Last week I mentioned that I was starting a training plan for a fall marathon. As of Sunday I have completed week 2 of said training and so far so good. Granted, so far my long runs have not been more than 6 miles, with this weeks being 7. I have been doing my best to maintain a controlled pace during my runs and this Sunday's was great.
My goal for the marathon is to break 4 hours. I have ran one previously but was over that mark. Now I am trying to better my training a control how fast my runs are (even the shorter ones). On Sunday I ran 6 miles with the following splits... 8:47, 8:43, 8:36, 8:36, 8:33, and 8:26. I was extremely happy with those splits and felt great doing the run. I hope I can maintain similar times on all long runs.
This week is another low mileage week when you look at the overall plan. My plan has me running 4 days a week. Run, Off, Run, Run, Off Long Run, Off. and the cycle starts over. This week is 3, 4, 3, 7 for the distances. Nothing to write home about, but still a nice chunk compared to what I have been doing over the past years since my first marathon. 8 years ago today was when I completed that race with my brother and father.
When it comes to training...DIET is my weakness. I need to eat a more balanced and healthy "runners" diet, but find it hard to stay disciplined. If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know.
Until next week....Find a Reason to Run!
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Reasons for Running #12 --- The Joy of the Run
It has been some time since I have made a post to my Reasons for Running blog and I believe that part of the reason for this is because I found running to become very stale... Not that I was not running, it was just hard to find the motivation to write about it and inspire others, if that is what I am doing. The other reason is life has gotten busy.
Recently my wife and I have tried a couple of the obstacle run events and I must say that has jump started a new found interest in running. Also about 2 years ago I got inspiration from an old friend to start racing again (though nowhere near as fast as I once was), thank you Adrian. I hope that we will be able to run several more races together.
Now that the mushy stuff is behind me, I would like to say that I am training for my second marathon. I plan to run this Marathon on November 9th, 2013, and I am stuck between a choice of two. The first choice being the Soldier Marathon in Columbus Georgia and the second being the Rock and Roll Marathon in Savannah Georgia. Please feel free to make you suggestions. I have been building some base mileage the past few weeks and will be jumping into some series training over the summer months. I hope that it does not burn me out, LITERALLY!!! Running in Georgia in the summer is HOT!.
I am so thankful that I have a support group in my wife, daughter and parents as I begin this bold step toward training for a very difficult running distance. I hope to track my progress through this blog and possibly on Facebook.
We all need reasons to run and I am working on finding mine all over again!!!
Recently my wife and I have tried a couple of the obstacle run events and I must say that has jump started a new found interest in running. Also about 2 years ago I got inspiration from an old friend to start racing again (though nowhere near as fast as I once was), thank you Adrian. I hope that we will be able to run several more races together.
Now that the mushy stuff is behind me, I would like to say that I am training for my second marathon. I plan to run this Marathon on November 9th, 2013, and I am stuck between a choice of two. The first choice being the Soldier Marathon in Columbus Georgia and the second being the Rock and Roll Marathon in Savannah Georgia. Please feel free to make you suggestions. I have been building some base mileage the past few weeks and will be jumping into some series training over the summer months. I hope that it does not burn me out, LITERALLY!!! Running in Georgia in the summer is HOT!.
I am so thankful that I have a support group in my wife, daughter and parents as I begin this bold step toward training for a very difficult running distance. I hope to track my progress through this blog and possibly on Facebook.
We all need reasons to run and I am working on finding mine all over again!!!
Friday, August 13, 2010
Reason for Running #11 --- Weight Control
This reason could be considered a branch off of my first reason for running: Health. I recently got on the scale and was not happy with what the numbers looking up at me. At that point I knew I had to do something about my weight and what better method of getting the weight off than getting back to running. I have taken quite a bit of time off lately, hence the jump in weight, but getting motivated in this heat is like trying to sleep on a bed of thorns... not going to happen.
After tipping the scales at the beginning of the month, I felt it was time to work on my diet and start a decent exercise routine. As always I wanted to get out the door and start running 6 or more miles a day, but that is unrealistic in this weather and at my current fitness level. Out of the thirteen days so far this month I have only exercised about half of them. All on the treadmill or stationary bike in the house, but that has been enough to notice a difference in my energy levels and on the scale. Its not like I have lost a person or anything, but a few pounds a week is enough to keep me motivated.
With the weight starting to come off, the energy levels going up, I am hoping to move from the indoor running/biking to outdoor running/biking. I need to begin reflecting back on some of my previous posts and work toward some specific goals. Would be happy to hear input from everyone out there who may read these posts. Thank you for following in my really sporadic postings. I believe that I may start posting more about running and goals, not always reasons, but what is currently taking place in the running world around me.
After tipping the scales at the beginning of the month, I felt it was time to work on my diet and start a decent exercise routine. As always I wanted to get out the door and start running 6 or more miles a day, but that is unrealistic in this weather and at my current fitness level. Out of the thirteen days so far this month I have only exercised about half of them. All on the treadmill or stationary bike in the house, but that has been enough to notice a difference in my energy levels and on the scale. Its not like I have lost a person or anything, but a few pounds a week is enough to keep me motivated.
With the weight starting to come off, the energy levels going up, I am hoping to move from the indoor running/biking to outdoor running/biking. I need to begin reflecting back on some of my previous posts and work toward some specific goals. Would be happy to hear input from everyone out there who may read these posts. Thank you for following in my really sporadic postings. I believe that I may start posting more about running and goals, not always reasons, but what is currently taking place in the running world around me.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Reason for Running #10 --- For Future Runners
First I would like to apologize for the length of time between now and my last post. Quite a bit has happened in the last few months. One of the highlights of things that has occurred is my reason for running #10. Future runners.
I want to be able to pass on my love for running, not just to other adults, but also to my children. I am happy to say that I have a baby girl on the way (Rebecca Grace) and I am really hoping that she will love to run with her Daddy and Mommy. Running as a family and passing on the passion for running onto our children is an amazing way to spend time outdoors as a family and to encourage a healthy lifestyle. Many people have a habit of taking their children to McDonalds because of the playground and relaxation time that it allows for the parents. I am sure I will take my daughter there as well from time to time, but the problem with going to McDonalds is that it becomes so easy to eat all that unhealthy food and then go home without any physical exercise. This is worse for the parents than it is the children, because at least the children are getting exercise on the playground.
Encouraging our children to have a passion for running will help with the obesity problem that we are constantly hearing about in our college and high school health classes and also keep the parents and children close. Along with family movie nights, game nights, etc., why not include a family trail day or fitness day. I hope everyone will encourage their children to run. Family running clubs may even become popular.
Run On! Encourage the future...
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Reason for Running #9 --- Friendships
Running is a sport that can be approached from many different avenues. Many people run for the solidarity and time to reflect on the day, while others run to be a part of something that is continuing to grow among the world. I have mentioned before my reasons for starting running were centered around getting in shape for soccer, but I really started running after high school. That is when I started to understand the sport better and I had an amazing support and motivational group all around me that I never knew were there. First and foremost is my family, my father especially, he and I were able to become the best of friends through running. We could talk about anything during our runs together, usually things that were bothering me or football, but we still became closer in those first few years that I got him into running.
Then there was Jeff, one of my best friends and running partner, quite possibly one of the most driven and crazy runners that I have met. We had our friendly competitions and we were very encouraging to one another. He ran a marathon long before I did. Through him I met the group that my parents refer to as "The Running Bee" (like the Quilting Bee for runners). We called them this because during there runs, I don't think they ever ran out of stuff to talk about, encouraging us younger runners and challenging us in races (its bad when a 19 year old gets beat by 50+ year olds, but it happened...alot), this group was very tight knit group and they welcomed us with open arms, teaching us what they knew and telling us stories. Doran and I still remain friends and anytime I ask him, I am sure he would be willing to go for an easy 8 to 16...(no Birtha Hills authorized). Jeff and I then met Adrian who was not quite into running the way that we were, but he quickly picked up on the running fever that we had and became all about the competitions and races...and I know he loved beating me in his hometown race in Jasper and then the several races following. At one point he had become a part of the goal my father and I set to run a race in every state, but circumstances came between our friendship and unfortunately cut out a wonderful running buddy from my list of buddies. Who knows maybe he will get back into the racing scene and finish the states... My running buddy list died out as we all started getting older and going our separate ways, however, others have come into the picture.
