Click on the title to watch part 1 of 3 of Craig Mottram.)
I came across this video about a year ago and it is very inspiring to see a person who respects Africans as much as he does, but who's whole goal is to conquer them. To me, that is admirable. I also enjoy this since it gives an inside perspective of one of the top distance runners of our time. Part 1 focuses more on the 2005 World Championships and the 2006 Common Wealth Games. Basically, this guy has some balls to go after such fast runners and not to show any fear like many people do.
Ultras?
Yesterday I did my long run with some of the HURT guys. I stumbled across them a few months ago. This is a group of runners who do /train for trail ultras. They are training for the HURT 100, which is a 100-mile trail race here in Oahu at the end of January. On my Thursday group run I mentioned how I LOVE trail running and they suggested that I talk to a guy who runs with them sometimes. I spoke with him and he wrote me off and said that they are two serious into their training and that I should wait until February to run with them. Well, being as stubborn as I am, what do you think I did? Yup, I went out Saturday morning to see what exactly it was that "I didn't want to do".
The race course and all of the trails go straight up and straight down the mountains here. We started at 6:00 am and 5 hours and 20 miles later I officially finished my longest run ever. Actually, I found out that ultra guys do a lot of hiking/walking. I wasn't prepared for that at first, but saw the importance of it, especially if you are going further like one of the guys that I was running with (he was doing 40 miles that day, NUTS!). My legs do not feel that bad as of this post, but the bottoms of my feet are a bit sore. We'll see later how everything feels in 2-3 days. Also, it was very enjoyable, both the trails and the people. Actually, I found the people very interesting and very down-to-earth. I have a new profound respect for ultra runners in general and for the HURT guys/gals too. I probably will do this every other weekend for strength.
While running with them I did a lot of contemplating in my head whether or not I think I could finish a 100-mile race. After finishing the 20 mile loop in a fairly fast 5 hours I felt comfortably tired. I know this would only compound loop after loop and would be especially tough running through the night, but I think I can do it. I don't know, but I find it partly amusing to run an ultra before I did a marathon. Maybe I am just being a bit cocky (hey I'm only 23 and have tons to learn), but the gentlemen I was running with said that I definitely had the physical capabilities to complete it. Since they just had met me the issue that they are not sure with is the mental aspect. They changed their minds a bit when I explained to them about an adventure race that I once finished after suffering from a mild case of hypothermia from flipping my kayak and being in cold water for over 15 minutes. Hey, I was in college and paid $125 to do the race. I was going to freaking finish and that we did, second place baby. Let me know if you want a more detailed description.
Training:
Friday:
Duration: 00hr 33min 13sec (pm)
Distance: ??
Comments: Ran up in Aiea. Felt weak again, cut the run short.
Saturday:
Duration: 05hr 05min 00sec
Distance: 20 miles
Comments: Felt great the whole time and could have pushed it harder, but I didn't want to change the purpose of their run even though I did a little.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Friday, November 16, 2007
My Bud
I was searching around for articles on Flotrack and I stumbled upon this article on my high school teammate Hakon Devries. He and I trained together and still do when we are both at home. He's a stand up person and a great training partner. It's great to see other people think so too. Good luck at Nationals!
Slow Going: Good or Bad?
This applies to a few things in my life right now. Sometimes it is better to go slower, but man is it hard sometimes. It doesn't help when everyone else thinks the opposite and so does one half of your mind.
Training Slow(er)
Running slow is the hardest thing to do and so many people in the running world tell us to shorten your runs to get better quality, usually, since many of us have lives besides running. Let me ask you this; how many of you out there have felt awesome on a few consecutive days to follow those days up either with a week of sore legs or an injury? Probably many of you, myself included.
When we feel good we tell ourselves, "I feel good so I can push this run." We push the run and then when we get home we don't think to stretch, hydrate, or eat properly because we are just pumped that we felt good. Why doesn't it cross our minds to hold back a little, save that pushing of one run and carry it over into the next few runs? I guess it is the "need for speed". Corny, but true. If you read the article in the last post you will see that the Africans train hard, but always leave some in the "tank" to use for harder days or, better yet, for races.
