A speed workout on Wednesday at Fairfax High School's track. Very refreshing.
Got a pair of Nike Free after a lot of decision battling with Saucony Kinvara.
I had tried the Kinvara on one of the Fun Runs with the Pacers group. And LOVED it. But when I went to get it at the store, they did not have the freaking thing. But they did have the Nike Free. The colors were not so cool. But since the reviews of the Free is so rave, I got a pair nevertheless. I don't know why I did that when I went in to get the Kinvara. Of course, both are minimalistic shoes. The Kinvara look a lot cooler, I must admit.
The 10miler on the W&OD trail was another story altogether. The IT band was not creating havoc. But I was just plain tired. I do not know if it is my mind playing havoc on me or the fear of the IT band fucking my happiness that is slowing me down. Or is it just plain overtraining syndrome?
I logged on to the Marine Corp website and filled up the deferment form twice since yesterday. Just to close the window down. The practical side of me says I should defer and avoid long term injury. But the 'other' side tells me that I should battle on.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
ING Rock'n'Roll Half Marathon [09/19/2010]
We'd registered for the ING Rock'n'Roll Half marathon in Philadelphia to assess our preparedness for our respective marathons.
Prepped Maggy up before Manasi picked her up for the weekend. Bless her heart!
The drive to Philly on Friday was quite stressful to say the least. Thanks to the fuckin I-495 beltway. Well, the supposedly 3 hour drive took us almost 6! Not good, especially when we were guests at a nephew's place who I hadn't met...ever! The couple, Kirti & Abhijit, was understanding and we had a good time chatting and catching up.
Saturday found us at the race expo where we picked up the race packets and walked around and bought a few things for Madhura. A couple of free beers helped cheer us up. And the double decker city tour ride too. A sumptuous lunch at the food market...yumm!!
Met up with Madhav and Gauri and had a nice dinner at P. F. Chang's.
Slept at a decent time and woke up at 5am. Abhijit dropped us off at downtown Philly. Grabbed a couple of bananas and half a bagel. Checked our bags in. A good warm up and we lined up at our respective corrals. The crowd was terrific. 25,000 strong! Amazing to see how such a large crowd got to the startup area, which basically covered the WHOLE of Arch street, starting from the Philadelphia musuem of Art! All without any chaos or accident.
The race started and I had my Garmin on. Started with a good stride.
The Garmin lost its signal less than 1M in. That was expected amidst the tall downtown buildings. So well...fine! All I could use it was as a timer.
I made sure I got a cup of water at every break station. My biggest concern was my sore ITB. I had my ProTek band on. A little too tight. It was holding up. No pains.
Found someone's shoe pouch with a car key in it! What a bummer to the chap who lost it. Stupid on his part to try out the pouch they handed out in the race packet. Drives the point home...not to try anything new on race day. I picked it up and wanted to give it to a voluteer who I thought might get to the finish before I did. Ended up carrying it all the way myself.
Started on the gel I had at mile 7. Grabbed a couple more at 8M. The run was awesome. Saw a few runner drop out. Some were limping bad. Some dropped out of exhaustion. But the crowd support was amazing. A band at every mile. Very cool.
At about 10m, I felt the exhaustion set in. The ProTek band started getting uncomfortable. I loosened it at 11M, I think. Maybe that was not a good idea. The temperature was about 75deg F. Pleasant.
Was really exhausted at 12M. More so when I knew that I would not be able to finish it within 2hrs.
Try as much as I could, inspite of all my plans, I couldn't manage a negative split.
My splits:
I was in quite a bit of pain after the race. The walk back to the train station was not pleasant. All this inspite of loads of R.I.C.E and foam roller and ultrasound therapy.
My am seriously re-evaluating my plans for the Marine Corp Marathon. Unfortunate and heart-breaking as it may sound, I might have to defer.
Lets see, maybe, more of the therapy might help. Madhura suggests that I do not attempt the marathon. And avoid long term injury. She has been right earlier. My heart does not agree though. All this effort that I have put in training...will be for nothing. Well, atleast thats how it sounds.
Pity we forgot the camera. No photos of this Philly trip.
Prepped Maggy up before Manasi picked her up for the weekend. Bless her heart!
The drive to Philly on Friday was quite stressful to say the least. Thanks to the fuckin I-495 beltway. Well, the supposedly 3 hour drive took us almost 6! Not good, especially when we were guests at a nephew's place who I hadn't met...ever! The couple, Kirti & Abhijit, was understanding and we had a good time chatting and catching up.
Saturday found us at the race expo where we picked up the race packets and walked around and bought a few things for Madhura. A couple of free beers helped cheer us up. And the double decker city tour ride too. A sumptuous lunch at the food market...yumm!!
Met up with Madhav and Gauri and had a nice dinner at P. F. Chang's.
Slept at a decent time and woke up at 5am. Abhijit dropped us off at downtown Philly. Grabbed a couple of bananas and half a bagel. Checked our bags in. A good warm up and we lined up at our respective corrals. The crowd was terrific. 25,000 strong! Amazing to see how such a large crowd got to the startup area, which basically covered the WHOLE of Arch street, starting from the Philadelphia musuem of Art! All without any chaos or accident.
The race started and I had my Garmin on. Started with a good stride.
The Garmin lost its signal less than 1M in. That was expected amidst the tall downtown buildings. So well...fine! All I could use it was as a timer.
I made sure I got a cup of water at every break station. My biggest concern was my sore ITB. I had my ProTek band on. A little too tight. It was holding up. No pains.
Found someone's shoe pouch with a car key in it! What a bummer to the chap who lost it. Stupid on his part to try out the pouch they handed out in the race packet. Drives the point home...not to try anything new on race day. I picked it up and wanted to give it to a voluteer who I thought might get to the finish before I did. Ended up carrying it all the way myself.
Started on the gel I had at mile 7. Grabbed a couple more at 8M. The run was awesome. Saw a few runner drop out. Some were limping bad. Some dropped out of exhaustion. But the crowd support was amazing. A band at every mile. Very cool.
At about 10m, I felt the exhaustion set in. The ProTek band started getting uncomfortable. I loosened it at 11M, I think. Maybe that was not a good idea. The temperature was about 75deg F. Pleasant.
Was really exhausted at 12M. More so when I knew that I would not be able to finish it within 2hrs.
Try as much as I could, inspite of all my plans, I couldn't manage a negative split.
My splits:
My am seriously re-evaluating my plans for the Marine Corp Marathon. Unfortunate and heart-breaking as it may sound, I might have to defer.
Lets see, maybe, more of the therapy might help. Madhura suggests that I do not attempt the marathon. And avoid long term injury. She has been right earlier. My heart does not agree though. All this effort that I have put in training...will be for nothing. Well, atleast thats how it sounds.
Pity we forgot the camera. No photos of this Philly trip.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
A refreshing recovery run [09/15/2010]
Have been icing and stretching and using the Pro-Tec ITB strap like crazy since Sunday.
So decide to test out the results on a small run. Had the strap on. Ran really slow and easy. Felt great! No problems at all. I have the Philly half marathon that I really really do not want to miss. So lets see.
Date: 09/15/2010 7:00 PM
Type: Run (Recovery)
Distance: 1.79 miles
Time: 0 hr 20 min 00 secs
Average pace: 11:10 min/miles
Route: 2.8M @ Mnmt Rndm Hls Fairfax
Route link: http://www.logyourrun.com/showroute/K8fyxFbd32Pn7y
Shoes: Vibram FiveFingers
Calories: 245
The stretches I did were:
Incidentally, the site I got these pictures of has great stretches for lower body.
More info on the ITBS that I found useful is available here.
Some other good information is available on this site.
Madhura also taped the IT band area with kinesio tape and that has been tremendous relief.
As you can see, I am doing all that I can to be able to run this weekend.
So decide to test out the results on a small run. Had the strap on. Ran really slow and easy. Felt great! No problems at all. I have the Philly half marathon that I really really do not want to miss. So lets see.
Date: 09/15/2010 7:00 PM
Type: Run (Recovery)
Distance: 1.79 miles
Time: 0 hr 20 min 00 secs
Average pace: 11:10 min/miles
Route: 2.8M @ Mnmt Rndm Hls Fairfax
Route link: http://www.logyourrun.com/showroute/K8fyxFbd32Pn7y
Shoes: Vibram FiveFingers
Calories: 245
The stretches I did were:
More info on the ITBS that I found useful is available here.
Some other good information is available on this site.
Madhura also taped the IT band area with kinesio tape and that has been tremendous relief.
As you can see, I am doing all that I can to be able to run this weekend.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
In touch with nature trails - my foot! [09/12/2010]
A very pleasant day. It was raining in the morning. So I took off at about 10am to Accotink trail. Well stocked on water and got a Powerbar for just in case.
Had 16M in the agenda.
Started off very well. Turned on the training assistant with pace of 9min/mile.
Unbelievably beautiful trail. Imagine sighting deer standing less than 10ft away. Wish I had my phone to take a snap.
At ~5M the trail turns rugged. The paved trail is no more. I felt pretty okay initially with my VFF. And then it started getting a little uncomfortable. At about 7M, my respect for BareFoot Ted increased 10 fold...or maybe more! The rubble was pretty sharp and strangely enough, my right sole was taking the brunt of all the sharpies. Very strange. It seemed like the left leg was completely 'blind'.
Least did I know that that leg had something else in store for me.
At about 8M the IT band on the left leg started acting up. And boy! Did it hurt. It was sheer will power that I could even back track the route. Well, did not have any other option, did I? All the stretching and resting in the world did not help. And then the trail gashing my soles...was not fun in the remotest sense.
Boy! Was I glad to have reached back to the car.
I have been icing, stretching and straping the left IT band like crazy. Lets see if the strapping and strengthening helps and I will post those solutions in one of my later posts.
While all this is going on, I have been having serious doubts on my ability to complete the marathon. Meeting my target time of 4hrs is the least of my worries. I am worried if I will even be able to finish it. I have a half marathon coming up this weekend in Philadelphia. Lets see how I feel after that. This is not nice news!
Date: 09/12/2010 10:00 AM
Type: Run (Long run)
Distance: 16.39 miles
Time: 2 hr 26 min 00 secs
Average pace: 8:54 min/miles
Route: 16M on Accotink Trail
Route link: http://www.logyourrun.com/showroute/YFBiCkol74bsgg
Shoes: Vibram FiveFingers
Had 16M in the agenda.
Started off very well. Turned on the training assistant with pace of 9min/mile.
Unbelievably beautiful trail. Imagine sighting deer standing less than 10ft away. Wish I had my phone to take a snap.
At ~5M the trail turns rugged. The paved trail is no more. I felt pretty okay initially with my VFF. And then it started getting a little uncomfortable. At about 7M, my respect for BareFoot Ted increased 10 fold...or maybe more! The rubble was pretty sharp and strangely enough, my right sole was taking the brunt of all the sharpies. Very strange. It seemed like the left leg was completely 'blind'.
