After a morning run Monday, a visit to the Sand Run Parcours Trail cemented my revelation that, yeah, I'm out of shape. Compared to last time running the exercise course, my final numbers weren't too, too bad.
Considering how far I've fallen off the workout wagon, I was surprised that I could still do six pull-ups. However, I cut back on most of the exercises on the course to ensure I didn't feel utterly broken afterward. And success! There is some soreness in my shoulders and back, but all in all not too bad.
Yesterday was Mrs. Viper's birthday, so we both took off work and hung out. We had planned to do some yard work, but the 16th straight day of rain put the kibosh on that idea. We came home from our day out to water in the basement. I was impressed it hadn't flooded already.
Last night and this morning were spent sucking up the water with our wet/dry vacuum unit and mopping the floor. There are still some puddles that I'm hoping will dry while I'm at work today so I can go for another run today instead of slopping around in the basement. I guess we'll see what happens when I get home.
Showing posts with label parcours. Show all posts
Showing posts with label parcours. Show all posts
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
When More Doesn't Feel Like More
My arms felt fine. Even though my chin wouldn't quite clear the bar on my last rep of pull-ups amid the mosquitoes, the final two upper body exercise stations at the Sand Run Parcours Trail didn't seem too difficult. By the time I had finished in near record time, it felt like I'd barely done any arm exercises at all.
Unlike last time, my arms survived 10 pull-ups and almost managed a chin-up, as those thirsty bugs swirled and swarmed about, taking any opportunity to drain my blood.
Three stations later walking on my hands over parallel bars was a breeze, and then 10 push-ups felt nothing like Perry or Moss. Despite four more pull-ups, my final time was only seven seconds slower than last week's par course circuit.
This must be the law of diminishing returns that I've heard about before. Does this mean I'll have to work harder to get that same satisfying sensation of a good workout? Well, crap. I don't want to do that. Maybe I need to go back to doing less.
The frustrating thing is that there has been very little improvement in my weight. Despite noticeable gains in fitness over the last month, the scale continues to vex me, but I'm trying not to get so hung up on a stupid number. Right now I'm just enjoying the act of running, and that's all that matters.
ADDENDUM: The pull-up station has four tiers of bars, and the one I've been using is just low enough for me to grab with my feet still on the ground. There is one higher that I should probably start using to make it harder.
Unlike last time, my arms survived 10 pull-ups and almost managed a chin-up, as those thirsty bugs swirled and swarmed about, taking any opportunity to drain my blood.
Three stations later walking on my hands over parallel bars was a breeze, and then 10 push-ups felt nothing like Perry or Moss. Despite four more pull-ups, my final time was only seven seconds slower than last week's par course circuit.
This must be the law of diminishing returns that I've heard about before. Does this mean I'll have to work harder to get that same satisfying sensation of a good workout? Well, crap. I don't want to do that. Maybe I need to go back to doing less.
The frustrating thing is that there has been very little improvement in my weight. Despite noticeable gains in fitness over the last month, the scale continues to vex me, but I'm trying not to get so hung up on a stupid number. Right now I'm just enjoying the act of running, and that's all that matters.
ADDENDUM: The pull-up station has four tiers of bars, and the one I've been using is just low enough for me to grab with my feet still on the ground. There is one higher that I should probably start using to make it harder.
Friday, May 17, 2013
Flashback Friday: Faster, Weaker
My arms were powerless. My body hung squirming from the bar. There would be no more pull-ups today. Had the urge to rediscover the puke threshold sabotaged the rest of the workout? Or was it that these weeklong breaks between workouts keep forcing me to take a step back after a step forward? Maybe it was just the heat.
Yesterday's visit to the Sand Run Parcours Trail occurred on Northeast Ohio's return to summery weather, with a temperature in the high 70s, which is probably the hottest it's been during a run this year. Can you say "sweaty mess"? I knew that you could.
Although running the par course has become a weekly event this month, breaks of five or more days between runs remains a fairly regular thing, because obviously these short runs are really tiring. My own frustration over my lack of consistency sometimes causes me to do something really stupid like seeing if I can get myself to puke by starting off the workout in a near sprint. By the time I got to the pull-up bar, my body felt wobbly.