How many of you know "Workout Heroes"? Workout Heroes are the athletes that kill you in the workout and the run, but finish about 2 minutes behind you in a 10k. We all have come across those runners and at time we have been that runner. This seems to be how the Americans train. Interval, speed work, and pushing 45min-1 hr runs.
Now, the reason why I am bringing this up is to get everyone thinking about trying to back of the pace a bit and go a bit further. For instance, I think many people would benefit from doing 1hr 30min at 7:30 pace instead of 1 hr at 6:30 pace. As Lydiard says, it's time on the feet.
Personally, I have trained this way the past few years and I notice an incredible difference in aerobic output. This doesn't mean I chill out on every run and don't push the pace, it just means that I back off a little (i.e. 7:15 pace/mile instead of 6:50 pace/mile) and extend my run. You still have to get quality runs in, bu going further will tax the aerobic systems the same if not more than if you go shorter and faster.
I think all runs should be a progression run of some sort. The Kenyans have been known to go many days consecutively with hard running. Some can do a 10 mile run starting at 8:00/mile pace and crank up their speed to be finishing their last 400m in sub 60 pace. They can repeat this daily. The thing is though that the smart ones, which is many of them (until they land a shoe contract, that's another story) will progress through their run until their form goes bad or they feel that they cannot hold that pace for the duration of the run. So they kept the pace that they are running or they back off a little and continue their run. Essentially, they listen to what their bodies are telling them and take the day easier if they have too.
I had an Ethiopian on my college team and the differences between the American system and the African system was presented to me on a daily basis. Everyday, our team would start our run and 3/4 of the team would be half a mile to one mile ahead (and usually me too) only after 10 min -20min of running. Now, this gentleman is a 14:35 5k guy and the rest are about 15:20-17:00min. He always started off slow and eased into his pace. By the end of the run he usually would be miles ahead or he'd be adding an extra 3-4 miles to his run.
Basically the moral of this post is to look at your running, assess whether you are pushing it too hard or not, and make adjustments. The human body is complex, but very efficient. If you are feeling tired all the time, sore, or getting injured/sick often you are doing something wrong!
Adapting to Training
Each week I keep feeling stronger and more efficient. Although my most recent run of 11.5 miles averaged 8:16 pace I feel a whole lot faster than that. I always start my runs slower than when I am finishing and I think Arthur would be proud. I am also going a lot longer than usual at this early into my training schedule. I think the single greatest thing I am doing is varying the type of terrain I run on. In Hawaii the terrain is either straight up and down or dead flat. I am fortunate to have the two extremes. I use this to force my body to continually adapt and never feel completely at comfort. I have been averaging 3-4 hilly runs and 3-4 flat runs.
Like I have said before, my body is adapting to all of the running of last week with Matt. I will finish off this weekend with a shorter long run and then get into more of Lydiard's training next week. I am going to supplement strides (John Kellogg) and plyometrics on the easier days. Also, I am looking to do some type of time trial, most likely a 2 mile time trial at 3/4 effort to get a baseline for training.
Training:
Thursday:
Duration: 01hr 35min 25sec
Distance: 11.5 miles
Comments: Ran with Runners HI on the bike path. Calves felt a lot better during and after.
Friday:
Duration: 00hr 25min 00sec (am)
Distance: 3 miles
Comments: Shake out run. Easy pace. Legs felt good.
Training Slow(er)
Running slow is the hardest thing to do and so many people in the running world tell us to shorten your runs to get better quality, usually, since many of us have lives besides running. Let me ask you this; how many of you out there have felt awesome on a few consecutive days to follow those days up either with a week of sore legs or an injury? Probably many of you, myself included.
When we feel good we tell ourselves, "I feel good so I can push this run." We push the run and then when we get home we don't think to stretch, hydrate, or eat properly because we are just pumped that we felt good. Why doesn't it cross our minds to hold back a little, save that pushing of one run and carry it over into the next few runs? I guess it is the "need for speed". Corny, but true. If you read the article in the last post you will see that the Africans train hard, but always leave some in the "tank" to use for harder days or, better yet, for races.
How many of you know "Workout Heroes"? Workout Heroes are the athletes that kill you in the workout and the run, but finish about 2 minutes behind you in a 10k. We all have come across those runners and at time we have been that runner. This seems to be how the Americans train. Interval, speed work, and pushing 45min-1 hr runs.
Now, the reason why I am bringing this up is to get everyone thinking about trying to back of the pace a bit and go a bit further. For instance, I think many people would benefit from doing 1hr 30min at 7:30 pace instead of 1 hr at 6:30 pace. As Lydiard says, it's time on the feet.
Personally, I have trained this way the past few years and I notice an incredible difference in aerobic output. This doesn't mean I chill out on every run and don't push the pace, it just means that I back off a little (i.e. 7:15 pace/mile instead of 6:50 pace/mile) and extend my run. You still have to get quality runs in, bu going further will tax the aerobic systems the same if not more than if you go shorter and faster.
I think all runs should be a progression run of some sort. The Kenyans have been known to go many days consecutively with hard running. Some can do a 10 mile run starting at 8:00/mile pace and crank up their speed to be finishing their last 400m in sub 60 pace. They can repeat this daily. The thing is though that the smart ones, which is many of them (until they land a shoe contract, that's another story) will progress through their run until their form goes bad or they feel that they cannot hold that pace for the duration of the run. So they kept the pace that they are running or they back off a little and continue their run. Essentially, they listen to what their bodies are telling them and take the day easier if they have too.
I had an Ethiopian on my college team and the differences between the American system and the African system was presented to me on a daily basis. Everyday, our team would start our run and 3/4 of the team would be half a mile to one mile ahead (and usually me too) only after 10 min -20min of running. Now, this gentleman is a 14:35 5k guy and the rest are about 15:20-17:00min. He always started off slow and eased into his pace. By the end of the run he usually would be miles ahead or he'd be adding an extra 3-4 miles to his run.
Basically the moral of this post is to look at your running, assess whether you are pushing it too hard or not, and make adjustments. The human body is complex, but very efficient. If you are feeling tired all the time, sore, or getting injured/sick often you are doing something wrong!
Adapting to Training
Each week I keep feeling stronger and more efficient. Although my most recent run of 11.5 miles averaged 8:16 pace I feel a whole lot faster than that. I always start my runs slower than when I am finishing and I think Arthur would be proud. I am also going a lot longer than usual at this early into my training schedule. I think the single greatest thing I am doing is varying the type of terrain I run on. In Hawaii the terrain is either straight up and down or dead flat. I am fortunate to have the two extremes. I use this to force my body to continually adapt and never feel completely at comfort. I have been averaging 3-4 hilly runs and 3-4 flat runs.
Like I have said before, my body is adapting to all of the running of last week with Matt. I will finish off this weekend with a shorter long run and then get into more of Lydiard's training next week. I am going to supplement strides (John Kellogg) and plyometrics on the easier days. Also, I am looking to do some type of time trial, most likely a 2 mile time trial at 3/4 effort to get a baseline for training.
Training:
Thursday:
Duration: 01hr 35min 25sec
Distance: 11.5 miles
Comments: Ran with Runners HI on the bike path. Calves felt a lot better during and after.
Friday:
Duration: 00hr 25min 00sec (am)
Distance: 3 miles
Comments: Shake out run. Easy pace. Legs felt good.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Picking It Up
After Monday's "shaky" run I was curious to what Teusday would bring. First, I made sure I made one of my Super Shakes (raw cocoa powder, spirulina, maca, dairy-free yogurt, rice milk, organic bananas, hemp protein, goldenseal, coconut oil, and echinachea) Monday night. Well, I woke up to do an easy morning run and I noticed a surprising difference. I felt like super man. I made sure to keep my pace slow since I'd be joining the Runners HI group run later in the evening.
