Friday, December 23, 2011
Last night’s run was the hardest to date. I’d say it was harder to complete than my first mile over a year ago. Granted, we ran 5 last night, but that isn’t the point. The point is is that I could not catch my breath. I know why. I was slightly sick and I drank 2 nights prior. It’s really amazing how drinking affects ones performance when it comes to exercise. I expected to be fine 2 days later, but I was absolutely wrong. We finished the hill in Prospect Park, and I was dead. I kept trying to slow down to get some air, and I just couldn’t do it. After 1 lap of the park, I told O$ that I was done. This was at 3.6 miles. I stood there angry for a moment and realized she would be running in a dark park alone, so I tried to take some deep breaths and got back on the road.
By the end I was so angry and out of breath that I couldn’t even talk to O$. I wasn’t mad at her. I was mad at me. I shook it off shortly after, but it was a very good lesson learned. That if I expect to continue like this, I really have to cut out the partying. It makes EVERYTHING worse.
By the end I was so angry and out of breath that I couldn’t even talk to O$. I wasn’t mad at her. I was mad at me. I shook it off shortly after, but it was a very good lesson learned. That if I expect to continue like this, I really have to cut out the partying. It makes EVERYTHING worse.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Upcoming races and shit
January 7th I am signed up for a 10K with my buddy Kurt, and 2 weeks later, O$ and I have our Half-Marathon to run. I’m oddly not nervous about that. It’s just 3 miles longer than my longest run to date. A simple 5K. A meager 25 minutes of life. A simple jaunt through the park.
My average run now is 5 miles instead of 4. Good things
We are doing a 4 mile run after work. I might extend it to 5 because I want to keep hitting that number.
January 7th I am signed up for a 10K with my buddy Kurt, and 2 weeks later, O$ and I have our Half-Marathon to run. I’m oddly not nervous about that. It’s just 3 miles longer than my longest run to date. A simple 5K. A meager 25 minutes of life. A simple jaunt through the park.
My average run now is 5 miles instead of 4. Good things
We are doing a 4 mile run after work. I might extend it to 5 because I want to keep hitting that number.
Monday, December 19, 2011
This weekend O$ and I went to run in the Corbitt 15K race in Central Park. We were both pretty excited to do this event, since we hadn’t run that far together yet. I had run 10 miles before, and O$ had ran up to 9. So we were both anxious and a little bit nervous. We decided to run from her parent’s place, to the race, so we were guaranteed to run at least 10 miles, since the race was only about 9.3, and a good warm up mile is good to throw in beforehand.
We ran together, or very close to each other for most of the race. Only near the end at one of the last hills did I start to get angry and run faster. So miles 8-9 are the only miles we didn’t run together. I think we both agreed that it was better to run at our own pace when we were more tired. So that worked out well.
I don’t have any races coming up in the near future. I’ve got the half marathon coming up in a month, so the next month will be prepping for that.
Here is a pic of me at the Jingle Bell race last weekend.
These are my split times for the race. I'm pretty amazed that I get faster the longer I run. Weird weird weird. I mean it makes sense that I run slow at the start because I'm running in a pack of 5k people, but I'm trying to figure out why I can kick it up for the last few miles. Maybe that is just normal.
Time
10:18
09:17
09:04
08:47
08:46
08:52
08:45
08:50
08:43
08:12
We ran together, or very close to each other for most of the race. Only near the end at one of the last hills did I start to get angry and run faster. So miles 8-9 are the only miles we didn’t run together. I think we both agreed that it was better to run at our own pace when we were more tired. So that worked out well.
I don’t have any races coming up in the near future. I’ve got the half marathon coming up in a month, so the next month will be prepping for that.
Here is a pic of me at the Jingle Bell race last weekend.
These are my split times for the race. I'm pretty amazed that I get faster the longer I run. Weird weird weird. I mean it makes sense that I run slow at the start because I'm running in a pack of 5k people, but I'm trying to figure out why I can kick it up for the last few miles. Maybe that is just normal.
Time
10:18
09:17
09:04
08:47
08:46
08:52
08:45
08:50
08:43
08:12
Friday, December 16, 2011
So far this month has been my best month to date. I’ve run no less than three times per week since November 28th, and most weeks I’ve run 4. So far this week I’ve run 13, and I have a 10 mile race tomorrow. That will be the single most I’ve run in a week. That’s exciting!
I ran last night as well. I feel like I’m starting to get another cold, but I felt the need to run anyways. So I made a plan to run my loop and end up at the grocery store to get some Nyquil. The plan went great and I got my sleep meds. Then when I got home I looked up the stats of my run and was shocked to see that the first three miles of my run were identical. They each took exactly 8:48. I know my pace is pretty consistent, but this blew me away. Sure it wasn’t rocket powered speed, but I’m more worried about consistency than anything else. Next spring I’ll start incorporating speed work into my routine.
