I have started up a new website, where my blog will now be kept. Everything here has now been moved over there, so... Please go check it out! https://smertz.net/
Enoy!
-- Steve
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Saturday, January 21, 2012
It Isn't Easy Going Easy
My coach prescribed a couple of easy days for me this week. Monday, easy bike. Wednesday, easy run. Thursday, easy bike. Saturday, easy run.
Monday and Wednesday were easy to do easy, as I did them with someone else. Because I was with them, I was going their pace which for me is nice and easy. That worked out great. Thursday, I was suppose to have a nice easy 75 minute bike. I decided to give Terry Hershey Park a try as there is an entrance to it about 5 minutes down the road from where I work. I had forgotten that at that side of the park it has quite a few undulating hills. This caused me to start a bit harder than I figured I should have. Then as I was coming up one of the little hills, I called out to the guy in front "bike back, on your left" as I do for everyone, and he looked left and started swerving left and I had already caught up to him, he wasn't going fast at all on the hill, and was just behind and beside. He ended up pushing me off the path and into the bushes a bit, and I was a bit freaked as it was a quick drop there into Buffalo Bayou. He was very apologetic about it, and I was on my way a bit scared that my tires may have a puncture in them. But it seemed ok. And the adrenaline was firing, so off I went speedy like to put some distance between us. I continued along and managed to reach the end of the park which is about 8 miles long or so, and so I kept going as I still had time before I needed to turn around. I was now at George Bush park on the path (they connect at a dam) and was cruising a long nicely. And then it was time to turn around and I noticed that I had hit 10 miles in 40 minutes. I wasn't really trying or caring about distance since it was a timed ride.
The way back was a bit more congested with pedestrians as it was now more "after work" than when I started, and so I had people dodging and most of them were kind enough to stop or move a bit over if they were too close to the middle. And most of them even thanked me for warning them I was behind and coming around. Been a while since I heard those thank yous on the bike! Good Job Houston!
And of course, the finish of the ride was those undulating hills, so I was pushing a bigger gear by this time and didn't bother to shift, so yeah, legs were hammering it.
Now, it wasn't a hard ride. But it definitely wasn't an easy spin, and I felt it the next day. Then today was suppose to be an easy run. I was still feeling a bit of the bike in my legs today, and when I hit the trail at Memorial Park, I started what felt easy at the beginning, but quickly realized it wasn't when I noticed the times were on the wrong side of 8 min miles. So I eased back a bit, but think I was still going a bit too fast for easy. Normally when I run with my friend for easy we are running between 9:45 and 10:30. And that is definitely easy. Today, the runs were below 9:30 and even 3 miles at below 9. Now it wasn't hard, but I was feeling it in my legs especially after the not so easy bike on Thursday.
But I guess the true test of how easy it really was will be tomorrow's 30 mile bike with a 2 mile run immediately afterwards. I'm not predicting any land speed records being broken on that run at all at this point.
I definitely need to work on training easy on easy days. It's what helps us (active) recover and keeps things working smoothly, but if you are hammering it and not letting the body do it's recovery thing, then you just keep piling more and more damage on the body and it will take longer to recover down the road and will end up harming the hard work!
It's definitely not easy, going easy...
Monday and Wednesday were easy to do easy, as I did them with someone else. Because I was with them, I was going their pace which for me is nice and easy. That worked out great. Thursday, I was suppose to have a nice easy 75 minute bike. I decided to give Terry Hershey Park a try as there is an entrance to it about 5 minutes down the road from where I work. I had forgotten that at that side of the park it has quite a few undulating hills. This caused me to start a bit harder than I figured I should have. Then as I was coming up one of the little hills, I called out to the guy in front "bike back, on your left" as I do for everyone, and he looked left and started swerving left and I had already caught up to him, he wasn't going fast at all on the hill, and was just behind and beside. He ended up pushing me off the path and into the bushes a bit, and I was a bit freaked as it was a quick drop there into Buffalo Bayou. He was very apologetic about it, and I was on my way a bit scared that my tires may have a puncture in them. But it seemed ok. And the adrenaline was firing, so off I went speedy like to put some distance between us. I continued along and managed to reach the end of the park which is about 8 miles long or so, and so I kept going as I still had time before I needed to turn around. I was now at George Bush park on the path (they connect at a dam) and was cruising a long nicely. And then it was time to turn around and I noticed that I had hit 10 miles in 40 minutes. I wasn't really trying or caring about distance since it was a timed ride.
The way back was a bit more congested with pedestrians as it was now more "after work" than when I started, and so I had people dodging and most of them were kind enough to stop or move a bit over if they were too close to the middle. And most of them even thanked me for warning them I was behind and coming around. Been a while since I heard those thank yous on the bike! Good Job Houston!
And of course, the finish of the ride was those undulating hills, so I was pushing a bigger gear by this time and didn't bother to shift, so yeah, legs were hammering it.
Now, it wasn't a hard ride. But it definitely wasn't an easy spin, and I felt it the next day. Then today was suppose to be an easy run. I was still feeling a bit of the bike in my legs today, and when I hit the trail at Memorial Park, I started what felt easy at the beginning, but quickly realized it wasn't when I noticed the times were on the wrong side of 8 min miles. So I eased back a bit, but think I was still going a bit too fast for easy. Normally when I run with my friend for easy we are running between 9:45 and 10:30. And that is definitely easy. Today, the runs were below 9:30 and even 3 miles at below 9. Now it wasn't hard, but I was feeling it in my legs especially after the not so easy bike on Thursday.
But I guess the true test of how easy it really was will be tomorrow's 30 mile bike with a 2 mile run immediately afterwards. I'm not predicting any land speed records being broken on that run at all at this point.
I definitely need to work on training easy on easy days. It's what helps us (active) recover and keeps things working smoothly, but if you are hammering it and not letting the body do it's recovery thing, then you just keep piling more and more damage on the body and it will take longer to recover down the road and will end up harming the hard work!
It's definitely not easy, going easy...
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
2012 and A New Program
Hey Gang!
I'm still here! I didn't slack off (too much) since last weekend's 25k. Just haven't had a chance to write, until now.
I've been riding the bike more now, as recovery and as prescribe by my new coach.
Saturday I went out to Brazos Bend State Park and road around the alligators for a while. Unfortunately I broke my pedal, so I couldn't clip in on the left side anymore, which make things a bit more difficult. Sunday I had a short crappy run, because of the legs feeling the problems from the bike the day before, and also these allergy shots I'm taking are taking their toll on me as well.
Yesterday was suppose to be a bike, but since Houston kind of flooded out, I thought it was best to not risk it, and after talking with my coach, her and I agreed that a short easy run would be OK instead. Still trying to keep off my feet as recovery from the 25k. Today will be a 15 mile bike. Should be good, it's been several months since I've ridden the road bike. Looking forward to the speed and agility of it again.
So, I'm just chugging along recovering and working on other things besides running, which is quite nice!
Enjoy your Tuesdays!
I'm still here! I didn't slack off (too much) since last weekend's 25k. Just haven't had a chance to write, until now.
I've been riding the bike more now, as recovery and as prescribe by my new coach.
Saturday I went out to Brazos Bend State Park and road around the alligators for a while. Unfortunately I broke my pedal, so I couldn't clip in on the left side anymore, which make things a bit more difficult. Sunday I had a short crappy run, because of the legs feeling the problems from the bike the day before, and also these allergy shots I'm taking are taking their toll on me as well.
Yesterday was suppose to be a bike, but since Houston kind of flooded out, I thought it was best to not risk it, and after talking with my coach, her and I agreed that a short easy run would be OK instead. Still trying to keep off my feet as recovery from the 25k. Today will be a 15 mile bike. Should be good, it's been several months since I've ridden the road bike. Looking forward to the speed and agility of it again.
