I prefer to run in the morning, but I had too much to do today. First I waiting for my brother's call, which always makes me a little down. Then I had to work on bills - ugh. Finally I mowed the lawn. It was in dire need and the grass was fairly tall, making it more difficult.
It was 11:30 or so before I was able to leave. I took my water bottle with me since I knew that, even though it is the end of September, the run would be warm.
I started out the back way to the high school. I saw Mr. Keel mowing the lawn as I ran. There were actually quite a few people out mowing, so I was not alone in my yard work this morning. I then went a little ways down Carter Road, and the Ginter road loop. Since Jefferson is closed to pedestrian traffic, I had to go back up the big hill (I can't remember the name of the street right now), and basically the back way home. I did not do the Riverside loop because I was too tired and that would have added another couple of miles. I did end with the sprint up the hill by my house, though. I ended up with 7.32 miles. I would have liked to have gone 8, but my energy was gone. It's been a busy, stressful week, I was a bit upset today, and I'm more energetic when I do morning runs. Well, I also mowed the lawn, so that took some of my energy!
I feel better emotionally, but more tired than usual. When I'm tense, I carry it with me for part of the run, and that's more tiring. Now I'd like to take a nap -- but alas there is too much work to be done. So much for lazy Sundays!
Gotta run ...
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
Finally Friday
I really didn't want to get up this morning. It's been a busy week with little chance to catch up on any sleep. But, since my last run was Tuesday, I knew I couldn't wait another day. I have been feeling the lack of running both physically and emotionally. I am really starting to not like running in the dark, which is another reason I have not been getting up to run like I should. I may have to check out my treadmill soon and make sure it's all set for use. I am running a 5K in two weeks, so I can't slack off now.
I did the usual morning route -- through town, Lowe's parking lot (double loop), mall parking lot, Riverside loop, finishing with the sprint up the hill. The Jefferson Street Bridge will be off limits to pedestrians until sometime in December, so the double loop in the Lowe's parking lot will be a normal part of my route now.
It was hazy this morning, not quite foggy. I saw a couple walking, but no other people outside of vehicles. It was a nice run. I ended up with 6.52 miles. I feel better, but tired.
Gotta run ...
I did the usual morning route -- through town, Lowe's parking lot (double loop), mall parking lot, Riverside loop, finishing with the sprint up the hill. The Jefferson Street Bridge will be off limits to pedestrians until sometime in December, so the double loop in the Lowe's parking lot will be a normal part of my route now.
It was hazy this morning, not quite foggy. I saw a couple walking, but no other people outside of vehicles. It was a nice run. I ended up with 6.52 miles. I feel better, but tired.
Gotta run ...
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Tuesday Morning Run
Today was another early day. I really didn't want to get up, but since I hadn't run since Saturday I needed to run. I figured even a short run would be better than no run.
It was a little cool, so I wore a long sleeve shirt. I ran pretty much the usual early morning route. Since the Jefferson Street bridge is temporarily closed to pedestrians, I knew I couldn't do that short loop. So, I took an extra loop in the Lowe's parking lot, and a little larger loop in the mall parking lot. I then ran through town, down Jefferson a bit, and finished with the usual Riverside loop and the sprint up the hill.
I saw an elderly man walking downtown. When I was running back towards town, about at Circle K, I was startled at the sound of footsteps behind me. Another crazy fool was out running this morning, and he ran past me (and continued through town at a much faster pace). I don't keep my ipod so loud that I can't hear things like footsteps behind me.
I feel pretty good after the run, but a little more tired than usual. It's been very busy the last week or so. I ended up with 6.55 miles -- not bad when I didn't even really want to get up to run.
Gotta run ...
It was a little cool, so I wore a long sleeve shirt. I ran pretty much the usual early morning route. Since the Jefferson Street bridge is temporarily closed to pedestrians, I knew I couldn't do that short loop. So, I took an extra loop in the Lowe's parking lot, and a little larger loop in the mall parking lot. I then ran through town, down Jefferson a bit, and finished with the usual Riverside loop and the sprint up the hill.
