At least, the trails that I often run, is they're technical mountain bike trails, and full of turns, dips, and uphills. You don't want to get too much speed on a bike there, because if you fall you're going ot do some serious damage. For a runner, this makes it tough to run quickly. On one hand, it should theoretically make you a better runner, because running on these trails makes any relatively flat course incredibly easy in comparison. But it's still disconcerting when I struggle to maintain any sort of speed for a distance.
On the trails, I can run at a 9:00 to 10:00 pace, and take walking breaks every 3-5 minutes to recharge my batteries, so I'll end up averaging an 11:00/mi pace overall, usually. On a 5 mile road course this past Saturday, my runs were all under 9:00, with a best of an 8:22 pace for 1/2 mile. I was holding back slightly, because we then did a 3.5 mile run 9 minutes after I finished the 5 mile course, once again running sub 9:00 laps, although I walked for a longer period of time to allow a new runner to catch up to me, but I still felt great with my speed. Finally, 6 hours after this, I did a 4 mile hash, which was half on the road and half in creeks and woods where you really couldn't run.
All in all, I did 12.68 miles on Saturday, with an 11:21 pace overall. And I felt good afterward! No problems Sunday morning, although legs were a little heavy Monday, and no pain. Yesterday, I ran 7.5 miles, and another 3.0 today, so I've done 10.5 for the week. And those 10.5 have been at a 12:11 average pace. Probably a little slower than usual, as I'm still not used to the longer weekend runs, and pushed a little too hard on Saturday, but that's a fairly accurate representation of my trail speed. On the 3 miler today, the last two-tenths of a mile were in the open, on a gravel path, but I didn't really recognize the difference until I saw that I ran that .2 with an 8:13 pace, without trying. I mean to say, I wasn't attempting to sprint the last section, just to run it, and I didn't realize my speed until I uploaded the courses to my computer. This is confirmation that I really should spend more time on the open courses, instead of tight trails, so that I can work on my speed and stamina. I should try to find a track around me that I can run at.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
Ruminations On A Friday Night
First off, it's just funny to be completely sober on a Friday night. Went to the fair with Stephanie, Maya, and Maya's friend, nice little family time. It's a little disconcerting to feel a change in my thoughts, in that I now enjoy taking my time while driving, not just for safety, but out of some strange feeling of parental responsibility. And I'm not even a parent!
But anyway, to the heart of my desire to write, running. It's still somewhat strange to me, to be a runner. To have dedicated running attire. Wicking shirts, specialized socks, running shorts. Not just basketball shorts, actual running shorts. In high school, my brother was the runner. I saw no reason for it. The only race that I'm aware of him entering, the Manchester Road Race, he completed in 38:05, when he was 17. That was the first race I ever entered, when I was 21, and I did it in 46:33. He averaged a 7:57 mile, I did a 9:43. Talk about getting your ass kicked!
But there's something more to running, I've come to believe. Most people who enter a 5K, 10K, half or full marathon, they don't expect to win. Nor should they. Some are just seeking to place in their age group, acknowledging that time is taking a toll on their bodies. But others are just looking for self improvement (and maybe a cool shirt). I've started to enjoy running more for the inner aspects of it, rather than the outer. The moments that matter the most to me are those precious seconds when my legs are loose, my breathing measured, and my stride long. When I go from running next to Stephanie to pulling past her, without any slowing down on her part, or actual effort on mine. We ran last night and I had that happen about 2.5 miles in to a 5 mile run. My pace dropped below an 8:00/mi, and yet I didn't feel like I was pushing it. I was just utilizing my natural leg length.
That's what keeps me coming back, those moments when the running feels easy and I feel free. I seek out trails to run not just because of the challenge and variety they create, but because it's easier to feel free without the constant humming of traffic. To believe for that little bit of time that it's just you and the trail. I'm sure you can achieve that feeling for a longer period of time out West, or even around here in the rural areas.