A typical Tuesday or Thursday I run with the Runners HI group that goes around Ford Island. I enjoy this run since there are plenty of people out exercising. I park about 1.5 miles away to add in extra mileage. Usually it takes me 40-45 minutes to make it around the island, but on Tuesday, still feel great from the morning I gradually cranked down the pace and held it. I'd say I was averaging around 6:45 pace. I know that is not fast, but most of my other runs, due to terrain, have been much slower.
Today I got out for a run this morning since I have to stay at work later on Wednesdays. My outside lower calves are bothering me. I think it's that my form wasn't up to par on Tuesdays up-tempo run.
Let It Start
I'm taking the rest of the week easier to get ready for the full on training to start next week. I have been reading a bunch on how the many of the African nations train and, at least to me, seem very similiar to Lydiard's methods. Lots of endurance based running near/just under Lactic Threshold. I think this is what many people get wrong about Lydiard's training. They think that it is suppose to be LSD (long slow distance), but if you read Lydiard's lectures you will see that this was not what he meant. I truly believe that a majority of your runs should be progression runs with a large portion (25-60 min) near your threshold. I think this is what Lydiard meant by "comfortably tired after each run." You don't see the African's killing themselves doing track work (some do when they move to Europe). Check out this Marius Bakken's website. He explains his experience with Kenyan's here. You can also click on the toolbar to the left to read more.
Training:
Tuesday:
Duration: oohr 26min 52 sec (am), 01hr 19min 39sec (pm)
Distance: 3.5 miles (am), 10.5 -11.0 miles
Comments:
Felt great, pushed a little, but had sore calves. Actually, it is in a wierd spot on the bone. Hope it's nothing much.
Wednesday:
Duration: 00hr 41min 08sec
Distance: 5 miles
Comments:
Took it easy with my left calf. Didn't really feel it until the end. Just trying to be careful. Can feel it while walking (maybe it's my sandals).
A typical Tuesday or Thursday I run with the Runners HI group that goes around Ford Island. I enjoy this run since there are plenty of people out exercising. I park about 1.5 miles away to add in extra mileage. Usually it takes me 40-45 minutes to make it around the island, but on Tuesday, still feel great from the morning I gradually cranked down the pace and held it. I'd say I was averaging around 6:45 pace. I know that is not fast, but most of my other runs, due to terrain, have been much slower.
Today I got out for a run this morning since I have to stay at work later on Wednesdays. My outside lower calves are bothering me. I think it's that my form wasn't up to par on Tuesdays up-tempo run.
Let It Start
I'm taking the rest of the week easier to get ready for the full on training to start next week. I have been reading a bunch on how the many of the African nations train and, at least to me, seem very similiar to Lydiard's methods. Lots of endurance based running near/just under Lactic Threshold. I think this is what many people get wrong about Lydiard's training. They think that it is suppose to be LSD (long slow distance), but if you read Lydiard's lectures you will see that this was not what he meant. I truly believe that a majority of your runs should be progression runs with a large portion (25-60 min) near your threshold. I think this is what Lydiard meant by "comfortably tired after each run." You don't see the African's killing themselves doing track work (some do when they move to Europe). Check out this Marius Bakken's website. He explains his experience with Kenyan's here. You can also click on the toolbar to the left to read more.
Training:
Tuesday:
Duration: oohr 26min 52 sec (am), 01hr 19min 39sec (pm)
Distance: 3.5 miles (am), 10.5 -11.0 miles
Comments:
Felt great, pushed a little, but had sore calves. Actually, it is in a wierd spot on the bone. Hope it's nothing much.
Wednesday:
Duration: 00hr 41min 08sec
Distance: 5 miles
Comments:
Took it easy with my left calf. Didn't really feel it until the end. Just trying to be careful. Can feel it while walking (maybe it's my sandals).