I saw an elderly man walking downtown. When I was running back towards town, about at Circle K, I was startled at the sound of footsteps behind me. Another crazy fool was out running this morning, and he ran past me (and continued through town at a much faster pace). I don't keep my ipod so loud that I can't hear things like footsteps behind me.
I feel pretty good after the run, but a little more tired than usual. It's been very busy the last week or so. I ended up with 6.55 miles -- not bad when I didn't even really want to get up to run.
Gotta run ...
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Saturday Morning Run
I was finally able to run in the daylight! I started around 7:00 or so this morning. It was a little cool, around 55 degrees. There was a beautiful sunrise. The air was crisp. In other words, it was a great morning for a run.
I ran my usual early morning route -- through town, Lowe's and Mall parking lot, and out Jefferson Avenue. Since it was light, I went a little further than my usual weekday run. I went to the Baptist church, turned and went up Cleveland Avenue. Cleveland Avenue has a great hill. I was going to run by the high school, but I saw a bunch of people in the street -- I think there was some sort of walk today. So, I turned around and went back down Cleveland, back to the usual Riverside loop with the sprint up the hill, and home.
I felt good when I was finished. My hip was a little sore again, but that's something I think I'm just going to have to deal with. I need to make sure I keep up with my exercises to help my hip and legs. I've been neglecting to do them on a regular basis, and I can feel it!
I ended up with 8.50 miles, a great Saturday run. My stress level is definitely better after a good run like this.
Gotta run ...
I ran my usual early morning route -- through town, Lowe's and Mall parking lot, and out Jefferson Avenue. Since it was light, I went a little further than my usual weekday run. I went to the Baptist church, turned and went up Cleveland Avenue. Cleveland Avenue has a great hill. I was going to run by the high school, but I saw a bunch of people in the street -- I think there was some sort of walk today. So, I turned around and went back down Cleveland, back to the usual Riverside loop with the sprint up the hill, and home.
I felt good when I was finished. My hip was a little sore again, but that's something I think I'm just going to have to deal with. I need to make sure I keep up with my exercises to help my hip and legs. I've been neglecting to do them on a regular basis, and I can feel it!
I ended up with 8.50 miles, a great Saturday run. My stress level is definitely better after a good run like this.
Gotta run ...
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Morning Run
This is a short post because I have to drive into the office today.
I ran my usual early morning route today. I started at 4:15 and it was a perfect morning. Well, can you really call it morning when it is so dark outside? Work has been very stressful and will be for the next few days/weeks, so I really enjoyed this run. I notice, however, that my arms are sore, so I must be holding a lot of tension in my body today.
It was a good run at a pretty good pace. I ended up with 6.55 miles. I didn't see a single person running/walking/biking, and I saw very few vehicles. Must be everyone slept in today!
Gotta run ...
I ran my usual early morning route today. I started at 4:15 and it was a perfect morning. Well, can you really call it morning when it is so dark outside? Work has been very stressful and will be for the next few days/weeks, so I really enjoyed this run. I notice, however, that my arms are sore, so I must be holding a lot of tension in my body today.
It was a good run at a pretty good pace. I ended up with 6.55 miles. I didn't see a single person running/walking/biking, and I saw very few vehicles. Must be everyone slept in today!
Gotta run ...
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Running with a Migraine
I woke up with a migraine this morning. However, the last time I ran was Saturday, so I felt the need for a run. I didn't take any medication before I took off because I didn't want to upset my stomach any more than it already was.
It was a nice, crisp morning, around 55 degrees outside. I did the usual -- through town to Lowes parking lot, the mall parking lot, back through town to the Jefferson street bridge, the Riverside loop, and the sprint up the hill by my house. I was not the only crazy person out at 4:30 a.m. -- I saw one bicyclist, two walkers, and one other runner. I found my reflective vest harness and wore that today, so I'm sure I was quite a site -- harness, led lights on the hat, etc.
My headache is a little better after the run (but not my stomach), but I feel the need for a long nap. Unfortunately, work starts in about 20 minutes! And, I have too many projects going on so I can't miss any work. Maybe I'll get a nap in during lunch.
My pace was a little off this morning, most likely because of the headache. I still ended up with 6.5 miles, so I'll be better later.
