I am in the future. It's currently Friday, October 8, 2010 and I am 13 hours ahead of all you folks on the east coast. I'm a time traveler. Want to know my secrets?
My flight left Charlotte at 9:00 am on Wednesday, October 6th destined for Chicago. I made a few last minute phone calls, business emails and met up with Team Ivy League prior to boarding United Flight 881 to Narita Airport in Tokyo. It's a great group of guys which includes: Steve Sundell (Columbia), Zach Hine (Cornell), Ben Stern (Princeton), Robert Hartnett (Columbia), Sam Luff (Cornell), Michael Maag (Princeton), Paul Morris (Columbia), Frank Tinney (Princeton) and myself. The first three listed have all been on the trip before while the others are all new comers.
During the eternal flight from Chicago to Tokyo I read parts of What the Dog Saw by Malcolm Gladwell, took naps, listened to podcasts and watched movies. I viewed three of the four movies that played during the flight which were Cyrus, Dinner for Schmucks and The Back Up Plan. The first two had their moments, but the third was utterly awful. J. Lo isn't even hot these days which you combine with her terrible acting and an even worse plot... Ben and I agreed that we were even more bored watching the movie than just sitting watching the map of our airplane slowly cross over the US, Canada, Alaska (basically not the US), water, Russia, more water and then Japan. During the flight I was sure to get up and walk around as much as possible. I spent most of the time at Michael, Frank and Robert's (Bobby) seats because they scored an exit row, granted both Mike and Frank top 6'4" which means they will be two of the tallest guys in all of Japan.
We finally arrived at Narita around 3:00 pm, walked through customs, grabbed our luggage and were greeted by a guide. She told us that we had to wait for two mystery guests who arrived around 5:00 pm. Our team plus the photographer (John Deputy) walked around the airport eating Bagel & Bagel sandwiches. We found an observation deck where we killed 30 minutes watching planes take off and land. Very cool if you were three years old. When it was time we walked back down to meet our guide and the guests. It got to 5:15 pm before the guide came over and asked for Mr. Stern in a cute Japanese accent. Turns out we were waiting for a guy that was on our flight the entire time and arrived with us. It made for a funny, awkward Lost in Translation moment (I'm not a fan of that movie either, but thought I'd sound cool by referencing it). I felt it was a better comparison to the Dos Equis commercials featuring the "most interesting guy in the world." Ben is so important that he waits for himself to arrive late.
All of us had a bus ride across Tokyo to the old Haneda airport where we would be flying to some town that was not Izumo. The flight was about 90 minutes long and we were all exhausted. I did, however prior to the flight, score a cafe misto at a Starbucks that was overpriced but not half bad. Upon landing we hopped a bus that would drive us an hour to our hotel in Izumo.
So it's now a little after midnight, but I'm wide awake. I've showered and can't smell myself anymore. Tomorrow I will update more on the trip and fill in the last few workouts prior to coming to Japan. Keep reading...
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Leaving for Japan
Time: 42:12
Distance: ~5.3 miles
Before heading to the airport this morning Meagan and I put in some dark miles through Freedom Park. We shuffled our way to a Short Loop. Today's travel calls for a flight from Charlotte to Chicago (easy), a second from Chicago to Tokyo (tortuous) and a third from Tokyo to Yonago (not so fun either). There will be many naps, some reading and movie watching. I'll basically lose Weds. and Thurs. to travel. Catch you in Izumo...
Distance: ~5.3 miles
Before heading to the airport this morning Meagan and I put in some dark miles through Freedom Park. We shuffled our way to a Short Loop. Today's travel calls for a flight from Charlotte to Chicago (easy), a second from Chicago to Tokyo (tortuous) and a third from Tokyo to Yonago (not so fun either). There will be many naps, some reading and movie watching. I'll basically lose Weds. and Thurs. to travel. Catch you in Izumo...
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Confidence Booster
Time: ~52:05
Distance: 7.25 miles
W/u: 18:15 for ~2 miles
W/o: 2 x 200 strides, 3 x 1 mile w/ 2 min recovery
C/d: 18:50 for ~2 miles
The goal this evening was to get some confidence back and get used to hurting again. I haven't run a real workout in about a month or whenever it was that I went to DC for the Nation's Triathlon. I've tried to make my races the hard efforts with a couple days of strides and maybe some uptempo work, but nothing that I would classify as a true hard workout.
