6 Miles

Well, I am trying to get out of town, so this will be brief. Got up and drink a bit of water then went out. Stretched the IT for a bit then started. The legs hurt but not too bad to begin with. Decided to stop and stretch and the 2 and 4 mile markers to try to help me get through it. Each time...all the pain went away...but it came back after about a quarter of a mile. I mixed up the pace and threw in some strides like before. Once I got home I walked a couple of blocks and then stretched again. The pain stopped as soon as I began walking and has come back as I have been laying here icing. So I think I am moving forward...ever so slowly. Don't feel like going over and looking at my watch...but I know my pace was 9 minute and 19 second miles. It is frustrating having all this energy just building up...but gotta take care of the legs. Have a good one!

No run Friday

Decided to give the legs another day in hopes that more stretching will help me tomorrow. Still aiming for 6 miles although I plan to stretch along the route as necessary. So we will see how it goes.

Thursday...3 Miles

So the legs really have not being feeling great, but they have been workable. So I went out and did 3 miles today. I have started doing a bit more stretching...I am really worried about over-doing it though. I honestly believe my over-enthusiasm about it while training for New York actually made it worse. But more on that later.

The first mile was a little rough, there is black ice everywhere. We have had some sunshine the last few days, but the temps have still been really low. Then last night we had a dusting of snow. It really made for some sketchy spots today.

I made sure to stay slow for as long as possible. One of the pieces of advice I received awhile back from the Runners Roost, was to try some strides to try and get the IT to release a bit. After I had run about two miles I did that a little bit. I didn't notice a difference, but I think mixing up my pace helps overall with just having the muscle have to change the amount and length of each step. Maybe I am wrong...I tend to be wrong a lot with running...

After I got home, I walked about 4 times the distance that I would normally. After I was done...I decided to do the stretch I do at the beginnin recommended by my sports doc...but today I just decided to hold it....for awhile...rather than 30 seconds. And while it didn't completely take away all the pain in the left leg (original IT leg) it got rid of everything I was feeling in the right. I was pretty amazed to be honest. Now...I little bit has krept back in since I have been home...but still...gives me hope.

I doubt I will run tomorrow...but we will see. My plan is to take off tomorrow and then try maybe 6 on Saturday and then spend next week slowly tacking on a mile or two here or there for a constant progression until I am back on track. I will not be racing on Saturday...which really bums me out....it was kind of a birthday present to myself. But....it is all about the marathon....

Wednesday....2 Miles....

2 Miles...they weren't fast....they weren't easy. Got them in. I am in a little bit of pain with both legs, but it feels like something I can live with for the time being. Will probably try for 3 tomorrow then take Friday off...

Monday...no run :-(

Monday...still store...and very stiff. I am hoping to try a light jog tomorrow. We will see. Pretty bummed at the moment. I like routine...this is not part of my routine...maybe tomorrow....

The ITB Strikes Back

Well, like the title says, I am having difficulty with my Iliotibial Band....but this time it is in the right leg. It felt off the last couple of runs, and today it finally just seized up on me during the run. It pretty much was bothering me from the start, but I had hoped if I went slow and just took my time that it might be alright. I had run over 8 and a half miles when I had to stop at a four-way stop sign. After the car passed, I start up again, the pain was immediate and I am here to tell you...intense. I have learned to deal with a lot on a run, but this was very severe. I tried to keep going for about another tenth of a mile, but that just seemed to make it worse. I stopped and stretched a bit and that didn't help either. I was a about a mile and a quarter from home. I hobbled home...feeling pretty rejected and in a lot of pain. I have had my leg up and have tried to do a little more stretching. It really hurts....

I am going to stay off it as much as possible today and tomorrow. I am guessing I am not going to be able to run for a couple of days....but we will see. I am trying not to overreact yet...but it is difficult. I felt like I was doing so well. I am optimistic this will just be another bump. The left one hurts most runs, but it is pain I can deal with. Here is hoping that I can get the right one under-control and back on track...if anyone is curious...I ended up doing 9.62 miles total.....

