And The End Has Come - For Now

Training is over!  Well, training for this marathon is over.  I have some 5K's and half marathons scheduled later this year.  So that just means training is not as intense.  I think a week break is in order, however.

I ran the Cleveland River Run Half Marathon on Sunday, September 11.  It was a beautiful day, perfect for a race.  It was supposed to be a "just for fun" run, but with the weather I couldn't help but push it a little bit.  I ran a 10 minute per mile pace, and I ran the entire race for a change with no walk breaks. I pushed it a bit at the end as I felt like I could run another 13.1 miles :)

This continues to be one of my favorite half marathons.  I've run it four years in a row, and it never disappoints.  The medal is nice too :)

Overall it was a great experience. This race doesn't have an expo, but I don't mind because they mail my packet, saving me an extra trip or an overnight stay!

Now, about the marathon . . .

It was a busy few days.  On Friday we drove to Dayton, picked up my packet, then made a quick trip to Oxford to drop things off to our son, then back home.  The expo was average but there were some nice vendors.  One issue for me was the way it was arranged.  We entered the building and walked around, visiting vendors.  I saw a few I wanted to re-visit.  Then the path took us downstairs and there we picked up my packet.  There were more vendors on that main floor.  The exit only went one way however, and to get back to the other vendors would have required re-entering the building, and it just wasn't worth the effort.

Saturday morning we left around 2:30 a.m. to head for the race. It rained and stormed on the way there.  Once we got there, I got on one of the buses to head to the race start.  About that time they decided to delay the race for 1/2 hour.  Even though the start time was a few hours away, they made us stay on the bus (safety first).  Finally we left for the start.  

It was still overcast, but the storm had passed.  People gradually started filling the start area.  We had been incorrectly told that no one was allowed to enter/park near the starting area, so Curt was not there at the start of my race.  This is me waiting for the start!

As it was getting closer to the new start time, it got more humid and warmer.  They didn't have race corrals, just flags with finishing times.  I lined up at a slower finishing time.  I prefer to be in a slower group than my normal pace so I don't go out too fast.  The 10K and marathon start at the same time, and the half marathon starts 30 minutes later. So, at the start area there were all sorts of people milling around, making it difficult to find the proper pace time.  As the start approached, the groups surged ahead, and I assumed I was still in the slower group.

Finally we started.  By now it was quite warm and humid.  There were two hills at the beginning of the course.  I didn't look at my Garmin to see my pace - I probably should have!  After the two hills I started to feel a little ill.  I almost pulled out at mile six after spending some time in the porta-potty (I won't give too much information!).  I decided to slow down and walk a bit - and I was passed by more than one pace group - I had definitely somehow gotten into the wrong one during the beginning race surge!

By the time I could take in any nutrition, it was too late for my muscles.  I was cramping any time I ran for more than 1/4 mile.  I walked a lot the rest of the race, but I was determined to finish.  I saw several runners stopping and some likely didn't finish.  One person dropped almost right in front of me - we were just past a water break, so we passed the message back, runner to runner, that medical help was needed.  One runner stayed with him - he had some severe muscle cramps.  A mile later I saw another runner almost drop and she limped to the aid station.  

All in all, I am glad I finished!  The medal is really nice.  This was the 20th Air Force Marathon so it was extra special (and quite heavy). The course was not too bad; again not one of the best but not one of the worst I've run either.  Some things they did right - there were water stops at just about every mile, and they had bananas at some of them.  I discovered I can eat them during a race without issues!  At one point they were handing out wet sponges and it was great to cool down!  However, I think the delay contributed to my nutrition issues and I'm not sure it was necessary.  We spend quite a bit of time at the starting area waiting. 

I learned some things from this marathon and this training session (that's the point, right?). I learned that the training plan is working.  I didn't have any problems that were caused by not being properly trained physically.  As far as mentally, this marathon was a test of my willpower and stubbornness and I know I can push through adversity.  The Cleveland half marathon was my best half since I returned to running!  I also learned that I need try to be more rested on race day, or at least not to run a half so close to a full as I'm not QUITE as young as I used to be.  I also need to work on my nutritional issues.  I plan to keep training, after a short break (and by break I mean I won't push training this week).  I want to run a long distance (20 or so miles) at least once a month and experiment with nutrition.  I can stay close to home while running so it's easier to experiment.  

