It's been a while since I last updated this. Things are going well with training, each week from here on out my total weekly mileage is increasing more and more. The long runs truly do start to become, "long runs."
This past Saturday my training schedule called for a 5 mile run. I decided to bite the bullet and see what it would be like to run with a group of people fighting for the same cause. As I left the house at 7:30am Saturday morning I wasn't sure if I would be 1 of 10 people, or 1 of 100 who were participating in the weekly Mentor Program for the Riverbank Run put on by the Grand Rapids Running Club. When I pulled into the parking lot before the sun was up, I was surprised to see I could hardly find any open spaces! As I got out, a group began to form in the parking lot with a lot of friendly fellow runners. We received some instructions on the routes that were offered that day, along with where the aid station would be on how to navigate the cones setup earlier that morning.
As we started out it felt almost like being in a small race, except nobody was terribly concerned with pace. I'm pretty sure I saw people running from about a 7 minute mile, to a 13 minute mile. I personally was around 9-9:30. It was a great feeling knowing that there was support and motivation around at all times. I talked to a few people along the way, which helped break the run up. The entire run went by fairly quickly, and was more effortless than I had imagined it would be. It was a great having structure build into my weekly long run, and made the week worth of training runs well worth it. I can't wait to continue running with this new found support group.
Last Friday as I was coming around the corner towards home on a short 2 mile run, it felt like fire had taken over the toes on my left foot. With it being so sudden, I thought for sure it was a nerve issue with all of my back and neck related problems. I made it back to the house, took off my shoe and noticed that one toe in particular was sore to the touch. I pulled my sock off to find a huge blister had burst and peeled back a large amount of skin. Luckily I was able to bandage it up and it didn't give me too much trouble on the Saturday run. After the run Saturday though, I went with Emily and Lennon to Gazelle Sports and grabbed that new pair of shoes I've been putting off getting.
I started reading "Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen" about a week ago. It is an amazing book for runners and non-runners alike. I'm about a third of the way through it, and it is really encouraging to see what some people can accomplish with the human body. It makes my goal of finishing the 25k look like a half-day workout for some of the people in that book. That's not discouraging for me, it actually makes me feel good to know that people love to run, just to run.
Until next time,
Keith
Monday, January 25, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
A New Year
T-minus 115 days until the Fifth Third Riverbank Run!!!
The sickness in our house has subsided, and life is returning back to normal now that the holidays have passed. I only missed a couple of days worth of training over Christmas when I had such a horrible cold, but those few days off really seemed to set me back, if only in spirit.
It has taken the past 2 weeks to get back into the swing of things and regain my confidence of being able to accomplish my goals. Before the snow started to fly I couldn't wait to get all of my new winter running gear out, strap on my Yaktrax and plow through the snow banks! The novelty of that wore off quite quickly. I still would not even consider running indoors though. I need to see that I'm making forward progress when I run, and I like the change of scenery. I do enjoy a nice cold, sunny morning run. Sometimes I look down and notice other Yaktrax marks in the snow which seems to send a boost of energy to my legs because I don't feel like I'm in this alone. I've always run by myself, and I am not sure how my training would change if I had a running partner(s). I really can't wait for the snow to clear just enough to allow a solid path to run on. The worst feeling is when I start "treading slush" and seem to stop moving forward.
Yesterday I went to the chiropractor for the first time in a few months. My hip, ankle and back have all been starting to feel a little discomfort. A combination of not going to the chiropractor for so long, needing new shoes, running on unstable ground, and previous injury have all contributed to this. I'm as confident as ever that I'll be able to complete the Fifth Third Riverbank Run in the time that I want, which as of right now is just under a 10 minute/mile pace. My runs lately have been between 8:45-9:30/miles so I'll see if I want to bump up that goal pace as I go. We'll see!
My wife also talked me into getting a Wii/Wii Fit on Sunday, which has already proven to be an effective cross-training device that works muscles running does not. Sore!
Best of luck to all who are actively training in this weather!!!
The sickness in our house has subsided, and life is returning back to normal now that the holidays have passed. I only missed a couple of days worth of training over Christmas when I had such a horrible cold, but those few days off really seemed to set me back, if only in spirit.