It seems those prescribed walk breaks along the course help you recover from each exercise before getting to the next station. Furthermore, I had forgotten my watch, which I use to time my recovery between each rep at the pull-up bar, and I know I usually spend a good five minutes there. Instead I rushed myself and wasn't able to match my previous outings. My arms crapped out after six pull-ups. OK, maybe it was more like five and a half.
By this time, sweat was spurting from my brow. My body sagged like it had a sad. My mind wandered to cope with the total bummer that were the remaining exercise stations. Do you know what this nice weather reminds me of doing? Running barefoot. I haven't done that in a really long time.
Doing 10 push-ups felt the way it would if you were William "Refrigerator" Perry but had the arms of Kate Moss. Leg lifts seemed to be rupturing my quadriceps. Forget about not embarrassing myself on the balance beam. In the end, though, it was another course record, shaving a full three minutes off last time. Sadly, the puke threshold eluded me.
Yesterday's visit to the Sand Run Parcours Trail occurred on Northeast Ohio's return to summery weather, with a temperature in the high 70s, which is probably the hottest it's been during a run this year. Can you say "sweaty mess"? I knew that you could.
Although running the par course has become a weekly event this month, breaks of five or more days between runs remains a fairly regular thing, because obviously these short runs are really tiring. My own frustration over my lack of consistency sometimes causes me to do something really stupid like seeing if I can get myself to puke by starting off the workout in a near sprint. By the time I got to the pull-up bar, my body felt wobbly.
It seems those prescribed walk breaks along the course help you recover from each exercise before getting to the next station. Furthermore, I had forgotten my watch, which I use to time my recovery between each rep at the pull-up bar, and I know I usually spend a good five minutes there. Instead I rushed myself and wasn't able to match my previous outings. My arms crapped out after six pull-ups. OK, maybe it was more like five and a half.
By this time, sweat was spurting from my brow. My body sagged like it had a sad. My mind wandered to cope with the total bummer that were the remaining exercise stations. Do you know what this nice weather reminds me of doing? Running barefoot. I haven't done that in a really long time.
Doing 10 push-ups felt the way it would if you were William "Refrigerator" Perry but had the arms of Kate Moss. Leg lifts seemed to be rupturing my quadriceps. Forget about not embarrassing myself on the balance beam. In the end, though, it was another course record, shaving a full three minutes off last time. Sadly, the puke threshold eluded me.
Friday, May 10, 2013
Flashback Friday: Finishing Under Par
Maybe this is becoming a regular thing. Maybe pull-ups are addictive. Maybe there's hope.
Another crack at the Sand Run Parcours Trail yesterday resulted in a new personal best for the course this year. This was the third time in two months and the second consecutive week that I've run the exercise trail.
After last week's doughnut trial, my time this go around was 38 seconds faster, which looks even more impressive when you compare the paces of 22:21 vs. 19:10 per mile.
The par course is a few hairs under two miles and features 20 exercise stations, two of which I skip because they're dumb. (Stretching? Pfft! And I don't even know what "Leg and Arm Hop" means.) The course is on the side of a steep hill, so running involves some decent climbs, mostly the second mile. The pull-up station comes early in the second mile, and it's here where I eat up a lot of time standing still.
Pull-ups and chin-ups are one of those great, all-around body exercises, and they're really danged difficult to do. I can do two in a row, but then I need to take breaks between repetitions. So far, I'm up to eight chin-ups and seven pull-ups, and I think I'm hooked.
Awhile ago, I mentioned the possibility of buying a pull-up bar for the house, but I haven't pulled the trigger yet. The Sand Run Parcours Trail is close and free. Aside from running the complete course, I've also stopped by just to hit up the bar.
It takes me about five minutes to finish my reps, so there's a lot of time I could save by improving my prowess. Overall, the par course is just a kick ass workout. By the time I get to the final exercise station, a three-tiered balance beam, my limbs are wobbly from the effort that I feel like I'm walking the line for a DUI test. Today my legs, arms and chest are pleasantly sore. I gotta get back and do it again.
Back Talk
Wherein we talk about waffles
Miss Zippy, Al and Carolina John want to know: So what did I decide after all the waffling about running the Akron Marathon this year?
Answer: Despite saying I'd wait to make a decision, it looks like the Leave No Trace trail half marathon is in my future. As much as I would like to run the Akron Marathon this year, I don't think I'm ready to climb back onto the marathon horse this year and the concern over my pregnant wife makes this the more responsible choice.
