5/13/2008 (Tues) - Run

My last run as a 30 year old! ;)

Didn't get a second run in last week but decided to pick up the pieces and run again today. It was a beautiful lunch time run. Just a short one, I am still testing out my legs. The good news is, the shins feel great so far. I only hope that trend continues. This run puts me over 100 miles for 2008! Only about 28 miles short of the total miles I ran all of last year...

On another note, Natalia will be running the Kennett Run (5K) on Saturday. She has been training for the last 7 or so weeks and has been doing awesome. Perhaps she has keyed into a new passion? After Kennett, she has her target set for a 5K in August.

Run: Temperature was 63, sunny and beautiful
1.50 Miles
11:10Minutes - 7:27 mile avg

Total Miles 2008: 100.61 Miles

5/6/2008 (Tues) - Run

Its been over 8 weeks since my last run. My shins felt good before I went, I gave them plenty of time to heal and the pains have been gone for about 3 weeks now. Its actually been really nice, though I am just sitting around getting out of shape and blubbery.

It was a beautiful day and things went WELL. Felt no pain and didn't push myself at all. I am happy with my time because I know I could have run a lot faster. I'll run again at some time later in the week but the shins are still feeling great.

Run: Temperature was 71, sunny and beautiful
1.50 Miles
11:41 Minutes - 7:48 mile avg

Total Miles 2008: 99.11 Miles

3/4/2008 (TUES) - TEMPO RUN

It was warm out!

Ok, final big run before the big race on Sunday. I was going for tempo here, really trying to cut down on my 9 minute miles, 30-60 seconds and I think I achieved it. It was warm and windy and cloudy today, but who can complain about 60 degrees! I pushed myself pretty good most of the way on this fairly flat and short course. My legs felt heavy and tired though until about the last mile (isn't that always how it is?)

I was pretty pleased with the results though:

Run: Temperature was 60, cloudy and windy
5.56 Miles
44:48 Minutes - 8:04 mile avg

Total Miles 2008: 84.51 Miles

So, in my 2 tempo runs I cut my mile average a good bit, just hope my legs and brain remember that pace on Sunday. Right now forecast says 41 and Sunny. That is probably the average temp I am used to running in the most so weather seems favorable. I hope they don't mind me listening to music.

I missed online registration too so I have to hike all the way into Wilmington on Friday to pick up my race packet and register ($45 grrrr). I hope to get a really short loosening up run in on Thu or Fri. Legs are pretty beat up right now with both shins hurting most of the time and my right hip sore when I sit! When I run, these ailments magically disappear though, so I can't complain too much. In a week I will be on the path to healing.

3/2/2008 (SUN) - TEMPO RUN

One week to go until the big race! Today I went out for a nice tempo run. Wanted to get my stride to be a little faster so I pushed myself a good bit here. I am happy with the results and will probably do another one of these on Tues or Wed. My legs felt tired during my run and my energy level was shaky at best. Need to better nourish myself for these things! Coffee and a pop tart for breakfast is not cutting it!

Run: Temperature was 41, Sunny, was actually pretty warm out
6.05 Miles
50:18 Minutes - 8:19 mile avg

Total Miles 2008: 78.95 Miles

2/28/2008 (THU) - RUN

This will be my final long run before the race. Things went pretty well, though again, I mapped out a route that I had not driven and faced some of the longest hills to this point. For some reason, I think a region is fairly flat, where this is just not the case. I hope these hill will better prepare me for the race!

My next couple runs will be for pace, I'll try to shave 30 to 60 seconds off my mile time to get my legs used to running a little faster.

My muscles are pretty sore today (Advil worthy sore). I am also, .8 miles shy of the course, and I think I could have run that .8 miles in less then 8 minutes, so I think I can beat my goal for 2 hours! This is of course still a disappointing 20 minutes slower than my last stint in the CR...

Run: Temperature was 28, Sunny but Cold and WINDY
12.35 Miles
111:28 Minutes (1:51:28) - 9:02mile avg

Total Miles 2008: 72.90 Miles

2/23/2008 (SAT) - RUN

This was the one big one that was mandatory for me to get in before the race. 15 days until race day and I figured, it better happen soon!

Run: Temperature was 30, Overcast and COLD
10.22 Miles
93:19 Minutes - 9:08 mile avg

Total Miles 2008: 60.55 Miles

I thank Natalia for encouraging me to get my butt out there and run. I did NOT want to go out and do this, especially after spending the morning in Harrisburg at the Horseworld Expo. But I knew I had to do it Sat or Sunday and the best day happened to be Sat, but it was getting late! I started my run at 4pm after mapping out a 5.1 mile leg out. Unfortunately the leg out included many roads I had never even driven on, and much to my dismay, what I assumed to be fairly flat ground was RATHER hilly ground. But hey, what else would you expect, right?!