Gotta run ...
It was a nice, crisp morning, around 55 degrees outside. I did the usual -- through town to Lowes parking lot, the mall parking lot, back through town to the Jefferson street bridge, the Riverside loop, and the sprint up the hill by my house. I was not the only crazy person out at 4:30 a.m. -- I saw one bicyclist, two walkers, and one other runner. I found my reflective vest harness and wore that today, so I'm sure I was quite a site -- harness, led lights on the hat, etc.
My headache is a little better after the run (but not my stomach), but I feel the need for a long nap. Unfortunately, work starts in about 20 minutes! And, I have too many projects going on so I can't miss any work. Maybe I'll get a nap in during lunch.
My pace was a little off this morning, most likely because of the headache. I still ended up with 6.5 miles, so I'll be better later.
Gotta run ...
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Rainy Run
Since I hadn't run since Wednesday, I felt I needed to run today, for both physical and mental reasons. When I first woke up there were thunderstorms going through, so I contemplated getting on the treadmill. I went back to sleep and woke up about an hour later, and it was just raining.
I checked the radar, and it looked like there was a little break from the heavy rain and thunderstorms. So, off I went. It was a pretty steady rainfall the entire run. But, it was the perfect temperature, and really a nice morning for a run. I didn't want to venture too far from home in case the radar was a little delayed. I went the Ginter road loop, Riverside loop, the sprint up the hill by my house, plus a little doubling back to get 6.25 miles.
It was a good run. My legs felt good. A few days off from running probably helped me recover from Sunday's 1/2 marathon. The rain was not too hard, but hard enough to keep me cool. I saw a flock of wild turkeys while I was running on Ginter Road, and another runner, so I wasn't the only fool out there this morning!
What a great way to start my Saturday morning.
Gotta Run
I checked the radar, and it looked like there was a little break from the heavy rain and thunderstorms. So, off I went. It was a pretty steady rainfall the entire run. But, it was the perfect temperature, and really a nice morning for a run. I didn't want to venture too far from home in case the radar was a little delayed. I went the Ginter road loop, Riverside loop, the sprint up the hill by my house, plus a little doubling back to get 6.25 miles.
It was a good run. My legs felt good. A few days off from running probably helped me recover from Sunday's 1/2 marathon. The rain was not too hard, but hard enough to keep me cool. I saw a flock of wild turkeys while I was running on Ginter Road, and another runner, so I wasn't the only fool out there this morning!
What a great way to start my Saturday morning.
Gotta Run
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Short recovery run
Today was the first time I ran since the 1/2 marathon on Sunday. I am still a little sore from pushing it that last mile or so, and I don't want to overdo it. Also, I stubbed my toe (clumsy me) on Monday night, and the end of it was still pretty discolored when I checked it out this morning.
It was fairly cool when I started out this morning -- in the upper 40's. After a few minutes, I was no longer chilly and it felt good to be out and running. I ran through town, Lowe's and Mall parking lot, and back home. I did not do any of the "loops" I normally do as my legs started to feel pretty tired, and Riverside is torn up (including in front of my driveway). And, I did see one other runner crazy enough to be out early this morning.
I ended up with 4.25 miles. My stubbed toe is now almost completely discolored, but it doesn't really hurt. I feel OK, just tired. Hopefully the run was enough to improve my mood!
Gotta run
It was fairly cool when I started out this morning -- in the upper 40's. After a few minutes, I was no longer chilly and it felt good to be out and running. I ran through town, Lowe's and Mall parking lot, and back home. I did not do any of the "loops" I normally do as my legs started to feel pretty tired, and Riverside is torn up (including in front of my driveway). And, I did see one other runner crazy enough to be out early this morning.
I ended up with 4.25 miles. My stubbed toe is now almost completely discolored, but it doesn't really hurt. I feel OK, just tired. Hopefully the run was enough to improve my mood!
Gotta run
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Cleveland Clinic River Run Half Marathon - UPDATED
Today I ran the Cleveland Clinic River Run Half Marathon. What a great run! This run starts at Wallace Lake in Berea, and ends at Memorial Fields in Rocky River. It goes through the Metroparks, with one short loop through a neighborhood.
