It was nasty this morning. I isn't raining yet today, but there is mud everywhere in the streets from the rain we have endured consistently since last Friday. All of that to say I cut my route today because of where the mud consumes the road. Only tracked 1.75 miles and it still took 24:26. Pace on mile 1 was 13:20; mile 2 was 14:48, for an average of 13:58. Marginal at best.
Since I did cut the running short, when I got back, I pulled my jump rope back out and did 4 sets of 50 each. I need a little longer jump rope - Allison's seems to catch me feet more often than not. Spent a minutes between each set stretching since my real training kicks off next week.
Cumulative miles since the start of training: 81.50 miles.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
August 25 - Back at it
After a much enjoyed week off, at 5:40, in the dark, I hit the street again. It actually felt pretty good and I ran really well for the first 8+ minutes without having to walk any. I am going to use the next two weeks to work up to running the first two miles with no walking breaks (I hope). In 28:06. I logged another 2.1 miles. Mile 1 was 12:16 and mile 2 was 14:39. The stupid big hill kills all momentum.
TNT has officially kicked off and the first group run is September 6 for like 7 miles. Already having nightmares. We have the new modified training plans, but I have not looked at mine yet. I know they say I have to run a lot.
Left foot is still sore. Podiatrist set me up with a Dyna Splint to work on stretching the muscle/tendon/ligament (can't remember which) is causing all the problems. The issue is the plantar fasciitis. I look like Robo-man in the making when I have it on. As you can imagine, it will be reserved for home use.
Busy week at work, so I am headed to the office. Please consider donating to support blood cancer research on the donation page (top right column).
Cumulative miles since the start of training: 79.75 miles.
TNT has officially kicked off and the first group run is September 6 for like 7 miles. Already having nightmares. We have the new modified training plans, but I have not looked at mine yet. I know they say I have to run a lot.
Left foot is still sore. Podiatrist set me up with a Dyna Splint to work on stretching the muscle/tendon/ligament (can't remember which) is causing all the problems. The issue is the plantar fasciitis. I look like Robo-man in the making when I have it on. As you can imagine, it will be reserved for home use.
Busy week at work, so I am headed to the office. Please consider donating to support blood cancer research on the donation page (top right column).
Cumulative miles since the start of training: 79.75 miles.
Friday, August 22, 2008
August 22 - The Week Off
I probably should have updated before now and let you know that I decided to take the week off. My motivation has been waning, and my foot continues to hurt, so I thought I would take a break. Hoping when I hit the road again Monday morning, it is with renewed focus.
Even though I have not been running this week, I have had lots of opportunity to talk about LLS and the event. I think I even managed to recruit a new runner, but she isn't signed up yet. In related LLS events, the Light the Night event is quickly approaching on September 11 at Regions Park. If you care about the cause, live around Birmingham, and want something to do, please go to www.lls.org and navigate through until you find the link for Light the Night and sign up for our event. If all else fails, email me or post here and I will have somebody contact you with more information.
Thanks again for those who continue to donate. I need more, so if you have not sent money yet, there is no time like the present. That's about all for now, but thanks again for your support.
Even though I have not been running this week, I have had lots of opportunity to talk about LLS and the event. I think I even managed to recruit a new runner, but she isn't signed up yet. In related LLS events, the Light the Night event is quickly approaching on September 11 at Regions Park. If you care about the cause, live around Birmingham, and want something to do, please go to www.lls.org and navigate through until you find the link for Light the Night and sign up for our event. If all else fails, email me or post here and I will have somebody contact you with more information.
Thanks again for those who continue to donate. I need more, so if you have not sent money yet, there is no time like the present. That's about all for now, but thanks again for your support.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
August 17 - Slow Going
Definitely lacked motivation this weekend. On Saturday, I didn't hit the road until 7:30, and then decided I was bored and it was already hot, so I only logged a mile in about 13 minutes.
Sunday morning it didn't happen, but at about 7pm I decided I needed to do something. I feel like I am dragging and this continues to be not much fun. I did 2.1 mile is 29 minutes, but I wanted to keep going with something. When I got back to the house, I grabbed a sip of G2 and then did 3 sets of 50 each of jumping rope. I took the opportunity to stretch between each set and try to work thru the lingering shin splints. To finish, I hit the treadmill and did 1 more mile in 19 minutes before hitting the shower. I logged some miles over the weekend, but in general feel a little discouraged. It will be an important week to get back committed. Good news is that the area TNT kick off is Tuesday night so that should provide some encouragement. I should also hear about a corporate sponsorship this week which will also help give me a push.
Cumulative miles since the start of training: 77.65 miles.
Sunday morning it didn't happen, but at about 7pm I decided I needed to do something. I feel like I am dragging and this continues to be not much fun. I did 2.1 mile is 29 minutes, but I wanted to keep going with something. When I got back to the house, I grabbed a sip of G2 and then did 3 sets of 50 each of jumping rope. I took the opportunity to stretch between each set and try to work thru the lingering shin splints. To finish, I hit the treadmill and did 1 more mile in 19 minutes before hitting the shower. I logged some miles over the weekend, but in general feel a little discouraged. It will be an important week to get back committed. Good news is that the area TNT kick off is Tuesday night so that should provide some encouragement. I should also hear about a corporate sponsorship this week which will also help give me a push.
Cumulative miles since the start of training: 77.65 miles.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
August 14 - Back on Track
It has been a few days since I posted because.......it has been a few days since I have run. Monday was scheduled off, Tuesday I couldn't get out of bed (I finally did but my iPod and my watch were dead), Wednesday it was raining. However, this morning was a scheduled run and I managed to get my feet on the floor by 5:30. I played tennis pretty hard last night for 2 1/2 hours so I was afraid I was going to struggle. Instead, I ran pretty well. Of the total time, 18 minutes I actually carried a 12 minute mile pace. In all, ran 2.4 miles in 32.24. Overall, a 13:38 per mile pace. That's my best average pace to date. I really wish I could post the charts here that show distance, pace and heart rate that my watch generates. Not sure why, I just think they are neat to look at.
I have received a few more checks, and it looks like I am going to have a couple of corporate sponsors lined up within the next two weeks. Thank you all for the continued support. If you are reading this and thinking about sending a check, please do. I need to get a good push on my money and then start helping Rachael. Any amount helps.
Off to the shower and then to take Allison to school.
Cumulative miles since the start of training: 73.55 miles.
I have received a few more checks, and it looks like I am going to have a couple of corporate sponsors lined up within the next two weeks. Thank you all for the continued support. If you are reading this and thinking about sending a check, please do. I need to get a good push on my money and then start helping Rachael. Any amount helps.
Off to the shower and then to take Allison to school.
Cumulative miles since the start of training: 73.55 miles.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
August 10 - Long Run
Friday was an off day, Saturday we failed to set the clock and then I played golf, so I missed that run. My plan is for longer runs to be on Sundays, and I did make it out this morning. I left here around 7am and went to Veterans Park on Valleydale where they have a cross country track. I logged 4 miles in 56:45. Pretty equally divided between running and walking. the track is going to be a pretty good place to run and it won't take long to run significantly more than walk. Lots of runners, so I feel the pressure to run and keep up. I had a high school girl lap me three time. She also ran for an hour - I covered 4 miles, she covered 10. Sick.
Cumulative miles since the start of training: 71.15 miles.
Cumulative miles since the start of training: 71.15 miles.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
August 7 - Better Than Expected
Despite playing tennis so long last night, I was able to roll out of bed this morning and turn in a pretty good run. Actually, I probably had the longest run intervals to date this morning. Wasn't all that fast, but ran pretty well. Covered the 2.4 miles is 33:40.
I forgot to mention that I was able to scope out the cross country track at Veterans Park last night when I went to the tennis courts. It appears to be a good choice for Saturday and Sunday runs. Looked relatively flat and it crushed stone type surface, making for a more comfortable surface than the asphalt I have been running on.
Check the links on the side of the page and continue to pray for these folks and their families.
Cumulative miles since the start of training: 67.15 miles.
I forgot to mention that I was able to scope out the cross country track at Veterans Park last night when I went to the tennis courts. It appears to be a good choice for Saturday and Sunday runs. Looked relatively flat and it crushed stone type surface, making for a more comfortable surface than the asphalt I have been running on.
Check the links on the side of the page and continue to pray for these folks and their families.
Cumulative miles since the start of training: 67.15 miles.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
August 6 - A Busy Week
My altered training program calls for cross-training today and it worked out that I was able to play tennis for 2 1/2 hours tonight. I am not sure it intended for the training to be quite so intense, and I am sure I will pay for it tomorrow on my regular run.
