Maybe it's time to stop making goals. Another week gone by without a run, and the prospect of achieving my revised mileage goal for the year seems like a pipe dream.
The dark nights have scared me away from trails during the week. The cold ground has scared me away from barefoot runs around the neighborhood. A desire to get back to playing my banjo more regularly, reading comics, watching football, visiting family and spending time with my wife have taken up my weekends. The excuses keep coming.
What is deeply troubling is a severe disinterest in taking good care of myself. Exercising? Meh. Eating well? Nah.
Some of you commented about my poor choice in eating McDonald's before my last run. Once upon a time, I swore off fast food altogether, but lately there's been some backsliding.
For the longest time, I've wanted to stop eating breaded, fried foods. Guess what I had for dinner? Fried chicken. It was delicious.
Each year, I come up with a to-do list. Goals and objectives for the coming year. It's what I call a "Betterment Plan." It encompasses heath, hobbies, finances and work. I've had some good successes with it over the past few years, but 2012 has been problematic all around the board.
My mileage goal was part of this plan. It's all but a certain failure. While there have been a couple successes, the majority of this year's action items are soon-to-be failures. It's disheartening.
How do you deal with diminishing returns? My spark has gone missing.
Showing posts with label another failure. Show all posts
Showing posts with label another failure. Show all posts
Monday, November 19, 2012
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Boozy Book Club No. 4
Can we all agree that histories are not in my reading wheelhouse? My goal of reading 12 books this year will probably be another failure this year.
Civil War Reading List
We're at a standstill after making great progress. My book has sat unopened on my nightstand for most of the last couple weeks. Just to say that I did, I read a little bit of Battle Cry last night.
Battle Cry of Freedom
Author: James McPherson
Genre: History
Status: 506 pages in
Notes: Yeah, not much change since last time.
Battle-Pieces
Author: Herman Melville
Genre: Poetry
Status: 84 pages in
Notes: Still reading on Google Books. Still at Gettysburg.
Comic Book Pull List
Pickups since last update: Amazing Spider-Man (695), Batman (13) and Stumptown (2). Today's pulls include: Cape: 1969 (4), Daredevil (19), Godzilla: Half Century War (3), It Girl (3), and maybe B.P.R.D.: 1948 (1) and Justice League (13).
My permanent pull list is now in place, which makes life a little easier. With Amazing Spider-Man set to end with the 700th issue, I decided to pick up the last story arc, and I'm happy I did. Spider-Man was the first superhero I latched onto many years ago, but none of the current titles caught my interest when I returned to reading comics this year. Dan Slott's writing is fun, and it was easy to catch on without having read the character for more than a decade. That said, however, today's highlight goes to the return of the greatest villain in all of comics.
Batman
Issue: 13
Writer: Scott Snyder
Artist: Greg Capullo
Notes: ZOMG!!1! The Joker is back! After disappearing for a year, he's come looking for his face, which was cut off in Detective Comics No. 1 last year.
Batman's arch nemesis has gone even further off the bend. His first appearance is a chilling reminder of his brutality, and his next act is a pleasing homage to the character's past, especially considering I recently read Batman Chronicles Vol. 1, which collects the earliest Batman stories and includes the first appearance of the Joker.
Snyder and Capullo pay tribute to these early stories, as well as to Alan Moore's seminal The Killing Joke and Heath Ledger's portrayal in The Dark Knight, but they also present a Joker all their own. This issue is easily the best thing I've read since returning to comics.
Book-Beverage Pairings
My father-in-law bought me a bottle of Metaxa Grand Olympian Reserve 12 Star, a Greek variation of brandy that will light your face on fire. I must summon my inner Heracles to stomach this strong spirit.
What have you been reading? What beverages have aided to an intoxicating story? As always, a live book club discussion will follow in the comments section. Cheers!
Civil War Reading List
We're at a standstill after making great progress. My book has sat unopened on my nightstand for most of the last couple weeks. Just to say that I did, I read a little bit of Battle Cry last night.
Battle Cry of Freedom
Author: James McPherson
Genre: History
Status: 506 pages in
Notes: Yeah, not much change since last time.
Battle-Pieces
Author: Herman Melville
Genre: Poetry
Status: 84 pages in
Notes: Still reading on Google Books. Still at Gettysburg.
Comic Book Pull List
Pickups since last update: Amazing Spider-Man (695), Batman (13) and Stumptown (2). Today's pulls include: Cape: 1969 (4), Daredevil (19), Godzilla: Half Century War (3), It Girl (3), and maybe B.P.R.D.: 1948 (1) and Justice League (13).
My permanent pull list is now in place, which makes life a little easier. With Amazing Spider-Man set to end with the 700th issue, I decided to pick up the last story arc, and I'm happy I did. Spider-Man was the first superhero I latched onto many years ago, but none of the current titles caught my interest when I returned to reading comics this year. Dan Slott's writing is fun, and it was easy to catch on without having read the character for more than a decade. That said, however, today's highlight goes to the return of the greatest villain in all of comics.
Batman
Issue: 13
Writer: Scott Snyder
Artist: Greg Capullo
 |
| Image: DC Comics |
Batman's arch nemesis has gone even further off the bend. His first appearance is a chilling reminder of his brutality, and his next act is a pleasing homage to the character's past, especially considering I recently read Batman Chronicles Vol. 1, which collects the earliest Batman stories and includes the first appearance of the Joker.
Snyder and Capullo pay tribute to these early stories, as well as to Alan Moore's seminal The Killing Joke and Heath Ledger's portrayal in The Dark Knight, but they also present a Joker all their own. This issue is easily the best thing I've read since returning to comics.
Book-Beverage Pairings
My father-in-law bought me a bottle of Metaxa Grand Olympian Reserve 12 Star, a Greek variation of brandy that will light your face on fire. I must summon my inner Heracles to stomach this strong spirit.
What have you been reading? What beverages have aided to an intoxicating story? As always, a live book club discussion will follow in the comments section. Cheers!
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Hitting Bottom
Perhaps it's a good thing that it's already August. July started off strong, with a 10-mile run to cap a 25-mile week, but then the bottom dropped off.
My running schedule was delayed a bit that second week, as my next run wasn't until the hottest Independence Day ever, then I hit the busy parcours the next day, and then nothing for three weeks.
The run-less streak finally ended last Friday, with my Crazy Eights routine. By that time, however, the damage was done. Here's last month's statistical rundown:
The other day, I attempted to devise a quick-ramp-up plan to get into 20-miler shape, but then I lost the motivation Monday to get started. The run was delayed until last night. My body still hurt a bit from my intense workout over the weekend.
The three-mile barefoot run was enjoyable, but the thought of trying to turn around and run five miles today seemed like a recipe for injury.
The thought occurred to me that I'm not respecting the distance. I think I can just fake it and be able to run 26 miles in two months. Am I just fooling myself?
Instead of taking control of my running and making a decision about the marathon, I've instead acquiesced to the "whatever happens, happens" scenario. Like some John Irving character, I'm putting off a choice and instead doing nothing, hoping that it'll all sort out itself.
Yesterday, I read that the Akron Marathon only has 100 places left open for the full, and right now the budget says an entry fee is out of the question until later. I'm starting to accept how this will likely end.
My running schedule was delayed a bit that second week, as my next run wasn't until the hottest Independence Day ever, then I hit the busy parcours the next day, and then nothing for three weeks.
The run-less streak finally ended last Friday, with my Crazy Eights routine. By that time, however, the damage was done. Here's last month's statistical rundown:
- Total Miles: 23 miles (5 runs)
- Total Time: 4.71 hours
- Highest Weekly: 7 miles
- Average Weekly: 5.75 miles
- Average Pace: 12:17/mile
- The Monthly Dif: -24 miles (47 miles in June)
The other day, I attempted to devise a quick-ramp-up plan to get into 20-miler shape, but then I lost the motivation Monday to get started. The run was delayed until last night. My body still hurt a bit from my intense workout over the weekend.
The three-mile barefoot run was enjoyable, but the thought of trying to turn around and run five miles today seemed like a recipe for injury.
The thought occurred to me that I'm not respecting the distance. I think I can just fake it and be able to run 26 miles in two months. Am I just fooling myself?
Instead of taking control of my running and making a decision about the marathon, I've instead acquiesced to the "whatever happens, happens" scenario. Like some John Irving character, I'm putting off a choice and instead doing nothing, hoping that it'll all sort out itself.
Yesterday, I read that the Akron Marathon only has 100 places left open for the full, and right now the budget says an entry fee is out of the question until later. I'm starting to accept how this will likely end.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
So What Do We Do Now?
My running was more consistent before "training" began. Heck, so was my blogging.
The heat. The schedule. The inertia. All plagues against this house.
My weight, My mileage. My fitness. All factors leading to a loss of confidence.
The Akron Marathon hangs like a millstone around my sunburned neck. How will this ever happen?
My last run was a dozen days ago. Just like my favorite sports teams, this has become a complete collapse.
Lately, my thoughts have wandered into the realm of just packing it in and waiting until next year.
Is it too late to jump back on the horse?
The heat. The schedule. The inertia. All plagues against this house.
My weight, My mileage. My fitness. All factors leading to a loss of confidence.
The Akron Marathon hangs like a millstone around my sunburned neck. How will this ever happen?
My last run was a dozen days ago. Just like my favorite sports teams, this has become a complete collapse.
Lately, my thoughts have wandered into the realm of just packing it in and waiting until next year.
Is it too late to jump back on the horse?
Monday, June 25, 2012
Failure: I Don't Want to Talk About It
Perhaps I've inadvertently stumbled upon a masterful training regimen: two weeks on, two weeks off. At least, that's been my pattern of late.
It's too early to hit the bright orange PANIC button, as the Akron Marathon is still a solid three months away. But there's a definite hole being dug at Team Booze Hounds.
Everything goes fine until the weekend, it seems. A mix of busyness and laziness prevails over the want of running. This weekend, it was a wedding.
My body was sore Saturday after a solid run-plus-par course on Friday. That morning Mrs. Viper and I took Dobson on a grueling 1.5-mile walk on the Towpath on another pleasant summer day.
Grueling for Dobson mostly, as he dragged me between shady spots and needed a panting break on our way back to the car. But also grueling for my feet, as I walked on the pebble-ridden crushed limestone path with bare soles.
The evening was spent standing or dancing in dress shoes at the outdoor wedding. The wife and I were both drained afterward, as she had just come off a long work week of standing on already sore feet. Sunday's biblically prescribed day of rest seemed more apropos than embarking on a 10-mile run.
My training schedule keeps getting pushed back. One of these days, I'll need to catch up. Today is not that day.
It's too early to hit the bright orange PANIC button, as the Akron Marathon is still a solid three months away. But there's a definite hole being dug at Team Booze Hounds.
Everything goes fine until the weekend, it seems. A mix of busyness and laziness prevails over the want of running. This weekend, it was a wedding.
My body was sore Saturday after a solid run-plus-par course on Friday. That morning Mrs. Viper and I took Dobson on a grueling 1.5-mile walk on the Towpath on another pleasant summer day.
Grueling for Dobson mostly, as he dragged me between shady spots and needed a panting break on our way back to the car. But also grueling for my feet, as I walked on the pebble-ridden crushed limestone path with bare soles.
The evening was spent standing or dancing in dress shoes at the outdoor wedding. The wife and I were both drained afterward, as she had just come off a long work week of standing on already sore feet. Sunday's biblically prescribed day of rest seemed more apropos than embarking on a 10-mile run.
My training schedule keeps getting pushed back. One of these days, I'll need to catch up. Today is not that day.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Techno-N00b
It's only been a few months since my running life met the benefits of GPS technology in the form of a new smartphone and the MapMyRun app. My last-adopter status and Luddite past make for a long learning curve.
Up until recently, there was never a problem picking up satellites to log a run. There would be the occasional wait and maybe a phone restart to get a better signal, but it always worked. Until Saturday with Jamoosh and then last night on my exploratory three-mile route.
Both times my phone said the GPS signal was weak. Both times I just started the run anyway. Both times no mileage was logged.
In the past, when I've started my run with a weak signal, my phone would eventually latch onto a satellite beam and start tracking my mileage, foreshortening my run by a few tenths of a mile. No big deal.
Never before had my phone just not logged any distance like this. As the kids say, WTF?
My phone always gives me troubleshooting tips for a weak GPS signal. No. 1, restart the phone. Done. But I never bothered to look at No. 2.
Only in the last month have I discovered that using the Wi-Fi makes most of my other apps run faster. Up until then, I never used it and kept it turned off because I thought it would drain my battery faster. Then I discovered how quickly I could look up baseball scores or check my Facebook or refer to IMDB for that guy who was in that one movie with that girl about the thing that does the thing.
And so, if the Wi-Fi makes those other apps work better, then why not leave it on all the time?
Troubleshooting weak GPS signal tip No. 2: turn off Wi-Fi. Oh, facepalm ...
And just to make things worse, I almost posted this entry without realizing I was composing it in the drafts for my banjo blog. Thank goodness for copy and paste. Cheers!
Up until recently, there was never a problem picking up satellites to log a run. There would be the occasional wait and maybe a phone restart to get a better signal, but it always worked. Until Saturday with Jamoosh and then last night on my exploratory three-mile route.
Both times my phone said the GPS signal was weak. Both times I just started the run anyway. Both times no mileage was logged.
In the past, when I've started my run with a weak signal, my phone would eventually latch onto a satellite beam and start tracking my mileage, foreshortening my run by a few tenths of a mile. No big deal.
Never before had my phone just not logged any distance like this. As the kids say, WTF?
My phone always gives me troubleshooting tips for a weak GPS signal. No. 1, restart the phone. Done. But I never bothered to look at No. 2.
Only in the last month have I discovered that using the Wi-Fi makes most of my other apps run faster. Up until then, I never used it and kept it turned off because I thought it would drain my battery faster. Then I discovered how quickly I could look up baseball scores or check my Facebook or refer to IMDB for that guy who was in that one movie with that girl about the thing that does the thing.
And so, if the Wi-Fi makes those other apps work better, then why not leave it on all the time?
Troubleshooting weak GPS signal tip No. 2: turn off Wi-Fi. Oh, facepalm ...
And just to make things worse, I almost posted this entry without realizing I was composing it in the drafts for my banjo blog. Thank goodness for copy and paste. Cheers!
Monday, April 23, 2012
Still Floundering
Everything was looking good coming into the weekend. Two trail runs had put the running schedule back on track, but then this train went off the rails with no runs Saturday or Sunday.
In fact, Friday night's yard work was the only real exercise of the weekend. Bad weather -- or perhaps just more seasonal forecasts -- made it easy to say, "maybe tomorrow." And here we are today, and tomorrow is still a more likely time to run.
The atypical warmth and sunshine spoiled this runner's motivation now that April showers have arrived. And tonight snow is in the forecast.
Perhaps all I needed was a mental break after three months of building mileage. Or perhaps I'm turning into a fair-weather runner. Cheers!
In fact, Friday night's yard work was the only real exercise of the weekend. Bad weather -- or perhaps just more seasonal forecasts -- made it easy to say, "maybe tomorrow." And here we are today, and tomorrow is still a more likely time to run.
The atypical warmth and sunshine spoiled this runner's motivation now that April showers have arrived. And tonight snow is in the forecast.
Perhaps all I needed was a mental break after three months of building mileage. Or perhaps I'm turning into a fair-weather runner. Cheers!
Monday, April 16, 2012
Confession of Thirtysomething "Runner"
Forgive me, teammates, for I have slacked. It has four days since my last run, two weeks since my last double-digit weekly mileage, and 16 days since my last long run. Over the weekend, intentions to run gave way to unfit desires.
Saturday was spent mostly on the couch or lawnmower shopping. Rain prevented the actual use of said mower. Warm temperature despite the drizzle could have made for a pleasant long run, but alas banjo, baseball on TV, and snacking won out.
Sunday was spent celebrating Easter with the Greek half of the family. Let it be noted that I received no Peeps this year, and I'm pissed about it. Upon returning home, the weather permitted grass cutting, which took a couple hours due to my buying a reel mower and it being the first cut of the season. Several passes were needed to obtain a somewhat evenly mowed yard.
Therefore, the only mileage I can tabulate resulted from the several laps I made of our small city lot. I will admit to some forearm and shoulder soreness from the yardwork, but good running weather was squandered. Alas, my engine is not yet operating on all cylinders. Maybe this week ...
Oh, and happy Boston Marathon Day. Good luck, Booze Hounds, run well and drink well!
Saturday was spent mostly on the couch or lawnmower shopping. Rain prevented the actual use of said mower. Warm temperature despite the drizzle could have made for a pleasant long run, but alas banjo, baseball on TV, and snacking won out.
Sunday was spent celebrating Easter with the Greek half of the family. Let it be noted that I received no Peeps this year, and I'm pissed about it. Upon returning home, the weather permitted grass cutting, which took a couple hours due to my buying a reel mower and it being the first cut of the season. Several passes were needed to obtain a somewhat evenly mowed yard.
Therefore, the only mileage I can tabulate resulted from the several laps I made of our small city lot. I will admit to some forearm and shoulder soreness from the yardwork, but good running weather was squandered. Alas, my engine is not yet operating on all cylinders. Maybe this week ...
Oh, and happy Boston Marathon Day. Good luck, Booze Hounds, run well and drink well!
Monday, January 30, 2012
Missed Opportunity or Weather Delay?
Lesson learned from the weekend: Get out early to run, and you won't have to worry about it later on a busy day.
Like two weeks ago, my Sunday became too busy to fit in my planned three-miler. Yes, I know, lame, but whatever. Having slept in and gone for breakfast instead of a run in the morning, the day quickly got away from me, with installing a new ceiling fan in the dining room, celebrating my mother-in-law's birthday, and finally finishing an article late last night.
As it turns out though, I may have caught a break if I decide to make up for the missed run tonight, as the temperature is supposed to be in the 40s. Last night, Northeast Ohio was under a wind advisory with the temperature dropping into high teens and a fresh coat of snow falling over the region. Yes, tonight seems like a much better time to run.
However, I should note how well Saturday's run turned out, with me grabbing a banana on my way out the door to some trails first thing in the morning. At four miles, sadly, it was my longest run of the year, but after I finished Mrs. Viper and I had the whole day ahead of us.
This week's goals are a repeat of last week, with four runs planned for 13 miles, but I hope to tack on three extra miles to make up for my missed run yesterday. Today and tomorrow are going to be perfect for running, weatherwise.
I forgot to weigh in this morning, but I'll check in tomorrow to see how I did with my weekend. With pierogies and birthday cake, I'm guessing not so great.
Like two weeks ago, my Sunday became too busy to fit in my planned three-miler. Yes, I know, lame, but whatever. Having slept in and gone for breakfast instead of a run in the morning, the day quickly got away from me, with installing a new ceiling fan in the dining room, celebrating my mother-in-law's birthday, and finally finishing an article late last night.
As it turns out though, I may have caught a break if I decide to make up for the missed run tonight, as the temperature is supposed to be in the 40s. Last night, Northeast Ohio was under a wind advisory with the temperature dropping into high teens and a fresh coat of snow falling over the region. Yes, tonight seems like a much better time to run.
However, I should note how well Saturday's run turned out, with me grabbing a banana on my way out the door to some trails first thing in the morning. At four miles, sadly, it was my longest run of the year, but after I finished Mrs. Viper and I had the whole day ahead of us.
This week's goals are a repeat of last week, with four runs planned for 13 miles, but I hope to tack on three extra miles to make up for my missed run yesterday. Today and tomorrow are going to be perfect for running, weatherwise.
I forgot to weigh in this morning, but I'll check in tomorrow to see how I did with my weekend. With pierogies and birthday cake, I'm guessing not so great.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Auld Lang Syne: Let It Go
Welcome back, teammates. The New Year is here, and my final run of 2011 came on the final day of the year to wrap up my lowest monthly mileage.
Last year was a low mileage year all around, and I'm hoping that means my legs are fresh for a solid 2012.
My running in 2011 was full of "P-double-ewws," but personal worsts are there to show us how much we've improved. Right? Here's to 2012, and here's last month's statistical rundown:
Last year was a low mileage year all around, and I'm hoping that means my legs are fresh for a solid 2012.
My running in 2011 was full of "P-double-ewws," but personal worsts are there to show us how much we've improved. Right? Here's to 2012, and here's last month's statistical rundown:
- Total Miles: 15 miles (5 runs)
- Total Time: 2:43:30
- Highest Weekly: 6 miles
- Average Weekly: 3.75 miles
- Average Pace: 10:54/mile
- The Monthly Dif: -9 mile (24 miles in November)
I finished 2011 with 532 miles, my lowest total since 2006, my first year running. I also finished with 97 of those miles being run barefoot, about 18 percent of my total, which is about the only statistical category where I saw an increase all year. But let's not dwell on the year now gone.
One of my goals for this season was no Holiday Heft. I weighed in after my New Year run at 178 pounds, a good 6 to 8 pounds more than my last weigh in. I guess I can add weight loss to my list of goals for 2012.
This morning, I woke up early so I could shovel snow for the first time since moving to the house. Having lived in apartments for the past 14 years, I haven't really been responsible for snow removal since I lived with my parents.
Of course, there would be times when I had to shovel a sidewalk here and there or unbury my car to leave for work, but those were scant occurrences.
I cleared the front sidewalks and the driveway apron, and then added another 10 minutes of core and strength workouts to start my day. A quick set each of 100-Ups, 20-pound curls, crunches, bicycle sit-ups and chair dips got my heart beating. Tonight, I'll set out for a short run to begin my 2012 pre-training plan.
Happy New Year, Booze Hounds. Bring on a new year of better running.
One of my goals for this season was no Holiday Heft. I weighed in after my New Year run at 178 pounds, a good 6 to 8 pounds more than my last weigh in. I guess I can add weight loss to my list of goals for 2012.
This morning, I woke up early so I could shovel snow for the first time since moving to the house. Having lived in apartments for the past 14 years, I haven't really been responsible for snow removal since I lived with my parents.
Of course, there would be times when I had to shovel a sidewalk here and there or unbury my car to leave for work, but those were scant occurrences.
I cleared the front sidewalks and the driveway apron, and then added another 10 minutes of core and strength workouts to start my day. A quick set each of 100-Ups, 20-pound curls, crunches, bicycle sit-ups and chair dips got my heart beating. Tonight, I'll set out for a short run to begin my 2012 pre-training plan.
Happy New Year, Booze Hounds. Bring on a new year of better running.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Flashback Friday: About Those Goals
With two weeks left in the year, it's a pretty safe bet that I won't be achieving any more goals this year. Yes, you've stumbled into one of those "looking back" posts. It is Flashback Friday, after all.
Way back on Jan. 3, I spelled out the things I hoped to achieve. Just so you don't have to go back and read that post again, here's what I wrote.
Way back on Jan. 3, I spelled out the things I hoped to achieve. Just so you don't have to go back and read that post again, here's what I wrote.
The Requisite Goal SectionAs we enter the new year, we all feel the need to make new goals. In the past, I've made grand and specific goals. This year, my goal is to be a "better" runner and teammate.
Enthusiasm: The Enthusiast is embarking on her first half marathon in May, and my goal is to help her get there. Notice, I didn't say "coach her there." Instead, I plan to be a dedicated training partner and fan. She has been my biggest fan, and now it's my turn.
Attitude: I've never been one of those annoying happy runners you see, and I likely never will be, but I'd like to be more upbeat about running. While I do obsess a bit about my stats, it really shouldn't be my focus when I'm a solid mid-pack runner. The reason why I run is not to gloat about numbers, but to feel good physically and mentally. It's time to focus on the joy of running.
Bare essentials: What was I just saying about numbers? Last year, I hit a point where I had nearly logged 10 percent of my total mileage without shoes. This year, I'd like to make that a reality by adding more barefoot runs to me routine. Of course, I'll wait until spring to doff my footwear.
Marathon: The Akron Marathon falls just two weeks after the Enthusiast and I get married. I probably would have passed on it this year if running it for the fifth consecutive year didn't mean I get VIP "Legacy" status. Last year, I finally broke the four-hour mark. I'll try that again.
Redux: I didn't even come close to doing it last year, but I'd still like to try to run 20 miles per week for the whole year. I've already failed at this goal once, won't cry about it if I do it again this year.
Now, how'd I do?
Enthusiasm: Well, Mrs. Viper's first half marathon became a DNB. This just wasn't the right time.
Goal Grade: Incomplete.
Attitude: Judging by the ridiculously small number of miles I ran this year (oops, there's those stats again), I'd say I didn't focus much on running at all in 2011. My experience during the Akron Marathon, however, showed me the joy being part of the running community.
Goal Grade: C for coming along.
Bare essentials: Had I run barefoot last night like I said I might (coughstoryofmylifecough), I would have 100 miles of running barefoot this year. As it stands now, I have run 18 percent of my total mileage without footwear. Last year, I ran 71 miles barefoot, whereas I've run 97 miles this year.
Goal Grade: A for awesomepants.
Marathon: Well, I ran the Akron Marathon as planned, so that's something. I was a bit shy of the the four-hour mark, but I nailed my "married PR."
Goal Grade: B for better than nothing.
Redux: Do I really need to say anything about averaging 20 miles per week this year?
Goal Grade: F for failed so hard.
What are my goals for next year? Well, you'll just have to come back for that post.
Back Talk
Wherein some people don't know how to count.
Jamoosh doesn't think much of my new (since ended) streak: "Can there really be a streak of one? Regardless, congrats on ending one streak; just don't start another of the same ilk."
Answer: No, there can't be a streak of one, as a "streak" denotes a series. Thankfully, I ran serially Friday and Saturday for a two-day streak of runs.
Happy Hour is nearly upon us, teammates! Have a finely brewed weekend. Run well and drink well. Cheers!
Enthusiasm: Well, Mrs. Viper's first half marathon became a DNB. This just wasn't the right time.
Goal Grade: Incomplete.
Attitude: Judging by the ridiculously small number of miles I ran this year (oops, there's those stats again), I'd say I didn't focus much on running at all in 2011. My experience during the Akron Marathon, however, showed me the joy being part of the running community.
Goal Grade: C for coming along.
Bare essentials: Had I run barefoot last night like I said I might (coughstoryofmylifecough), I would have 100 miles of running barefoot this year. As it stands now, I have run 18 percent of my total mileage without footwear. Last year, I ran 71 miles barefoot, whereas I've run 97 miles this year.
Goal Grade: A for awesomepants.
Marathon: Well, I ran the Akron Marathon as planned, so that's something. I was a bit shy of the the four-hour mark, but I nailed my "married PR."
Goal Grade: B for better than nothing.
Redux: Do I really need to say anything about averaging 20 miles per week this year?
Goal Grade: F for failed so hard.
What are my goals for next year? Well, you'll just have to come back for that post.
Back Talk
Wherein some people don't know how to count.
Jamoosh doesn't think much of my new (since ended) streak: "Can there really be a streak of one? Regardless, congrats on ending one streak; just don't start another of the same ilk."
Answer: No, there can't be a streak of one, as a "streak" denotes a series. Thankfully, I ran serially Friday and Saturday for a two-day streak of runs.
Happy Hour is nearly upon us, teammates! Have a finely brewed weekend. Run well and drink well. Cheers!
Monday, November 28, 2011
Packing Instead
In the end, Wednesday's high hopes were nothing but failures in waiting. My plans to run this weekend were interrupted by a curious abdominal pain that may have been caused by marching in place on a full stomach, and then there was the whole matter of needing to pack up the apartment for our upcoming move.
Wednesday night was a great night to run, but I was feeling a slight ache in my left side. By Thanksgiving morning, the pain was acute, and the sensation lasted unabated until Saturday morning. I can still feel it today, but the apparent injury is now a dull throb.
At first, I was worried it was a burst appendix or ruptured spleen or some other terrible organ malady, but the pain was on the wrong side for the appendix and too low for the spleen and really could only be related to the muscles in the abdominal wall. And the only thing I could think might have caused it was the "100-Ups" I did right after lunch Wednesday. I felt a stab of pain at the time and stopped after 10.
I thought about running Saturday, the first time the alleged injury felt improved, but then the crush of fear about needing to get everything in boxes pronto, stat and ASAP consumed me, and I began loading up books and decorations and anything else at hand.
Packing would be my only exercise for the weekend, but some soreness in my glutes Sunday morning proved that it was at least decent exercise, and my abdomen was markedly improved.
The pain was most noticeable when jostled, but not so much when moving around. Hopefully, whatever it was is done, and I can return to running ... some day. I don't see that happening this week though. My evenings will be taken up with more packing, as we can begin moving Wednesday. I've got a rental truck reserved for Friday and Saturday and help lined up for the big items. Thus begins a crazy week.
Wednesday night was a great night to run, but I was feeling a slight ache in my left side. By Thanksgiving morning, the pain was acute, and the sensation lasted unabated until Saturday morning. I can still feel it today, but the apparent injury is now a dull throb.
At first, I was worried it was a burst appendix or ruptured spleen or some other terrible organ malady, but the pain was on the wrong side for the appendix and too low for the spleen and really could only be related to the muscles in the abdominal wall. And the only thing I could think might have caused it was the "100-Ups" I did right after lunch Wednesday. I felt a stab of pain at the time and stopped after 10.
I thought about running Saturday, the first time the alleged injury felt improved, but then the crush of fear about needing to get everything in boxes pronto, stat and ASAP consumed me, and I began loading up books and decorations and anything else at hand.
Packing would be my only exercise for the weekend, but some soreness in my glutes Sunday morning proved that it was at least decent exercise, and my abdomen was markedly improved.
The pain was most noticeable when jostled, but not so much when moving around. Hopefully, whatever it was is done, and I can return to running ... some day. I don't see that happening this week though. My evenings will be taken up with more packing, as we can begin moving Wednesday. I've got a rental truck reserved for Friday and Saturday and help lined up for the big items. Thus begins a crazy week.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Nearing Panic Mode: Introspective Dump
The feeling is similar to the one I'd get in college when an essay was due the next day and I hadn't started writing yet. Here we are, 14 weeks from the Akron Marathon without a run over eight miles or a week with more than 17 miles, and all efforts to kickstart my running have misfired. The days pass by.
All aboard the panic train!
I'm one of those people who says he works better under pressure. The truth is that pressure only gives me a better ability to shut out distractions when I work. The actual quality of the work is subject to debate.
Yesterday, I went through and tried to revise my training plan to something more reasonable, and probably devised something more ludicrous.
It's time to deactivate the early morning alarm because there's no chance in hell that I'm getting up to run before work any time soon.
I promised myself I wouldn't buy any shoes this year, but I keep thinking, "Maybe a new pair of shoes will make me want to run more!" Thankfully, the cheapskate in me reminds me that the maximum price for minimal shoes is fucking absurd.
It's time for something drastic, something that works. It's time for a paradigm shift.
Why am I doing this? Nobody wants to read a mope-fest. You want entertainment. You want action and humor. You want flash and sizzle. You want unnecessary exclamation points to show just how excited I am to be on this journey and sharing it with you on the World Wide Web! You want long sentences. You want me to finish this paragraph and get to the point. That's why I'm getting off the panic train right here.
We all know that the panic train makes a lot of noise, but never actually leaves the station. I'm going to take some advice from Douglas Adams' The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series: "Don't Panic."
What happens if I don't train enough? I spend $110 for two races that I don't do as well as have done in the past. However, the amount I'm running now is making me unhappy.
So what's the happy medium? Pretty simple. Let go of expectations and run more.
This is big year in my life. I don't need to add the stress of training for a PR on top of preparing for the wedding, increased responsibilities at work, paying down debt, saving money, playing the banjo and still trying to have an active social life.
I want to run the Akron Marathon because I love the atmosphere and it will be my fifth year in a row, which gives me some special perks in future races. I want to run the Buckeye Half because it's my favorite race and I want the sweatshirt. Plus, there's a discount for registering for both races.
Yes, I really want to PR both races, but I have to accept that my dedication isn't where it needs to be for that to be a reasonable goal this year. Besides, no matter what, I can call my marathon result a "Married PR."
All aboard the panic train!
I'm one of those people who says he works better under pressure. The truth is that pressure only gives me a better ability to shut out distractions when I work. The actual quality of the work is subject to debate.
Yesterday, I went through and tried to revise my training plan to something more reasonable, and probably devised something more ludicrous.
It's time to deactivate the early morning alarm because there's no chance in hell that I'm getting up to run before work any time soon.
I promised myself I wouldn't buy any shoes this year, but I keep thinking, "Maybe a new pair of shoes will make me want to run more!" Thankfully, the cheapskate in me reminds me that the maximum price for minimal shoes is fucking absurd.
It's time for something drastic, something that works. It's time for a paradigm shift.
Why am I doing this? Nobody wants to read a mope-fest. You want entertainment. You want action and humor. You want flash and sizzle. You want unnecessary exclamation points to show just how excited I am to be on this journey and sharing it with you on the World Wide Web! You want long sentences. You want me to finish this paragraph and get to the point. That's why I'm getting off the panic train right here.
We all know that the panic train makes a lot of noise, but never actually leaves the station. I'm going to take some advice from Douglas Adams' The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series: "Don't Panic."
What happens if I don't train enough? I spend $110 for two races that I don't do as well as have done in the past. However, the amount I'm running now is making me unhappy.
So what's the happy medium? Pretty simple. Let go of expectations and run more.
This is big year in my life. I don't need to add the stress of training for a PR on top of preparing for the wedding, increased responsibilities at work, paying down debt, saving money, playing the banjo and still trying to have an active social life.
I want to run the Akron Marathon because I love the atmosphere and it will be my fifth year in a row, which gives me some special perks in future races. I want to run the Buckeye Half because it's my favorite race and I want the sweatshirt. Plus, there's a discount for registering for both races.
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Yes, I really want to PR both races, but I have to accept that my dedication isn't where it needs to be for that to be a reasonable goal this year. Besides, no matter what, I can call my marathon result a "Married PR."
Friday, June 17, 2011
Flashback Friday: No More Mornings
Remember awhile ago when I was all Mr. Morning Runnerpants? Yeah, that is no longer a trending topic around the Viperniverse.
This morning when my alarm, which still goes off at an ungodly hour suitable for waking up to run before work, when that alarm sounded, I turned that fucker off. No snooze. Right off. Game over. Thanks for trying. Better luck tomorrow.
Now, I'm trying to figure out how I can fit in a short run after work, before the Enthusiast and I hit the town for some art and social interaction. Maybe this beautiful day will inspire my boss to let us go home early, but I'm doubtful.
Back Talk
Wherein hopes are dashed and expectations go unmet, much like my running schedule
Sun Runner thinks she missed something juicy from another commentator: "I can only imagine what Jamoosh wrote that he felt needed to be deleted. It must have been great."
Answer: Or it was a duplicate post, which is was. Just call me the imagination buzz saw. The truth is a bummer.
Happy Hour is nearly upon us, teammates. Have a finely brewed weekend and my condolences to all the dads out there -- happy Father's Day. Run well and drink well. Cheers!
This morning when my alarm, which still goes off at an ungodly hour suitable for waking up to run before work, when that alarm sounded, I turned that fucker off. No snooze. Right off. Game over. Thanks for trying. Better luck tomorrow.
Now, I'm trying to figure out how I can fit in a short run after work, before the Enthusiast and I hit the town for some art and social interaction. Maybe this beautiful day will inspire my boss to let us go home early, but I'm doubtful.
Back Talk
Wherein hopes are dashed and expectations go unmet, much like my running schedule
Sun Runner thinks she missed something juicy from another commentator: "I can only imagine what Jamoosh wrote that he felt needed to be deleted. It must have been great."
Answer: Or it was a duplicate post, which is was. Just call me the imagination buzz saw. The truth is a bummer.
Happy Hour is nearly upon us, teammates. Have a finely brewed weekend and my condolences to all the dads out there -- happy Father's Day. Run well and drink well. Cheers!
Friday, June 10, 2011
Flashback Friday: No Mojo to Go, D'oh!
I got off my morning routine and can't get back on it. Two days in a row now that I've failed to answer the call of my alarm. This morning, I thought I hit snooze but turned it off instead. Dinner plans derailed my plan for an eight-mile trail run tonight. But who was I trying to kid by planning a run on a Friday evening?
This weekend, the Enthusiast and I are headed to the Great White North to visit some family. They have some sort of trail thing nearby, and I think I'm going to run a long way on it barefoot to make up for my failings.
Maybe I need to bust out my watch again. I haven't worn my watch to run since last year. Perhaps the lack of real stats makes my runs feel less serious and therefore less important. Something has to give or the marathon is really going to suck hairy elephant balls come September.
Back Talk
Wherein pictures of my dog still get me the most comments.
One picture of Dobson is worth 165 words (eight comments). It's not the thousand words of legend, but still significant compared to the response to other postings lately.
Happy Hour is nearly upon us, teammates! Have a finely brewed weekend. Run well and drink well. Cheers!
This weekend, the Enthusiast and I are headed to the Great White North to visit some family. They have some sort of trail thing nearby, and I think I'm going to run a long way on it barefoot to make up for my failings.
Maybe I need to bust out my watch again. I haven't worn my watch to run since last year. Perhaps the lack of real stats makes my runs feel less serious and therefore less important. Something has to give or the marathon is really going to suck hairy elephant balls come September.
Back Talk
Wherein pictures of my dog still get me the most comments.
One picture of Dobson is worth 165 words (eight comments). It's not the thousand words of legend, but still significant compared to the response to other postings lately.
Happy Hour is nearly upon us, teammates! Have a finely brewed weekend. Run well and drink well. Cheers!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
On Again, Off Again
The Enthusiast and I traveled to a neighboring state and fell off the wagon. The important aspects of our diet while on this two-week cleanse were to avoid dairy, meat, sugar and booze. Fail, fail, fail and fail.
We had done well the week prior to Friday and both of us had lost some weight as a result, but we knew that it would be difficult to follow through on the road. We decided to shelve the cleanse diet for two days and return to it as soon as we were back home. The result was some good fun, but some unpleasant bowel experiences.
Sunday, we returned to form and will continue the cleanse until Saturday. In the meantime, the Enthusiast begins training for the Cleveland Half Marathon this week. I put the finishing touches on her running schedule and posted it on our refrigerator.
Although we slacked on the running last week, we get started tonight with an easy three-miler. The weather has decided to cooperate by remaining bitterly cold and severe. By overcoming these early challenges, the race itself should be a breeze.
