Tuesday, December 29, 2009 - Ryan

Let's just start this off by saying that a puppy doesn't operate on your schedule; you operate on his. Needless to say, I've been getting up a little earlier than usual (530am vs. 730am) in order to take the little guy (I say "little", he's almost 16lbs at 10 weeks). I ran a very easy 7m @ 7:54/mile. It was about 30 degrees this morning, and pitch black, so I got to try out the jacket mom got me for Christmas. After one run, I'm a big fan of the jacket; not too heavy, but it does a good job of keeping me comfortable.

I'm a big fan of the taper. I tried loosening my shoelaces at the bottom of my foot to see if that would prevent the top of my foot from hurting; so far so good. I think I'm running somewhat strong after a good Madison Half Marathon a few weeks ago. Hopefully that will transfer over to the Blues Marathon.

Garmin Connect - Activity Details for RNR NOLA 30

Daily mileage: 7.0
Weekly mileage: 7.0
Miles on Lunartrainers: 230.0
Miles on Lunaracers: 62.6

Sunday, December 27, 2009 - Ryan

I did my last long run before the Blues Marathon yesterday. I tried a different route in Madison to mix things up. I was happy with the route, the pace (7:02/mile), and my effort (83% max).

Garmin Connect - Activity Details for RNR NOLA 29

However, the top of my right foot was / is still a little sore. Several people have told me this is a result of my big toe doing too much work, and to loosen my shoes around the bottom of my foot. I'll give that a try this week and see how it feels. During the run, I tried the Vanilla Gingerbread Gu (Leanna got that for my for Christmas), and I must say that I'm a fan. Tasted great. This week will be a series of easy runs, which I'm looking forward to. I might work a few quick miles in, but nothing too bad. I'd like to get around 30-35 easy miles in this week.

Daily mileage: 14.0
Weekly mileage: 39.0
Miles on Lunartrainers: 223.0
Miles on Lunaracers: 62.6

Friday, December 25, 2009 - Ryan

First of all, I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. I had a wonderful Christmas. Of course, my main present was the bulldog puppy (his name is JV) from Leanna. He's a handful, but such a great dog.

In terms of running presents for Christmas, I got some tights, a hat, gloves, and socks. I tried the tights out today, and I must say I'm a fan.

I did 5 1-mile repeats @ 5:45 pace today. My legs felt fine, but the top of my right foot is still tender. This is my last speedwork before the Blues Marathon in two weeks. I'll probably do 14 - 15 miles easy tomorrow.

Garmin Connect - Activity Details for RNR NOLA 28

Daily mileage: 9.0
Weekly mileage: 25.0
Miles on Lunartrainers: 209.0
Miles on Lunaracers: 62.6

Wednesday, December 23, 2009 - Ryan

I was still feeling a little tired yesterday, so I did an easy 9m @ 7:07 (heart rate was 79% max). As I've mentioned before, due to the shortage of running routes in Madison, I had to do the Ridgeland Trail again. The top of my left foot is a little tender. I'm not sure what the cause is, but it's annoying. It doesn't hurt bad enough to make me stop my run, but it just nags throughout the run.

Garmin Connect - Activity Details for RNR NOLA 27

I'm taking today off. Hopefully that will help the top of my foot. I'm thinking a few mile repeats tomorrow and then maybe a few miles of tempo to mix things up.

Daily mileage: 9.0
Weekly mileage: 16.0
Miles on Lunartrainers: 200.0
Miles on Lunaracers: 62.6

Tuesday, December 21, 2009 - Ryan

The weather in Madison was perfect for a run yesterday, so I did an easy 7 miles @ 7:04. My ankle had been tender from my 21 miles Saturday, so I didn't want to push it too hard on this one (heart rate averaged 79% max). I'm going to probably go 9 miles today at around the same pace.

Garmin Connect - Activity Details for RNR NOLA 26

I would've posted last night, but I was too busy playing with my new Christmas present from Leanna. She got me a English bulldog puppy (which I've wanted for some time now). I can't thank her enough!