Monday, November 12, 2007
Shaky Feelings
Today I had off for Veteran's Day and I did not plan anything extravagant because I had some house cleaning to tend too. I started the day by driving Kristine into work and going grocery shopping. $193 later (that'll last us a week/week and a half) and I was home to take a nap. Today was one of those naps when you cannot lift your head off of the pillow. It felt like there was a magnet between my head and the pillow, but I had to get up to clean our bathroom and bedroom. It has been neglected for way too long and it had to be done. Afterwards I headed up to Pearl Ridge to run where Matt and I had run this past Wednesday and Saturday. I was going very slow since I didn't get a chance to run yesterday and I didn't eat enough today. Well, 18 minutes into the run I was feeling light headed and had shaky. If there is one thing that I learned as a vegetarian is that when you feel weak it's best to stop, throw the towel in, go eat, and get ready for the next day. I have been meat-free for over one year now and I still make mistakes. I replenished when I got home and I am ready for the group run for tomorrow.
Nutrition:
With todays "bonk" it made me think that I haven't really mentioned much about my diet. Well, it's not that I haven't thought about it, but it is just that I have been changing my diet and I wanted to give it some time before I posted on it.
To bring everyone up to speed Kristine and I attempted going vegan (dairy free vegetarians) prior to Halloween. It lasted about a week before we were over-loaded with candy and treats. Sweets are my nemesis since I can never turn them down. Anyways, even though I was vegan for a week I really noticed a very "refreshing" feeling. My runs were smoother and my legs recovered a bit faster. Along with candy, we also caved in for pizza when Matt was here and I noticed a significant feeling of lethargy the day after. All of this has lead me eat a more raw diet.
I have decided that the research on raw diets is too compelling for me personally. I mean, if you are going to eat vegetables why would you cook them and eliminate a large percentage of the very things that make them beneficial to humans (i.e. antioxidants, nutrients, minerals, etc. ). One study found that broccoli, when microwaved, losses 97% of it's antioxidants.
Can runners afford to waster time and energy? The answer is simple; no. So, when everything is so delicate why is it that so many Americans eat so poorly. I am not tooting my horn here. I was a meat-eater for almost 22 years and when presented with the facts I could not possibly continue to eat meat any longer.
This is probably a good spot to let everyone know how I became a vegetarian. I initiated a bet with Kristine on the premises that if I stopped eating meat that she would have to stop (insert bad habit) when she went out with her friends. Who ever lasted the longest would win and the loser would have to buy the winner dinner. Well, six months later I won the bet, but I had made the transition and noticed an improvement in my running and overall well being. I was the type of runner that always got sick right before the big races year after year, season after season. Not any longer. And when I say sick I mean dead on the couch not moving for 3-4 days. However, since May 2006, the day the bet began, I have been that sick only once! I have had a few colds, maybe 4-5, but nothing one or two days off of running couldn't fix.
I know I am starting to run on here about this, but look for a few more structured posts on my nutrition and diet. Later.
Training:
Sunday: OFF
Comments: Went to the beach all day for Matt's last day in Hawaii.
Monday:
Duration: oohr 18min 45 sec
Distance: 1.5 miles
Comments: Didn't eat enough during the day and felt like I was going to faint. Stopped run early and walked back.
P.S. Last week I had 7.5 hours of quality running.
Nutrition:
With todays "bonk" it made me think that I haven't really mentioned much about my diet. Well, it's not that I haven't thought about it, but it is just that I have been changing my diet and I wanted to give it some time before I posted on it.
To bring everyone up to speed Kristine and I attempted going vegan (dairy free vegetarians) prior to Halloween. It lasted about a week before we were over-loaded with candy and treats. Sweets are my nemesis since I can never turn them down. Anyways, even though I was vegan for a week I really noticed a very "refreshing" feeling. My runs were smoother and my legs recovered a bit faster. Along with candy, we also caved in for pizza when Matt was here and I noticed a significant feeling of lethargy the day after. All of this has lead me eat a more raw diet.
I have decided that the research on raw diets is too compelling for me personally. I mean, if you are going to eat vegetables why would you cook them and eliminate a large percentage of the very things that make them beneficial to humans (i.e. antioxidants, nutrients, minerals, etc. ). One study found that broccoli, when microwaved, losses 97% of it's antioxidants.
Can runners afford to waster time and energy? The answer is simple; no. So, when everything is so delicate why is it that so many Americans eat so poorly. I am not tooting my horn here. I was a meat-eater for almost 22 years and when presented with the facts I could not possibly continue to eat meat any longer.