It has taken the past 2 weeks to get back into the swing of things and regain my confidence of being able to accomplish my goals. Before the snow started to fly I couldn't wait to get all of my new winter running gear out, strap on my Yaktrax and plow through the snow banks! The novelty of that wore off quite quickly. I still would not even consider running indoors though. I need to see that I'm making forward progress when I run, and I like the change of scenery. I do enjoy a nice cold, sunny morning run. Sometimes I look down and notice other Yaktrax marks in the snow which seems to send a boost of energy to my legs because I don't feel like I'm in this alone. I've always run by myself, and I am not sure how my training would change if I had a running partner(s). I really can't wait for the snow to clear just enough to allow a solid path to run on. The worst feeling is when I start "treading slush" and seem to stop moving forward.
Yesterday I went to the chiropractor for the first time in a few months. My hip, ankle and back have all been starting to feel a little discomfort. A combination of not going to the chiropractor for so long, needing new shoes, running on unstable ground, and previous injury have all contributed to this. I'm as confident as ever that I'll be able to complete the Fifth Third Riverbank Run in the time that I want, which as of right now is just under a 10 minute/mile pace. My runs lately have been between 8:45-9:30/miles so I'll see if I want to bump up that goal pace as I go. We'll see!
My wife also talked me into getting a Wii/Wii Fit on Sunday, which has already proven to be an effective cross-training device that works muscles running does not. Sore!
Best of luck to all who are actively training in this weather!!!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
A minor hurdle.
I woke up Christmas morning to my amazing, beautiful family, and a head cold. Christmas day I had planned to hold off from my training run anyway, but things progressively became worse for me throughout the day. By Saturday morning I was walking around in a haze of congestion. Needless to say, I have been battling this cold ever since.
My 6 month old son now has the same thing, which me such a helpless feeling for him. If only I could blow his nose! Yesterday I was feeling well enough and had the energy to start the program again. Even though it was only 5 days off, it felt like eternity. It felt amazing to get back out and run again, but my legs starting fatiguing a little earlier then I had expected. Hopefully today will start the process of making things a little easier as I ease back into my runs.
Only a few more weeks until the long runs start to get...LONG!
Wishing everyone a safe and Happy New Year!
My 6 month old son now has the same thing, which me such a helpless feeling for him. If only I could blow his nose! Yesterday I was feeling well enough and had the energy to start the program again. Even though it was only 5 days off, it felt like eternity. It felt amazing to get back out and run again, but my legs starting fatiguing a little earlier then I had expected. Hopefully today will start the process of making things a little easier as I ease back into my runs.
Only a few more weeks until the long runs start to get...LONG!
Wishing everyone a safe and Happy New Year!
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Happy Holidays!
And the temptation of Christmas goodies begins. Great run this morning in the new fluffy powder!
Friday, December 11, 2009
Brrrrrr
It was 3 degrees (with wind chill) today when I went for my run. Granted it was only a 1 mile run, but it was brutal. Again the biggest challenge was the snow getting packed in around my ankles. Having ice cubes form in your shoes is not a great feeling. Surprisingly once I got going, the cold wasn't too bad. The wind was harsh on my exposed face, but my body kept me heated enough and I didn't really notice. It was eerily quite running on the fresh powder, and having traffic roll by on the same. My Yaktrax and new gloves proved to be lifesavers today.
I was still able to train outside in "Blizzard 09" as it has been called by our (cough) amazing local forecasters.
I was still able to train outside in "Blizzard 09" as it has been called by our (cough) amazing local forecasters.
Monday, December 7, 2009
My gear, and it's importance.
Anyone who knows me, knows that I'm am tight wad when it comes to anything but the essentials. If you can't see my toe poking out of the hole(s) in my dress socks, they still have some life in them. That being said, I've really come to appreciate the value of good running gear.
In the next few months I'm going to be about ready for a new pair of shoes. Unfortunately I didn't start keeping track of my latest shoe mileage soon enough, but I know I'm probably upwards of 250 miles on them now. Right now I'm running on a pair of Asics GT-2140s. I probably spent a solid 2 weeks earlier this year in search of my next pair of shoes. I have a fussy ankle and hip, caused by multiple injuries from several years ago. I was partial to Saucony, tried a few pair of Brooks too, but ultimately the best "feel" in both comfort and support came from the Asics. Almost instantly some of the normal aches and pains went away. Now that I'm coming up on getting another pair, I'm wondering if I should stick with what I know works, or try something different.