Meagan and I drove over to the AG where we met Dean Otto for some light miles to warm up the body. We hit a new trail that surrounds part of Myers Park High School. I did a few strides and light stretches before shedding the jacket and getting to work. The wind was about 10 mph, but not too much of a concern.
Splits:
33.15 (59), 33.12 (1:55),
4:38.75 (2:00), 4:42.20 (2:00), 4:45.40 for 22:07 total and 3.25 miles
I needed this one and am happy with the results. My original plan was to run 72s on the first, 71s on the second and 70s on the third mile, but that went out the window when I rolled off the line. I was a bit quick through the first 400m with a 68-69 second lap. I basically maintained that pace and felt relaxed doing so. I didn't even care when on the third lap a youth football team crowded the homestretch and I had to weave in and out (I have experience now that I ran Race for the Ta-Tas). I couldn't believe how easy sub-4:40 felt. I jogged a bit before the second repeat and caught my breath pretty quick. The second mile was a little tougher, but not that bad either. On the third I wanted to go out more relaxed and then close hard. I hoped for an opening lap of 75, but I went 73, 73, 70, 64.
I'm ready to race confidently and well now in Japan after this workout. It helped that the weather is now ideal for running fast. What a difference 65 degrees with little humidity makes.
Distance: 7.25 miles
W/u: 18:15 for ~2 miles
W/o: 2 x 200 strides, 3 x 1 mile w/ 2 min recovery
C/d: 18:50 for ~2 miles
The goal this evening was to get some confidence back and get used to hurting again. I haven't run a real workout in about a month or whenever it was that I went to DC for the Nation's Triathlon. I've tried to make my races the hard efforts with a couple days of strides and maybe some uptempo work, but nothing that I would classify as a true hard workout.
Meagan and I drove over to the AG where we met Dean Otto for some light miles to warm up the body. We hit a new trail that surrounds part of Myers Park High School. I did a few strides and light stretches before shedding the jacket and getting to work. The wind was about 10 mph, but not too much of a concern.
Splits:
33.15 (59), 33.12 (1:55),
4:38.75 (2:00), 4:42.20 (2:00), 4:45.40 for 22:07 total and 3.25 miles
I needed this one and am happy with the results. My original plan was to run 72s on the first, 71s on the second and 70s on the third mile, but that went out the window when I rolled off the line. I was a bit quick through the first 400m with a 68-69 second lap. I basically maintained that pace and felt relaxed doing so. I didn't even care when on the third lap a youth football team crowded the homestretch and I had to weave in and out (I have experience now that I ran Race for the Ta-Tas). I couldn't believe how easy sub-4:40 felt. I jogged a bit before the second repeat and caught my breath pretty quick. The second mile was a little tougher, but not that bad either. On the third I wanted to go out more relaxed and then close hard. I hoped for an opening lap of 75, but I went 73, 73, 70, 64.
I'm ready to race confidently and well now in Japan after this workout. It helped that the weather is now ideal for running fast. What a difference 65 degrees with little humidity makes.
High Point Trails with Jenna
Time: 47:18
Distance: ~6 miles
After the Greensboro Velo Club meeting last night, Meagan and I headed over to Jenna Wrieden's apartment in High Point. Over the summer she took a job as the assistant coach for the women's team at HPU. It was great catching up with her and enjoying a few pints of ice cream last night.
In the morning she drove us to some trails where we ran for about 6 miles. It was difficult to judge pace as the single track trails were rather rooted and sinuous. (How's that for a vocab word)? I originally wanted to run a workout on High Point's track, but when we got up the air had a nice chill to it. I decided to run easy with the girls and do my workout in the evening back in Charlotte.
Distance: ~6 miles
After the Greensboro Velo Club meeting last night, Meagan and I headed over to Jenna Wrieden's apartment in High Point. Over the summer she took a job as the assistant coach for the women's team at HPU. It was great catching up with her and enjoying a few pints of ice cream last night.