So, I'm just chugging along recovering and working on other things besides running, which is quite nice!
Enjoy your Tuesdays!
Sunday, January 1, 2012
25k Done! Goal Achieved!
I did it!
Yesterday I went out ready to run. I had some trepidations about it since my training was not what it should have been. I knew I could get the distance in, but didn't know if I would be walking the last 5 miles or something. I prepared as much as I could Friday night, making my bottles, gathering my clothing and gear, so in the morning, I just had to worry about getting dressed and getting to the park to run.
And that's how it started. I got up, ate, and dressed and headed off to the park. I got to the park, and geared up, got out of the truck, and proceeded to drop my bottle right into a big patch of sand. Hoping that wasn't a sign of what was to come, I quickly got some towels out of the truck, wiped it off and started off on my run. The plan was to run 5 minutes and walk 1 minute, repeat until the 25k (15.5 miles) is complete. I also needed to make sure I didn't run too fast while doing my runs, so that I wouldn't blow up too early.
Things did start off nice and slow, the runs were good and steady, the walks were nice recoveries. The first two loops (6 miles) went by relatively quickly. I changed out my bottle and sucked down a gel and started back out again. Things were still feeling pretty good until around mile 9 or so. My legs started to tighten up, but the amount of tightness in the legs didn't increase at all for the rest of the run. Then around mile 11 I started to bonk. My nutrition wasn't quite where I should have had it. I was only eating one gel every two laps which is about an hour when I really need to have two gels an hour. After getting back to the truck and sucking down that gel and a new bottle of HEED, I was pretty good after 5 minutes.
Legs were starting to feel pretty fatigued around mile 12-13. But I was managing to keeping them going. Running, and I was even able to do sprints to pass people in tight spots on the trail. I kept going and kept going and when I was finished running for the day, I hit 15.96 miles or 25.7 km. And I did it in 2:41:03.
Not my best time, but, I completed the run and completed it running!
Now, the real training starts again.
2013... Flubber to Iron here I come!
Things did start off nice and slow, the runs were good and steady, the walks were nice recoveries. The first two loops (6 miles) went by relatively quickly. I changed out my bottle and sucked down a gel and started back out again. Things were still feeling pretty good until around mile 9 or so. My legs started to tighten up, but the amount of tightness in the legs didn't increase at all for the rest of the run. Then around mile 11 I started to bonk. My nutrition wasn't quite where I should have had it. I was only eating one gel every two laps which is about an hour when I really need to have two gels an hour. After getting back to the truck and sucking down that gel and a new bottle of HEED, I was pretty good after 5 minutes.
Legs were starting to feel pretty fatigued around mile 12-13. But I was managing to keeping them going. Running, and I was even able to do sprints to pass people in tight spots on the trail. I kept going and kept going and when I was finished running for the day, I hit 15.96 miles or 25.7 km. And I did it in 2:41:03.
Not my best time, but, I completed the run and completed it running!
Now, the real training starts again.
2013... Flubber to Iron here I come!
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Moving, Allergies and the Chaos it Causes
So, my running kind of took a bit of a hiatus.
Between moving to a new house, and starting allergy injections to get immune to that which makes me sneezy, wheezy and itchy eyes, my running has definitely suffered. The last two-three weeks there's been very little running. This past weekend I was suppose to run 12 miles, but thanks to a hit on the head that caused me to black out, I wasn't in much shape for anything let alone running.
Today, I went out for an easy six mile run and it turned into three because of the allergies that are causing me problems. Legs felt fine, but my lungs were not happy at all with it. Saturday is my 25k. My goal distance for 2011. I've decided in order to make this happen, I will skip a dosage of the allergy injection so that I'm clear of body and mind when it's time for that to happen.
I know for a fact I WILL complete the 15.5 miles. It won't be a spectacular time, because of my set backs, but it will happen. I just need to focus on the fact that I've killed 10 miles three times before not too long ago, and another 5 miles is nothing! Especially since I will be doing 5/1s to get it done.
I do need to come up with a game plan for tomorrow, Friday and Saturday for nutrition so that I don't end up having problems because of that. Shouldn't be too hard, I know how my body reacts to foods and what I need to make it work well. Then I just need to get my feet moving one in front of the other and I will be flying to my goal.
I just need to remember:
Between moving to a new house, and starting allergy injections to get immune to that which makes me sneezy, wheezy and itchy eyes, my running has definitely suffered. The last two-three weeks there's been very little running. This past weekend I was suppose to run 12 miles, but thanks to a hit on the head that caused me to black out, I wasn't in much shape for anything let alone running.
Today, I went out for an easy six mile run and it turned into three because of the allergies that are causing me problems. Legs felt fine, but my lungs were not happy at all with it. Saturday is my 25k. My goal distance for 2011. I've decided in order to make this happen, I will skip a dosage of the allergy injection so that I'm clear of body and mind when it's time for that to happen.
I know for a fact I WILL complete the 15.5 miles. It won't be a spectacular time, because of my set backs, but it will happen. I just need to focus on the fact that I've killed 10 miles three times before not too long ago, and another 5 miles is nothing! Especially since I will be doing 5/1s to get it done.
I do need to come up with a game plan for tomorrow, Friday and Saturday for nutrition so that I don't end up having problems because of that. Shouldn't be too hard, I know how my body reacts to foods and what I need to make it work well. Then I just need to get my feet moving one in front of the other and I will be flying to my goal.
I just need to remember:
- Limits are a fabrication of the mind.
- Goals are dreams with a plan.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Not Slacking... Really!
Well, I've not been really slacking. I have been getting my runs in.
I got my 12 miler done on Saturday with some good results. Again, I was running 5/1s for it, and that averaged out to being 9:06 min miles. So that is 30 second per mile faster than the 11 miles last week!
I then took out all my runs and averaged them, and that came out to 8:31 for 11.1 miles. The walks were 14:42 for 1.25 miles. So, yes I did run 12.35 miles total. I felt not too bad after wards. The legs were pretty tired but I probably could have done 15 miles if I really wanted to push it. I would have paid for it worse than I am now with just the 12, but I could have done it!
That was Saturday morning. Saturday evening, I went with the Texas Outrigger Canoe Club and helped paddled around Clear Lake for the Kemah Christmas Boat Parade. We paddled for about 2.5 hours total and I think it was around 10-12 miles that we did. Not sure for certain as my watch was turned off for about 1.5 hours.
So with those two workouts on Saturday I've been pretty sore and stiff all over from it. Yesterday I also went in for my first allergy vaccination shot. Since then I have been feeling like my allergies (cat/dog) have been trying to come through, but I think the allergy meds I'm taking are keeping it bay, so I'm in a weird state of being ready to be all sneezy, wheezy and eye itchy but it just not happening.
With that in mind, I went for another run yesterday afternoon. Tired, sore and stiff from the Saturday fun, then allergyish from the shot... It felt like a big suffer fest out there. And I felt super slow, but managed to do the 3 miles in just over 26 minutes so that wasn't too bad after all.
I have 5 miles planned tomorrow, so we shall see how that goes, shouldn't be too horrible as I will be running with a friend and that usually makes running much more tolerable.
So, I've not been slacking on my running, just slacking on my updates a bit...
I got my 12 miler done on Saturday with some good results. Again, I was running 5/1s for it, and that averaged out to being 9:06 min miles. So that is 30 second per mile faster than the 11 miles last week!
I then took out all my runs and averaged them, and that came out to 8:31 for 11.1 miles. The walks were 14:42 for 1.25 miles. So, yes I did run 12.35 miles total. I felt not too bad after wards. The legs were pretty tired but I probably could have done 15 miles if I really wanted to push it. I would have paid for it worse than I am now with just the 12, but I could have done it!