Under my shoes, I've got a few pair of Balega socks. They have been perfect all year for keeping my feet blister free, and comfy. Now that the weather is turning, I need to get another pair that come up a bit further than my ankles. I'm leaning towards a pair of black Smart Wool running socks.
When the weather dropped under 50, I went out and bought a pair of basic Asics leggings. They aren't very thick, and not really insulated at all, but so far they have done the trick. I was out the other day in 24 degree windy and snow, and my legs stayed nice and toasty. I wear a pair of shorts over them for added warmth and mental security. :) They really do help in muscle support and recovery after a run.
Throughout the summer, I learned the hard way that wearing cotton tops is NOT the way to go. I eventually started wearing a Brooks performance shirt that helped wick moisture away. A few weeks ago I purchased an Under Armour Mock Turtleneck from DICK'S (Black Friday sale!). It's compression fitting, which really supports your muscles and keeps the blood moving. That has been an amazing help in the cold runs.
My wife and I had our 2 year anniversary about a month ago, and she got me an Under Armour Cold Gear Illusion jacket. I was having issues either getting too warm, or being too chilly. This thing, is amazing. It has built in wind protection in the chest which eliminates any chill getting in. The underarm and back has thin ventilated areas that keep the air moving through your upper body. At first I thought this might allow for some cold air to get in, but it really just circulates the hot air out at the right time. It regulates your body temperature really well, from warm up to cool down. It's also highly visible, but still looks great.
After using a pair of nylon gloves for all of my previous cold weather runs, I now have a pair of Under Armour Cold Gear fleece gloves. Today was the first time I used them, and they seem to keep the wind out and the heat in!
Lastly, are the Yaktrax. A few days ago when we got hit with all of this snow, I didn't have them and still was able to keep good footing. This was in part because the snow was still fluff, and not ice. The day I picked up the Yaktrax, the sidewalks were packed snow and ice. It took some effort to get them strapped onto my shoes. I felt like they might break if I stretched them too much. The tight fit ended up helping in my overall confidence of them on my run. The first patch of ice I approached, I instinctively tensed up, only to be surprised at how well the Yaktrax actually worked. There was no slip at all. Through snow, slush and ice, they kept just as good a hold on my shoe as pavement. My only complaint is that you really have to be running on a surface that is covered with snow or ice. I'm not sure how long they will last if you do run on pavement with them, but it's not recommended. I came across a few patches on my first run, and noticed some scuffs and gouges on the wires. For all I know, they might hold up great, but I don't want to test the durability too quickly. For days like today, I was torn as to whether or not I should wear them. I didn't, and regretted it when I came by the slick spots.
All in all, I think my winter gear collection is getting close to being set. A new pair of socks, something to keep my neck warm, and maybe some gaiters for those snow drifts. I hear we are supposed to get slammed with a winter storm in the next few days, so I'll really be able to test out my own limitations on the extra wintery days.
In the next few months I'm going to be about ready for a new pair of shoes. Unfortunately I didn't start keeping track of my latest shoe mileage soon enough, but I know I'm probably upwards of 250 miles on them now. Right now I'm running on a pair of Asics GT-2140s. I probably spent a solid 2 weeks earlier this year in search of my next pair of shoes. I have a fussy ankle and hip, caused by multiple injuries from several years ago. I was partial to Saucony, tried a few pair of Brooks too, but ultimately the best "feel" in both comfort and support came from the Asics. Almost instantly some of the normal aches and pains went away. Now that I'm coming up on getting another pair, I'm wondering if I should stick with what I know works, or try something different.Under my shoes, I've got a few pair of Balega socks. They have been perfect all year for keeping my feet blister free, and comfy. Now that the weather is turning, I need to get another pair that come up a bit further than my ankles. I'm leaning towards a pair of black Smart Wool running socks.
When the weather dropped under 50, I went out and bought a pair of basic Asics leggings. They aren't very thick, and not really insulated at all, but so far they have done the trick. I was out the other day in 24 degree windy and snow, and my legs stayed nice and toasty. I wear a pair of shorts over them for added warmth and mental security. :) They really do help in muscle support and recovery after a run.