In the morning she drove us to some trails where we ran for about 6 miles. It was difficult to judge pace as the single track trails were rather rooted and sinuous. (How's that for a vocab word)? I originally wanted to run a workout on High Point's track, but when we got up the air had a nice chill to it. I decided to run easy with the girls and do my workout in the evening back in Charlotte.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Post Let Me Run, Pre GVC
Time: 22:47
Distance: ~3.5 miles
After coaching the boys at Let Me Run, I was able to run a shortened loop through Freedom Park. I started comfortably for the first 7 or 8 minutes and quickly picked up the pace. I felt good charging the final hill back up to Park Road Montessori where I had parked my car before practice. I only had a few minutes to get ready back at home because I was invited to attend the monthly Greensboro Velo Club meeting to present some items from Chrome and Craft.
Distance: ~3.5 miles
After coaching the boys at Let Me Run, I was able to run a shortened loop through Freedom Park. I started comfortably for the first 7 or 8 minutes and quickly picked up the pace. I felt good charging the final hill back up to Park Road Montessori where I had parked my car before practice. I only had a few minutes to get ready back at home because I was invited to attend the monthly Greensboro Velo Club meeting to present some items from Chrome and Craft.
Meagan's Back!
Time: 61:12
Distance: ~8.6 miles
After about a month's absence, Meagan is back to running healthy again. She and I went for our Medium Freedom Park Loop this morning. While she was in Atlanta her mileage slowly increased and her foot gradually healed to the point of running naturally. The run this morning wasn't fast, but it was at least run with relative ease and no pain. I'm glad to have her back out on the roads of Charlotte with me. The last 5 minutes of the run we picked up the pace considerably because she thought we were running too slow. I believe we've broken an hour on this loop a couple of times together, but there really no need for her to push the tempo this early into her return. Either way we both had a good run and look forward to training in the fall temperatures together again. Most importantly, she looks forward to having her name tagged in my blog again.
Distance: ~8.6 miles
After about a month's absence, Meagan is back to running healthy again. She and I went for our Medium Freedom Park Loop this morning. While she was in Atlanta her mileage slowly increased and her foot gradually healed to the point of running naturally. The run this morning wasn't fast, but it was at least run with relative ease and no pain. I'm glad to have her back out on the roads of Charlotte with me. The last 5 minutes of the run we picked up the pace considerably because she thought we were running too slow. I believe we've broken an hour on this loop a couple of times together, but there really no need for her to push the tempo this early into her return. Either way we both had a good run and look forward to training in the fall temperatures together again. Most importantly, she looks forward to having her name tagged in my blog again.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Week in Review
Time: 623:53
Distance: 89.74 miles
I got in the miles, but that's about it. I ran a terrible race from a toughness standpoint and didn't run a workout this week (I came close with a long uptempo effort). The good news is despite the sub-par effort, I am still getting in the miles while traveling recently. I won't mention the bad news as all you have to do is read my post from Saturday. After the race I was able to reflect and map out some of my training leading up to leaving for Japan. I'll need one workout prior to racing in Izumo to give me the confidence and familiarity with hurting/pushing the threshold.
Today also marked Caitlin's marathon debut at the Twin Cities Marathon. For whatever reason the live update system didn't work and I never received text messages on her progress. Right around the time I was leaving Wilmington, I started inquiring about her race. She ran brilliantly and finished in 2:41:53 which placed her behind a couple Ethiopians, a Kenyan and some Russians. Not a bad debut at all. I conservatively guessed that she would finish a few tics under 2:44 in a prediction contest, but honestly thought she was fit enough to run in the 2:41-2:44 range. A big congrats and job well done to her.
Distance: 89.74 miles
I got in the miles, but that's about it. I ran a terrible race from a toughness standpoint and didn't run a workout this week (I came close with a long uptempo effort). The good news is despite the sub-par effort, I am still getting in the miles while traveling recently. I won't mention the bad news as all you have to do is read my post from Saturday. After the race I was able to reflect and map out some of my training leading up to leaving for Japan. I'll need one workout prior to racing in Izumo to give me the confidence and familiarity with hurting/pushing the threshold.