I hope having a plan in hand will be the final motivational push I need to get back into a good running routine. But as grandma always said, "Hope in one hand and shit in the other, and see which one gets filled first."
We had done well the week prior to Friday and both of us had lost some weight as a result, but we knew that it would be difficult to follow through on the road. We decided to shelve the cleanse diet for two days and return to it as soon as we were back home. The result was some good fun, but some unpleasant bowel experiences.
Sunday, we returned to form and will continue the cleanse until Saturday. In the meantime, the Enthusiast begins training for the Cleveland Half Marathon this week. I put the finishing touches on her running schedule and posted it on our refrigerator.
Although we slacked on the running last week, we get started tonight with an easy three-miler. The weather has decided to cooperate by remaining bitterly cold and severe. By overcoming these early challenges, the race itself should be a breeze.
I hope having a plan in hand will be the final motivational push I need to get back into a good running routine. But as grandma always said, "Hope in one hand and shit in the other, and see which one gets filled first."
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Pinkie Swear
I really hope my stupid toe socks arrive today. This is the longest I've had to wait for a package from this particular vendor. The socks were shipped last Friday, and the last available tracking information says the package left L.A. by United States Postal Service on Dec. 4.
By comparison, I ordered another package from a different vendor on Tuesday, and it is supposedly being delivered today. Two other items I ordered at the same time as the socks, from the same vendor, have already arrived.
Regardless of whether the toe socks arrive today or not, I made a promise to run tonight.
The Enthusiast sent me an Innerwebz message today, asking me to pinkie swear that we'll run when I get home from work. We've both been slacking, and I think she's getting a bit nervous about having signed up for a half marathon in May.
My runless streak will have to end. Too bad too. It could have been a new record. Oh well. There's always next time.
By comparison, I ordered another package from a different vendor on Tuesday, and it is supposedly being delivered today. Two other items I ordered at the same time as the socks, from the same vendor, have already arrived.
Regardless of whether the toe socks arrive today or not, I made a promise to run tonight.
The Enthusiast sent me an Innerwebz message today, asking me to pinkie swear that we'll run when I get home from work. We've both been slacking, and I think she's getting a bit nervous about having signed up for a half marathon in May.
My runless streak will have to end. Too bad too. It could have been a new record. Oh well. There's always next time.
Monday, January 4, 2010
That New Runner Feeling
The Viper nosedived into the end of 2009 with a two-week hiatus from running. However, on New Year's day, I got off my slack ass and went out for a four-miler. My long layoff led to that lead-in-the-pants feeling that reminded me of my first days of running, back in 2006. I was winded and my legs felt rusty, but it was exhilarating to be out there again. So exhilarating that I haven't gone out since. Which brings me back to last month's monumental drop-off in running.
Here is December's statistical rundown:
Moving right along: It's 2010 now. Happy New Year! Here's to forgetting the failures of last year and setting our sights on newfailures goals for the next 12 months.
Press the "Reset" button.
So, is this the part where I post some New Year's resolutions and goals for 2010? Why, yes, it is.
PRs I Want: All of Them
In 2009, I set new PRs in the 5-K, 10-K, 15-K (a new distance for me) and the marathon. I sacrificed a PR in the half marathon in favor of running a disciplined race in preparation for my failed attempt to break four hours at the Akron Marathon.
This year, I'm sacrificing nothing. Greed prevails. I want it all! I'm shooting for PRs in every distance I race, and I will once again attempt to break the four-hour barrier in the marathon. I will announce my racing schedule at a later date.
Yearly Mileage
OK, so I fell short of 1,000 miles this year. That's no reason to not set the bar higher for 2010. I averaged 18.6 miles per week last year, and I learned that running more during marathon training helped me edge closer to my racing goal. That's why I will try to average 20 miles per week this year. That jumps my yearly mileage goal up to 1,040. Time to get to it!
New Teammate
This year, I also will be breaking in a new running partner. Check him out here. Any suggestions are appreciated on how to best get him started in his running career.
These are the potential failures you have to look forward to in 2010. Stay tuned. Cheers!
Here is December's statistical rundown:
- Total Miles: 28 miles (5 runs)
- Highest Weekly: 20 miles
- Average Weekly: 8.5 miles
- Average Pace: 9:41.71 per mile
- Longest/Fastest Run: 8 miles, 8:49 pace
- The Monthly Dif: -44 miles (72 miles in November)
Moving right along: It's 2010 now. Happy New Year! Here's to forgetting the failures of last year and setting our sights on new
Press the "Reset" button.
So, is this the part where I post some New Year's resolutions and goals for 2010? Why, yes, it is.
PRs I Want: All of Them
In 2009, I set new PRs in the 5-K, 10-K, 15-K (a new distance for me) and the marathon. I sacrificed a PR in the half marathon in favor of running a disciplined race in preparation for my failed attempt to break four hours at the Akron Marathon.
This year, I'm sacrificing nothing. Greed prevails. I want it all! I'm shooting for PRs in every distance I race, and I will once again attempt to break the four-hour barrier in the marathon. I will announce my racing schedule at a later date.
Yearly Mileage
OK, so I fell short of 1,000 miles this year. That's no reason to not set the bar higher for 2010. I averaged 18.6 miles per week last year, and I learned that running more during marathon training helped me edge closer to my racing goal. That's why I will try to average 20 miles per week this year. That jumps my yearly mileage goal up to 1,040. Time to get to it!
New Teammate
This year, I also will be breaking in a new running partner. Check him out here. Any suggestions are appreciated on how to best get him started in his running career.
These are the potential failures you have to look forward to in 2010. Stay tuned. Cheers!
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