Helping others is also a great way to build lasting friendships, sharing your knowledge, experience and drive with others helps to keep them motivated and staying with the support. And running with people of various levels and abilities help both you and them stay on the path of a healthier lifestyle. Starsha has been a supportive running partner who will call me up for a run when I am least wanting to do it, but she manages to convince me that we can do a couple miles, which in turn ends up being 4 to 6 and I feel great at the end of the run. She also likes to push competitions quite a bit, like running a race every month and such. I think she is just hoping to beat me and more races means more chances. She even made me run a race hurt to increase her chances...Okay so I did that on my own, but still...
Each of the people I have run with in the past and those that I will run with in the future hold a special place in my running career and have impacted me in one way or another. There was the group that helped me get back into running and lose my weight that I gained over the years I took off, the group that encourages me to race and push myself, those that encourage me to get out the door on that dreaded lazy day, and those that need me to help them get started or stay motivated. There is almost no end to the possibilities of friendships that can be started through a simple activity such as running.
Run On! Bring a friend along...
Then there was Jeff, one of my best friends and running partner, quite possibly one of the most driven and crazy runners that I have met. We had our friendly competitions and we were very encouraging to one another. He ran a marathon long before I did. Through him I met the group that my parents refer to as "The Running Bee" (like the Quilting Bee for runners). We called them this because during there runs, I don't think they ever ran out of stuff to talk about, encouraging us younger runners and challenging us in races (its bad when a 19 year old gets beat by 50+ year olds, but it happened...alot), this group was very tight knit group and they welcomed us with open arms, teaching us what they knew and telling us stories. Doran and I still remain friends and anytime I ask him, I am sure he would be willing to go for an easy 8 to 16...(no Birtha Hills authorized). Jeff and I then met Adrian who was not quite into running the way that we were, but he quickly picked up on the running fever that we had and became all about the competitions and races...and I know he loved beating me in his hometown race in Jasper and then the several races following. At one point he had become a part of the goal my father and I set to run a race in every state, but circumstances came between our friendship and unfortunately cut out a wonderful running buddy from my list of buddies. Who knows maybe he will get back into the racing scene and finish the states... My running buddy list died out as we all started getting older and going our separate ways, however, others have come into the picture.
Helping others is also a great way to build lasting friendships, sharing your knowledge, experience and drive with others helps to keep them motivated and staying with the support. And running with people of various levels and abilities help both you and them stay on the path of a healthier lifestyle. Starsha has been a supportive running partner who will call me up for a run when I am least wanting to do it, but she manages to convince me that we can do a couple miles, which in turn ends up being 4 to 6 and I feel great at the end of the run. She also likes to push competitions quite a bit, like running a race every month and such. I think she is just hoping to beat me and more races means more chances. She even made me run a race hurt to increase her chances...Okay so I did that on my own, but still...
Each of the people I have run with in the past and those that I will run with in the future hold a special place in my running career and have impacted me in one way or another. There was the group that helped me get back into running and lose my weight that I gained over the years I took off, the group that encourages me to race and push myself, those that encourage me to get out the door on that dreaded lazy day, and those that need me to help them get started or stay motivated. There is almost no end to the possibilities of friendships that can be started through a simple activity such as running.
Run On! Bring a friend along...
