Finding my Groove

Yesterday I ran 9 miles. Just me and my iPod (with Kiss and Tool). I started off from my apartment, and headed towards downtown. I had $1.75 in my pocket, and a GU, my Garmin and iPod. I hit Michigan Ave. downtown, and headed back towards campus. I was cruisin'.

As I hit the WMU track, I saw an old co-worker. Being that it was 4 miles, I stopped at the track, grabbed some water, talked a bit, then headed off to run.

As I got through campus, I hit 5 miles, and a 7-11. I bought a water, ate my GU, and from there on, just cruised. I felt strong, confident, and was really into my run, despite being tired from speed work on Tuesday.

I feel like I'm really hitting my stride, and its awesome. I don't go out running wondering if I can finish the run, but confident, knowing that it can be done. That's a good feeling at this stage of the game.

San Francisco

Last week I was in San Francisco on business, then for fun. In between, I had to find time to run in the city. Being jet lagged from the trip, I skipped speed work on Tuesday, and ran 8 miles on Wednesday, while waiting for my girlfriend to fly in. I finished work on Thursday, and ate in Chinatown, and rested for Friday and Saturday of touring.

Friday, Emily and I went to the Golden Gate Bridge, which is pedestrian friendly. We arrive to the bridge on Friday afternoon, it was cool and foggy on the San Francisco side, and we were wearing jackets/long sleeve sweatshirts. Needing to run 3 miles for the day, I set out to accomplish this distance with Emily, as the bridge is 1.2 miles in length.

We set out to run with our iPods on, joining the maze of people crossing the bridge by running, walking, or biking. As I started running, I had my jacket full of stuff, and it was clunky, so I decided to carry it.

We were running and taking pictures of ourselves along the way, and enjoying being outside, and it gradually got sunnier. By the time we reached the other side (Marin County), it was sunny and beautiful out (see the above picture). We turned around, and headed back to the other side, posing for a few more pictures along the way. Finally, we had finished, with a nice 3 mile run, enjoying the sun, wind, fog, and scenery of San Francisco.

12... or 13?

So today's run was to be 12 miles. We started at Gazelle Sports downtown, and as I walked out the door, it started thundering and lightning. Knowing that I had to get my run in, I headed downtown anyways, and by the time I arrived at Gazelle, it had stopped storming. When I arrived, they sorted us into our groups, told us the route and mileage, and dismissed us by group to run.

I ran in the 9:30-10:00 min/mile pace group, and there were four of us running together. As we started, it started to rain, but the humidity had lowered, and the rain was warm, so it was pleasant. By 1.5 miles, the rain had stopped (and never returned).

As we were running, there were few mileage markers out, so we had to use our Garmin's for the distance. When we approached the 2nd water stop, they read 4.5 miles. We told a group that was only running 9 they could turn around. About a half mile up the road, we saw the 4.5 mile marker. The same was true for the 5 mile marker. So we had a dilemma when our Garmin's turned 6 miles. As we continued on, we saw the 6 mile turnaround, along with a water stop, so we continued onward.

At mile 6 (or 6.45), we got some water, and 2 members of our group continued on. We headed back, still puzzled by the milage, and wondered what the Garmin would read back at Gazelle.

By this time, it was starting to warm up, but there was a nice breeze. Being wet with the rain (and sweat), the breeze felt good and kept my body temperature cool for the run.

As I approached mile 11.7, I was starting to get tired (both physically and mentally), and stopped to walk, leaving my running partner behind. I put on the iPod to help me through the rest of the run.

I finally finished at Gazelle, and my Garmin read 12.88 miles. I trust the GPS more than the map handed out at the start, so I guess I did almost 13 miles today!!!

Vacation and Rest!!!

The fourth of July brought a 5 day weekend, which was much needed after my travels over the past few weeks. I ran with the group 10 miles on Saturday morning, which was tough because I was fighting off a cold. Somehow, I was able to power through the last two miles, which was positive.

On Sunday, I headed up north with my girlfriend to relax at Sutton's Bay with my family. Sutton's Bay is north of Traverse City, and is located in Michigan's wine country. Still not feeling 100%, I decided to take Sunday off from running.

Monday, we headed out for a bike ride, and I went 11.75 miles with the family, then headed out for another 10 miles on my own. I biked the 10 miles at a 18.7 mph pace, which was fantastic, and felt really good about it. Feeling good, I retreated to the beach for the rest of the day.

Tuesday morning was time for speed-work, so I found the local high school. Doing my warmup from our vacation rental to the track, I began my workouts. Being that it was a red track, I was running very fast. I was trying to run my quarters ins 2:05, and my first lap was 1:51! I was able to get my laps closer to 2:00. I ran my cool-down, and had an excellent workout.

Wednesday, I was back at work and reality, and was tired before my 7 mile run after work. I went for a run and was able to focus, and had a great run.

Looking at how the first month of training has gone, I need to get back into lifting weights, which I haven't been able to do much lately due to traveling. Other than that, I've been pretty happy with how I've been running.