It's the same feeling I used to get from golf. I enjoyed it most when it was just me, the club, and the ball. No competition, no external pressure, just my own internal contest. I have no problem walking during a run, because when I do it, it's a choice, not necessity. I'm training my body to go longer distances, and that requires taking it easy some times. I've had guys comment "you hung with us for that first mile" when they don't realize that I could have kept going, but I chose to take a break, usually because I've already run 3 or 4 miles before they showed up, and I've got 3 or 4 more to go.
One of my favorite books, which addresses the impressionable nature of the golfing public, speculates on why people love golf so much. It concludes that it isn't the setting, the battle against nature, or the variety of skills it calls for. Instead, it's the variable nature of it all, the same reason that Tiger Woods doesn't win every time, but can still put together rounds that wow everyone around him. On any given day, he can put together a nearly perfect round of golf. He may never birdie every hole, but if he plays the course enough times, he will have a birdie or better recorded on each hole. The thing is, that's also true for the average golfer. For some, it may be to par every hole. But everyone has the possibility. It starts on the first tee box, before the ball is even struck.
And the same can apply to running. I pull in to the parking lot, stretch, and get ready, and this could be a perfect run. My lungs could be clear, my strides firm, my splits negative, everything is possible. I'm not going to run a 4:00 mile or 15:00 5K, but I can cover a stretch of ground faster than previous, or with less effort. There's something beautiful about running for the sake of running, doing it for your own enjoyment, marveling at the beauty of how our bodies work, how we can rapidly cover difficult terrain without busting our asses (most of the time).
Yes, I realize that can be at odds with the idea of inner competition, trying to outdo yourself, but some days, I'm running with a goal, and other days, I'm running just to feel alive, to fight through the wind in my face, feel the sweat run over my eyes, and keep pushing, wondering what is beyond that next bend.
But anyway, to the heart of my desire to write, running. It's still somewhat strange to me, to be a runner. To have dedicated running attire. Wicking shirts, specialized socks, running shorts. Not just basketball shorts, actual running shorts. In high school, my brother was the runner. I saw no reason for it. The only race that I'm aware of him entering, the Manchester Road Race, he completed in 38:05, when he was 17. That was the first race I ever entered, when I was 21, and I did it in 46:33. He averaged a 7:57 mile, I did a 9:43. Talk about getting your ass kicked!
But there's something more to running, I've come to believe. Most people who enter a 5K, 10K, half or full marathon, they don't expect to win. Nor should they. Some are just seeking to place in their age group, acknowledging that time is taking a toll on their bodies. But others are just looking for self improvement (and maybe a cool shirt). I've started to enjoy running more for the inner aspects of it, rather than the outer. The moments that matter the most to me are those precious seconds when my legs are loose, my breathing measured, and my stride long. When I go from running next to Stephanie to pulling past her, without any slowing down on her part, or actual effort on mine. We ran last night and I had that happen about 2.5 miles in to a 5 mile run. My pace dropped below an 8:00/mi, and yet I didn't feel like I was pushing it. I was just utilizing my natural leg length.
That's what keeps me coming back, those moments when the running feels easy and I feel free. I seek out trails to run not just because of the challenge and variety they create, but because it's easier to feel free without the constant humming of traffic. To believe for that little bit of time that it's just you and the trail. I'm sure you can achieve that feeling for a longer period of time out West, or even around here in the rural areas.
It's the same feeling I used to get from golf. I enjoyed it most when it was just me, the club, and the ball. No competition, no external pressure, just my own internal contest. I have no problem walking during a run, because when I do it, it's a choice, not necessity. I'm training my body to go longer distances, and that requires taking it easy some times. I've had guys comment "you hung with us for that first mile" when they don't realize that I could have kept going, but I chose to take a break, usually because I've already run 3 or 4 miles before they showed up, and I've got 3 or 4 more to go.
