Running in the Rain and Other Stuff

One of my favorite times to run when I was training years ago was when it was raining. I liked it because it helped to cool me down as I ran, and because it helped me be less self conscious about how much I sweat because everyone who ran during the rain came back soaked. Last week on one of the days it was raining. I left the house in my running clothes and waterproof jacket. I made it to the end of the driveway as the cold rain started hitting my exposed legs. I then promptly turned around and went back inside. I guess I just didn't have the grit to do something hard that day. I've thought a lot about it since and have decided next time the rain comes and I am scheduled to run, I will just go and not use the weather as an excuse.

On other news, my bike is fixed after years of neglect and being left in out shed. So I was able to go out and ride for an hour on Friday with our little guy. He hasn't realized that his hands follow where he looks as he rides, so there were many instances of swerving from being ran into and reminders to look where you're going. It was nice to get out and do some riding and spend some time with our little guy that wasn't related to going stir crazy in the house.

On a running progress note, I made it out yesterday for a 1 mile run, I ran 2 minutes and walked 1 minute. It was a good run, my legs just felt weak. I will be doing the 2 run / 1 walk for now and will change when I feel it's right. I want to be able to run without stopping again and am not feeling like I can with my weight where it's at. I'm making changes to my diet, I've made changes to my physical activity, and am not drinking my calories like I used to. I'm struggling with my blood sugar and that being in check will be a sign I'm moving in the right direction. So with the changes I've been making and getting my blood sugar under control I should see more success in decreasing my weight, in turn making it easier to run.

I got one day of running last week, and am changing that this week. I have adjusted my training schedule, and hope it will work and not lead to injury. I am increasing miles at a rate that I should be fine and get me the time on my feet that I need. If I am not at a fast enough speed by mid May I will need to change my half marathon on June 14th to a 10k, so I can finish the race in the time provided.

That's it for today. Thanks for reading.

-Riley

Balancing Life and Running

Balancing life and running seems simple enough, so plan to run during times that won't impact your time with the family, school, work, or hobbies. Running is a hobby, but it does a lot for me mentally and physically than other hobbies. This balance is hard to maintain, life gets busy. I wish I could say that's what's been preventing me from getting out the door, but it's not the entire reason over the past 3.5 months. I lost momentum and motivation and got depressed. I'm still struggling with the depression, but have taken steps to hopefully decrease it. The running has helped. Gradually, motivation has started to come into the picture again, which should help build momentum.

So, what am I doing to balance life and running this time? I am doing this my way. It sounds a little arrogant when I write it out, but it's where I have found success. Doing it my way means I will research to plan my training. The next thing I am doing to balance life and running is to do my runs and cross-training during my lunch hour when I can. Since I work from home, I can have my running gear ready or on at the beginning of my lunch, removing one hurdle from making it out the door. The last thing I'll write about regarding that balance is scheduling my day. I will have to be organized to accomplish this. I have a rough schedule on a spreadsheet, but I will be reworking it to be more specific about how I spend my time. I will keep in mind that I must remain flexible so I don't get discouraged by curve balls as they come at me.

The race I signed up for is another half marathon. It'll be June 14th in St. Charles (a city close by). I started training again this past Wednesday, and I did 1.56 miles. It was slower than my last run in November. It was a good run, I did the 1:1 run walk. Then, on Thursday, I did 2 miles. Again, 1:1 run walk. My legs were jelly by the end of Thursday because I hadn't trained in so long. It should come back quick. My legs didn't recover until yesterday. So, I didn't do my long run yesterday and will be doing that tomorrow during lunch instead of my easy run. I will make sure to get my long runs in; they will be crucial to my success in this training cycle. I am thinking of doing a 10k the weekend before the race because it's the length of my last run before my taper.

If I'm ever going to get this post up, I will need to end right there.

Thanks for reading.

-Riley

Managing the Noise Between the Ears

Pre Run

Today is a day I need the run. When I was working on my undergrad running was a way I was able to manage the crap that goes on between my ears. I am having a hard time getting anything done. The noise between my ears is a lot today. I hope I make it out the door and further than a few houses down. That's what happened yesterday, I made it 4 houses away and stopped and came back. I felt defeated, I kept telling myself I would run after work. It didn't happen. My goal for today is 40 minutes.

