tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20681549708904918072024-03-13T18:13:24.970-05:00Battlefield RunningWhere the sole and soul of a runner meets the roads and seasons of lifeMarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13056617753977713306noreply@blogger.comBlogger1116125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2068154970890491807.post-23565597996301811742021-06-25T10:03:00.002-05:002021-06-25T10:03:25.456-05:00Sauna<p> </p><p> This is the most wonderful time of year! I love the heat and humidity! Yet I still get out earlier due to my advanced age! 4.4 miles! Hope you are well! Peace!</p>Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13056617753977713306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2068154970890491807.post-30522441380621921032021-06-23T17:22:00.001-05:002021-06-23T17:22:22.266-05:00Seasons<p> So, I am still alive! 3 years without a blog post? Needless to say we have all been stressed, pressed and distressed due to the pandemic. I actually have kept running throughout this mess. I did have the covid in December but bounced back quickly. I managed a first place age group in a 5K last weekend. Seemed that the numbers of runners was low....covid fears? </p><p> Anyway, I'm still running and fighting the good fight. I will be fully retired in 5 weeks so I hope to notch many more first place awards! Ha! Keep running! Things are looking up!</p>Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13056617753977713306noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2068154970890491807.post-17122173783101138652018-07-06T10:46:00.001-05:002018-07-06T10:46:31.476-05:00Drought<br />
So, we've been getting missed by all the pop-up showers and now drought has come. Trees are soaking up all the dew and seedlings are beginning to suffer and perish.<br />
Rain is much needed. I have adjusted my training schedule to 4 days of running this week. I have had three runs so far and did 7+ miles each run. I'm putting up a good fight against this plantar fasciitis! Hope you are well! Peace!Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13056617753977713306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2068154970890491807.post-39307307070958955642018-07-02T17:25:00.001-05:002018-07-02T17:25:40.167-05:00Survival<br />
So I ran a 5K this past Saturday. It was a decent event. Limited swag and perks but I enjoyed the time with friends. About 150 participants braved the heat advisory. Yes, it was 83 degrees when the gun went off and the heat index was certainly higher.<br />
My goal was to survive! I knew I'd had limited speed work so as the gun went off I settled in with the slow end. There were some very tight sidewalks so I just slowed down and waited until the field thinned out before I tried any pace. I managed to stay steady and no one passed me and I picked off many folks toasting out.<br />
So, I got second in my age group out of six. Finally beat some of those guys who always beat me! The heat seemed to zap us older folks...the young ones still ran fast!<br />
I was going to take some rest days but I went out and got a 7 miler in today....slowly! Hope all is well with you! Peace!Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13056617753977713306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2068154970890491807.post-46234095602939002162018-06-26T13:10:00.000-05:002018-06-26T13:10:24.129-05:00Older slower uglier<br />
Be glad you can still run! That's what I keep telling myself as I slog along. Today the humidity is very intense! We aren't getting any rain but we are humid! I got out late today and paid the price! Yes I love the heat but I am getting older and it zaps me quicker. So 5.2 miles today on top of the 7.1 yesterday. I am planning on running a 5k this Saturday. I have no idea how I will do, I do believe I will complete the distance but in regards to speed....well we will see. Hope you are well! Peace!Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13056617753977713306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2068154970890491807.post-4121960330756821222018-06-20T11:45:00.000-05:002018-06-20T11:45:27.748-05:00 Arggg!! <br />
Tired of foot probs! I've been dealing with plantar fasciitis and it's getting old! My running has not suffered because my prevention techniques are working but it is wearisome! Oh to be in my 30's again!! I used to run with reckless abandon. Not, not so much...but at least I am still running. Today was one of those good days. It's when you seem to slip into a zone of ease and stealth. Your running is effortless and supple. I loved it! 4.9 today. Rest day tomorrow! Hope all is well with you! peace! Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13056617753977713306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2068154970890491807.post-21466501156053194182018-06-11T13:43:00.000-05:002018-06-11T13:43:01.221-05:00 ZZZZIT<br />
The sound a bug zapper makes when an insect gets zapped....ZZZZIT! That's how I feel! It is terribly hot, humid and dry!! It is only June! What will August be like? Kinda worrisome! Needless to say I am praying for rain! I slogged a 6.5 miler in the sun and heat....loved it! Hope you are well! Peace!Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13056617753977713306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2068154970890491807.post-49604645535752302382018-06-05T13:36:00.000-05:002018-06-05T13:36:07.807-05:00Warming up<br />
I am running just a bit faster as we have cooled off a tad. However; it is starting to warm up again!<br />
