Today was a biggie for the training plan: first 13 miler scheduled. By the end of the run I felt so good that I tacked on 1 extra. Taa-daa: it's my longest run in years, 14 miles.
Summary of workout: Planned to due 13 miles of loops around neighborhood. First mile 8:10 then forced myself to slow down. In hindsight I'm thinking the slower pace is unnaturally changing my gait and leading to the new pain. Pain set in around mile 5 as I settled into a 8:45 pace. By mile 7 the pain was really bothering me and I decided to cut the workout short, down to 10 miles. Decided to speed up to get it over with sooner...also had a busy day ahead so less time running would be more time with family. Mile 8=8:16 and then mile 9=8:02 and by that time the pain had subsided almost completely. Changed plan back to 13 provided the pain doesn't return. Mile 10=8:22, mile 11=8:16 and feeling fine. Had gatorade & Gu on front porch, could only pick those up at mile 6, 7, 12. Felt good, had fully hydrated before, and took a Gu before too. Mile 12=8:38 which included at least 30 seconds of walking on driveway to down a final Gu. Felt so good - and pain totally gone in an endorphin bath of huge proportions - so that I decided to blast the final mile. Mile 13=7:30. On cloud nine, trying not to sprint but feeling an enormous surge of energy... decided to tack on just one more. Mile 14=7:32 and I could've done much faster than that. Or, certain that I could've done 5 miles if I hadn't blasted the final 2 miles.
Total: 14 miles in 1:56.
All did not go smoothly. I planned to run slow, as everything I read says do the LSD runs one minute slower than your goal marathon race pace. Goal is 3:30 @ 8 min. pace, so long efforts should be 9 min.pace. I did the first 5 at easy pace and I just couldn't go any slower, not nearly 9 min.pace. As i've said before, I find it difficult and ackward to run slower. It just doesn't feel natural. So at around 5 mile mark I began to get a pain in my lower left leg. I've had most of the common runner's aches & pains before, but nothing like this.
Description: on the outside (lateral) left leg, about an inch & a half below the knee is a bump, which after looking up in my anatomy book I know it's the lateral tuberosity of the fibula (or superior terminal?). Anyway, the pain originates there, and shoots downward several inches. Pain fires on each foot strike, and is somewhat sharp. Pain gone when walking, standing, resting. Again, from my anatomy book: there are two tendons which anchor onto this spot of the fibula. Above is the biceps of hamstring. Below is the perioneal, which is a small muscle on the front/lateral lower leg... looks like it works in dorsaflexion of the foot. I'm assuming the lower muscule is the problem with the pain radiating downward. Could it be tendonitis? Or a fasciitis of the covering sheath?
Today was also the Cub Scout Pinewood Derby, which meant that i was on my feet helping to work the track & event for like 4 hours immediately after the run. I should've been home with ice & elevated rest, etc. What's that RICE stand for again? LOL. More on new pain/injury as things progress.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Muzak while running
I saw another running blogger iwth a post about song choices during runs. I have a unique approach to this and thought I'd re-post my comment from her blog here for my reader(s).??
""... I stick to the classics, I just hum them in my head because I'm tech challenged and my Sony Walkman 8 trac player broke years ago. For LSD I listen to any Sly & Robbie trax before heading out - that base line will stick with you for at least an hour! Try the apt titled Endurance, it's simple yet addictive. My all time fav for running faster pace is Love Stinks. Just hum it over & over on a loop in yer mind while you tap out that steady pace.""
Basically, I'm the only runner i know of that has a fixed set of songs in my mind that I just always replay the same tunes for every run. I know that sounds terribly boring, but these songs work for my pacing and they are very comfy, familiar, and feel good while running. They end up being like background muzak that i can notice when I want and then pay attention to anything else for a minute or two, and then pick up the song again without any break. (and no need to pause, replay, rewind,e tc). I have changed the list very little over the ten years that I've been running. Recently I've added some reggae, and dropped out a few classic rock standards...but overall I've been humming along to the same songs for 10 years and it's what works for me.
""... I stick to the classics, I just hum them in my head because I'm tech challenged and my Sony Walkman 8 trac player broke years ago. For LSD I listen to any Sly & Robbie trax before heading out - that base line will stick with you for at least an hour! Try the apt titled Endurance, it's simple yet addictive. My all time fav for running faster pace is Love Stinks. Just hum it over & over on a loop in yer mind while you tap out that steady pace.""