Post Run

I made it. I did the whole 40 minutes doing a run/walk. Running really helped me to regulate my emotions. I'm still not feeling the greatest, but I am doing better than I was. What helped me get through the first half was dangling that carrot in front of me of feeling better than I was. The second half was accomplished because I had to make it home and had 20 minutes make it there to get back to work. Which I will have to start getting some more miles in to get it feeling normal. The first mile was OK, it's usually after mile one that I start to get in a rhythm and start feeling better.

It's typically a rough run when I am having mental struggles like I have been today. Today wasn't an exception. Kept saying to myself, after my minute walk, "This time I'm just going to walk for an extra minute." Then when the buzzing and beeping happen on my watch to signal the start of the one minute run I just went for another one minute run. That was the case for all but one signal toward the end. I walked for 3 minutes instead of two. Because of that I was short of the distance I was hoping for. I'll get it next time.

Tomorrow will be a very easy 30 minute slow run/walk or cross training, I've not decided just yet. Saturday I will be doing a 60 minute run/walk. I did my run today in my Brooks Ghost Max. They feel like they work out different areas of the leg than my New Balance Rebel v3 do. 

I think that's it for now. Thanks for reading.

-Riley

At Least it's Windy Outside

Pre Run

Just getting ready to head out my my lunch time 40 minute run. According to my Garmin I am in a strained state because I have been sleeping like rubbish the past week. I have also not been very consistent, which is a struggle. I was supposed to get out for my run yesterday, but ended up not getting it in. So I am doing it today, and doing my biking tomorrow. I'm just getting ready to head out for 40 minutes at a 1:1 run/walk. I've done 30 minutes like this, but this will be my first time past that. My long run Saturday didn't happen, I really need a better night sleep tonight. Saturday was a few days into my bad sleeping, and it was hard to do anything. I was just so tired.

Post Run

After 40 minutes I'm back. It was a steady run/walk. I only missed one notification to run, so got 3 minutes of walking in at the beginning of my outing. It was a good run, I'm feeling better than I was when I left. It was a windy 80° outside as I ran the path next to a somewhat busy road. The wind was strong enough to make it so I couldn't hear my book I was listening to for a while but it cooled it off some as it blew in my face.

The Day After

I didn't finish my post yesterday, but wanted to get something up. It took a bit for my heart rate to come down after my run, it was a bit high during and after. My legs ached a bit afterward as well, so I think I went a little too hard, but it was a good feeling. I'm happy with my effort yesterday in spite of being as tired as I was. Today will be the stationary bike at the gym after work, I might try the elliptical instead to see if it goes better than my biking attempts, but I'll make that decision later.

It's taken me long enough to post this. Thanks for reading.

-Riley

Run at Lunch or After Work

Pre Run 10/22

It's a struggle on days that I'm tired (like today) to decide if I run at lunch or if I wait until the end of work to get out. I write amidst this struggle. My run today will be out and back 15 minutes each way. I will be sticking to 30 minutes and not worrying about distance. I will be doing the 1:1 run/walk. I thought initially I would make it out for a lunch run, that didn't happen. 

The Day After 10/23

Getting out for a run, I wasn't sure I'd make it as I was out there. I was uncomfortable the entire run, which is good. I finished and knew I had a lot more in the tank. I'm disliking evening runs, just because I'm tired after a day of working and don't feel I can put as much into the run as I start. I'm thinking it's partially a mindset thing and overcoming it would be really helpful. Speaking of working out after work, I have a 30 minute bike ride at the gym (my bike is in need of repairs due to lack of use over the years). I found last week after 13 minutes my mind was mush, so I'm bringing my iPad with some movies downloaded on it. Years ago when I was training for my marathon I did this quite a bit. It helped those long runs at the gym to be doable.

On to other things, something I would like to do is rebuild my bike, I think it will be more cost effective to do that than buy a new one. I would want to have it done by next spring to be able to cross train that way. Biking and running outside really is much nicer than a treadmill. I think I believed the opposite for a while, that's crazy how things change.