Today also marked Caitlin's marathon debut at the Twin Cities Marathon. For whatever reason the live update system didn't work and I never received text messages on her progress. Right around the time I was leaving Wilmington, I started inquiring about her race. She ran brilliantly and finished in 2:41:53 which placed her behind a couple Ethiopians, a Kenyan and some Russians. Not a bad debut at all. I conservatively guessed that she would finish a few tics under 2:44 in a prediction contest, but honestly thought she was fit enough to run in the 2:41-2:44 range. A big congrats and job well done to her.
Wilmington Long Run
Time: 104:19
Distance: ~15 miles
This run owes a lot to last night's festivities at the Fox and Hound. I ended up staying in Wilmington because there wasn't anything in Charlotte that I needed to be back for since Meagan wasn't getting home until Sunday afternoon. I decided to stay in Wilmington so as to maximize my time out of town.
After the race yesterday I visited a couple of bike stores and worked at a local coffee shop back in the same center where TrySports in located. Around 3:30 I met up with BMac over at the Fox and Hound to watch the OU vs. Texas and NC State vs. VA Tech games. We ordered a tower of beer, finished it, and filled her up again. It was a great way to kill a few hours while Chris Lamperski was slaving away across the street. I'll let BMac recap the rest of our shenanigans in his blog Dinner's for Suckers. It's true that we saw G-force and ate chips for dinner. Needless to say both of us were done by the time double digits hit and Chris was ready to peace out. I slept on the floor at the hotel and enjoyed every minute of it.
In the morning Chris, BMac and I got up and went for a run to the end of Hwy 76. It was literally the end of the road because it just stopped and a sign said "end." Maybe it was the start, ever think of that? We hit the end point (really halfway mark) around 53 minutes and turned for home. It was solidly windy on the way back, but the three of us maintained a relaxed clip all the way back. I felt good with the distance and when we arrived back at the hotel.
I departed Wilmington after a shower, quick breakfast and refueling of the sportwagon. I wasn't looking forward to the 4 hour drive back to Charlotte and was especially dreading the US-74/Independence section near Monroe. I tweeted about it being the worst road in America when leaving on Friday. It's definitely no Route 66. I was, however, looking forward to seeing Meagan and being back home for a few days.
Distance: ~15 miles
This run owes a lot to last night's festivities at the Fox and Hound. I ended up staying in Wilmington because there wasn't anything in Charlotte that I needed to be back for since Meagan wasn't getting home until Sunday afternoon. I decided to stay in Wilmington so as to maximize my time out of town.
After the race yesterday I visited a couple of bike stores and worked at a local coffee shop back in the same center where TrySports in located. Around 3:30 I met up with BMac over at the Fox and Hound to watch the OU vs. Texas and NC State vs. VA Tech games. We ordered a tower of beer, finished it, and filled her up again. It was a great way to kill a few hours while Chris Lamperski was slaving away across the street. I'll let BMac recap the rest of our shenanigans in his blog Dinner's for Suckers. It's true that we saw G-force and ate chips for dinner. Needless to say both of us were done by the time double digits hit and Chris was ready to peace out. I slept on the floor at the hotel and enjoyed every minute of it.
In the morning Chris, BMac and I got up and went for a run to the end of Hwy 76. It was literally the end of the road because it just stopped and a sign said "end." Maybe it was the start, ever think of that? We hit the end point (really halfway mark) around 53 minutes and turned for home. It was solidly windy on the way back, but the three of us maintained a relaxed clip all the way back. I felt good with the distance and when we arrived back at the hotel.
I departed Wilmington after a shower, quick breakfast and refueling of the sportwagon. I wasn't looking forward to the 4 hour drive back to Charlotte and was especially dreading the US-74/Independence section near Monroe. I tweeted about it being the worst road in America when leaving on Friday. It's definitely no Route 66. I was, however, looking forward to seeing Meagan and being back home for a few days.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Race for the Ta-Tas
Time: 61:07
Distance: 8.95 miles
Race: 15:37 for 7th
W/u: 25:10 for ~3.2 miles
C/d: 20:20 for 2.65 miles
Not good, not good at all. I wasn't focused, I didn't race tough, I pansied out. This was a wake up and I need to re-focus.
I drove from Charlotte to Wilmington yesterday in order to visit some accounts and run in the Race for the Ta-Tas put on by TrySports. The race is modeled after the Skirt Chaser events where the women leave three minutes before the men and the first person across the line wins some money. In this case, it was $1,000 and I didn't think would be possible for a man to win. Turns out I was right considering Stephanie Pezzullo showed up to compete. She is coming off a sub 16:30 effort up in Providence at the CVS 5k.