Marathon Number Nine is in the books!

No Excuses/Gotta Run (later)

Winding Down

I haven't updated this blog lately. Life has been busy!

We successfully moved the two kids to their respective schools.  As predicted, I got a lot of natural strength training during the moves.  We carried many boxes, pieces of furniture, etc.  Also I cleaned the house thoroughly after the moves, and that involved some stretching and lifting.

Another factor is that school has started.  Since I am teaching 12 credit hours, I'm basically working two full time jobs!  It's good that I enjoy both jobs.  As busy as I am, I try to keep my running as a priority.

Training has been going very well.  I made it through my third and final 20-mile run with no issues, no injuries :)  I think this is the first time I have completed all my 20-miles runs (and the other training runs) without injury.  I'm happy to report I have not missed a single run in this training cycle. I have rearranged a few, but not missed any.  My knee does hurt a bit after the longer runs, but it's not "clicking" and it's not causing me to change my stride, and I'm not experiencing any other unusual muscle pain.

I have missed some strength training.  At this point in the training cycle, I feel with the limited time I have, running is the priority.  I do a few push-ups, sit-ups, etc. as I have time, so I haven't completely abandoned the strength training.

I'm in taper mode now, having run my last longish run yesterday (8 scheduled miles turned into 10).  I added a half marathon into my training cycle, and that is coming up soon.  I will try to post an update afterwards.  I'm going to try to not race it, but use it as a tune up.  It's difficult to not compete, though! The marathon is six days after the half.  My main focus for these last two weeks is nutrition and keeping healthy.

No Excuses/Gotta Run

Week Twelve, Thirteen Finished and Now Week Fourteen Begins

I didn't write anything last week like I usually do.  These last few weeks have tested my ability to "go with the flow" when it comes to training.  All in all, I'm pleased with my progress. The hot, humid weather has been difficult to deal with, but I've been able to do my running, even though it might be at a slower pace than I prefer.  When it's hot, I slow down.  The important thing to me is to get the training in, even if it's slow.

At the end of week twelve, I ran the "Runaway Bride Women's Distance Festival" 5K.  It is always a fun race, and as the title implies it is mainly for women. This year they added the bride.  We chased a bride (a local fast male runner in a wedding dress complete with a veil) and had the option of wearing a bridesmaid dress.  I wore one (lucky for me it was shorter) and I won my age group.  It was so fun to see the bride and runners in various dresses.  I laughed when I first saw the bride :)  My total time was about a minute slower than last year, but I haven't been training for speed.  But wow, the age group just above me - those 60+ year old women can run fast!  I'll have my work cut out for me in a few years.  I really liked the prize this year; it was a small glass.  Because I was a little sore from the 5K and I raced rather than ran a training run, I decided to forgo the 14-mile run scheduled on Sunday.  My goal is to not end up injured, so I have learned to adjust, as hard as it is sometimes.

Week thirteen went fairly well.  I was able to do all my runs, with some ingenuity.  On Wednesday, a seven mile run was on the schedule.  About two miles in, the lightening started.  I'm crazy, but not stupid!  I was running in my neighborhood instead of my usual route, so I came back home and, as much as I prefer outside running, I finished on the treadmill.  I put on a rather difficult program, so I pushed myself. 

Friday was the first day of my "vacation" - I'm off work, but will be busy moving kids and cleaning, etc.  As it was the end of week thirteen, a 20-mile run was on the schedule.  It was a very hot, humid day.  I started out around 5:45 a.m.  I wore a head lamp and stayed in my neighborhood.  Once the sun started to come up, I left the neighborhood and headed toward town.  It didn't take long for it to heat up.  I was out of water by the time I got to about 10 miles, so I stopped at a local Walmart and re-filled my water bottles.  What a sight I must have been - I was dripping wet and probably a little flushed from the heat.  I refilled my water again at DCTV (thanks to my husband).  With a lot of slow running and walking, I was able to finish my 20 miles.  It was tough, I was dehydrated, but I finished.  This is the first time in several years  I've gotten two 20-mile training runs in; one more is scheduled in a few weeks.  I usually end up being injured and having to take time off, and never seem to get to those long, long runs.  I can't say the run was without injury, however.  Because it was hot and humid, my feet swelled.  I felt a little pain, but did not notice a blister forming and opening, until I got home and looked down at my shoe to see what the little bit of pain was about.

