Awesome rung with CTC Marathon Training Team today at Green Springs Historic Landmark District. The historic district is a collection of farms from dating back pre-civil war with huge pastures, farm lands and awesome views. The course was a number of out and backs that I pieced together to get 11Miles in on a relatively flat gravel course.
My goal was to slow down and run 11 easy miles at 9:30pace, but I was able to run with a few different groups that where at 8:50pace. It felt pretty comfortable so I stayed with it. My last 3 Miles were pretty much on my own and I fell off the pace back to the 9:30.
This was the best long run I have had in a number of weeks, I was able to complete it all without walking. The temperatures was good and limited humidity. I do like running on gravel but the white running shoes I started with are now a powder gray.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Today's Run - 7/29
I was not able to run this morning and was happy that a rain storm came in and cooled off the temps and humidity this afternoon leaving the conditions perfect for a late day run. Although tired from work and baby care I headed out after dinner. I was hoping to get in about 5miles, but due to darkness I called it at ~3.9miles with an average pace of 8:31/mile.
My mileage is increasing and I am doing on target to average ~25miles/week for the last 3 Weeks. This is well up from my 15mile/week average in the past 3months. I hope that I am not increasing too fast. I have an unsubstantiated fear that I am behind on my training. I am still finding the long runs to be very challenging, primarily because I am running at a faster pace which is difficult to maintain over the longer distances. I will work to slow my pace on my run this weekend.
My mileage is increasing and I am doing on target to average ~25miles/week for the last 3 Weeks. This is well up from my 15mile/week average in the past 3months. I hope that I am not increasing too fast. I have an unsubstantiated fear that I am behind on my training. I am still finding the long runs to be very challenging, primarily because I am running at a faster pace which is difficult to maintain over the longer distances. I will work to slow my pace on my run this weekend.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Today's Run - 7/24
A very early run on very limited sleep. We started at 5:30 to beat the heat but it was still very humid. This was the first time on the UVA track and running in Bellair. We did a number of outs and back after doing a mile on the track. Running through Bellair was the best part. A very quiet neighborhood with good hills and limited traffic.
I found that not getting a good night sleep made this run very difficult. I was also pretty ambitious with my starting pace. I struggled through the 3 miles, having to walk a bit.
I am getting used to having the running team. It is nice to meet new people and even see people you don't see to often.
I found that not getting a good night sleep made this run very difficult. I was also pretty ambitious with my starting pace. I struggled through the 3 miles, having to walk a bit.
I am getting used to having the running team. It is nice to meet new people and even see people you don't see to often.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Today's Run - 7/22
After another limited sleep night I decided to run in the evening after work. It was still extremely hot and humid. I did the first 2Miles just ~15:30 and then had to walk a bit. I found my legs wanted to run but my lungs could not cut through the heat and heavy air. I was able to get 3.75 miles in just before dark. It felt really good to in another run this week in preparation for my long run on Sat. My mileage is increasing at a fairly rapid pace, so I need to be careful to not to go to far to fast.
I was able to use my Garmin Footpod to track my cadence and get another metric to track. I am completely digging the Garmin device while running. The jury is still out on the Garmin Connect Website, but overall I am very happy.
I was able to use my Garmin Footpod to track my cadence and get another metric to track. I am completely digging the Garmin device while running. The jury is still out on the Garmin Connect Website, but overall I am very happy.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Today's Run - 7/20
I headed out this morning after a rough night with the baby boy who has colic. Feeling tired but hoping that my run would clear my head and give me energy to tackle the day, headed down a tried and true track of the Piper and Paddington Loop. The weather was not to bad this morning and I enjoyed the run. I was happy with my average pace of 8:26 and splits.
My new Garmin added excitement to get out for a run this morning, and I enjoyed seeing the different stats as I ran. I am trying to determine how to analyze and react to Heart Rate details provided. The Virtual partner is pretty neat, but I think that will take some time to dial into a pace that is challenging and realistic based upon the course. I really want to work on defining workout routines for speed workouts and repeats.
I am in the process of moving my running data from Runkeeper to Garmin Connect and it refreshed my memory of how much running I have done in the last year and the routes around the neighborhood that I created to hit target distances. I am digging the report data and seeing how things like my speed and distances increased since the beginning of the year.
My new Garmin added excitement to get out for a run this morning, and I enjoyed seeing the different stats as I ran. I am trying to determine how to analyze and react to Heart Rate details provided. The Virtual partner is pretty neat, but I think that will take some time to dial into a pace that is challenging and realistic based upon the course. I really want to work on defining workout routines for speed workouts and repeats.
