Why is this cold hanging on for so long? It's really just a cough that won't go away, all other symptoms have cleared. Sometimes I have a little coughing fit that's followed by a moment of dizziness - which I don't like.
Monday was a day off to rest. But today I was supposed to run and I've blown it off. Tomorrow I may bail on the tempo hard effort in favor of something like LSD at an easy to mod effort. Just don't want to push too much effort until this cold is totally gone.
Showing posts with label Sick. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sick. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
RaceReport: Radnor 5 miler
My running was in the crapper last week due to being sick. I skipped Wed-Thurs-Fri-Saturday and had already signed up for the Radnor 5 mile race. So Sunday morning, feeling less than 100% I headed up there to run.
The carpool was the most interesting part. I was driving up with Carole - and another club member, a new guy named Epi. A mutual friend put us together for the carpool, so it's a chance to meet another club member and runner. I was really hoping the Epi spoke english (which he did) and was glad that he was going to race because I've seen his name in the race results and he's fast. Our club needs more fast runners if we've gonna hang onto 2nd place inthe club challenge.
The race itself: I tried to go out easy. This course has several big hills. I was really hoping that I wouldn't go into one of my wheezing/coughing fits like the ones plagueing me the past few days. The first hill is from like .5 to 1.0 and my one mile split was 7:18. So mission accomplished on slow first mile.
Mile 2 is downhill; done in 6:32. Total 13:50 at 2mm, so avg 6:55 which I was happy with. Mile 3 has the nastiest hill. Steep near the bottom and then a long steady grind. 7:55 for that one. I wasn't feeling too good at this point. Note on course: this is right where you are passing some serious kick ass mansions. They've got some real wealthy types in Radnor, PA. I swear a few of the homes look like castles with huge acreage and personal tennis courts, Bentley's in the driveway, etc.
Anyway, mile 4 is flatish, with some small ups & downs. 7:18. Total time 29:03 which i realize is about 7:15 pace and the effects of my cold are obvious. Most of miles 4 & 5 I run along side a woman who is looking very strong. In the end she pulls away to beat me by about 5 or 10 seconds. She gets 1st a.g. 35-39. I struggle to finish. Basically I don't try to kick at all. It's more of a maintain pace while coasting on in. Mile 5- 6:48 so the final clock is 35:50 @ 7:10 pace. I don't care, given the situation.
Next weekend is the Bridge 10k - hopefully I can get a fast tempo effort mid week and then be in good health for Sunday's race.
The carpool was the most interesting part. I was driving up with Carole - and another club member, a new guy named Epi. A mutual friend put us together for the carpool, so it's a chance to meet another club member and runner. I was really hoping the Epi spoke english (which he did) and was glad that he was going to race because I've seen his name in the race results and he's fast. Our club needs more fast runners if we've gonna hang onto 2nd place inthe club challenge.
The race itself: I tried to go out easy. This course has several big hills. I was really hoping that I wouldn't go into one of my wheezing/coughing fits like the ones plagueing me the past few days. The first hill is from like .5 to 1.0 and my one mile split was 7:18. So mission accomplished on slow first mile.
Mile 2 is downhill; done in 6:32. Total 13:50 at 2mm, so avg 6:55 which I was happy with. Mile 3 has the nastiest hill. Steep near the bottom and then a long steady grind. 7:55 for that one. I wasn't feeling too good at this point. Note on course: this is right where you are passing some serious kick ass mansions. They've got some real wealthy types in Radnor, PA. I swear a few of the homes look like castles with huge acreage and personal tennis courts, Bentley's in the driveway, etc.
Anyway, mile 4 is flatish, with some small ups & downs. 7:18. Total time 29:03 which i realize is about 7:15 pace and the effects of my cold are obvious. Most of miles 4 & 5 I run along side a woman who is looking very strong. In the end she pulls away to beat me by about 5 or 10 seconds. She gets 1st a.g. 35-39. I struggle to finish. Basically I don't try to kick at all. It's more of a maintain pace while coasting on in. Mile 5- 6:48 so the final clock is 35:50 @ 7:10 pace. I don't care, given the situation.
Next weekend is the Bridge 10k - hopefully I can get a fast tempo effort mid week and then be in good health for Sunday's race.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Sick Day
I felt this coming on, but couldn't do anything to avoid it. I'm home sick today. Fever, nasty cough. I'm signed up for a race on Sunday so I guess we'll just call this lack of running my taper.
Who takes a one week taper for a 5 miler?
Beat L.A.
Manny sux.
He's right up there with this cast of characters:
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Mixed Bag of Firecrackers
The weather was absolutely great on Sat. morning for my 10 miler. Got started a bit late, but otherwise prep was good. Wore my new pair of Brooks Glycerin 7. Doing a 10 spot for their first time out was a mistake...major blister on Achilles/heal area of left foot. Felt it during the last few miles but what can you do?