This is probably a good spot to let everyone know how I became a vegetarian. I initiated a bet with Kristine on the premises that if I stopped eating meat that she would have to stop (insert bad habit) when she went out with her friends. Who ever lasted the longest would win and the loser would have to buy the winner dinner. Well, six months later I won the bet, but I had made the transition and noticed an improvement in my running and overall well being. I was the type of runner that always got sick right before the big races year after year, season after season. Not any longer. And when I say sick I mean dead on the couch not moving for 3-4 days. However, since May 2006, the day the bet began, I have been that sick only once! I have had a few colds, maybe 4-5, but nothing one or two days off of running couldn't fix.
I know I am starting to run on here about this, but look for a few more structured posts on my nutrition and diet. Later.
Training:
Sunday: OFF
Comments: Went to the beach all day for Matt's last day in Hawaii.
Monday:
Duration: oohr 18min 45 sec
Distance: 1.5 miles
Comments: Didn't eat enough during the day and felt like I was going to faint. Stopped run early and walked back.
P.S. Last week I had 7.5 hours of quality running.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Extended Weekend
Atop Wa'ahila Ridge Trail
I have a four day weekend this week. I took of Friday to show my friend around the island. We ended running/hiking up Wa'ahila Ridge in St. Louis Heights. I have done this hike before and I'm not sure of the elevation gain (forgot to check my watch before I shut it off), but it usually takes me 01hr 45min -02hr 00min to get up at a good pace. Matt and myself made it up in 43min and 42 min respectively. It was a great workout. We relaxed at the top and explored a bit until I got stung by a bee and they started to swarm.
Yesterday was more of the same; exploring. This time we ran up a ridge near Pearl City. We found this trail on Wednesday. We explored for a long time, found some great trails that ended with a very over-grown trail. We forged ahead for a little while, but turned around after an hour. All in all it was a 02hr 00min run with 2,500 ft of vertical gain while running.
I just wanted to update everyone on some of my training philosophies and thoughts. I have been doing a long run every other week at this early stage of training. With work and everything else I have noticed that doing this allows me to bounce back much quicker and to get more longer/better quality runs in. Also, I haven't been following Lydiard's training schedule verbatim. The reason is I was not in running shape. I am not a high mileage guy and I break down sometimes and I do not want that to happen. I think next week I will follow the short week schedule more closely and the week after I will get into it more. I am thinking I should do a time trail before I really start. What do you guys think? Do I do 3k or 5k or 10k? Later.
Training:
Friday:
Duration 00hr 42min 45sec
Distance: ?
Comments: Hill climb. Felt good.
Saturday:
Duration: 02hr 00min 00sec
Distance: ?
Comments: 2,500ft of vertical gain. Felt good. Legs tired at the end.
Yesterday was more of the same; exploring. This time we ran up a ridge near Pearl City. We found this trail on Wednesday. We explored for a long time, found some great trails that ended with a very over-grown trail. We forged ahead for a little while, but turned around after an hour. All in all it was a 02hr 00min run with 2,500 ft of vertical gain while running.
I just wanted to update everyone on some of my training philosophies and thoughts. I have been doing a long run every other week at this early stage of training. With work and everything else I have noticed that doing this allows me to bounce back much quicker and to get more longer/better quality runs in. Also, I haven't been following Lydiard's training schedule verbatim. The reason is I was not in running shape. I am not a high mileage guy and I break down sometimes and I do not want that to happen. I think next week I will follow the short week schedule more closely and the week after I will get into it more. I am thinking I should do a time trail before I really start. What do you guys think? Do I do 3k or 5k or 10k? Later.
Training:
Friday:
Duration 00hr 42min 45sec
Distance: ?
Comments: Hill climb. Felt good.
Saturday:
Duration: 02hr 00min 00sec
Distance: ?
