Running recap.....my apologies

To those of you that check this with any frequency...I apologize. I have not been keeping on top of it the last couple of weeks. I wish I had a good excuse....but it would just be that...and excuse. Just all the different things trying to get balanced right now...

So I will start with the 5 mile run a week and a half ago. It felt a little off but not terrible. It was very very cold. At that time, I was shocked I had put in 25 miles already. My time was 49:02. Decent time...I was very anxious about running the 20 on Saturday....so....onto Saturday....

I got up and had been warned by a fellow Laramie runner about the wind predictions. I checked in the morning, and he was right. Gusts up to 40, so I decided to just do my 3 mile loop again and again and top it off with a two mile loop. I also told myself I would run in the street as much as possible, and that was a wise decision for my legs.

The incline of the first mile feels a little harder when you are on the asphalt, I am not sure why that is. But it also feels so much better with the ITB. I had those little nagging doubt in my head as I trudged along to the top, I was not sure at all that I was going to be able to do it. As I turned the corner onto 30th I got my first dose of the wind, but it didn't seem that bad. I almost continued onto my big loop into west Laramie, glad I didn't.

By the end of the first loop my IT bands in both legs were already pretty sore...I stopped off at my apartment and grabbed a couple of ibuprofen but made sure to keep my watch going so I start learning what the clock time will reflect at the Colorado. I then got back on the street....

Second time up the hill and I was feeling it. Legs were tired...but I had run 5 miles the day before...that is the point I kept telling myself....putting in the distance when you are tired....keep running. I did find a nice pace for the next couple of miles...

By mile 6-7 the hill was becoming more and more of a challenge. I used it as motivation....kept just saying in the back of my head 'hit it again' and up I would go....by the top....I would be saying 'fight' to keep me moving....it worked....kept me psyched up...

Next couple of loops were pretty unremarkable accept the wind kept getting worse and worse. I could feel it the whole 3 mile loop by that time. Hard to keep things out of my eyes at times. I was glad I didn't wear my ball cap and instead used my Under Armour Balaklava....helps the wind seem less in my ears....

Around mile 16 I could really feel my pace slowing and it took a lot to keep pushing up the hill...up the hill....but I just kept going....

The last two mile loop didn't end up being a two mile loop because all the road runnin shortened the distance considerably which was good, because around mile 18 I hit a weird 15 minute snowstorm that just rocked my world. I was already soooo tired. Then I could see anthing...had to take of my sunglasses just to cross the streets....I wanted to quit...kept telling myself that wasn't an option and so I just kept pushing....

By the time I hit mile 19.5 the snow had stopped and the sun was back out. The wind was still insane though. Just gave everything I had in the tank to get those legs moving. I decided to stop at mile 20.0 exactly...even though I was a mile from home. The wind with the soaking wet clothes really was not pleasant...so I unashamedly got a ride home. My pace was a very solid 9 minutes and 51 seconds per mile. My time for the run was 3 hours, 17 minutes, and 10 seconds. I can not express how this run helped me mentally....

The rest of Saturday I took it easy...my legs were in pretty bad shape...not just the ITB so I kept them up. Sunday I felt a little worse physically. By Monday, I really thought I has a touch of the flu. I felt so drained and just unfocused. I didn't get out for a run on Monday or Tuesday....didn't really want to on Wednesday....but I did and it felt really good. I did 6 miles and worked out the kinks pretty well. The IT band was not great, but I didn't care, I was just happy to be out. On a side note, I also received the news that I was selected for the New York City Marathon again through the lottery. This will be my second year in a row....I do feel bad for people that applied and did not get in...I really do....but it is hard to put into words how it made me feel. I had such an amazing experience last year....really have been on a cloud the last several days...

I did another run on Friday which was 8 miles. It was not an easy run...by any means...my body is still fighting something I think. I had never run that far before a long run if my memory is correct, so I was feeling concerned about Saturday. I ironically gave a speech about the benefits of running that morning....I just get so excited whenever I talk about it...I am sure I bore the rest of the world....

I have been taking care of my dog over in Cheyenne while my parents have been at my sister Carrie's wedding in Hawaii. When I came back to school, I couldn't find a place that I could afford that would let me keep her so she has been living with them. It has been a little tough getting over there and getting to work on time and then getting back over here so I decided to stay the night Friday night and do my long run on Saturday in Cheyenne.

My folks live outside of town a little bit, so it was a mile and a half run to the Greenway. I had always wanted to run on it when I live in Cheyenne, and still wasn't healthy so I was a little excited about it. I was not looking forward to the banging on my legs for that distance, but knew it would be a good tune-up because Colorado ends along a cement path similar to Cheyenne's.

I expected to see more people....but figured out that a lot of the dead spots were far from parking, so unless people were out like me running or biking they would stay somewhat close to their cars. Made for some solitary stretches though.

The wind is always worse in Cheyenne...always....I will take the cooler temps and higher amounts of snow in Laramie compared to the wind every day of the week. But I was already out, so there was nothing to do but just deal with it. I did enjoy the nice bright sun. It was also really cool to run in some mini "tunnels" that went under streets. It was a sensation I had never experienced.