Least did I know that that leg had something else in store for me.
At about 8M the IT band on the left leg started acting up. And boy! Did it hurt. It was sheer will power that I could even back track the route. Well, did not have any other option, did I? All the stretching and resting in the world did not help. And then the trail gashing my soles...was not fun in the remotest sense.
Boy! Was I glad to have reached back to the car.
I have been icing, stretching and straping the left IT band like crazy. Lets see if the strapping and strengthening helps and I will post those solutions in one of my later posts.
While all this is going on, I have been having serious doubts on my ability to complete the marathon. Meeting my target time of 4hrs is the least of my worries. I am worried if I will even be able to finish it. I have a half marathon coming up this weekend in Philadelphia. Lets see how I feel after that. This is not nice news!
Date: 09/12/2010 10:00 AM
Type: Run (Long run)
Distance: 16.39 miles
Time: 2 hr 26 min 00 secs
Average pace: 8:54 min/miles
Route: 16M on Accotink Trail
Route link: http://www.logyourrun.com/showroute/YFBiCkol74bsgg
Shoes: Vibram FiveFingers
Saturday, September 11, 2010
A 3M quickie [09/11/2010]
Between a canceled racquetball session and getting to Tushar-Natasha's place for Ganpati pooja, I could steal a little while to run 'round the block'. Did not set the training assistant as it was pretty hot, so didn't want to burn myself out unnecessarily. Especially when I have a 16M run tomorrow.
Sweat like a pig. The achilles tendon is a little sore. I must admit I am trying to modify my running a wee bit. Trying to consciously land on the heel with shorter steps. And pleasantly enough, I see no slowing in pace. And I don't feel like I am hammering the ground.
Date: 09/11/2010 3:30 PM
Type: Run (Training run)
Distance: 3.03 miles
Time: 0 hr 28 min 42 secs
Average pace: 9:28 min/miles
Route: 2.8M @ Mnmt Rndm Hls Fairfax
Route link: http://www.logyourrun.com/showroute/K8fyxFbd32Pn7y
Shoes: Vibram FiveFingers
Calories: 427
Sweat like a pig. The achilles tendon is a little sore. I must admit I am trying to modify my running a wee bit. Trying to consciously land on the heel with shorter steps. And pleasantly enough, I see no slowing in pace. And I don't feel like I am hammering the ground.
Date: 09/11/2010 3:30 PM
Type: Run (Training run)
Distance: 3.03 miles
Time: 0 hr 28 min 42 secs
Average pace: 9:28 min/miles
Route: 2.8M @ Mnmt Rndm Hls Fairfax
Route link: http://www.logyourrun.com/showroute/K8fyxFbd32Pn7y
Shoes: Vibram FiveFingers
Calories: 427
17M biking on Accotink trail [09/10/2010]
It was supposedly a rest day for me. And for Madhura too. But she has her weekend booked for some continuing ed class she has to take. So she decides to do her long run on Friday. 18M. And she mentioned a new trail that I didn't want her to go alone early Friday. So we decide that she would run and I would bike. Good enough deal. Some kind of cross training for me, albeit a slow one.
We stock up on powerade, a bottle of water and a power gel, throw the $30 bike she bought off her patient in the car and take off to Fairfax downtown. Park by Pacers and ran the 2M to Accotink trail.I tell you...this is one of the nicest trails I have run on. Not that I have run on a lot of them. The other being W&OD. But this one's really nice. Shaded and not too hilly. It has paved and unpaved surfaces. And the FR201 did not baulk inspite of the woods. And its so close to home. And spans almost 25 odd miles. Guess where my long run this Sunday is going to be at?
Madhura did well. 3hrs for her 17M. Her ITB started acting up last few miles. But she sucked it up and ran well. I am proud of her!
A bagel and a cherry pastry at Panera Bread was a good ending.
Date: 09/10/2010 8:00 AM
Type: Bike (Just for fun)
Distance: 16.76 miles
Time: 3 hr 00 min 00 secs
Average speed: 5.6 miles/hr
Route: 17M Accotink CC Trail
Route link: http://www.logyourrun.com/showroute/ASRJQiQJLjRjsC
Calories: 2047
We stock up on powerade, a bottle of water and a power gel, throw the $30 bike she bought off her patient in the car and take off to Fairfax downtown. Park by Pacers and ran the 2M to Accotink trail.I tell you...this is one of the nicest trails I have run on. Not that I have run on a lot of them. The other being W&OD. But this one's really nice. Shaded and not too hilly. It has paved and unpaved surfaces. And the FR201 did not baulk inspite of the woods. And its so close to home. And spans almost 25 odd miles. Guess where my long run this Sunday is going to be at?
Madhura did well. 3hrs for her 17M. Her ITB started acting up last few miles. But she sucked it up and ran well. I am proud of her!
A bagel and a cherry pastry at Panera Bread was a good ending.
Date: 09/10/2010 8:00 AM
Type: Bike (Just for fun)
Distance: 16.76 miles
Time: 3 hr 00 min 00 secs
Average speed: 5.6 miles/hr
Route: 17M Accotink CC Trail
Route link: http://www.logyourrun.com/showroute/ASRJQiQJLjRjsC
Calories: 2047
Friday, September 10, 2010
Run w/ Garmin Forerunner 201 [09/09/2010]
After a couple of failed attempts to get hold of a GPS watch, I finally got the Garmin Forerunner 201 on Craigslist. I don't think anything can beat the FR201 for $25! Lets see how it works out. No more hoping that the LYR app would not conk out. No more hoping that the battery does not give up on me. No more craning the neck to see how I am making out on the timing.
This is how it looks on my wrist:
Went through the manual and took it out for a quick run. The reviews say that the satellite reception could be a little dicey. Lets see what I find.
A lot of features. A LOT more than the free LYR app at least. You can have it beep if you were to go faster or slower than preset paces. Beep at particular distances. The display is big and clear. Just the 3 numbers I am interested in - Time, pace and distance. Then there's the running assistant that you program to run a preset distance at a certain pace and that lets you know if you are leading or behind the virtual guy. And then you can have the return to start that points out Neat! I am impressed. Apart from the missing heart rate monitor (which I have not use as of now), I don't see why I would need anything else.
So I strap that on and take off for a 'round the block' run. It was getting pretty dark. The mileage matched that of Google maps very accurately! And so did the Go Back to Start feature. Accurate within 8ft! Am just love-stuck. LOL
Anyways, here's the data for yesterday:
Date: 09/09/2010 7:30 PM
Type: Run (Tempo run)
Distance: 3.12 miles
Time: 0 hr 28 min 05 secs
Average pace: 9:00 min/miles
Route: 2.8M @ Mnmt Rndm Hls Fairfax
Route link: http://www.logyourrun.com/showroute/K8fyxFbd32Pn7y
Shoes: Vibram FiveFingers
Calories: 419
Looking forward to better performance henceforth. Time will tell.
This is how it looks on my wrist:
A lot of features. A LOT more than the free LYR app at least. You can have it beep if you were to go faster or slower than preset paces. Beep at particular distances. The display is big and clear. Just the 3 numbers I am interested in - Time, pace and distance. Then there's the running assistant that you program to run a preset distance at a certain pace and that lets you know if you are leading or behind the virtual guy. And then you can have the return to start that points out Neat! I am impressed. Apart from the missing heart rate monitor (which I have not use as of now), I don't see why I would need anything else.
So I strap that on and take off for a 'round the block' run. It was getting pretty dark. The mileage matched that of Google maps very accurately! And so did the Go Back to Start feature. Accurate within 8ft! Am just love-stuck. LOL
Anyways, here's the data for yesterday:
Date: 09/09/2010 7:30 PM
Type: Run (Tempo run)
Distance: 3.12 miles
Time: 0 hr 28 min 05 secs
Average pace: 9:00 min/miles
Route: 2.8M @ Mnmt Rndm Hls Fairfax
Route link: http://www.logyourrun.com/showroute/K8fyxFbd32Pn7y
Shoes: Vibram FiveFingers
Calories: 419
Looking forward to better performance henceforth. Time will tell.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
A careful 5Miler [09/08/2010]
Been wary since Sunday's long run where the ITB started acting up. Or so I thought. Been icing the left ITB atleast twice a day since then. Did not run Tuesday's run. Am getting pretty paranoid and been doing the stretches and strengthening exercises that Madhura's suggested.
So I decide to start slow round the 'block' 3miler. If I felt good enough, I would continue. The freaking LYR app started acting up again. So had to reinstall it, hence losing my step distance! grrr! Anyways.
Surprisingly, the leg did not act up at all. In fact, I felt great! Did a beautiful negative split. Felt awesome!
Ended up doing 2 laps!
Date: 09/08/2010 7:04 PM
Type: Run (Training run)
Distance: 5.58 miles
Time: 0 hr 52 min 33 secs
Average pace: 9:25 min/miles
Route: 2.8M @ Mnmt Rndm Hls Fairfax
Route link: http://www.logyourrun.com/showroute/K8fyxFbd32Pn7y
Shoes: Vibram FiveFingers
So I decide to start slow round the 'block' 3miler. If I felt good enough, I would continue. The freaking LYR app started acting up again. So had to reinstall it, hence losing my step distance! grrr! Anyways.
Surprisingly, the leg did not act up at all. In fact, I felt great! Did a beautiful negative split. Felt awesome!
Ended up doing 2 laps!
Date: 09/08/2010 7:04 PM
Type: Run (Training run)
Distance: 5.58 miles
Time: 0 hr 52 min 33 secs
Average pace: 9:25 min/miles
Route: 2.8M @ Mnmt Rndm Hls Fairfax
Route link: http://www.logyourrun.com/showroute/K8fyxFbd32Pn7y
Shoes: Vibram FiveFingers
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
15M long run becomes a painful 13M [09/05/2010]
A gorgeous day. After our long weekend plans to go to Cape Cod were a washed out...literally...but the whimpy hurricane Earl. So I guess the long run plans stayed. Woke up early to head out to the W&OD trail. This time I decided to head out west. 7.5M out and back. The eastward run couple of weeks ago was not the best. Suffered because of the sun blazing down. And I know most part of the westward run was well shaded.
The first half of the run was pleasant. Made decent time. Quite hilly at a few places. Felt good though.
It was during the run back that I started feeling really tired. Tried the power gel at ~8.5M. At 12M the ITBS started. Walked for a couple miles and then ran another. Didn't want to risk it too much. So took it easy after that. Iced and massaged it after I got back home. Hopefully its not going to be too bad. Hopefully its just a passing thing. Hopefully will work on strengthening. :-)
Date: 09/05/2010 8:00 AM
Type: Run (Long run)
Distance: 13.1 miles
Time: 2 hr 04 min 17 secs
Average pace: 9:29 min/miles
Route: 13M W&OD 09/05/2010
Route link: http://www.logyourrun.com/showroute/VQ8gugq4hYsxio
Shoes: Vibram FiveFingers
The elevation range was almost 200ft.
The first half of the run was pleasant. Made decent time. Quite hilly at a few places. Felt good though.
It was during the run back that I started feeling really tired. Tried the power gel at ~8.5M. At 12M the ITBS started. Walked for a couple miles and then ran another. Didn't want to risk it too much. So took it easy after that. Iced and massaged it after I got back home. Hopefully its not going to be too bad. Hopefully its just a passing thing. Hopefully will work on strengthening. :-)
Date: 09/05/2010 8:00 AM
Type: Run (Long run)
Distance: 13.1 miles
Time: 2 hr 04 min 17 secs
Average pace: 9:29 min/miles
Route: 13M W&OD 09/05/2010
Route link: http://www.logyourrun.com/showroute/VQ8gugq4hYsxio
Shoes: Vibram FiveFingers
The elevation range was almost 200ft.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Catch up blog [09/04/2010]
Have been doing too much running and work's keeping me too busy to log my data.
Excuses!
So here's a catch up of the logs I have missed since 08/18:
Date: 08/24/2010 7:15 PM
Type: Run (Training run)
Distance: 5.04 miles
Time: 0 hr 46 min 20 secs
Average pace: 9:12 min/miles
Route: 5M Silver Leaf Dover
Route link: http://www.logyourrun.com/showroute/a40EyxarFx14qj
Shoes: Vibram FiveFingers
Date: 08/25/2010 7:15 PM
Type: Run (Interval run)
Distance: 1 miles
Time: 0 hr 24 min 00 secs
Average pace: 24:00 min/miles
Shoes: Vibram FiveFingers
Date: 08/29/2010 7:30 AM
Type: Run (Long run)
Distance: 13 miles
Time: 1 hr 57 min 09 secs
Average pace: 9:01 min/miles
Route: 13M on W&OD
Route link: http://www.logyourrun.com/showroute/0AhcnjMQECR5av
Shoes: Vibram FiveFingers
Date: 08/31/2010 7:30 PM
Type: Run (Training run)
Distance: 4 miles
Time: 0 hr 37 min 41 secs
Average pace: 9:25 min/miles
Route: 4 miler around Leipsic downtown
Route link: http://www.logyourrun.com/showroute/AN4WIiiBkjZ6pl
Shoes: Vibram FiveFingers
Date: 08/31/2010 7:30 PM
Type: Run (Training run)
Distance: 4 miles
Time: 0 hr 37 min 41 secs
Average pace: 9:25 min/miles
Route: 4 miler around Leipsic downtown
Route link: http://www.logyourrun.com/showroute/AN4WIiiBkjZ6pl
Shoes: Vibram FiveFingers
Date: 09/01/2010 7:45 PM
Type: Run (Training run)
Distance: 6.86 miles
Time: 1 hr 06 min 23 secs
Average pace: 9:41 min/miles
Route: 7M Dyke-Leipsic Rd
Route link: http://www.logyourrun.com/showroute/1JMuqkK8KnMY2J
Shoes: Vibram FiveFingers
Date: 09/03/2010 7:15 PM
Type: Bike (Just for fun)
Distance: 2.79 miles
Time: 0 hr 30 min 00 secs
Average speed: 5.6 miles/hr
Route: 2.8M @ Mnmt Rndm Hls Fairfax
Route link: http://www.logyourrun.com/showroute/K8fyxFbd32Pn7y
The long runs are pretty satisfactory. Been sore around the ankles after this week's run. So took the bike out for a nice pleasure ride.
Madhura seems to be liking her Nike+.
Am reading up and looking for a used Garmin Forerunner. If a deal comes by, fine. Not sure if it will be useful though. Lets see...
Excuses!
So here's a catch up of the logs I have missed since 08/18:
Date: 08/24/2010 7:15 PM
Type: Run (Training run)
Distance: 5.04 miles
Time: 0 hr 46 min 20 secs
Average pace: 9:12 min/miles
Route: 5M Silver Leaf Dover
Route link: http://www.logyourrun.com/showroute/a40EyxarFx14qj
Shoes: Vibram FiveFingers
Date: 08/25/2010 7:15 PM
Type: Run (Interval run)
Distance: 1 miles
Time: 0 hr 24 min 00 secs
Average pace: 24:00 min/miles
Shoes: Vibram FiveFingers
Date: 08/29/2010 7:30 AM
Type: Run (Long run)
Distance: 13 miles
Time: 1 hr 57 min 09 secs
Average pace: 9:01 min/miles
Route: 13M on W&OD
Route link: http://www.logyourrun.com/showroute/0AhcnjMQECR5av
Shoes: Vibram FiveFingers
Date: 08/31/2010 7:30 PM
Type: Run (Training run)
Distance: 4 miles
Time: 0 hr 37 min 41 secs
Average pace: 9:25 min/miles
Route: 4 miler around Leipsic downtown
Route link: http://www.logyourrun.com/showroute/AN4WIiiBkjZ6pl
Shoes: Vibram FiveFingers
Date: 08/31/2010 7:30 PM
Type: Run (Training run)
Distance: 4 miles
Time: 0 hr 37 min 41 secs
Average pace: 9:25 min/miles
Route: 4 miler around Leipsic downtown
Route link: http://www.logyourrun.com/showroute/AN4WIiiBkjZ6pl
Shoes: Vibram FiveFingers
Date: 09/01/2010 7:45 PM
Type: Run (Training run)
Distance: 6.86 miles
Time: 1 hr 06 min 23 secs
Average pace: 9:41 min/miles
Route: 7M Dyke-Leipsic Rd
Route link: http://www.logyourrun.com/showroute/1JMuqkK8KnMY2J
Shoes: Vibram FiveFingers
Date: 09/03/2010 7:15 PM
Type: Bike (Just for fun)
Distance: 2.79 miles
Time: 0 hr 30 min 00 secs
Average speed: 5.6 miles/hr
Route: 2.8M @ Mnmt Rndm Hls Fairfax
Route link: http://www.logyourrun.com/showroute/K8fyxFbd32Pn7y
The long runs are pretty satisfactory. Been sore around the ankles after this week's run. So took the bike out for a nice pleasure ride.
Madhura seems to be liking her Nike+.
Am reading up and looking for a used Garmin Forerunner. If a deal comes by, fine. Not sure if it will be useful though. Lets see...
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Tired muscles [08/18/2010]
The training calendar said 6M. After yesterday's fabulous run, I was looking forward to this one too. Its been raining a lot the whole day. But I was looking forward to go out today despite the rain. Grabbed a 20min nap and had some yogurt before taking off after work. I did quite a bit of stretching before taking off on my old Leipsic road route.
Started really slow and then picked up speed. I made sure that I was up there..but still not. If you know what I mean. The moment I felt that I was straining too much, I slowed stopped. No cramps. Tried to maintain the posture as suggested in one of the videos I saw last night of how to maintain the posture...the chest and legs to be in line when the foot falls. All said and done, I just listened to my body. And I think I am doing a good job!
Date: 08/18/2010 7:15 AM
Type: Run (Training run)
Distance: 6.38 miles
Time: 0 hr 57 min 57 secs
Average pace: 9:05 min/miles
Route: 6M Up & Down Leipsic Rd
Route link: http://www.logyourrun.com/showroute/tCutZ9ikeuLOqx
Shoes: Vibram FiveFingers
Btw...200M on the Vibrams! YAY!
Also, I am planning on revamping my program. Doing another 5M tomorrow...I just think I am not doing the right thing. Will take it easy...maybe just some stretching and warm up walk or so. Lets see.
Meals: Cereal + Vit D milk for breakfast, cauliflower भाजी + चपाती for lunch, pierogi + sausages + cole slaw for dinner (thanks to Marquis and Stephanie, my roommates here at Dover)...yummy!
Oh yeah! Almost forgot. Durk at work suggested that I do a half marathon before the full just to get a feel for the pace I am developing on D-day. And coincidently, Holly said her running group is planning on forming a running club and needs people to be in their running group for a half marathon in Philly! Talked to Madhura and we might be going in for that...Sept 19th. And we have to do a 12M run that particular Sunday anyways! So all seems just right. Lets see.
Started really slow and then picked up speed. I made sure that I was up there..but still not. If you know what I mean. The moment I felt that I was straining too much, I slowed stopped. No cramps. Tried to maintain the posture as suggested in one of the videos I saw last night of how to maintain the posture...the chest and legs to be in line when the foot falls. All said and done, I just listened to my body. And I think I am doing a good job!
Date: 08/18/2010 7:15 AM
Type: Run (Training run)
Distance: 6.38 miles
Time: 0 hr 57 min 57 secs
Average pace: 9:05 min/miles
Route: 6M Up & Down Leipsic Rd
Route link: http://www.logyourrun.com/showroute/tCutZ9ikeuLOqx
Shoes: Vibram FiveFingers
Btw...200M on the Vibrams! YAY!
Also, I am planning on revamping my program. Doing another 5M tomorrow...I just think I am not doing the right thing. Will take it easy...maybe just some stretching and warm up walk or so. Lets see.
Meals: Cereal + Vit D milk for breakfast, cauliflower भाजी + चपाती for lunch, pierogi + sausages + cole slaw for dinner (thanks to Marquis and Stephanie, my roommates here at Dover)...yummy!
Oh yeah! Almost forgot. Durk at work suggested that I do a half marathon before the full just to get a feel for the pace I am developing on D-day. And coincidently, Holly said her running group is planning on forming a running club and needs people to be in their running group for a half marathon in Philly! Talked to Madhura and we might be going in for that...Sept 19th. And we have to do a 12M run that particular Sunday anyways! So all seems just right. Lets see.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Last week's runs [8/7/2010] through [8/17/2010]
Not been diligently maintaining this log for the last 3 runs. Especially since these past 3 runs were pretty nice.
We couldn't run on Sunday - Chandrika's baby shower. So we decided to do the long run on Saturday. Madhura found this running group advertisement at Potbelly's. So we decided to try them out. She'd called to confirm that they were doing the run Saturday. So we wake our asses up and go over to the Pacer's store. No one showed up till 7:20am. Just another lady who also was not aware that the run was actually canceled. So we went ahead and did 2 laps of the 4.5M loop she knew around Fairfax and George Mason Univ.
It was nice to know that Madhura did do the run well. All of 9M without losing pace or steam.
I really don't remember the next 2 runs. I have the data on LogYourRun. The important one was when I did a fantastic tempo run on a new route. It just felt amazing that my legs just went on and on after the first 2M. It was pretty windy. So I don't know if it was the wind against my back that was propelling me! LOL! Whatever it was...felt awesome! I hope to replicate that the next time.