Friday, August 28, 2009
Reason for Running #8 --- A Cause
When someone comes up to me and asks me "why I run," I really do not have any specific answer to it...The obvious health reasons and helping to clear my mind are usually my common answers, but what really drives some people to running is astonishing and can be very inspirational. Running for a "CAUSE" is one of the best reasons to start running. Runners World magazine always has amazing articles that highlight various reasons why people run. Reasons such as raising money for Cancer Research because a family member is suffering, raising money for Scholarship Funds, Support the Troops Causes, and the list can go on and on... I have not yet brought myself to running for one specific cause, but each and every race that I do usually supports some well deserving charity and the race entry fees (though they have become higher over the years) really go to help the community in which I live.
Running for a cause is something that can get people started into running or to change running goals. People who start out to help others truly amaze me. I began running because of what it could do for me (get me in shape for soccer); not even considering what my running could do for others less fortunate around me. Even big races have gotten involved in various causes and supports for those who are in need or in service to others. For example, The Peachtree Road Race on July 4th in Atlanta branched out in 2008 (and maybe other years) to give those who were not able to make the race a chance to run it. I personally have never run the Peachtree Road race, but my brother has... PEACHTREE IRAQ 2008. The fact that the race sponsors were aware of our military personnel not being able to attend and taking the race to them absolutely amazed me. I thank the sponsors of that race for giving my brother an opportunity of a lifetime while serving his country in Iraq.
If you don't get out the door to run for your benefit, get out the door to run for someone elses. Run for the children who are sufferring from various ailments who would give anything to run just 100 meters, run for the soldiers who come home wounded both physically and emotionally, run for your kids schools, or for the charity of your choice. Some of us do not have a lot of money to donate to causes, but we have time and dedication that would make up for any amount of money in the world. Just think if you wanted to run a marathon to support cancer research because someone close to you is sufferring from the disease, you could sign up for a cancer research funding race and get sponsors from friends and family members. I think my running for a cause will be for cardiomyopathy research (my father is sufferring from this ailment).
Whatever the cause, get out there and run and show the world you care, show them how one person can make a difference in the lives of hundreds. Who would think that doing something so unselfish could benefit oneself so much (health and otherwise).
Run On! Run for a cause...
Running for a cause is something that can get people started into running or to change running goals. People who start out to help others truly amaze me. I began running because of what it could do for me (get me in shape for soccer); not even considering what my running could do for others less fortunate around me. Even big races have gotten involved in various causes and supports for those who are in need or in service to others. For example, The Peachtree Road Race on July 4th in Atlanta branched out in 2008 (and maybe other years) to give those who were not able to make the race a chance to run it. I personally have never run the Peachtree Road race, but my brother has... PEACHTREE IRAQ 2008. The fact that the race sponsors were aware of our military personnel not being able to attend and taking the race to them absolutely amazed me. I thank the sponsors of that race for giving my brother an opportunity of a lifetime while serving his country in Iraq.
If you don't get out the door to run for your benefit, get out the door to run for someone elses. Run for the children who are sufferring from various ailments who would give anything to run just 100 meters, run for the soldiers who come home wounded both physically and emotionally, run for your kids schools, or for the charity of your choice. Some of us do not have a lot of money to donate to causes, but we have time and dedication that would make up for any amount of money in the world. Just think if you wanted to run a marathon to support cancer research because someone close to you is sufferring from the disease, you could sign up for a cancer research funding race and get sponsors from friends and family members. I think my running for a cause will be for cardiomyopathy research (my father is sufferring from this ailment).
Whatever the cause, get out there and run and show the world you care, show them how one person can make a difference in the lives of hundreds. Who would think that doing something so unselfish could benefit oneself so much (health and otherwise).
Run On! Run for a cause...
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Reason for Running #7 --- Competition
One problem that many people face when they decide to begin running is the idea of racing...or any competition. Most believe that they are not capable of completing a 5k road race, much less placing well in one. Unfortunately with professional sports hypes like Bolt and Goucher, we more novice runners feel intimidated. I for one would never come close to beating either one of them in a race (No I am not afraid to admit that Kara Goucher, a female, can completely demolish my butt in a marathon and probable every other distance). But we need not be afraid of a little competition here and there when it comes to running. Believe it or not (See Goals or Motivation Blog) competition can really boost our self esteem (though sometimes hurt it) and keep us on a running to stay healthy plan.