That was Saturday morning. Saturday evening, I went with the Texas Outrigger Canoe Club and helped paddled around Clear Lake for the Kemah Christmas Boat Parade. We paddled for about 2.5 hours total and I think it was around 10-12 miles that we did. Not sure for certain as my watch was turned off for about 1.5 hours.
So with those two workouts on Saturday I've been pretty sore and stiff all over from it. Yesterday I also went in for my first allergy vaccination shot. Since then I have been feeling like my allergies (cat/dog) have been trying to come through, but I think the allergy meds I'm taking are keeping it bay, so I'm in a weird state of being ready to be all sneezy, wheezy and eye itchy but it just not happening.
With that in mind, I went for another run yesterday afternoon. Tired, sore and stiff from the Saturday fun, then allergyish from the shot... It felt like a big suffer fest out there. And I felt super slow, but managed to do the 3 miles in just over 26 minutes so that wasn't too bad after all.
I have 5 miles planned tomorrow, so we shall see how that goes, shouldn't be too horrible as I will be running with a friend and that usually makes running much more tolerable.
So, I've not been slacking on my running, just slacking on my updates a bit...
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Making Ten Miles My Bitch
This morning I once again broke through that ten mile barrier.
Today, I knew I could get past it, but I still had the little doubts in my head. "Ten miles is a long way, you sure you want to?" Well, the 11.35 miles I did today, says "YES!" I still worry about running ten miles, just not as much any more. I ran it doing 5/1s, but does that mean I ran at leaset 10 miles today or did I walk some of it? Well, turns out, I actually ran 10.09 miles today. While the rest of it was walking.
The entire run took me 1:48:56, which happens to be 3 miles slower than I ran the 10.35 miles last week. Right off the bat, I not only ran further today, but ran quite a bit faster. Average pace overall was 9:36. My average pace during just my 5 minutes of runs, 9:03. There was one 5 minute interval where my pace was 11::34 but that was because I stopped off at my truck and swapped out water bottles. If I did not need to do that, then I would have had a sub 9 min average for the runs. It is all about fast transition times!
I did try to push myself a bit today, to see how it would work out. I wanted better time than I did last week, and I achieved that. Also, with this week, my legs didn't start to feel much until mile 9.25. So that's also a 1.5 mile improvement over last week. I would say that my training is going well for me. Just need to keep with it. Next week is 12 miles. I'm quite comfortable, sitting here with tired and achy legs, in saying that, 12 miles should not be an issue on Saturday at all. I probably could have pushed that out today if I really wanted to, but no need in going beyond what is prescribed and possibly doing some damage that could harm the goal.
My legs now know what 10 miles of actual running is again. They aren't hating me. My head is in a good place right now. Over all, today was a good day for breaking mental barriers and pushing physical limits. Reminds me of a quote I came up with many years ago when I first started getting into shape...
"Limitations are a fabrication of the mind"
Today, I knew I could get past it, but I still had the little doubts in my head. "Ten miles is a long way, you sure you want to?" Well, the 11.35 miles I did today, says "YES!" I still worry about running ten miles, just not as much any more. I ran it doing 5/1s, but does that mean I ran at leaset 10 miles today or did I walk some of it? Well, turns out, I actually ran 10.09 miles today. While the rest of it was walking.
The entire run took me 1:48:56, which happens to be 3 miles slower than I ran the 10.35 miles last week. Right off the bat, I not only ran further today, but ran quite a bit faster. Average pace overall was 9:36. My average pace during just my 5 minutes of runs, 9:03. There was one 5 minute interval where my pace was 11::34 but that was because I stopped off at my truck and swapped out water bottles. If I did not need to do that, then I would have had a sub 9 min average for the runs. It is all about fast transition times!
I did try to push myself a bit today, to see how it would work out. I wanted better time than I did last week, and I achieved that. Also, with this week, my legs didn't start to feel much until mile 9.25. So that's also a 1.5 mile improvement over last week. I would say that my training is going well for me. Just need to keep with it. Next week is 12 miles. I'm quite comfortable, sitting here with tired and achy legs, in saying that, 12 miles should not be an issue on Saturday at all. I probably could have pushed that out today if I really wanted to, but no need in going beyond what is prescribed and possibly doing some damage that could harm the goal.
My legs now know what 10 miles of actual running is again. They aren't hating me. My head is in a good place right now. Over all, today was a good day for breaking mental barriers and pushing physical limits. Reminds me of a quote I came up with many years ago when I first started getting into shape...
"Limitations are a fabrication of the mind"
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Easy 6 Miles... Wait. What?!
Yup. Title says it all. I went out and ran with a friend and we did an easy 6 mile run today. Not doing 5/1s or anything... A couple of breaks so we could water up. But nice and easy and completed it feeling great.
I remember towards the beginning of the year I was having problems running. I was able to do 3 miles for a while, and my goal was at least 3 miles 5 times a week. Yeah, that fell through, I'm still not running 5 times a week, that is way too agressive with all the other stuff I'm doing lately. But, it was so bad I just stopped running for several months and would go do it, and then flake, and run and flake. No real motivation to run since it was starting over, and that's always hard.
Now I'm being consistant, getting out there 3-4 times a week following my plan to get my 25k done this year on Dec 31st. And I am now at a point where I can say I went out and ran an easy 6 miles and it is! It's amazing to be able to say something like that after so many struggles through out the year that kept me out of it. But, I'm not going to let it get fully to my head. I know something can come along and derail my path here and I will have to start over, but knowing I can, and doing it so successfully now makes me think if I had to, I could.
And I'm still off the sugars since Oct 31st as well as caffeine, which was totally accidental. But, when I cut out the energy drinks, I just never replaced it with tea like I was planning on. I got too lazy to make a cup. Not sure why it was so easy this time around, no real withdrawal issues or anything, just cold turkey and it worked... So far...
Always a struggle and always staying vigilant!
I remember towards the beginning of the year I was having problems running. I was able to do 3 miles for a while, and my goal was at least 3 miles 5 times a week. Yeah, that fell through, I'm still not running 5 times a week, that is way too agressive with all the other stuff I'm doing lately. But, it was so bad I just stopped running for several months and would go do it, and then flake, and run and flake. No real motivation to run since it was starting over, and that's always hard.
Now I'm being consistant, getting out there 3-4 times a week following my plan to get my 25k done this year on Dec 31st. And I am now at a point where I can say I went out and ran an easy 6 miles and it is! It's amazing to be able to say something like that after so many struggles through out the year that kept me out of it. But, I'm not going to let it get fully to my head. I know something can come along and derail my path here and I will have to start over, but knowing I can, and doing it so successfully now makes me think if I had to, I could.
And I'm still off the sugars since Oct 31st as well as caffeine, which was totally accidental. But, when I cut out the energy drinks, I just never replaced it with tea like I was planning on. I got too lazy to make a cup. Not sure why it was so easy this time around, no real withdrawal issues or anything, just cold turkey and it worked... So far...
Always a struggle and always staying vigilant!
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Ten Mile Break Through
I'm not a runner. I can apparently run, but I don't think I have the mindset of a runner. Yet. I've been trying to be consistent on my running the past couple of months and with only a couple of minor set backs I've been able to maintain my consistency.
I believe that this is starting to show. Not only in my running times and distances, but in my mental game as well. 10 miles was always my "That is a long ass way to run" distance and as such, I always had a mental block there. This past Saturday, started off with a similar mental block. Especially since I didn't make my 8 mile run the weekend before, nor did I actually run at all leading up to the ten miles. Just a super busy week of parties, get togethers and the like which caused me to miss out on my runs. So there it is, me thinking about all the missed runs leading up to 10 miles. My Wall. The point I struggle at. I've run past it before, but it's been well over a year since the last time or two I've done it.