Then there was a day when it had rained and I just could not run in that humid weather. What was supposed to be a 4M run...ended up being 2M or less.
The long run for the weekend...12M was a damp squib...literally! With the rain drenching us and we seeking shelter at Chandrika-Malli's place. And then taking off again. It just didn't feel right. We did manage to do 9M. Well...better something than nothing.
Then with the hopes of replicating the last 5M run, I took off today. Slow initially, since I really really wanted to do a negative split. And wow! I set a PR! 8.43min/M. I was ecstatic. And no wind today! So I really am able to get it going. Just as Durk from work told me..."If you train to be slower, you will run slow". That really stuck and got me going. Am glad!
Got a new pair of running shorts this weekend from the Nike store at the outlet mall. Very comfortable.
Run data:
Date: 08/14/2010
Type: Run
Distance: 1.99 miles
Time: 0 hr 20 min 52 secs
Route: Route - 2010-08-14
Date: 08/15/2010 8:00 AM
Type: Run (Long run)
Distance: 9.69 miles
Time: 1 hr 36 min 28 secs
Average pace: 9:57 min/miles
Route: 10M on West Ox 08/15/2010
Route link: http://www.logyourrun.com/showroute/CWxO849jPXkXkS
Shoes: Vibram FiveFingers
Date: 08/17/2010 7:45 AM
Type: Run (Progression)
Distance: 5.04 miles
Time: 0 hr 43 min 54 secs
Average pace: 8:43 min/miles
Route: 5M Silver Leaf Dover
Route link: http://www.logyourrun.com/showroute/a40EyxarFx14qj
Shoes: Vibram FiveFingers
We couldn't run on Sunday - Chandrika's baby shower. So we decided to do the long run on Saturday. Madhura found this running group advertisement at Potbelly's. So we decided to try them out. She'd called to confirm that they were doing the run Saturday. So we wake our asses up and go over to the Pacer's store. No one showed up till 7:20am. Just another lady who also was not aware that the run was actually canceled. So we went ahead and did 2 laps of the 4.5M loop she knew around Fairfax and George Mason Univ.
It was nice to know that Madhura did do the run well. All of 9M without losing pace or steam.
I really don't remember the next 2 runs. I have the data on LogYourRun. The important one was when I did a fantastic tempo run on a new route. It just felt amazing that my legs just went on and on after the first 2M. It was pretty windy. So I don't know if it was the wind against my back that was propelling me! LOL! Whatever it was...felt awesome! I hope to replicate that the next time.
Then there was a day when it had rained and I just could not run in that humid weather. What was supposed to be a 4M run...ended up being 2M or less.
The long run for the weekend...12M was a damp squib...literally! With the rain drenching us and we seeking shelter at Chandrika-Malli's place. And then taking off again. It just didn't feel right. We did manage to do 9M. Well...better something than nothing.
Then with the hopes of replicating the last 5M run, I took off today. Slow initially, since I really really wanted to do a negative split. And wow! I set a PR! 8.43min/M. I was ecstatic. And no wind today! So I really am able to get it going. Just as Durk from work told me..."If you train to be slower, you will run slow". That really stuck and got me going. Am glad!
Got a new pair of running shorts this weekend from the Nike store at the outlet mall. Very comfortable.
Run data:
Date: 08/14/2010
Type: Run
Distance: 1.99 miles
Time: 0 hr 20 min 52 secs
Route: Route - 2010-08-14
Date: 08/15/2010 8:00 AM
Type: Run (Long run)
Distance: 9.69 miles
Time: 1 hr 36 min 28 secs
Average pace: 9:57 min/miles
Route: 10M on West Ox 08/15/2010
Route link: http://www.logyourrun.com/showroute/CWxO849jPXkXkS
Shoes: Vibram FiveFingers
Date: 08/17/2010 7:45 AM
Type: Run (Progression)
Distance: 5.04 miles
Time: 0 hr 43 min 54 secs
Average pace: 8:43 min/miles
Route: 5M Silver Leaf Dover
Route link: http://www.logyourrun.com/showroute/a40EyxarFx14qj
Shoes: Vibram FiveFingers
Friday, August 6, 2010
Sore legs [08/05/2010]
Just getting back after that darned run on Tuesday was an attempt. The achilles tendon was hurting. The knees were hurting; the ankles were sore. Back muscles were tight. I am being grumpy...but that is a fact.
It rained in sheets and I thought I was not going to be able to run today. By 7pm, the rains stopped. So, I put on my lovely Fivefingers and took off. Decided to do just the 3M. Felt good. Took it really slow.
Date: 08/05/2010 7:00 PM
Type: Run (Training run)
Distance: 2.79 miles
Time: 0 hr 29 min 33 secs
Average pace: 10:35 min/miles
Route: 2.8M @ Mnmt Rndm Hls Fairfax
Route link: http://www.logyourrun.com/showroute/K8fyxFbd32Pn7y
Shoes: Vibram FiveFingers
From the pace you can see, I really went slow! LOL.
I HAVE to work on my speed man!
I got to talk to Dirk finally. He is a consultant at work and Nancy had mentioned about him. We talked about Fivefingers and how it has been a boon to me. He mentioned how interval runs could help me with speed. Said I don't have to sweat it out when I speed up. Just pick up the pace a tad between 2 landmarks, and then slow down the next 2. Makes sense. Will do that henceforth.
Also, a note worth mentioning. I don't remember if it was the Runner's World website or what...but there was mention of how pulling your foot in right before touching down mid-foot helps with pace. Lets see if I can work on that.
Meanwhile, here's a link on what is normal running, overpronation and underpronation.
Normal Pronation:
Overpronation:
Underpronation:
"Supination (or underpronation) is the insufficient inward roll of the foot after landing. This places extra stress on the foot and can result in iliotibial band syndrome of the knee, Achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis.
Runners with high arches and tight Achilles tendons tend to be supinators. Shoes will wear on the entire outside edge, and the side of the shoe becomes overstretched. If you place shoes on a flat surface, they tilt outward."
- Source Runner's World
So its pretty evident that I am a underpronator/supinator. Is that why fivefingers are helping me? They don't have a flat sole like shoes. And its that flat sole forces my soles to whip flat in place. And thats whats like a jab to all the leg muscles like a whip every time the foot lands. THAT explains it all! EUREKA!
It rained in sheets and I thought I was not going to be able to run today. By 7pm, the rains stopped. So, I put on my lovely Fivefingers and took off. Decided to do just the 3M. Felt good. Took it really slow.
Date: 08/05/2010 7:00 PM
Type: Run (Training run)
Distance: 2.79 miles
Time: 0 hr 29 min 33 secs
Average pace: 10:35 min/miles
Route: 2.8M @ Mnmt Rndm Hls Fairfax
Route link: http://www.logyourrun.com/showroute/K8fyxFbd32Pn7y
Shoes: Vibram FiveFingers
From the pace you can see, I really went slow! LOL.
I HAVE to work on my speed man!
I got to talk to Dirk finally. He is a consultant at work and Nancy had mentioned about him. We talked about Fivefingers and how it has been a boon to me. He mentioned how interval runs could help me with speed. Said I don't have to sweat it out when I speed up. Just pick up the pace a tad between 2 landmarks, and then slow down the next 2. Makes sense. Will do that henceforth.
Also, a note worth mentioning. I don't remember if it was the Runner's World website or what...but there was mention of how pulling your foot in right before touching down mid-foot helps with pace. Lets see if I can work on that.
Meanwhile, here's a link on what is normal running, overpronation and underpronation.
Normal Pronation:
Overpronation:
Underpronation:
"Supination (or underpronation) is the insufficient inward roll of the foot after landing. This places extra stress on the foot and can result in iliotibial band syndrome of the knee, Achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis.
Runners with high arches and tight Achilles tendons tend to be supinators. Shoes will wear on the entire outside edge, and the side of the shoe becomes overstretched. If you place shoes on a flat surface, they tilt outward."
- Source Runner's World
So its pretty evident that I am a underpronator/supinator. Is that why fivefingers are helping me? They don't have a flat sole like shoes. And its that flat sole forces my soles to whip flat in place. And thats whats like a jab to all the leg muscles like a whip every time the foot lands. THAT explains it all! EUREKA!
Darned shoes [08/03/2010]
I forgot to take the Fivefingers this week. I had the Nike shoes with me. Was very skeptical about them. Decided to do a slow 3M in them. And my worst fears came true.
The whole run was uncomfortable. My running stride was not smooth. The foot strike was awkward. And it was not too far when the pains started. I made sure I ran as slow as I could.
I had 4M scheduled, but decided 3M was more than enough. The LYR app wouldn't run right either.
In the end, I was glad I could just finish.
Date: 08/03/2010 8:00 PM
Type: Run (Training run)
Distance: 3 miles
Time: 0 hr 28 min 00 secs
Average pace: 9:20 min/miles
Route: 3M Leipsic around the block
Route link: http://www.logyourrun.com/showroute/RQwaHqUsQKX8n6
Shoes: Vibram FiveFingers
I must admit though. I felt that my foot strike was not as noisy. Also, I thought I ran a wee faster. Are they just the wrong shoes?
The whole run was uncomfortable. My running stride was not smooth. The foot strike was awkward. And it was not too far when the pains started. I made sure I ran as slow as I could.
I had 4M scheduled, but decided 3M was more than enough. The LYR app wouldn't run right either.
In the end, I was glad I could just finish.
Date: 08/03/2010 8:00 PM
Type: Run (Training run)
Distance: 3 miles
Time: 0 hr 28 min 00 secs
Average pace: 9:20 min/miles
Route: 3M Leipsic around the block
Route link: http://www.logyourrun.com/showroute/RQwaHqUsQKX8n6
Shoes: Vibram FiveFingers
I must admit though. I felt that my foot strike was not as noisy. Also, I thought I ran a wee faster. Are they just the wrong shoes?
Sunday, August 1, 2010
A 10 miler on the W&OD trail [08/01/2010]
After the party last night, I did expect us to wake up late.
It rained yesterday, so I didn't expect it to be too hot today.
Beautiful day on the trail. Madhura wanted to run 7M and I 10M. So we went out 3.5M east and back. Madhura took a break there and I continued 1.5M on the west. A thoroughly enjoyable run.
Didn't imagine Madhura would run her 7M. But she surprised me and went through without a sound.
I didn't feel too tired either.
Got back and she was waiting at Starbucks @ Vienna. Both of us gobbled down at Noodles & Co.
In short, a perfect run.
Date: 08/01/2010 9:45 AM
Type: Run (Trail run)
Distance: 9.97 miles
Time: 1 hr 40 min 58 secs
Average pace: 10:08 min/miles
Route: 10M W&OD 08/01/2010
Route link: http://www.logyourrun.com/showroute/0arch8KeJIrIVC
Shoes: Vibram FiveFingers
I am not happy with the timing. But the best part was that I enjoyed the run thoroughly. I am sure I can pick it up in due course.