7 Mile Friday

My legs were both feeling pretty sore in the knee area before the run. I definitely did too much on Wednesday. The thing is, this is where I can make my biggest jump as a runner. If I am able to process what is going on with my legs...and occassionally make some concessions...it will make me a better runner over the long haul.

During the first mile, the pain was pretty strong. The side of my left calf that feels similar to shin splint pain was pretty noticeable for a good chunk of the run. But I just kepy my head and tried not to push too much and let the leg just work itself out. It did take a long time to feel decent, but I was able to keep going and that is what is important. I had beautiful snow covering everything to help keep my spirits up. There was a bit more ice than I could see, but no major issues...

I did two loops, the first being a 4 mile loop and the second being a 3 mile loop. The second time up the hill, I decided to give a bit more effort. The legs felt tired, but I still managed to increase my tempo just a little bit. By the time I was at the flat part at the top, I was in a nice stride that I continued until the end of my run.

By the time I got home I had run a bit over 7 miles. My pace for the whole run was 9 minutes and 35 seconds. Probably faster overall than I should have allowed myself, but I think it will be ok tomorrow. Just have to push through Saturday and get this next chunk of the cycle going properly. Thanks for reading!

4 Mile Tour

I woke up at 5:20 and couldn't fall back so sleep, so I just decided to get up a little early for my 4 mile run and try to make sure I got a good core workout in before my shower. It did not seem nearly as cold today as yesterday, which to be honest, was a nice change. I went back to the first pair of gloves that I had been using and they worked pretty well. For the run. I have been tempted to by mitten...but having my fingers free is one of my weird idiosyncracies. They had a pair that had fingers, but a wind guard at the Runners Roost in Fort Collins...but wind isn't the issue and the material was very thin. I will get auditioning gloves and mittens to see if we can find a winner. Anyway...

The first mile was good. Little pain in both knees, but definitely deal-able. Pushed my way to the top of the hill and picked up the pace a little bit. The last few days have been a little frustrating in my non-running world. I think today I needed to get some of that out...after the second mile I really dug in a bit. Cranked up the Ipod and just went with it. Being so early, there was a bit less traffic around campus and that always helps.

By the time I reached home, I was tired. Not in a...my legs are dead...tired...just tired from the effort. I got inside and did a good workout to help me firm up a little more and then hoped in the shower. Once again I forgot to write my time down...I will look at my watch when I get home...but my pace was 9 minute and 12 second miles. Felt nice to get it out and push me through to a better day....thanks for reading!

8 Miles

Today was another crazy busy day. I got up at 5:00 and got my run in before work. It was very cold again this morning. I tried to layer up the gloves and I think that actually made it colder on my fingers. I will go back to one pair tomorrow. It was obviously still quite dark by the time I got on the road. When I crossed the street to go up the starting hill, I could makeout a blinking light in the distance. I thought it might be a runner, but it seemed so far ahead of me that I didn't think I would ever catch up to it. After about a 1/3 of a mile, I could see the lights and they were moving close to me...but going from one side to another. I was really perplexed as to what it could be. When I finally caught up...it there was a man on a bike....a woman running....and two dogs playing with the blinking lights on them. I probably should have been a little concerned, the dogs quickly started playing with me while I ran, but I am a big dog person so I couldn't really get upset. The couple was very friendly for 5:45 in the morning. It was really a cool way to start such a long cold run.

By the top of the hill, my fingers were really hurting. I had lost a lot of motion in my index finger on the left hand. I decided to take off the top glove. It took a long time, but eventually the pain subsided and it didn't bug me for the rest of the run.

I decided to do two 3 mile loops and one 2 mile loop. By the ed of my first three mile loop, I was already a little tired. There was an inkling of color appearing in the sky and that helped my focus for my second trek up the hill. I wanted to give it a good effort and not slow down too much...and I know the speed isn't always accurate....but I was right around 6.1 mph for the entire mile up the hill whenever I looked down. It helps the confidence to be sure.

