At the urging of John, we all showed up in on Wednesday's clinic with racing flats. Amanda, Walter, and I actually had the same pair of Mizunos.
We ran 2x2mi. I found myself slipping in and out of landing on my heels vs balls of my feet. When I remembered, I danced across the seawall, other times, I felt myself plodding along as normal. It felt a bit awkward but I was running great and hit my target pace of 7 min/mile. First time in nearly 2 months.
But afterwards, driving home, both my calves seized up, anyone watching me making the short walk from the car to my home must have thought I was twice my age.
Friday came and my calves were even more sore. I was supposed to go for my tempo, but knew that I'd be upset if I didn't meet the pace target and would probably use my calves as the excuse. Saturday, they were still sore, bearable but sore. I elected to give myself one more day off.
Sunday, I ran my tempo. 11 miles at 8 min/mile. Happy I hit it and I'm once again feeling more positive about Victoria. I'd like to get my tempo pace down to 7:45/mile... that'd make me feel I have a fighting chance of BQing.
I won't be running for a week, but thankfully I'll still be having a very good cardio workout while I backpack the West Coast Trails.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Drinking Kool-Aid?
Everything familiar has disappeared. Once in awhile, I'm thrown for a loop.
Nearly every Sunday I go out for a long run. When the mileage starts getting longer, I start packing some Gu. For 16k and longer, I liked to start consuming them at the rate of 1 every 5 miles. I felt stronger for having taken them, so I was pretty sure I was on the right track.
But a few weeks ago, I'm out for a 18 miler. Sue had come out with me, and I remarked that she wasn't packing any gels, but I would give her one of mine. She responded a bit hesitantly, but said, if she needed it, she'd let me know. By the end of the run, she hadn't. So I asked her why she's not taking any. She said, John had told her that for our LSD runs, we shouldn't be needing them. This was confirmed by him later. He said, by taking them, we stand a good chance of upsetting our stomachs etc. Although he did agree, we need them for racing.
Now at our last clinic run, he wants us running more efficiently. He said we should all get some "lightweight racing flats" He said they offer minimal support and promote landing on the mid or ball of our feet. He spoke about running with our normal shoes we are braking every time we strike with our heels and further, the motion control weakens our natural gait.
Sharon and I went to Forerunners to look for some racing flats. They had a bunch of Nike, 2 Asics, and 2 Mizunos. Price range was $110-150... not exactly "cheap". I really liked the look of the Nike... neon green, but they didn't feel nice. The Asics felt great, but looked too similar to my normal running shoes. I ended up buying some flashy Mizunos for $109 (or 119??). They fit nearly as well as the Asics but looked cooler... and as you know, I'm all about image.
Last week's 20 miler, I took in 2 gels, down from my regular of 4. I'll be doing another 20 miles tomorrow. I'm not nervous about dropping down to 1. What has me a little anxious is converting to the new running style. While I heard of Chi running, I just took that the heel strike was better at reducing injury. It gives me an unsettling feeling that what I thought was right... wasn't.
"With most men, unbelief in one thing springs from blind belief in another."- Georg Christoph Lichtenberg
Nearly every Sunday I go out for a long run. When the mileage starts getting longer, I start packing some Gu. For 16k and longer, I liked to start consuming them at the rate of 1 every 5 miles. I felt stronger for having taken them, so I was pretty sure I was on the right track.
But a few weeks ago, I'm out for a 18 miler. Sue had come out with me, and I remarked that she wasn't packing any gels, but I would give her one of mine. She responded a bit hesitantly, but said, if she needed it, she'd let me know. By the end of the run, she hadn't. So I asked her why she's not taking any. She said, John had told her that for our LSD runs, we shouldn't be needing them. This was confirmed by him later. He said, by taking them, we stand a good chance of upsetting our stomachs etc. Although he did agree, we need them for racing.
Now at our last clinic run, he wants us running more efficiently. He said we should all get some "lightweight racing flats" He said they offer minimal support and promote landing on the mid or ball of our feet. He spoke about running with our normal shoes we are braking every time we strike with our heels and further, the motion control weakens our natural gait.
Sharon and I went to Forerunners to look for some racing flats. They had a bunch of Nike, 2 Asics, and 2 Mizunos. Price range was $110-150... not exactly "cheap". I really liked the look of the Nike... neon green, but they didn't feel nice. The Asics felt great, but looked too similar to my normal running shoes. I ended up buying some flashy Mizunos for $109 (or 119??). They fit nearly as well as the Asics but looked cooler... and as you know, I'm all about image.
Last week's 20 miler, I took in 2 gels, down from my regular of 4. I'll be doing another 20 miles tomorrow. I'm not nervous about dropping down to 1. What has me a little anxious is converting to the new running style. While I heard of Chi running, I just took that the heel strike was better at reducing injury. It gives me an unsettling feeling that what I thought was right... wasn't.
"With most men, unbelief in one thing springs from blind belief in another."- Georg Christoph Lichtenberg
Thursday, August 19, 2010
You've Got Some 'Splainin'
I'm at a loss.