I ran last night as well. I feel like I’m starting to get another cold, but I felt the need to run anyways. So I made a plan to run my loop and end up at the grocery store to get some Nyquil. The plan went great and I got my sleep meds. Then when I got home I looked up the stats of my run and was shocked to see that the first three miles of my run were identical. They each took exactly 8:48. I know my pace is pretty consistent, but this blew me away. Sure it wasn’t rocket powered speed, but I’m more worried about consistency than anything else. Next spring I’ll start incorporating speed work into my routine.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Although my body isn’t changing drastically from running, there are constant excitements that come along with this, and most of those changes are mental. The body will come along as I get a better grasp on my eating habits/pitfalls.
With running I’m starting to realize that I can’t tell my brain to shut up. It is a constant chatter about how hard it is to run and how tired I am. It constantly wants me to turn around and walk the rest. I am starting to believe that is just a defense mechanism more than anything. When one starts running out of oxygen, it signals to the brain that you need air and you need it fast. In other words, your brain is panicking as if it is drowning. It wants you to rest because it is afraid of death. But we can choose not to listen to that part of our brain, because we know we are not going to die, unless you are running the Philly marathon. Anyways, I’m getting better at telling myself that my brain is just freaking out and to not listen to it. I’m starting to think of my body as a battery, and even though I’m tired I could technically run it until it is out of juice, and I can just recharge it later. Yes, I don’t want to damage myself, so I’m not going to do that, but the idea is sound.
Last night I tried a new loop. Sadly I thought it was going to be longer than it was. I thought it was going to be close to 6 miles, but it was not even 4.5. Anyways, I started trying to think to myself through the run, and that helped. I tried to reassure myself that nothing was wrong and the battles were mental. Doing this I actually ran a lot slower than I have been, but the run was super easy. It was the least tired I felt after running that distance since I started.
The beginning of the run was actually what used to be my long run. When I first started running, 2 miles was my long run. Putting this at the front of my loop made that 2 miles seem laughable. I only got slightly winded on the hill that starts my run. The rest was almost too easy. It really helped me see how far I have come.
With running I’m starting to realize that I can’t tell my brain to shut up. It is a constant chatter about how hard it is to run and how tired I am. It constantly wants me to turn around and walk the rest. I am starting to believe that is just a defense mechanism more than anything. When one starts running out of oxygen, it signals to the brain that you need air and you need it fast. In other words, your brain is panicking as if it is drowning. It wants you to rest because it is afraid of death. But we can choose not to listen to that part of our brain, because we know we are not going to die, unless you are running the Philly marathon. Anyways, I’m getting better at telling myself that my brain is just freaking out and to not listen to it. I’m starting to think of my body as a battery, and even though I’m tired I could technically run it until it is out of juice, and I can just recharge it later. Yes, I don’t want to damage myself, so I’m not going to do that, but the idea is sound.
Last night I tried a new loop. Sadly I thought it was going to be longer than it was. I thought it was going to be close to 6 miles, but it was not even 4.5. Anyways, I started trying to think to myself through the run, and that helped. I tried to reassure myself that nothing was wrong and the battles were mental. Doing this I actually ran a lot slower than I have been, but the run was super easy. It was the least tired I felt after running that distance since I started.
The beginning of the run was actually what used to be my long run. When I first started running, 2 miles was my long run. Putting this at the front of my loop made that 2 miles seem laughable. I only got slightly winded on the hill that starts my run. The rest was almost too easy. It really helped me see how far I have come.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
So I’m still hitting the pavement, and I still do NOT enjoy it. I think that is how it is supposed to be. I don’t think anyone truly loves running. I think people enjoy the feeling they get afterwards, or they get a high after cresting a hill, but in general, I don’t think anyone enjoys it while they are doing it. It’s a reward based program that I feel people get addicted to.
This past weekend I did the 4 (3.88) mile Jingle Bells run in Prospect Park. This was a cool race. Everyone had jingle bells attached to their feet, and so many people dressed up. I ran this one a lot faster than I have run that far in the past. I started feeling good after 3 miles and sped up, so my last mile was really fast for me.
This coming up weekend I’m signed up for a 15K. I’m not nervous, because I have run 10 miles before, but it’s my first race of this kind of length. I will have to try my hardest to not be competitive during this and just run my race. I know I won’t finish high, and that is fine. I’m still a 200+lb dude. I’m not supposed to run fast. But most 200+lb dudes aren’t out there doing what I’m doing either, so I’m better than ALL OF THEM!
I applied for the lottery for the official NYC Half Marathon in March. I really hope I get into this. It will help keep me motivated through the winter. I have a half scheduled in January, but for some reason that doesn’t excite me as much. That one is part of the borough half marathon series, and that in itself is pretty awesome, it just doesn’t have the same oomph as the actual NYC Half Marathon does. So I’m praying to get into that.
I’m also reading Ultra Marathon Man. Not because I EVER plan on committing suicide, but seeing the thought processes of some of the craziest people is really really cool. Give it a look.