I ended up really doing an out and back which is also something that I don't do often. It is good to change up things for me from time to time. Coming back I saw a few more people, and I actually got buzzed by a bird. It was bizarre and slightly funny. Two birds were just sitting off the path a little bit and decided to fly....one was a foot or two above me...but the second one....didn't quite make clearance of my big head....it just barely clipped me...I had to chuckle.....

The run called for 13 but I ended up doing 14. The legs definitely were hurting....couldn't get comfortable the rest of the day. My time was 2 hours, 16 minutes and 4 seconds or a 9 minute and 43 second pace. It was a good run.

I had received an email from another runner in Laramie that I met via dailymile.com (Thanks again for suggesting that site Jon, I am addicted). There are runners that do group runs from time to time and they were doing one today. I thought I would meet them and just do 2 or 3 to help loosen up my legs. For some reason I kept thinking we were meeting at 8:30...when in reality it was 7:30....I didn't realize this until I got up this morning.

I decided to run to the end point and take my chances that they would return and so I ran over to the coffee shop and waited a few and sure enough...they showed up. I really enjoy talking with other runners. I am hopeful I can get out with them from time to time. I was given a ride most the way home by Nate and Tina and then ran the rest of the way. Legs really hurt the first 2 miles, but I stretched and did a little yoga waiting at TurtleRock Coffee and they feel decent now. Nice way to end a running week. My time was 32 minutes and 55 seconds or a 9 minute and 30 second per mile pace. Thank you for your patience and for reading!

10 yesterday....5 today

4:00 AM....maybe running is a sickness...just kidding. I was really out of it when I got up yesterday morning to get my run in before work. When I checked the temperature it said 40...but also said the winds were gusting in the mid to high 20 miles per hour...which by the time my run was over were a bit higher I am pretty sure.

Got up and got all my stuff on and headed out with my headlamp. The moon was really beautiful...it was just stunning...that is about all I can say. Just amazing....

I did my big loop around the east part of Laramie, and it was strange to see so few cars...and no police...a little disconcerting to be honest. I was able to run a little more in the street than normal, which I liked immensely.

I think my stride is a little shorter when I use the headlamp. I have never had decent night-vision...and it messes a tiny bit with my depth perception. I thought I was running faster the whole time than I actually was...so that was a little frustrating.

The last two miles were pretty hard...my legs definitely were letting me know that my effort on Saturday was not forgotten. The sun was just starting to come up and so the horizon was getting a glimpse of sunlight by the time I got home. Having to get to work so quickly, I did not have enough time to stretch as much as I wanted. I feel lucky that my legs were still usable after the long day of sitting.

I can't remember my exact time....it was 1 hour, 41 minutes and some change....I know my pace was 10 minute and 6 second miles. Not too far off the pace...but I was very very tired when I was done. It made for a very long day....but felt really good to achieve.

This morning, I slept in a bit...I actually went to bed very early the night before to try to stay healthy....so I was very surprised when I got up and the sun was already fairly high and the temperature was only 27 without the wind chill. I needed to wear my winter gear once again.

I had a little tenderness behind my knees which was an odd sensation so I spent a little longer stretching before my run. I was glad I did. The first hill felt difficult and I was really feeling the run. After about mile two everything locked and kept that way for the rest of the run. I am pleased to have a good run after a so-so run the day before. My time was 47 minutes and 24 seconds...or a 9 minute and 28 second per mile pace...I good rebound and some momentum that will hopefully carry me through Friday and Saturday....thanks for reading!

5, 11, 5

I was able to get out Thursday for 5. It did not feel really good, but I got it in. Saturday was kind of an adventure. Headed out for a 13 mile run that turned out to be a different day all together.

About a mile in, I noticed pylons set up and thought there might be a race going on. After seeing some people setting up water stations, I figured it must be some sort of race. I figured it probably started at 9 and that I would have just missed the start. As I was continuing around my first 3 mile loop though, I saw more and more cones as well as chalk directions pointing. So I thought I would run home....grab a check...and try to find the start.

After I went back outside, I headed towards the high school, thinking that must be the start...it wasn't....then I went to the jr. high....it wasn't the start either. I zig-zagged a bit and came across a guy in a truck at one of the water tables I had seen awhile before. I asked him if it was a 5K....he said it was....so I followed the cones all the way back around and on to campus. By the time I found the registration desk, the Garmin said I ran 7.22 miles.

I registered and then found the group of runners. We started kind of unceremoniously...it was more of a MS-Walk than a 5K...there was no official time or anything. It was fine, because I really just wanted to see what I could demand out of my legs when I was tired.

My Garmin, really let me down. It said it lost the signal inside...but when I went outside...it picked it back up....or so I thought. About a quarter mile in a noticed that it was only tracking time...so I reset it which seemed to take forever as I ran. So I really have no clue as to my time.

It felt good to get out and race...I passed quite a few runners and was never passed. After the race I headed home. The legs didn't feel great...but I was ecstatic about how they gave me what I wanted.