M last two mile loop I felt I needed to end strong. I pushed a bit for the first mile and went aggressively after the last mile. I can't stress enough, how much easier it is on my leg pain to run when it is so cold.

By the time I pulled into my driveway my time for 8.07 miles was 1 hour, 18 minutes, and 31 seconds...or a 9 minute 43 second per mile pace. Kind of rough to start...but a good finish. Thanks for reading!

Jon - Sorry I was not more clear in my first question. You answered exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you! I was also hoping you felt like I could go all out at the 10 mile race coming up. I will start following your training for sure on that site. Another thing to motivate me.  Would you email or tell me your username? I can't seem to find you.

The next chapter begins....4 Mile Monday

Well I have already had 2 exams and a third in an hour so this will be short. I bought some new gloves over the weekend so help with the bone chilling cold that seems to really impact my hands. I was excited to use them this morning. The weather did not disappoint. It was -12 according to my computer without the windchill.

I was up really late studying and was not able to force myself up until 7:30. I was out the door a little after 8. By the time I was at my starting point, my hands were already quite cold. So I guess the new gloves aren't that much of an upgrade. Just another running in cold weather lesson....

The first mile the legs felt a little tired...but good overall. I picked up the pace at the top of the hill. There were many students milling around on the different sidewalks. I kept having to speed up in certain areas to get around them. I only mention this because my time was way too fast and a lot of it was out of my control.

For a first 4 mile run, it felt really good. I was tired at the end, but not dead. My pace per mile was much too fast....9 minute and 21 second mile...I can't remember the overall time. I know I need to slow it down a bit. And I will. Thanks for reading!

Jon - Couple of quick questions/thoughts. I signed up for the Hoorsetooth Half...I had a feeling that it would come on one of my two 20 mile weeks. I really want to get 2 of them in before this marathon. I was wondering if you think I could manage pulling 20 of on my week of 18? I am also planning on doing that 10 mile race on the 27th. Can I "race" it...or should I just try to stick to my marathon goal pace? Hope the injury/illness/family stuff is getting easier for you and Boston training is rocking. Take care!

9...no wait....10 mile Saturday

I am on mw way out of town...just wanted to give a quick update about my run today. Got up pretty early and out the door at 6:30. Weather was cool but very nice for me. Kind of thought there might be snow on the ground...but there wasn't.

I headed up my hill and everything felt a little stiff...but quickly loosened up. I did my normal first 4 miles...but deicded I wanted to push a little and threw a couple of bridges in just to make me work. It felt good to have to work at it.

I started pushing the tempo a little before mile 7. Wanted a strong final two miles...but it ended up being 3 miles. I just decided that I felt good, and then I could say I hit the full mileage total for the first 6 weeks of this cycle.

I felt tremendously strong at the end, and that is a feeling I am starting to get addicted to. My time ended up at 1 hour and 35 minutes and 20 seconds. Which comes out to a 9 minute and 22 second per mile pace. I had a lot of energy left to burn. I am feeling really good. Thanks for reading!

6 Mile Friday

Decided to sleep in a little bit because I don't have classes today. Finally got going and out the door around 9:15. With the weather being as cold and windy as it is, this probably worked out for the better. It was a little bit warmer than it would have been and that made it more enjoyable.

The first mile was would it usually is....little bit slower...trying to loosen up my muscles. It felt like the IT was going to give me problems, it took quite awhile for it to relax. Hope it stays that way through tomorrow.

The rest of my first loop was pretty much on schedule. I tried not to get too excited about pace and just do what feels good.

When I started my second time up the hill, I made a decision to try and hit my pace all the way up the hill. At points in Colorado and New York last year...I came upon some inclines that I found demoralizing for my confidence. They were both in the middle miles, and both really crushed my spirits. So I feel like I NEED to be able to go up hills strong and not just get through them. So I made sure I hit my pace all the way up. It felt pretty good.

Since I was alreay going at a decent clip, I decided to just ride it out and keep the tempo up for the last two miles. It felt good the whole rest of the way...my time for the 6.0 miles was 56 minutes and 59 seconds...which gave me a 9 minute and 30 second per mile pace. My legs are a little tired, but feel pretty good otherwise. Next up....9 miles tomorrow. Have a nice weekend and thanks for reading!