Temp 70 with 50% humidity. Bright sunshine! Really glorious July 4th day. The first few miles the wife rode her bike alongside me. That's the first time ever - it worked well - it's good to have crew handing me a water bottle on the fly. She quit at end of 5 miles. Those 5 plus #6 were averaged at 8:00 pace. Initially it felt quick and I had trouble settling into a rhythm. But the further into this workout I got, the better I was feeling.
Decided to make the second half into a 'cooker' workout. I've heard most folks call this a Progression run...basically cut the pace on each successive mile. I prefer Cooker because that's the way it feels to me. The temp inside the pot gets hotter & hotter with each passing mile. By the end it's pretty damn uncomfortable.
Mile 7 = 7:41
Mile 8 = 7:28
Mile 9 = 7:10
Mile 10 = 6:55
I ran one last untimed mile for the cool down. I'm really pleased with this run. My knees didn't hurt much at all (during or after). Those last few splits aren't far off from some recent splits during 5k races! Very encouraged by this effort.
I've been battling a minor cold for a few days. Last weekend I was doing alot of yard work and several times noticed myself huffing & puffing while surrounded by a cloud of dust/dirt/fine particulate matter. Within a few days I started coughing up bits of mucus. Kind of reminds me of morning smoker's cough (yes, I'm a reformed ex-smoker). I hope this clears soon, although it didn't seem to impact the running today.
Eleven today makes this my first week over 30 since April (except marathon week). Next week I have to re-focus back tothe speed. I'd like to do 2 or 3 more 5k's before leaving speed for LSD marathon training.
Temp 70 with 50% humidity. Bright sunshine! Really glorious July 4th day. The first few miles the wife rode her bike alongside me. That's the first time ever - it worked well - it's good to have crew handing me a water bottle on the fly. She quit at end of 5 miles. Those 5 plus #6 were averaged at 8:00 pace. Initially it felt quick and I had trouble settling into a rhythm. But the further into this workout I got, the better I was feeling.
Decided to make the second half into a 'cooker' workout. I've heard most folks call this a Progression run...basically cut the pace on each successive mile. I prefer Cooker because that's the way it feels to me. The temp inside the pot gets hotter & hotter with each passing mile. By the end it's pretty damn uncomfortable.
Mile 7 = 7:41
Mile 8 = 7:28
Mile 9 = 7:10
Mile 10 = 6:55
I ran one last untimed mile for the cool down. I'm really pleased with this run. My knees didn't hurt much at all (during or after). Those last few splits aren't far off from some recent splits during 5k races! Very encouraged by this effort.
I've been battling a minor cold for a few days. Last weekend I was doing alot of yard work and several times noticed myself huffing & puffing while surrounded by a cloud of dust/dirt/fine particulate matter. Within a few days I started coughing up bits of mucus. Kind of reminds me of morning smoker's cough (yes, I'm a reformed ex-smoker). I hope this clears soon, although it didn't seem to impact the running today.
Eleven today makes this my first week over 30 since April (except marathon week). Next week I have to re-focus back tothe speed. I'd like to do 2 or 3 more 5k's before leaving speed for LSD marathon training.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Let's play quarters!
Quarters. Remember that old drinking game? This is something different.
I just read an article about not going out too fast during a race. I have very often been plagued with this problem. Even to the point of rationalizing that it's 'my style' and that 'it works for me' because I can 'bank seconds or minutes to be spent during latter miles' etc., etc. ( article here: http://www.trainingbible.com/joesblog/2009/05/time-trial-pacing.html )
Basically,
divide the race in 4 quarters and then work it like this:
1. Perceived effort should feel easy while not being too far beyond anticipated pace.
2. Run your own race at goal - but no faster.
3. Maintain pace although perceived effort pushes into the fatigue & pain zone.
4. Push yourself to max effort. If you've measured it out right then you can maintain pace thru the finish line.
The article is written for cycling with power meter & HR technology utilized. That doesn't work for me. But the principle is the same - and it's nothing new.
I'd like to start out at 8:45 like I did on my LSD easy runs, but that's too far from BQ goal pace and I'll never make up that much time. Something like 8:10 - 8:20 for the first 6 miles might work. Then goal pace - 8:00 - thru to mile 20. Then finish the 6 remaining @ 7:45. It looks good in print. And if I feel beat at 18 or 20 (or whenever) then I can still finish in a 3:35 or whatever.
This is not so much different than what I've been going over in my head for days now. I think I may be obsessing about this pacing thing a bit. Reality is that there's tons of variables and the final decision will have to be on the starting line.
Weather report stills looks beautiful for Sunday in Vermont - awesome. And my small cold is def breaking up and passing - TG.
Making a big list of stuff to bring including:
Fuel belt, hat, 'best' socks, shorts, singlet.
