Yehaw!

Good run today.

I way over dressed but it's good that I did. I didn't realize it was going to be so windy out. Thankfully I was able to half unzip my jacket to cool me off enough,

I realized today when I wanted to speed up a little, I started taking deeper breaths, which mean the air went in and out faster. It's amazing how that wore out my lungs. Once I went back to normal breathing the run was much more fun.

Must be me getting nervous about the race next Saturday already. Trying to always run a personal best gets tiresome and stressful.

Oh, my normal breathing is a shallower breath but slightly more air than when I am at rest. Definitely more regular too. I find that breathing In-2-3 Out-2-3 still works the best. Yes, I time it with my steps.

I should probably lay off the sodas and caffeine this week so I can make sure I am well hydrated. 

I have two maybe three workouts left before my run. They will only be 2-3 mile runs for 20-35 minutes. Just enough to keep them exercised a little.

Remember to keep calm and run.

This weeks weigh in (after run): 230.6

Today's run:

Crunch Time!

Well we are about 10 days from the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon and it is crunch time.

I am running the half marathon which is around 13.1 miles.

So, here is my last-minute advice for all you beginner runners. But don't just take my word for it. Read up on it from multiple sources for yourself.

1. You want to make sure you are comfortable during your run, dress for success!

• Need something that is not too heavy, but will keep you warm at near freezing temperatures. (I am wearing Adidas Climawarm pants and top - great for that 30-48 degree weather.)
• They do make socks so that when your feet sweat it causes a chemical reaction and the socks warm up. They are very nice.
• Gloves. Get something that has a nice soft fuzzy material on the thumbs. (They comes in handy when you need to wipe your nose.)
• I plan on wearing my Skull Cap and a regular hat over it. It will prevent sweat from running down my face. The regular loose fitting hat will help keep some heat in.
• Do what ever it takes to ensure no blisters or raw skin become a problem. You should have this figured out by now, but if you are still having issues, ask some other runners on how best to deal with your dis-comfort areas.

  2. Keep it SLOW out of the gate. The race will not be won or a PR made in the first 3 miles of the run. I have been reading up a lot on how to prep for a race like this and I get the same message over and over and over again. First, there are going to be 11,000 people at the starting line and it will be crowded. If you wait a little to pick up your pace, there will be less crowding. Unless you like being worn out before the first 3 miles are over because you are darting and going fast then slow then fast then super fast to get around a group and then slow to catch your breath - then KEEP IT SLOW AT THE START. At 5k, if you are feeling really good maybe kick it up a notch. Then again at 10k you can re-evaluate your pace. Last time you want to check your pace is the last 5k of the run. This is where you want to kick it into high gear if you have it in you, if not keep the pace you are going. More records are broke by people who run the second half of the run faster than the first half of the run.  

3. YOU ARE A SKILLED METAL WORKER! Or in this case, marathon runner. That is right, just like Khalil in the Veggie Tales movie Jonah, you need to have a positive mental attitude. Most of this fight is mental. Your body can handle it. Unfortunately our brains like to give up before our body is worn out. So, you need to think positive. Be prepared because the conditions are almost never perfect. While the IMM will claim it was perfect last year, I don't count being pelted by sleet perfect.

4. Your last run should be around 60-48 hours before the race. A short 2 mile / 20 minute run would be perfect. You'll want at least 48 hours of recovery before the long run.

Today's Run:

Weird

Took a different route today for my long run and had the hardest time even running 10 miles.

It's almost disheartening to think that the run is two weeks away and I just blew my last chance for a 13.1 mile run. 

My per mile time just kept creeping up. It seemed there was nothing I could do to get a consistent mile time.

The weather was awkward as well. While it was 60 out it was a cold 60. Mostly overcast, good breeze, kept my core cool. Probably too cool.

My body kept going from ok to cold. That probably added enough stress to my body for my body to wear out faster.

I guess I have two weeks left to figure out what I am going to wear to keep my body temp more regulated.

Today's weigh in (after run): 230.6

Today's run:

Great Morning

Had a great run this morning.

Cooler and breezier than my normal Sunday afternoon runs. Really need to move my long runs to Saturday morning so I can acclimate slowly to the cooler temperatures. Remember the half marathon is in November and it tends to be pretty chilly at 7 am. It takes me about a mile to get warmed up.

Recovery is starting to take longer. However, I am running 4.5 miles on the weekdays and then a long run on the weekend. It is a good combination for working out and is definitely building strength.

I did notice I am right leg dominate. I have to think about using and pushing with my left leg. If I don't the leg tends to just go through the motion. Anyone who has ridden a paddle boat with me knows the most of my power is in my right leg. Much to their annoyance.

Weekly weigh-in: 240.4*

* estimated, added 4 to after run weight.

Today's run:

Sunday Drive

I went for a Sunday drive today. It is amazing how much you notice around you if your not constantly monitoring your speed or breathing. 

Today there were a couple of Amish boys inside the fence at the water treatment plant. Who knows what they were doing, but they weren't in the water and they weren't causing any harm. Down the road a little farther was either a reunion or church potluck or both at Leatherman Park. Closer to home on my way through the outskirts of town were a half dozen kids giggling and bouncing on a trampoline. In park downtown was packed. The sound of people enjoying life.

What I am saying is sometimes you need to run for enjoyment or it becomes a chore. Same with any exercise program. I like running because it something that is very portable and can fit into almost every schedule.

Today's Run: