One Day Doesn't Determine the Next!

What a true statement! Robin always says that and today was case in point. As you might recall, Tuesday was a HORRIBLE running day for me but today, my 5.5 miles in 53:38 was effortless and pain free. Why? Who knows! I did stretch and work on loosening up my calves and hydrated more and rested and today was awesome with no residual pain.

So what's the moral of the story? Stick with it because tomorrow might be even better!

Uggggghhhhhhhhh!

Today stunk! Did you hear me? Today STUNK!!!!!!!

I knew I should've listened to my body and rested! But NoOOOOOoooo! My calves were tight, my quads shredded from yesterday's hills and my shin was feeling crunchy but I got up and set out to do an easy 30 minutes. It was not pretty and at about mile two, my toe caught the other shoe's lace loop and I almost tripped and fell. I didn't, but I had to stop and bend over and tie my shoe (one handed in the street) and the rigor mortis set in and I limped (saying wee, wee, wee) all the way home.

I stretched and advilled and I'm doing OK but I am glad tomorrow is XT! I did stop by Fleet Feet and picked up some gels and Endurox (post workout) and figured out the extra mile for us on Saturday. We will run a loop around Colonial Heights Baptist Church parking lot to get in the extra distance to make 10 miles.

Anyway, those of you who are walking slower, you might need to have a water bottle for the run. You can always use the one included in your pack or Fleet Feet has ordered some with hand sleeves or belts.

Be careful and start hydrating for Saturday now! Blog on Marathoners!

I Did It!

Scotty and I hit the V'burg park and did our Monday ritual of 6 miles along the hell hills of history. As might have recalled, last week it kicked my booty and I did it in 1:06 and I felt as if breaking an hour would be an elusive, unrealistic goal. Well.... not today... I did it!

I ran up all the hills and only took an extra 1:39 walk break (not on the hills) and I finished in 59:29!!! I dropped over a minute per mile from last week. What do I attribute it to? A few things:

1. I have hydrated better.
2. It was cooler.
3. I ate a few sports beans at the start.
4. I took two Clif Blocks at mile 3; and
   
5. I didn't wear my Garmin so I didn't track my pace constantly. Hmmmmm.

All in all, it was a good run and I'm feeling pretty good without all the aches and pains. I switched back to my Brooks running shoes (with green superfeet inserts) and that is helping with the shin splints.

Now, I wonder if I can beat 50 minutes?

Rest is Training...

Sometimes rest is the best training! Yesterday I ran at noon the Vicksburg park 6 miles. It was 90+ degrees and boy was it tough! I almost overheated and had to walk 2 of the big hills on the second half of the run. I started out trying to keep a 10 minute pace but wound up with an 11:02 pace finishing in 1:06:14. I was so glad I had water back at the car and along the way but boy oh boy was I zapped!

So today I listened to my body and rested instead of ran. Resting is so important and learning to listen to your body is key to going the distance and not getting injured.

Too Much!

What a great run Saturday! I hope you enjoyed the course.

After the run, one of runners came up to me (sorry, you are going to be used as an example) and said, "I know you said to stick to the schedule... BUT I've been adding extra miles to the training to try and get stronger. Instead of 5 miles, or 50 minutes, I've been doing 10 miles. Now my leg is hurting and I am wondering what to do?"

Well, let's see... STICK TO THE SCHEDULE!!!!!!!!

I want you to know that the training schedule has been put together by studying leading experts in marathon training and taking their combined input and compiling a program that fits our marathon date. This schedule has been looked at and approved by trainers who have many marathons under their belt and it works!

Last year, Brian Lee got anxious and overdid it. When the schedule called for 50 minutes - he did 2 hours. When it said go slow, he figured fast would make it better. How did Brian do? He watched the race results on his computer from home. He was injured in the training and dropped out. He said it was so depressing! This year, Brian sticks to schedule and he is doing great and will finish the marathon.

When I hear or see you deviating from the schedule I get very, very concerned. I know you are going to hurt yourself and risk missing the trip. I also get concerned because when you get injured and drop out, I'm left holding the bag for your room in Chicago that I've signed a contract to pay for.

I know some of you see Scotty running and training at a different level of intensity and with an advanced training schedule. Keep in mind the following - Scotty is in his early 30's, he ran cross country on a college level, he's played semi-pro soccer for years and has remained active all his life... but most importantly, he is genetically made up to be a running freak! Don't copy him - run your own race and stick to the training.