Basically, I'm the only runner i know of that has a fixed set of songs in my mind that I just always replay the same tunes for every run. I know that sounds terribly boring, but these songs work for my pacing and they are very comfy, familiar, and feel good while running. They end up being like background muzak that i can notice when I want and then pay attention to anything else for a minute or two, and then pick up the song again without any break. (and no need to pause, replay, rewind,e tc). I have changed the list very little over the ten years that I've been running. Recently I've added some reggae, and dropped out a few classic rock standards...but overall I've been humming along to the same songs for 10 years and it's what works for me.
Sick, Sicko, Sickest
I'm sick. Have been for a few days. The wife had it last week, got into strep and she had to get a Rx from the Dr. They my son caught it, but not quite as bad, although he missed a few days from school and he had a long streak of perfect attendance going too. About 4 1/2 years without missing a single day. Now's he reset to one day. Nothing lasts forever...
Now I've got it. Started Wednesday. I've skipped 2 workouts already, but I'm feeling better today so maybe I'll try to do a modest cross training effort at the Y this afternoon. I'm def gonna miss my long run this weekend. Will have to try to do it mid week or push out until next weekend. bummer.
Decided on the Sheraton for the race hotel. It requires a shuttle ride instead of just a 2 block walk, but the VCM website looks very organized about the shuttle schedule and the price is better, plus the Sheraton is the official host hotel so they should be all 'in-tune' with us runners (one would hope).
Now I've got it. Started Wednesday. I've skipped 2 workouts already, but I'm feeling better today so maybe I'll try to do a modest cross training effort at the Y this afternoon. I'm def gonna miss my long run this weekend. Will have to try to do it mid week or push out until next weekend. bummer.
Decided on the Sheraton for the race hotel. It requires a shuttle ride instead of just a 2 block walk, but the VCM website looks very organized about the shuttle schedule and the price is better, plus the Sheraton is the official host hotel so they should be all 'in-tune' with us runners (one would hope).
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Tempo run # 1
Since my last several runs were outdoors I returned to the treadmill today for the first of 3 weekly tempo runs that I plan to use as a build up to my first race of the year. Any race I do prior to March 1st will be just for a fun workout (i.e. Mudder).
I'm leaning toward the Baltimore B & A rails-2-trails half marathon ... but the $65 entry fee seems way outta line! There's not many local choices around this time of year. I could try a time trial if I can recruit someone fast to run it with me. I could wait for C.R. half on March 15th - but the hills will slow me down and they're not representative of the VCM course.
I'm not going to pre-reg for anything this spring. As a result I hope to drop most of the races and focus on the ones that lead directly toward the goal.
Today's run was a total of 5 = 1 warm & 1 cool and 3 fast in middle. I was hoping for 7 to 7:10 pace for the 3 but realized right away that it wasn't my day. Several factors, but bottom line is that I can prep for the next tempo run better. 7:05 then 7:12 then 7:15. Not bad really, but it was quite an effort. Next week maybe shoot for 4 x 7:10 pace.
I'm leaning toward the Baltimore B & A rails-2-trails half marathon ... but the $65 entry fee seems way outta line! There's not many local choices around this time of year. I could try a time trial if I can recruit someone fast to run it with me. I could wait for C.R. half on March 15th - but the hills will slow me down and they're not representative of the VCM course.
I'm not going to pre-reg for anything this spring. As a result I hope to drop most of the races and focus on the ones that lead directly toward the goal.
Today's run was a total of 5 = 1 warm & 1 cool and 3 fast in middle. I was hoping for 7 to 7:10 pace for the 3 but realized right away that it wasn't my day. Several factors, but bottom line is that I can prep for the next tempo run better. 7:05 then 7:12 then 7:15. Not bad really, but it was quite an effort. Next week maybe shoot for 4 x 7:10 pace.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Club News / Day Off
Monday was a scheduled day off, but I went into the Y. Only did 5 mins on treadmill - enough to warm-up and then did a good stretch. Hit the weights only to finish the partial effort I did the other day. Actually nice to be back in the gym - the last few runs were around my neighborhood and I really feel very comfortable at the Y.
My feet are hurting a bit. Not the plantar issue, just general aches & pains. May be that I've spent too much time on my feet over the weekend . . . and wearing crappy shoes (got dressed up Sunday a.m.