I fear a drought is on the horizon. I am already having to haul water to my 1st and second year plants. The garden is drying out rapidly, too. Pray for rain!<br />
5.7 miles in today! Hope you are well! Peace!Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13056617753977713306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2068154970890491807.post-48301902102976823702018-06-04T13:49:00.001-05:002018-06-04T13:49:43.916-05:00Amazing <br />
It is about 15 degrees cooler than recent run days. It's really amazing how much of a difference temps make...just a few degrees. So, I actually ran at a better tempo! Still terribly slow...I have been doing speed work, though. I expect to get back some of my speed. A pleasent 6 miler today! Hope you are well! Peace!Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13056617753977713306noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2068154970890491807.post-39094983761933116752018-06-01T17:02:00.000-05:002018-06-01T17:02:37.073-05:00Nap attack<br />
I managed a 5 miler today. The temps are dead of Summer so I'm still acclimating to this swelter! I find that I have to take a nap in order to recover! I still love Summer time running!<br />
On another note a friend of mine suffered a heart attack yesterday! He's only in his mid forties! Thankfully he is ok! Just goes to show, you never know! Hope you are well! Peace!Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13056617753977713306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2068154970890491807.post-61575433625237287442018-05-29T13:14:00.000-05:002018-05-29T13:14:58.226-05:00Forced Acclimation <br />
So Spring is designed to usher us into Summer but we had no Spring! We are experiencing the warmest May on record! It's been a challenge to adapt to the onslaught of heat!<br />
My pace speed dropped but I'm still logging the necessary "D". I hope to participate in a 5K June 30. Hope you are well...5 miles today! Peace!Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13056617753977713306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2068154970890491807.post-25451238882154683412018-05-24T13:47:00.000-05:002018-05-24T13:47:39.243-05:00Summer already!<br />
We have gone from Winter to Summer in the blink of an eye!! I am not complaining because I am a Summer baby! We have been getting a fair amount of rain so right now we have no drought issues but I fear the potential. Without a period of Spring we will dry out quickly!<br />
I have been running faithfully and have built a nice base of 20+ mile a week average. I am going to run a race June 30, a 5K, see what happens!<br />
Today 5 miles-this week already 16 miles. Need to be careful and not overdo!! Hope you are well....are you a Summer baby! Peace!Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13056617753977713306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2068154970890491807.post-24234106321240606622018-05-14T13:52:00.001-05:002018-05-14T13:52:13.921-05:00Age= slower<br />
I guess I may have to accept the reality that my pace speed is declining. I managed 5.1 miles today but it took me 59 minutes! Sad....I used to run 33% faster during an average training run. I'm still in hopes that I can regain some speed, though! Looks like Summer is here! Snakes are out, cars are weaving because of inattentive drivers and Runners are wary! Hope you are well! Peace!Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13056617753977713306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2068154970890491807.post-33200358957031208622018-05-10T13:56:00.000-05:002018-05-10T13:56:56.823-05:00Oh, My!<br />
Oh, my! I didn't realize how much of a slacker I have been regarding keeping my blog up to date! No wonder my readership is in the negative numbers!!<br />
However; just because I've been lazy in blogging my running has been consistent. My weight is stable, tendons decent, knees fait and zeal strong!<br />
Running is a lifestyle! On my next run I will pass 26K lifetime miles so that speaks for consistency! Today I notched a 5.5 miler and loved every minute of the experience! Hope you are well! Peace!Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13056617753977713306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2068154970890491807.post-58594797517663253892018-04-07T15:01:00.002-05:002018-04-07T15:01:53.406-05:00Snow!<br />
I think running is life changing! We see many people get off the couch and start moving but often they won't stick with running. They do too much too soon. Injuries and ignorance serve to dissuade their effort, thus they fall back into the sedentary lifestyle. Truly it's all about making running a part of you! Let it define you by it's result and influence. As it serves it's part it is not all encompassing! Keep balance in life and you will prevent debilitating injury!<br />
3.2 miles today! Hope you are well! Peace!Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13056617753977713306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2068154970890491807.post-30530684094354077032018-04-04T13:56:00.000-05:002018-04-04T13:56:40.703-05:00Global cooling!!<br />
Help! Winter will not let go!! I have been able to maintain fitness with consistent miles but this continual cold, freezing rain and snow is wearing me out!!<br />
3.3 miles today! Hope you are well! Peace!Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13056617753977713306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2068154970890491807.post-87136219116720805042018-03-24T13:01:00.001-05:002018-03-24T13:01:42.575-05:00Good Month<br />