First, let me express my beef with the 3 minute head start. It's way too much time to spot the ladies. Why? The difference in world records at 5k is only something like 90 to 100 seconds. I could look it up but off the top of my head the records are 12:36 for men and 14:10 for women, give or take a few seconds. To expect a male to make up 180 seconds is a bit preposterous in my opinion. But, I guess it's a race to support boobs and geared toward the ladies, so giving them an unfair advantage is how these races work. At least there was money for the top three men ($500, $250, $150). I believed I could at least get a share of that.
On the day of the race several guys showed up with a legit shot at money. On the front line was Devin Swann (ran for NC State and works at Raleigh Running Outfitters), two guys who drove all the way from Auburn University, Matt Elliott, some local guys, Chris Lamperski and Brian McMahon. I hoped for the best considering I haven't worked out in several weeks minus a couple of races.
The first mile was absolute chaos and I panicked. We didn't go out all that hard but from 600 meters to the first mile a group of 10 guys weaved in and out of traffic. I couldn't run relaxed as I was hopping up on curbs, zig-zagging back and forth and constantly being knocked around. This was my first Skirt Chaser type race and I failed miserably. I felt like I needed to be further toward the front, but couldn't make my way up there. The guys from Auburn managed to control the early tempo with the rest trying to catch up. In contrast to my panic, Devin tucked in behind Matt Elliott with the thought that he would clear out any traffic in front as Matt is a pretty big dude.
We came through the mile in 4:53 but it felt a hell of a lot harder. In the next mile Devin went to work and pushed the pace. I made it for the next 1k and then just stopped. I was in the lead pack of 5 (Devin, Matt, Auburn dudes and me) and then simply jumped off the course. I wasn't necessarily hurting, but I didn't feel good. Basically the pace felt tough, I was leaving my comfort zone and I quit. How lame is that?
I was off the course for about 20-25 seconds when I looked up and saw Chris Lamperski coming by. He looked to be hurting so I jumped back in the race with the intention of helping him out. After about a minute I started to feel good and then took off to catch a few runners that had passed me during my lapse in toughness. I ended up running 15:37 according to the clock but 15:14 according to my watch as I stopped for 23 seconds.
The guys up front went on to run pretty fast with the top 3 guys all going under 15:00 and winning money. I could have been up there. I should have been up there. But, I wasn't.
After the race I cooled down with Devin and his wife Laura. I watched the award ceremony and saw that only one of the guys who had driven 8 hours from Auburn had won money. Jean-Pierre Weerts, originally from Belgium, took home $250. There is no way that those two banked money on the trip. They drove a total of 16 hours, bought gas, needed food, and rented a hotel room all for a payout of $250.
I used to be those guys and I totally respect it. They are hungry and know the chance to win money at a road race means a lot. However, I'm not there anymore like I was in 2007 and 2008 where I would search out each and every local road race offering a small sum of money. I raced hard knowing the extra cash would go a long way. But, my mentality has definitely changed and now I'm semi-dropping out of races when it gets tough. I hope to rekindle that hunger for the cash, the roads and the pain like I had a couple of years ago. Having a steady income and proper job has altered my priorities not necessarily in a bad way, but I certainly recognize the shift. I still wish to be fast, but at what cost? I'm not balking at $150 either as that would have easily paid for the trip, however it's just not as important now. I think I learned something as a result of this race that didn't go quite according to plan.
Distance: 8.95 miles
Race: 15:37 for 7th
W/u: 25:10 for ~3.2 miles
C/d: 20:20 for 2.65 miles
Not good, not good at all. I wasn't focused, I didn't race tough, I pansied out. This was a wake up and I need to re-focus.
I drove from Charlotte to Wilmington yesterday in order to visit some accounts and run in the Race for the Ta-Tas put on by TrySports. The race is modeled after the Skirt Chaser events where the women leave three minutes before the men and the first person across the line wins some money. In this case, it was $1,000 and I didn't think would be possible for a man to win. Turns out I was right considering Stephanie Pezzullo showed up to compete. She is coming off a sub 16:30 effort up in Providence at the CVS 5k.