Happy Hour is nearly upon us, teammates! Have a finely brewed weekend. Run well and drink well. Cheers!
Another crack at the Sand Run Parcours Trail yesterday resulted in a new personal best for the course this year. This was the third time in two months and the second consecutive week that I've run the exercise trail.
After last week's doughnut trial, my time this go around was 38 seconds faster, which looks even more impressive when you compare the paces of 22:21 vs. 19:10 per mile.
The par course is a few hairs under two miles and features 20 exercise stations, two of which I skip because they're dumb. (Stretching? Pfft! And I don't even know what "Leg and Arm Hop" means.) The course is on the side of a steep hill, so running involves some decent climbs, mostly the second mile. The pull-up station comes early in the second mile, and it's here where I eat up a lot of time standing still.
Pull-ups and chin-ups are one of those great, all-around body exercises, and they're really danged difficult to do. I can do two in a row, but then I need to take breaks between repetitions. So far, I'm up to eight chin-ups and seven pull-ups, and I think I'm hooked.
Awhile ago, I mentioned the possibility of buying a pull-up bar for the house, but I haven't pulled the trigger yet. The Sand Run Parcours Trail is close and free. Aside from running the complete course, I've also stopped by just to hit up the bar.
It takes me about five minutes to finish my reps, so there's a lot of time I could save by improving my prowess. Overall, the par course is just a kick ass workout. By the time I get to the final exercise station, a three-tiered balance beam, my limbs are wobbly from the effort that I feel like I'm walking the line for a DUI test. Today my legs, arms and chest are pleasantly sore. I gotta get back and do it again.
Back Talk
Wherein we talk about waffles
Miss Zippy, Al and Carolina John want to know: So what did I decide after all the waffling about running the Akron Marathon this year?
Answer: Despite saying I'd wait to make a decision, it looks like the Leave No Trace trail half marathon is in my future. As much as I would like to run the Akron Marathon this year, I don't think I'm ready to climb back onto the marathon horse this year and the concern over my pregnant wife makes this the more responsible choice.
Happy Hour is nearly upon us, teammates! Have a finely brewed weekend. Run well and drink well. Cheers!
Friday, May 3, 2013
Flashback Friday: Par for the Course
Yesterday's experiment tested the fueling capability of a doughnut.
We had a company meeting in the morning, and the boss brought two dozen delicious delicacies from Spudnut Donuts. I had three. To compensate for my poor choice, I only ate the salad I had packed as part of my lunch. So, to review: one vanilla cream, apple fritter, one glazed and a salad with ranch dressing.
My goal was to hit the Sand Run Parcours Trail after work. Last weekend, I stopped by the chin-up bars for seven reps, so I wanted to top that feat while completing the other 19 exercises along the hilly loop.
Yesterday, I managed eight reps and shaved 42 seconds off the last time I ran the whole course. Although, there was no portal to another frontier this time around.
While I didn't feel particularly great throughout the workout, my measurable improvement (on a much hotter day, mind you) indicates that maybe doughnuts aren't so bad for you after all. Good thing, because there are still some left over this morning.
Back Talk
Wherein we, what, we're talking about butts now?
Nitmos, ever helpful, thinks another temptation may be in my future: "A little junk in the trunk? Soon you'll make a Kardashian jealous. Try PopChips, they're delicious."
Answer: Wait, "the healthier choice" is their tagline? I don't want some healthy alternative when I'm snacking. My healthier choice is bacon-wrapped bacon.
Happy hour is nearly upon us, teammates! Have a finely brewed weekend. Run well and drink well. Cheers!
We had a company meeting in the morning, and the boss brought two dozen delicious delicacies from Spudnut Donuts. I had three. To compensate for my poor choice, I only ate the salad I had packed as part of my lunch. So, to review: one vanilla cream, apple fritter, one glazed and a salad with ranch dressing.
My goal was to hit the Sand Run Parcours Trail after work. Last weekend, I stopped by the chin-up bars for seven reps, so I wanted to top that feat while completing the other 19 exercises along the hilly loop.
Yesterday, I managed eight reps and shaved 42 seconds off the last time I ran the whole course. Although, there was no portal to another frontier this time around.
While I didn't feel particularly great throughout the workout, my measurable improvement (on a much hotter day, mind you) indicates that maybe doughnuts aren't so bad for you after all. Good thing, because there are still some left over this morning.
Back Talk
Wherein we, what, we're talking about butts now?
Nitmos, ever helpful, thinks another temptation may be in my future: "A little junk in the trunk? Soon you'll make a Kardashian jealous. Try PopChips, they're delicious."
Answer: Wait, "the healthier choice" is their tagline? I don't want some healthy alternative when I'm snacking. My healthier choice is bacon-wrapped bacon.
Happy hour is nearly upon us, teammates! Have a finely brewed weekend. Run well and drink well. Cheers!
Monday, April 29, 2013
Step Back, Chin Up
Two weeks ago I was bragging about my improved pace on the trails, how it dropped by almost two minutes per mile, but that was two weeks ago, the last time I ran until Saturday. My pace has since stepped back to about 15 minutes per mile.
Saturday was one of those perfect running days. Blue skies. Warm. Nice breeze. The budding leaves providing enough shade to keep it from getting too warm. The parking lot was packed at the Boston Store, where I picked up the Buckeye Trail southbound.
My 35-minute run provided plenty of hills. After the long layoff between runs, my legs felt heavy and my hips ached. The distance clicked in at just under two and a half miles.
This month's mileage won't wow anybody, but it's already more than double the last two months combined, yet still only about half what I ran in January. My anger at my weight and general lack of fitness is finally starting to create some motivation to shape up.
After my run, I stopped at Sand Run and parked as close as I could get to the chin-up bar on the par course, where I managed seven reps. I'd still like to get a bar for the house, but I'll take free for now.
Despite the long gap between workouts, my legs and arms were only mildly sore from the effort. This week's weather forecast looks ripe for running, and I intend to make the best of it.
Saturday was one of those perfect running days. Blue skies. Warm. Nice breeze. The budding leaves providing enough shade to keep it from getting too warm. The parking lot was packed at the Boston Store, where I picked up the Buckeye Trail southbound.
My 35-minute run provided plenty of hills. After the long layoff between runs, my legs felt heavy and my hips ached. The distance clicked in at just under two and a half miles.
This month's mileage won't wow anybody, but it's already more than double the last two months combined, yet still only about half what I ran in January. My anger at my weight and general lack of fitness is finally starting to create some motivation to shape up.
After my run, I stopped at Sand Run and parked as close as I could get to the chin-up bar on the par course, where I managed seven reps. I'd still like to get a bar for the house, but I'll take free for now.
Despite the long gap between workouts, my legs and arms were only mildly sore from the effort. This week's weather forecast looks ripe for running, and I intend to make the best of it.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
The Final Frontier
My arms throbbed from too many chin-ups. The next station of the parcours was sit-ups, but as I approached it was as if I had stepped onto the bridge of the Starship Enterprise. The surrounding woods came alive with the bleeps, the sweeps and the creeps.
Maybe it was exhaustion from a tough workout, but the same thing happened the next day while driving through Sand Run park with my awesome wife. Just in this one spot, the crickets, bullfrogs and other creatures were acting out the sound effects from the classic "Star Trek" TV series, none of this "Next Generation" business.
Had this spot been transmogrified into an interstellar portal?
The weekend provided spring-like weather for a change, and likewise provided some motivation to get out and go. A parcours workout on Saturday and a trail run on Sunday have resulted in soreness today, but the scale continues to vex me.
I've been hit or miss with logging my diet. I've been mostly miss with eating healthier. Today's weigh-in marked a new, frustrating high. Such events demand action. Something needs to change before my waistline develops its own gravitational field and pulls in a satellite or two.
Despite rain in the forecast, I've brought my running clothes to work today with plans to hit the trails on the way home.
Maybe it was exhaustion from a tough workout, but the same thing happened the next day while driving through Sand Run park with my awesome wife. Just in this one spot, the crickets, bullfrogs and other creatures were acting out the sound effects from the classic "Star Trek" TV series, none of this "Next Generation" business.
Had this spot been transmogrified into an interstellar portal?
The weekend provided spring-like weather for a change, and likewise provided some motivation to get out and go. A parcours workout on Saturday and a trail run on Sunday have resulted in soreness today, but the scale continues to vex me.