Because of those set backs last week, I went out with the goal of 10 miles. But with the option to cut it short if need be. I decided that the best way to accomplish this would be to head to Memorial Park and just run the loop there, so I could quit after 3 or 6 miles if need be and figured if I hit 9 miles, I will just walk if I have to, to get that 10 miles.
I set my Garmin up for my 5/1s and set off. And off I went! I had no problems at all until around 7.75 miles when my legs started to tighten a little bit. but I ran through it and finished my run with 10.35 miles in 1:43:01. Even with my 5/1 run/walk pacing I managed a 9:57 minute mile. Without the walks, my run average was 9:11. I was rather happy with that. Of course I didn't recover properly afterwards since I went to the car show here and walked around for another 3 or so hours afterwards, but still. Things are looking good! And I'm kind of looking forward to the 11 mile run scheduled for this coming Saturday.
Also, last night I ran 4 miles, nice and easy and didn't feel like I had too much residual issues from the run on Saturday. 4.13 miles in 35:56, means a 8:43 min/mile average 1) 8:52, 2) 8:35, 3) 9:01, 4) 8:21, 5) 8:53 (for the .13) So it was mostly negative splits except for mile 3, which I don't know what happened there, but still not bad!
Let I said before, I'm mentally, not a runner... Yet. But that may change soon....
I believe that this is starting to show. Not only in my running times and distances, but in my mental game as well. 10 miles was always my "That is a long ass way to run" distance and as such, I always had a mental block there. This past Saturday, started off with a similar mental block. Especially since I didn't make my 8 mile run the weekend before, nor did I actually run at all leading up to the ten miles. Just a super busy week of parties, get togethers and the like which caused me to miss out on my runs. So there it is, me thinking about all the missed runs leading up to 10 miles. My Wall. The point I struggle at. I've run past it before, but it's been well over a year since the last time or two I've done it.
Because of those set backs last week, I went out with the goal of 10 miles. But with the option to cut it short if need be. I decided that the best way to accomplish this would be to head to Memorial Park and just run the loop there, so I could quit after 3 or 6 miles if need be and figured if I hit 9 miles, I will just walk if I have to, to get that 10 miles.
I set my Garmin up for my 5/1s and set off. And off I went! I had no problems at all until around 7.75 miles when my legs started to tighten a little bit. but I ran through it and finished my run with 10.35 miles in 1:43:01. Even with my 5/1 run/walk pacing I managed a 9:57 minute mile. Without the walks, my run average was 9:11. I was rather happy with that. Of course I didn't recover properly afterwards since I went to the car show here and walked around for another 3 or so hours afterwards, but still. Things are looking good! And I'm kind of looking forward to the 11 mile run scheduled for this coming Saturday.
Also, last night I ran 4 miles, nice and easy and didn't feel like I had too much residual issues from the run on Saturday. 4.13 miles in 35:56, means a 8:43 min/mile average 1) 8:52, 2) 8:35, 3) 9:01, 4) 8:21, 5) 8:53 (for the .13) So it was mostly negative splits except for mile 3, which I don't know what happened there, but still not bad!
Let I said before, I'm mentally, not a runner... Yet. But that may change soon....
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Bad Nutrition = Bad Run
Yesterday, went to the Texas Renaissance Festival, which is always a lot of fun. Great shows, interesting people to watch and yummy yummy bad foods. This year, I was trying to be good and not eat too much crap food. And I was quite successful at it. I had one spiced almond (free sample), some fried alligator on a stick, a gyro, and a sausage on a stick. Based on years past, this is a VAST improvement on how I would normally gorge myself stupid there. For drinking, I had one beer and some mead, so again, not bad.
While that was not all that bad, that is ALL I had to eat and drink through out the day. Obviously, firstly, not enough hydration, since I didn't have anything to drink aside the beer and mead. Definitely should have had some water throughout the day. And I knew I should have, but I didn't. And I also didn't really eat much more than that food either throughout the day. Definitely, not enough to fuel my body correctly.
This all showed up today during my run today. Went out to run 8 miles in the trails doing 5/1s. I got 2.5 miles in and my legs were feeling pretty dead already. Not looking good at all! It's not from lack of rest, I slept almost 12 hours last night (was very tired and apparently needed that sleep!) I had a little bit to eat and drink before I went out for the run, but apparently my glycogen levels were very depleted. I managed to run 4.5 miles and then had to stop, legs were not able to give me any more, so I walked the last quarter mile back to the truck.
This definitely shows me how important nutrition really is. The run wasn't horrible, wasn't even bad. Just had legs that didn't want to work because they were depleted. Will definitely have to keep this in mind when I'm out there doing fun things again. I know I can enjoy some of the bad foods out there, but also need to combine it with the good foods and be sure to drink plenty of hydrating liquids to make sure the body is fueled and ready to be used to it's fullest capabilities at all time. This way I don't have problems with having fun and then running the next day like this again.
This week will be a challenge with Thanksgiving on Thursday. Lots of yummy foods, both good and bad and so it will be a challenge to not gorge myself on either kinds and stay healthy and ready to run on Saturday!
While that was not all that bad, that is ALL I had to eat and drink through out the day. Obviously, firstly, not enough hydration, since I didn't have anything to drink aside the beer and mead. Definitely should have had some water throughout the day. And I knew I should have, but I didn't. And I also didn't really eat much more than that food either throughout the day. Definitely, not enough to fuel my body correctly.
This all showed up today during my run today. Went out to run 8 miles in the trails doing 5/1s. I got 2.5 miles in and my legs were feeling pretty dead already. Not looking good at all! It's not from lack of rest, I slept almost 12 hours last night (was very tired and apparently needed that sleep!) I had a little bit to eat and drink before I went out for the run, but apparently my glycogen levels were very depleted. I managed to run 4.5 miles and then had to stop, legs were not able to give me any more, so I walked the last quarter mile back to the truck.
This definitely shows me how important nutrition really is. The run wasn't horrible, wasn't even bad. Just had legs that didn't want to work because they were depleted. Will definitely have to keep this in mind when I'm out there doing fun things again. I know I can enjoy some of the bad foods out there, but also need to combine it with the good foods and be sure to drink plenty of hydrating liquids to make sure the body is fueled and ready to be used to it's fullest capabilities at all time. This way I don't have problems with having fun and then running the next day like this again.
This week will be a challenge with Thanksgiving on Thursday. Lots of yummy foods, both good and bad and so it will be a challenge to not gorge myself on either kinds and stay healthy and ready to run on Saturday!
Friday, November 18, 2011
A Week of Confusion.
What an interesting week this has been. Started off on Monday with my 5k TT so I could take a measure of where I am so I can see some progress.
I also had a one pound weight gain, and 3% body fat loss. Which for me meant I gained 7 pounds of muscle. That seemed odd to me, so I just stuck with what I was doing and waited for today to see what the scale would say. I'm taking these measurements on the same scale, and so it should be a bit more consistent.
As you can see, Monday was a strange day there.
My 5K TT was just as strange. I had an average pace of 8:18 min/mile. Which I was a little bit disappointed with as I was hoping for closer to 8:00-8:05 or something. But I did have some struggles with my stomach on it, as such, I took it in stride (pun intended!)
Last night, I went for a 3 mile run, which is only .1 mile shorter than 5k. I went out to do a nice easy run to loosen up a bit and see how things felt after the core workout in the morning, and the 4 mile run I did on Wednesday. I also went in yesterday morning to the Asthma and Allergy specialist and they poked me 64 times with various things to see if I have any allergies I should be made aware of and the only ones that came up were cat and dog (knew about the cat one, but not the dog one.) Anyways, I went out nice and easy, not breathing too hard or anything, and the first mile ticked off, I didn't look at the watch as I didn't really want to know, it was an easy run. I didn't want to start getting competitive with myself.