My first mile was painful and slow (9:30), not to mention discouraging, but things only got better from there. After about 2 miles, my overdressing resulted in being rather soaked in sweat, which made the cold wind, rather cold. But once I hit that turn around point, I felt great. The pain in my shins lasted about my first 3/4 miles, and didn't hurt again. In fact, the rest of the run was rather pain free, though I am finding it hard to push myself because of what I feel is a real lack of strength in my shins. This might have something to do with building up my distance too fast.

All in all, when I was done I felt GREAT. Even today, one day later, I feel sore, but pretty good. Advil might have to get me through the next 14 days, but heck, bring it on. I hope to get one more long run in before the race, so wish me luck!! My pace seems pretty pushed at about 9 minute miles so I am not sure I will do much better than that (might of course do much worse!), so if I can keep it around 9 minutes, I'll take it.

2/20/2008 - RUN

This was a "stay loose" short run. After 8 miles on monday I wanted to give my muscles a chance to stretch out a little and run at a bit faster of a pace. Unfortunately after the 8 mile run, my shins have been getting the better of me. It takes about 1/2 mile of running to get them to stop, but the first couple steps are usually pretty painful. Once I get into it though, things seem OK.

Run: Temperature was 31, Sunny.
1.75 Miles
14:06 Minutes - 8:04 mile avg

Total Miles 2008: 50.33 Miles

2/18/2008 (Mon) - RUN

What a day, we were pleasantly surprised with a 60 degree day with sun and a breeze! What a great day for a long run I figured!

I trekked out after work, I noticed that it had gotten cloudy. I checked the temperature and man, it had dropped all the way down to 51 and the wind picked up. No big deal, I figured the cold front was probably on its way in. I was planning to run about 8 miles so I knew I would be out long. I grabbed my ear muff things (which also help to keep my ear buds in) and headed out.

Things were going well, it was getting windy though and after about 2 miles I felt a couple drops of rain. Over the next half mile conditions began to worsen as it got colder, windier, and the rain picked up. By mile 3, it was pouring and blowing! It was interesting to say the least, but I kept going. What the heck, I was 3 miles from home, might as well go one more before I head back. So, off I went. By mile 4 my legs were starting to tighten up, I think because of the cold weather and rain, plus it was getting hard to see. Surely this rain had to at least slow down. I think it was motivating me to run a bit faster though.

At about mile 5 and half, my iPod shuffle went out. ARRGHHH. The battery was on the low side when I left, but it hadn't failed me yet. But then things started to turn around. The rain almost stopped, and I had a about 2 miles of gradual downhill to go before the final HELL mile, which consists of two HELL hills. Oh, and my Shuffle came back on! So I was cruising along and it was time for the last mile.

Hell Hill #1, just a brutal winding, probably quarter mile uphill, of which you can't even see the top. Rodney Adkins "If Your Going Through Hell" came on. I took it step by step and made it up no problem, maybe I am actually getting in some shape! But my work wasn't over, I had the final hell hill #2. After feeling pretty good about hell hill #1, I got into my neighborhood, 3/4 mile to go. The rain kicked up, the wind kicked up, and I basically could hardly see as water poured into my eyes. I hit the bottom of hell hill #2 and looked up and decided to attack it. At this point my legs were pretty heavy after running the first 7 miles so attacking it from an outsiders view might have looked quite laughable, not to mention the fool running in the pouring rain and wind persona I was exuding.

Up the hill, Jason Mraz helped me (which song, I can't recall). But I got up and had just one last big downhill and home free! Good news, I made it, soaked to the bone. So far, no sickness!

To me, this felt like a battle! I am glad I stuck it out and ran pretty well in the face of my perceived adversity. My pace is on track for the "less improved and slower rick" and if I can beat 9 minute miles, I think I will be happy with that (though I won't admit it out loud).

Run: Temperature was 51 when I started 42 when I finished, Heavy Rain and Wind.
8.18 Miles
71:50 Minutes - 8:47 mile avg

Total Miles 2008: 48.58 Miles

2/14/2008 (Thu) - RUN

For whatever reason, I decided to finally get a long run in! I was shooting for 6 miles and before I left I charted a 6 mile course and a 6.8 mile course. I was going to make a decision on the fly as to which I would choose based on how I felt.

I had run most of this route before so I knew the first 3 miles was basically a gradual uphill with a few steep descends in the first mile. However, this meant a nice breezy way home until the last mile, which had some NASTY uphill climbs. I felt great the whole way and things are looking good!

Off to Hershey for the weekend for a "Weekend to Remember". Hope to get a run in on Monday.

Run: Temperature was 31, Sunny Cold and WINDY (again).
6.82 Miles
60:53 Minutes - 8:56 mile avg

Total Miles 2008: 40.40 Miles

2/11/2008 (Mon) - Exploratory RUN

It was friggin COLD on this run. At one point toward the end of my run I was convinced I had lost an extremity. Luckily I didn't!

Went out for a run in a new direction and actually felt pretty darn good. I was not that concerned with my pace as I was with making sure my face was not freezing off.