I've been hit or miss with logging my diet. I've been mostly miss with eating healthier. Today's weigh-in marked a new, frustrating high. Such events demand action. Something needs to change before my waistline develops its own gravitational field and pulls in a satellite or two.
Despite rain in the forecast, I've brought my running clothes to work today with plans to hit the trails on the way home.
Friday, July 6, 2012
Flashback Friday: Among the Meat Heads
Thursday has become my parcours day. Usually, the only other people at the Treaty Line park area are walkers, with the occasional runner cutting through from the Towpath to Sand Run on the other side of Portage Path. Yesterday, however, there were trespassers on my parcours.
The first invader was a guy who caught up to me at the sit-up station. He asked me if he could scoot in next to me. Awkward. This is why I don't have a gym membership and never will. I did my sit-ups nice and slow and made sure I did more than he did, staying after he left for five more reps. Gonna get ripped, bro.
Then, after climbing the hill to the parallel bars, there were two dudes doing dips. Dips, really? No, no, no. You're doing it wrong.
Hey, dude-bros, don't you know you're supposed to walk on your hands across the bars? Let me show you how it's done. Mind if I slip in here?
The meat heads stood in awe of my hand-walking prowess. There was an uncomfortable moment where they looked like they wanted a sweaty bro hug, but mercifully the clouds offered a distraction as thunder roared in the distance.
One of them was like, "Come at me, bro-storm."
The thunder backed down, and I sprinted uphill toward the next station, leaving the compensating males in my manly dust. The parcours is mine
Back Talk
Wherein we forgot to pee
TNTcoach Ken wonders what happened the Wednesday's bladder advisory: "So what happened with the need to go to the bathroom????"
Answer: Eventually, it returned, but not until after we got to Berea. Can urine sweat out? Because I smelled awful, and Mrs. Viper dragged me into a store for a quick purchase. Those poor customers!
B. Jarozs criticized my choice of not running in dirty laundry: "If it's a choice between no run and run-in-dirty-clothes... I'd choose the latter!"
Sun Runner offered this unlaundered reasoning: "I figure, if they're already stinky, and I'm going to go out and get sweaty anyway, then it doesn't matter if they aren't fresh. No one's going to care."
Answer: But the problem is that I'm toting those stinky clothes into work and letting them sit there until 5 p.m. Trust me, someone will care. If I were leaving straight from home, I'd run in dirty clothes (and I have done so).
Happy Hour is nearly upon us, teammates! Have a finely brewed weekend. Run well and drink well. Cheers!
The first invader was a guy who caught up to me at the sit-up station. He asked me if he could scoot in next to me. Awkward. This is why I don't have a gym membership and never will. I did my sit-ups nice and slow and made sure I did more than he did, staying after he left for five more reps. Gonna get ripped, bro.
Then, after climbing the hill to the parallel bars, there were two dudes doing dips. Dips, really? No, no, no. You're doing it wrong.
Hey, dude-bros, don't you know you're supposed to walk on your hands across the bars? Let me show you how it's done. Mind if I slip in here?
The meat heads stood in awe of my hand-walking prowess. There was an uncomfortable moment where they looked like they wanted a sweaty bro hug, but mercifully the clouds offered a distraction as thunder roared in the distance.
One of them was like, "Come at me, bro-storm."
The thunder backed down, and I sprinted uphill toward the next station, leaving the compensating males in my manly dust. The parcours is mine
Back Talk
Wherein we forgot to pee
TNTcoach Ken wonders what happened the Wednesday's bladder advisory: "So what happened with the need to go to the bathroom????"
Answer: Eventually, it returned, but not until after we got to Berea. Can urine sweat out? Because I smelled awful, and Mrs. Viper dragged me into a store for a quick purchase. Those poor customers!
B. Jarozs criticized my choice of not running in dirty laundry: "If it's a choice between no run and run-in-dirty-clothes... I'd choose the latter!"
Sun Runner offered this unlaundered reasoning: "I figure, if they're already stinky, and I'm going to go out and get sweaty anyway, then it doesn't matter if they aren't fresh. No one's going to care."
Answer: But the problem is that I'm toting those stinky clothes into work and letting them sit there until 5 p.m. Trust me, someone will care. If I were leaving straight from home, I'd run in dirty clothes (and I have done so).