First, let me express my beef with the 3 minute head start. It's way too much time to spot the ladies. Why? The difference in world records at 5k is only something like 90 to 100 seconds. I could look it up but off the top of my head the records are 12:36 for men and 14:10 for women, give or take a few seconds. To expect a male to make up 180 seconds is a bit preposterous in my opinion. But, I guess it's a race to support boobs and geared toward the ladies, so giving them an unfair advantage is how these races work. At least there was money for the top three men ($500, $250, $150). I believed I could at least get a share of that.
On the day of the race several guys showed up with a legit shot at money. On the front line was Devin Swann (ran for NC State and works at Raleigh Running Outfitters), two guys who drove all the way from Auburn University, Matt Elliott, some local guys, Chris Lamperski and Brian McMahon. I hoped for the best considering I haven't worked out in several weeks minus a couple of races.
The first mile was absolute chaos and I panicked. We didn't go out all that hard but from 600 meters to the first mile a group of 10 guys weaved in and out of traffic. I couldn't run relaxed as I was hopping up on curbs, zig-zagging back and forth and constantly being knocked around. This was my first Skirt Chaser type race and I failed miserably. I felt like I needed to be further toward the front, but couldn't make my way up there. The guys from Auburn managed to control the early tempo with the rest trying to catch up. In contrast to my panic, Devin tucked in behind Matt Elliott with the thought that he would clear out any traffic in front as Matt is a pretty big dude.
We came through the mile in 4:53 but it felt a hell of a lot harder. In the next mile Devin went to work and pushed the pace. I made it for the next 1k and then just stopped. I was in the lead pack of 5 (Devin, Matt, Auburn dudes and me) and then simply jumped off the course. I wasn't necessarily hurting, but I didn't feel good. Basically the pace felt tough, I was leaving my comfort zone and I quit. How lame is that?
I was off the course for about 20-25 seconds when I looked up and saw Chris Lamperski coming by. He looked to be hurting so I jumped back in the race with the intention of helping him out. After about a minute I started to feel good and then took off to catch a few runners that had passed me during my lapse in toughness. I ended up running 15:37 according to the clock but 15:14 according to my watch as I stopped for 23 seconds.
The guys up front went on to run pretty fast with the top 3 guys all going under 15:00 and winning money. I could have been up there. I should have been up there. But, I wasn't.
After the race I cooled down with Devin and his wife Laura. I watched the award ceremony and saw that only one of the guys who had driven 8 hours from Auburn had won money. Jean-Pierre Weerts, originally from Belgium, took home $250. There is no way that those two banked money on the trip. They drove a total of 16 hours, bought gas, needed food, and rented a hotel room all for a payout of $250.
I used to be those guys and I totally respect it. They are hungry and know the chance to win money at a road race means a lot. However, I'm not there anymore like I was in 2007 and 2008 where I would search out each and every local road race offering a small sum of money. I raced hard knowing the extra cash would go a long way. But, my mentality has definitely changed and now I'm semi-dropping out of races when it gets tough. I hope to rekindle that hunger for the cash, the roads and the pain like I had a couple of years ago. Having a steady income and proper job has altered my priorities not necessarily in a bad way, but I certainly recognize the shift. I still wish to be fast, but at what cost? I'm not balking at $150 either as that would have easily paid for the trip, however it's just not as important now. I think I learned something as a result of this race that didn't go quite according to plan.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Short Shuffler
Time: 36:53
Distance: ~5.3 miles
I put in some easy miles through Freedom Park this morning. I will be driving from Charlotte to Wilmington in order to visit some accounts prior to leaving for Japan. I'm also running a race on Saturday morning in hopes of picking up some cash.
Distance: ~5.3 miles
I put in some easy miles through Freedom Park this morning. I will be driving from Charlotte to Wilmington in order to visit some accounts prior to leaving for Japan. I'm also running a race on Saturday morning in hopes of picking up some cash.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Long Double Run with Friends
Time: 54:43
Distance: ~7.5 miles
I ran this evening with Aaron, Thomas and Caitlin from her side of town. We headed to Freedom Park and ran on half of the Booty Loop after battling the traffic. It was a good run prior to Caitlin's departure for the Twin Cities Marathon in the morning. I could tell her legs were fresh as she was itching to crank the pace down. Thomas, Aaron and I were all silently moaning about the effort being a bit quick.
