Three Weeks and Counting...

Only three weeks until my first planned Trail Run Race of the year. I have lots of training to do between now and then, but I am doing better than I would have expected. I am undecided if I'll attempt the 15k or just go for the 5k in my first run.

This week I got two lunchtime runs in, which was all I was able to squeeze in. I spent all day Wednesday up in Michigan and then all day today in Batesville, Indiana, so that left me Tuesday and Thursday. One of my runs should have been an easy run, but for both I decided to run as hard and fast as I could since I really only have 30 minutes on a treadmill. I am looking forward to a run this weekend. I am hoping for 7 - 8 miles, half on roads and the other half on trails - just like last weekend.

My weartesting is going well. I am not sure I am putting on as many miles as I had hoped (or as many as they would like), but I guess we'll see.

Oh... I forgot to give my review on the two movies I had mentioned I was getting from the library (Saint Ralph and Prefontaine). Both very good movies - I highly recommend them both.

Cold as a Witch's...

Uh yeah... It was a cold one out there today. I missed a run in great weather yesterday because I had an eye doctor appointment and my doctor dialates my pupils... And for whatever reason, every time I have an appointment it is perfectly sunny. Sunglasses weren't helpful enough, so by the time my pupils were back to normal it was time to for our night out. Lilli spent a few hours with Papa and Nana while Steph and I had a nice dinner and got some shopping done. Getting back to today's run - I was able to get 6 miles in. Three on paved surface, then I switched shoes and hit the trails. The cold didn't bother me except as I finished up and was running right into the wind. I felt pretty good when I was done - a little tired, but otherwise refreshed.

A New Title

I am no longer just a husband, father, architect or runner. Add "Wear Tester" to the list.

A while back I signed up to be a wear tester for New Balance. I thought it would be cool to try out new shoes and apparel - especially for items that might be more specific to my size and my running style. Out of the blue I received a pair of shoes this evening with some different inserts in them to try out for 4 weeks. I have to give the shoes back when I am done, but it will still be cool to try out some new shoes and see how they work.

Unfortunately they are not trail running shoes, but I'll still get some good use out of them in the 4 weeks...

"Back" by popular demand?

My back is feeling ever-so-much better today. I plan on giving it another day or two and then give running a try, or maybe an elliptical trainer instead. Probably smart to ease back into everything.

The need to get back to running is at an all-time high. I feel sluggish. I feel uninspired. I have a couple of running movies on hold at the library that I am going to pick up to give me some inspiration. One is Prefontaine and the other is Saint Ralph. I am also hoping to get out to see Spirit of the Marathon on February 21st since I missed it on January 24th... but in the mean time, I have got to run...

Confessions from the Sidelines

Unfortunately my back is still a problem. It is better than it was but it is still sore and therefore keeping me from running - actually any exercise. This puts me in an endless cycle of depression - for lack of a better term. Training for a half marathon in May is slowly going out the window... no chance of PR'ing for it at this point. I'd like to not embarass myself though.

Had a good weekend otherwise. I spent time with Lilli last night while Stpeh went out for a "girls night out" - dinner and shopping. Lilli and I stayed home and watch some movies and relaxed.

That is all for now. SuperBowl tonight... go Giants!