On a sidenote, based on what I've been reading on Garett's posts and talking to him on the phone, it sounds like his running is coming along nicely. Taxi is out of commission due to the weather still, but hopefully he'll find some time to get back into it soon. Nathan claims to have been running, but there's no confirmation on that.

Daily mileage: 7.0
Weekly mileage: 7.0
Miles on Lunartrainers: 191.0
Miles on Lunaracers: 62.6

Cold!!!

So I went for a little jog this afternoon, the details of which are linked below, let me know if it doesn't come up.

I am continuing to learn from my rookie "distance" mistakes. Tonight for instance I left the house at about 4:30. I should have anticipated that the sun would go down during my run and the temperatures would be dropping about 10 degrees. 10 degrees doesn't sound like much, but it is apparently the difference between pants and gloves versus shorts and long sleeve t. My hands were cold at mile 5, and by mile 7 they flat out hurt, which lead to my second mistake.

I didn't plan my route very well. I only planned on running 6.5, but mid run I decided to up the distance so I had to route plan on the fly, which caused me to finish 7 miles about .6 miles from my house. At that point I was gassed, and my hands were like blocks of ice.

All setbacks aside it was a glorious run. I hit my goal for 2009. I feel great, very happy with my progress. It's amazing what accomplishing a goal can do for the running confidence, especially when you do it with 10 days to spare. Thanks for all the support, hope you all have a Merry Christmas.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/20800569

Saturday, December 19, 2009 - Ryan

After resting Thursday and Friday, it was time for a long run today. With the Mississippi Blues Marathon 3 weeks out, I thought this would be the best weekend to get in a 20-miler (which would be my longest run since the Chicago Marathon in October). Needless to say, there aren't many good 20-mile routes in Madison, so I basically had to run all over the place. However, I misjudged my loop and ended up running 21 miles. In terms of intensity, I didn't want to push myself too hard, and I averaged 7:04/mile pace, which is 80% of max. I kept my splits in a consistent range, so I was happy with that as well. I will probably do a regular week this coming week, then start a 2 week taper. I probably should include more hills in my training since that's what the majority of the Blues Marathon is.

Garmin Connect - Activity Details for RNR NOLA 25

Also, looks like Garett has signed up for the Country Music Half Marathon in April with me. That's one down, two to go. Like him, I'm somewhat skeptical of the other two, but hopefully they will prove me wrong. Remember, the discount goes away after 12/31.

Daily mileage: 21.0
Weekly mileage: 41.0
Miles on Lunartrainers: 184.0
Miles on Lunaracers: 62.6

Nashville Here I Come!

Well, I bit the bullet and registered for the Music City Half Marathon. Fees are paid so it looks like I'm doing this. And if I were a gambling man (which I am) I would bet it's just me and Hendy in Nashville in April (calling others to the carpet).

Let's talk about my job for a second. One of the benefits of my job is that when I'm not in surgery I can usually dictate my schedule. So, when I'm done with cases by 12, I can get a workout and run in and be done before 5. Unfortunately I also cover trauma cases. And even more unfortunate is the fact I have a partner unable to cover all cases on his own.

So last night after griping to my very understanding and supportive bride about how I hadn't gotten in a run since Monday, I headed to the gym. I called my partner (who was flying solo covering a surgery scheduled to start at 5:30), made sure he was fine to be on his on and began to look forward to my 40 minutes on the treadmill.

Well it wouldn't happen. As I stretched my calves my cell phone rang and said partner informed me that I was needed at the hospital 30 minutes away(Bobby was in over his head). So yeah, I rocked the lunar glides in the OR and put the run off for another day.

Sorry to go off on a work tangent, but I felt it was somewhat relative and I needed to vent. In running news, I made it out tonight and broke out my new nike running pants as temperatures were in the low 40's (loved them). Paired with a black ski hat, black longsleeve dri-fit shirt, my black lunar glides, and new black paints I looked like either a) The Johnny Cash of the running world or B) Your friendly bank robber.