Competition comes in a variety of forms and I would never be able to talk about all of them in just one blog. Who knows, maybe I will get more in depth into some of these in later blogs. First and foremost the competition should be internal. The only person that you have influence during a race is YOU! Tripping a fellow competitor aside of course... You can sign up for a local 5k easily within 30 days of starting to run. That 5k is a starting point for you and your competitive running career. You may not finish 1st overall, but you will be pleasantly surprised at the outcome. You are racing a clock, not the person next to you. Keep in mind, though that with each race you do and improve, you will not always have better times. The U.S. 10k is not my P.R. race for that distance, but in 2002 (I think, maybe 03), it was the absolute best race that I have ever completed. Competition with the clock, how you feel during a run, how well you recover...All are what should be looked at when it comes to competing.
Now with the clock and yourself aside, it is always fun to compete with others in running. It gives you a chance to prove to yourself that you can do something. My brother and I have had some pretty friendly running competitions with eachother over the years. When he started out running, I was at my best, and he was just not quite in the shape he use to be (though he could out sprint me any day of the week, as well as kick my butt at basketball, if we ever actually completed a game without a brotherly fight). So for quite some time he was several minutes behind me in races that we did together. However, over the years that margin got smaller and smaller until he finally beat me. He even had me beat at our Alaska marathon, which I felt I was more prepared for then he was, but I just could not let that happen, so I busted my butt to catch up to him (we ultimately finished that one together, though he is credited on the results page as being in front). Once he beat me, the chase was on in the other direction with me trying to run him back down (yes I was able to, but the margin of difference between the two of us really is not that large anymore). The competition has kept us going at it when I know for a fact I have wanted to quit lots of times, and I could only guess that he has. Plus we have the friendly trash talk and bragging rights till the next race of course, but all in fun.
Competition, though it can be stressful, is a very rewarding aspect of being a runner and I would recommend to anyone who wants to run, to get out there and compete, don't just "run."
Run On! Competition will drive you....
Competition comes in a variety of forms and I would never be able to talk about all of them in just one blog. Who knows, maybe I will get more in depth into some of these in later blogs. First and foremost the competition should be internal. The only person that you have influence during a race is YOU! Tripping a fellow competitor aside of course... You can sign up for a local 5k easily within 30 days of starting to run. That 5k is a starting point for you and your competitive running career. You may not finish 1st overall, but you will be pleasantly surprised at the outcome. You are racing a clock, not the person next to you. Keep in mind, though that with each race you do and improve, you will not always have better times. The U.S. 10k is not my P.R. race for that distance, but in 2002 (I think, maybe 03), it was the absolute best race that I have ever completed. Competition with the clock, how you feel during a run, how well you recover...All are what should be looked at when it comes to competing.
Now with the clock and yourself aside, it is always fun to compete with others in running. It gives you a chance to prove to yourself that you can do something. My brother and I have had some pretty friendly running competitions with eachother over the years. When he started out running, I was at my best, and he was just not quite in the shape he use to be (though he could out sprint me any day of the week, as well as kick my butt at basketball, if we ever actually completed a game without a brotherly fight). So for quite some time he was several minutes behind me in races that we did together. However, over the years that margin got smaller and smaller until he finally beat me. He even had me beat at our Alaska marathon, which I felt I was more prepared for then he was, but I just could not let that happen, so I busted my butt to catch up to him (we ultimately finished that one together, though he is credited on the results page as being in front). Once he beat me, the chase was on in the other direction with me trying to run him back down (yes I was able to, but the margin of difference between the two of us really is not that large anymore). The competition has kept us going at it when I know for a fact I have wanted to quit lots of times, and I could only guess that he has. Plus we have the friendly trash talk and bragging rights till the next race of course, but all in fun.
Competition, though it can be stressful, is a very rewarding aspect of being a runner and I would recommend to anyone who wants to run, to get out there and compete, don't just "run."
Run On! Competition will drive you....
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