Happy Hour is nearly upon us, teammates! Have a finely brewed weekend. Run well and drink well. Cheers!
Friday, June 29, 2012
Flashback Friday: Too Hot to Finish
The temperature was 95 degrees when I finally made it to the Sand Run par course.
After completing a lap, I took a cue from those recent marathons and canceled the remainder of my run.
The two miles and 20 exercise stations (not 16, as erroneously reported yesterday) were plenty exercise on such a hot day.
Today is a short day at work, so I can make up the three miles I skipped yesterday. All is well. The real question will be the planned mileage for this weekend. For some reason Saturday and Sunday have been my downfall.
My goal is to get out early and get my runs out the way. A successful week will go a long way in building up my confidence again.
Back Talk
Wherein we talk about failure, despite my preference not to discuss these matters
David puts my mind at ease about my current track of failure: "All this distraction is temporary. In my case, it only lasted from 1986 to 2008 (marriage, dissertation, three kids, business start-up). Now I'm back to being focused on the important things in life -- like running."
Answer: Hopefully, my adjustment period isn't a dozen years long. But as long as this interlude is enjoyable, it doesn't really matter. Running will always be here. Whether I'm setting new PRs or not, it still keeps me active.
Happy Hour is nearly upon us, teammates! Have a finely brewed weekend. Run well and drink well. Cheers!
After completing a lap, I took a cue from those recent marathons and canceled the remainder of my run.
The two miles and 20 exercise stations (not 16, as erroneously reported yesterday) were plenty exercise on such a hot day.
Today is a short day at work, so I can make up the three miles I skipped yesterday. All is well. The real question will be the planned mileage for this weekend. For some reason Saturday and Sunday have been my downfall.
My goal is to get out early and get my runs out the way. A successful week will go a long way in building up my confidence again.
Back Talk
Wherein we talk about failure, despite my preference not to discuss these matters
David puts my mind at ease about my current track of failure: "All this distraction is temporary. In my case, it only lasted from 1986 to 2008 (marriage, dissertation, three kids, business start-up). Now I'm back to being focused on the important things in life -- like running."
Answer: Hopefully, my adjustment period isn't a dozen years long. But as long as this interlude is enjoyable, it doesn't really matter. Running will always be here. Whether I'm setting new PRs or not, it still keeps me active.
Happy Hour is nearly upon us, teammates! Have a finely brewed weekend. Run well and drink well. Cheers!
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Reading vs. Running
In case you haven't noticed from all the incessant whining about failed attempts at marathon training these past few weeks, running hasn't had much success at topping my list of priorities recently. What has been successful, however, is my reading habit.
It may surprise you that my reading comprehension is above an eighth grade level, but it's true. For the past couple of years, I've striven to read a book a month. (Like running, I'm not a fast reader either.) This year's reading list theme is the Civil War, including histories, biographies and fiction of and about the time period.
Until the last couple weeks, I'd been slogging through Uncle Tom's Cabin while also reading Battle Cry of Freedom. You may recall my recent return to the world of comic books; that development seems to have bolstered my enthusiasm for reading, and I'm now within striking distance of the end of Harriet Beecher Stowe's signature novel.
Comic books are what turned me into a reader in the first place, and now they're stoking the fire to consume more and more books, both illustrated and big-boy wordy ones.
Next on my list is Red Badge of Courage, which I was supposed to read in high school but instead probably chose to read the latest issues of The Maxx or Madman. The same thing happened with last week's planned run for Thursday. Rather than heading to the trails, I went back to the comic book shop to pick up the latest issue of Batman and some other titles. I still managed to get that run in Friday evening, but it's clear where my priorities lay.
Northeast Ohio got a nice dose of cool weather the last couple days, which were perfect for running. Too bad I only ran once during this reprieve. Today's temperature is supposed to climb back into the mid-90s -- just in time for my post-work run at the Sand Run par course.
The par course has been my favorite workout recently. Not only does it have 16 exercise stations, ranging in difficulty from circling arms and touching toes to walking of your hands across parallel bars and pull-ups/chin-ups (I try both), but also the course is on a rather steep hill for a solid running challenge.
The heat will surely kick my caboose, but thank goodness for central air and a collection of good books to read while I cool down at home.