Final three mile run....forever...just kidding...but for awhile

Got up a 6 and hustled to get out the door. It was chilly, but nowhere near as cold as yesterday. I had my headlamp, but it was more so that cars could see me because the sun was starting to rise ever so slowy. The wind has really been dead the last couple of days, and I do enjoy that.

Legs felt like they had more life in them than I would have thought. I did take my first mile and a half quite a bit under what I would consider my "normal" pace just to keep them relaxed. I started pushing at the end of the track field parking lot and continued until I got home. I did manage to see a few other runners out today and most of them seemed to really be pushing themselves...so my hats of to them. I believe my time was 28 minutes and 8 seconds for the 3 miles. I know my pace was a 9 minute and 23 second mile. I am sad to see my 3 mile runs go away for the time being, but excited that I am about to dig in and get some mileage in starting next week. Thanks for reading!

PS - Jon, I am looking at doing a 10 miler on the 27th. I believe it is in Littleton. I haven't really looked farther ahead at any other races. It sure would be nice to do an actual half-marathon and make the starting line. How is the Boston Cycle?

SSSSeven MMMMMile TuTuTuTuesday....brrrr

I will start by saying I knew it would be cold. A system has moved in, and it had not been pleasant. That being said....holy cow. Wore all the clothing I usually wear when it is cold, and I was still frigid the entire run. But more on that at the end.

For some reason...when I set my alarm last night for 5:20 I did not acually turn it on. So it was by a small chance of luck that I woke up at 5:28. Maybe my brain knows how important it is for me to get out for my scheduled run. Or maybe I was just lucky today. Either way...it worked.

Was out the door and to my starting point by around 6:00. The two short blocks were enough to make my fingers start to hurt. I was anxiously awaiting for the top of the hill, so I could get some circulation going and warm up....it just didn't seem to happen today.

The first couple of miles were pretty uneventful. It was cold...but the wind was not blowing at all...so it was quite peaceful....until I passed an unfortunate car that had the horn blaring non-stop. Felt bad for whomever owned the vehicle, because I am sure it drained the battery dead. The horn was still going 30 minutes later, when I passed for the second time.

I decided to do a 3 mile loop and then a four mile loop. I thought going up the hill three times but discourage me a little bit. Not sure if it was a good decision or not, but at least it broke up the scenery a little bit. Sometimes I like the reptition of the hill...other days...it is nice to shake things up a little bit. Changing my running route is pretty spontaneous for someone that is as anal-retentive and into planning as I am.

Second time up the hill I was still just chilled to the bone. I tried to pick up the pace a tiny bit. I think that survival of the species kind of kicked in. I wanted to warm up...and that was the only way I could think of to do so. In my head it helped a little...

By the top of the hill my joints had kind of locked into their range of motion. It became harder to change my foot speed and cadence. But that was nothing compared to how locked my elbows felt. I actually ran for awhile with my arms extended just to try to get the blood back and kill the sensation a little bit. It was truly an odd feeling.

Last couple of miles...I did not feel all that tired. I could have pushed much harder. One thing about the intense cold, is that it really keeps me from feeling the normal muscle/IT pain that I tend to get. I must say that I really enjoyed the last two miles even though I was sooooo cold.

When I got home...the shower was not my friend. Had to turn it on luke warm just to stop the stinging. But....muscles felt good. They have been pretty decent all day. So it was a good tradeoff. My time for 7:01 miles was 1 hour and 8 minutes even. Or around 9 minute and 44 second miles.....felt good....felt hardcore....felt like a runner! Thanks for reading.

3 mile Monday (last one for awhile)

So I am starting week 6 of my training cycle. Overall I think things are going well. I feel myself getting stronger in my legs and upper body. I have had a few rough runs, but the good ones have far out-weighed the bad ones. The IT pain has been manageable for the most part and that has been the only significant injury I have had to deal with. This is kind of a down well, to help me recover and push through towards some solid mileage in the coming weeks. The legs could use the breather that is for sure.