I did sign up for the Running From Yeti half marathon, so I will start training for that. Until then I'm just going to enjoy that I'm actually running again instead of really fast walking to keep my heart rate down. With Running From Yeti, Silvia will be doing the 5k that day, and two friends of mine are thinking of participating in either the 10k or the half. With my goal for completion this time around, I am not sure how realistic it is, but I would love to do the race in 3 hours. I will adjust that as needed the closer I get to the race.

I think I've rambled enough. Thanks for reading.

-Riley

Starting Yesterday the Off Season Strengthening

Yesterday started my off season training to get ready for training for my next goal race in March (Running From Yeti). My three goals for the next couple of months are to be consistent, get stronger, and get my nutrition hammered out. Those are three goals that need to be better defined.

Be Consistent: I will follow my scheduled workouts throughout the week. Or if not my scheduled workout something for at least 20 minutes.

Sun: Recovery
Mon: Strength/Mobility
Tues: 30 - 40 minute run
Wed: 30 - 40 minutes stationary bike
Thurs: Strength/Mobility
Fri: 30 minute easy low effort run
Sat: 60 - 90 minute run

Get Stronger: Do 2 days of body weight strength training and 1 day of stationary bike for cardio.

Get my Nutrition Hammered Out: Start meal prepping easy healthy means Saturdays after grocery shopping. Also limit eating out to once a week.

I think each could use some further exploration on what accomplishing the goal looks like, making them SMART goals would be a good way to do that. What is important to me today is to write them out so they exist at least digitally.

I will be starting today to do a walk run mix for my entire run and not worry about heart rate on Tuesdays and Saturdays. It will go back to getting stronger.

Just wanted to get these thoughts down. 

Thanks for reading.

-Riley

After MO' Cowbell

I finished the race, what more could I ask for. It took longer than my projected 3.5 - 4 hours. I was the 12th from last person to finish. But I finished and that's the name of the game for that race. This race had more challenges in it for me than other races I remember. Some of the more notable challenges were some guy stepping on my ankle just after the race started. He was running backwards looking for someone and stepped on me. I'm a big guy and somehow he still didn't see me. Next challenge came at mile three. I took a corner at the top of a hill and got my footing wrong and about twisted my ankle by not landing on the road. That was a close call. Another challenge was little to no shade, which just translates to it being hot. I wasn't anticipating it being around 75° - 80° for the entire race in October. If it were a short run the weather would have been great, but for 13 miles, that just made it a little harder. Around mile seven is when I hit my first wall. I was thinking about giving up, I was sore and tired. This is also when my watch went from timing just the miles to 1:1 run walk intervals. So every minute was a new lap. I just didn't have it in me to start my walk run at that point. Okay, I started it, but wasn't able to maintain it. This is also the time where the group I had been keeping pace with started to pull ahead of me. So I was a little disheartened because of that. 

I was able to power through to mile 8, where a teen with down syndrome was running his 50th half marathon, in his 50th state. This was really encouraging to see someone work so hard. This helped me get out of my head and move forward to mile 9 - 10.25. I started thinking again that I should just give up, I was at the end of the group for the half marathon, when I passed by a police officer who had been directing traffic, that said, alright here's all the stragglers. That little phrase got me back in my head and then the hills started. I was told there was going to be a group from the Fleet Feet Running Club at mile 10, but didn't see anyone at the base of the hill where mile 10 was marked. I didn't see anyone as I went up the hill, and started progressing up another hill. I was thinking of calling Silvia at that point to come and get me. Around that time is when I saw the club cheering me on. They didn't know me from Adam, yet they encouraged me. They filled my hydro flask twice, I downed the first fill, then they did it again. Then they gave me ice for my hat and the back of my neck. It was what I needed to make it just far enough to stop, catch my breath and move on. I ended up stopping 5 maybe 6 times between mile 10 and the end of the race. By mile 12 I was in really rough shape, my legs were shot, my mind was shot, I was exhausted, and had to keep stopping for fear of tripping over myself. I was passed by 4 more people at the point. One woman stopped for a moment to make sure I would be able to finish. I must have looked like hell (if my finish line picture is any indicator I wasn't looking good). I followed this woman until she started running, I couldn't get my legs to work, it took a couple of attempts but I did run across the finish line to be greeted by medical personnel who promptly asked me if I needed help. They got me to the side of the road after the finish line, got me some ice, then a few minutes later got me to the first aid tent where Silvia and our little guy caught up to me. I was in rough shape, at least from my perspective. I thought I could get up and walk at one point, but then promptly sat back down because my legs weren't working. When I finally left the medical tent I made it across the way and down the road some where I let Silvia know I wasn't going to make it to the car with my legs feeling like they did. I sat on the grass for a while, got some calories in me and waited until I could feel my legs again, then got up and made it to the car.