I finished the run, and saw the time: 23:35.88
Wait. What?! How was that possible? It was an easy run, I wasn't breathing hard at all! So I got home and dumped the data. Yeah. First two miles I averaged 7:55 minute miles. The third mile was 7:41 minute mile. So the average for the three miles was 7:51. My average pace over all was 25 seconds a mile FASTER on this easy run. My average heart rate was 173.
How can one go out, with the mind set to run as fast as they can, and be so much slower than going out for an easy run? This I don't know.
But I do know, if this is the case, I am getting slower closer to my speeds I was at back in 2007/2008, and I like it.
I also had a one pound weight gain, and 3% body fat loss. Which for me meant I gained 7 pounds of muscle. That seemed odd to me, so I just stuck with what I was doing and waited for today to see what the scale would say. I'm taking these measurements on the same scale, and so it should be a bit more consistent.
- Tue 11/08 - 224.8 Pounds 23.4% Body Fat
- Fri 11/11 - 224.6 Pounds 23.8% Body Fat
- Mon 11/14 - 225.2 Pounds 20.9% Body Fat
- Fri 11/18 - 222.2 Pounds 23.1% Body Fat
As you can see, Monday was a strange day there.
My 5K TT was just as strange. I had an average pace of 8:18 min/mile. Which I was a little bit disappointed with as I was hoping for closer to 8:00-8:05 or something. But I did have some struggles with my stomach on it, as such, I took it in stride (pun intended!)
Last night, I went for a 3 mile run, which is only .1 mile shorter than 5k. I went out to do a nice easy run to loosen up a bit and see how things felt after the core workout in the morning, and the 4 mile run I did on Wednesday. I also went in yesterday morning to the Asthma and Allergy specialist and they poked me 64 times with various things to see if I have any allergies I should be made aware of and the only ones that came up were cat and dog (knew about the cat one, but not the dog one.) Anyways, I went out nice and easy, not breathing too hard or anything, and the first mile ticked off, I didn't look at the watch as I didn't really want to know, it was an easy run. I didn't want to start getting competitive with myself.
I finished the run, and saw the time: 23:35.88
Wait. What?! How was that possible? It was an easy run, I wasn't breathing hard at all! So I got home and dumped the data. Yeah. First two miles I averaged 7:55 minute miles. The third mile was 7:41 minute mile. So the average for the three miles was 7:51. My average pace over all was 25 seconds a mile FASTER on this easy run. My average heart rate was 173.
How can one go out, with the mind set to run as fast as they can, and be so much slower than going out for an easy run? This I don't know.
But I do know, if this is the case, I am getting slower closer to my speeds I was at back in 2007/2008, and I like it.
Monday, November 14, 2011
5k TT and Disappointments
Today I had planned to do a 5k time trial run. This is so I can figure out where I am currently, and watch my progress over the next month when I have another one scheduled on my training program.
Over the 5k (3.1 miles) I averaged 8:18 min/mile pace. I was really hoping for something closer to 8:00. I did have some stomach issues while I was out there, basically it felt like my stomach was punching itself which I think was due to various pills (vitamins, Advil, etc) I popped too close to the run time. Next time, I will take the vitamins, etc after the run so that they won't interfere. I haven't run a 5k TT in years, and last time I don't remember my time, just that it was between 21-22 minutes.
I was looking back at my various runs over the last several months. Most of them were easy when I run the jogging path at Memorial Park, and then I stumbled across one I did in early October, where I ran 3 miles with a 8:24 min/mile pace. That kind of stung. How was I able to run that fast with out really trying? And yet when I was trying I barely did better? One of the things was the stomach issue that's for sure. I had to stop to a walk for about 15 seconds twice to try to set aside the pain. I'm thinking the another thing, was I had a super busy weekend. I ran 5.5 miles on Saturday morning, where I didn't use 5/1s. Simply because I forgot until after the first mile and decided to go with it. That was a surprisingly quick run from and I was quite happy with it.
After that run, I went mountain biking, which I was feeling the run while pedaling around. So, the legs were well worked on Saturday. Sunday, I went outrigger canoeing. Not a leg workout but definitely a back workout. And last time I had planned the 5k TT I had to stop because it was a day after an OC practice and my back gave out. Today, I did feel my back a little bit, so I had prepared for it with a super hot shower and stretching, and Advil (yeah those pills I popped too soon to running time.) I think if I ease off the weekend activities just before the TT, then I should have better times. Plus, with all the training I'm putting in between now and then to get myself back into shape, I am hoping for something better.
Am I disappointed about this run? Sure. But it was a learning experience like always and I know what not to do next time and as well, what to try. I do think I am on some correct tracks though with nutrition and the training, just need to keep at it and keep an eye on things.
Over the 5k (3.1 miles) I averaged 8:18 min/mile pace. I was really hoping for something closer to 8:00. I did have some stomach issues while I was out there, basically it felt like my stomach was punching itself which I think was due to various pills (vitamins, Advil, etc) I popped too close to the run time. Next time, I will take the vitamins, etc after the run so that they won't interfere. I haven't run a 5k TT in years, and last time I don't remember my time, just that it was between 21-22 minutes.
I was looking back at my various runs over the last several months. Most of them were easy when I run the jogging path at Memorial Park, and then I stumbled across one I did in early October, where I ran 3 miles with a 8:24 min/mile pace. That kind of stung. How was I able to run that fast with out really trying? And yet when I was trying I barely did better? One of the things was the stomach issue that's for sure. I had to stop to a walk for about 15 seconds twice to try to set aside the pain. I'm thinking the another thing, was I had a super busy weekend. I ran 5.5 miles on Saturday morning, where I didn't use 5/1s. Simply because I forgot until after the first mile and decided to go with it. That was a surprisingly quick run from and I was quite happy with it.
After that run, I went mountain biking, which I was feeling the run while pedaling around. So, the legs were well worked on Saturday. Sunday, I went outrigger canoeing. Not a leg workout but definitely a back workout. And last time I had planned the 5k TT I had to stop because it was a day after an OC practice and my back gave out. Today, I did feel my back a little bit, so I had prepared for it with a super hot shower and stretching, and Advil (yeah those pills I popped too soon to running time.) I think if I ease off the weekend activities just before the TT, then I should have better times. Plus, with all the training I'm putting in between now and then to get myself back into shape, I am hoping for something better.
Am I disappointed about this run? Sure. But it was a learning experience like always and I know what not to do next time and as well, what to try. I do think I am on some correct tracks though with nutrition and the training, just need to keep at it and keep an eye on things.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Rough Week
I had a bunch of goals set for November, after a successful October, but this was cut short because of several things going on. First, was my fridge flaking out on me. This meant I had no means of keeping foods after cooking and had to toss a bunch out. This makes it hard to cook ahead and stay healthy. Second was/is work. I don't normally let work get too involved in my non-work time, but the last several weeks it's been hard with two weeks of training and then a major planned power outage at work today. That meant I couldn't plan on anything this weekend for getting out and doing stuff as I don't know when I go in or for how long. Yesterday I got there at 6:45am and left at 11:15pm, then didn't know if I was coming in today in the morning or evening when the power comes back. As it turns out, it will be this evening.
Because of that it's been hard to keep up with my work outs and eating. But, I have been not too bad with eating and making good choices by going to the grocery stores and getting chicken and salads and veggies for lunches while at work. I did have pizza last night, but it was ordered in for the group of us working and I didn't gorge too badly on it. And I had some gnocchi for breakfast today, as it was thawed out from the fridge and needed eating. And some mexican food as well today, grilled chicken with onions, mushrooms and cheese, with rice and beans. So not great, but I never over ate and don't feel bad about doing it. I know the coming week will also be a challenge as I need to get back to working out and eating healthy and restocking my fridge.