Started official diet today. Weight 151 at Y and on home scale too. I'd like to lose 10 pounds, then I'd be skinny. I absolutely want to lose 5 or 6 pounds to be race ready. That'll put me back to lowest weight since my school days.
Local blogsters: the club's annual banquet is coming up in a few weeks. Send in form & fee soon. Also USATF racing begins Feb.22nd - Ugly Mudder! Great stories of past races here.
My feet are hurting a bit. Not the plantar issue, just general aches & pains. May be that I've spent too much time on my feet over the weekend . . . and wearing crappy shoes (got dressed up Sunday a.m.
Started official diet today. Weight 151 at Y and on home scale too. I'd like to lose 10 pounds, then I'd be skinny. I absolutely want to lose 5 or 6 pounds to be race ready. That'll put me back to lowest weight since my school days.
Local blogsters: the club's annual banquet is coming up in a few weeks. Send in form & fee soon. Also USATF racing begins Feb.22nd - Ugly Mudder! Great stories of past races here.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
26 Mile Week ... 26 Mile Goal
I was able to get out the door and run my 5 miles late this afternoon. I did one mile loops from my house, 8:00 pace with a bit faster for the last one. I felt sluggish, but the time was better than how it felt. Andy handed me a bottle of Gatorade at each mile mark in between playing with the rapidly melting ice & snow.
This finishes a week of highs & lows. I've found myself doubting if I will be able to run the miles needed to prepare for a marathon. Obviously this tends to zapp the motivation! On the other hand, my 26 mile total this week is my biggest week in at least 2 years. 11+4+6+5. The cumulative time for this 'marathon' distance was about 3:51 . . . could that be my goal time?
I need to test my fitness level - and have been looking at the race schedules. Of course the long run still needs to be the main focus of this segment of my training, but I'm pre-occupied with setting a goal race pace so that I can tailor my traing schedule to work toward the various paces coming from the race pace time. Considering March 1st 10 miler here, or half marathon south of Baltimore.
This finishes a week of highs & lows. I've found myself doubting if I will be able to run the miles needed to prepare for a marathon. Obviously this tends to zapp the motivation! On the other hand, my 26 mile total this week is my biggest week in at least 2 years. 11+4+6+5. The cumulative time for this 'marathon' distance was about 3:51 . . . could that be my goal time?
I need to test my fitness level - and have been looking at the race schedules. Of course the long run still needs to be the main focus of this segment of my training, but I'm pre-occupied with setting a goal race pace so that I can tailor my traing schedule to work toward the various paces coming from the race pace time. Considering March 1st 10 miler here, or half marathon south of Baltimore.
Time to run
It's 4 p.m. here and I haven't done my run yet today. I've got to get out there - it's a nice warm day too!
Same thing happened yesterday, and I finally got out the door at 5 o'clock. Got the 5 miles done, 41 mins, around the neighborhood. Thorough stretch afterwards. At a minimum I must do the exact same workout today. Where has my motivation gone?
I printed out my training schedule. It's Hal Higdon's "novice 2" plan with my own modifications. The long runs look daunting. Next weekend I need to do a 13 miler. Then there's a stretch in March where I go 13-14-16 on three weeks in a row. Then there's an 18, two 20's and a shot at a half marathon PR in between the 20's (race info here). Whew, I don't know how the hell i'm going to pull this off. Those numbers look tough. Weekly totals hit 43 (three times!) and a 40, 38, and then down from there.
Got to take it one week at a time. It's not supposed to be easy. Next week 28 miles total with a 13 mile long run at easy effort. Also need to begin weight loss program this week too.
Same thing happened yesterday, and I finally got out the door at 5 o'clock. Got the 5 miles done, 41 mins, around the neighborhood. Thorough stretch afterwards. At a minimum I must do the exact same workout today. Where has my motivation gone?
I printed out my training schedule. It's Hal Higdon's "novice 2" plan with my own modifications. The long runs look daunting. Next weekend I need to do a 13 miler. Then there's a stretch in March where I go 13-14-16 on three weeks in a row. Then there's an 18, two 20's and a shot at a half marathon PR in between the 20's (race info here). Whew, I don't know how the hell i'm going to pull this off. Those numbers look tough. Weekly totals hit 43 (three times!) and a 40, 38, and then down from there.