One of my favorite books, which addresses the impressionable nature of the golfing public, speculates on why people love golf so much. It concludes that it isn't the setting, the battle against nature, or the variety of skills it calls for. Instead, it's the variable nature of it all, the same reason that Tiger Woods doesn't win every time, but can still put together rounds that wow everyone around him. On any given day, he can put together a nearly perfect round of golf. He may never birdie every hole, but if he plays the course enough times, he will have a birdie or better recorded on each hole. The thing is, that's also true for the average golfer. For some, it may be to par every hole. But everyone has the possibility. It starts on the first tee box, before the ball is even struck.
And the same can apply to running. I pull in to the parking lot, stretch, and get ready, and this could be a perfect run. My lungs could be clear, my strides firm, my splits negative, everything is possible. I'm not going to run a 4:00 mile or 15:00 5K, but I can cover a stretch of ground faster than previous, or with less effort. There's something beautiful about running for the sake of running, doing it for your own enjoyment, marveling at the beauty of how our bodies work, how we can rapidly cover difficult terrain without busting our asses (most of the time).
Yes, I realize that can be at odds with the idea of inner competition, trying to outdo yourself, but some days, I'm running with a goal, and other days, I'm running just to feel alive, to fight through the wind in my face, feel the sweat run over my eyes, and keep pushing, wondering what is beyond that next bend.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Recovery
Apparently I caught something during the Labor Day hash-travaganza, as I was subsequently barely able to move for a week following it. As a result, I wasn't able to run, and even at the next hash I was struggling just to keep control of my body, hence my not being FRB, which apparently was unusual enough for people to ask what was wrong.
Luckily, I'm back to running, and feeling much better, although the weight loss was kinda nice. Nearly back below 200, and kicking Slim's ass
Luckily, I'm back to running, and feeling much better, although the weight loss was kinda nice. Nearly back below 200, and kicking Slim's ass
Monday, August 31, 2009
The Joys of Running
Is it possible to feel poorly after a run? I don't mean that in terms of physical exertion and pain, but rather the mental aspect of one's life. Every time I finish a run, I'm imbued with the "runner's high" (yes, I understand the actual reasons behind this phenomena) and feel great for the next few hours, if not longer. That's one of the reasons I enjoy running in the morning, it provides a great start to the day. You may not want to get up earlier than normal to run, but afterward, you'll be glad you did.
Did 6 miles of running/scouting yesterday, discovered another great Greenway in Charlotte, and felt fantastic after. What made it even better was that my body also felt great, despite having just done a 10K. The route wasn't as technical as the USNWC Trail Run Challenge, at least, I thought it wasn't (my Garmin tells me there were more elevation changes this time), but I still felt like I could have done more mileage if needed. It's good to see some results from my increased training and mileage, and it makes me want to participate in a 1/2 Marathon on September 19, mainly because it climbs to the top of a nearby mountain, only 900', but still fun. Only slightly more than 2 weeks before the event, is this enough time to get ready? I know I shouldn't, especially since I have no money, but it's really really tempting!
Did 6 miles of running/scouting yesterday, discovered another great Greenway in Charlotte, and felt fantastic after. What made it even better was that my body also felt great, despite having just done a 10K. The route wasn't as technical as the USNWC Trail Run Challenge, at least, I thought it wasn't (my Garmin tells me there were more elevation changes this time), but I still felt like I could have done more mileage if needed. It's good to see some results from my increased training and mileage, and it makes me want to participate in a 1/2 Marathon on September 19, mainly because it climbs to the top of a nearby mountain, only 900', but still fun. Only slightly more than 2 weeks before the event, is this enough time to get ready? I know I shouldn't, especially since I have no money, but it's really really tempting!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Mileage vs. Time?