I was successful in doing a negative split though! Thats because Madhura set the pace during the first half.
Meals:
Banana for breakfast + Pad thai noodles + LOTS of water for lunch ... I dunno what I am going to have for dinner.
Sad part is that Frank dropped out of his 100mile run. Thats sad. But the good part is that he did know that his body asked him to stop. And after what he has gone through over the last year, it is a miracle he even mustered up the guts to go for the 100miler. 54M is still a winner for me.
It rained yesterday, so I didn't expect it to be too hot today.
Beautiful day on the trail. Madhura wanted to run 7M and I 10M. So we went out 3.5M east and back. Madhura took a break there and I continued 1.5M on the west. A thoroughly enjoyable run.
Didn't imagine Madhura would run her 7M. But she surprised me and went through without a sound.
I didn't feel too tired either.
Got back and she was waiting at Starbucks @ Vienna. Both of us gobbled down at Noodles & Co.
In short, a perfect run.
Date: 08/01/2010 9:45 AM
Type: Run (Trail run)
Distance: 9.97 miles
Time: 1 hr 40 min 58 secs
Average pace: 10:08 min/miles
Route: 10M W&OD 08/01/2010
Route link: http://www.logyourrun.com/showroute/0arch8KeJIrIVC
Shoes: Vibram FiveFingers
I am not happy with the timing. But the best part was that I enjoyed the run thoroughly. I am sure I can pick it up in due course.
I was successful in doing a negative split though! Thats because Madhura set the pace during the first half.
Meals:
Banana for breakfast + Pad thai noodles + LOTS of water for lunch ... I dunno what I am going to have for dinner.
Sad part is that Frank dropped out of his 100mile run. Thats sad. But the good part is that he did know that his body asked him to stop. And after what he has gone through over the last year, it is a miracle he even mustered up the guts to go for the 100miler. 54M is still a winner for me.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Sweating like a pig [07/29/2010]
Got back from Dover at ~5:30pm. Madhura was not home yet. So I chalk out the route on Google maps and take off. It had rained quite a bit so I was expecting it to be humid. Gulped a banana down before taking off at about 6:30pm
Quite hilly and the humidity did not help. The training schedule said I had to do 4. But I didnt want to risk dehydrating. So cut it short to 3. Had a weird cramp just before taking off. The top of the foot right at the base of the fingers. A little stretching helped. Not sure what it was.
Date: 07/29/2010 6:30 PM
Type: Run (Training run)
Distance: 2.79 miles
Time: 0 hr 27 min 56 secs
Average pace: 10:01 min/miles
Route: 2.8M @ Mnmt Rndm Hls Fairfax
Route link: http://www.logyourrun.com/showroute/K8fyxFbd32Pn7y
Shoes: Vibram FiveFingers
Route:
Need to tune the LYR app to get the correct distance measurement.
Also decided to use previously charted routes to get a comparison reading on the LYR site. Instead of mapping every run.
Tried some sort of an ice bath. Vijay had mentioned it earlier this week. Not that it made much of a difference...maybe because the water was not cold enough. Sissy! LOL.
Meals:
Cereal + soy milk for breakfast, chicken salad sandwich for lunch, banana for a snack, chicken biryani for dinner.
Note: I need to start eating more sensible food henceforth.
Quite hilly and the humidity did not help. The training schedule said I had to do 4. But I didnt want to risk dehydrating. So cut it short to 3. Had a weird cramp just before taking off. The top of the foot right at the base of the fingers. A little stretching helped. Not sure what it was.
Date: 07/29/2010 6:30 PM
Type: Run (Training run)
Distance: 2.79 miles
Time: 0 hr 27 min 56 secs
Average pace: 10:01 min/miles
Route: 2.8M @ Mnmt Rndm Hls Fairfax
Route link: http://www.logyourrun.com/showroute/K8fyxFbd32Pn7y
Shoes: Vibram FiveFingers
Route:
Need to tune the LYR app to get the correct distance measurement.
Also decided to use previously charted routes to get a comparison reading on the LYR site. Instead of mapping every run.
Tried some sort of an ice bath. Vijay had mentioned it earlier this week. Not that it made much of a difference...maybe because the water was not cold enough. Sissy! LOL.
Meals:
Cereal + soy milk for breakfast, chicken salad sandwich for lunch, banana for a snack, chicken biryani for dinner.
Note: I need to start eating more sensible food henceforth.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Training runs [07/27/2010 & 07/28/2010]
I was too tired yesterday to put yesterday's log in. And it was a crazy day at work too. So well...
Had to do 4M yesterday. But after Madhura warned me not to stress out too much, I decided to cut it short. Went around Leipsic but took a short cut on 2nd street. 3.3M in 32min. Not bad. Not tired in the least bit. Picked up pace in the last few minutes.
Today was a 5M. Took the same route as last week. Very comfortable. Have been trying to work on posture and trying to get this rolling motion. That seems to set in after 3M. Madhura again warned me not to take it too hard. I really don't think I am. 5M in 50min. Good! Feel awesome!
These shorts that I got from Target are great! They don't ride up and no rashes in the inner thighs. Got to get another pair.
Read up on ice baths. Vijay Ramasamy mentioned to me that they could be very helpful, especially for reducing soreness and quicker recovery. Lets see if I try that out this weekend.
Had to do 4M yesterday. But after Madhura warned me not to stress out too much, I decided to cut it short. Went around Leipsic but took a short cut on 2nd street. 3.3M in 32min. Not bad. Not tired in the least bit. Picked up pace in the last few minutes.
Today was a 5M. Took the same route as last week. Very comfortable. Have been trying to work on posture and trying to get this rolling motion. That seems to set in after 3M. Madhura again warned me not to take it too hard. I really don't think I am. 5M in 50min. Good! Feel awesome!
These shorts that I got from Target are great! They don't ride up and no rashes in the inner thighs. Got to get another pair.
Read up on ice baths. Vijay Ramasamy mentioned to me that they could be very helpful, especially for reducing soreness and quicker recovery. Lets see if I try that out this weekend.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Long run...after a long time..and miscalculated! Ouch! [07/25/2010]
I wake up early in the morning to find Madhura wasn't there. She had tried to wake my ass up but couldn't get it to move, I guess. So she took off. Which bummed me. So I decide I am going to do this on my own. Got ready, made up the Gatorade mix in my fanny pack and another extra bottle. 9M after a LLOONNGG time. My feet were going to kill me!
I get to the Vienna point of the W&OD trail. What I decide was I go out 2.25M east and 2.25M back. Then take a water break. And then do the same thing west. Good idea!
I do the first half correct. The pedometer on the LYR app on the phone says 4.5M. Good! I had to add 2.25 to 4.5 and my battered brain calculates 7.75 instead of 6.75. So that means I have gone out one extra mile which means I have to run another extra mile back. So my feet had to tolerate me for 11 miles. I was out of water. And the left shin was screaming like a banshee. Thank God that the trail was shaded. I walked back the last mile. So ended up doing 10M. 1hr42min. Not bad!
So I get back, gulp the blueberry smoothie and ice the feet. Surprisingly, the afternoon nap was pretty refreshing and I felt good!
Route:
I must say that LYR app is working like a charm. Now as I am writing this blog, my phone seems to have conked out. Hope its just a discharged battery.
Meals: Cliff bar for breakfast + blueberry smoothie, cauliflower भाजी + पोल्या for lunch,छोले भठूरे for dinner at Sarvana Palace.
Good day I must admit.
I get to the Vienna point of the W&OD trail. What I decide was I go out 2.25M east and 2.25M back. Then take a water break. And then do the same thing west. Good idea!
I do the first half correct. The pedometer on the LYR app on the phone says 4.5M. Good! I had to add 2.25 to 4.5 and my battered brain calculates 7.75 instead of 6.75. So that means I have gone out one extra mile which means I have to run another extra mile back. So my feet had to tolerate me for 11 miles. I was out of water. And the left shin was screaming like a banshee. Thank God that the trail was shaded. I walked back the last mile. So ended up doing 10M. 1hr42min. Not bad!
So I get back, gulp the blueberry smoothie and ice the feet. Surprisingly, the afternoon nap was pretty refreshing and I felt good!
Route:
I must say that LYR app is working like a charm. Now as I am writing this blog, my phone seems to have conked out. Hope its just a discharged battery.
Meals: Cliff bar for breakfast + blueberry smoothie, cauliflower भाजी + पोल्या for lunch,छोले भठूरे for dinner at Sarvana Palace.
Good day I must admit.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Too hot for comfort [07/24/2010]
We planned on a movie tonight with friends. So the run (3M) had to be done earlier than that. There's a heat wave around here. So I had to get my ass out of bed early enough. And that 'early' turned out to be 9am.
One of the hottest days I have run in. And now I know what they mean when they say that its too hot to run. I was sweating buckets. After 1.5miles, if felt as if we were running for 3. Good thing Madhura got some water.
I thought it would be better to cut the route short. So cut through the woods and got back home. Gosh! We drank like camels.
Got to remember to carry water, the cap and sunglasses the next time.
Wonder how we plan to do the planned 9M tomorrow. Am too tired to even think or plan.
Route:
Pain: The achilles tendons are quite sore. And I think I figured out why that would be. That 4miler day before yesterday. I remember I tried to land on the balls of my feet the last 1 mile. Just to figure out if that helps any. I guess that must the culprit.
The LYR app seems to be working now. I had to re-install it.
One of the hottest days I have run in. And now I know what they mean when they say that its too hot to run. I was sweating buckets. After 1.5miles, if felt as if we were running for 3. Good thing Madhura got some water.
I thought it would be better to cut the route short. So cut through the woods and got back home. Gosh! We drank like camels.
Got to remember to carry water, the cap and sunglasses the next time.
Wonder how we plan to do the planned 9M tomorrow. Am too tired to even think or plan.
Route:
Pain: The achilles tendons are quite sore. And I think I figured out why that would be. That 4miler day before yesterday. I remember I tried to land on the balls of my feet the last 1 mile. Just to figure out if that helps any. I guess that must the culprit.
The LYR app seems to be working now. I had to re-install it.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
A drudging 4 miler [July 22 2010]
The achilles tendon was a little sore. So I thought I would cut a mile short from the scheduled 4 miler.
The usual gear. I am liking the topless run, I must admit. I have to work a couple of Fridays here at Dover. So I can make the Thursday runs.
At the bend where I would have turned for the 3 miler, I decide...well...if this is all about discipline, let me stick to the 4 mile run. So I go ahead to run around Leipsic. Good decision!
