the Tortoise and the Hare. Yeah, me--I'm the tortoise and I'm doing it my way. Gonna make it.
The plan was to do four miles. By the time I got to a mile and a half some of the group were coming back past me. Darn. I hate being the slowest. Then it dawned on me that in the whole past two weeks of watching the Olympics no one had any body hair to slow them down. Lloy Ball the volleyball player was growing some facial hair and Dr. Gordon is too and I have a moustache so that doesn't matter. But no body hair was evident on those athletes. By the time I finished my four miles I had a chance to observe a number of runners as they passed me and the ones who were huffing and puffing the least didn't have body hair. So what do you think?
I think I'll get a full body wax. My luck--it would be turtle wax and I'd be right back where I started.
So much for rational thought when I run. Tomorrow is another four mile. I know right now it will take me an hour and four minutes give or take 20 or 30 seconds. That's life in the slow lane.

HEY! THIS HURTS!

I really was ready for my run this morning. My workouts went well this past week and after two days of recuperation I was confident I would make 11 miles. I did. So that challenge has been met. I did have more of a struggle at times this morning. I did take a number of walking breaks, none of them very long, and towards the end it was more painful to walk than run. Why I don't know. My feet really hurt today and it was worse when I walked. I made the 11 miles in just over three hours. The first 8-9 miles I was averaging 16 minutes to a mile but the last two it went to 17. Still at the pace I have found works best for me.
I journeyed to New Haven, IN. this morning for my run and joined my daughter and her running friend. They were both doing a 10 mile run today. The River Greenway Trail was once again super to run on. Today's distance took us all the way to the east edge of Ft. Wayne and back. They returned after the five mile mark and I went on to 5.5. All the runners, bikers and walkers are a friendly lot and the trail was busy. If you kept moving the mosquitos were kept at bay. I returned home, got some lunch, and have been resting.
I am in more discomfort after my run today. Whatever combination of things happen is always a question mark. Was it rest, diet, temperature, humidity? Who knows. At any rate it has been five hours since I finished and I feel like it was an hour ago. Not like the last two runs. One thing I found to be the case again this week. When at the 9-10-11 mile level one mile is like another and the only obstacle to keeping the pace, for me anyway, is a hill. That is when I drop back to a walk. I am now looking at the last five weeks of preparation for September 27. Our schedule allows us to ease off the distance so I need to find out if I should attempt another 10 or 11 miles or not. I've proven to myself I can do it and that's a hurdle I'm glad is out of the way.

A Postscript: After 24 hours I can report that last evening I began to come out of the after effects. I think the main problem was dehydration. It can sneak up on you--even when you think you've done what you should to keep it at bay. As the afternoon and evening went by I kept taking on water frequently. The fact that I was down 6 pounds when I weighed myself after I showered yesterday failed to set off an alarm. This morning I am feeling great with only some minor muscle aches, especially in my thighs. My feet, which were hurting so badly yesterday during my run, have recovered. I need to come up with a new plan on taking on water before and during my longer distance running.

RUN HAPPY

Monday evening our group gathered to run in New Haven on the River Greenway. Linda had a stack of small bumper stickers to share that said "Run Happy". For many in the group this particular phase of our training and preparation is frustrating and happy running can be elusive. It certainly helps to share our individual experiences with each other, which puts a more hopeful perspective to things, (all are dealing with similar issues and feelings). At this point nearly everyone is still training for Sept. 27. Some will be doing the 4 mile run/walk and others will do the half marathon. Self doubt is nagging many and some physical issues are throwing a wrench in the works too. Dr. Gordon, our trainer and mentor, is a pretty good cheer leader too. So, Run Happy everyone!
The River Greenway trail was a super place to run. Even though it was late afternoon and the temp. 85, the trail was in shade most everywhere. It was busy with walkers, runners and bikers. I felt recovered enough from last Saturday's 10 mile run to try a couple miles. I did a 3 mile run. Some did 2 and some did 4. It was a good evening.
I rested yesterday and this morning I did an early workout, running 2 miles. I hope to run 11 miles this next Saturday so I'm not planning any running the next two days. I may walk some to keep active.

