Not literally. I haven't ran on a track in months. I did do some laps around a local lake this morning though. I feel like my life is a circle right now. Wake up, run, job hunt, wedding planning, sleep, repeat. That's how life has been lately. I'd prefer if the "job hunt" was just "go to work" but such is life. The "wedding planning" will become "spend time with the wife" in 61 days! :) I can't wait.
Running has been going well. The streak is still in tact, somewhere around 65 days I think. Anyways, since its been August for a few weeks I should probably throw up my July stats.
Distance: 178.9 miles
Time: 24:11:48
Pace: 8:07
(Sidenote: That was my first month with zero rest days) I am very happy with those stats. My mileage is getting back to normal levels. I decided that during this base building phase, I want to keep most of my runs >8:00/mi with one or two days faster. I've held pretty good to that, except for this week.
My folks were nice enough to get me a pair of Saucony Hattori's since runningwarehouse had a great deal on them. I did a nice 8 mile progression run on Friday. Then Saturday, I took the Hattori's for a 4 miler. Ended up running 6:54 pace. Had a nice easy 10 miler yesterday. Today, I took the Hattori's out again. I tried to hold back but still ran 7:28's. They are definitely going to take some getting use to. The zero-drop really makes my calves work more.
Okay, I took a break from the job hunt to write this. Time to get back to work...sort of...
15 August 2011
26 July 2011
Getting Stronger
This month has been busy! Searching for a job is itself a full time job. Between that, wedding planning and running...I'm very tired.
The job search is slow. Lots of applying, lots of not hearing back from anyone.
Wedding planning is almost finished. The Kid and I have the major parts planned. We will mail out invitations soon and today we started registering!
Running is going awesome! I've been waking up earlier than I did when I was in school but whatevs. I found a nice base building plan that I am going to follow. I really think that lots of slow, easy miles in my legs will help in the long run.
My streak is still going (44 days/226.6 miles). Running seven days a week makes you rethink training. My recovery days are super slow. I usually have one recovery day and one fast day each week. Today was the fast day. I have been running with my old hs xc team to help them get ready for the upcoming season. Today was 4 x .9 mile repeats. We wanted to do mile repeats but the lake we ran around isn't exactly a mile. Surprisingly, I could hang with these guys. I finished 2nd for all but the first repeat and got faster each time. I started @ 5:42 (6:2x mile pace) and finished @5:14 (5:49 mile pace)! I was surprised by the speed my legs had.
The team's last summer practice is Thursday. Since the season starts at the end of August, coaches are not allowed to coach that month. So no official practices. I'm going to try and get some of the varsity guys/gals and veterans on the team to come out for a long run on Saturdays.
I'm also reading Born to Run. Great book. For those who haven't read it, I highly recommend it.
~Run Strong
The job search is slow. Lots of applying, lots of not hearing back from anyone.
Wedding planning is almost finished. The Kid and I have the major parts planned. We will mail out invitations soon and today we started registering!
Running is going awesome! I've been waking up earlier than I did when I was in school but whatevs. I found a nice base building plan that I am going to follow. I really think that lots of slow, easy miles in my legs will help in the long run.
My streak is still going (44 days/226.6 miles). Running seven days a week makes you rethink training. My recovery days are super slow. I usually have one recovery day and one fast day each week. Today was the fast day. I have been running with my old hs xc team to help them get ready for the upcoming season. Today was 4 x .9 mile repeats. We wanted to do mile repeats but the lake we ran around isn't exactly a mile. Surprisingly, I could hang with these guys. I finished 2nd for all but the first repeat and got faster each time. I started @ 5:42 (6:2x mile pace) and finished @5:14 (5:49 mile pace)! I was surprised by the speed my legs had.
The team's last summer practice is Thursday. Since the season starts at the end of August, coaches are not allowed to coach that month. So no official practices. I'm going to try and get some of the varsity guys/gals and veterans on the team to come out for a long run on Saturdays.
I'm also reading Born to Run. Great book. For those who haven't read it, I highly recommend it.
~Run Strong
07 July 2011
CityBlast 5k RR
Time: 18:59
Overall Place: 6th/574
Age Group Place: 1st/18
After the race was over, I had a lot of mixed feelings. Now that I've had a few days to think about it, I'm happy with my performance.
This was my second time running this event. I was registered to run in last year but ended up making a trip to St Louis so I missed out. It is a local event put on by my church and the local YMCA.
My lovely fiance was nice enough to come out and support me :) I picked her up at her folks' place around 6:30 and we headed downtown to the start. The race starts and finished at the local fairgrounds. The course is mostly flat with one large hill at mile 2.
I had some high hopes for this race (which lead to my original mixed feelings). As such, I lined up at the front of the field. There were only a few people who worried me at the start (as they should have, they all beat me), three high school kids and a two other runners. I really wanted to PR at this event. I made a race plan the night before and followed it well.