I had decided not the strain the tendon too much. So I had taken off really slow. Surprisingly I got to a pace of 9m/hr! Not bad at all! During the run I was contemplating if I should revise my 4hr target time to 4:15. But now am feeling better about the 4:00. Lets see.
It was a hot day again. And I sweat a lot too. Good thing I gulped down the 32oz bottle of water just before getting off work.
That reminds me...got to get the Gatorade mix asap.
The fuckin LYR app did not work today! Was so bummed out. I am sure I did a negative split. Well...
4 miles in 36min! Yay! Amazing result. I don't know how I got to that number.
Map:
Meals: Cereal + soy milk for breakfast, Jake's hamburger + iced tea for lunch, Heat-n-eat Daal makhani + 3 rotis + pizza slice for (heavy) dinner.
Tomorrow's a rest day. Will be icing my feet after I get home.
The usual gear. I am liking the topless run, I must admit. I have to work a couple of Fridays here at Dover. So I can make the Thursday runs.
At the bend where I would have turned for the 3 miler, I decide...well...if this is all about discipline, let me stick to the 4 mile run. So I go ahead to run around Leipsic. Good decision!
I had decided not the strain the tendon too much. So I had taken off really slow. Surprisingly I got to a pace of 9m/hr! Not bad at all! During the run I was contemplating if I should revise my 4hr target time to 4:15. But now am feeling better about the 4:00. Lets see.
It was a hot day again. And I sweat a lot too. Good thing I gulped down the 32oz bottle of water just before getting off work.
That reminds me...got to get the Gatorade mix asap.
The fuckin LYR app did not work today! Was so bummed out. I am sure I did a negative split. Well...
4 miles in 36min! Yay! Amazing result. I don't know how I got to that number.
Map:
Meals: Cereal + soy milk for breakfast, Jake's hamburger + iced tea for lunch, Heat-n-eat Daal makhani + 3 rotis + pizza slice for (heavy) dinner.
Tomorrow's a rest day. Will be icing my feet after I get home.
Quite a long run [July 21 2010]
The schedule said 5 miles. So I 'buckled' up, sprayed some bug spray and took off... topless. This time I decide to take the route that I had taken way long ago when I almost lost my way back. Turned on the LogYourRun iPhone app. Now I am pretty impressed by this app. Doesn't need a lock on your location to start counting miles. All it needs is your height and there you go. Some kind of calculation based on the iPhone accelerometer and its as accurate as Google maps! Lets you measure your heart rate too, if the need be. Got to play with that some time soon. It helps measure your pace in real time too. What else does one need?
Felt pretty good. Did some ab strengthening before taking off too.
I tried not to focus too much on the road...rather on the beautiful scenery out there. Helped take my mind of unnecessary thoughts too. It was a HOT day. Sweat buckets.
This was an interval run. 1M run at an easy pace (though I must admit I tried to maintain a pace of 10m/hr) - 2 min walk. And that worked excellent.
Map:
The other one thing I did was I stopped 0.5 mile short and walked it out. Read some place that recovery is better when you cool down properly.
Meals: Cereal + soy milk for breakfast, 6" spicy italian sub + coke for lunch, beer + heat-n-eat Daal + paratha for dinner. And LOTS of water.
Felt pretty good. Did some ab strengthening before taking off too.
I tried not to focus too much on the road...rather on the beautiful scenery out there. Helped take my mind of unnecessary thoughts too. It was a HOT day. Sweat buckets.
This was an interval run. 1M run at an easy pace (though I must admit I tried to maintain a pace of 10m/hr) - 2 min walk. And that worked excellent.
Map:
The other one thing I did was I stopped 0.5 mile short and walked it out. Read some place that recovery is better when you cool down properly.
Meals: Cereal + soy milk for breakfast, 6" spicy italian sub + coke for lunch, beer + heat-n-eat Daal + paratha for dinner. And LOTS of water.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Marine Corp marathon 15 week training program
Here's a program I charted out on LogYourRun.
It's basically a derivative of another 15 week program I found on the same site. All I got to do is stick to the schedule now.
Target time: 4:00:00.
| Week | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday | |
| 1 | Rest | 4 mi | 5 mi | 4 mi | Rest | 3 mi | 9 mi | 25 mi |
| 2 | Rest | 4 mi | 5 mi | 4 mi | Rest | 4 mi | 10 mi | 27 mi |
| 3 | Rest | 4 mi | 5 mi | 4 mi | Rest | 3 mi | 7 mi | 23 mi |
| 4 | Rest | 5 mi | 6 mi | 5 mi | Rest | 4 mi | 12 mi | 32 mi |
| 5 | Rest | 5 mi | 6 mi | 5 mi | Rest | 3 mi | 13 mi | 32 mi |
| 6 | Rest | 5 mi | 6 mi | 5 mi | Rest | 4 mi | 10 mi | 30 mi |
| 7 | Rest | 5 mi | 7 mi | 5 mi | Rest | 3 mi | 15 mi | 35 mi |
| 8 | Rest | 5 mi | 8 mi | 5 mi | Rest | 4 mi | 16 mi | 38 mi |
| 9 | Rest | 5 mi | 7 mi | 5 mi | Rest | 3 mi | 12 mi | 32 mi |
| 10 | Rest | 5 mi | 9 mi | 5 mi | Rest | 4 mi | 18 mi | 41 mi |
| 11 | Rest | 5 mi | 7 mi | 5 mi | Rest | 3 mi | 14 mi | 34 mi |
| 12 | Rest | 5 mi | 10 mi | 5 mi | Rest | 4 mi | 20 mi | 44 mi |
| 13 | Rest | 4 mi | 6 mi | 5 mi | Rest | 3 mi | 12 mi | 30 mi |
| 14 | Rest | 3 mi | 5 mi | 4 mi | Rest | 4 mi | 8 mi | 24 mi |
| 15 | Rest | 3 mi | 4 mi | 3 mi | Rest | Rest | 26.2 mi | 36.2 mi |
So here we go. Obsession with days and miles for the next 15 weeks.
Picking back up [07/20/2010]
I don't even know where to begin now. Its been so long that I have to relearn running. Not a good thing.
And then I realized I have just about 3-1/2 months for the Marine Corp marathon which I registered for. Damn!
So its upon me to get this thing done. And I am determined not to do this half-heartedly.
So I have to chalk out this calendar and stick to it!
I did not do that this weekend. So I ran round the block.
Meals: A breakfast burrito from the dollar menu on the way in from home + coffee for breakfast, chapatis and black eyed peas भाजी for lunch, an italian sausage (which Marquis grilled on our backyard grill...yummmm!) and blacked chicken alfredo pasta (from Schwan's) for dinner.
Will chalk out a schedule for the next few weeks to plan for the Marine Corps.
And then I realized I have just about 3-1/2 months for the Marine Corp marathon which I registered for. Damn!
So its upon me to get this thing done. And I am determined not to do this half-heartedly.
So I have to chalk out this calendar and stick to it!
I did not do that this weekend. So I ran round the block.
Meals: A breakfast burrito from the dollar menu on the way in from home + coffee for breakfast, chapatis and black eyed peas भाजी for lunch, an italian sausage (which Marquis grilled on our backyard grill...yummmm!) and blacked chicken alfredo pasta (from Schwan's) for dinner.
Will chalk out a schedule for the next few weeks to plan for the Marine Corps.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Progressive run [06/07/2010]
It feels great to be able to decide, "Okay. Let's run today."
Quickly charted out a ~4M run. Decided to do a walk-run schedule. 5min run - 2min walk.
The 3.86M run took 45mins.
I did not push myself too much at all. Took it really easy. No music, and I did not miss it at all.
Overall a good run.
Am hoping to join Holly in her run tomorrow evening.
Quickly charted out a ~4M run. Decided to do a walk-run schedule. 5min run - 2min walk.
The 3.86M run took 45mins.
I did not push myself too much at all. Took it really easy. No music, and I did not miss it at all.
Overall a good run.
Am hoping to join Holly in her run tomorrow evening.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Start back up [06/01/2010]
I don't even remember when was the last time I ran now. After the half marathon, there's been a lot of stuff going on. First the leg pain (which wasn't really too much, but well...). Then the home searching on weekends. We did finally put down an offer; that got accepted and we closed on the home! We were busy with the move for the next few weeks. Then Madhura's parents are over to visit.
At the same time, we started the training on the project here in Dover. A lot of people came in and went. Learning new stuff. Standing up in front of a bunch of people and teaching them, frightening and enlightening at the same time. And tiring too! So I decided to just take it easy and hang my shoes up for a while.
And during this whole time, I just felt I was missing out on something all the time. I met Holly Scott who is a seasoned runner and invited me to join her running group. But I just couldn't get together to run with her. Lately, when I decide I am going to join them, I have started to feel worried that I will not be able to keep up with them. I even registered for the Marine Corp Marathon this October.
So finally I put on my Fivefingers and went out for a run. A quick and simple 3M. Ran 5 minutes and walked 2 mins. Very very refreshing. Hopefully I will not come up with more excuses. So here goes....
At the same time, we started the training on the project here in Dover. A lot of people came in and went. Learning new stuff. Standing up in front of a bunch of people and teaching them, frightening and enlightening at the same time. And tiring too! So I decided to just take it easy and hang my shoes up for a while.
And during this whole time, I just felt I was missing out on something all the time. I met Holly Scott who is a seasoned runner and invited me to join her running group. But I just couldn't get together to run with her. Lately, when I decide I am going to join them, I have started to feel worried that I will not be able to keep up with them. I even registered for the Marine Corp Marathon this October.
So finally I put on my Fivefingers and went out for a run. A quick and simple 3M. Ran 5 minutes and walked 2 mins. Very very refreshing. Hopefully I will not come up with more excuses. So here goes....
Monday, March 22, 2010
The National Half Marathon [03/20/2010]
So it's D-day. Madhura made us delicious linguine pasta dinner. That along with the 'CocoCori' chicken....sslluurrpp!
We had a good night's sleep. Woke up at 4:30am. There was special metro service to take the 12,000 odd runner to the RFK stadium. It was quite a sight! All the metro stations on the Orange line were FULL of runners. Electrifying, to say the least. We stuck a conversation with the ladies behind us about my Fivefingers. Got to read "Born to Run". They were mentioning about Barefoot Ted. Have heard of him...have to read up on him. A lot of runners asked me about my Fivefingers.
So well...we reach the stadium in time to check in our bag, warm up and stretch out. The starting line probably serpentined back to maybe a quarter of a mile! We decided to stand by the 9:43 pace marker. The race started off at 7:00 on the dot. We did not hit the start line till 7:09. That probably gives you an idea how long the startup line was. :-)
It was such an enthusiastic crowd. And supporters. The placards and banners were funny too. "Where are you all going?", "Hurry up, we need to get back to bed", Washingtonians bringing out their banjos, guitars, dogs, and cheering hats on. It was quite a sight! Will search for some photos and post them here as I find them. Madhura and I started off at our usual pace and then I took off when we got to the Constitution Avenue ...mile 3. I saw her next at the finish line.