So for my first race in a decade it was a success. I finished in spite of the challenges I faced. There were also some great things that happened. As I was on the last quarter mile a guy in a purple shirt said to me, "I know you'll finish!" then about a half an hour later he walked by me again while I was wearing my medal and said, "See, I knew you would do it." During the first mile I was feeling great, I was walking and at mile one my watch informed me that I had just finished my fastest mile in a few months. Which was good but I was going to fast out the gate which was not good. I got to go through an awesome neighborhood with some amazing houses. As I was in the medical tent, I put my medal on our little guy guy and got to see his smile. It means a lot to me that I didn't come in last. Now that it's a couple days after the race it's time to sign up for my next goal race, I will be doing Run From Yeti. I will be signing up for that now.

Thanks for reading.

-Riley

Back in the Swing of Things (8/14)

Before the Run

It's been a little bit since I last went running or posted anything. I did go on vacation and did a lot of walking during thst. Last week I missed due to increased anxiety when it came time to get out. But it's a new week and I'm getting back into it. I have a 40 minute easy run today. Then tomorrow will be speed/tempo work at race pace to high intensity, Thursday a medium intensity run, and Saturday will be 4 miles at medium intensity.

I did go to the running store last Wednesday and picked up 2 running shirts, they had my size, which shocked me. I had $35 dollars in discounts so they only cost my $19. It'll be nice to have 2 light weight running shirts. One is long sleeved so I won't be sporting that until it's a little cooler. The draw back is that they're both black shirts. I wish they would make big and tall running clothes in lighter colors. I heat up enough without wearing black on top of it. They did find a tank top in my size in red but I passed on it.

Post Run

It's the day after, and I made it out. I focused on sticking within Zone 2, and followed the promptings on my watch to stick to it. My watch predicted my distance which is kinda annoying, I'll show that watch I can run faster than it predicts some day!

It was a slow run (as per the training schedule). I think it was a little slower also because it's been a while since I've been out with intentions of running. It was good to get out and not be passed up by the older gentleman who was walking behind me at one point. I ran on the running/bike path near my house, most of the first mile was uphill, while the return was mostly down hill. It was a night evening to run, high 70's low 80's. Today it's not supposed to break 80° so tonight's tempo run should be nice.

It's time for work. Thanks for reading.

-Riley

First Group Run (Walk)

This morning was my first group run at Queeny Park, there were easily over 100 people there. Considering there are 45 people in the 10k training group I am part of it makes sense that there are a lot. The run (walk) was very hilly. According to my watch, I did 25 sets of stairs during the hour-long workout. My heart rate stayed fairly low the whole time save when we faced monster hills, then it shot up high. But I didn't keel over so it looks like I'm doing alright. I met some really nice people and look forward to working with them as I train. Making new friends is always nice right? I didn't run any of the 3 miles that I did. It was all a walking effort. It was really picturesque with the gravel path that winds through a wooded area with a couple of cool-looking ponds. If I remember when I do my next group long run I'll get some pictures of where we go, there are supposed to be some nice parks that we'll be going to. I felt a little weird being in a group of people all walking at the same pace. I've been in my own head with my own thoughts and breaking out of that is a bit strange. The guy I walked with is doing the Disney Marathon in December, which is cool. The other people are all doing the MO'Cowbell 10k in October.

The training, it's going to push me to improve. I will most likely stay in the walking group because I don't think I will be in the 0:12:30 group by October. Next week will be a little strange with my running on my own. I will be doing an easy run Monday at lunch, the Tempo/Speed group training on Tuesday evening, then in Indianapolis I will be doing a very early run on Thursday for 40 minutes, and Saturday (we'll see if I get my whole run in) I will be doing my long run. I am hopeful I will get my runs in this week. The coach wants us to be at 4 runs a week for my 10k running group by the end of August, so with that being said, 4 runs a week (possibly only 3) for the week.

