This weekend we get to lose an hour of sleep, but we'll finally regain some sunlight at the end of the day.
The Viper household is looking forward to setting the clocks forward Sunday morning for Daylight Savings Time and saying goodbye to Seasonal Affectation Disorder.
I'm still getting over whatever disease I contracted at my friend's wedding last weekend, but I'm hoping to complete my planned weekend runs, especially that seven-miler.
Stay tuned for Monday for a first look at some new running gear I received last night. I'll be testing it out over the next couple days for a quick and dirty review next week.
Back Talk
Wherein we bask in our cultural diversity
B.o.B. wants a taste of my 'hood: "[U]m, you have a neighborhood rapper? [I]'m soooo jealous."
Answer: Indeed, we live in a diverse urban area. And this wasn't the first time the roving rapper has included me in his spontaneous flow. He walks down our street rappin' at full volume, and I once gave him the hairy eyeball. Boom! He spouts, "Sir, why you lookin' at me like that?"
Happy Hour is nearly upon us, teammates! Have a finely brewed weekend. Run well and drink well. Cheers!
Showing posts with label defeating the SAD one slow step at a time. Show all posts
Showing posts with label defeating the SAD one slow step at a time. Show all posts
Friday, March 9, 2012
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Back-to-Back ... to Back?
Yesterday's weather was too good to pass up, and so I headed out for another three-mile run around the neighborhood and in so doing tied my fastest pace of the year. That's back-to-back runs and back-to-back paces of 9:30 per mile or faster. But can I do it one more time?
Thursday has been one of my regular running days, and the after-work weather forecast calls for high 30s and partly sunny. That's a good running climate.
While running seems likely, another 9:30 mile pace doesn't. Furthermore, I'm contemplating a midweek trail run, as I've noticed the daylight has been lasting just long enough to be able to make it through the woods before it gets too dark. That is, if I go direct from the office.
My trail running pace has been more like 12 minutes per mile, so logging 9:30s, even on a flat trail, would be extremely ludicrous, especially considering my legs will likely feel tired. But speed speculations aside, another three-miler this week would put me ahead of my pre-training plan heading into another potentially busy weekend.
What'd You Say?
Have you seen the latest "Sh*t ___ Say" video?
That's Steven Sashen of Invisible Shoes fame. Remember when I reviewed those her-ra-kees? That "heel striker" comment is totally me. Cheers!
Thursday has been one of my regular running days, and the after-work weather forecast calls for high 30s and partly sunny. That's a good running climate.
While running seems likely, another 9:30 mile pace doesn't. Furthermore, I'm contemplating a midweek trail run, as I've noticed the daylight has been lasting just long enough to be able to make it through the woods before it gets too dark. That is, if I go direct from the office.
My trail running pace has been more like 12 minutes per mile, so logging 9:30s, even on a flat trail, would be extremely ludicrous, especially considering my legs will likely feel tired. But speed speculations aside, another three-miler this week would put me ahead of my pre-training plan heading into another potentially busy weekend.
What'd You Say?
Have you seen the latest "Sh*t ___ Say" video?
That's Steven Sashen of Invisible Shoes fame. Remember when I reviewed those her-ra-kees? That "heel striker" comment is totally me. Cheers!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Another Fastest Three
These three-milers are starting to go like clockwork. Last night, I felt strong and pushed the pace. The result was a new fastest run of the year at 9:29 per mile.
Speed is secondary to my goal of just getting back to a regular running schedule, but it's nice to see those little improvements when I stop my watch. It means my legs are getting stronger, my lungs are getting deeper, and my feet are getting quicker.
A sub-9:30 pace isn't exactly warp speed, but it's a start in this year of starting over. January is all about recording baseline metrics, setting the foundation for a solid year of running.
After completing my new favorite neighborhood circuit, I again conducted my new strength workout, which consisted of dumbbell curls, push-ups, crunches, bicycle-kick sit-ups, chair dips, and I added planks in accordance with Jamoosh's Hard Core Club.
One of these days, I need to complete this workout on an off day for running, but it works for now.
Next up this week are three more runs for nine miles, one of which being a trail run. The weather forecast remains positive, although we're expecting some rain and 20-degree dip in temperature later this week. But along with Nitmos, I continue to go pantsless this winter. Thankfully, my ThermaJock will protect my junk from the coming chill.
Akron Marathon Changes
Entering its 10th year, the Akron Marathon has announced some changes to its tough course to make for a faster half marathon and a flatter full marathon, as well as a new website. Looking over the new course, the biggest changes are at Miles 11, 18 and 21.