Got the Garmin back out so here you go for tonight's run: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/20702102

Thursday, December 17, 2009 - Ryan

Yesterday I got in 8m @ 6:43. My legs are still somewhat tired from the race this weekend. My hamstrings feel very tight so I'm taking today off. I might run an easy 4-5m tomorrow before running 20m (6:55-7:10 pace) on Saturday.

Garmin Connect - Activity Details for RNR NOLA 24

As I said earlier, I signed up for the Mississippi Blues Marathon . A lot of good, local runners (and friends) are running it, so it should be a good time (the painfully hilly course aside). I ran the half last year, and I almost swore off running because of it. The weather was hot and humid (shocking in MS, I know), the roads were terrible (probably still are given the Jackson, MS budget), and the course was so hilly that it never gave you a chance to get a comfortable pace because as soon as you finished one hill, there was another monster staring you in the face. The course has changed some this year, so hopefully they fixed that issue.

On a separate note, Garett and I have signed up for the Country Music Half Marathon in April. Again, that race last year was a nightmare because I didn't know the course and because the temperatures at the finish of the half were around 75. I believe they were north of 80 when Leanna finished the full. Maybe God will be kind to us this year. Taxi and Nathan are on the clock now for sign-up. Yes, they are still alive. Taxi claims its too cold to run and Nathan apparently doesn't feel the need to post anything.

Daily mileage: 8.0
Weekly mileage: 20.0
Miles on Lunartrainers: 163.0
Miles on Lunaracers: 62.6

Back In the Saddle

Well lets hope last Friday's run was an anomaly. Monday evening's run might have proved it was. In a terrific recovery I went 4.8 in 38:24 (previously ran this route 2 minutes faster).

Unfortunately I made a very rookie mistake with my new Garmin 405. I forgot to charge the thing. I took today off to celebrate my birthday with seared duck breast and bread pudding. I'd much rather run outside tomorrow but I think I need to hit the gym and get in some light weight training.

As expected my running has been erratic over the last week and will probably continue to be that way due to a number of circumstances: 1. The Holidays 2.Sam's surgeries and recoveries 3.My sister's looming delivery.

While I accomplished my original goal of 6 miles before the new year, I am still hopeful that I can push a 7 mile run before January 1. Also, I think I'll begin to look for a half marathon training program for the Nashville half marathon, and I'm open to any suggestions.

Happy Running

Tuesday, December 15, 2009 - Ryan

Let's start the post off by saying happy birthday to Garett. Hope he had a great one.

My schedule called for 9 miles on Monday, and I fully intended to do them. However, the weather didn't cooperate so I was forced inside to the treadmill. For those of you who read this, you know how much I hate the treadmill. Nonetheless, I tried. I made it 3 miles, got bored, and called it a day. My hamstrings were still a little tight from the race on Saturday, so only going 3 miles probably wasn't a bad thing.

I got 9 miles in today at a comfortable pace. I was supposed to do mile repeats tomorrow, but there's been a slight change in my training schedule. For some reason, I got a wild hair and I've decided to run the Mississippi Blues Marathon. It's a tough course through parts of downtown Jackson, Belhaven, Lakeland Drive, and northeast Jackson. I ran the half marathon last year and swore I'd never do it again, but for some unknown reason, I thought I'd try and tackle the full this year. Instead of following the training program I'd planned for NOLA, I'm going to modify it a little for the Blues Marathon in 3 weeks. I'll probably train for another week and then start my taper.

Garmin Connect - Activity Details for RNR NOLA 23

Also, the pictures above are from my half marathon finish this weekend, and from the exact half marathon finish last year (my first half marathon ever - 1:34:30). I cut my time by 15 minutes in a year, which I'm quite happy with.

Daily mileage: 9.0
Weekly mileage: 12.0
Miles on Lunartrainers: 155.0
Miles on Lunaracers: 62.6

Falling Back

As someone who isn't an established runner, I can think of few things worse than a medical setback, followed by trying to get back to where you were just two weeks ago.