Run: Temperature was 12 (YES, TWELVE!) degrees, and sunny.
3.43 Miles
31:17 Minutes - 9:07 mile avg

Total Miles 2008: 33.58 Miles

2/8/2008 (Thu) - RUN

Great run this day. Legs felt great, pace felt decent.

Run: Temperature was 40 degrees, and sunny.
4.10 Miles
35:54 Minutes - 8:45 mile avg

Total Miles 2008: 30.15 Miles

1/30/2008 (Wed) - Run (Exploratory)

My goal was to run for 40 minutes at the outset of this run. I got out about 12 minutes before my shin (not the shin splint side) cramped up to where i had to stop and hop. I turned around, ran through the cramp, and in about another quarter mile, it felt fine. I added some on the fly roads to my route and got to my forty minute goal.

Can't say I felt great or found the run pleasureful, but heck, I did it. 3rd time running in 6 days too. Trying my best to work through this rut. No one remind me about when the Caesar Rodney is or I might crumble! haha.

Run: Temperature was 38 degrees, and sunny AND VERY VERY WINDY.
4.21 Miles
40:27 Minutes - 9:37 mile avg

Total Miles 2008: 26.05 Miles

1/28/2008 (Mon) - Run

Still struggling here. I got myself out the door much easier this time, but the run itself was difficult. Felt like I was pushing but my time was in the end disappointing, along with the leg pain! Is anyone out there playing the violin for me or what?

Hopefully I am getting back on track though...second time I ran this week.

Run: Temperature was 38 degrees, and sunny.
3.65 Miles
31:33 Minutes - 8:39 mile avg

Total Miles 2008: 21.84 Miles

1/26/2008 (Sat) - Run

I have lost my motivation, I have lost my will to run. Running without pain seems a distant memory. Don't get me wrong, this is not a lot of pain, but for whatever reason I am letting it mess with my head. I really had to force myself out the door this Saturday afternoon. This last week I have been hampered by a chest cold and deep cough, after recovering from a minor illness last weekend. The time for whining though is over and I was hoping this short run would get me back on track...

Run: Temperature was 34 degrees, and cloudy.
1.5 Miles
12:06 Minutes - 8:04 mile avg

Total Miles 2008: 21.84 Miles

1/19/2008 (Sat) - Run

I finally, yes finally, got out for a run since last Thursday. It was awful, I didn't want to go for a run, and after about a half mile, I was ready to quite. But...I stuck with it and got a decent 3.30 mile run in. I am so far away from Caesar Rodney shape that it is sad. My shins are not getting better either, though running, if anything, seems to help them.

Run: Temperature was 36 degrees, and overcast.
3.30 Miles
27:36 Minutes - 8:22 mile avg

Total Miles 2008: 16.69 Miles

1/10/2008 (Thi) - Run

This was my longest run since I took a shin splint break. I felt pretty good the whole time and though my shin still hurts while I am not running, it seems to bother me less when I am running. Glad I was able to get 3 runs in this week before our 4 night jaunt to Marco Island (and yes, my running shoes are packed)

Run: Temperature was 37 degrees, and sunny.

4.10 Miles
33:33 Minutes - 8:11 mile avg

Total Miles 2008: 13.39 Miles

1/8/2008 (Tues) - Run

Its nice when its in the high 60's in December. Yeah, its nice, unless you are out running! The temp was a bit of a slowing factor, not to mention a lack of energy. Every day I run this route its like going into a boxing match with these hills, they win every time!

Run: Temperature was 66 degrees, and sunny.

2.54 Miles
20:39 Minutes - 8:08 mile avg

Total Miles 2008: 9.29 Miles

11/05/2007 (Mon) - RUN

Today was my first day back running in over 3 weeks. Time flies!
How did it go? It went well, I only ran 1.5 miles, and I was just trying to feel things out on a fairly easy route. I could feel the pressure point during my run, but it didn't so much hurt. I am concerned that it is not fully healed, but I think I am in a pretty good spot to start back up slowly. I write this the next day, and I am a little sore but my shin still feels good.

1.50 Miles
11:09 Minutes - 7:26 mile avg

Total Miles 2007: 106.59 Miles

I'll give it another go on Wednesday, but the news so far has been pretty encouraging. Thanks for a lot of the advice I have gotten from many of you!!

8/24/2007 - RUN

It was hot, very hot, and VERY humid. Plus, it was Friday, after 3 other runs that week.

1.5 miles in 11:26
Per Mile Average: 7:37

Total Miles in 2007: 41.5 Miles

In September I will create a plan to prepare myself for the Ceasar Rodney half marathon. It will be the third time I run it:

In 2000 on March 19th: 100 minutes, 30 seconds 7:40 per mile (Age 22)
In 2002 on March 17th: 100 minutes, 49 seconds 7:42 per mile (Age 24)

At age 30, I need to set my goal, but I will do that in September!