About a month ago, I came back from my Eastern Canada road trip. While I was there, a heat wave going on and the running was extremely hard. I attempted all of my scheduled runs, but found I could not complete them at the targeted pace. I accepted that.
My first week back, I nailed the tempo. All was good. Or so I thought.
Since that time, 4 weeks, I haven't been able to hit my targets, finishing up 15-25 secs/mile off... instead of a 7:45, I'm now hitting a 8:10/mile.
I'm looking back at the last few months wondering what happened. I'm not sure what changed. My diet was interrupted during the trip, but has returned to mostly the same. The temperature has been warm, but others in the clinic are hitting or getting close to their targets. I don't feel my level of effort has changed and I continue to push through each of the runs.
After VIM I felt so confident I'd get my BQ for Victoria. Following my return from Peru, I was nailing my tempo runs and PB'ing some of my speed workouts. But, these last few weeks have been very difficult for me mentally.
Tomorrow, I'm changing up my venue for my tempo. I'm doing a beach run instead of the regular UBC area. I'm targeting a 8:05... not great, but better than I've done in a month.
About a month ago, I came back from my Eastern Canada road trip. While I was there, a heat wave going on and the running was extremely hard. I attempted all of my scheduled runs, but found I could not complete them at the targeted pace. I accepted that.
My first week back, I nailed the tempo. All was good. Or so I thought.
Since that time, 4 weeks, I haven't been able to hit my targets, finishing up 15-25 secs/mile off... instead of a 7:45, I'm now hitting a 8:10/mile.
I'm looking back at the last few months wondering what happened. I'm not sure what changed. My diet was interrupted during the trip, but has returned to mostly the same. The temperature has been warm, but others in the clinic are hitting or getting close to their targets. I don't feel my level of effort has changed and I continue to push through each of the runs.
After VIM I felt so confident I'd get my BQ for Victoria. Following my return from Peru, I was nailing my tempo runs and PB'ing some of my speed workouts. But, these last few weeks have been very difficult for me mentally.
Tomorrow, I'm changing up my venue for my tempo. I'm doing a beach run instead of the regular UBC area. I'm targeting a 8:05... not great, but better than I've done in a month.
Finally, I've been reluctant to blog, as the impetus was to be an inspiration. I didn't see my current performance to be at all inspirational. But after speaking to a reader about this capturing the ups and downs, I decided to pen this entry.
Note: I'm planning to do a quick update after my tempo run.
Update: I did my 10 mile tempo run. Went down to Jericho/Kits area, nice cool-ish day. I ended up with 8:00. I'm pretty happy. I have some ways to go, but at least it's an improvement from my previous efforts.
Note: I'm planning to do a quick update after my tempo run.
Update: I did my 10 mile tempo run. Went down to Jericho/Kits area, nice cool-ish day. I ended up with 8:00. I'm pretty happy. I have some ways to go, but at least it's an improvement from my previous efforts.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
I Hurt
It's been a tough week...
Why do I put myself through this?
I sometimes wonder what makes me tick.
I'm pretty sure I'm not "normal". I don't wear that label with honour, it's just a fact. I don't make an effort to think different.
I do know I am willing to take some risks if the downside is pain. I enjoy going mountain biking on the edge of my skill, I like to push my luck snowboarding. Injuries? Hmm... two sprained ankles, broken fingers, broken hand, 2x bruised ribs, and of course countless bruises, cuts, and a few near concussions (i.e. strained neck from my head hitting the snow so hard).
I view life as a collection of experiences, not a collection of goods. The saying, he who dies with the most toys still dies, strikes a chord with me. Sure, not all experiences are pleasant, but from each new one, you learn some.
But what is the alternative? Biking or riding at a leisurely pace??? I've tried and just can't do it, it's too boring. I don't understand why people hold back. If I'm in something, I'm in. In for a penny, in for a pound.
I am different. I accept pain and discomfort as a price to pay for living life. So yeah, I hurt, but I have no regrets.
- Wednesday, track workout. I did well, but my legs were very sore for days.
- Friday, tempo run. I was supposed to do 9 miles, but could only muster 6 miles. I'm blaming my soreness and the heat. It's good to find excuses :P
- Saturday, Grouse Grind with my girls. They both hit PBs of 1:09 (R) and 1:10 (C)!
- Sunday, an 18 mile run
- Tuesday, BCMC trail solo. ~1 hour
- Wednesday, track workout again
Why do I put myself through this?
I sometimes wonder what makes me tick.
I'm pretty sure I'm not "normal". I don't wear that label with honour, it's just a fact. I don't make an effort to think different.
I do know I am willing to take some risks if the downside is pain. I enjoy going mountain biking on the edge of my skill, I like to push my luck snowboarding. Injuries? Hmm... two sprained ankles, broken fingers, broken hand, 2x bruised ribs, and of course countless bruises, cuts, and a few near concussions (i.e. strained neck from my head hitting the snow so hard).