All in all, it wasn't a bad first week of November for my goals, not meeting them all, but still meeting some of them. Again, this goes back to my thinking that goals need to be flexible since you never know what life is going to throw your way and you just have to go with the flow and do your best.
Because of that it's been hard to keep up with my work outs and eating. But, I have been not too bad with eating and making good choices by going to the grocery stores and getting chicken and salads and veggies for lunches while at work. I did have pizza last night, but it was ordered in for the group of us working and I didn't gorge too badly on it. And I had some gnocchi for breakfast today, as it was thawed out from the fridge and needed eating. And some mexican food as well today, grilled chicken with onions, mushrooms and cheese, with rice and beans. So not great, but I never over ate and don't feel bad about doing it. I know the coming week will also be a challenge as I need to get back to working out and eating healthy and restocking my fridge.
All in all, it wasn't a bad first week of November for my goals, not meeting them all, but still meeting some of them. Again, this goes back to my thinking that goals need to be flexible since you never know what life is going to throw your way and you just have to go with the flow and do your best.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Goals: Flexible or Not?
Today I had a goal to run 8 miles. I woke up this morning feeling a bit cruddy, so I adjusted my goal to run 5 miles and see how I feel. The weather here in Houston is awesome currently. As I headed out, the temps were in the low 50s. After a summer of record weather: most days in the 100s, highest temperatures, no rain, to name a few; these cooler temps which wouldn't feel that cold in years past but this morning it felt cold to me. I don't know if it was because I was feeling cruddy, or just not use to the temps for so long but I was feeling the cold this morning, so I waited a bit before going out when I had planned to. Another goal, running by 8.
So, for those keeping track, that's two goals today alone: 8 miles, and running by 8. I didn't make either goal, I adjusted them. I ended up getting to my run around 10:20 and ran around 6.4 miles. So, I guess I technically made the adjusted goal of run 5 miles and see how I felt. At mile 5 I was feeling a bit tight in the legs so knew I should push past it too much further, but I also was in the back of the trails when that happened so running back was the only option I had.
As disappointing as not running 8 miles should have been since I didn't make that goal, it was one of the most enjoyable runs I've ever had. For me, this means more than reaching any goal, original or adjusted. It's documented quite well how much I'm not a fan of running. So any time I have an enjoyable run, I think that trumps any goals I have. And since this was the most enjoyable this counts as a good run. And I will take it.
This brings up the question. Should goals be flexible? I mean, I didn't reach my goals as I wanted, but still feel great about the run. I didn't make the 8 miles which means I'm behind on the training I am trying to accomplish, but does that much? Will next weeks run goal (10 miles) be achievable because I had a good run this week even though it was 1.6 miles short? I guess I will find out next week!
Why all this talk about goals now? I came across a revelation recently. I set myself a goal for the month of October to not eat out at a restaurant all month. Now, I didn't reach that goal because I did eat out a couple of times, but much less than I normally do, which had a surprising effect on my bank account. So, even though I didn't reach the goal, I had positive results. This has got me to thinking that I really need to start creating myself more proper goals. I always say "my goal is whatever" and although I say that, I don't actually make it happen. I once saw a sign that said "Goals are dreams with a plan."
Time to start planning out my dreams and turning them into goals.
So, for those keeping track, that's two goals today alone: 8 miles, and running by 8. I didn't make either goal, I adjusted them. I ended up getting to my run around 10:20 and ran around 6.4 miles. So, I guess I technically made the adjusted goal of run 5 miles and see how I felt. At mile 5 I was feeling a bit tight in the legs so knew I should push past it too much further, but I also was in the back of the trails when that happened so running back was the only option I had.
As disappointing as not running 8 miles should have been since I didn't make that goal, it was one of the most enjoyable runs I've ever had. For me, this means more than reaching any goal, original or adjusted. It's documented quite well how much I'm not a fan of running. So any time I have an enjoyable run, I think that trumps any goals I have. And since this was the most enjoyable this counts as a good run. And I will take it.
This brings up the question. Should goals be flexible? I mean, I didn't reach my goals as I wanted, but still feel great about the run. I didn't make the 8 miles which means I'm behind on the training I am trying to accomplish, but does that much? Will next weeks run goal (10 miles) be achievable because I had a good run this week even though it was 1.6 miles short? I guess I will find out next week!
Why all this talk about goals now? I came across a revelation recently. I set myself a goal for the month of October to not eat out at a restaurant all month. Now, I didn't reach that goal because I did eat out a couple of times, but much less than I normally do, which had a surprising effect on my bank account. So, even though I didn't reach the goal, I had positive results. This has got me to thinking that I really need to start creating myself more proper goals. I always say "my goal is whatever" and although I say that, I don't actually make it happen. I once saw a sign that said "Goals are dreams with a plan."
Time to start planning out my dreams and turning them into goals.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Addictions and Distractions
Yes. I know. I need to be better at writing up here. But, I have really bad excuses for not doing it. "Tomorrow" "Nothing good to write." "blah blah blah."
Anyways.
So, the last couple weeks I've been in training for work. Basically 8 hour days in front of a computer in a hot conference room. Sitting around eating bad foods and coming out totally unenergized. So, I have not ridden my bike. I have not ran since last Wednesday. I did partake in some Dragon Boat races on Saturday though. So I have not been a complete slug. I was suppose to run 4 miles Monday, but did not as I was suppose to head to Clear Lake for a birthday celebration, but did not because traffic was horrible. So instead, went for a burger and beer.
Yesterday I was suppose to run 4 miles, to make up for the four missed on Monday, but got out of training zombiefied and so, I didn't.
I've been eating like crap because it is free food and well, free food when you are low on money is a good thing! This week I have been making better choices (no chips, extra fruit cups) but I still find myself buying and eating sugar loaded pies, cakes, what have you with out thinking about it until after the fact. This is something I continuously fight with. I keep trying to find that zone that I was in several years ago when I did not have any sugar related items for a couple of years, but it continuously eludes me.
I keep trying to get on the Paleo Diet which I have done before for a couple of months and had great success with it, but then I fell off that fairly hard and just haven't been able to get back on there. Right now, the hard part is because of these distractions at work of free meals. But luckily for me they end this week and I can get back into a schedule next week that I'm familiar with for work outs and eating.
The title is "Addictions and Distractions" and I have discovered they go hand in hand. My addiction to sugar is amplified by distractions to being healthy. The less active I am and the poorer my food choices are, the more I crave the sugary, chocolaty foods. Right now my distractions in life are this this training for work. It will end soon and I can better refocus myself against the addictions again. I will also attempt to get back on the Paleo wagon again once I have time to start cooking and getting things ready. I have always been trying to do it cold turkey. Cutting out the dairy, grains and other processed foods all at once, but this time I am thinking about doing it in sections. Cut out dairy first, then grains, then processed foods (or some order of the three.)
Right now I have been doing "enough" to maintain my weight, which is not a good thing, as if I cut out the extra calories I mindlessly consume (damn you chocolate fudge pies!) I would probably drop weight very fast, with the running I am doing.
Speaking of running. That has been going not too bad all things considered. I have been fairly good at being consistent with it (up until the last two weeks) and so my distances and speeds have improved quite a bit. I have been happy with it and am looking forward to getting back into it so I can continue to improve. The running goal right now is to get up to 15 miles for two long runs, then I can ease off and reintroduce resistance training. I feel this will help me maintain the distance and speed and also rebuild some lost muscle mass, which will in turn help me burn more fat in a healthy manner. Plus, 15 miles has always been my goal distance to have at a moments notice. "Want to go run a 25k this weekend?" Sure! I can do that without thinking! So, we shall see how that goes over the next month as I'm about that far away from getting there!
Until next time (hopefully much sooner than last time!)
Anyways.