Throughout the summer, I learned the hard way that wearing cotton tops is NOT the way to go. I eventually started wearing a Brooks performance shirt that helped wick moisture away. A few weeks ago I purchased an Under Armour Mock Turtleneck from DICK'S (Black Friday sale!). It's compression fitting, which really supports your muscles and keeps the blood moving. That has been an amazing help in the cold runs.
My wife and I had our 2 year anniversary about a month ago, and she got me an Under Armour Cold Gear Illusion jacket. I was having issues either getting too warm, or being too chilly. This thing, is amazing. It has built in wind protection in the chest which eliminates any chill getting in. The underarm and back has thin ventilated areas that keep the air moving through your upper body. At first I thought this might allow for some cold air to get in, but it really just circulates the hot air out at the right time. It regulates your body temperature really well, from warm up to cool down. It's also highly visible, but still looks great.After using a pair of nylon gloves for all of my previous cold weather runs, I now have a pair of Under Armour Cold Gear fleece gloves. Today was the first time I used them, and they seem to keep the wind out and the heat in!Lastly, are the Yaktrax. A few days ago when we got hit with all of this snow, I didn't have them and still was able to keep good footing. This was in part because the snow was still fluff, and not ice. The day I picked up the Yaktrax, the sidewalks were packed snow and ice. It took some effort to get them strapped onto my shoes. I felt like they might break if I stretched them too much. The tight fit ended up helping in my overall confidence of them on my run. The first patch of ice I approached, I instinctively tensed up, only to be surprised at how well the Yaktrax actually worked. There was no slip at all. Through snow, slush and ice, they kept just as good a hold on my shoe as pavement. My only complaint is that you really have to be running on a surface that is covered with snow or ice. I'm not sure how long they will last if you do run on pavement with them, but it's not recommended. I came across a few patches on my first run, and noticed some scuffs and gouges on the wires. For all I know, they might hold up great, but I don't want to test the durability too quickly. For days like today, I was torn as to whether or not I should wear them. I didn't, and regretted it when I came by the slick spots. All in all, I think my winter gear collection is getting close to being set. A new pair of socks, something to keep my neck warm, and maybe some gaiters for those snow drifts. I hear we are supposed to get slammed with a winter storm in the next few days, so I'll really be able to test out my own limitations on the extra wintery days.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
It's officially winter!
I woke up yesterday to about 9 inches of snow. Overnight, it turned into a winter wonderland. This time last year I think we had already seen our first few storms come and go. I'm not thrilled with the road conditions, but the snow helps get everyone in the Christmas spirit, and helps all of those lights I put up really shine!
There was a small window of time for me to run yesterday. I decided to brave the blizzard at about 8am. Of course none of the roads or sidewalks had been plowed or shoveled yet, so that made things a bit interesting. Traction really wasn't much of an issue so much as snow being packed in my shoes. My new running jacket kept me perfectly toasty, but I really quickly found out what my Christmas list would have on it: new gloves, gaiters for my shoes, something to better protect my ears, wool socks, and traction control.
I went out this morning an purchased a set of Yaktrax from Striders in Grandville. Now that everyone has had a chance to clear the sidewalks, I'm sure it won't be quite as forgiving as fluffy snow. I had done quite a bit of research and asking around about what the best option was for traction. I found Yaktrax and Stabilicers were the most used. I read good and bad about both, and decided to try my luck with Yaktrax. I'll let you know my thoughts after my run in a few hours!
There was a small window of time for me to run yesterday. I decided to brave the blizzard at about 8am. Of course none of the roads or sidewalks had been plowed or shoveled yet, so that made things a bit interesting. Traction really wasn't much of an issue so much as snow being packed in my shoes. My new running jacket kept me perfectly toasty, but I really quickly found out what my Christmas list would have on it: new gloves, gaiters for my shoes, something to better protect my ears, wool socks, and traction control.
I went out this morning an purchased a set of Yaktrax from Striders in Grandville. Now that everyone has had a chance to clear the sidewalks, I'm sure it won't be quite as forgiving as fluffy snow. I had done quite a bit of research and asking around about what the best option was for traction. I found Yaktrax and Stabilicers were the most used. I read good and bad about both, and decided to try my luck with Yaktrax. I'll let you know my thoughts after my run in a few hours!