I view life as a collection of experiences, not a collection of goods. The saying, he who dies with the most toys still dies, strikes a chord with me. Sure, not all experiences are pleasant, but from each new one, you learn some.
But what is the alternative? Biking or riding at a leisurely pace??? I've tried and just can't do it, it's too boring. I don't understand why people hold back. If I'm in something, I'm in. In for a penny, in for a pound.
I am different. I accept pain and discomfort as a price to pay for living life. So yeah, I hurt, but I have no regrets.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Fun Time is Over
Time to get serious.
I've been a ramblin' boy for the last few months. But I am settling down now...no more trips to the Amazon, no more visiting family back East during a heat wave, and certainly no more poutines with mushrooms and onions (Mmmm!)
I'm running a better now than ever before. I ran a PB mile recently and have had strong track workouts since. I know I have my work cut out for me in order to still push it to get my BQ in Victoria.
My weight is the biggest thing (pun intended) I need to work on. My VIM weight was 144, I'm now 148. Four pounds may not sound like a lot, but carrying it for a 26+ miles is another matter. I'd like to hit 144 again for Victoria, but I won't complain too much if I can even hit 142.
My strategy is pretty simple, just ease up on the bad food. My recent trip to Ontario and Quebec was tough. A lot of eating out, a lot of poutines, and a lot of generally less healthy food than I eat normally. I need to get back to my whole foods and then I'm hoping my weight will start coming off.
As always, it's a tricky balancing act of losing fat and not muscle.
As always, it's a tricky balancing act of losing fat and not muscle.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
I'm Hot
I had previously thought I was pretty good running in the heat. A trip to Hawaii changed that.
But like most things that are uncomfortable, there is a significant benefit...
I love racing in the fall. You get to train in warm/hot days, but then get a nice cool weather to race in.
I actually figured out why I was good running in the heat years ago. I never pushed myself whether it was warm, cold or whatever. When it was warm out, I had so much buffer that they were easy too.
Now, when I run, I just do the best I can.
It was in early November, cool by Hawaiian standards, but I was going from freezing temperatures in Vancouver to high-20's. I had run RVM about a month prior. I felt pretty good running in the coolness of Vancouver, but a tempo lap around Diamond Head proved too much.
I'm in Eastern Canada right now and the area is going through a heat wave. Ottawa was cool, but Toronto, Quebec, and Montreal have been down right muggy. The temperature is hovering around 30 but the Humidex shows that it will feel like 40+ My longer runs have proven to be, er... disappointing. A slow six miler had me stopping 2-3 times, my speedwork was way off pace and my tempo was slow and shortened. I can unequivocally say, I was suffering in all of them. Also, I can unequivocally say that I suck in the heat.
I'm in Eastern Canada right now and the area is going through a heat wave. Ottawa was cool, but Toronto, Quebec, and Montreal have been down right muggy. The temperature is hovering around 30 but the Humidex shows that it will feel like 40+ My longer runs have proven to be, er... disappointing. A slow six miler had me stopping 2-3 times, my speedwork was way off pace and my tempo was slow and shortened. I can unequivocally say, I was suffering in all of them. Also, I can unequivocally say that I suck in the heat.
But like most things that are uncomfortable, there is a significant benefit...
I love racing in the fall. You get to train in warm/hot days, but then get a nice cool weather to race in.
I actually figured out why I was good running in the heat years ago. I never pushed myself whether it was warm, cold or whatever. When it was warm out, I had so much buffer that they were easy too.
Now, when I run, I just do the best I can.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Planes, Trains, Automobiles
I'm doing my Eastern Canadian road trip.. Plane to Ottawa, train to Toronto and Montreal, and automobile to Quebec City.
My normal routes in Vancouver are well worn, so it's always kinda exciting running out of the ordinary. For my first out of town run, I went to the track and did 400m repeats, but the next run was around my sister's neighbourhood. I got lost. I don't have a very good sense of direction at the best of times. I'm wandering back and I'm slowing down 'cause I have no idea if I'm headed in the right direction, and lo and behold I spot a deer in the middle of the road. The deer ran away, but for a second I thought, maybe I should chase after him, but then I thought, who the hell am I, Bear Grylls?
I really do love running in new places. It's fun to see new things. And sure, you might get lost, but sometimes after getting lost, it might allow you to see some pretty cool things.
PS Happy Canada Day
My normal routes in Vancouver are well worn, so it's always kinda exciting running out of the ordinary. For my first out of town run, I went to the track and did 400m repeats, but the next run was around my sister's neighbourhood. I got lost. I don't have a very good sense of direction at the best of times. I'm wandering back and I'm slowing down 'cause I have no idea if I'm headed in the right direction, and lo and behold I spot a deer in the middle of the road. The deer ran away, but for a second I thought, maybe I should chase after him, but then I thought, who the hell am I, Bear Grylls?
I really do love running in new places. It's fun to see new things. And sure, you might get lost, but sometimes after getting lost, it might allow you to see some pretty cool things.
PS Happy Canada Day
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