Where the course descends into the Cuyahoga River valley and enters the Towpath, the new route takes a roundabout way for a more gradual downhill, rather than the previous quad-buster down Howard Street.
In Sand Run, the course will no longer go all the way through the park to Revere Road and will turn earlier at Sand Run Road (from Sand Run Parkway), which includes a much steeper but shorter hill.
And finally, to make up for some lost mileage, the course now makes a short out-and-back on Castle Boulevard before heading toward the Bastard Garman Hill.
I'm least excited about that final change, but I'm mostly curious to see if the changes will really be noticeable. The Akron Marathon still covers some serious elevation.
[Drunkard's note: Post updated at 10:44 a.m. to include marathon news.]
Speed is secondary to my goal of just getting back to a regular running schedule, but it's nice to see those little improvements when I stop my watch. It means my legs are getting stronger, my lungs are getting deeper, and my feet are getting quicker.
A sub-9:30 pace isn't exactly warp speed, but it's a start in this year of starting over. January is all about recording baseline metrics, setting the foundation for a solid year of running.
After completing my new favorite neighborhood circuit, I again conducted my new strength workout, which consisted of dumbbell curls, push-ups, crunches, bicycle-kick sit-ups, chair dips, and I added planks in accordance with Jamoosh's Hard Core Club.
One of these days, I need to complete this workout on an off day for running, but it works for now.
Next up this week are three more runs for nine miles, one of which being a trail run. The weather forecast remains positive, although we're expecting some rain and 20-degree dip in temperature later this week. But along with Nitmos, I continue to go pantsless this winter. Thankfully, my ThermaJock will protect my junk from the coming chill.
Akron Marathon Changes
Entering its 10th year, the Akron Marathon has announced some changes to its tough course to make for a faster half marathon and a flatter full marathon, as well as a new website. Looking over the new course, the biggest changes are at Miles 11, 18 and 21.
Where the course descends into the Cuyahoga River valley and enters the Towpath, the new route takes a roundabout way for a more gradual downhill, rather than the previous quad-buster down Howard Street.
In Sand Run, the course will no longer go all the way through the park to Revere Road and will turn earlier at Sand Run Road (from Sand Run Parkway), which includes a much steeper but shorter hill.
And finally, to make up for some lost mileage, the course now makes a short out-and-back on Castle Boulevard before heading toward the Bastard Garman Hill.
I'm least excited about that final change, but I'm mostly curious to see if the changes will really be noticeable. The Akron Marathon still covers some serious elevation.
[Drunkard's note: Post updated at 10:44 a.m. to include marathon news.]
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Taking Advantage
Two environmental circumstances have aligned for my benefit so far this month. After a brutal first couple days of January, the weather has delivered unseasonably warm temperatures and clear skies. Couple that with a noticeable increase in evening daylight, and you begin to see why I've found early success with my running this year.
During this usually foul-weathered time of year, you have to take advantage of every opportunity to get outside in Northeast Ohio. You never know when a snow storm will fly across Lake Erie to deliver the next winter of discontent.
My race schedule remains sparse, with only the Buckeye Half and Akron Marathon on my list for 2012, but I've started to investigate other options. I haven't run a new race since 2009, when I ran the Shamrock 15-kilometer event.
Lately, I've been itching to run a trail race, and the new Dirty Trail Series looks like a good possibility to get some offroad competition experience. The March 24 Dirty Dash looks like a prime opportunity for me to race a distance I love and feel is neglected. The $25 entry fee also seems right for this bargain basement runner.
By the race date, I'll be up to eight miles on my long runs with about 17 miles per week, which isn't optimal for a 10-kilometer race, but it'll be nice to get out there and run hard. I'll need to register by Feb. 29 to get the early-bird special. We'll see how it goes.
During this usually foul-weathered time of year, you have to take advantage of every opportunity to get outside in Northeast Ohio. You never know when a snow storm will fly across Lake Erie to deliver the next winter of discontent.
My race schedule remains sparse, with only the Buckeye Half and Akron Marathon on my list for 2012, but I've started to investigate other options. I haven't run a new race since 2009, when I ran the Shamrock 15-kilometer event.
Lately, I've been itching to run a trail race, and the new Dirty Trail Series looks like a good possibility to get some offroad competition experience. The March 24 Dirty Dash looks like a prime opportunity for me to race a distance I love and feel is neglected. The $25 entry fee also seems right for this bargain basement runner.