But, the key thing is that I finished the run and was still able to walk (as long as I wasn't wearing shoes) the rest of the day!

Today is the unofficial start of week fourteen.  I will have to really adjust my schedule due to the moving activities going on this week.  I was scheduled for an 8-mile run on Tuesday; I ran that this morning.  Of course it was a little too soon perhaps; with no runs scheduled until Wednesday, hopefully my heel will heal.  At least now both pairs of shoes match!

Where I am missing out is my strength training.  For weeks twelve and thirteen, I have only been able to get one session in each week.  But, it is a tougher session, and it is better than nothing.  I hope to get both sessions in this week.  However, we will be moving kids to two different colleges, so I may be getting some informal strength training during those moves!  Time has been limited these last few weeks, so if I have to choose, I will do the running. 

That's it for now!  The next few weeks will test my resolve to get my training in and to adjust as life dictates.  I can do this!  There is only one more 20-mile run, and then it will be basically taper time (which can be the worst part of any training plan).  I will try to write each week.  This is mainly for my benefit so I can look back and see how this training went and how it well it worked.  I won't know that until Marathon day!

No Excuses  / Gotta run

Week Eleven - Getting closer

Good or bad, the weeks are flying by this summer.  As I write this, it's hard to believe it's the last day of July.  My fall marathon is seven weeks away.  There is still plenty of time to train and to work on NOT getting injured.

This was a good week.  I was able to get my runs accomplished and my strength training, all on schedule, even though my daughter was visiting. The strength program continues to step it up with more difficult workouts, and I like the way it's causing me to work different areas.  I don't like doing evening runs because of the heat, but during the week I have no choice.  It was very hot when I did my nine mile run this week, and I was wearing new shoes.  Even though they are the exact same except in color as the other pair I started breaking in last week, they felt tight on one foot and I ended up with a blister on the bottom of my little toe.  Ouch!  I know sometimes different colors of the same shoe are slightly different, but this felt much tighter.  I believe, however, my feet were very swollen because of the heat or other issues.  I wore those shoes for my other runs this week, and by Saturday morning's run they felt fine.

That's it for this week. 


No Excuses  / Gotta run

Week Ten - Tough Week

I'm amazed I've made it this far without any injuries or major training detours.  I've been following my schedule, making adjustments as necessary.  I was able to get my strength training in, too.  That program stepped it up a bit and I can feel it, especially in my abdominal muscles. 

This week was supposed to be a "cut-back" week as far as mileage.  Every few weeks, this schedule has a week with much less mileage.  I suppose it's to keep one from burning out.  I switched and moved the lower mileage week to next week.  My daughter is visiting at the end of the week, and I didn't want to try to squeeze in my runs or skip any high mileage while she is here.

The hot, sometimes stormy weather made this a tough week.  Tuesday's scheduled 10-mile run became an 8-mile run on the treadmill.  I didn't feel like taking a chance with the lightening that was happening, but after 8 miles I could do no more on the treadmill.  I used to do a higher percentage of my runs on it, because of weather and family obligations.  I can't imagine that now!  Wednesday we ventured to the big city and I was able to finally purchase some new running shoes.  Mine were well over their prime, and I could feel it in my hips and knee.  Of course I had to try them out, so I made up the 2 miles from Tuesday as soon as we got home.  Well, I MAY have gone 3 miles, but the new shoes felt so good! 

The toughest day by far this week was today.  I ran (technically I ran and walked) 20 miles!  I slept in a bit and started later than I planned.  Originally I wanted to be out by 4:30/5:00 a.m., but I ended up out the door at 5:50 a.m.  I wore my headlamp for part of the run, then looped back home to drop it off once it was light enough outside.  We are under a heat advisory, so I wanted to finish before it got too hot.  I didn't quite accomplish that goal, but the point is that I finished 20 miles.  Last year when I was training for my October marathon, I didn't end up with any 20-mile runs due to schedules, injuries, etc.  I have two more planned before this marathon.

