Today's Run - 11/29

I decided to switch up my run schedule this week and do Mon, Weds, Thurs runs so that I could play poker on Monday night. I am also thinking I will try to work in a few days of cross training over the next few weeks.

The winter weather continued this morning, it was in the high-teens and dark when I headed out. I ran an old familiar route to the Darby Loop, Out to 250 and then through the Scottish Homes to get about 5Miles in. This is route has some good hills and flat sections combined with good view of the equestrian center. I was able to get the timing of my run so that I could run into the sunrise and see much of the nice scenery during my run.

My legs still feel pretty rested even after the Spinning on Sat and the 4 Mile run on Sunday. I was not blazing fast this morning. I was able to maintain a comfortable 8:30 pace.

I will start building my mileage for the next training program to start in early / mid Dec. I will do a 7-8 Mile long run this weekend and a 9-10 Mile the following with smaller runs filling in the weekday runs.

Today's Run - 11/28

We went to ACAC yesterday and I did a spin class instead of running. It was great to get back to the Gym. I had forgotten how much of a luxury it is to have a nice place to workout. The spin class was good but not as hard as I remembered, most likely because my legs are overall cardio condition is improved. After the first 15mins of class I started to see the similarities in the class with running. We did tempo work, speed and endurance work. Even with the similarities I found that I still wanted to run, and it took a lot of not to get on a treadmill. I expect that a Tri will be one of my 2011 goals.

The weather has started to transition from the fall to winter. The temperature dropped significantly over night, falling into the low 20's and high teens. I pulled my winter gear out last night and was comfortable running in tights, shorts, long sleeve-tech shirt, hat and headlamp. I was out just before sunrise and it was quiet and dark for my run.

I am starting to build my base of miles in preparation of starting my next training program in early December. I decided to do a 4Mile tempo run at 8:15 pace (~10K pace). The route had some good hills and I did a pretty good job sticking to my pace. I speed up for the last ~1/4 Mile.

2010 Boar's Head Inn Turkey Trot Results

2010 Boar's Head Inn Turkey Trot Results are posted.

Ella and I finished 369 out of 1163 runners. Our time was a bit better than shown due to the race only having clock time and not a chip time. My Garmin showed under 30Mins when we crossed the finish. I look forward to running it again next year.

PLACE NAME               S AG DIV   DIV/TOT  TIME   PACE
===== ================== = == ===== ======== ====== =====
369   Douglas Morrison   M 35 M3539  15/39   30:32  9:51

Today's Run - 11/25

We ran the Boar's Head Inn Turkey Trot this morning. Emily ran / walked with Wes in the stroller and I ran with Ella in the jogging stroller. This is the 2nd year in a row we have run this, after a few years off. I am glad this is becoming a tradition again. I really enjoy this race because it is big enough to feel like a race but casual enough to be fun. There both ends of the spectrum of runners, guys blazing sub 6min miles and kids running there first race. The course is challenging with some good hills which makes it a bit more fun for a short race. The CTC and The Boar's Head Inn put on a great show with food and drink.

The weather held up for the race with overhead clouds and temps in the forties. We had to start in the back with all the strollers and it was very tight. Ella and I weaved our way for the first mile and half until the crowd of slow runners / walkers thinned out. With the crowds in the first mile, Ella and I averaged just over a 10Min mile pace. The second mile on the course has significant hills but we cranked up the pace a bit to 9:37. As we started to pass trotters that went out faster than they should we heard comments like "That is embarrassing to be passed by a guy pushing a stroller!". But the best one I heard was "Go Dad!" from a spectator watching Ella and I chase down a group of costumed runners. Ella and I crossed the finish line just under 29Mins after doing the third mile in 8:15.

Here are some pictures of us, enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving.

Today's Run - 11/24

A quick 2Mile run this morning around the lake and back. I started at an 8Min pace and then went down to 7:42 for the second mile. This is a pretty flat route with some small rolling hills.

I am still trying to figure out why my heart rate jumps way up to 180 in the first 4mins of my run and then flattens out to mid 150-160 after I get going. This may be my body adjusting to the exercise and then levels out once everything is working.

I am looking forward to the Boar's Head Inn Turkey Trot tomorrow. Hopefully the rain will hold off and Ella and I will get a good run in. I need to get the jogging stroller tires filled with air this afternoon or we won't be going anywhere fast tomorrow.

Today's Run - 11/23

A nice 5K run this morning in prep for the Boar's Head Inn Turkey Trot. I am excited to run the turkey trot with Ella in the stroller. This means that I will be starting in the back of the pack, but we will work our way up. The goal will be to be under 27Mins.

I did the Darby Loop which is a small lollipop route with some good hills. I was not pushing to hard, but worked the negative splits from 8:20 down to 8:00min mile pace. It was warmer this morning that the last few days and I was comfortable in my long sleeve shirt and shorts. I am getting out early even though I only have a few miles to run. It is nice to get my run in and have time to enjoy the morning with the family.

My legs are feeling good, but I am amazed how hard it is to run fast. Switching from the longer slower runs to short fast distance really pushes my legs and heart rate differently. It is not that I like the longer run pace better, it is just different to be back working on speed. I did a little bit of speed work in my last marathon training and hope to add more as I prepare for the National Marathon in March 2011.

Today's Run - 11/21

A single mile run this morning to complete my first week of recovery after the marathon. So far the recovery is going well but I am anxious to pickup my mileage. I also hope to get back to the Gym to do some cross training.

The temp was in the mid 30's and it was another calm crisp fall morning. I decided to do the Paddington loop to get in my mile because it has a good set of hills and a few views of the golf course. I picked up my pace goal from yesterday and ran this mile at my 5k pace.