By the race date, I'll be up to eight miles on my long runs with about 17 miles per week, which isn't optimal for a 10-kilometer race, but it'll be nice to get out there and run hard. I'll need to register by Feb. 29 to get the early-bird special. We'll see how it goes.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
March of Dims
This dim season continues into March. However, the runs have become a little more consistent. The Enthusiast and I logged her longest run ever on Sunday and followed up this morning with a brisk four-miler. Crunch time is upon us now, as she trains for the Cleveland Half Marathon.
This new month promises the official start of Spring, which should make running more fun. Until then, here is February's statistical rundown:
This new month promises the official start of Spring, which should make running more fun. Until then, here is February's statistical rundown:
- Total Miles: 22 miles (five runs)
- Highest Weekly: 11 miles
- Average Weekly: 5.5 miles
- Average Pace: N/A (no watch used)
- Longest/Fastest Run: ~4 miles @ ~10:00 pace
- The Monthly Dif: -4 miles (26 miles in January)
Although the Enthusiast uses her running app on her Android phone, I'm still not paying much attention to time except to signal the next walk break.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Ice Float Adventures
Traversing the thawing terrain this week has been exciting. Watching all the snow and ice melt is a bit shocking. We've had temperatures well above freezing all week, and today it's already in the 50s. I still don't see grass.
Witnessing how long the snow takes to melt is a testament to how much we got hit this winter.
Akron pretty much ignores the street where the Enthusiast and I live. As the snow has melted, two deep ravines formed where vehicle tires wore through to the road. Driving my compact car down the street felt like rally racing, as it became clear those ravines were mostly made by trucks and SUVs. Today, finally, the one lane is clear.
Running on this slushy landscape involves a lot of hopping around to avoid rivulets of melt-water and ice floes. The warmer weather and adventurous topography makes me look forward to running again, after months of dread.
Cheers!
Witnessing how long the snow takes to melt is a testament to how much we got hit this winter.
Akron pretty much ignores the street where the Enthusiast and I live. As the snow has melted, two deep ravines formed where vehicle tires wore through to the road. Driving my compact car down the street felt like rally racing, as it became clear those ravines were mostly made by trucks and SUVs. Today, finally, the one lane is clear.
Running on this slushy landscape involves a lot of hopping around to avoid rivulets of melt-water and ice floes. The warmer weather and adventurous topography makes me look forward to running again, after months of dread.
Cheers!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
If You Can't Say Something Nice
It would be ridiculous to have a blog post that didn't say anything at all. There just isn't much to say. The Enthusiast and I have been hunkered down in our bunker and trying to avoid the onset of the winter funker as the season rages in its final, agonizing death throes.
A week ago, that rodent in Puxsutawney, Pa., predicted an early spring for the first time in my memory. Even the Weather Channel is forecasting temperatures in the high 30s by next week, which would be downright blazing compared to this week's chill.
For now, we're keeping our delicate digits inside. It's been a rough couple weeks weather-wise, and that's how I know it's February in Northeast Ohio. The winter of my discontent is starting to make me feel couped up and crabby and not at all inspired to write witty (or not) blog posts.
Instead of running, the Enthusiast has been ferociously working on finishing the second draft of her thesis and pooping regularly (written with my fingers crossed so as not to jinx it), and I have been rigorously practicing to become a world-class banjo player (to no avail).
The Enthusiast keeps asking me, "Am I going to be able to run a half marathon?" It's been almost two weeks since we ran. But she has 13 weeks until the Cleveland Half Marathon. I once trained for only six weeks for this race and set a then-PR. Hal Higdon's training plans for the distance are 12 weeks. I'm confident she'll be just fine.
Well, I guess I can say something nice after all.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Please Hold: Weather Delays
The snow just keeps coming. The new month greets us with another test of our mettle. We have another winter storm advisory in place until Wednesday night. Ah, February, my favorite month.
January was a much improved month with the start of the Enthusiast's half marathon training, but the last couple weeks were tough with bitter temperatures and what seems like non-stop snow. Oh well, I'm sure by Friday the weather will be Spring-like. Here is January's statistical rundown:
January was a much improved month with the start of the Enthusiast's half marathon training, but the last couple weeks were tough with bitter temperatures and what seems like non-stop snow. Oh well, I'm sure by Friday the weather will be Spring-like. Here is January's statistical rundown:
- Total Miles: 26 miles (eight runs)
- Highest Weekly: 10 miles
- Average Weekly: 6.5 miles
- Average Pace: N/A (no watch used)
- Longest/Fastest Run: 3 miles @ ~9:00 pace
- The Monthly Dif: +13 miles (13 miles in December)
All but one of my runs was with the Enthusiast, who has been using a GPS app on her phone to track our runs, but I'm trying to encourage her not to pay attention to time in these early stages of training, especially with a thick layer of snow to slow us down.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Night and Day
Used to be when I'd drag my angry ass out of bed in the morning for a run, I'd be an angry ass all day. Things are starting to change.