I went out around 5:52 for the first mile. The plan was 5:50-5:55, then hold something close to 6:00 for mile two, let the hill slow me a little on the way up and blast the down hill to the finish. So the first mile was right on. Mile two was a little slower than expected, and the hill hurt more than I had planned. I was still able to dig a little speed out and finish strong in 18:59. Here is where the mixed feelings start. My PR is 18:58. I was close, but missed it. And I placed well. I was upset about missing it by one second.
After some thought, I am very happy with my performance for several reasons:
1. I haven't done any speedwork since before Boston. Sure, I've done a few tempo runs but no track/5k specific work.
2. I hadn't really planned on running the race. I didn't sign up until the 1st.
3. It was day 22 of my streak (which is currently at 25 days). I'm sure that played into my effort a little.
For now, I'll keep working on my base hopefully getting to 50ish mpw by August. I may look for another 5k later this summer and do some speed work so I can make a serious attempt at breaking my PR.
Since the Kid was there, you all get photos :)
Overall Place: 6th/574
Age Group Place: 1st/18
After the race was over, I had a lot of mixed feelings. Now that I've had a few days to think about it, I'm happy with my performance.
This was my second time running this event. I was registered to run in last year but ended up making a trip to St Louis so I missed out. It is a local event put on by my church and the local YMCA.
My lovely fiance was nice enough to come out and support me :) I picked her up at her folks' place around 6:30 and we headed downtown to the start. The race starts and finished at the local fairgrounds. The course is mostly flat with one large hill at mile 2.
I had some high hopes for this race (which lead to my original mixed feelings). As such, I lined up at the front of the field. There were only a few people who worried me at the start (as they should have, they all beat me), three high school kids and a two other runners. I really wanted to PR at this event. I made a race plan the night before and followed it well.
I went out around 5:52 for the first mile. The plan was 5:50-5:55, then hold something close to 6:00 for mile two, let the hill slow me a little on the way up and blast the down hill to the finish. So the first mile was right on. Mile two was a little slower than expected, and the hill hurt more than I had planned. I was still able to dig a little speed out and finish strong in 18:59. Here is where the mixed feelings start. My PR is 18:58. I was close, but missed it. And I placed well. I was upset about missing it by one second.
After some thought, I am very happy with my performance for several reasons:
1. I haven't done any speedwork since before Boston. Sure, I've done a few tempo runs but no track/5k specific work.
2. I hadn't really planned on running the race. I didn't sign up until the 1st.
3. It was day 22 of my streak (which is currently at 25 days). I'm sure that played into my effort a little.
For now, I'll keep working on my base hopefully getting to 50ish mpw by August. I may look for another 5k later this summer and do some speed work so I can make a serious attempt at breaking my PR.
Since the Kid was there, you all get photos :)
Pre-race photo
Starting strong
Coming down to the finish
Getting my AG (1st) award from a local State Rep.
01 July 2011
June Totals: Low Mileage
Distance: 105.6 miles
Time: 14:05:59
Pace: 8:01
This was my shortest month of running (distance wise) since May of last year. I'm just glad I made it over the 100 mile mark. Its nice to keep that streak going. Speaking of streaks, I'm on a running streak. It didn't happen on purpose. It just happened. My little brother has started working out regularly and always starts with a 1-1.5 mile run. I've always wanted to be able to run with somebody in my family so I couldn't pass it up. As of now (that is, counting today) the streak is at 19 days.
The job search is going super slow. I'm hoping that something will pan out soon.
Wedding planning is great! In the last week we've picked out a dj and most likely the bakery for our cake. Those were the last two major things we had to do!
I'm really hoping that my mileage will be back around 170 this month. After I do some yard work this morning, I'll knock 5-6 of those miles out.
Time: 14:05:59
Pace: 8:01
This was my shortest month of running (distance wise) since May of last year. I'm just glad I made it over the 100 mile mark. Its nice to keep that streak going. Speaking of streaks, I'm on a running streak. It didn't happen on purpose. It just happened. My little brother has started working out regularly and always starts with a 1-1.5 mile run. I've always wanted to be able to run with somebody in my family so I couldn't pass it up. As of now (that is, counting today) the streak is at 19 days.
The job search is going super slow. I'm hoping that something will pan out soon.
Wedding planning is great! In the last week we've picked out a dj and most likely the bakery for our cake. Those were the last two major things we had to do!
I'm really hoping that my mileage will be back around 170 this month. After I do some yard work this morning, I'll knock 5-6 of those miles out.
15 June 2011
Done!
On Sunday, I finished my career as a student. I graduated from Portland State University with my MS in math. Well, let's rewind a little.
My last final was on June 7th. It was for my Modern Algebra class. I should have had this test on lock. However, I completely bombed it. Like, to the point where passing he course was not a sure thing. Not exactly going out the way I wanted to. I walked in the commencement ceremony this past Sunday. I didn't find out until today, when grades came out, that I actually did pass.