Since today's run was so long, I altered my route.  Instead of keeping it in the country, I ran into town, by the library, a park (both of those twice - going out and coming back), some major parking lots, and so forth.  I did a country loop at the end.  I stopped home at 17.5 miles because all of my water was gone, and I was very thirsty.  I was tempted to stay in the nice air-conditioned house, but I couldn't since I was so close to my goal.  I saw some interesting things on my run.  At the library, I saw a group of people sitting on and around the cannon.  There is a Pokestop there, and I imagine someone set up a lure.  I saw quite a few runners; I assume they were like me and wanted to get their runs finished before the heat of the day set in.  I saw the usual deer and other wildlife. I'm glad I stuck it out and finished.  I didn't have my usual stomach issues, so I'm getting better at know what to eat and what not to eat the day before.  Now it's time for a little rest!

No Excuses  / Gotta run

Week Nine - Keeping it going

Week nine - wow.  I've come this far without an injury, and I hope to keep it that way.  I accomplished all my scheduled runs this week, along with my cross-training/strength training. I seem to be running at a significantly slower pace, but that may be key to keeping injury-free.  Slow and steady finishes the race!

I have adjusted my schedule and I will see how it works.  Most weekends I prefer to do the long run on Saturday, and I had those scheduled for Sunday.  The change allows me to enjoy Saturday evenings without the the worry of what I'm eating and how that will affect the next day's run.  Also, usually the day after a long run (not the day of) I'm starving, and when I do my long runs on Sunday, I end up at work without enough to eat. Monday's are difficult enough without being continuously hungry! There may be a few Saturday's I'm unable to do that, but I'll adjust.  I've also added an occasional extra run in - it depends on how I feel.  I want to keep the enjoyment of running going, so if I feel like going for a run, I will.  And again, flexibility with my schedule is a key part of continued success.  I may have to switch up a few weeks due to family obligations, and that's OK.

This is a rather boring entry, but when things are going well, there's not much to say.  I did have one interesting run this week.  I knew the rain was coming, and I enjoy running in the rain.  The thunder was OK, too.  I was smart and, after my 3-mile loop, instead of doing a second one (I was aiming for 6 miles), I stayed in my neighborhood, running on every side street.  I was a block or so past my street and planning to run to the stop sign at the entrance to my subdivision.  As I said, thunder is OK.  Pouring rain is OK too, and it actually felt quite refreshing.  Then, there was lightening.  I don't do lightening!  I turned around and quickly ran back home.  I cut my run short by .4 of a mile, but safety is paramount!

No Excuses  / Gotta run

Week Eight - Still Running

I finished with week eight of training. Usually by this time in my schedule there have been some minor issues or injuries, causing me to pause training for a week.  So far everything is going very well.  I have to be careful to not tell myself that, since things are going so well, I can step it up beyond my scheduled training.  Pushing myself is when I end up getting injured.  I think it is helping that I haven't registered for any local races during the training. When I run a local race, I sometimes feel I have a reputation to keep up (I often place or win in my gender/age group) and I push myself too much.

That being said, I have done two things I said I wouldn't in that first paragraph.  I signed up for a 5K in early August.  It's close but technically not local, it's a women's only race, and it raises money for a good cause.  It will be late enough in my training that I think I'll be trained enough and disciplined enough to avoid injuries.  I'm scheduled for pace training the day before, so I'll adjust and make the race part of that training.

Also, I added a run this week.  Because I switched and did my long run on Saturday, I had an extra day.  Monday was a holiday, so I met up with one of my friends and we ran.  Originally we discussed the idea of running the local July 4th race, but decided to just go for a fun run.  That was a good decision. We had fun, saw some local wildlife, and didn't push ourselves like we do when we race.

I adjusted my long run schedule again this week.  One of my friends is visiting her family (she lives out of state), and had a scheduled long run for Saturday. I decided to again switch to Saturday so I could run with her.  And a funny thing happened on Friday - I was out for a short "shake out" run (scheduled, not extra), and ran into her.  So we ended up running together two days.  It's a great way to catch up on whats going on. 