Create pace band, bring with scotch tape.
Bring my own pillow for hotel bed (as if I'm sleeping much the nite before).
Vasoline (toes), sun screen (nose), band aids (nips).
Headlamp & flashlite -
that last one is because I want to climb Mt. Mansfield (highest peak of VT) and depending on my recovery/fatigue level it may be late Sunday or early Monday. This might sound a bit harsh, but if I run the marathon & make the summit of Mansfield then I'll never have to return to VT. Everyone is telling me that it's my kind of state - lots of outdoors stuff - and that I'm going to luv it up there. But the reality is that there's so many places I've never been that I no longer am traveling with the plan of making multiple trips. One state, one trip, do what you got to do and cross it off the list. (i really got to get my head examined?). So far my only other high peaks are Del, NJ, and NY. But VT is a good compliment since I saw Lake Champlain from the top of Mt. Marcy two years ago. The only other stuff up there is sking (no), ice cream (supermarket), and fishing (lousy at catching fish).
So marathon first, then Mt. Mansfield. I am not leaving without reaching these goals.
I just read an article about not going out too fast during a race. I have very often been plagued with this problem. Even to the point of rationalizing that it's 'my style' and that 'it works for me' because I can 'bank seconds or minutes to be spent during latter miles' etc., etc. ( article here: http://www.trainingbible.com/joesblog/2009/05/time-trial-pacing.html )
Basically,
divide the race in 4 quarters and then work it like this:
1. Perceived effort should feel easy while not being too far beyond anticipated pace.
2. Run your own race at goal - but no faster.
3. Maintain pace although perceived effort pushes into the fatigue & pain zone.
4. Push yourself to max effort. If you've measured it out right then you can maintain pace thru the finish line.
The article is written for cycling with power meter & HR technology utilized. That doesn't work for me. But the principle is the same - and it's nothing new.
I'd like to start out at 8:45 like I did on my LSD easy runs, but that's too far from BQ goal pace and I'll never make up that much time. Something like 8:10 - 8:20 for the first 6 miles might work. Then goal pace - 8:00 - thru to mile 20. Then finish the 6 remaining @ 7:45. It looks good in print. And if I feel beat at 18 or 20 (or whenever) then I can still finish in a 3:35 or whatever.
This is not so much different than what I've been going over in my head for days now. I think I may be obsessing about this pacing thing a bit. Reality is that there's tons of variables and the final decision will have to be on the starting line.
Weather report stills looks beautiful for Sunday in Vermont - awesome. And my small cold is def breaking up and passing - TG.
Making a big list of stuff to bring including:
Fuel belt, hat, 'best' socks, shorts, singlet.
Create pace band, bring with scotch tape.
Bring my own pillow for hotel bed (as if I'm sleeping much the nite before).
Vasoline (toes), sun screen (nose), band aids (nips).
Headlamp & flashlite -
that last one is because I want to climb Mt. Mansfield (highest peak of VT) and depending on my recovery/fatigue level it may be late Sunday or early Monday. This might sound a bit harsh, but if I run the marathon & make the summit of Mansfield then I'll never have to return to VT. Everyone is telling me that it's my kind of state - lots of outdoors stuff - and that I'm going to luv it up there. But the reality is that there's so many places I've never been that I no longer am traveling with the plan of making multiple trips. One state, one trip, do what you got to do and cross it off the list. (i really got to get my head examined?). So far my only other high peaks are Del, NJ, and NY. But VT is a good compliment since I saw Lake Champlain from the top of Mt. Marcy two years ago. The only other stuff up there is sking (no), ice cream (supermarket), and fishing (lousy at catching fish).
So marathon first, then Mt. Mansfield. I am not leaving without reaching these goals.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Weather forecast . . .
for the weekend in Vermont is near perfection. 50 or 55 at the start and 65 or 70 at the finish. Clear sunny skies, winds to be lite. Ideal conditions.
Unfortunately I have a minor cold that has been bugging me for the last few days. I shouldn't have ignored it when I first felt a sore throat on Saturday. Now it's more of a sinus infection feeling with the headache & stuffy nose. I ought to be able to kick this just in time as long as it doesn't get any worse.
Taking today off. Tomorrow maybe 3 or 4 easy miles depending on sickness level. Making a list of everything I need to bring with me - I'm not used to traveling so far for a race and having to pack it all up for a hotel stay. Got to remember the Red Bull, Gu, Gatorade, Fuel Belt . . . all my personal stuff for race day. I'm bringing all my own water, diet coke, cereal bars, pretzels for the car drive so I have what I want/need. It's a 10 drive on a tight schedule so there's no foolin' around.
4 & 1/2 days and counting . . .