FINDING THE TIME

I'm beginning to realize how difficult it must be for anyone to devote two or more hours to a workout. My F4F group companions all have to fit their training around work, children, family, community and other assorted obligations. We are at distances now that require some time. I have the good fortune to be able to do mine and still fit them into a busy life. Being retired has afforded me that.
PERFECT RUNNING CONDITIONS Make a world of difference.
HAVING EIGHT OUNCES OF WATER ALONG Sure helps out.
GOING THAT EXTRA MILE Priceless.
This morning I began my 9 mile run at 6:15 but I went a whole new direction. The new US Highway 24 is being constructed about a mile south of where I live and on weekends most of the work stops. There are miles of new concrete poured but only an occasional construction vehicle on it. Perfect running path. The foreman I spoke with asked "what do you think of the running trail we poured for you?" which I took as a good sign I wouldn't cause a problem using it.
I headed west with the break of dawn at my back and the moon setting on the western horizon. (The BeeGees went with me.) Maurice was a real drag. I fell into my regular pace and after the first mile or so I was very comfortable. There were only two spots where I walked through some rocks and dirt at intersections where there was no concrete yet. The rest of the time I was able to stay in my slow run and each mile clicked by in 16 minute or so intervals. Four and a half miles on smooth new road. When I returned it was a repeat and my spirits kept getting higher as I realized I was going to make it--and I wasn't losing it physically. Mile 8 to 9 was easier than the earlier miles. There is a zone out there somewhere and I found it. So, I kept on going. I WENT TEN MILES TODAY!
Maybe the high I experienced has had something to do with it but I feel great. Once again, other than not being able to sit still for long, I am pretty much recovered and ready to get on to other things this afternoon.
A HAPPY AND EXCITING DAY.

DISCOVERIES

Yesterday morning I did a four mile run early (6:15 to 7:15) and I discovered what it is like to run the first half hour in the dark. Days are sure getting shorter. The sunrise was beautiful though and I had a good view of it as I ran back to the east on the return leg of my run. There is little traffic on the road where I run but I still have to be wary. Especially with something in my ears. My daughter Carolyn pointed out to me a few days ago that my cel phone can also serve as an mp3 player, which I didn't know, so now it is loaded with a few albums. I have found that the beat of most of the songs on Kenny Chesney's "No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems" is a good match for my pace. But the biggie is that the Disco Beat of my old BeeGees albums is a perfect match for me to run with.
I always seem to forget some piece of equipment at that early hour and yesterday it was my sweatband. Yes I sweat, even at 58 degrees. Thankfully my running shirt had long sleeves.
I forgot to Tivo Ryan and Mary so I didn't see Jamey's Thursday morning visit with them until I checked out the INC Website last night. Those M & M's will get you every time.
Today I leisurely walked two miles, just for anyhow, since it was such a beautiful day. It took a deliberate effort to keep walking and not break into a run. But I wanted to see how much difference it would make in my time. 3 mph instead of 4. My take on that is--even if I have to walk some I'll still get the job done--so don't be discouraged.
Tomorrow will be my nine mile run. The BeeGees are going to run it with me.

KEEPING THE PACE

We have a training schedule laid out for us that will have us at the right level come Sept. 27. I'm glad that I have been able to stay reasonably close to where I should be. Today I tried for my eight mile run and was able to accomplish that. The course I run has some slight ups and downs and three real hills to go down and back up. Those were the spots where I walked briefly. Once again it was apparent that I have to run at my own pace, which is slow, but it enables me to keep on chuggin along. My time today was 2 hours and 15 minutes, which put me just under 4 mph.
There were a couple times when I had to overcome the urge to just make it a six or another seven. I had two 4 oz. bottles of water along and made them last through my run. That won't be enough to carry me through 10 or 12 or 13.1 miles so I will be utilizing water spots along the race course.
I don't want to add much more weight by carrying more along.
It has been five hours since I finished today and I'm now feeling some recovery. Happy for that. The first couple hours after I was pretty whipped.
I hope I can keep this up and add another mile this next weekend.