I got out for a 5 mile run this morning. It was a good run, even though I did not have time to do yoga today. My time was 46 minutes and 19 seconds, or 9 min and 15 second miles. I have 10 miles up tomorrow...I am nervous....but a little hopeful as well.....

Sorry I have been bad about updating...I am hoping to be better...thanks for reading!

This week

I was able to run 5 Monday. Tuesday we had a snow storm and I had to get to Cheyenne for work and didn't get in six...then I got snowed in Cheyenne and didn't make it back to Laramie until 11....so I did not get in 5 today. Blah. Gonna do 5 tomorrow, 3 Friday, and 13 Saturday....I hope.

18 Mile Saturday

Well, Friday was a very long day, so I slept in a little on Saturday. I wasn't out the door until after 9. Even with the sun up the temperature was -6 with a windchill of -19. It really is time for some spring weather.

The first couple of miles did not feel good...so much so that I decided to do a 3 mile loop first before heading out for the tour of laramie. By the time I had hit mile 7, I felt like I was going to be able to do the full 18.

Heading into west Laramie was a little more nerve-racking than usual. I am guessing it had to do with it being so late and with so many people heading out to go snow-mobiling. I was happy to be off the really busy roads when I turned onto Welsh Lane.

 ended up stopping around mile 12.5 and using the facilities at the Petro truck stop. I stopped for a bit....it certainly took a long time to warm-up again with my running gear soaked and the windchill...but I really got my second wind around mile 14. I kicked up the pace a bit and continued on.

By mile 16 the ITB on my right leg was really hurting. I just kept putting one foot in front of the other and tried to push it out of my mind. I don't normally look at my pace...but I did just to make sure I wasn't trying too hard. I was a hair under 10 minute miles and decided to give a little more effort.

The last two miles felt like they took a long time...but they were good miles. I was very very sore, but again, it felt like I still had some left in the tank. I stretched a bit...but my legs were very tight....so I decided to pass on the yoga.

The Garmin really kind of led my astray for that run....by the time I was dead at 18.00 miles...it said my pace was 9 minute and 40 second miles...but my actual time for the run was 2 hours, 59 minutes, and 34 seconds...are a 9 minute and 58 second per mile pace...I am a little baffled and annoyed...I would have pushed a bit more to drop the numbers a little.

The legs were dead the rest of the day and most of Sunday. I have also been sneezing a lot due to allergies, but I am feeling like I am back on track and that feels really good. Thanks for reading!

10 mile Tuesday and 5 mile Thursday

So much going on on my world right now...most of it good...just being pulled in a lot of directions and I keep forgetting to update. I was able to get my run in on Tuesday. It was a very long day for me and getting up that early is not something my body enjoyed. It felt really good to get it in. The right IT band was not as good as I had hoped. The yoga I did afterwards helped quite a bit. My legs were very stiff for most the day, but by late afternoon they felt decent.

The run this morning was pretty sore, and mentally I was not quite as into it as I should have been. Seemed like I was having a hard time focusing while I was out which isn't usually a problem for me. I think it is just all the outside things going on and the lack of sleep. I will probably sleep in a little bit on Saturday to try and stay healthy. The weather has stayed cold in the morning, and we are supposed to get hit with a snow storm tonight. I am guessing Saturday's 18 mile effort will be in some serious snow. So it should be interesting. Thank you for reading!

5 Mile Monday

Sorry I have not been as good about updating. I have been a little down lately and so I haven't been as reflective about the running. I also have gotten in the habit of putting things up on Dailymile...where you just do the distance, time, and a brief description. I will try to be better about sharing with all of you people, kind enough to follow my running, how things are going.

So, I really want to get close to my old schedule going again. I want to do Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, then the Saturday long run until my next tapper week. Then start slowly...very slowy....adding shorter Friday runs and moving the days back to as the are supposed to be (M,T,W,F,Sa). That is the plan right now....

I got up a little late, but wanted to rest because I had a job interview over in Cheyenne (got the job by the way and I am very happy). When I finally was dressed and ready I went outside and was a little surprised by how cold it was. Heard yesterday that it was supposed to warm up today...and it did....but not much in the morning.

Stretched well and started on my way up the hill. The right IT was there immediately...but it was just an ache...so I continued on and made it to the top and started going a little faster. Not sure if I mentioned it...but ESPN is back on the radio and that makes me very happy.

Thought about just doing three and calling it a day...but I need to keep making strides forward. And as a wise runner once told me....3 miles is just a warm-up. So 5 it was....

End of the run I stretched a bit. I haven't been able to do quite as much core work, because having my legs bent to do crunches really aggravates the ITB. I am hoping to slowly put them back in on non-yoga days. The run itself was pretty nice. I like the cool weather and I am sure I will miss it. My time was 48 minutes and about 30 seconds I believe. My pace was 9 minute and 31 second miles. If the legs can hold up...I know the engine likes the pace....fingers crossed...10 tomorrow! Thanks for reading.