dashing through the snow... well, sort of...

Almost all of the snow has melted, but there was a nice steady falling of flurries during my short run. I was feeling good that I got in two runs this week and was feeling good enough to try for a run outside this weekend. Saturday came and went before I had a chance, so I chose today.

I chose the coldest day in weeks to run outside.

Outside... where it was -4 below zero with the wind chill (a balmy 12 degrees above without).

Outside... when a sane person might say, "I have a treadmill, I'll stay inside where it is comfortable."

No.

Not me.

I needed to be outside again. The last time I ran outside was December 9th. It was the next day I "discovered" my knee problem. So was this a bit of redemption of sorts that I was seeking? Yes, I guess it was. I wanted to run and feel good while doing it. But I also wanted to reaffirm my love of running and being outdoors. Plus I wanted to be able to try out some new stuff I got for Christmas (new underarmour hat and new earbuds for my MP3 player - unfortunately with all the snow and ice just about melted, I couldn't try out my stablicers...)

Once I got out the door I found that it really wasn't too bad outside (properly dressed). So I decided for an easy, flat course that looped through my neighborhood - an easy 2.5 miles. I also decided I would use my HR monitor and GPS to see where my fitness level is.

When I first started out, the wind was whipping the snow into my face, but once I turned a corner it was tollerable. I was feeling good. I felt like I was taking it slow and steady. The run seemed to be over pretty quickly, and part of me thought about extending my run, but I chose to be cautious.

When I got back home, I checked my splits... WTF?! They went something like this...

Mile 1: 7:58/mile pace (not possible)

Mile 2: 8:33/mile pace (I was running into the wind on some of this)

Last .5 mile: 8:48/mile pace (more wind and apparently getting tired)

My heartrate was a little higher than before, but not too bad for running a bit faster than I should have. The positive spin on this is I still can run the pace I ran during marathon training. Now I just need to build my endurance again...

a glimmer of hope

So, I ran today. Not earth shattering news anymore, but it was different. I was sore in my knee, but started out with a brisk walk to loosen up. It felt okay, but not great. I decided to give running a try anyway, and oddly enough, the pain went away. I felt strong and like my old self again. I finished up, did four sets of abdominal crunches, showered and got ready for work. My knee feels great, and so does my soul. We'll see what tomorrow brings, but for now I have yet another little victory under my belt (oh, and new shoes under my feet - I was able to get the last pair exactly like my last four pair).

Life keeps going and so will I.

life or something like it

Running aside, it has already been another "stellar" start to a new year and it is only the 22nd of January... lots of personal and family issues to deal with and with the lack of running I have not had much of an outlet for what I can only describe as "feelings". You see, I am not an emotional person - I could probably be thought of as cold (if you didn't know me that is), but how I usually deal with stresses and emotions is through my running - I use running as some people use prayer. I won't go into any details, but things are looking better, but there are still probably going to be more ups and downs to deal with. I will cope, It is like the quote above my profile...

"A marathon is like life with its ups and downs, but once you've done it you feel that you can do anything."

Sorry to get all philosophical about stuff... now on to our regularly scheduled blog...

I got in a great run this morning - stronger and faster than my last few attempts. I wasn't even tired from staying up watching the Colts / Patriots game last night - and oh, what a game!

I am going to have to do something with my treadmill though. It is acting up more and more, almost to the point where I can't run fast enough on it now before it shuts off... looks like a call to the repair guy is in order... sounds expensive too...

My shoes came in and I picked them up on Friday night. I tried them out for a quick 3 mile run on the treadmill Saturday morning - unfortunately there's a little problem... They changed my beloved shoe and they do not offer it in a 4E width (yes, that is right, I have freakishly wide feet - I'll do very well in a triathlon when I try one some day - built in flippers and all), so I tried the 2E, as they measured so close to the old pair, but the toe box is much too narrow. So now I must find a new pair of shoes all over again... this sucks...

back in the saddle again

I am back.

To running that is.

My knee is doing well, not 100% but a close 98%, so I have decided to get back to running - I have missed it. It felt good to run this morning - even if it was only on the treadmill. I was pleasantly surprised to find out I have not completely lost my ability to run. Took it easy on my first official day back - 40 minutes - but felt good. I will relax tomorrow, probably cross train, then run again Wednesday and then schedule a run outside on the weekend - something I haven't done in 6 weeks!

I have yet another new pair of shoes on order - regular running shoes to replace my pair I wore for Chicago. They are the updated version of Asics Gel Fortitudes - an awesome shoe... but not as flashy as my trail shoes...