I think part of it has to do with the way I've changed my running form over the past year. Developing a more forefoot stride has reduced the impact my joints experience, which means I'm not rudely jarring myself awake with thousands of jolting heel stomps.
The only jarring thing about this morning's run was the sub-freezing temperature. I may have to invest in those ridiculous toe socks for my silly toe shoes. Or maybe I'll just make some of my own like a good cheapskate.
Running in the Vibram KSOs aren't the same as running barefoot, but it's as close as I can get without frostbite. If I ended my 2010 running campaign today, 8.9 percent of my miles would be completely barefoot. Another 6.6 percent were in my homemade huaraches. The rest were in racing flats.
I don't have any scientific proof that minimalist running has improved my running, but I do have PRs in every distance I've raced this year. I also felt better -- physically and mentally -- at the end of this year's Akron Marathon than I did in any of the past marathons I've run. That's enough proof for me to continue running with less shoe.
While I don't see a wholesale conversion to barefoot running in my future, I do hope that running in the Vibrams through the winter will set me up for increased barefooting in 2011. I would love to log 10 percent of my miles without shoes next year.
My calves are still slow to recover from running in the more minimal Vibrams, compared to my Brooks T6 Racers. My strategy for converting to even less cushioning of the KSOs is the same as it was for the racing flats last winter: low mileage until my legs can hack it and increase from there.
My goal for an average of 20 miles per week seems to be out of reach now. I still have a shot at breaking 1,000 miles this year and surpassing my highest yearly total. If I can consistently drag my ass out of bed in the morning, it shouldn't be a problem. Besides, what's another failure if I don't make it?
I think part of it has to do with the way I've changed my running form over the past year. Developing a more forefoot stride has reduced the impact my joints experience, which means I'm not rudely jarring myself awake with thousands of jolting heel stomps.
The only jarring thing about this morning's run was the sub-freezing temperature. I may have to invest in those ridiculous toe socks for my silly toe shoes. Or maybe I'll just make some of my own like a good cheapskate.
Running in the Vibram KSOs aren't the same as running barefoot, but it's as close as I can get without frostbite. If I ended my 2010 running campaign today, 8.9 percent of my miles would be completely barefoot. Another 6.6 percent were in my homemade huaraches. The rest were in racing flats.
I don't have any scientific proof that minimalist running has improved my running, but I do have PRs in every distance I've raced this year. I also felt better -- physically and mentally -- at the end of this year's Akron Marathon than I did in any of the past marathons I've run. That's enough proof for me to continue running with less shoe.
While I don't see a wholesale conversion to barefoot running in my future, I do hope that running in the Vibrams through the winter will set me up for increased barefooting in 2011. I would love to log 10 percent of my miles without shoes next year.
My calves are still slow to recover from running in the more minimal Vibrams, compared to my Brooks T6 Racers. My strategy for converting to even less cushioning of the KSOs is the same as it was for the racing flats last winter: low mileage until my legs can hack it and increase from there.
My goal for an average of 20 miles per week seems to be out of reach now. I still have a shot at breaking 1,000 miles this year and surpassing my highest yearly total. If I can consistently drag my ass out of bed in the morning, it shouldn't be a problem. Besides, what's another failure if I don't make it?
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Of Neither Athlete's Foot nor Jock Itch
I've got an itch. It feels like anxiety mixed with an overdose of oxygen. I can't seem to angle my computer screen away from the window to avoid the reflection of pure blue sky behind me. And the temperature gauge is reading mid-40s, but it says it's aiming for the mid-60s.
There are only two things I want to do with this kind of day:
This is Dobson's "fast" face.
There are only two things I want to do with this kind of day:
- Run in a park
- Drink on a patio
This is Dobson's "fast" face. Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Hooray!!! More Snow!!!
It has been more than a week since I've seen any new fallen snow, but thankfully the weather satellites have delivered us a few more inches of very fresh, soft, fluffy, happy, joyful, delightful, smile-inducing, jump-for-joy-inspiring, I-wanna-do-naked-snow-angels-in-this-stuff, buy-a-round-for-the-house-why-don't-ya-compelling, delirium-tremens-calming, over-hyphenating-causing white stuff.
[Drunkard's note: Perhaps if I pretend like I like the snow, it will go away.]
[Drunkard's note: Perhaps if I pretend like I like the snow, it will go away.]