It felt like a system was moving in yesterday, and sure enough, is was snowing as I made my way outside. I think my long run Saturday confused whatever illness was in my throat and it decided to not spread anyway else. I felt off yesterday, but besides for being a little tired, I feel good today. So I am hoping to stay healthy this week.

I really do love running while it is snowing. It was a light snow and really pretty. It did make the few remaining patches of ice treacherous, but until I walked after my run, it didn't impact me at all. (Still didn't fall...hehe). I just enjoyed the light flurries throughout the run.

Legs are still a little sore from last Friday/Saturday. All I can really do is just try to listen to my body as much as possible, and do what feels comfortable. I tried not to push too much today and just get the legs loose and put in the miles. The last mile I kicked it up a bit to get my heart going and finish strong. A pretty uneventful run, but a good one for a Monday. 29 minutes and 14 seconds or....9 minute and 44 second miles....thanks for reading!

12 Mile dose of reality

Well...by the time I went to bed last night...the writing was on the wall. I knew today was going to be rough. I even bought three new songs on Itunes to try to help me get pumped. When I woke up...I still felt really tired...but not quite as sick. I thought that maybe...just maybe...I could get through this one fairly well....




In hindsight....I should have eaten something before I went out...but my stomach really does not do well with stuff in it so I passed. I didn't want to start using gels until I was up to 15 mile runs because I don't like them. But I guess I should have used a little more common sense and brought at least one with me today.



The first couple of miles were very taxing....much like yesterday. I just kept trying to focus on the current mile and not the last one. The weather in all honesty...was just about perfect. Cold....but not terribly windy. The ice was only a problem in a couple of spots. The miles really just felt like they dragged on today. By the time I hit the 5.7 mark I was completely and utterly spent. Just kept focusing on one foot in front of the other.



The University cleared snow at their outdoor track yesterday and it was open today. As I went slowly past...I thought I should find a restroom. The good ones were locked due to winterizing...but I lucked out and found a port-a-potty. Amazing how little it takes to make me happy on a run. I regrouped a little bit and got back out for my last 3.5 miles.



It took a monumental effort to gut out the last 2.5. My body really just wanted to stop. I tried my go word...and it did help a bit...but the duration of motivation was shorter than yesterday. Just kept trudging on and on and on and on. I had hoped to kick it up the last 2 miles...but I was so drained that I was just happy not to walk.



I did give a bit more effort the last mile...my right calf tried to clinch up on me and that was something new and exciting....but it didn't cause me to stop so that is good. By the time I reached my door and 12 miles....I was completely spent. My legs were sore and shaking...but you know....I did it. Pushed through....got the miles in. They weren't pretty....but they were completed. My time was 2 hours and 22 seconds. So really...not too bad....not too bad. Thanks for reading!

6 Mile beatdown

Well the lack of sleep defnitely caught up with me the last couple of days. I have come down with something...but I am not sure what it is yet. I don't have a fever or aches so I am still getting out. Today was a run that took a lot of effort considering I just had a day off.

The first mile, I could feel that I was off a little bit. Everything just felt very difficult. Had some soreness in areas I am not used to feeling that early in a run....hip mainly. Hoped it would right itself after a little bit. I trudged on...

By the top of the hill I was already pretty beat. Kept thinking if I could find a groove that the time would start to pass. I started to think about this upcoming marathon and that I just applied for next fall's New York Marathon. It always seems to bring a sense of determination to my head. The next couple of miles, while not easy, went well.

I decided to do two 3 mile loops...and my second time up the hill felt like I was on mile 16. Throat started to tighten up a bit and my chest felt a little heavy. At the top of the hill I was pretty hot and sweaty...which in the lows we are having...isn't too easy. I could feel my pace just dragging slower and slower and decided it might be a good idea to try my go to word to see if I could start to use it effectively. In the article I read...Kara went with fighter...I am not a fighter...more of a lover...just kidding. But I did like the thought of trying to fight over the feelings of pain and doubt...so I am going with....fight. Very simple...but surprisingly...it worked...I only used it a few times over the span of about a quarter mile...but it was all I needed to finish strong.