Saw an article about Kara Goucher, an American marathoner, and how Americans are too focused on how far and how fast we run, rather than just seeing what we can do. I'd love to reach that level, but ironically I need more structured training before I can get there. Although I've got my Garmin with me during most runs, I'm rarely paying attention to it, other than timing my walk breaks, and occasionally seeing how far we've gone. The rest of the time, I'm enjoying the run, and trying not to bust my ass, since most of the time, I'm on the trails. I'll bring the Garmin when we're hashing, too, mainly because I like to let the slower members know how far they went.
The main reason I like trail running so much is because it makes it easier to turn my brain off and just run. You can spend more time just enjoying the scenery, and trying to not step on bunnies or get run over by deer, and less time worrying about your pace or inhaling car fumes. That's a great aspect of Charlotte, all of the non-road running you can do. Other than the Whitewater Center, we've got endless Greenways, like the one by Stephanie's house. Also, obviously, when a pretty girl asks you to go run, it's kinda hard to say "no".
The main reason I like trail running so much is because it makes it easier to turn my brain off and just run. You can spend more time just enjoying the scenery, and trying to not step on bunnies or get run over by deer, and less time worrying about your pace or inhaling car fumes. That's a great aspect of Charlotte, all of the non-road running you can do. Other than the Whitewater Center, we've got endless Greenways, like the one by Stephanie's house. Also, obviously, when a pretty girl asks you to go run, it's kinda hard to say "no".
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Success!
Completed my first 10K since 2006, in 68:30. I did 57:10 at Cooper River way back when, but I was in better shape and it's an easier course. This run was at the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, which has a great series of trails to run or bike on. I'm curious to see what the leaders ran, in both the 5K and 10K, because they certainly looked quick, and I'm interested in how the elevation changes/tight course affected them. They said that they 10K would be more of a trail run than the 5K, which I can believe, as it was a gnarly course. Held back somewhat, because I had a trail to run that afternoon, and also I didn't want to overexert myself early in my training. Odd moment came when we were around 4 miles in (had my Garmin to pace myself). The course was a little on the poorly marked side, as this was their first year, so apparently some of the leaders got a little lost, as I suddenly was being passed by guys who obviously had no business being behind me. Saw that some guys did nearly 2 miles extra, not sure where they got lost, but that can't be any fun. I knew the general layout from our weekly runs there, so at a few questionable points I was able to direct myself and others on the correct route. This morning I felt great, which is fantastic after the nearly 10 miles I did.
Glad to feel back in the chase
Glad to feel back in the chase
Friday, August 21, 2009
Thoughts on the R word
It's kinda weird to be getting back into being a serious runner again. When I lived in Myrtle Beach, in 2005-6, I ran at least 3 times per week, Tuesday, Thursday (track workouts) and Saturday (long run), in addition to any hashes I happened to do, and some golf course runs on other days. In Georgia, all I could manage was the Wednesday hash, if I was lucky. And now, in Charlotte, I'm finally back to running 3-4 days per week, and entering some races. The dreaded R's. Luckily, I've kept it contained to 5K's, so far, and I've only done a few, but I'm scheduled to do a 10K tomorrow morning (assuming it doesn't rain too much tonight (actual trail race)), and to me, that's the line in the sand when you become a more than casual runner, in the view of the hash. 5Ks are so plentiful these days, while you have to really try for a longer distance (both in terms of searching and training). I know I'll never be the fastest runner, and quite frankly, I don't really want to be. I'd rather do the long runs, at a more consistent tempo, than work on a 15:00 5K. I'm following a hasher's blog in Colorado, and he's doing the Leadville 100 Miler tomorrow morning. 100 miles. Aiming to do it in under 25, I think. My big brother did a 50K earlier this year. As the sign says, "Any idiot can run a Marathon, it takes a special kind of idiot to run an Ultra." That's my goal, to keep building up my mileage and get into the longer races. And tomorrow morning will be the start back to that.
Of course, if I'm up at 5 am and it is cancelled, I'll go help Stephanie with her yardsale.
Of course, if I'm up at 5 am and it is cancelled, I'll go help Stephanie with her yardsale.
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