As far as cross training, I missed one session.  I'll simply repeat last week and get it in.  As I've said, flexibility in a training schedule is key for me.  We had out of state family in town, and we had a last minute dinner invitation.  That was more important than one session of weight training.  The week was so busy that there was no other time to fit it in.

In the past, I would obsess about having to get in that training, possibly causing myself injury by not allowing myself enough recovery time from running.  Now I've learned to relax and realize that the only way any training program will work for me is if I allow enough flexibility to actually live my life too.  Running is a regular part of my life, not just when I'm training for a marathon, and I want to keep it that way.  A few years ago I got pretty burned out and didn't enjoy running.  I won't let that happen again.



No Excuses  / Gotta run

Week Seven - Already?

I'm writing this one day early.  I adjusted my schedule due to the holiday and an event we will be attending.  If anyone reads my blog, remember I write these entries AFTER my long run, when my brain is not working quite right :)  Training went well this week and I was able to get in all my planned activities.  My knee is holding up, and I don't feel as sore as I used to when I ran almost every day.

Three things I learned this week:

1.  Putting my runs and other training events on the calendar really helps.

2.  With the calendar, I still need to remain flexible with my schedule.

3.  A middle-aged woman cannot (or should not) move a bookcase upstairs by herself.

Further explanation follows.

By putting my runs, etc. on my calendar, it's always with me (I use google calendar so it's on my mobile phone).  It helps when I'm scheduling things - I can look and see what training is on the calendar and work my activities around it.  It is an attempt to make my running and training a top priority (as much as possible).  Also,  I share my calendar with my spouse.  He will say something like "so today is strength training, right?".  It helps him motivate me and also gives him an idea what I'll be doing that particular day.  As we have entered middle age, our memory isn't as good as it once was, so any tools are useful!

Even with the calendar, I have realized that flexibility is important (not only physically, but with schedules).  For example, this weekend is a holiday weekend. It is also one of our friend's annual birthday party.  Normally I do my long run on Sunday.  That means on Saturday I have to watch what I eat, drink, etc.  The party is today (Saturday).  I want to enjoy the party, so I altered my schedule enough and did my long run this morning.  Not only does it allow my to be able to not have to watch my food intake quite so carefully, but it also insulates me against some stress I may feel, as I'm not an extremely social person.

Now to the last one.  I was rearranging my office, and I needed a bookcase for all of my running, fitness, and computer books (I teach computer classes part-time in addition to my full time job).  I cleared off a bookcase downstairs, and decided to not wait for someone to help me take it upstairs.  I diligently removed the shelves and proceeded to try to carry it up the stairs.  I was up one stair when I realized what a mistake that was.  I was forced to wait for my husband, and we got it upstairs without further incident.  Unfortunately,  I strained my back to the point it was a little swollen when I went to bed.  I was able to run today without an issue, so that is good news.

Of course along with physical and mental training, food is important.  Our local grocery store has 1/2 price produce on Thursday evenings, so this is how my refrigerator looked after shopping:

Look at all of that fresh fruit!  It's so good.  But, this is what I was doing after Thursday evening's run:

Flexibility is important with diet too.  And the brownies tasted so good!

And this is what running is all about.  After a nice morning run, I feel insulated from the stresses of the day.  I know I have done something just for me.  And when I can run outside (most of the time I can), I experience the beauty of nature.  Here are some sights during my runs this week: 

That's about it for today's blog.  I know it rambles, but most runners will understand!  

No Excuses  / Gotta run 

Week Six - Sticking With It

This week seemed a little easier - not the runs themselves, but getting out there and starting the runs was easier.  It's helping with just 3 runs a week.  I'm not so tired, plus it's simply easier to schedule only three runs. And, I don't feel as sore after each run.  My knee definitely is better with this new "less is more" type of program.

I also started the strength training program.  It is an 8-week program for runners, then there are maintenance plans to choose from once the 8 weeks are up.  I am surprised at how much strength I've lost in the past six months or so.  It's definitely a program I need!

