inconsistency

"It's only Wednesday he thought", as he drove back from Michigan. "Besides, with daylight savings time I can get out before dinner for a run and it will still be light out".

It never happened. 

A small emergency came up and before I knew it, it was 9pm. 

So three days in a  row I have missed a run. So much for consistency. In all honesty, Monday was a scheduled day off since I ran 4 days in a row and Tuesday I was still feeling the effects of losing an hour and I overslept, and well, it happened this morning too... crap.

But TOMORROW I will run, er, I hope to run.

On another note, I got my Runner's World yesterday and started thumbing through it. I came across the trail shoe reviews and I jumped all over it. In there were my next pair of trail shoes... The New Balance 875's... oh I can't wait until April 1st when they go on sale! I guess I'll put off getting any until then.

recovery + speed

This seemed like a weird combination in a workout, but I followed through with it. The recovery part was the easy part - I was still a little sore/tired from the 20 miler on Saturday. When it came to the 100m strides, it was a little more work, but I got through them.

I also was FINALLY able to get new shoes! I had problems last time around because I was told that Asics did not make my size in the updated version of the Gel Fortitudes... well they do, they just didn't publish that information. So here they are in an updated look - no more orange and grey:

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.