While visiting Michelle's family last week, I decided to go for a jog on Friday. Since it was 18 degrees outside with winds at 20-30mph I drove for 30 minutes to the nearest Snap Fitness. I was feeling much better from my cold, but still wouldn't put myself at 100 percent.

There on the treadmill I had the most embarrassing, painful, and awkward runs to date. 3 miles in 25:44. And I was spent. I don't know why my legs felt so bad, but they did. I was dying, I had to walk for 4 minutes of the jog (two separate 2 minute intervals). I actually stopped running at about 14 minutes, and slowed to a temporary walk.

It was awful, but worse is that I'm not sure where I should be now. After I post this I am heading to the gym for a little run. And I will start off at my usual 7:47 pace and see how long I can hold it. Here's to hoping this performance is better than the last.

Saturday, December 12, 2009 - Ryan

If someone listed the worst possible conditions to run in, the list would include difficult elements (wind / rain), cold temperatures (below 40 degrees), and a boring course. Well, if you wanted all of those things, then you should've run the Cellular South MTC Half Marathon this morning. Windy, steady rain, temperatures around 40, and a boring out and back course (with rolling hills for good measure).

My plan for the race was to go out at a pace I could maintain for most of the race (9-10 miles) and then see what I had left in the tank for the last 3 miles. I ran the first 10 miles at around 6:00 pace and the last 3 at about 5:50 pace and finished in 1:18:59 (a new PR for me by about 2 minutes). I was very happy with that time, especially give the conditions and the fact that the course was about .10 of a mile long (which adds about 20-30 seconds).

Garmin Connect - Activity Details for Cellular South MTC Half Marathon (RNR NOLA 22)

Nathan opted for a rain check on this one. Not sure I blame him, but I'm glad I got out there and ran a strong race. Great race from Caleb (1st), Dale (4th) and Chris (5th) as well.

Daily mileage: 13.2
Weekly mileage: 34.2
Miles on Lunartrainers: 143.0
Miles on Lunaracers: 62.6

Thursday, December 10, 2009 - Ryan

I made a little modification to my run yesterday since I'm racing this weekend. The schedule called for a hard tempo run (6m @ 5:59), but I'd prefer going into the race Saturday with fresh legs, so I ran 5m @ ~6:35 and then finished w/ 3m @ ~6:17. This way, I got a little tempo work in after running 5 solid miles. I guess this was a workout to somewhat test my "kick", while keeping my legs fresh for the race. I'm taking off today and tomorrow, then 13.1 Saturday.

As of now, Nathan is still planning on running. I only update you because apparently he doesn't feel the need to. Taxi's running has slowed a little due to weather issues in Chicago. We're hoping his wife will get him a Garmin for Christmas.

Daily mileage: 8.0
Weekly mileage: 21.0
Miles on Lunartrainers: 143.0
Miles on Lunaracers: 49.4

Tuesday, December 8, 2009 - Ryan

Due to the rain today, I had to run 6 miles on the treadmill. If you read my post yesterday, you know how I feel about running on the treadmill, I absolutely hate it. Todays run just confirmed that; I still hate it. Even with a towel covering the display board, I could see through the towel so I always knew how far I'd gone. I'd sit there and try to watch Sportscenter, but end up glancing down to see the distance tick up evrey 1/100th of a mile. Needless to say, 40:40 felt like several hours, but I'm glad it's over. I'm supposed to do speedwork tomorrow, but I might not because of the half marathon I'm running on Saturday. I might do an easy 7-8 miles tomorrow; we'll see.

Daily mileage: 7.0
Weekly mileage: 13.0
Miles on Lunartrainers: 135.0
Miles on Lunaracers: 49.4

Too Soon

So I was still feeling the effects of whatever was in my system over the last few days, but still felt like I could get in a run.