I am  not sure of my time. I will post it once I am home. This was one of the hardest runs I have had in a long time. But it feels amazing to have gotten through it...and in a respectable time. Confidence is surging....thanks for reading!

Time was 58 minutes and 21 seconds for the run....

3 Mile redo

The legs felt better throughout the day than I would have thought after a 7 mile run. That really pleased me. Got up a bit later today and took my time getting ready to leave. I slowly walked to my starting point and did a very short stretch with me left leg. I really think that a light stretch seems to help that leg a bit.

I took off up my hill and quickly found my pace. I have started running through lights if they are green and there are no cars around whether I have a walk sign or not. A part of me does not like doing it...but the rebel in me...yeah right....thinks it is important to not have so many stops in my run. I think it will help toughen me up even more. It also helps find a groove and stay with it.

At the top of the hill I kicked up my pace a bit. I read an article in Runnersworld about Kara Goucher and some of the confidence issues she has. A lot of the things in the article kept popping up in my head...and that gave me even more determination to get better and better at doing this. The key is just not pushing too hard. But something that I think I am going to start to try is using a word that is my "on" word when the things start getting tough. Not necessarily a mantra to say the whole run...but a focal point when I am facing adversity in a run that can help me buckle down and keep moving. During my three mile run...I don't have any parts that I need it....but during my longer runs I am anxious to try it.

Last two miles felt really good again. Most of the ice is gone and so I don't need to be quite so concious about looking down. It allows me to enjoy the sights a little more. I pushed like always and reached the end of my parking lot at 28 minutes and 8 seconds. Another solid run. My legs will enjoy the off day tomorrow I am sure. I am sorry if at times I seem like I am not enjoying this....every run is enjoyable....sometimes I lose sight of that...but in my heart I know it is true....so I will attempt to be a little more positive. Getting to run as often as I do is a gift and should be treated as such. Thanks for reading!

7 Miles...now we're talking

Got up at 5:25 to get my run in before work. It really feels like I am hitting the cycle now...longer runs during the week and over 10 most weekends. This is where I am hoping to build up my strength both mentally and physically to hit my time goals. I was very tired this morning...but also excited to get in a meaty run on a Tuesday.

I went outside...and once again it was just so much colder than I had anticipated. The windchill was well below zero. I know I complain...it is not like there will be a point that I decide not to run because of the cold...it is just always something that crosses my mind. I really do think the weight loss is effecting how the cold gets to me. On the plus side...I put on two layers of tights...and lo and behold I found my missing glove! Awesome!

First couple of miles I wasn't feeling too great. There was some decent leg pain...and I was really worried it was not going to subside. I was lucky that it did by mile 2. My body felt really good...if tired... for the rest of the run. Man I love running.

I was able to coax a bit more effort out of myself those last two miles. I didn't really pay attention to pace again....just pushing a bit more. By the time I returned home...I had run 7.12 miles in 1 hour 9 minues and 12 seconds. If memory serves correctly...the pace was around 9 minutes and 48 seconds per mile. Great run! Thanks for reading!

3 Mile Monday...again

I got up at 7 and quickly got dressed and out the door. I decided to leave the watch at home and just run for comfort. I lost one of my running gloves over the weekend, and that bums me out. I am not sure where it could have gone. I took it to do my laundry and only one glove showed up. I hope I can find it. The gloves I wore today make me look like a smurf mixed with Mickey Mouse....Oh BOY!

The first mile went well. I really tried to not push myself at all and the legs appreciated it. Mile 2 was pretty uneventful...just going around my path. Legs felt good and my entire body felt decent.

The third mile I did push the tempo a bit. Just kept going and never exceeded what was good to my legs. Got home and did my core work. I am not sure of the time...but that was the point. I am nervous and excited for 7 miles tomorrow...hope it goes well. Thanks for reading!