Even though I have already signed up, I attended on of the Team in Training information meetings last night. Currently, LLS is in the process of recruiting runners/raisers for this winter's events at Disney, Phoenix and Birmingham. I was able to meet the coached for the first time and found them to be pretty entertaining. I think working towards all of this as a group should help the training. I think I am going to run with group that will run the race based on running 7 minutes and walking 1 minute. Hopefully as I continue to work on my base I will be able to handle that. Actual team training doesn't start until September 20. Still plenty of time to join us if you are interested.
On that note, a friend of one of the kids I keep up with who is recovering from leukemia has decided to run in honor of her. (Rachael would not approve of that last sentence - she may make me come back and correct my grammar) I think she is bringing a friend along, so the team continues to grow and we will be able to raise even more money to help find the cure.
My fund raising is going slowly. I am right at $1,000, so only about 20%. I anxiously check the mail everyday and my email about 50 times daily to see who has decided to support the cause. I trust more is coming, so I am not going to start worrying yet. I do intend to have an event or two. Still working on what they may be. Moe's has agreed to do a promotion with me where they give a percentage of revenues from one night. I am also looking for some corporate sponsors. For $750+, you get some good advertising and help a great cause.
Changing gears, several of the folks I keep up with are fighting pretty tough battles right now. In particular, please pray for Cameron, Tiffany, Tyler, Olivia Culpepper,Stephen and Sam. They are facing various issues so check their sites for updates. Several of those who are doing well start school this week. Thank God for the progress of these kids and ask that he continue to bless them and keep them healthy.
Allison also starts school tomorrow. I hope she wakes up peacefully in the morning and has a good first day of 1st grade. That's about all for tonight. Thanks for your support and encouragement.
Even though I have already signed up, I attended on of the Team in Training information meetings last night. Currently, LLS is in the process of recruiting runners/raisers for this winter's events at Disney, Phoenix and Birmingham. I was able to meet the coached for the first time and found them to be pretty entertaining. I think working towards all of this as a group should help the training. I think I am going to run with group that will run the race based on running 7 minutes and walking 1 minute. Hopefully as I continue to work on my base I will be able to handle that. Actual team training doesn't start until September 20. Still plenty of time to join us if you are interested.
On that note, a friend of one of the kids I keep up with who is recovering from leukemia has decided to run in honor of her. (Rachael would not approve of that last sentence - she may make me come back and correct my grammar) I think she is bringing a friend along, so the team continues to grow and we will be able to raise even more money to help find the cure.
My fund raising is going slowly. I am right at $1,000, so only about 20%. I anxiously check the mail everyday and my email about 50 times daily to see who has decided to support the cause. I trust more is coming, so I am not going to start worrying yet. I do intend to have an event or two. Still working on what they may be. Moe's has agreed to do a promotion with me where they give a percentage of revenues from one night. I am also looking for some corporate sponsors. For $750+, you get some good advertising and help a great cause.
Changing gears, several of the folks I keep up with are fighting pretty tough battles right now. In particular, please pray for Cameron, Tiffany, Tyler, Olivia Culpepper,Stephen and Sam. They are facing various issues so check their sites for updates. Several of those who are doing well start school this week. Thank God for the progress of these kids and ask that he continue to bless them and keep them healthy.
Allison also starts school tomorrow. I hope she wakes up peacefully in the morning and has a good first day of 1st grade. That's about all for tonight. Thanks for your support and encouragement.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
August 5 - A New Week
I have officially moved my week to run Tuesday through Sunday, and allow Monday to be my rest day. With all that has been going on at the bank, it was a constant struggle to run Monday mornings. I would rather have the two weekend days to run, so I just shifted everything forward.
Also, I bought a new watch which is pretty cool. Now, for each run, I can keep very accurately with distance, pace, and heart rate. It also has a virtual partner I can set set to "race" against. This should help in keeping pace. I have used it on the last three runs now. One of the first things I noticed is that I run too fast. I was moving at about a 9 minute mile - I want to be closer to 11. Overall pace for today (running and walking combined) was 14:48 miles. I ran 2.4 miles in 35:29 minutes. I am trying to find a way to post the graph, but I have not figured that out yet.
Team in Training is actually kicking off this month in Alabama for anybody who is interested in running a marathon. Information meetings are the next three Tuesdays (5,12,19) in Birmingham, but there are also meetings all over the state. Feel free to leave a comment if you want dates in your area, or email cindy.walton@lls.org. Eligible marathons for the winter are Disney on January 10-11, Rock N Roll Arizona, January 18, and Mercedes in Birmingham on February 15.
Off to the shower and then the bank.
Cumulative miles since the start of training: 64.75 miles.