Unfortunately I have a minor cold that has been bugging me for the last few days. I shouldn't have ignored it when I first felt a sore throat on Saturday. Now it's more of a sinus infection feeling with the headache & stuffy nose. I ought to be able to kick this just in time as long as it doesn't get any worse.
Taking today off. Tomorrow maybe 3 or 4 easy miles depending on sickness level. Making a list of everything I need to bring with me - I'm not used to traveling so far for a race and having to pack it all up for a hotel stay. Got to remember the Red Bull, Gu, Gatorade, Fuel Belt . . . all my personal stuff for race day. I'm bringing all my own water, diet coke, cereal bars, pretzels for the car drive so I have what I want/need. It's a 10 drive on a tight schedule so there's no foolin' around.
4 & 1/2 days and counting . . .
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Sadly, new 'Reverse' diet going very well
Over the course of the last 3 weeks I was supposed to lose 3 pounds; instead I gained 3. Obviously I have no advantage from being my own worst enemy.
A friend has pointed out my lack of blog postings, the reasons have been busy schedule & feeling blue because of my crappy running.
First, and worst, I am injured. Sort-of...maybe. About 10 days ago I did a 14 miler (yea!) and felt a new 'minor' pain in my lower left leg. Then the next day I went out to run a few easy miles and the pain was very sharp and I had to cut it short & just walk it in. Second issue: been very busy and something had to give so it was the blog. bummer.
I've had a cold (second one) which is now a sinus infection with the harsh headache. This is the first winter with 2 colds in many years (since kids were toddlers). Both colds came on after long runs in frigid temps... so obviously I need to do a better job bolstering my immunity & I think lack of sleep (stress) and nutrition (poor) have played a role too.
Today has been my first really good running day in a while.
1. ran 4 miles - pain free for the first time in a week & a half.
2. catching up on all sorts of stuff...blog reading & writing coming soon. We had kids home 2 days from school due to snow, about 6 inches but the roads were still very icy the second morning. Fun sledding, etc. but absolutely killing my 'easy' week where I'm supoosed to get stuff done.
How have you been? Running, work, life? I read your post on M&M's recently. Believe me, your eating habits are fine compared to my total pig out the last few weeks. I've been kind of stressed, and on top then add depressed about marathon goal slipping away because of new injury. I tend to consume mass quantities when under pressure and/or feeling sorry for myself, so therefore i've been totally gluttonous recently!
Maybe I can get back onto the training plan, it's not too late yet, but time is slipping away. It's a week & a half to my half marathon race. I already paid that entry fee. I have not registered for the VCmarathon yet, they are approximately 60% sold out. I have no idea where my fitness level is right now. I want to race the half, but it's a dicey proposition with the new leg pain. I'm feeling like I should coast into this first race of the season, then if I come out of it healthy I will ramp up the training again. If I encounter any more obstacles then the May marathon just isn't going to happen (and I'll look to the fall season instead).
A friend has pointed out my lack of blog postings, the reasons have been busy schedule & feeling blue because of my crappy running.
First, and worst, I am injured. Sort-of...maybe. About 10 days ago I did a 14 miler (yea!) and felt a new 'minor' pain in my lower left leg. Then the next day I went out to run a few easy miles and the pain was very sharp and I had to cut it short & just walk it in. Second issue: been very busy and something had to give so it was the blog. bummer.
I've had a cold (second one) which is now a sinus infection with the harsh headache. This is the first winter with 2 colds in many years (since kids were toddlers). Both colds came on after long runs in frigid temps... so obviously I need to do a better job bolstering my immunity & I think lack of sleep (stress) and nutrition (poor) have played a role too.
Today has been my first really good running day in a while.
1. ran 4 miles - pain free for the first time in a week & a half.
2. catching up on all sorts of stuff...blog reading & writing coming soon. We had kids home 2 days from school due to snow, about 6 inches but the roads were still very icy the second morning. Fun sledding, etc. but absolutely killing my 'easy' week where I'm supoosed to get stuff done.
How have you been? Running, work, life? I read your post on M&M's recently. Believe me, your eating habits are fine compared to my total pig out the last few weeks. I've been kind of stressed, and on top then add depressed about marathon goal slipping away because of new injury. I tend to consume mass quantities when under pressure and/or feeling sorry for myself, so therefore i've been totally gluttonous recently!
Maybe I can get back onto the training plan, it's not too late yet, but time is slipping away. It's a week & a half to my half marathon race. I already paid that entry fee. I have not registered for the VCmarathon yet, they are approximately 60% sold out. I have no idea where my fitness level is right now. I want to race the half, but it's a dicey proposition with the new leg pain. I'm feeling like I should coast into this first race of the season, then if I come out of it healthy I will ramp up the training again. If I encounter any more obstacles then the May marathon just isn't going to happen (and I'll look to the fall season instead).
Saturday, February 14, 2009
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).
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