This is me after today's 12-mile run.  It was hot and I am tired.  My friend, Laura, joined me on 5 or 6 miles of the run, and that made the time go quicker.  Something happens on long (and especially hot) runs - my mind doesn't work as well.  In the past (before I had a Garmin), I was known to run extra miles on a long run, since I seemed to lose the ability to accurately calculate my distance.  I knew how far it was between different points, and I would forget or run one twice.  The Garmin has pretty much fixed that (except sometimes I forget how long a specific loop is and end up with a little extra, since I'm too far from home).  But the long runs still affect me.  For example, this morning I was running in my subdivision, close to my house.  I needed another 1/2 mile so I decided to go past my street (it's a cul-de-sac) and run the next street.  It's a street I run or walk on every day.  Well, I was partially up the street and suddenly NONE of the houses looked familiar.  I thought maybe I had taken a wrong turn, but I knew I hadn't.  I rationalized that it was just my brain getting overwhelmed as it does on long runs, realized that even though the houses didn't look familiar I was really on the correct street, and did the proper loop back to my house.  Then when I got home, I called my Pomeranian Sasha - his  name is Tucker, and Sasha is a female dog we had a few decades ago. 

So, if today's blog rambles more than usual, I'll blame it on the long run.  I'm eating and hydrating now, so I think I'm better :)

The bottom line is - this new program is working better for me.  I have all the runs and now the strength training sessions scheduled on my calendar, with some built in flexibility.  Having it on my calendar makes it easier for me to plan, and to tell myself I need to do it!   I'd like to add some yoga or cross training; once this training plan has gone well for a few weeks I will put something on my calendar. 

No Excuses  / Gotta run

Week Five - Getting Better

I started the first week of my "new" training program.  I didn't get all the strength training and cross training as planned, but this week was a new start!  I researched on what kinds of strength training is better for runners, and I ended up with two new books.  I skimmed them both, and have a plan set for this week.  So, with that I feel accomplished.

It's been several months since I've run a longish (10+ miles) run, and today I was able to finish 10.1 as scheduled (technically 10 was on the schedule, but oh well).  I had to take a few walk breaks and loop back home for a bio break, but I finished, I feel OK, and, most importantly, my knee feels better than last week.  Goal one accomplished (being able to run without additional knee pain).

In addition to a new training plan, I've also changed some other things during my runs.  When using headphones, I used to listen to music exclusively, and I still do that on some runs.  However, one of my sons introduced me to podcasts (thanks Christopher).  I find these particularly helpful on longer runs. These help me keep my mind engaged, and I feel like I am working on both mind and body.  The only issue is that occasionally I feel the need to stop and make some notes about a particular subject, book, or speaker!  One I particularly enjoy is freakonomics.  Another is NPR Hidden Brain.  These podcasts have given me some interesting ideas, and I often end up researching and reading books/articles by some of the people contributing / profiled in these podcasts.

I'm still struggling with motivation.  Putting the scheduled runs on my calendar, and having a goal to update this blog weekly both help with that.  The next step is to schedule strength workouts.  I sometimes think there is some sort of underlying depression creeping in, but the best way to combat that, for me at least, is exercise and reachable goals (marathon in September).  I've also scheduled a physical to make sure there are no underlying health issues.  I'm learning some other techniques and motivators as I listen to those aforementioned podcasts!

Now it's time to schedule that strength training!

No Excuses  / Gotta run

Week Four - Time for Re-evaluation

I completed week four of my marathon training.  This week has not been the best.  My knee (yes - "that" knee that kept me out of running for about three years), started hurting much more.  It is also making a clicking sound, like it did those years ago when I first had the knee issues.  I don't know if it is the volume of running, the fact I may have twisted it while mowing the lawn, not enough down time in between runs, or some combination that is causing the issues.

I decided the best thing to do, if I want to continue to train and to run, is to cut back the number of days I run.  I searched for and found a program that is geared toward senior runners, and at 58 I certainly qualify as a senior runner!  There are only three runs per week, but they are very specific runs.  The rest of the days are a combination of cross training and strength work.  Due to the fact my marathon is about 14 weeks away and this is technically a 24-week program, I had to make some modifications.