So, the last couple weeks I've been in training for work. Basically 8 hour days in front of a computer in a hot conference room. Sitting around eating bad foods and coming out totally unenergized. So, I have not ridden my bike. I have not ran since last Wednesday. I did partake in some Dragon Boat races on Saturday though. So I have not been a complete slug. I was suppose to run 4 miles Monday, but did not as I was suppose to head to Clear Lake for a birthday celebration, but did not because traffic was horrible. So instead, went for a burger and beer.
Yesterday I was suppose to run 4 miles, to make up for the four missed on Monday, but got out of training zombiefied and so, I didn't.
I've been eating like crap because it is free food and well, free food when you are low on money is a good thing! This week I have been making better choices (no chips, extra fruit cups) but I still find myself buying and eating sugar loaded pies, cakes, what have you with out thinking about it until after the fact. This is something I continuously fight with. I keep trying to find that zone that I was in several years ago when I did not have any sugar related items for a couple of years, but it continuously eludes me.
I keep trying to get on the Paleo Diet which I have done before for a couple of months and had great success with it, but then I fell off that fairly hard and just haven't been able to get back on there. Right now, the hard part is because of these distractions at work of free meals. But luckily for me they end this week and I can get back into a schedule next week that I'm familiar with for work outs and eating.
The title is "Addictions and Distractions" and I have discovered they go hand in hand. My addiction to sugar is amplified by distractions to being healthy. The less active I am and the poorer my food choices are, the more I crave the sugary, chocolaty foods. Right now my distractions in life are this this training for work. It will end soon and I can better refocus myself against the addictions again. I will also attempt to get back on the Paleo wagon again once I have time to start cooking and getting things ready. I have always been trying to do it cold turkey. Cutting out the dairy, grains and other processed foods all at once, but this time I am thinking about doing it in sections. Cut out dairy first, then grains, then processed foods (or some order of the three.)
Right now I have been doing "enough" to maintain my weight, which is not a good thing, as if I cut out the extra calories I mindlessly consume (damn you chocolate fudge pies!) I would probably drop weight very fast, with the running I am doing.
Speaking of running. That has been going not too bad all things considered. I have been fairly good at being consistent with it (up until the last two weeks) and so my distances and speeds have improved quite a bit. I have been happy with it and am looking forward to getting back into it so I can continue to improve. The running goal right now is to get up to 15 miles for two long runs, then I can ease off and reintroduce resistance training. I feel this will help me maintain the distance and speed and also rebuild some lost muscle mass, which will in turn help me burn more fat in a healthy manner. Plus, 15 miles has always been my goal distance to have at a moments notice. "Want to go run a 25k this weekend?" Sure! I can do that without thinking! So, we shall see how that goes over the next month as I'm about that far away from getting there!
Until next time (hopefully much sooner than last time!)
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Coming Back!
Hey hey hey... (Always reminds me of Fat Albert)
So here it is, many many many months since I last posted. There have been some ups and a whole lot of downs since then, mostly why I have not posted. But things are slowly creeping their way back up again. I have been back to training, and getting more and more happening there. Third week and this is my first week where my morning workouts (yes, I know it is only Tuesday, but I am 2/2!) have actually fully happened.
Been working on my biking, as I was asked to be a part of a triathlon relay as the biker for it. So, decided that was a good place to start. I have my hard workout tonight which last week, after I was done, well, never finished, because it was the closest I have come to vomiting ever in a work out. It is a rough one! Basically it is 50 minutes long. 5 minute warm up with a cadence around 85-95. Then I spin up to 100-125rpm. Then 5 min rest at 85-95. I do 5 repeats of that. Then, a 10 minute cool down afterwards. Ouch.
I have noticed though after my run yesterday that these spin ups actually sped up my cadence on my run as well. So I had some extra speedy feet last night! I do not know my stats from last night as I have not uploaded them yet, but I know my first mile was sub 8:30 which is quite painful for someone that has not been running much lately and caused me to be super slow on the next two miles! Ended up with a 27:30ish time for 3 miles, so not horrible and a good start!
I have been doing weekly trail runs with a friend as well. I am sure these runs have helped with the running, but we do 5/1s and last night I was not doing 5/1s. But I could tell I had been training for them, as I kept wondering when I could start walking!
Eating wise, yeah, a different story. I have not been good at all here. I am trying to behave and go back to eating Paleo like. But, it is a struggle as I try to find some foods that I can cook in batches so I do not have to worry about cooking during the week. The main problem is breakfasts. Always so rushed in the mornings, that I end up eating from the cafeteria and I have managed to limit the damage there, still would prefer not to (not only for the waistline but the wallet line!)
Anyways, that is the update for today, and I will be back sooner than last time! Promise!
Enjoy!
So here it is, many many many months since I last posted. There have been some ups and a whole lot of downs since then, mostly why I have not posted. But things are slowly creeping their way back up again. I have been back to training, and getting more and more happening there. Third week and this is my first week where my morning workouts (yes, I know it is only Tuesday, but I am 2/2!) have actually fully happened.
Been working on my biking, as I was asked to be a part of a triathlon relay as the biker for it. So, decided that was a good place to start. I have my hard workout tonight which last week, after I was done, well, never finished, because it was the closest I have come to vomiting ever in a work out. It is a rough one! Basically it is 50 minutes long. 5 minute warm up with a cadence around 85-95. Then I spin up to 100-125rpm. Then 5 min rest at 85-95. I do 5 repeats of that. Then, a 10 minute cool down afterwards. Ouch.
I have noticed though after my run yesterday that these spin ups actually sped up my cadence on my run as well. So I had some extra speedy feet last night! I do not know my stats from last night as I have not uploaded them yet, but I know my first mile was sub 8:30 which is quite painful for someone that has not been running much lately and caused me to be super slow on the next two miles! Ended up with a 27:30ish time for 3 miles, so not horrible and a good start!
I have been doing weekly trail runs with a friend as well. I am sure these runs have helped with the running, but we do 5/1s and last night I was not doing 5/1s. But I could tell I had been training for them, as I kept wondering when I could start walking!
Eating wise, yeah, a different story. I have not been good at all here. I am trying to behave and go back to eating Paleo like. But, it is a struggle as I try to find some foods that I can cook in batches so I do not have to worry about cooking during the week. The main problem is breakfasts. Always so rushed in the mornings, that I end up eating from the cafeteria and I have managed to limit the damage there, still would prefer not to (not only for the waistline but the wallet line!)
Anyways, that is the update for today, and I will be back sooner than last time! Promise!
Enjoy!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Biking - Good and Bad
So I've been putting time in on the bike. Doing the Shiner GASP in May has got me a bit motivated which is good. I've been using my mountain bike lately because I need repairs on the road bike which I can't really afford right now. And unfortunately turns out the mountain bike needs some repairs too, and I just got it back from the shop, so I will be taking it back in tomorrow to see what's up. Just some loose spokes so it shouldn't be a big deal, but still. So that's the bad.
Anyways, today I was suppose to ride an easy 15 miles with a friend. But he got a migraine and so canceled out. No worries, I headed to MP myself and was thinking about my workouts this week and how they just won't fit into the schedule too well because of other things going on. I started thinking about doing more than the 15 miles so my Thursday ride can be shorter since I'm busy that day. But after the first 5 miles, I realized how fast I was going and decided to keep the tempo going and see just how fast I could do the 15 in on the mountain bike. Then as I got closer to the 15, I decided to up it to one hour to see how far I can go in one hour at a good tempo. And as it turns out I managed 17.32 miles. Which is not a bad speed for the mountain bike and for me being out of shape! I can totally see me getting quite a bit faster with the consistent training. After that, I spun easy for another 9 miles, so got a total of 26ish in tonight. Meaning Thursday will technically only need to be 15 miles, but I might just do 5 since it's St Patrick's day and I'm going to be hanging out at Howl (You should come out! Tell them Steve sent you to get in free and a couple cheapo drinks!)