I fully expected to my body to just feel weak and tired (which it did), so I only set out for 4 miles on the treadmill. What I didn't see coming were the multiple coughing fits throughout the run. Fortunately I had my towel close by and proceeded to cough into it. Aside from struggling to breathe (really all I wanted was a little throat clear and it turns into a convulsing hack and gasp for air) the spasms also lead me lose my balance, thus causing me to use my now germ infested hands to clutch the treadmill and keep myself up.

Looking at this and my previous post I seem to be getting a little negative. No worries, I am enjoying the running and have found great satisfaction in the little improvement I've shown. Should I be concerned? I mean, I'm only up to 6 miles and I sometimes feel like I'm on a death march, a slow 9 minute mile death march.

Monday, December 7, 2009 - Ryan

I ran a solid 7 miles today. I did the standard Ridgeland running trail route since I ran from work. The weather was quite awful today (rainy, overcast, temp in the 40s), so I was lucky to find a small, rain-free window to run outside. I apparently got off to a spirited start considering I hit 99% of my max HR in the first mile.

Garmin Connect - Activity Details for RNR NOLA 20

I despise running on the treadmill. There's nothing worse than running for an hour and realizing you haven't gone anywhere. Plus, I always find myself looking at the timer every 5-10 seconds, so my treadmill runs seem like an eternity. It doesn't even help if I watch TV on the treadmill, I still end up staring at the clock. Also, at least you have scenery outside.

I was talking with Nathan today on Facebook. Readers might remember Nathan as a "guest" poster on the blog. Anyways, he and his girlfriend are coming to run the same Cellular South Half Marathon that I'm running on Saturday. I highly encourage anyone in the area to come run it. It was my first ever half marathon last year, so I'm anxious to see my improvement with a year of training under my belt.

Daily mileage: 7.0
Weekly mileage: 7.0
Miles on Lunartrainers: 129.0
Miles on Lunaracers: 49.4

Sick...

I find myself coming down with some cold like symptoms; sore throat, runny nose, cough. So I took another day off from running. I haven't hit full blown sick yet, but I'm hoping rest and fluids will keep my condition from getting any worse.

If I feel the slightest bit better tomorrow I will go get 5 miles or so. I'll probably take the run indoors and avoid the elements.

In other news, an invitation to the blog has been extended to my favorite student. Shoeless Taylor, lace 'em up and let us now what your jumping off point is.

Saturday, December 5, 2009 - Ryan

It was definitely chilly this morning when I left the house for 8 miles. It snowed last night and the trees along the trail were covered in snow. There was little / no humidity, so that made running much easier. Since I didn't do any speedwork or tempo this week, so I tried to run today at a good pace (6:25 pace, avg. 91% of max HR). Off tomorrow, then back at it Monday.

Garmin Connect - Activity Details for RNR NOLA 19

Glad to see Garett joining the Garmin 405 family. Hopefully Taxi and Nathan will follow suit soon.

Daily mileage: 8.0
Weekly mileage: 37.0
Miles on Lunartrainers: 122.0
Miles on Lunaracers: 49.4

A little Chilly

Concern: I hate running in the cold. My body wasn't designed for it. I don't have very much natural insulation, and what's even worse I have poor circulation. I have to purchase some gloves, my left hand got numb to the point I couldn't extend my thumb. Oh, and the cold weather, combined with multiple layers of clothing isn't helping with the chaffing.

On another note, I purchased an early birthday present for myself this week. The Garmin 405 Forerunner. Last night was the maiden voyage for the 405. I think I still have some things to work out, mostly operator error. I didn't lock the bezel so my screen was all over the place. After syncing it though, I was pleased with the performance. Below is a link to my run, hopefully it will work.

FYI I shaved 12 seconds per mile off my run with Hendy, and added .18 miles. A small improvement but I think my goal of a 7 mile run before New Year's will be easily attainable.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/20014582

Thursday, December 3, 2009 - Ryan

Another easy 7 miles today. I went a little harder today versus yesterday (88% of max HR). Off day tomorrow, and then another 7 miles on Saturday. I could get used to these easy weeks.