Got to take it one week at a time. It's not supposed to be easy. Next week 28 miles total with a 13 mile long run at easy effort. Also need to begin weight loss program this week too.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Blogger's "next blog" button
I luv that button at the top of the page for Blogger's "next blog" feature. But you have to ask what are these guys doing? their page is some sort of band tribute site, Perros de la Noche, and Los Autenticos Decadentes. Yikes!
Yasso 800's
Did my first set of Yasso 800's today on the treadmill at the Y. Was supposed to do a 5 miler, maybe with some speed mixed in. Read about Yasso's online; I've heard about them for years. Decided to try it out. Shooting for 5 reps at 3:40 pace. Felt good after the first few and so added one extra. I could've done at least 2 more but didn't want to push it on the first time running this new workout.
Total distance 6 miles. 6x 880 yards at average 3:42, ((7:20 pace) one rep where I forgot to start watch screwed up the avg). 2:00 recovery in between @ 8:45 pace. Good stretch after plus got in a partial weight circuit...just not feeling the weight lifting recently, not concerned about this since running increase feels alot better than the lifting anyway.
After I finished the run, I saw my friend H at the gym and since he's an experienced marathoner I asked him about Yasso's and predicting marathon finish time. He said he's never had luck with prediction's for marathon because he's mostly a shorter distance racer. Ditto for me. This got me to researching a bit farther online tonite. Seems even Yasso says that the 800's are not a workout to build up for a marathon. It's more like you have to do the long runs for stamina, LT efforts, and some marathon-goal-pace longish runs. Then the 800's confirm your conditioning. That's a good perspective for me since today's workout seemed easy but I know there's no way that I have enough endurance at this point to go out and do a 3:40 (or so) marathon right now.
I plan on running this workout again in 3 or 4 weeks. I'll shoot for 7 or 8 reps, just a smidge faster too. Also Yasso says recovery period should be equal time as effort, so I can almost double the rest time, which ought to ensure success again next time out, although that'll also increase the total distance to 9 miles(probably). Since long distance stamina is still where I have to focus, I will definitely hit a long run of 12 or 13 prior to my next Yasso 800's session.
Total distance 6 miles. 6x 880 yards at average 3:42, ((7:20 pace) one rep where I forgot to start watch screwed up the avg). 2:00 recovery in between @ 8:45 pace. Good stretch after plus got in a partial weight circuit...just not feeling the weight lifting recently, not concerned about this since running increase feels alot better than the lifting anyway.
After I finished the run, I saw my friend H at the gym and since he's an experienced marathoner I asked him about Yasso's and predicting marathon finish time. He said he's never had luck with prediction's for marathon because he's mostly a shorter distance racer. Ditto for me. This got me to researching a bit farther online tonite. Seems even Yasso says that the 800's are not a workout to build up for a marathon. It's more like you have to do the long runs for stamina, LT efforts, and some marathon-goal-pace longish runs. Then the 800's confirm your conditioning. That's a good perspective for me since today's workout seemed easy but I know there's no way that I have enough endurance at this point to go out and do a 3:40 (or so) marathon right now.
I plan on running this workout again in 3 or 4 weeks. I'll shoot for 7 or 8 reps, just a smidge faster too. Also Yasso says recovery period should be equal time as effort, so I can almost double the rest time, which ought to ensure success again next time out, although that'll also increase the total distance to 9 miles(probably). Since long distance stamina is still where I have to focus, I will definitely hit a long run of 12 or 13 prior to my next Yasso 800's session.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
January'09 review
Hadn't thought of a month by month re-cap until I saw it on another running blog...so here goes.
January 2009:
Prior month was near total rest from injury & end of season. Started month bothered by Plantar Fasciitis; ended month 90% healed from this injury. By end of month I had completely resumed training cycle at stage1:base building foundation.
Total miles: 74
Avg. = 15 per week over 5 weeks.
No races.
Long runs= 1x 8 miles & 1x 9 miles.
Highlites: Two good trail runs; 9 miler on CR course; PF fading away; weight steady @ 152; one fast run - first one in 2 months; survived Cub Scout winter camping trip.
Next month goals: February is meant for continued base building; increase mileage while keeping intensity low (maybe add some speed near end of month). Transition month for my weight program. Let lifting/strength work diminish while also dieting to begin losing #'s. Four weeks should be about 90 miles with at least 1x 13 miler.