Comments: 2,500ft of vertical gain. Felt good. Legs tired at the end.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Run With Someone Day: Feb. 18th, 2007
I mentioned in my last post that my friend and training partner during college, Matt, is in town visiting. His presence on the runs has been felt a great deal. I noticed that I have been keeping a better pace, going further, and getting out there on the tougher days. This renewed revelation of what it is like to have someone to run with has led me to start an unoffical "Run With Someone" Day. This will be on Febuary 18th, 2007 (President's Day). I hope that you readers can do one of two things (hopefully both). I ask you to spread the word any way you can and to actually participate on that day. Also, please fill out the survey on the right.
There are many reasons why I have come up with this idea and this date and here are a few:
1) Running with someone pass the time much better, whether it's debating politics, discussing training, or just having someone by your side can make all the difference in the world on some days.
2) I am originally from the northeast (NY) and Feburary is a very tough time to train especially for us long distance runners who have jobs and a life. March's weather is a bit up and down but everyone knows that spring is just around the corner. However, Feburary, as short as it is, can just plain suck. So what better time than to run with a friend to provide the much needed pick up in your training.
3) Feburary 18th, 2007 is President's Day so I figured that some people will actually have off and we all know that getting in a run on your day off would please many of us.
4) Take this day to push the pace, go further than normal, or go explore a new part of town. That's what running partners are great for; partners in crime!
5) I just think that way too many people train on their own, myself included. I think the survival rate of long distance runners increases when you have a good selection of training partners or group runs in your local area. If there isn't one now start one, even if it is unofficial and informal.
Training
Training has been going well but, sleep has been an issue. This weekend's adventures to Maui are catching up a bit. This is my third week of training and I am noticing that my breathing has been slightly more efficient even with the high humidity. Speaking of training in high humidity areas, I have heard that the affects are similar to training at altitude since the water vapor molecules replace some of the oxygen molecules. Who knows, but I certainly can see that since sometimes I have a tough time breathing even though I am relaxed and running at a comfortable pace. Check back on that topic. I will have to do some serious research.
Training:
Wednesday:
Duration: 01hr 00min 00sec
Distance: 7.5-8 miles
Comments: Ran late last night with Matt. It was very humid, but the pace was honest. Felt good.
Thursday:
Duration: 01hr 04min 15sec
Distance: 7-7.5 miles
Comments: Ran at 4:30am with Matt. Slower pace since both are legs were a little tired. It was super humid again (80%) so that did not help.
There are many reasons why I have come up with this idea and this date and here are a few:
1) Running with someone pass the time much better, whether it's debating politics, discussing training, or just having someone by your side can make all the difference in the world on some days.
2) I am originally from the northeast (NY) and Feburary is a very tough time to train especially for us long distance runners who have jobs and a life. March's weather is a bit up and down but everyone knows that spring is just around the corner. However, Feburary, as short as it is, can just plain suck. So what better time than to run with a friend to provide the much needed pick up in your training.
3) Feburary 18th, 2007 is President's Day so I figured that some people will actually have off and we all know that getting in a run on your day off would please many of us.
4) Take this day to push the pace, go further than normal, or go explore a new part of town. That's what running partners are great for; partners in crime!
5) I just think that way too many people train on their own, myself included. I think the survival rate of long distance runners increases when you have a good selection of training partners or group runs in your local area. If there isn't one now start one, even if it is unofficial and informal.
Training
Training has been going well but, sleep has been an issue. This weekend's adventures to Maui are catching up a bit. This is my third week of training and I am noticing that my breathing has been slightly more efficient even with the high humidity. Speaking of training in high humidity areas, I have heard that the affects are similar to training at altitude since the water vapor molecules replace some of the oxygen molecules. Who knows, but I certainly can see that since sometimes I have a tough time breathing even though I am relaxed and running at a comfortable pace. Check back on that topic. I will have to do some serious research.
Training:
Wednesday:
Duration: 01hr 00min 00sec
Distance: 7.5-8 miles
Comments: Ran late last night with Matt. It was very humid, but the pace was honest. Felt good.
Thursday:
Duration: 01hr 04min 15sec
Distance: 7-7.5 miles
Comments: Ran at 4:30am with Matt. Slower pace since both are legs were a little tired. It was super humid again (80%) so that did not help.
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