Garmin Connect - Activity Details for RNR NOLA 18

Daily mileage: 7.0
Weekly mileage: 29.0
Miles on Lunartrainers: 114.0
Miles on Lunaracers: 49.4

Wednesday, December 2, 2009 - Ryan

Another easy 7 miles today. Again, due to a shortage of routes and traffic on Highland Colony at lunch, I ran on the trail. As I said yesterday, I was going to run easy today, and I did. I averaged 73% of Max HR for the entire run, which is perfect for an easy run. 73% put me at the low end of Zone 3, defined as:

"In this zone -- reached by running easily as an example -- you improve your functional capacity. The number and size of your blood vessels actually increase, you step up your lung capacity and respiratory rate, and your heart increases in size and strength so you can exercise longer before becoming fatigued. You're still metabolizing fats and carbohydrates at about a 50-50 rate which means both are burning at the same ratio."

Garmin Connect - Activity Details for RNR NOLA 17

You guessed it, another 7 miles tomorrow and 7 Saturday.

Looks like Garett and Taxi are both making strong progress early in training. Rumor is Garett just picked up a Garmin 405, so hopefully he'll start mapping his routes as well.

Daily mileage: 7.0
Weekly mileage: 22.0
Miles on Lunartrainers: 107.0
Miles on Lunaracers: 49.4

Running in the AM

Let me say the few times I've run within 3o minutes of waking up, I haven't like it at all. That might be the single thing I look forward to the least out of training for the full marathon. I know it's going to be a neccissity when I am looking at 10 + miles in the Mississippi heat in August. And I'm aware your testosterone levels are higher in the morning, but my body just can't function without a shower, and who wants to wake up early, shower, run, and shower again?

That said, I do LOVE getting a run in before lunch. Today, with the fear of my schedule in the afternoon looking like it could go into the early evening, I squeezed in a trip to the gym after a couple hours of work this morning. I logged 3 miles on the treadmill in 23:03 (since I did 4.5 yesterday and will go for 6 again tomorrow) I felt a quick pace and shorter distance would be enough for today. It just changes the way I feel the rest of the day. My body feels great, not tired. Plus there's the added bonus of accomplishment with getting something done physically before 11 am. Hopefully this feeling will be enough to carry me through future AM workouts.

Happy Running.

Thanksgiving Weekend in Wisconsin - Taxi

Well, first things first, I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving Weekend. I know that those who contribute to this blog (save Boo Boo) really enjoyed Saturday afternoon. I had to pay $25 to get the Egg Bowl on PPV, but it was well worth it.

I had plans to run in a Turkey Trot Thursday morning with my sister, but after the bad snow Wednesday night we opted out. I did, however, get a 2.5 mile run in on Friday morning in the hilliest conditions that I have ever run it. Now I was not running up and down mountains, but I also did not realize the terrain compared to my beginner's level of running. It wore my ass out. Fortunately, we had a family spa day on Friday and I had a massage Friday afternoon...call me gay, but this guy loved the hell out of it. Before I left, I ran my longest since my training started in the last month. It was not long, but it was a hilly 3.5 miles. I felt great after the run. I am going to try to get to 4 miles sometime this week. My goal for the end of the year is lofty, but I would like to get up to 6 miles within the next 4 weeks. We shall see what happens.

One last item, although it is off topic. I deep fried my first turkey last Thursday. The long and the short of it, phenomenal. It will be a tradition for years to come. I'll try to get on the blog more often, sorry Hendy.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009 - Ryan

Another easy run today (7 miles @ 6:35). The weather was crap today, but I felt pretty strong during the run. My leg seems better. I'm thinking the pain behind my left knee was a result of overuse.

Garmin Connect - Activity Details for RNR NOLA 16

Tomorrow calls for 7 miles again. I'm thinking I'll go a little easier this time and slow the pace down a little (considering I hit 100% of my max HR today). Sorry I don't have anymore commentary, but limited routes and an easy week don't make for much excitement.

Daily mileage: 7.0
Weekly mileage: 15.0
Miles on Lunartrainers: 100.0
Miles on Lunaracers: 49.4