This past Saturday I put in 30 miles and that felt pretty good until I got off the bike. My legs and butt just didn't want to move around too much, but after a nice hot shower things became flexible again and I was good.
I've also started doing weights again last week. And I'm noticing improvements already on that. So that's also motivating. I'm suppose to do it tomorrow but Wednesdays are optional, if I get up and feel good or feel good after work then I will do it, if not, I will do it on Friday, which is not an optional day.
So things on this front are seeming to be pretty good.
Now if I can get the rest of my life cleaned up like this, it would great. Latest truck news, someone tried to break into it. They failed but they screwed up the passenger door lock. So that will have to be replaced once I can save up the money for that. My poor truck... Always getting beat up on.
Anyways, today I was suppose to ride an easy 15 miles with a friend. But he got a migraine and so canceled out. No worries, I headed to MP myself and was thinking about my workouts this week and how they just won't fit into the schedule too well because of other things going on. I started thinking about doing more than the 15 miles so my Thursday ride can be shorter since I'm busy that day. But after the first 5 miles, I realized how fast I was going and decided to keep the tempo going and see just how fast I could do the 15 in on the mountain bike. Then as I got closer to the 15, I decided to up it to one hour to see how far I can go in one hour at a good tempo. And as it turns out I managed 17.32 miles. Which is not a bad speed for the mountain bike and for me being out of shape! I can totally see me getting quite a bit faster with the consistent training. After that, I spun easy for another 9 miles, so got a total of 26ish in tonight. Meaning Thursday will technically only need to be 15 miles, but I might just do 5 since it's St Patrick's day and I'm going to be hanging out at Howl (You should come out! Tell them Steve sent you to get in free and a couple cheapo drinks!)
This past Saturday I put in 30 miles and that felt pretty good until I got off the bike. My legs and butt just didn't want to move around too much, but after a nice hot shower things became flexible again and I was good.
I've also started doing weights again last week. And I'm noticing improvements already on that. So that's also motivating. I'm suppose to do it tomorrow but Wednesdays are optional, if I get up and feel good or feel good after work then I will do it, if not, I will do it on Friday, which is not an optional day.
So things on this front are seeming to be pretty good.
Now if I can get the rest of my life cleaned up like this, it would great. Latest truck news, someone tried to break into it. They failed but they screwed up the passenger door lock. So that will have to be replaced once I can save up the money for that. My poor truck... Always getting beat up on.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
I'm still here...
Don't know if anyone really reads this, but I am still here.
I was kind of down and out with a sickness the last two weeks. But I'm getting back into the swing of things now.
Yesterday I realized I have less than ten weeks left before Shiner GASP (a 100 mile bike ride from Austin to Shiner.) This prompted me to get a biking schedule figured out. So for the next 9+ weeks I have biking three times a week, trying to get my mileage up to where I need it to be so I can enjoy the ride. I could probably survive it now, but yeah, enjoying it would be much better.
With that, I will be adding some strength training as well, trying to get my lean muscle back. This sitting around doing nothing has definitely put a toll on my body that it's not use to, and it's time to get things back to where they need to be.
I still need to get my sugar addiction under control. I had a good couple of days this week, but then fell backwards yesterday. ... Interestingly (just now thought of this) yesterday was the only day this week I didn't have my smoothie for breakfast. If it's helping me stay away from those other things, I need to redouble my effort to making sure I have a morning smoothie every day.
Will start posting my frequently again now that I'm getting back into things...
I was kind of down and out with a sickness the last two weeks. But I'm getting back into the swing of things now.
Yesterday I realized I have less than ten weeks left before Shiner GASP (a 100 mile bike ride from Austin to Shiner.) This prompted me to get a biking schedule figured out. So for the next 9+ weeks I have biking three times a week, trying to get my mileage up to where I need it to be so I can enjoy the ride. I could probably survive it now, but yeah, enjoying it would be much better.
With that, I will be adding some strength training as well, trying to get my lean muscle back. This sitting around doing nothing has definitely put a toll on my body that it's not use to, and it's time to get things back to where they need to be.
I still need to get my sugar addiction under control. I had a good couple of days this week, but then fell backwards yesterday. ... Interestingly (just now thought of this) yesterday was the only day this week I didn't have my smoothie for breakfast. If it's helping me stay away from those other things, I need to redouble my effort to making sure I have a morning smoothie every day.
Will start posting my frequently again now that I'm getting back into things...
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Still Struggling
There hasn't been much to post about lately. I've been on the bike a couple of times, but that's about it. Still struggling with my bad eating habits as they go down hill as well still.
Trying to dig myself out of this whole I seem to be burying myself in. Probably won't be posting much over the next couple of weeks still as I work my way through this.
Trying to dig myself out of this whole I seem to be burying myself in. Probably won't be posting much over the next couple of weeks still as I work my way through this.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Rough Week - Hard Times to Come
Here it is Friday around noon. I've not run at all this week. So the goal for this week is not going to be met. I'm OK with that. I've stepped back and noticed some other things that need to be paid attention to right now.
Running isn't one of my favorite things. I need to work to get myself out there. This week has been rough because of dealing with truck problems, bike problems, and as of last night phone problems. So with all this other stuff going on, I can't get the energy to get myself out to run.
I'm an emotional eater. When things start getting bad, I will eat. I will eat things that don't taste great, and are bad for me. When things get really rough, I gain weight. Which, in turn, makes me depressed more, and the cycle becomes a spiral and heads downward quickly. It then becomes hard to break out of.
This is where I'm at now. In the spiral. I know this. I know what needs to be done to stop all of this from continuing on. But, it's hard to break that spiral. Emotions is stronger than logic (try arguing with someone who is very emotionally upset about something, using logic.)
I don't want to be here, in this spiral. It makes me tired, lazy, fatter and just all around unhappy. There is a lot I want to do this year and next, but this spiral is pointed the wrong direction to make this happen...
I am declaring war. War on my health. Mental. Emotional. Physical. It's all getting a make over and attitude adjustment. This weekend the war plan will be formulated and the execution of said plan will commence immediately forth with!
Some people have said my previous posts were kind of rough on myself. I reread them and didn't think they were rough at all. And I don't think this one is rough on me either. It's the simple truth of where I'm at, and what needs to be done to fix things. I'm not upset at myself, I just know now is the time to make the changes needed to find the happy Steve that dwells inside.
Running isn't one of my favorite things. I need to work to get myself out there. This week has been rough because of dealing with truck problems, bike problems, and as of last night phone problems. So with all this other stuff going on, I can't get the energy to get myself out to run.
I'm an emotional eater. When things start getting bad, I will eat. I will eat things that don't taste great, and are bad for me. When things get really rough, I gain weight. Which, in turn, makes me depressed more, and the cycle becomes a spiral and heads downward quickly. It then becomes hard to break out of.
This is where I'm at now. In the spiral. I know this. I know what needs to be done to stop all of this from continuing on. But, it's hard to break that spiral. Emotions is stronger than logic (try arguing with someone who is very emotionally upset about something, using logic.)
I don't want to be here, in this spiral. It makes me tired, lazy, fatter and just all around unhappy. There is a lot I want to do this year and next, but this spiral is pointed the wrong direction to make this happen...
I am declaring war. War on my health. Mental. Emotional. Physical. It's all getting a make over and attitude adjustment. This weekend the war plan will be formulated and the execution of said plan will commence immediately forth with!
Some people have said my previous posts were kind of rough on myself. I reread them and didn't think they were rough at all. And I don't think this one is rough on me either. It's the simple truth of where I'm at, and what needs to be done to fix things. I'm not upset at myself, I just know now is the time to make the changes needed to find the happy Steve that dwells inside.
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