About the race...it was very very well organized. Water and powerade and GU gel shots were at every 2nd mile. And well stocked too. The only complaint I had, and I a lot of other runners say this too...was that we got the impression that this course was pretty flat. Supposedly the 'fastest looped course in the country'. Now my target time was 2:00. When I heard of the fastest looped course, etc, etc, I expected to complete in 1:50 or so. But well. It was anything but flat! And the inclines were at the end of the course! Gosh! My achilles tendons were screaming! (Fivefingers affect?)
The other mistake I made was to suck on the gel at mile 7. Madhura had told me that the right time would be ~9-10M. Well...I did suck one in the second one at mile 11 though. Not sure if that was a good idea.
Slight cramps near mile 12. (Not bad at all!). Deep breathing settled that. Good part was that I got in the 'zone' quite often this time. I didn't have the need for music. That came as a surprise. All good. I also remembered the running technique I devised last week and I think it helped.
Got back home and slept like a log for a couple of hours.
Overall, a very satisfying race. Especially when this winter wouldn't permit me to stick to my program.
Was checking out my last year's log and I realized that I had started the 10K walk-run program on June 15th last year. Not bad for 9 months of running, I must say. Should not get complacent though. This has helped channel my energy and bring about a lot of positive outlook.
We had a good night's sleep. Woke up at 4:30am. There was special metro service to take the 12,000 odd runner to the RFK stadium. It was quite a sight! All the metro stations on the Orange line were FULL of runners. Electrifying, to say the least. We stuck a conversation with the ladies behind us about my Fivefingers. Got to read "Born to Run". They were mentioning about Barefoot Ted. Have heard of him...have to read up on him. A lot of runners asked me about my Fivefingers.
So well...we reach the stadium in time to check in our bag, warm up and stretch out. The starting line probably serpentined back to maybe a quarter of a mile! We decided to stand by the 9:43 pace marker. The race started off at 7:00 on the dot. We did not hit the start line till 7:09. That probably gives you an idea how long the startup line was. :-)
It was such an enthusiastic crowd. And supporters. The placards and banners were funny too. "Where are you all going?", "Hurry up, we need to get back to bed", Washingtonians bringing out their banjos, guitars, dogs, and cheering hats on. It was quite a sight! Will search for some photos and post them here as I find them. Madhura and I started off at our usual pace and then I took off when we got to the Constitution Avenue ...mile 3. I saw her next at the finish line.
About the race...it was very very well organized. Water and powerade and GU gel shots were at every 2nd mile. And well stocked too. The only complaint I had, and I a lot of other runners say this too...was that we got the impression that this course was pretty flat. Supposedly the 'fastest looped course in the country'. Now my target time was 2:00. When I heard of the fastest looped course, etc, etc, I expected to complete in 1:50 or so. But well. It was anything but flat! And the inclines were at the end of the course! Gosh! My achilles tendons were screaming! (Fivefingers affect?)
Slight cramps near mile 12. (Not bad at all!). Deep breathing settled that. Good part was that I got in the 'zone' quite often this time. I didn't have the need for music. That came as a surprise. All good. I also remembered the running technique I devised last week and I think it helped.
Couldn't wait to get to the finish line though. Thank God I wasn't in the left turn for the full runners. I knew I had to get to the finish line before 9:09 and my watch said 9:07 just when I could see the finish line. That final spurt of adrenaline sure did me good. 2:00:49! Very happy. Shaved off a couple minutes from the GCF marathon. 
Picked up my medal, a banana, half a bagel and couple bottles of Powerade. Stood in line for an hour for a God-aweful massage!
Got back home and slept like a log for a couple of hours.
Overall, a very satisfying race. Especially when this winter wouldn't permit me to stick to my program.
Was checking out my last year's log and I realized that I had started the 10K walk-run program on June 15th last year. Not bad for 9 months of running, I must say. Should not get complacent though. This has helped channel my energy and bring about a lot of positive outlook.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Tempo Run stopped by the pit bull! [03/16/2010]
Haven't been keeping my journal for a few days now. The only reason being...I haven't been running! The reason? Rain! daayyuummm! Went to Madhura's gym (Washington Sports Club) as a guest on Sunday. The place is awesome! The treadmills there have individual televisions with cable. What the fuck! You plug in your headphones in and tune any channel and ... run away! Sweet! I could tolerate the treadmill for 4M! Not bad at all! 4M = 40min.
So there you go. Took the day off yesterday (rain!). Today was an awesome day! Temperatures up to 60s (15 deg cel). And bright and sunny. Did some grocery shopping and got out there for a quick 3miler. Did the 3.2M in 25min (pace of 7.5!!!!!!) wowie! Okay...here's what I found. I changed my breathing a tad to suck more air through my mouth starting slow and suddenly sucking in. Changed my stride to a tad longer. Swung arms to aid in that. Made sure that I did not land on the heels though. I hope I remember this though. Looks like it worked. No pains. At about mile 2, I had the urge to slow down, but kept going at it.
At the end of the run by the mobile homes at the end of the road, a pit bull sprung out! There are plenty of dogs around. But all of them are chained. Now this fella, got out and was within 2 feet of me. Teeth bared! And barking away to glory. I could see his fangs clearly. Strangely I wasn't scared though. Stopped and held my ground. Somehow inspite of his barking and growling, he reminded me of Maggy. Funny! Wonder what I would have done were he to pounce at me. His owner called him back and scolded him. That ended my run right there.
Meals: Cereal + Soy Milk for breakfast, Quiznos medium turkey sub + coke + a bag of chips for lunch, 4 chicken wings + lentil soup (which I got from Wegman's made from scratch and took foorreeevvveeerrr) + beer for dinner.
I think I am going to do similar 3-4milers couple more times this week before the BIG ONE this weekend. Going to work on the new technique.
So there you go. Took the day off yesterday (rain!). Today was an awesome day! Temperatures up to 60s (15 deg cel). And bright and sunny. Did some grocery shopping and got out there for a quick 3miler. Did the 3.2M in 25min (pace of 7.5!!!!!!) wowie! Okay...here's what I found. I changed my breathing a tad to suck more air through my mouth starting slow and suddenly sucking in. Changed my stride to a tad longer. Swung arms to aid in that. Made sure that I did not land on the heels though. I hope I remember this though. Looks like it worked. No pains. At about mile 2, I had the urge to slow down, but kept going at it.
At the end of the run by the mobile homes at the end of the road, a pit bull sprung out! There are plenty of dogs around. But all of them are chained. Now this fella, got out and was within 2 feet of me. Teeth bared! And barking away to glory. I could see his fangs clearly. Strangely I wasn't scared though. Stopped and held my ground. Somehow inspite of his barking and growling, he reminded me of Maggy. Funny! Wonder what I would have done were he to pounce at me. His owner called him back and scolded him. That ended my run right there.
Meals: Cereal + Soy Milk for breakfast, Quiznos medium turkey sub + coke + a bag of chips for lunch, 4 chicken wings + lentil soup (which I got from Wegman's made from scratch and took foorreeevvveeerrr) + beer for dinner.
I think I am going to do similar 3-4milers couple more times this week before the BIG ONE this weekend. Going to work on the new technique.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Short & Easy runs [03/09/2010] & [03/11/2010]
I guess the schedule I had chalked out in preparation for the half marathon is out the window. :-(
The weather really isn't co-operating. But this past week has been awesome! Spring is in the air. Things seem bright. But this week my excuse seems to be work related. Quite a work week. So the routine seems to have been sacrificed. Though I did get out on Tuesday just to get work out of my head.
But half way in and I turned back after what I started as an interval run. Was out of breath really quick. The weather seems to be warming up. But it still is dark by 7pm; which makes me wary running on the state highway.
I dont remember the meals. Nothing out of the ordinary, as far as I remember.
Though I do remember I got a few stitches. Need to keep working on core strength.
Got back home Thursday evening and when I weighed myself, I seem to have lost 5lbs. Not that I care. Just a note.
For some reason I was not up to it. But its going to be a wet weekend. Don't know if we will be able to make the long run this time. So had to keep at it. Decided to do an easy 3-4M. And this time we decided to take Maggy along. First time after a LONG time did I get a chance to shed the base layer and put on a pair of shorts! YAY! Lots of runners out there on the roads. Very invigorating to see that. We didn't care for the time. Chitchatted quite a lot during the run. Maggy was on cloud 9. (she always is when we are all together). And she was covered in dirt all over by the time we got home. The snow's melting and it doesn't take too long for her to turn black from white. Reminds me to get her a haircut. Her hair's really grown. And with the weather turning warm, she will be comfy too.
Meals: Cereal + Soy milk for breakfast, Chicken Fajita wrap from Romano's for lunch and साम्बार + rice + a little icecream + beer for dinner.
The weather really isn't co-operating. But this past week has been awesome! Spring is in the air. Things seem bright. But this week my excuse seems to be work related. Quite a work week. So the routine seems to have been sacrificed. Though I did get out on Tuesday just to get work out of my head.
But half way in and I turned back after what I started as an interval run. Was out of breath really quick. The weather seems to be warming up. But it still is dark by 7pm; which makes me wary running on the state highway.
I dont remember the meals. Nothing out of the ordinary, as far as I remember.
Though I do remember I got a few stitches. Need to keep working on core strength.
Got back home Thursday evening and when I weighed myself, I seem to have lost 5lbs. Not that I care. Just a note.
For some reason I was not up to it. But its going to be a wet weekend. Don't know if we will be able to make the long run this time. So had to keep at it. Decided to do an easy 3-4M. And this time we decided to take Maggy along. First time after a LONG time did I get a chance to shed the base layer and put on a pair of shorts! YAY! Lots of runners out there on the roads. Very invigorating to see that. We didn't care for the time. Chitchatted quite a lot during the run. Maggy was on cloud 9. (she always is when we are all together). And she was covered in dirt all over by the time we got home. The snow's melting and it doesn't take too long for her to turn black from white. Reminds me to get her a haircut. Her hair's really grown. And with the weather turning warm, she will be comfy too.
Meals: Cereal + Soy milk for breakfast, Chicken Fajita wrap from Romano's for lunch and साम्बार + rice + a little icecream + beer for dinner.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Long run [03/06/2010]
I couldn't post the 5M run that I went for on my own Thursday evening. Madhura thought the roads were still not clear and dry enough for her. Now I was not ready to take that. So I chalked out my route and headed out. Took quite a winded route. Felt great! LOVE the Fivefingers!
Don't remember the meals I had on Thursday. Remember it was cauliflower & mixed veggies रस्सा.