I was actually quite surprised to see a grade already. This was the 7th class I had taken from this professor. In the previous courses, the soonest I received a grade was a week late. So I was very excited to see that B- (wow, never thought I'd be happy about a B-).
Running is going ok. I took some time off after my last race so my ankle could heal properly. Its feeling much better and I'm slowly getting my mileage back up. And I still have some speed. Two of my runs this week have been sub-7 minute pace :)
I'm not training for any races right now. Once I know where I'll be living, I may look for a fall marathon. If not that, a spring marathon for sure. There is a local 5k on the Fourth that I may jump into. For now it's just getting the miles in, looking for a job and finishing wedding planning :)
My last final was on June 7th. It was for my Modern Algebra class. I should have had this test on lock. However, I completely bombed it. Like, to the point where passing he course was not a sure thing. Not exactly going out the way I wanted to. I walked in the commencement ceremony this past Sunday. I didn't find out until today, when grades came out, that I actually did pass.
I was actually quite surprised to see a grade already. This was the 7th class I had taken from this professor. In the previous courses, the soonest I received a grade was a week late. So I was very excited to see that B- (wow, never thought I'd be happy about a B-).
Running is going ok. I took some time off after my last race so my ankle could heal properly. Its feeling much better and I'm slowly getting my mileage back up. And I still have some speed. Two of my runs this week have been sub-7 minute pace :)
I'm not training for any races right now. Once I know where I'll be living, I may look for a fall marathon. If not that, a spring marathon for sure. There is a local 5k on the Fourth that I may jump into. For now it's just getting the miles in, looking for a job and finishing wedding planning :)
29 May 2011
Forest Park 20k
Distance: 20k
Time: 1:42:xx
Place: 11th OA, 4th AG
The weather for the race was perfect! Cloudy and 50* at the start. I felt pretty good going into the race. I've definitely fully recovered from Boston and have had some really great runs. Wednesday, my friend Aaron and I ran the course, so we wouldn't get lost today. We ran it in 1:40:55. That right, I ran slower today.
I actually lead the race for a few hundred meters when the gun went off. I knew that wouldn't last long so I enjoyed it while it did. I was still in the top 6 for the first few miles. Then the gnarly uphill section started. I knew it was coming from Wednesday but still wasn't ready for it. I even walked for a few seconds. I felt strong the first half of the race, minues twisting each ankle once.
Based on where we actually turned around (out & back course) and where my garmin turned us around earlier this week, I think the race was a bit long. I know the garmin isn't the most accurate, especially in the woods. But we ran a good third of a mile further down the trail. Its not that big a deal though.
I picked it up on the way back, since it was downhill. In a few spots this was a mistake. I twisted my right ankle two more times. I still managed to keep my position (was passed once and passed one runner myeslf). That third and final twist almost did me in. I had to stop and sit for a second. I only had about two miles to go and I've never DNF'd a race. I wasn't about to start today.
The course was not closed. So there were still regular runners and the occasional hiking family. Passing them was my favorite part. Per my last post, I wore my cookie monster t-shirt. Seeing kids' face light up when they see cookie monster running down the trail was awesome!
While I didn't do as well as I would have hoped, I still had a great experience with my first trail race. Now I'm off to ice my ankle somemore. I should probably take a few days off of running too...
Time: 1:42:xx
Place: 11th OA, 4th AG
The weather for the race was perfect! Cloudy and 50* at the start. I felt pretty good going into the race. I've definitely fully recovered from Boston and have had some really great runs. Wednesday, my friend Aaron and I ran the course, so we wouldn't get lost today. We ran it in 1:40:55. That right, I ran slower today.
I actually lead the race for a few hundred meters when the gun went off. I knew that wouldn't last long so I enjoyed it while it did. I was still in the top 6 for the first few miles. Then the gnarly uphill section started. I knew it was coming from Wednesday but still wasn't ready for it. I even walked for a few seconds. I felt strong the first half of the race, minues twisting each ankle once.
Based on where we actually turned around (out & back course) and where my garmin turned us around earlier this week, I think the race was a bit long. I know the garmin isn't the most accurate, especially in the woods. But we ran a good third of a mile further down the trail. Its not that big a deal though.
I picked it up on the way back, since it was downhill. In a few spots this was a mistake. I twisted my right ankle two more times. I still managed to keep my position (was passed once and passed one runner myeslf). That third and final twist almost did me in. I had to stop and sit for a second. I only had about two miles to go and I've never DNF'd a race. I wasn't about to start today.
The course was not closed. So there were still regular runners and the occasional hiking family. Passing them was my favorite part. Per my last post, I wore my cookie monster t-shirt. Seeing kids' face light up when they see cookie monster running down the trail was awesome!
While I didn't do as well as I would have hoped, I still had a great experience with my first trail race. Now I'm off to ice my ankle somemore. I should probably take a few days off of running too...
27 May 2011
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