Wow!

    I have flipped from running a specific amount of minutes to a specific distance. So today I was slated for a 4 miler. It was a piece of cake! Amazing how a 4 miler seemed like nothing! Plus I ran at a pretty decent pace considering the heat.
   So far this training system is working! Tomorrow it's back to 8 or 9 miles. So far I have 26.1 logged this week. I will probably try to get out early since it's still quite hot and dry here. Hope you are well!

Hot weather running

  I do love the heat! The only problem is it can really kick your butt! Today I was out fairly early and ran really well up until about 10km. Then whamo! I slowed dramatically but did manage to get my 8.1 miles in with a really excellent pace. So I have charted my next ten weeks up to the marathon. Basically the long run is the only thing I charted. I will try to add quality runs throughout the week with some intentional pace runs on Fridays and or Saturdays. I'd like to run some races but they are so doggone early in the morning! Hope all is well with you!

Hang tough!

  An old mantra I used today-"hang tough!" I got out the door by 7:50am when it was still nice and cool, but boy did the temps take off! We are setting records here with highs in the 100's.
   I have flipped now from running for time to run for distance. This is just part of my training program that I am developing for this race. I needed a 14 miler and at about 11 miles I had to start hanging tough because I was hot! I managed a route that brought me by the house so I could get water. The final 3 I carried a 20 bottle with me.
  I made it! Hung tough! It was so hot that when I'd cooled down and hit the shower the water temp, being cool, seemed too warm! My body was hot!
  So the plan is next week to try to run 15 miles on Monday. I may take tomorrow off...it all depends on the body. Hope all is well with you!

A New day!

  Every day we have a new opportunity! The opportunities are limitless! I decide to stay encouraged! This week has been a real challenge in regards to running. Yet for me, family come first....now. There was a day I had to run first. Now I'm way less driven. I still want to race well, though!
  I ran 65 minutes yesterday. Finished the week with  310 minutes on road. My race plan will change now from time to distance. The last ten weeks will see long runs and MP runs. Off to see my son Evan today...he turns 26 this week! Have a great week!

Making do

  Life has interrupted my perfect training schedule. We just do what we can do! Had my Grandson over for the day and night, wow that boy has some energy!! We also developed car troubles so that sucked time and energy. Thus I missed two days of running. However, that might of been a good thing?! Today I got out early, before the heat is too severe, and I felt wonderfully strong! Ran for 95 minutes. Probably will try to run about the same tomorrow and Saturday will be taken up as we celebrate my sons birthday. Hope all is well with you!!

Back on track

  Even thought temps are now soaring into average Summertime zones I managed my long run. 164 minutes on feet! I ran a bunch of hills, too. Had to walk some of the hills towards the end of the run, and I did an out and back three times so I could have water stops at the house. All in all I'm pleased with the progress I'm making. If I can keep increasing the long run I will be ready for the marathon. 11 weeks to go! I think I can do it...probably not with a time goal but just the goal to run well.
  Hope all is well with you! 

Rough Week

Monday I had a killer sinus headache. Tried to push through but couldn't run. Then Tuesday I felt washed out, could only eek out a 20 minute run. Took Wednesday for additional rest....still not nearly 100%, (who is ever at 100%?). Then Thursday, come H or high water I ran 147 minutes. I had to do a 4-1 jog walk toward the end, but I completed the run. Friday and Saturday were brief 5km runs. I managed to salvage the week.
   Every now and then I'll get one of those brutal sinus headaches. All I want to do is take a pill and sleep! Rest manana, and a vacation week coming up! I will miss a couple of running days but I need the escape! Hope all is well with you!

Track attack!

  So the final run of the week...track day. I simply wanted 90 minutes with some speed work thrown in...the heat and humidity is high but I felt good. After 4.5 miles I was toasted! I'd done several 400's at 10K pace and it had cost me....I finished the 90 minutes but it wasn't pretty! I look forward to next week and the 10% increase in time. I will see mileage total increase, too! Hope all is well with you!

For better or worse

   Running is such a joy. Getting in the "zone" is such a delight! Today the heat and humidity is way up...we are expecting heavy rain storms so the air is moist!
  I ran the same amount of time today but ran a bit farther. Even though I felt slower? I felt like I was in the zone a couple of times. I felt smooth and strong. I'm still slimming down. Today I'm nearing 173lbs so I'm closing in on my goal of getting under 170. Running these long time sessions in the heat will surely melt it off!
  Over time we runners form a deep bond with the act of running. It is our solace, escape, or even work-place. Running shapes us and changes us...it is always there...

Ahhh heat!!

   I really love to run in the heat! I loosen up so quickly and my body seems to crave the sweat feature. As long as I stay hydrated I seem to be able to run...forever! Well,
 85 minutes today...and the pace was very restricted. I am so glad how the Achilles have been responding to the higher mileage. Maybe, just maybe, they will not break down! I will keep doing my little supplemental exercises and I have been wearing compression socks during the long run...seems to help (placebo?).
  Tomorrow I plan on another 85 minutes. Hope all is well with you!

Pushing through

   This strange creeping crude I've caught will not let go of me! At least I have some energy and I was able to get my prescribed run in today. 134 minutes in the afternoon heat and humidity...I hoped to sweat this crude out of my system.
  All in all I am doing okay in regards to the program. I know I will have to get some "real" long runs in before I would attempt a marathon. At this rate I should get there by the end of this month and in September. I know I'll get a bunch or 16+ milers in before November.
  Well, hauled water to the saplings, feed the birds and deer, we also have been seeing several Red Foxes around the house. These guys are a dwindling species in this area so it's encouraging to see them...Sandy has been feeding them! They seem to like dog food. Hope all is well with you!

Cutdown turns into rundown!

     Man I have been draggy...felt like a cold coming on...runny nose and headache. Toke a pill for sinus and have been pushing on through life. I debated as to whether run today or not. After doing an in home visit, and house cleaning, I felt like I could try a run. I was needing 60 minutes to fulfill this weeks goals plus some up tempo running...ugh...first 30 minutes were pretty rugged then I warmed up a bit and did 10X1 min with 1 min rest pick-ups. So I survived and am now feeling about the same. Seems like the cut down week turned into the "runned" down week.
  Tomorrow I'm playing all day at a Bluegrass festival...that'll be fun! Hope you are well!