After the run John, Caitlin and went over to Thomas' new pad for dinner. Michelle joined the party as well and it was a fun evening on the back deck. I wish we could have stayed longer but it was going to be an early morning flight for Caitlin and John had to write some test. Who does he think he is? Some sort of teach or something?
Distance: ~7.5 miles
I ran this evening with Aaron, Thomas and Caitlin from her side of town. We headed to Freedom Park and ran on half of the Booty Loop after battling the traffic. It was a good run prior to Caitlin's departure for the Twin Cities Marathon in the morning. I could tell her legs were fresh as she was itching to crank the pace down. Thomas, Aaron and I were all silently moaning about the effort being a bit quick.
After the run John, Caitlin and went over to Thomas' new pad for dinner. Michelle joined the party as well and it was a fun evening on the back deck. I wish we could have stayed longer but it was going to be an early morning flight for Caitlin and John had to write some test. Who does he think he is? Some sort of teach or something?
Building Base
Time: 57:12
Distance: ~8.6 miles
I put in an easy Medium Freedom Park Loop this morning. I didn't press the pace or focus on any particular part of training other than getting in some miles and feeling good. Simply some time on the feet.
Distance: ~8.6 miles
I put in an easy Medium Freedom Park Loop this morning. I didn't press the pace or focus on any particular part of training other than getting in some miles and feeling good. Simply some time on the feet.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
The Rainy Runs of Fall
Time: 38:07
Distance: ~5.3 miles
So I guess fall is officially here and today kicked off some rainy weather. After Let Me Run finished up I headed home and cleaned out my car. I was soon ready to put on my running costume only to realize that I let the weather catch up to me. There was a pretty heavy drizzle outside and I spent the first 20 minutes of the run questioning my decision to run. Luckily I brought my music/phone with me so I had a chance to chat with Meagan and here about her trip in Atlanta. I started feeling good about 3 miles in and finished up the run slower than normal, but happy to be finished.
Distance: ~5.3 miles
So I guess fall is officially here and today kicked off some rainy weather. After Let Me Run finished up I headed home and cleaned out my car. I was soon ready to put on my running costume only to realize that I let the weather catch up to me. There was a pretty heavy drizzle outside and I spent the first 20 minutes of the run questioning my decision to run. Luckily I brought my music/phone with me so I had a chance to chat with Meagan and here about her trip in Atlanta. I started feeling good about 3 miles in and finished up the run slower than normal, but happy to be finished.
Asheville Running Scene Part Deux
Time: 57:00
Distance: ~7.5 miles
This morning I met back up with Scott Williams for a run starting at Jus' Running. He lives close by and knows some good roads to run on. He took me through some nice quiet neighborhoods and into the surrounding hills. At one point we were running switchbacks on some beast of a hill. The pace was clearly very relaxed as he's nursing a bit of a sore calf. I was content to chat along and shuffle around. It was a nice recovery effort for the both of us.
I had a few more stores to visit before leaving the mountains and then had to hurry home in time to be at the Let Me Run practice over at Park Road Montessori. It's time to whip 11 energetic 4th and 5th graders into shape this fall. It's so much better this time around as none of us are sweating profusely upon walking down to the greenway. My biggest challenge thus far is convincing the guys that it's okay to run in a light rain or when the ground is wet.
Distance: ~7.5 miles
This morning I met back up with Scott Williams for a run starting at Jus' Running. He lives close by and knows some good roads to run on. He took me through some nice quiet neighborhoods and into the surrounding hills. At one point we were running switchbacks on some beast of a hill. The pace was clearly very relaxed as he's nursing a bit of a sore calf. I was content to chat along and shuffle around. It was a nice recovery effort for the both of us.
I had a few more stores to visit before leaving the mountains and then had to hurry home in time to be at the Let Me Run practice over at Park Road Montessori. It's time to whip 11 energetic 4th and 5th graders into shape this fall. It's so much better this time around as none of us are sweating profusely upon walking down to the greenway. My biggest challenge thus far is convincing the guys that it's okay to run in a light rain or when the ground is wet.
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