January 2009:
Prior month was near total rest from injury & end of season. Started month bothered by Plantar Fasciitis; ended month 90% healed from this injury. By end of month I had completely resumed training cycle at stage1:base building foundation.
Total miles: 74
Avg. = 15 per week over 5 weeks.
No races.
Long runs= 1x 8 miles & 1x 9 miles.
Highlites: Two good trail runs; 9 miler on CR course; PF fading away; weight steady @ 152; one fast run - first one in 2 months; survived Cub Scout winter camping trip.
Next month goals: February is meant for continued base building; increase mileage while keeping intensity low (maybe add some speed near end of month). Transition month for my weight program. Let lifting/strength work diminish while also dieting to begin losing #'s. Four weeks should be about 90 miles with at least 1x 13 miler.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Tuesday, X-training Recovery Day
Whew, my body is feeling beat up today. Forced myself to get in to the Y. Once I got moving i felt better and did an hour of cross training: 20 treadmill easy, 20 elliptical easy, 20 bike moderate. Call that equivalent to 4 miles. Good stretch but totally skipped all weight work today.
My list of aches: a. neck (new this a.m.: fell asleep on couch), b. lower back (since Sunday night: too much lsd and/or rare double 'extra-curricular' session), c. both feet but especially the right forefoot(since Sunday night: too much lsd, including stomping feet so that I could 'pop' thru the 1/2 inch ice layer rather than slip-sliding away and/or too much standing around at SB party).
I need an easy week, but mileage will be okay with Sunday's effort. Shooting for 11+4+5+5=25. Next week should be around 20, and then the following week (Feb 15-21st) will be my first big mileage week @ 28 or 30 (maybe 5+5+6+13). I know 30 miles isn't huge to marathoners, but it will be my biggest week in yrs.
I've got to keep my intensity down & get the mileage UP!
My list of aches: a. neck (new this a.m.: fell asleep on couch), b. lower back (since Sunday night: too much lsd and/or rare double 'extra-curricular' session), c. both feet but especially the right forefoot(since Sunday night: too much lsd, including stomping feet so that I could 'pop' thru the 1/2 inch ice layer rather than slip-sliding away and/or too much standing around at SB party).
I need an easy week, but mileage will be okay with Sunday's effort. Shooting for 11+4+5+5=25. Next week should be around 20, and then the following week (Feb 15-21st) will be my first big mileage week @ 28 or 30 (maybe 5+5+6+13). I know 30 miles isn't huge to marathoners, but it will be my biggest week in yrs.
I've got to keep my intensity down & get the mileage UP!
Monday, February 2, 2009
Attack of the Angry Groundhogs
Don't you think eventually these groundhogs would get sick n tired of being woken up from their winter's sleep and revolt against their overlords? Watch for headline soon: Angry Groundhogs Rebel And Attack At Dawn!
My legs are kind of hurting from yesterday's long run. A few times my feet slipped out from under me, almost falling but somehow staying upright. I'm feeling those strains & stretches today. Muscle soreness isn't really an issue. Also my right foot is achey, need to rest a few days this week.
But I'm feeling pretty darn good about the distance & terrain. The time ended up at 1:50 - so that's exactly half as much time on my feet that I need to be ready for come marathon day. I was happily exhausted at the end. Thinking about double the effort is still a long way away, but I'm moving in the right direction. I was also thinking that this long run was about 100 feet of elevation climbed per mile. That would already exceed the hills of my marathon. So I've got that. That's something.
My legs are kind of hurting from yesterday's long run. A few times my feet slipped out from under me, almost falling but somehow staying upright. I'm feeling those strains & stretches today. Muscle soreness isn't really an issue. Also my right foot is achey, need to rest a few days this week.
But I'm feeling pretty darn good about the distance & terrain. The time ended up at 1:50 - so that's exactly half as much time on my feet that I need to be ready for come marathon day. I was happily exhausted at the end. Thinking about double the effort is still a long way away, but I'm moving in the right direction. I was also thinking that this long run was about 100 feet of elevation climbed per mile. That would already exceed the hills of my marathon. So I've got that. That's something.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Super Bowlin Prediction
Well on Super Bowl Sunday what better timing to make my postings today really really over the top testosterone loaded guy-stuff. Ladies, if you're faint of heart then please skip today's entries.