The morning started out fairly cool. I parked at Rocky River High School and took the shuttle bus (a school bus, actually) to the start of the race. We arrived about an hour before the race, so there was time to stretch, use the facilities, etc.
The race started around 8:00 a.m. I started toward the back of the field, and it was a little crowded at first. It wasn't too bad, though. This 1/2 marathon is a beautiful, scenic run. Somewhere after mile 5 a gentle rain started falling, and continued throughout the race. That made the race even better! Only runners really understand the thrill of running in the rain. About 3/4 of the way through, there was a hill almost identical to the one by my house -- the one I try to end each run by sprinting up the hill. So, at least some of my training paid off! This particular hill in the marathon was relatively easy.
My ankle held up through the entire race. My hip started hurting a bit, but that's nothing new.
I was actually shocked when I saw the sign for mile 6 -- it felt like I had been running for only a short time, and I was almost halfway through the run. When I got to mile 12, I realized I was close to finishing with 2 hours. I tried to pick up the pace a bit, but I didn't quite make it. According to my Garmin, I finished in 2 hours and 35 SECONDS. I'm curious to see what the official results are. At least I was close, and I have something to set as a goal for the next time I run a half marathon. This was faster than the 1/2 I ran 3 years ago; I'm not sure of that time right now (I'll look it up), but it was over 2 hours. And, my only goal this time was to have fun, enjoy the scenery, and finish the race -- which I did.
All in all, it was a great experience. I have no complaints -- the water/sports drink stops were great, the facilities were more than adequate, and so forth. I hope to run this one again.
And, for those of you who really know me, this next statement will surprise you. After the run I came back to our friends house, showered, and went to church with them!
Gotta run
***UPDATE***
According to the "official" race results, by chip time was 2:00:27.27 -- and I came in 4th place in my age group. I guess that is not too bad for a race I only decided to run two weeks ago!
The morning started out fairly cool. I parked at Rocky River High School and took the shuttle bus (a school bus, actually) to the start of the race. We arrived about an hour before the race, so there was time to stretch, use the facilities, etc.
The race started around 8:00 a.m. I started toward the back of the field, and it was a little crowded at first. It wasn't too bad, though. This 1/2 marathon is a beautiful, scenic run. Somewhere after mile 5 a gentle rain started falling, and continued throughout the race. That made the race even better! Only runners really understand the thrill of running in the rain. About 3/4 of the way through, there was a hill almost identical to the one by my house -- the one I try to end each run by sprinting up the hill. So, at least some of my training paid off! This particular hill in the marathon was relatively easy.
My ankle held up through the entire race. My hip started hurting a bit, but that's nothing new.
I was actually shocked when I saw the sign for mile 6 -- it felt like I had been running for only a short time, and I was almost halfway through the run. When I got to mile 12, I realized I was close to finishing with 2 hours. I tried to pick up the pace a bit, but I didn't quite make it. According to my Garmin, I finished in 2 hours and 35 SECONDS. I'm curious to see what the official results are. At least I was close, and I have something to set as a goal for the next time I run a half marathon. This was faster than the 1/2 I ran 3 years ago; I'm not sure of that time right now (I'll look it up), but it was over 2 hours. And, my only goal this time was to have fun, enjoy the scenery, and finish the race -- which I did.
All in all, it was a great experience. I have no complaints -- the water/sports drink stops were great, the facilities were more than adequate, and so forth. I hope to run this one again.
And, for those of you who really know me, this next statement will surprise you. After the run I came back to our friends house, showered, and went to church with them!
Gotta run
***UPDATE***
According to the "official" race results, by chip time was 2:00:27.27 -- and I came in 4th place in my age group. I guess that is not too bad for a race I only decided to run two weeks ago!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Another morning run
I'm trying to stick with my morning runs. Sometimes (well, most of the time) it is difficult to get up by 4:30 a.m. to get my run in, but I try. Anyway, today was another one of those days. I didn't run yesterday because my legs, especially my knees, were sore, so I knew I had to run today. I just need to make sure I don't want to overdo it before Sunday's race.
