T-Minus 7 Days

So close to starting my marathon training!  I sort of consider the past month part of my training, but I was really just building up my base and getting into the routine of running so it wont be as daunting once I start.  I think I have become a lot more disciplined in running though, so I hope that will make it a smooth transition to something even more structured.  I must admit, it is a little easier to run when I make up the mileage!

4th of July
Yesterday was the 4th of July, so I wasn't able to run sadly.  The good news though was I had a great time with my family and we had some good food!  And somehow my family managed to grow some pretty big and juicy watermelons!

The pictures are a little small sadly

Today's Training

So I took a day off from running, which turned out to be needed after running 4 strait days ending with a 5 miler.  Today I was able to get out and run again though, so I did a two mile speed training run.  By speed training I mean I just increased my speed from start to finish, which I seem to like to do.  I was sprinting the last 800m which felt horrible while doing it, but excellent once I finished to see that I had a really great 2 mile time! (13:49)  It was a cool 85 outside as well so that probably helped a little as well.

In Other News

I am going to start looking for trails to run around here as well.  I have a feeling there wont be many, but it would be a nice change of pace to run a trail rather than always a road.  Don't get me wrong, I LOVE running on the road, but someday I want to run an ultra(and by someday I mean like 5 years from now) and most of them take place on trails.  

I am also looking into running a 4 miler next Saturday, the only problem is I am scheduled to run an 8 mile long run, so should I do it and run two separate 4 miles, or is there a better way to do that?  I would like to get another race under my belt, and it benefits the local fire department so I am sure the T-Shirt will be cool!

Questions
- What did you do on the 4th?
- Know any websites that have a database of trails?
- Have you ever ran a race during marathon training? How did you work it in?

Brett

Runner vs. Running

Today sure was an uphill battle.  Heat, humidity, shoes coming untied, did I mention humidity?  Somehow I was still able to finish though, even though it wasn't as I wanted.  Oh well, not everyday can be perfect!  I am just glad I had such a strong week of running!

Week in Review
I started running this week on Monday like usual but I had a goal to run 6 days.  I had a steady increase in mileage and I was able to run my first 5k.  And then I was able to finish off the week with a 5 miler.

Total Mileage: 20
Races: 1
PR's: 1

looking at the numbers I feel great about this week!  I hope everyone else also had a great week with new accomplishments whether in running or the rest of life!

Next Week
I am already looking forward to running tomorrow!  I have 4 days in a row planned (2,3,2,3 miles) with a much needed rest day on Friday.  I am thinking an easy 2 miler Monday, 3 mile run Tuesday, 2 mile speed Wednesday, and 3 mile pace on Thursday.  Something like that to keep it fresh.

Questions
- What are your running goals for next week?
- Minimalist or not?

- Brett

Dead Legs Don't Run

A few days back I wrote a post comparing running with and without music.  Even though I came to the conclusion that I would rather run without music, I still enjoy it.  So I figure I would share what I am currently listening to with you all!

Yup, great song.

Today's Run:
It was rough.  My legs didn't feel like moving.  They were heavy when I started and stayed that way for about a mile.  I think it was because I had the 5k Thursday and ran 4 miles yesterday when I should have ran less or rested.  Oh well, I guess its just a lesson I will have to remember!  Once I got to the 2 mile point I was still moving slow and my legs didn't feel fresh at all, but I pushed on and ran the entire 3 miles without stopping.  Somehow I managed an 8:22 pace even though I felt a lot slower than that.  I was honestly just happy I was able to go the entire time! 3 weeks ago I would have quit and walked home.

I still plan to do my long run of 5 miles tomorrow, and then back to 2 on Monday.  This way I can stay on point for running 100 miles in July.  Staring on the 11th I will be starting my actual training plan for the marathon so it will be easier to follow along with my training, and kick me in the butt if I don't follow it.

I am still looking for a local 5k to run this month as well.  I think I may have found one on the 30th, but I need to look into it more.  

Questions for You:
- What song is currently stuck in your head?
- When do you feel most accomplished after a run?
- Do you use others training programs or do you create your own?

Now to get ready for the rest of my day(a.k.a work).  Should be fun standing for about 8 hours...have a great rest of the day!

Brett

Goals for July

Since it is July 1st, I figure I would set some goals for myself to achieve!  This is going to be a pretty short post, just some bullet points

July 2011 Goals:

• Reduce my mile time to at least 6:30 (current 6:47)
• Run a total of 100+ miles
• Stay healthy
• Run another 5k

Its not to long of a list, but I think there is a lot that I have to achieve this month!  I hope I can get them all, but if I only get one I hope its staying healthy.

Today's Training:

I ran a race pace mile to start the workout so I would have a benchmark mile to beat this upcoming month.  After I finished it I took a 30 second breather and did a comfortable jog for another three miles over 27:15.  It was a good run, still quite hot and humid even though it was a bit cooler than usual.  That's actually the reason I ran.  I was planning on resting but I was afraid I would miss out on a good run with this weather.   

What are your goals for July?

Brett

Unofficial Guide: First Race

Edit:  Even if you don't need a first race guide, feel free to skim it to see if you have anything to add :)

I was thinking of a way to write a more serious, helpful article rather than just a stream of training updates and I think I found a way to do it!  I am going to write a series of Unofficial Guides to help with running.  While this is still more of an opinion and experience based piece, I do hope that it will help new runners, and possibly even experienced ones as well!

Because I ran my first non school sponsored event yesterday, I was able to experience the process from signing up for the race to stepping up at the starting line.  While this race was pretty relaxed I was able to come up with a few things that I think will happen with any race and how to be ready to handle it so it is smooth sailing from signing up to starting.  Since this is a longer post, I will be adding a break so that it doesn't take up too much room.

If you are still interested, keep on reading!