Also, I bought a new watch which is pretty cool. Now, for each run, I can keep very accurately with distance, pace, and heart rate. It also has a virtual partner I can set set to "race" against. This should help in keeping pace. I have used it on the last three runs now. One of the first things I noticed is that I run too fast. I was moving at about a 9 minute mile - I want to be closer to 11. Overall pace for today (running and walking combined) was 14:48 miles. I ran 2.4 miles in 35:29 minutes. I am trying to find a way to post the graph, but I have not figured that out yet.
Team in Training is actually kicking off this month in Alabama for anybody who is interested in running a marathon. Information meetings are the next three Tuesdays (5,12,19) in Birmingham, but there are also meetings all over the state. Feel free to leave a comment if you want dates in your area, or email cindy.walton@lls.org. Eligible marathons for the winter are Disney on January 10-11, Rock N Roll Arizona, January 18, and Mercedes in Birmingham on February 15.
Off to the shower and then the bank.
Cumulative miles since the start of training: 64.75 miles.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
August 3 - Back to the Real World
We made the long drive home this afternoon. Thanks Franklin and Leigh Ann for letting us hang out at the beach with you and the girls. All the kids did well playing together all weekend.
Saturday, headed out at 6 a.m. and Franklin joined me for the run. It is obvious to me how poor of a runner I am when I run with other people. He was able to go much longer intervals, and actually could probably have run the whole time without taking the walk breaks I require.
It did get cocky and one point and challenged me to a sprint. I guess based on my size, he assumed I was going to be pretty slow. I may not be able to run far, but I am really one pretty fast white boy. He only wanted to sprint that once.
I managed to run the 4 miles again, but I took a little longer as it took 1:01:06. I lost about 5 minutes, but considering I have run the longest two runs so far on back-to-back days, so not too disappointed.
Sunday was a well needed rest day as my feet and shins are sore. Read a new marathon book over the weekend, so I may alter my training schedule a little. I have also decided that I really need to be running in the afternoons so I can get hydrated before I head out. I will spend tomorrow working out the exact new schedule, but afternoons will allow me to run in one of the flatter parks around here. Tomorrow, will make the one month point from when I started running on July 4. Pretty excited that I have almost accepted this routine.
Thanks all tonight - I have to catch up on some folks since I have been out of town for several days and away from my email. Hope ya'll have a great week. Remember our many friends in your prayers.
Cumulative miles since the start of training: 62.35 miles.
Saturday, headed out at 6 a.m. and Franklin joined me for the run. It is obvious to me how poor of a runner I am when I run with other people. He was able to go much longer intervals, and actually could probably have run the whole time without taking the walk breaks I require.
It did get cocky and one point and challenged me to a sprint. I guess based on my size, he assumed I was going to be pretty slow. I may not be able to run far, but I am really one pretty fast white boy. He only wanted to sprint that once.
I managed to run the 4 miles again, but I took a little longer as it took 1:01:06. I lost about 5 minutes, but considering I have run the longest two runs so far on back-to-back days, so not too disappointed.
Sunday was a well needed rest day as my feet and shins are sore. Read a new marathon book over the weekend, so I may alter my training schedule a little. I have also decided that I really need to be running in the afternoons so I can get hydrated before I head out. I will spend tomorrow working out the exact new schedule, but afternoons will allow me to run in one of the flatter parks around here. Tomorrow, will make the one month point from when I started running on July 4. Pretty excited that I have almost accepted this routine.
Thanks all tonight - I have to catch up on some folks since I have been out of town for several days and away from my email. Hope ya'll have a great week. Remember our many friends in your prayers.
Cumulative miles since the start of training: 62.35 miles.
Friday, August 1, 2008
August 1 - A Day at the Beach
It's flat. Like really flat and I can see 2 miles. The family is all down near Fort Morgan with our friends the Danley's. I was excited about getting to run down here because I was pretty sure there would be no hills since we are almost all the way down to the old fort. I headed out this morning and logged my longest run so far - 4 miles in 56:06 minutes. Not record breaking, but continuing to build the base.
It's hard to update down here - too many kids and I can't make the wireless network work, so today is short and sweet. Please continue to pray for all my "friends" listed on the site. You can click their names to get an update.
Cumulative miles since the start of training: 58.35 miles
It's hard to update down here - too many kids and I can't make the wireless network work, so today is short and sweet. Please continue to pray for all my "friends" listed on the site. You can click their names to get an update.
Cumulative miles since the start of training: 58.35 miles
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