It's time to work on my school work so I can finish this class before leaving for Indianapolis Wednesday for Gencon.

Thanks for reading.

-Riley
 

Running Race Pace for 2 Miles During my Lunch

Yesterday's Run

After that 2 mile run, I am a bit shaky. It was hot, cloud cover came in and a breeze was present so not as hot as it could have been. But I got my baseline run in, and the time submitted to the racing coach. It was a rough run. I really pushed it the first half mile of the run (after the half mile warm up). I should have pushed a little more during my warmup to get past some of that running discomfort that happens during that first mile. I did think multiple times before mile one was finished that I should give up and just head home. I was suffering from stinkin thinkin. After I got past mile one it was easier because I was beyond the half way point and knew I could finish it. After the run I got my numbers submitted for which pace group I would be in for my 10k training. A few hours later I got my pace group assignment. I was put in with the walking group. It was a bit frustrating to think I'm so slow that I'm considered to be walking. But I will give it everything I can, it's only fair that I do that since I signed up for this.

My run was a bit odd, I set my watch to miles instead of time and getting my walk run rhythm was difficult. I didn't know how long I was running compared to how long I was walking. On those long runs that are miles based I'm going to need to figure something out. Tomorrow is an easy 45 minute run, then Saturday is a 3 miler.

I think that's all for today. Thanks for reading.

-Riley

My Friday Run

I thought I would give my training plan a go for the 10k. The month's training plan was sent out Wednesday and I have been staring at it and questioning if I could do it. So I decided I would give it a try since I had a couple of runs this week to still do.

My run was zone 3 training. It had a 5 minute warmup in heart rate zone 2, then 30 minutes running in zone 3, and then a 5 minute cool down in zone 2. It was challenging, but I did it. It is the fastest average speed I've run since I started running again. It's really cool to see progress. I also got a different message on my watch about my recovery time, instead of "train as usual" it has "Easy Effort Recommended." So according to my watch I worked harder today than previous days, that's a win in my book. I didn't keep to my run walk that I was doing. I focused on my heart rate, if it got to high I walked or did a slow run. I did stop and walk a couple of times when I was in the right zone. I still overall kept where I needed to by a mix of walking and running.

Now that I've cooled down I'm really hungry.

Thanks for reading.

 -Riley

10k Meeting and Today's Run

Before Running

I went to the intro meeting Sunday night for the 10k training. I had mixed feelings coming out of the meeting, thinking to myself, "What the hell have I gotten myself into?" It looks like there will be a lot of growing as I do this program. By the end of August I will be doing 4 runs a week with speed work on Tuesday nights and my long run on Saturdays. My speed will increase and I hope my weight will decrease more than it has the past couple of months.

This week my runs will be today and Thursday 8 min. run / 2 min. walk 4 times and Saturday 8 min. run / 1 min. walk 5 times. This is not on the running plan I used for the couch to 5k program I used, I'm just following the progression it set up until I get my training plan next Monday. 

My training will be zone and time training instead of distance (from what I understand). Tuesday next week will be getting base line for 2 miles, so pushing it as hard as I can for that distance. This will help determine which pace group I'll be with as well what my goals will be fore each run during the week. Then the long run for Saturday will be 3 miles in a hilly park.

Post Run

Here I am, a sweaty mess after my run but glad I did it. I was second guessing heading out to run today, but got ready anyway. Then when the time to go came, it was easier to get out the door. Today it was cloud cover and humid, the temperature wasn't too high, but I could feel the humidity. I did better with my running portion today, and will try to do the same thing on Thursday. I only had small breaks in the run and was able to go further with each running segment.

I'm finding my new balance are heavy, but with my shoe size I'm going to guess most shoes are heavy. So when it comes time to replace them it will be with something lighter. It feels like I am running with weights on my feet the longer I run. The Torin 7 is a lighter shoe, so I am looking forward to those a little more now. 

That's it for today. Thanks for reading.

-Riley