I went the usual morning route -- downtown, Lowe's parking lot, mall parking lot, back through town, Jefferson (just on the bridge as it was too dark to go all the way to the church), Riverside loop, and up the hill by my house.
Surprisingly this morning I did see other people out. I saw one runner around 5:00, then I saw a couple of people on bicycles and a few people out walking. I think today was the first time I have seen other people out and about on one of my early morning weekday runs.
I ended up with 6.5 miles. I want to take it easy the next few days and not over train or get injured. I did twist my ankle this morning - dang potholes -- but I'm icing and elevating it, and it should be OK.
Gotta run ...
I went the usual morning route -- downtown, Lowe's parking lot, mall parking lot, back through town, Jefferson (just on the bridge as it was too dark to go all the way to the church), Riverside loop, and up the hill by my house.
Surprisingly this morning I did see other people out. I saw one runner around 5:00, then I saw a couple of people on bicycles and a few people out walking. I think today was the first time I have seen other people out and about on one of my early morning weekday runs.
I ended up with 6.5 miles. I want to take it easy the next few days and not over train or get injured. I did twist my ankle this morning - dang potholes -- but I'm icing and elevating it, and it should be OK.
Gotta run ...
Monday, September 1, 2008
Accidental long run
There is a reason this is "the accidental runner" blog.
I went to Dave's Running shop in Toledo yesterday for new shoes. I wanted to get some in time to get them broken in for the September 7 race. Of course, I can't get just shoes. I ended up with two pair of Asics GT-2130's (my favorite shoes) - one in pink! I also got a bottle with hand grip so I can run with it, and a running shirt (on sale). On we went to another sporting store, and I ended up with new running shorts (pink to match the shoes) and another running shirt, both on sale of course. Now I'm all set for the race. I haven't gotten any new running clothes in over a year, so I don't feel too bad spending the money.
Well, today I planned to do a short run, about 4-5 miles, to start breaking in the shoes and get used to the hand grip bottle. I wore the pink shoes because that's the pair I plan to use on Sunday. I went the back way to the high school, and planned to do the Ginter Road loop and then back home. Well, I felt so good in the new shoes, the hydration from taking the bottle with me, had some great music on my Ipod, it was a beautiful morning, etc. I actually did forget to turn on Ginter road. Before I realized it, I had run to Watson Road! I'm not quite sure what I was thinking, other than how much I was enjoying the morning. When I realized where I was, I turned around, went back to the Ginter Road loop, and finished with the Riverside loop and the sprint up the hill. Instead of the 4-5 I planned, I accidentally ended up with 8 miles! I feel great, but I still have to mow the lawn yet this morning. I guess I got a good start on getting the shoes broken in.
Gotta run ...
I went to Dave's Running shop in Toledo yesterday for new shoes. I wanted to get some in time to get them broken in for the September 7 race. Of course, I can't get just shoes. I ended up with two pair of Asics GT-2130's (my favorite shoes) - one in pink! I also got a bottle with hand grip so I can run with it, and a running shirt (on sale). On we went to another sporting store, and I ended up with new running shorts (pink to match the shoes) and another running shirt, both on sale of course. Now I'm all set for the race. I haven't gotten any new running clothes in over a year, so I don't feel too bad spending the money.
Well, today I planned to do a short run, about 4-5 miles, to start breaking in the shoes and get used to the hand grip bottle. I wore the pink shoes because that's the pair I plan to use on Sunday. I went the back way to the high school, and planned to do the Ginter Road loop and then back home. Well, I felt so good in the new shoes, the hydration from taking the bottle with me, had some great music on my Ipod, it was a beautiful morning, etc. I actually did forget to turn on Ginter road. Before I realized it, I had run to Watson Road! I'm not quite sure what I was thinking, other than how much I was enjoying the morning. When I realized where I was, I turned around, went back to the Ginter Road loop, and finished with the Riverside loop and the sprint up the hill. Instead of the 4-5 I planned, I accidentally ended up with 8 miles! I feel great, but I still have to mow the lawn yet this morning. I guess I got a good start on getting the shoes broken in.
Gotta run ...
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