It may surprise you that my reading comprehension is above an eighth grade level, but it's true. For the past couple of years, I've striven to read a book a month. (Like running, I'm not a fast reader either.) This year's reading list theme is the Civil War, including histories, biographies and fiction of and about the time period.
Until the last couple weeks, I'd been slogging through Uncle Tom's Cabin while also reading Battle Cry of Freedom. You may recall my recent return to the world of comic books; that development seems to have bolstered my enthusiasm for reading, and I'm now within striking distance of the end of Harriet Beecher Stowe's signature novel.
Comic books are what turned me into a reader in the first place, and now they're stoking the fire to consume more and more books, both illustrated and big-boy wordy ones.
Next on my list is Red Badge of Courage, which I was supposed to read in high school but instead probably chose to read the latest issues of The Maxx or Madman. The same thing happened with last week's planned run for Thursday. Rather than heading to the trails, I went back to the comic book shop to pick up the latest issue of Batman and some other titles. I still managed to get that run in Friday evening, but it's clear where my priorities lay.
Northeast Ohio got a nice dose of cool weather the last couple days, which were perfect for running. Too bad I only ran once during this reprieve. Today's temperature is supposed to climb back into the mid-90s -- just in time for my post-work run at the Sand Run par course.
The par course has been my favorite workout recently. Not only does it have 16 exercise stations, ranging in difficulty from circling arms and touching toes to walking of your hands across parallel bars and pull-ups/chin-ups (I try both), but also the course is on a rather steep hill for a solid running challenge.
The heat will surely kick my caboose, but thank goodness for central air and a collection of good books to read while I cool down at home.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Recentered
Amid the events of the last two weeks, I find myself needing to regroup this week. Time to pick up where I left off and return to logging my food intake, hitting my runs and completing my strength exercises.
This morning's weigh-in showed 176.6 pounds, up from my last check. Considering the runs I've missed and the amount of grieving food I've consumed, that's not so bad.
Over the weekend, I had two very good -- albeit very muddy -- runs, increasing my weekly mileage to just under 12, which is only two miles shy of what my pretraining plan dictated.
Saturday's trail run was a mudslide, and I still have no idea how I managed to run as fast as I did. At a few ticks more than five miles, it was my longest run of the year. The trail was flatter than the other trails I frequent, but the terrain was also sloppier than any I've encountered this year. And yet I managed to log my fastest trail pace of the year: 10:43 per mile. Most of my other trail runs have been at a pace above 11 minutes.
Thursday, I logged my fastest pace of the year on my one my neighborhood three-mile routes, and that was after a week of not running. Perhaps I was expelling some stress.
This morning, my abs are sore from hitting a par course while in the middle of a three-miler yesterday. The short exercise circuit included "body curls," which consisted of lifting my knees to my chest while laying on an inclined board. I only did five curls, but that was enough.
My goals for this week are four runs, for a total of 15 miles with a "long" run of six miles and at least one trail run. Today I'm planning to get back to my core exercise routine.
There's a race coming up in March, and I'm thinking of making it my first event of the year. I want to feel strong.
This morning's weigh-in showed 176.6 pounds, up from my last check. Considering the runs I've missed and the amount of grieving food I've consumed, that's not so bad.
Over the weekend, I had two very good -- albeit very muddy -- runs, increasing my weekly mileage to just under 12, which is only two miles shy of what my pretraining plan dictated.
Saturday's trail run was a mudslide, and I still have no idea how I managed to run as fast as I did. At a few ticks more than five miles, it was my longest run of the year. The trail was flatter than the other trails I frequent, but the terrain was also sloppier than any I've encountered this year. And yet I managed to log my fastest trail pace of the year: 10:43 per mile. Most of my other trail runs have been at a pace above 11 minutes.
Thursday, I logged my fastest pace of the year on my one my neighborhood three-mile routes, and that was after a week of not running. Perhaps I was expelling some stress.
This morning, my abs are sore from hitting a par course while in the middle of a three-miler yesterday. The short exercise circuit included "body curls," which consisted of lifting my knees to my chest while laying on an inclined board. I only did five curls, but that was enough.
My goals for this week are four runs, for a total of 15 miles with a "long" run of six miles and at least one trail run. Today I'm planning to get back to my core exercise routine.
There's a race coming up in March, and I'm thinking of making it my first event of the year. I want to feel strong.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Puddle Pusher
My running is like night and day, as in I ran last night and then again this morning.