The mileage is almost up on my old pair and I'd rather not risk another injury or re-aggravate my knee due to worn shoes.

So, while I have no spring marathon or half-marathon planned at this time (which I hope will change), I am going to get back into running shape. I need to shed some pounds and really focus on better eating habits (i.e. cut back on the sweets!).

To get me motivated, I have been reading Pfitz's "Advanced Marathoning" so I have some good training plans to follow that will kick my butt and get me back to where I was. If all goes well, I will be ready for MCM in the fall. Just putting one foot in front of the other at this point, but having fun again doing it...

mission: possible

Today I ran.

It wasn't far.

It wasn't fast.

But I ran continuous for 30 minutes. The knee felt good. It didn't feel perfect, but it didn't hurt. I have some more healing to do before I can commit to a running schedule. So I think I am going to have to scrap the Spring marathon this year... besides I have a lot of other things going on in my life right now that need some attention - training would be very difficult.

On another note, my new shoes came in, so I went and picked them up. They fit great and feel great. I am anxious to try them out - but it will have to be on some flat, soft surfaces for awhile. I showed them to my wife and she just didn't get excited about them, which is shocking for someone who has a shoe in every style and every color in every style. I even said I could accessorize my shoes. See for yourself:

So...... while I won't be running with my power tools, I can look "f-a-b-u-l-o-u-s" while I work. Or, if the Dewalt Corporation is out there and looking for a spokes model - say your average guy / weekend warrior type - I am here. Call me. We'll talk.

knee update

I went and saw my doctor on Wednesday. The good news is it isn't anything serious, and I can run once it doesn't hurt. It is feeling better day by day and I am anxious to get back to running, but I want to take it slow and ease back into it. Besides, after almost a month off from running, I won't be able to pick up where I left off... bummer. I am now questioning whether I can train for a spring marathon if I cannot get training started in another week... perhaps it wasn't meant to be this spring... and there are always other things I want to do... like trail running. I ordered my trail running shoes last week. I am looking forward to getting them and trying them out... they're pretty cool looking too...

I did do some cross training this morning... pilates.

My wife got me to try it out with her. She has a DVD that had a 45 minute workout among others to choose from. I was skeptical, but by the end I was dripping in sweat... quite a workout. It got my heart rate up. She gave me a sneak preview of the windsor pilates circle workout... hope to try that out tomorrow. If not, then maybe I can get my bike out for a ride.

I have found out that I am grumpy when I cannot workout. Steph told me she said I seemed in a better mood than I had been in awhile. I thought it a strange comment, but asked how long I had been in a bad mood. When she said about a month, I kind of figured it out. So, I must find new ways to workout that do not involve using my knee until I am able to run again.

book report

I finished my book this weekend. With all of my non-running free time I was able to find time to relax and enjoy one of my favorite authors...

If you are a Stephen King fan you will love the book, it is a well told story. It starts a little slow, but the story unfolds into an interesting tale... I highly recommend it. I am looking forward to getting some of his other books I haven't had the chance to read yet... "Cell" is one of them... But first and foremost, I have a little reading on a training plan for my marathons this year...

new year, new me...

Happy New Year to all!

It is finally 2007. I am glad to see 2006 go as it wasn't the best year, but it had it's highlights. Looking back, I PR'd in quite a few races and I am looking forward to keeping the trend going in 2007. I am starting off the year slightly worn and battered, but the knee is doing better.

In fact, this morning I ran. It wasn't pretty, but it was a wonderful run. I just ran on the treadmill, starting out with a 5 minute warm-up walk. The knee tensed up a little, maybe slightly apprehensive about what I was planning on doing, so I stopped after my warm-up and stretched and did some squats to flex my knee. Once back on the 'mill, I got my pace up to 12:00/miles... it felt good, a little slow, but not bad. I kept up the pace for about 10 minuites and then stopped again to do more stretches and squats. The knee was feeling better each time I stopped and did this. I got back on and pushed just a little more - 10:00/miles... not bad. A slight twinge of pain, but almost non-existant. I pushed just a little more for 9:00/mile pace and sustained that for just a few minutes until the knee said too much, too fast, so I backed off and took it back down and finished up. I got a full 30 minutes in and felt little to no pain!

I am still going to see my doctor tomorrow about this as well as my rotor cuff that has bothered me for quite a few months. I reaggrevated it this weekend... WTF?! I treat my body with respect, and this is how it repays me?! Oh well, get everything taken care of right away and get the new year started off on the right foot (or left - whichever, I'm not picky).

I have read a few other blogs recently and see there is a growing interest in the Marine Corps Marathon for a few of you... hopefully I'll be able to join you guys out there...