FUN RUN & LESSONS LEARNED

This morning's 5K run here in my hometown of Antwerp, Oh. was fun and we were blessed by great running weather. It was a family and friends affair. Daughter Leslye, granddaughter Erika, (running in her first 5K), and friend Lori joined me today. They did great. Lori was the fastest time in her age group. Grandson Ethan ran in the 1 mile fun run that preceeded the 5K.
Once again I found that when I am so eager to keep up with the herd at the start I suffer. I have to realize that I have my pace, even at the start, and I had better stick to it. Today my pace figured out at four miles per hour. I usually end up close to that when I am training. On the longer runs it falls a little below that. Today by running too hard at the start I made the first mile an uncomfortable struggle. The second half of the run I finally got into a groove and it went better. I guess I'd better be satisfied with stamina and not speed.
Three local gals who are ardent walkers really outpaced the walking contingent today. Which put them up in the area where I was at the whole time. So while I am jogging along at my four mph. they are right there with me the whole time. I shouldn't let that bug me but it does.

My training schedule called for an eight mile run today but that was dropped since I wanted to do the 5K. I hope to do that on Monday.

ANOTHER 2

Our morning trip to Indy went well and after my visit with my doctor we got something to eat and made a leisurely trip back home. I decided on a late afternoon workout so I did another two mile. Tomorrow a day of rest and on Saturday morning I'll run the 5K.

TODAY'S QUICK RUN

Early this morning I made an effort to get out for a quick run. Have a busy schedule today so I did a two mile run for today's workout. Not too spectacular but at least I did get something done. Tomorrow we must travel to Indianapolis so not likely to get any training done unless in the evening. Our local ART IN THE PARK day is Saturday and there is a 5K Run that I will run in. That leaves me behind a day or two in trying for my eight mile run. I'm shooting for next Monday for that.

JUST A ROUTINE RUN

I recovered well from my seven miles on Saturday and this morning I set out again in the darkness for a four mile run. I had to make an early start so I could finish before other commitments. At six A.M. the sun was barely lighting the horizon but the cool morning sure felt great. I can't believe I am saying this but "it was just another routine four mile run". No critters, no passing traffic, even the usual dogs barely noticed me and hardly barked.
I finished in just over an hour and chalked up a good session.

I didn't have anything along to listen to so I just made up pictures in my head. (SEE ABOVE)

I've decided to do some shopping--going to look for an I Pod.

I DIDN'T GET SKUNKED--I DID IT

I was determined to give my seven mile run a try this morning so I got up at 5:00 A.M.. Guess what? It's too dark to run safely at that time of day. The days are getting shorter more quickly than I realized. So I took my time getting ready, had half of a banana and some peanut butter for breakfast, and then went over to my river road running route. Began running around 6 A.M.. A beautiful morning to run. As usual the first mile is work and then I settled in to a comfortable pace. Somewhere up ahead of me a skunk had cut loose and it was pretty intense. I was wary and watched closely for him and thankfully never sighted him.
My run progressed to the 3 mile point and I was in great shape. That was a good feeling because I am planning to run a 5K here in my hometown next Saturday. I made myself continue on to the 3.5 mile point so I couldn't wimp out of going for seven. It did take some effort to not turn around and go back for another 6 mile and be satisfied with that again. By mile four I knew this was going great and I would make it.
The cool morning temperature and slight breeze certainly helped my run today. The transition through the 5 and 6 mile runs to the 7 has been tough but now I have done it and the physical and mental barrier has been overcome. Beating the 7 mile barrier makes me optimistic because it is more than half way to the 13.1 goal. Happy, happy day!