I am in the process of moving my running data from Runkeeper to Garmin Connect and it refreshed my memory of how much running I have done in the last year and the routes around the neighborhood that I created to hit target distances. I am digging the report data and seeing how things like my speed and distances increased since the beginning of the year.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Today's Run - 7/18
I could not wait another day to get out and try my new Garmin 405cx. I headed out for a quick recovery run on tired legs from yesterdays long run. I was all geared up like an elite runner with my new GPS watch, water belt and sunglasses. An afternoon run was not ideal as the temperature was in mid 90's which really slowed me down. I ran 2.80 miles in just under 25mins.
The use of the Garmin while running was pretty simple. I setup a number of data fields to cycle through during my run. The data fields show distance and time information, heart rate, avg lap time and progress against a virtual partner. The amount of information was helpful during my run, but I had it set for auto-cycle through the screens which I found a bit annoying. I changed the auto scroll off for my next run. Once I finished my run I found that syncing the device with Garmin Connect is a pretty simple process. The information in the Garmin Connect site is pretty cool. I have setup a goals to capture my weekly distances and frequency of runs. After my first run I am very impressed with entire Garmin device and Garmin Connect features and function.
The use of the Garmin while running was pretty simple. I setup a number of data fields to cycle through during my run. The data fields show distance and time information, heart rate, avg lap time and progress against a virtual partner. The amount of information was helpful during my run, but I had it set for auto-cycle through the screens which I found a bit annoying. I changed the auto scroll off for my next run. Once I finished my run I found that syncing the device with Garmin Connect is a pretty simple process. The information in the Garmin Connect site is pretty cool. I have setup a goals to capture my weekly distances and frequency of runs. After my first run I am very impressed with entire Garmin device and Garmin Connect features and function.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
New Toy
After I cleaned up from my long run this morning, I found a fedex package on the porch. I ordered a Garmin 405CX because my recent struggles with Runkeeper performance / GPS accuracy and looking for more features like the Heart Rate Monitor.
It will be interesting to see how Garmin Connect compares to the Runkeeper site. I expect there will be more detailed data and reporting built in.
I don't know if I will convert completely to Garmin because I really do like the All-In-One approach of using my iPhone. I like a number things about Runkeeper, but if the GPS is not accurate or the app does not perform it is hard to continue using it.
It will be interesting to see how Garmin Connect compares to the Runkeeper site. I expect there will be more detailed data and reporting built in.
I don't know if I will convert completely to Garmin because I really do like the All-In-One approach of using my iPhone. I like a number things about Runkeeper, but if the GPS is not accurate or the app does not perform it is hard to continue using it.
Today's Run - 7/17
I headed out to Free Union this morning for a the CTC Marathon Training Team long run. It was a bit tough to get out of the house by 5:30am to get the run site by 6:00am.
Since my long runs have not been that long I was not to prepared for this physically, mentally or with my gear. I did not bring my water belt or gels so I needed to wait to get water at the water stops every 3 miles or so. I had a good breakfast, but a few Gels would have been nice. I will remember to bring the gear next week.
I course out in Free Union is very hilly mix of paved and gravel roads. The scenery is unbelievable mountain views in the heart of horse country. I enjoyed having a new track to run, even if the changes in elevation made it very challenging.
The weather was cool but very humid. I was surprised on the amount water that was trapped in my shirt and shorts at the end of the run. I was completely drenched to the point that my shoes squished when I ran.
I was working to have a slower pace for my longer run and the hills made that easily. There were two routes to choose from a 13mile or 10mile loop. With my limited mileage in the past few weeks I decided to take the 10mile path. I needed to walk about a mile of this, but overall I was happy to get out for a long run again.
Since my long runs have not been that long I was not to prepared for this physically, mentally or with my gear. I did not bring my water belt or gels so I needed to wait to get water at the water stops every 3 miles or so. I had a good breakfast, but a few Gels would have been nice. I will remember to bring the gear next week.
I course out in Free Union is very hilly mix of paved and gravel roads. The scenery is unbelievable mountain views in the heart of horse country. I enjoyed having a new track to run, even if the changes in elevation made it very challenging.
The weather was cool but very humid. I was surprised on the amount water that was trapped in my shirt and shorts at the end of the run. I was completely drenched to the point that my shoes squished when I ran.