This past weekend I did the 4 (3.88) mile Jingle Bells run in Prospect Park. This was a cool race. Everyone had jingle bells attached to their feet, and so many people dressed up. I ran this one a lot faster than I have run that far in the past. I started feeling good after 3 miles and sped up, so my last mile was really fast for me.
This coming up weekend I’m signed up for a 15K. I’m not nervous, because I have run 10 miles before, but it’s my first race of this kind of length. I will have to try my hardest to not be competitive during this and just run my race. I know I won’t finish high, and that is fine. I’m still a 200+lb dude. I’m not supposed to run fast. But most 200+lb dudes aren’t out there doing what I’m doing either, so I’m better than ALL OF THEM!
I applied for the lottery for the official NYC Half Marathon in March. I really hope I get into this. It will help keep me motivated through the winter. I have a half scheduled in January, but for some reason that doesn’t excite me as much. That one is part of the borough half marathon series, and that in itself is pretty awesome, it just doesn’t have the same oomph as the actual NYC Half Marathon does. So I’m praying to get into that.
I’m also reading Ultra Marathon Man. Not because I EVER plan on committing suicide, but seeing the thought processes of some of the craziest people is really really cool. Give it a look.
Tuesday, December 06, 2011
Today I woke up at 6:00 without much problem. I think that excites me more than running. The fact that my body is becoming accustomed to waking up early. Even on days that I don't run, I'm making myself wake up at that time so I don't shock it with different times. I think it is working.
I was out of the door at 6:40, after eating some Fiber One. I did my 4 mile loop in exactly 35 minutes. I sprinted the last 1/4 mile, or at least what I call sprinting. Most people probably call it jogging. Anyways, I'm pleased that I'm getting a tiny bit faster, even though that isn't what I am trying to do.
Hopefully the weather will be nice enough tomorrow that O$ and I can run after work.
P.S. I warned you that this blog would get super boring.
I was out of the door at 6:40, after eating some Fiber One. I did my 4 mile loop in exactly 35 minutes. I sprinted the last 1/4 mile, or at least what I call sprinting. Most people probably call it jogging. Anyways, I'm pleased that I'm getting a tiny bit faster, even though that isn't what I am trying to do.
Hopefully the weather will be nice enough tomorrow that O$ and I can run after work.
P.S. I warned you that this blog would get super boring.
Monday, December 05, 2011
Saturday I woke up and plodded off 4 miles, even though I had told myself I wasn’t going to, because I had a 5 mile race on Saturday.
It really is amazing doing this running bullshit. Like one day every step seems hard. The breathing is laborious, the joints ache and the heart beats to fast. Then you go out again the very next day, and it feels TOO easy. I don’t understand it. I know it often has a lot to do with what you consumed, but I can’t pinpoint exactly what. Hopefully the more I do this, the more I’ll learn and I’ll understand how to make it easier when I want to.
It really is amazing doing this running bullshit. Like one day every step seems hard. The breathing is laborious, the joints ache and the heart beats to fast. Then you go out again the very next day, and it feels TOO easy. I don’t understand it. I know it often has a lot to do with what you consumed, but I can’t pinpoint exactly what. Hopefully the more I do this, the more I’ll learn and I’ll understand how to make it easier when I want to.
Friday, December 02, 2011
Work up with O$ this morning around 6:00 and went to central park as soon as we scarfed down some oatmeal.
The plan was to run 8 miles, but my tracker did a super weird zig zag out into nowhere, and when it said we had done 8 miles, it was wrong. We actually only ran 7.33, but that’s cool. I know we could have done the 8. I know I could have gone probably to 10 if I wanted to really push it. I have a 15K coming up in a few weeks, and although I’m not scared of not finishing, it is my first super long “race.” So I’m a bit scared about that, and excited. Which is weird. It feels like losing my virginity again. Which I destroyed the second I lost it. So maybe 15Ks will become like that. Me losing my virginity and then going on a sexual awakening.
The plan was to run 8 miles, but my tracker did a super weird zig zag out into nowhere, and when it said we had done 8 miles, it was wrong. We actually only ran 7.33, but that’s cool. I know we could have done the 8. I know I could have gone probably to 10 if I wanted to really push it. I have a 15K coming up in a few weeks, and although I’m not scared of not finishing, it is my first super long “race.” So I’m a bit scared about that, and excited. Which is weird. It feels like losing my virginity again. Which I destroyed the second I lost it. So maybe 15Ks will become like that. Me losing my virginity and then going on a sexual awakening.
Thursday, December 01, 2011
Yesterday I did my 4 miles as soon as I got home and then cleaned the fuck out of my bedroom. Both of which made me feel immediately better and less stressed out. The run was tough again. I don’t quite understand it. I seem to run better in the morning with very little food in me than I do later in the day.
Now it is official, I have signed up for my first Half-Marathon, which will take place January 21st at 8:00am. That will be my longest run to date, but I am pretty sure I’ll be ready for it by then.
Now it is official, I have signed up for my first Half-Marathon, which will take place January 21st at 8:00am. That will be my longest run to date, but I am pretty sure I’ll be ready for it by then.