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Remember Why I Started Running
Not that I should be surprised about that ugly little rodent predicting six more weeks of winter. We don't really have much of a choice, considering it is literally six more weeks until the spring equinox.
No, it wasn't a surprise, but the beginning of February is always a harsh reminder of how much longer we have to wait until going outside isn't such a chore. To top it off, this month typically hits us with at least one final wicked wintry blow. February is the most dreadful of months. And the first half of March isn't so great either.
This is why I started running back in 2006. Cabin fever had left me ravaged, and there was no end in sight. My apartment felt cramped. I felt sluggish. It seemed like I hadn't been outside in eons.
And fuck! Why was it so cold?
My plan was combat the S.A.D. with outside activity -- namely, running. I breathed out a cloud that was thicker than those smoke-filled exhalations I had given up for good a couple months prior. The dense cloud of breath hung in the air and joined the morning fog. (Yes, I even went out in the morning for my first run.)
I wore a pair of charcoal gray sweatpants, a T-shirt under a heavy sweatshirt, a skull cap, scarf, gloves and a pair of Etonic tennis shoes (as in, court shoes) that were too small. I ran for what I thought was two miles, but I think I was way off when I measured it later.
I returned home, having created a trail of fog as I panted from the effort. Little spots flashed before my eyes like I had just murdered a small colony of brain cells. I was lightheaded like whoa. My friend Martini talked about running like it was an addiction, and I suddenly knew why.
A couple weeks later, I started training for my first 10-K. A year later I was in the middle of training for my first half marathon. Four months after that, I would run my first marathon. Now, almost four years after that first run, I look back in search of motivation.
No, it wasn't a surprise, but the beginning of February is always a harsh reminder of how much longer we have to wait until going outside isn't such a chore. To top it off, this month typically hits us with at least one final wicked wintry blow. February is the most dreadful of months. And the first half of March isn't so great either.
This is why I started running back in 2006. Cabin fever had left me ravaged, and there was no end in sight. My apartment felt cramped. I felt sluggish. It seemed like I hadn't been outside in eons.
And fuck! Why was it so cold?
My plan was combat the S.A.D. with outside activity -- namely, running. I breathed out a cloud that was thicker than those smoke-filled exhalations I had given up for good a couple months prior. The dense cloud of breath hung in the air and joined the morning fog. (Yes, I even went out in the morning for my first run.)
I wore a pair of charcoal gray sweatpants, a T-shirt under a heavy sweatshirt, a skull cap, scarf, gloves and a pair of Etonic tennis shoes (as in, court shoes) that were too small. I ran for what I thought was two miles, but I think I was way off when I measured it later.
I returned home, having created a trail of fog as I panted from the effort. Little spots flashed before my eyes like I had just murdered a small colony of brain cells. I was lightheaded like whoa. My friend Martini talked about running like it was an addiction, and I suddenly knew why.
A couple weeks later, I started training for my first 10-K. A year later I was in the middle of training for my first half marathon. Four months after that, I would run my first marathon. Now, almost four years after that first run, I look back in search of motivation.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Back to the Slush
The early part of the year is always a fun time for running. I get to say things like, "my fastest run of the year" or "my longest run" or "toughest" or what have you, as long as there is an "-est" suffix.
Last night, I went out for my longest run of the year, a whopping six-miler, which broke my previous longest just set on Sunday.
Personal scheduling changes forced me to switch up my previous pattern of three four-milers during the work week, and now I'm shooting for two six-milers to make up the difference as I get myself back into racing shape.
This change made Sand Run my best option, but that meant returning to the slow, snowy park trail. The crushed limestone surface was anything but solid. My footing was either soft and muddy or soft and slushy.
My YakTrax kept me upright, but my pace was dreadfully slow. I cracked 10 minutes per mile only once, and even then just barely (9:57). I am so ready for this season to be over and get back to better running terrain, but I know February is just around the corner.
Last night, I went out for my longest run of the year, a whopping six-miler, which broke my previous longest just set on Sunday.
Personal scheduling changes forced me to switch up my previous pattern of three four-milers during the work week, and now I'm shooting for two six-milers to make up the difference as I get myself back into racing shape.
This change made Sand Run my best option, but that meant returning to the slow, snowy park trail. The crushed limestone surface was anything but solid. My footing was either soft and muddy or soft and slushy.
My YakTrax kept me upright, but my pace was dreadfully slow. I cracked 10 minutes per mile only once, and even then just barely (9:57). I am so ready for this season to be over and get back to better running terrain, but I know February is just around the corner.
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