Not that my blog to date (yes - I've now cleared the one month hurdle) has been dainty or feminant, but today before my run *GREAT RUN TODAY* I had an idea for a grossly humorous post based on my pre-run ritual. Then while out in the woods I came across the evidence of one animal enforcing the food-chain pecking order onto another animal. Photo below shows the remains of the carnage.
Bottom line: Based on remains of chewed up cardinal - I'm going "out on a limb" to predict the the poor Cards will be utterly destroyed today by the Steelers. Second prediction, halftime score: I'll be high as a kite by then.
Here's the story: I'm running a 10 miler thru the woods and about half way in I spot a bird's leg & claw in the snow at the side of the trail. I go back and yep, sure enough it's one leg of a cardinal. I quickly scan around for more, but seeing nothing I take off again. I know for certain that there's Sharp-shin's & Coopers hawks in these woods. I've seen them flying so adeptly thru the branches. And I've seen them devourering their favorite meal of other birds. But I've never actually seen the moment of the catch and/or kill. But now I can say I've found the remains of the parts that these awesome birds can't digest. And let me tell you, there's not much that they leave behind.
After finding someone's bright red ski mask/hat in the cross paths of the open field, I decided to do my good deed of the day & take it up to the ranger's station. While there I decided to double back & explore around to see if I could find more scraps than just the leg & claw. This added about a mile to my run, but I also took a break looking around the area. About 20 or 25 yards off the path I found a half a skull of the cardinal, beak intact. Both these items were very fresh and right on top of the snow. I moved the skull fragment back over to the leg so that I could get a photo of both together.
Bad day for the cardinals!
Not that my blog to date (yes - I've now cleared the one month hurdle) has been dainty or feminant, but today before my run *GREAT RUN TODAY* I had an idea for a grossly humorous post based on my pre-run ritual. Then while out in the woods I came across the evidence of one animal enforcing the food-chain pecking order onto another animal. Photo below shows the remains of the carnage.
Bottom line: Based on remains of chewed up cardinal - I'm going "out on a limb" to predict the the poor Cards will be utterly destroyed today by the Steelers. Second prediction, halftime score: I'll be high as a kite by then.
Here's the story: I'm running a 10 miler thru the woods and about half way in I spot a bird's leg & claw in the snow at the side of the trail. I go back and yep, sure enough it's one leg of a cardinal. I quickly scan around for more, but seeing nothing I take off again. I know for certain that there's Sharp-shin's & Coopers hawks in these woods. I've seen them flying so adeptly thru the branches. And I've seen them devourering their favorite meal of other birds. But I've never actually seen the moment of the catch and/or kill. But now I can say I've found the remains of the parts that these awesome birds can't digest. And let me tell you, there's not much that they leave behind.
After finding someone's bright red ski mask/hat in the cross paths of the open field, I decided to do my good deed of the day & take it up to the ranger's station. While there I decided to double back & explore around to see if I could find more scraps than just the leg & claw. This added about a mile to my run, but I also took a break looking around the area. About 20 or 25 yards off the path I found a half a skull of the cardinal, beak intact. Both these items were very fresh and right on top of the snow. I moved the skull fragment back over to the leg so that I could get a photo of both together.
Bad day for the cardinals!
Pre-run Boomer
Ok, warning: I said today's posts will be mannly and not for the faint of heart. This is intended to be funny, but some may not care for my potty humor.
So this morning while I'm getting ready to go out for my long run I'm also relaxing with the family. Chit-chat with the wife over coffee, what time does Super Bowl start? Let's make a list for a Target run. I gather together my gloves & favorite warm hat. I help the kids get waffles for breakfast (nothing for me). I pack my gear bag and check it twice, water bottle, gatorade, Gu gels, fuel belt, watch, etc. I've already slathered Vasoline on my toes and I've also got the heart rate monitor on. My HR while sitting at the kitchen table is a calm n' cool 65 but each time I get up to grab another essential to take with me then the HR blips up around 75 and then coasts back down when I return to my seat.
The Mrs. chronically gives me crap about being disorganized while getting ready for a race departure or a long run workout. Little workouts aren't nearly so important; but I don't like to drive somewhere for a long run only to find out that I've forgotten some piece of indispensable equipment. That always f's with my mind.