I took two days off before today's longish run.  I did some stretching and strength training specific to areas that are know to help with knee issues.  Today I was able to run 8.5 miles, and my knee is not clicking and feels only moderately sore.  I know it will never be pain-free, but I was cleared to run several years ago with the caveat that even though running won't cause it any more damage, it is going to hurt at times.

I started the week discouraged, and I have ended it on a high note.  I feel much better after today's run than I expected.  It's been a while since I've gone over 6 miles.  And I feel this new program will give me a little more freedom - I can get the mid-week run in during an evening or an early morning, depending on the weather and what's going on in life.  The other two runs are on days I have off (for now at least), so I think I will actually get more sleep with this program!  Even though I love to run and would run every day if I could, I can still get outside and walk, bicycle, hike, etc. and keep my knee from being too much of an issue.

No Excuses  / Gotta run

Week Three - and so it continues

I have finished week three of my training, and I missed one day.  I had TWO alarms set.  I accidentally turned off the first alarm.  I woke up about 1/2 hour before I was supposed to start work (luckily for me it was one of my "work from home" days).  That second alarm I set - well I set it to p.m. instead of a.m.  It's early in my training so missing one day isn't much of an issue. I ran an extra mile on Saturday and about an extra 1/2 mile on Sunday, just because it was nice outside.

This could be a tough week.  I'm going to attempt to work four 10-hours days.  It will be great to have Friday off - I can sleep in a little bit perhaps, and it's an additional day I can run outside.  It will be difficult getting used to the long days though.  I may be tired by the end of a day, especially since by the time I finish work, I will have been up for about 13 hours on the days I start with a run.  I have a few more weeks of Monday's off, so I can sleep in (until 4:30), and my plan never has a run on Wednesday, so it won't be too bad I suppose :)

I didn't get a good start on that nutrition yet.  This week it's a definite - with the long days, I will have to take food with me to eat.  I hope I have good things to report back next week.

I'd love to run outside every day, but evenings are just too busy, and a morning run makes my day much better.  I feel it inoculates me from the stresses of life (work, family, etc.), and helps me filter out what is and what is not important.  It's the best way to start the day!  I don't feel safe running outside as early as I must on the days I work.   I used to run with my dog, but his hips are too bad now for that.

If anyone is reading this, thanks!  If not, as I've repeatedly said, this is a good way for me to keep myself honest with my training, keeps me on track, etc.  I'll use it to post any issues I have as the tougher parts of the training begin!

No Excuses!

Week Two - Accomplished

I think it's good for me that this program starts slowly.  I'm gradually getting used to getting up very early in order to do some of the runs on the treadmill.  It was great to run outside the last few runs.  I have to confess though - today was a gorgeous day and I accidentally ran an extra mile. 

Monday (tomorrow) is an "off" day and I need it.  I'm still having some issues with my leg - the same thing I always have issues with.  I'm going to do some stretching and some more of that painful, yet effective, foam rolling.  It helped after today's run.

Now it's time for me to step up in the nutrition department.  Most of our major life events, like graduation and weddings, are over, so it should be easier to stick to a nutrition regime. 

If anyone reads this blog - thank you.  It's probably boring to most, but it keeps me honest with my training and I hope it keeps me on track.

No Excuses!

Week One - it has begun

This training plan starts very slowly. Week one was accomplished with no issues. I started week two on the treadmill. I need to run early in the morning before work, and I don't feel comfortable running outside in the dark. And, I just discovered the mobile app for the blog, so I hope to post more often. Maybe I'll even take a pictures or two during my outdoor runs :)

Gotta run

Marathon Training in 3, 2, 1

I'm going to TRY to resurrect this blog.  I am training for my 9th marathon - the 20th Air Force Marathon in September.

This will be short entry.  I started my training today.  I am using Hansons Marathon Method, and I chose the beginners program.  Even though I have run several marathons, I want to try to actually stick with a training program and see how well I can do.  Thus, I decided to try one that I am more likely to follow and not encounter any injuries.

Today was a 3 mile easy run (the first few weeks are all easy runs).  I was amazed at  how an easy run today was at the same pace as a hard run was for me a few years ago.  I guess I am proof decline isn't a given for older runners, especially when they started late in life.

Gotta Run!