Day 5 of 88
Well, I missed a run. Not any run either - this was the weeks long run. If you are going to miss a run, it should never be the long one.
Rain and social events filled up the week and weekend. I got my 5 mile run in Saturday but couldn't do the 8 mile run on Sunday. I was going to try again on Monday but cold rain has stopped me.
Miles 8 - n/a
The moral of the story is that I think it is okay if you can't make a run - just try not to make it the long run.
Day 4 of 88
This run was a 5 mile loop from my house to the lake and back. It isn't as cold as yesterday - perfect running weather is about 5 degrees warmer though.
Total time: 41:00
Mile 1: 9:00 approx
Mile 2: 7:00 approx
Mile 3: 8:00 approx
Mile 4: 7:00 approx
Mile 5: 7:00 approx
Average time: 8:18
Given that my previous fastest mile time ever was 8:26. I'm very happy. Remember that mile 1 and 5 are a little over a mile in length also!
I has hurting but was able to keep a steady pace. I don't have accurate spilt times - still need a decent watch.
Day 3 of 88
My cousin ran with me tonight which make it fun - she is thinking about running the marathon in February also. We went nice and easy for 3 miles.
Total Time: 30:00
Mile 1: 9:30
Mile 2: 10:00
Mile 3: 10:30
Avg time: 10:00
Day 2 of 88
This run was a 5 mile run. It is pretty cold out here, but the wind is down.
Total time: 45:30
Mile 1: 10:10
Mile 2: 7:50
Mile 3: 9:00
Mile 4: 8:00
Mile 5: 10:30
Avg: 9:06
I'm having aches and pains in my feet amd knees as they get used to running again. Small pains are okay as long as they don't grow. I'm not too worried because I feel much better when I stop running.
Shoes- the most important piece of gear
Shoe are probably the most important item for a runner.
I ran out of my last pair of Nike Shox during the Chicago Marathon. After the race the rubber near the ball of my foot was warn flat. I liked them because they were nice and soft. I think most serious runners shy away from gimicky springs and such, but I don't mind as long as they help keep my feet from hurting.
This training I'm mixing things up a bit. I had bought another pair during the summer training that I used for shorter runs. The New Balance M1023WY is firmer and feels faster. Faster is what I'm going for so they are worth trying.
The key for finding the right shoe is getting a good fit and matching it's function to your needs. Right now I think a firmer shoe will offer better support and response when running faster. With about 50 miles on these shoes, I would suggest others to try them as well.
Besides, New Balance is a big contributor in races like the Chicago Marathon, so I feel good to support them by buying their shoes.
You can check them out on Amazon:
Day 1 of 88
The first run was a little harder than I expected for 3 miles, but I went pretty fast considering the 26 mile per hour wind gusts off of Lake Michigan. The temperature was 51 degrees but it felt much colder.
Running against the wind for the middle portion of the course was almost torture due to the cold air flowing down my lungs. I figure it will only be worse in December, January and February. I have to remember that running faster is a long term goal - 18 weeks and probably into next fall also.
The course is actually more than 3 miles because of the distance from my house to the lake. It's close enough though. I haven't gotten a running watch yet, so I'm using my analog watch.
Total Time: 28:30
Mile 1: 9:30
Mile 2: 8:50
Mile 3: 10:10
Avg Time: 9:30
Two weeks off since the marathon has done some damage. Lot's to do.
Full Disclosure - my running history
I want all readers to understand where I'm at in terms of running ability. This wouldn't be much help if I was an elite runner and the reader was a beginner, and vice versa.
I'm a software engineer - I sit at a desk for 8 hours a day.
I've always been a decent athlete. I used to play football and baseball in high school (graduated in '94.) In 1997, I even ran on the Augustana College (Division 3) track team as a sprinter for one season. After that, I NEVER ran until....
2001, I decided to run a marathon and that summer my friend and I did the training and finished the Chicago Marathon. Afterwards I believe I had some stress fractures in my foot and that was the last time I ran until....
2005, I did it again. I trained and ran the Chicago Marathon. That was 15 days ago. I have taken a break to get my legs back to normal. I hope the summer work pays off with an easier time this winter.
I live in Chicago, Illinois. This will make a training very difficult. Already the temperature is 50 degrees outside. It feels much colder!
It begins....
I noticed that their is not a lot of information to help out a runner that is training for a marathon. This BLOG will keep a log on my bumps in the road. I hope these experiences help others finish a marathon or run one faster.
A little background: I've run two marathons. The 2001 and 2005 Chicago Marathons. The difference between the first and second events is that I'm still excited about running after the 2005 event. I'm excited enough that I've targeted my next marathon which starts in 18 weeks -- the Tampa Marathon on February 26. Training starts today - right after work!
I ran a leasure pace and finished with the time of 4:36. I had to run slower than I would have liked because I was helping a friend finish his first race. Four of us ran together and we all finished. But, I know I could have run under a four hour time! I KNOW IT!
Last Thursday I threw down the gauntlet to my fast friend. He is in much better shape - a Physical Education teacher. He has already planned to run the Phoenix Marathon on January 15th. I told him, what ever time he finishes, I'm going to beat it. BTW, He is hopeing for a time around 3:30. My Personal Best is 4:14:26 in 2001.
Here I go!!
My achilles are still tight after the Chicago Marathon 15 days earlier, but I think the achilles will be fine after some streatching. I can get up to speed quickly -- well I have too. I am used to running at a 9 minute per mile pace. I need to decrease that to 8 minutes per mile - and sustain it over 26 miles.
