For those of you who don't know, I'm training to run the New Jersey Marathon on May 1st, and I've spent the last five weeks training (and complaining), mainly on the treadmill in my basement. Overall, it's been okay training, but I've gotten tired of the lack of change of scenery, I've watched about as many movies as I can (as well as Law and Order - it's ALWAYS on some channel), and I'm ready to bust out.
Which I did this past weekend. The outside temperature finally rose, without an associated rise in rain, snow, or my body temperature (illness has played a big role this January). I took full advantage, and went out for my long run on Saturday to enjoy great weather. What I had forgotten is that my last long run outside was only about 10 miles, while this week's run was a full 18. When I added the hills on the course I chose, it turned into a long, slow run, with (so far) three days of quad soreness. I really have to learn to crank up the elevation on the treadmill a lot more than I do today.
That said, I'm still a week ahead of my training plan, so I have some room for things to fall apart for a week. I'm on a cutback week, so the next few days should be more relaxing and enjoyable. I'm also really trying not to focus on my time performance in this race, but to really focus on enjoying the experience. It helps that I've gotten almost my whole family to join me on this weekend, and to do a 3-mile run / walk on the day before the marathon. I don't think we've ever done an athletic event before, and some of them not in many years, so this should be a really enjoyable weekend for everyone.
Lastly, I'm trying out my media chops - In addition to this blog, I've tried to host a podcast or two, and I'm writing articles for my local running club. I'm not sure that I have the time or the talent required to do any of this, but I'm stretching my wings to see how well I can fly. If you're reading this, someday you may be able to count yourself as one of the early victims of my prose.
Run strong, and love what you're doing.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Starting the Year Over
I was finally able to get in a few runs outside last week, and that was a mixed blessing. It was great to finally get some fresh air, and to get a change of scenery and terrain - I think that is restored a bit of sanity that I was missing. The downside, though, was that it was snowy, the roads weren't great, and it was hard.
Why hard? After running for nearly three weeks on a treadmill, my legs weren't familiar with the size hills I have to deal with, my lungs weren't fully ready for the cold, and frankly, I've gotten used to running with a TV, not just the podcasts on my ipod. I listen to podcasts about running and politics, as they're less distracting than music, but after a few weeks of TV, audio-only was a change of pace.
I also took the time to record a few videos and a submission for The Extra Mile Podcast. I've been trying to get more involved in social media lately, in order to enhance my own running experience, and there are lots of opportunities to get involved. In addition to the Extra Mile, I sent my videos to the Slow Runners Club - this is a group of ....less-competitive runners who revel in our sport, more in the enjoyment than in the competition. Adam Tinkoff and Eddie Marathon host a podcast and website to help inspire and motivate runners of all types.
I even hosted an episode of the Runners Roundtable this week. While I'm not the best podcaster (and as you can tell, not the greatest blogger), I'm trying to develop new skills and experiences (more on that in my next posting). RRT offers a great chance to discuss a variety of running topics each week, and runners of all abilities are encouraged to participate.
If you're not yet involved in the Extra Mile or the Runners Roundtable, you should give the podcasts a listen, and get involved. There's always room for more participation, and your experiences can be valuable to a host of other runners.
Alas, snow has again returned to New York, and my long run today (16 miles) had to be done on the treadmill. I included lots of hill work, and kept my pace down, so it went well, and was a useful run. Fortunately, I'm a week ahead in my training, and I'll have time to re-adapt to outdoor conditions before I get to those critical 20 and 20+ mile runs.
Between the snow and the flu that is now sweeping through my family, I'm ready for winter to be over. So much so, that we're going to try and start the year over again on Monday, With luck, the rest of this winter will be snow and illness free. The groundhog didn't see his shadow this week, so we have reason to hope.
Why hard? After running for nearly three weeks on a treadmill, my legs weren't familiar with the size hills I have to deal with, my lungs weren't fully ready for the cold, and frankly, I've gotten used to running with a TV, not just the podcasts on my ipod. I listen to podcasts about running and politics, as they're less distracting than music, but after a few weeks of TV, audio-only was a change of pace.
I also took the time to record a few videos and a submission for The Extra Mile Podcast. I've been trying to get more involved in social media lately, in order to enhance my own running experience, and there are lots of opportunities to get involved. In addition to the Extra Mile, I sent my videos to the Slow Runners Club - this is a group of ....less-competitive runners who revel in our sport, more in the enjoyment than in the competition. Adam Tinkoff and Eddie Marathon host a podcast and website to help inspire and motivate runners of all types.
I even hosted an episode of the Runners Roundtable this week. While I'm not the best podcaster (and as you can tell, not the greatest blogger), I'm trying to develop new skills and experiences (more on that in my next posting). RRT offers a great chance to discuss a variety of running topics each week, and runners of all abilities are encouraged to participate.
If you're not yet involved in the Extra Mile or the Runners Roundtable, you should give the podcasts a listen, and get involved. There's always room for more participation, and your experiences can be valuable to a host of other runners.
Alas, snow has again returned to New York, and my long run today (16 miles) had to be done on the treadmill. I included lots of hill work, and kept my pace down, so it went well, and was a useful run. Fortunately, I'm a week ahead in my training, and I'll have time to re-adapt to outdoor conditions before I get to those critical 20 and 20+ mile runs.
Between the snow and the flu that is now sweeping through my family, I'm ready for winter to be over. So much so, that we're going to try and start the year over again on Monday, With luck, the rest of this winter will be snow and illness free. The groundhog didn't see his shadow this week, so we have reason to hope.
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