Rains drenched my neighborhood route, and I had to be careful not to create friction and cause blisters on my soles. The last time I tried a wet barefoot run was not nearly as successful as my four-miler last night.
The way I thought about my stride was after my foot landed, I then pulled it backward as I lifted for the next stride. This mentality seemed to prevent me from pushing off.
The wet terrain, however, forced me to slow down and pushed me over a 10-minute mile pace.
This morning, the Enthusiast and I woke up for another round at the par course. We're both seeing improvements in the more difficult exercises, which should translate to some nice toning if we keep it up.
The combination of the two runs puts me ahead on my planned mileage this week, as I kick off a revised 10-week training schedule that I hope will get me ready for the Buckeye Half and Akron Marathon.
Although the new plan is conservative and only includes one 20-miler, I'm hoping the barefooting and trail runs well make up for some of the lacking mileage. Hope in one hand and shit in the other ...
Rains drenched my neighborhood route, and I had to be careful not to create friction and cause blisters on my soles. The last time I tried a wet barefoot run was not nearly as successful as my four-miler last night.
The way I thought about my stride was after my foot landed, I then pulled it backward as I lifted for the next stride. This mentality seemed to prevent me from pushing off.
The wet terrain, however, forced me to slow down and pushed me over a 10-minute mile pace.
This morning, the Enthusiast and I woke up for another round at the par course. We're both seeing improvements in the more difficult exercises, which should translate to some nice toning if we keep it up.
The combination of the two runs puts me ahead on my planned mileage this week, as I kick off a revised 10-week training schedule that I hope will get me ready for the Buckeye Half and Akron Marathon.
Although the new plan is conservative and only includes one 20-miler, I'm hoping the barefooting and trail runs well make up for some of the lacking mileage. Hope in one hand and shit in the other ...
Friday, July 15, 2011
Flashback Friday: Morning Duet
It's move-it-to-lose-it time around the Viper-Enthusiast lair. With less than two months to go until the wedding, we've got fittings to prepare for, by golly! Such motivation resulted in actually waking up and doing some exercise this morning before work.
We dragged our butts out of bed and headed to the par course, which has become my new favorite workout. Since that fateful day a week ago, I've already returned twice more, completing the full circuit of exercises.
The Enthusiast joined me and made me realize just how ridiculous some of these routines are, but I've noticed the results. She also helped me figure out some of the stations, where the little stick man doesn't quite make clear what action you're supposed to perform.
My reverse somersaults on the rings? Yeah, those were supposed to be an abdominal workout where you stand in place and use your core muscles to move your body in a wide circle. However, the Enthusiast's pole hump was incorrect. Good thing it was early and children were not around to witness that one.
Back Talk
Wherein we try to ignore the advertisements that have overrun this blog
Misszippy congratulates me for calling my shoes a bunch of tools: "Good for you. I'm sure your feet will be happiest this way. Wish I had been smart enough to transition as slowly as you have ... one of these days I'll be there."
Answer: Don't worry I'll soon try to go too far, too soon and show how smart I really am.
Happy Hour is nearly upon us, teammates! Have a finely brewed weekend. Run well and drink well. Cheers!
We dragged our butts out of bed and headed to the par course, which has become my new favorite workout. Since that fateful day a week ago, I've already returned twice more, completing the full circuit of exercises.
The Enthusiast joined me and made me realize just how ridiculous some of these routines are, but I've noticed the results. She also helped me figure out some of the stations, where the little stick man doesn't quite make clear what action you're supposed to perform.
My reverse somersaults on the rings? Yeah, those were supposed to be an abdominal workout where you stand in place and use your core muscles to move your body in a wide circle. However, the Enthusiast's pole hump was incorrect. Good thing it was early and children were not around to witness that one.
Back Talk
Wherein we try to ignore the advertisements that have overrun this blog
Misszippy congratulates me for calling my shoes a bunch of tools: "Good for you. I'm sure your feet will be happiest this way. Wish I had been smart enough to transition as slowly as you have ... one of these days I'll be there."
Answer: Don't worry I'll soon try to go too far, too soon and show how smart I really am.
Happy Hour is nearly upon us, teammates! Have a finely brewed weekend. Run well and drink well. Cheers!
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