So I've got everything together, I'm right on time, I'm all bundled up and I'm actually stepping into the garage when I feel a rumble / gurgle from my stomach. Uh-oh, what's up? I put my gear bag into the car but decide I'd better go back inside for minute for a gut-check. Cue louder rumblin. Oh crap, I think I gotta do a crap... or do I? You know that in-between feeling? But I don't like to risk it when I'm going into the woods for a long run. Like the saying goes "a bear may shit in the woods" but I prefer porcelain & Charmin over bushes & leaves. As soon as I'm back inside, it's all like "whatcha forget?" and the peanut gallery adds "that was a quick run!". Hardy har har. I start unlayering, hat, gloves, coat, running jacket, RUMBLE w/a half flip-flop. Uh no, who's in the bathroom? "Go upstairs, I'll be another minute."
There's always that certain tipping point when the situation goes from just a 'maybe' to an emergency in about 10 seconds flat. I reached that point. I bolted for the steps. I'm taking the steps 2 at a time until I feel the need to clench the butt cheeks and then my pace slows. By the time I'm at the bathroom door I've already got my sweat pants half way to my knees. This is going to be a close one. Almost there, just need a few more seconds. As I pass by the sink I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror - the grimace on my face was not a good look. This was one of those kinds of craps where you literally do not have a second to spare. I whipped my shorts down to my knees while simultaneously doing a 180 and bending to sit. I honestly can't say for sure if my butt felt the cold seat first, or if my sphincter finally gave out before touchdown. CAA-BOOM. Power Poopie. Whoa, I barely made it. Rarely has a crap taken over every ounce of focus & energy with such haste. I'm certain a 5 second delay would've ruined my whole day.
But as it was, it was just another small part of the pre-run ritual. Having a blog allows one to expand on the details of every day minutia such as this. Like I always say to my kids, "Are you sure you don't want to just try before we leave? It's a long trip."
So this morning while I'm getting ready to go out for my long run I'm also relaxing with the family. Chit-chat with the wife over coffee, what time does Super Bowl start? Let's make a list for a Target run. I gather together my gloves & favorite warm hat. I help the kids get waffles for breakfast (nothing for me). I pack my gear bag and check it twice, water bottle, gatorade, Gu gels, fuel belt, watch, etc. I've already slathered Vasoline on my toes and I've also got the heart rate monitor on. My HR while sitting at the kitchen table is a calm n' cool 65 but each time I get up to grab another essential to take with me then the HR blips up around 75 and then coasts back down when I return to my seat.
The Mrs. chronically gives me crap about being disorganized while getting ready for a race departure or a long run workout. Little workouts aren't nearly so important; but I don't like to drive somewhere for a long run only to find out that I've forgotten some piece of indispensable equipment. That always f's with my mind.
So I've got everything together, I'm right on time, I'm all bundled up and I'm actually stepping into the garage when I feel a rumble / gurgle from my stomach. Uh-oh, what's up? I put my gear bag into the car but decide I'd better go back inside for minute for a gut-check. Cue louder rumblin. Oh crap, I think I gotta do a crap... or do I? You know that in-between feeling? But I don't like to risk it when I'm going into the woods for a long run. Like the saying goes "a bear may shit in the woods" but I prefer porcelain & Charmin over bushes & leaves. As soon as I'm back inside, it's all like "whatcha forget?" and the peanut gallery adds "that was a quick run!". Hardy har har. I start unlayering, hat, gloves, coat, running jacket, RUMBLE w/a half flip-flop. Uh no, who's in the bathroom? "Go upstairs, I'll be another minute."
There's always that certain tipping point when the situation goes from just a 'maybe' to an emergency in about 10 seconds flat. I reached that point. I bolted for the steps. I'm taking the steps 2 at a time until I feel the need to clench the butt cheeks and then my pace slows. By the time I'm at the bathroom door I've already got my sweat pants half way to my knees. This is going to be a close one. Almost there, just need a few more seconds. As I pass by the sink I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror - the grimace on my face was not a good look. This was one of those kinds of craps where you literally do not have a second to spare. I whipped my shorts down to my knees while simultaneously doing a 180 and bending to sit. I honestly can't say for sure if my butt felt the cold seat first, or if my sphincter finally gave out before touchdown. CAA-BOOM. Power Poopie. Whoa, I barely made it. Rarely has a crap taken over every ounce of focus & energy with such haste. I'm certain a 5 second delay would've ruined my whole day.
But as it was, it was just another small part of the pre-run ritual. Having a blog allows one to expand on the details of every day minutia such as this. Like I always say to my kids, "Are you sure you don't want to just try before we leave? It's a long trip."
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