So far I'm having a great running month. I'm averaging well over 3 miles a day. This week I'm over 25 miles with some solid speed work today. I did 8 minutes worth of pickups, too.<br />
One thing I notice as I run....the ditches along my route are filled with trash. It's a shame to see how mankind litters. The majority of the trash is related to alcohol. Beer cans and whiskey bottles. Coming in second place is fast food wrappings. I detest littering! Hope you are well! Peace!Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13056617753977713306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2068154970890491807.post-58464579968219614812018-03-16T13:36:00.001-05:002018-03-16T13:36:35.519-05:00Seasons are good<br />
Spring is a season of hope for me. A long Winter of running and dodging sickness, and even being sick for a week, with consistent running, yes, I have been averaging 25 miles a week now! Spring offers better temps and foot races galore!<br />
Today I ran a 6 miler! Hope you are well! Peace!Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13056617753977713306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2068154970890491807.post-14375681836939821082018-03-10T07:25:00.000-06:002018-03-10T07:25:05.241-06:00Closing in...<br />
I managed to run every day except on Sundays in February. I have been able to increase to a 25 mile a week base and now it's time to "feed" in a little speed work. I seriously doubt I could be ready for a competitive HM so maybe I'll try the 5K coming up...it's for a good cause.<br />
Race prices are ridiculous anymore! Well, Winter is still trying to keep a grip on us here, but it will lose! Come on Spring! Hope you are well! Peace!Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13056617753977713306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2068154970890491807.post-52199503789112258062018-02-20T16:40:00.001-06:002018-02-20T16:40:52.744-06:00Crazy!<br />
Help! The weather is killing us! 65 one minute 32 the next! Wind, rain, freezing rain! AARGG!<br />
I have still managed to fit in some runs in between the crazy weather. I continue add one minute each day and I'm up to 39 minutes. Feelin' pretty good, doin' my planks and trying to cut out junk calories! Hope you are well! Peace!Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13056617753977713306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2068154970890491807.post-75612695433981552162018-02-15T14:04:00.000-06:002018-02-15T14:04:34.526-06:00Summer temp! <br />
Wow! Just last week we were below zero now the frogs are chirping in the ponds! It's nearly 80 degrees! I'm up to 35 minutes running. This is my third week of doing planks. Man they will really work you!! So I'm shooting for an April 7th race! Must keep going!!!<br />
Hope you are well! Peace!Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13056617753977713306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2068154970890491807.post-79714155627925812372018-02-12T13:27:00.000-06:002018-02-12T13:27:38.704-06:00Ice, ice baby!!<br />
If you know me you know I love Summertime!! This Winter we are in is brutal this year!<br />
Ice storms, below zero temps, non runner friendly weather in my opinion.<br />
When I was a young buck I'd always, no matter what, run outside! The wind? Ha! I will defeat you! Not so now! I like the calm environ of my garage on the treadmill. (almost worn out)<br />
So I am currently in week three of rebuild with a race in mind. April the 7th, HM, a good cause.<br />
BTW, I got on a kick....started doing planks. Push up style and forearm style. This is my third week and I am seeing strength increasing already.<br />
I'm still a young buck at heart! Hope you are well! peace!Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13056617753977713306noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2068154970890491807.post-55290898689461178822018-01-30T15:12:00.000-06:002018-01-30T15:12:36.465-06:00No quit!<br />
So we got sick! My wife had everything in the book and I think I had a touch of the flu. It took me over two weeks to recover enough to work out. So, I have to rebuild slowly. I started with 20 minutes of run walk and will add a minute a day for a while. Hope you have avoided any of these nasty bugs flying about! Peace!Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13056617753977713306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2068154970890491807.post-92204126747917238772018-01-11T12:47:00.000-06:002018-01-11T12:47:43.838-06:00New Year!<br />
Wow! Truth: Time does fly! I haven't logged in for a while but I have been running! I have been managing 3-5 30 minute runs every week. So I've maintained.<br />
My wife has been really sick for two weeks. The flu is running wild in our neck of the woods. I had to take Sandy to the Urgent Care today. Lots of hacking and coughing and sneezing!<br />
I got home and went out for a 30 min run! Hugh cold front coming in, too! Hope you are well! Peace!Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13056617753977713306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2068154970890491807.post-89567712239856276882017-12-21T12:37:00.001-06:002017-12-21T12:37:22.737-06:00It's Winter<br />
So, if Winter is like today it will be great! 60 degrees!! I haven't posted much lately due to short treadmill runs and a 5 day stretch where I didn't run!!<br />
Well the flu and other assorted sicknesses are making the rounds. I was terribly sick Monday but feel much better today so I ran outside for 30 minutes. Hope you are well! Peace!Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13056617753977713306noreply@blogger.com0