I was working to have a slower pace for my longer run and the hills made that easily. There were two routes to choose from a 13mile or 10mile loop. With my limited mileage in the past few weeks I decided to take the 10mile path. I needed to walk about a mile of this, but overall I was happy to get out for a long run again.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Today's Run - 7/15
A quick ~4mile run this morning. It was not as humid as yesterday as still pretty cool. There were more people out walking and running this morning than usual. I really worked on my pace and strides trying to get a higher foot turnover rate. I have a hard time keeping count and timing, so right now I am just working on how the different turnover speeds feel.
My Runkeeper application misbehaved again this morning. The application stopped tracking me at about 3miles. The IOS4 upgrade to the iPhone seems to have created a significant amount of instability on the platform, not only for runkeeper but other apps. I am about ready to switch to a Garmin, but then I think about I will still need to carry my phone for emergencies and music. I am probably just putting to much thought into this.
My Runkeeper application misbehaved again this morning. The application stopped tracking me at about 3miles. The IOS4 upgrade to the iPhone seems to have created a significant amount of instability on the platform, not only for runkeeper but other apps. I am about ready to switch to a Garmin, but then I think about I will still need to carry my phone for emergencies and music. I am probably just putting to much thought into this.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Today's Run - 7/14
A very humid morning for my run, when I finished I was drenched. A good mix of hills and flat created a nice run around the Piper / Paddington Loop and Scottish Homes. My pace was pretty good considering the humidity.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Today's Run - 7/4
A true summer day to celebrate the 4th of July. I headed out at about 3:30pm and it was about 90Degrees with limited humidity or wind. I took my water belt filled with water and Gatorade to help me beat the heat. I hoped to get ~5miles in, but the heat was too much. It was so hot that after 1.5miles I was drinking warm Gatorade and water. Yuck! To top it off Runkeeper crashed again... It looks like others are having the same issue based upon this discussion in the support forums.
Aside for the temp of my hydration fluids and the crashing of my tracking equipment it was a good run. :)
Aside for the temp of my hydration fluids and the crashing of my tracking equipment it was a good run. :)
Marathon Madness
I have signed up and paid my money so I am committed to running at least 2 more marathons in the fall 2010 and spring 2011.
I registered for the 2010 Richmond Marathon. The Richmond Half Marathon last year as my first long distance race, I guess you could say that this was the race that started it all. I am excited to run in Richmond. I hope that the CTC Marathon Program helps prepares me for a new Marathon PR. I am working to get my brother to run with me this year. I think I have convinced him to run the half marathon.
Today the registration for the 2011 National Marathon opened at midnight this morning. I enjoyed running the half marathon this year so I figured I would go ahead and commit to running a spring marathon. It will work out great because it is the same weekend as my Dad's birthday. We will get to spend the weekend with my folks and enjoy a great race in the nations capital.
I registered for the 2010 Richmond Marathon. The Richmond Half Marathon last year as my first long distance race, I guess you could say that this was the race that started it all. I am excited to run in Richmond. I hope that the CTC Marathon Program helps prepares me for a new Marathon PR. I am working to get my brother to run with me this year. I think I have convinced him to run the half marathon.
Today the registration for the 2011 National Marathon opened at midnight this morning. I enjoyed running the half marathon this year so I figured I would go ahead and commit to running a spring marathon. It will work out great because it is the same weekend as my Dad's birthday. We will get to spend the weekend with my folks and enjoy a great race in the nations capital.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Today's Run - 7/2
The break in the summer heat continued today and the morning was excellent for running. I got a later start than usual but based upon the lack of sleep recently I was happy to feel like going out for a run at all. I felt surprisingly good as I started the run, and before the Runkeeper application died at 1.5miles I was maintaining a 8:01 pace. I finished the 5.5mile route in ~46mins, but I can't remember when I started, as I usually have a app for that.
I continue to struggle with the performance of Runkeeper application. The concept of the application is great and works well except the performance of the GPS. I would not be surprised1 if the accuracy of the GPS is due to the AT&T network strength in my neighborhood. So I will temper my frustration with Runkeeper but I must evaluate if it is the right solution for me.
I continue to struggle with the performance of Runkeeper application. The concept of the application is great and works well except the performance of the GPS. I would not be surprised1 if the accuracy of the GPS is due to the AT&T network strength in my neighborhood. So I will temper my frustration with Runkeeper but I must evaluate if it is the right solution for me.
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