If you feel that you need a special training program that takes into count your special circumstances, please talk to me first and let's talk and see if we can avoid you getting injured and get you to the starting line healthy!!!

Ran the Lake!

I decide I wanted a change today, so I ran from my house to the lake across town and back. All together it was 6.95 miles and I did it in 1:11:17. It was a nice run and I enjoyed seeing the town of Clinton wake up. Since I was running on busy streets, I left the iPod at home and soaked up the sounds of nature. You gotta be careful with those cars.

I kept my mouth shut when I saw two ladies walking with traffic but I so wanted to tell them to get over on the other side. I didn't - I'm not their coach - but it's kinda like seeing someone's tag sticking out of their shirt and wanting to tuck it in but you don't dare do it because they will probably cuss you out for being too familiar (when you're really a stranger). Am I the only one who has that urge?

Anyway, I am going to shoot the last segment of my video tomorrow and that will wrap the first two installments of our video series - eight to go! I will also rest and get ready for the 7AM run on Saturday morning!

Blog on Marathoners!

I Ran on Wednesday!

I ran today because my body said rest yesterday. I did my speed training run this morning is the wonderful fogthat kept the heat away. I ran 3 - 1 mile repeats with a 1/2 mile rest in between. I ran my first mile in 7:36- wow! My second mile in 7:54 and my last mile in 8:01. It felt good and the COLD bath reading "Car and Driver" was nice! Good review on your new Civic, Matt!

Anyway, off to get my new pair of glasses and then to work!

Blog on Marathoners!

Uggghhhh!

Some days are slug days! Today was one BUT I actually was a faster slug than last V'burg day. I ran with Scotty the 6 mile route in the Vicksburg Military Park and it was tough! I walked a good bit (more than I wanted to) but I finished the six miles in about 1:00:30 which is 3 minutes faster than my best time before BUT I walked a lot of those hills - Uggghhhh! Hopefully I will be able to run those hills by October without my heart racing away.

All in all, I would rather have a slug day running than a slug day not running. Life is good!

Blog on Marathoners!

Cannonball Run Fun!

What a great run today at the Cannonball 10K + 2 in Raymond. I was so proud to see all my MM'ers out there in force and you did it! You want to know something? I'll tell you. I heard about a lady on the course running and running off her mouth dissing my MM'ers saying you didn't know anything about marathoning. She was a snooty running type (I've found that to be a rarity) who obviously likes thinking of herself as exceptional. Well, I have to tell you I would rather have 160 Newbies with me in Chicago than a handful of snits who think they are better because they can go faster.

I've learned there are two types of people - Glory Robbers and Glory Givers. We were all created by God for glory (to have our true essence and nature revealed). When, for whatever reason, a person has a glory deficit they will go throughout their life trying to gain glory. Glory Robbers believe that by robbing others of their glory and dignity they will somehow gain more glory and dignity. Nothing could be further from the truth. Glory Robbers inevitably have their glory and dignity slip through their hands like air slipping through fingers.

Glory Givers have learned that glory and dignity come by giving glory and dignity to others. In my opinion, we are most human when we give glory and dignity to others. God is the source of all glory and dignity and just like He gives glory and dignity freely to others (Remember how much taller Zacchaeus felt when he was accepted by Jesus and how he was liberated to stop his thieving ways?) we ought to learn that the good life comes by participating in His spreading around the glory and dignity.

What do I love about my MM'ers? I see a team of Glory Givers who inspire, love, support and encourage each other - even non-MM'ers! You all are a blessing and you are beloved children of God in whom He is well pleased!

End of the Sunday School lesson - Blog on Marathoners, 8 miles never felt so good!

Great Quote!

"Those who think they have not time for bodily exercise will sooner or later have to find time for illness."
— Edward Stanley: Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

I'm Baaaack!

This trip was a marathon in itself! The bus ride to Orlando didn't end until 1:30am on Sunday morning (we left at 7am Saturday). We spent three whole days at Disney (1) and Universal (2) and walked (ran to roller coasters) each and every day the whole time.

What did I like about it? I had the energy to keep going and going and going! I was telling the kids to hurry up. We aren't guaranteed more years for our life but this marathoning has given me more life for the years! The bus ride home was the bus ride from HELL! We left at 6PM and returned to Clinton at 6:30 this morning.

I didn't run at all but I think the mileage I put in should count for something. I am looking forward to the 10K Saturday and I hope all of you are doing well. See you Saturday early!