The Saturday long run was awesome! Finally got to the W&OD trail at Vienna. What a run! Beautiful day. Temperatures in ~40s. Went out east for 4.5M and back. The trail was just great! Right amounts of elevations and great running conditions. Did the ~9M in 1hr25min.
Meals: 2eggs + tea for breakfast, Hogged on Chipotle's Burrito Bol like a famished savage soon after the run for lunch, leftover tomato rice for dinner while watching 'Orphan' movie on DVD. Very fulfilling day.
Don't remember the meals I had on Thursday. Remember it was cauliflower & mixed veggies रस्सा.
The Saturday long run was awesome! Finally got to the W&OD trail at Vienna. What a run! Beautiful day. Temperatures in ~40s. Went out east for 4.5M and back. The trail was just great! Right amounts of elevations and great running conditions. Did the ~9M in 1hr25min.
Meals: 2eggs + tea for breakfast, Hogged on Chipotle's Burrito Bol like a famished savage soon after the run for lunch, leftover tomato rice for dinner while watching 'Orphan' movie on DVD. Very fulfilling day.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
February 2010 summary
Unable to run the yesterday. It was drizzling slightly. Though I got all ready, warmed up and stepped outside, I just didn't feel like it was a good idea. So got back in and did some सूर्य नमस्कारs.
Monthly summary report for February 2010:
Monthly summary report for February 2010:
Total distance: 42.32 miles
Total time: 7:06:00 min
Average pace was ~10min/mile. Need to incorporate a little more interval training to get that number better.
Half marathon coming up in couple of weeks.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Easy run [03/01/2010]
The whole of last week was totally wasted! The snow, the cold and the lethargy. I just didn't feel like running. The home hunting had us consumed on the weekend. Inspite of all that, we did attempt to do some running. Drove all the way to Vienna to the W&OD trail. But it was not clean at all. Slushy snow. Just did not feel like it. Surprisingly, Madhura was for it. I just did not feel it was safe enough. One slip and it would have been easy to get hurt real bad. I just didn't feel like it.
So well, today was the start of week 5. Just 2 more weeks after this and then the half-marathon. Took it easy. Was still lethargic. I just did not feel like running today either. I almost turned back. But then decided to overcome the mental barrier. Decided to take it reaaalll easy. And surprisingly, instead of slowing down, I did the 3.27M in 30mins! Cool! A lesson to be learnt.
Meals: Cereal+milk+McD's breakfast burrito from $1 menu + coffee for breakfast, Chicken Fajita wrap + coke + few fried chips for lunch, eggplant भरित + रोटी + beer for dinner.
So well, today was the start of week 5. Just 2 more weeks after this and then the half-marathon. Took it easy. Was still lethargic. I just did not feel like running today either. I almost turned back. But then decided to overcome the mental barrier. Decided to take it reaaalll easy. And surprisingly, instead of slowing down, I did the 3.27M in 30mins! Cool! A lesson to be learnt.
Meals: Cereal+milk+McD's breakfast burrito from $1 menu + coffee for breakfast, Chicken Fajita wrap + coke + few fried chips for lunch, eggplant भरित + रोटी + beer for dinner.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
'Longer' run [02/21/2010]
Ashinth (Natasha's brother) suggested that we check out W&OD trails. So we'd decided to check that out today. Unfortunately we couldn't wake up on time to do that this time around.
I know the program states today we had to do 9M. But there was no way we could manage that. Firstly there was no time as we had to get to Harkirat's birthday brunch. Secondly, we were not sure Madhura could manage 9M especially since she couldn't practise her runs in the snow clad streets the past month.
So we chalk out ~5M, put on our usual gear and take off. Great run I should say. The pace was a tad slow. But well, I am not going to complain. If nothing else, I am thankful I can even run on the streets. There were a few patches of black ice. But being bright and sunny, they were avoidable.
Meals: A gigantic brunch at the party: Quiche + sausage links + fried potatoes + coffee, रसम + rice + wine for dinner.
I know the program states today we had to do 9M. But there was no way we could manage that. Firstly there was no time as we had to get to Harkirat's birthday brunch. Secondly, we were not sure Madhura could manage 9M especially since she couldn't practise her runs in the snow clad streets the past month.
So we chalk out ~5M, put on our usual gear and take off. Great run I should say. The pace was a tad slow. But well, I am not going to complain. If nothing else, I am thankful I can even run on the streets. There were a few patches of black ice. But being bright and sunny, they were avoidable.
Meals: A gigantic brunch at the party: Quiche + sausage links + fried potatoes + coffee, रसम + rice + wine for dinner.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Interval Run [02/19/2010]
Couldn't run on Thursday as I got home really late. We Prithvi's birthday party to go to. So 3M was the best thing to do. I was looking forward to this run as I had decided it was going to be an interval run. Waited for Madhura to get home. We were not sure if we still should go out on the roads as the sidewalks were still not clear. So treadmill, it was.
I set the interval training level to 6. I had no clue what that setting meant. But as the elevation went up to 7 and 8.5, I was really fucked! Had to turn the speed down a lot...at 5M/hr for elevation of 7 and 4.5M/hr for 8.5. My legs were screaming! But it all felt good.
Hunger pangs hit the roof. Had a sumptuous dinner.
Meals: 2 bulls-eyes + tea for breakfast, heat-n-eat lean cuisine pizza + 1 मेथी पराठा for lunch, lamb and chicken and veg curry + rice + naan for dinner.
I am contemplating on registering for this year's New York marathon. Atleast put my name up for the lottery. What say?
I set the interval training level to 6. I had no clue what that setting meant. But as the elevation went up to 7 and 8.5, I was really fucked! Had to turn the speed down a lot...at 5M/hr for elevation of 7 and 4.5M/hr for 8.5. My legs were screaming! But it all felt good.
Hunger pangs hit the roof. Had a sumptuous dinner.
Meals: 2 bulls-eyes + tea for breakfast, heat-n-eat lean cuisine pizza + 1 मेथी पराठा for lunch, lamb and chicken and veg curry + rice + naan for dinner.
I am contemplating on registering for this year's New York marathon. Atleast put my name up for the lottery. What say?
Thursday, February 18, 2010
New route...warding off the effect of cold [02/17/2010]
After yesterday's run, I decide "Okay! I am going to take it easy till the mercury touches a decent number...like atleast a positive number!"
So I got back home a little late. But the program is still on my mind. I have to cross off the numbers there. And then I am planning on working late tomorrow. That means I get home late. So slim chances of doing the Thursday 6M run. What the hell! Just do it Amit.
The usual gear. And now that I have the new app on my phone...from Dishant.com. Hopefully the songs will keep me going.
So I decide to avoid that road where I hit black ice yesterday and take the Dyke road. Good decision! Though it was pitch black, atleast the new road felt good. That pitbull got me a bit nervous. I was just hoping that the chain held fast. Talking of the pitbull, I wonder what the fuck was the owner thinking when he left the dog out in the cold! Hmmmm!
Anyways...3.8M in 34min. Pace of 8.5min/mile. Nice!
Meals: Cereal + soy milk for breakfast, Buffalo chicken salad + pepsi for lunch, heat-n-eat chicken curry + 2.5 rotis + 2 कला जामुन for dinner.
By the way, I found a couple of real good articles online about the benefits of strength training and best natural fuel for runners. A good read.
So I got back home a little late. But the program is still on my mind. I have to cross off the numbers there. And then I am planning on working late tomorrow. That means I get home late. So slim chances of doing the Thursday 6M run. What the hell! Just do it Amit.
The usual gear. And now that I have the new app on my phone...from Dishant.com. Hopefully the songs will keep me going.
So I decide to avoid that road where I hit black ice yesterday and take the Dyke road. Good decision! Though it was pitch black, atleast the new road felt good. That pitbull got me a bit nervous. I was just hoping that the chain held fast. Talking of the pitbull, I wonder what the fuck was the owner thinking when he left the dog out in the cold! Hmmmm!
Anyways...3.8M in 34min. Pace of 8.5min/mile. Nice!
Meals: Cereal + soy milk for breakfast, Buffalo chicken salad + pepsi for lunch, heat-n-eat chicken curry + 2.5 rotis + 2 कला जामुन for dinner.
By the way, I found a couple of real good articles online about the benefits of strength training and best natural fuel for runners. A good read.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Black ice and chilly winds...scary [02/16/2010]
Finally the snow seems to have melted and the roads seemed a wee bit clear here in Dover. And have been yearning to hit the roads and not the treadmill. But the temperatures are not very friendly, to say the least. 32deg Fahrenheit = 0 deg celsius! Not pleasant. But I decide to brave it out. The plan said I had to do 5M. I have the base layer, a tee, my cap (with the LED lights) and ear muffs on. And of course, my favorite Fivefingers. Less than half a mile in and I turned back. The cold really was taking my breath away. I was hoping that my core temperatures would rise up sooner. Felt as if there were a clamp on my chest. I stopped, looked back and then it was pure mind vs body. No kidding. So I decide...lets see what happens. So I am trying to find any motivation I can. And start running backwards. This ways, I think, I know the house is close by and worse comes to worst, I will just walk back home. And then I reach the 0.5M turn. And I decide, "Okay Amit, just do 4M today. That means you got to do this just 7 more times! That's easy!". Okay! So I keep concentrating on my breathing. And think of good ol' Pune. For some reason I think of Anar mess and Delhi mess! LOL.
Then comes the scary part: Black ice! Fuck! So now I have to worry about the traffic, any puddles or ice blocks/pebbles (the Fivefingers don't do much in terms of padding), and then the fucking black ice! But the Fivefingers did a great job with the gripping! A couple of minutes in that stretch of black ice and I had a lot of confidence with my footing. In fact, I was feeling GREAT!
Another patch of backroads where the snow was not plowed at all. But I was warm enough. Not a problem at all!
So there I was...~4M in 39min. Nice!
Meals: Cereal + Soy milk for breakfast, Curry chicken for lunch + Heat-n-eat छोले + rotis + honey + 1 beer.
I have started with this routine of a spoonful honey in warm water at night. Got some good honey from the Amish market here. Lets see how that feels.
Then comes the scary part: Black ice! Fuck! So now I have to worry about the traffic, any puddles or ice blocks/pebbles (the Fivefingers don't do much in terms of padding), and then the fucking black ice! But the Fivefingers did a great job with the gripping! A couple of minutes in that stretch of black ice and I had a lot of confidence with my footing. In fact, I was feeling GREAT!
Another patch of backroads where the snow was not plowed at all. But I was warm enough. Not a problem at all!
So there I was...~4M in 39min. Nice!
Meals: Cereal + Soy milk for breakfast, Curry chicken for lunch + Heat-n-eat छोले + rotis + honey + 1 beer.
I have started with this routine of a spoonful honey in warm water at night. Got some good honey from the Amish market here. Lets see how that feels.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Long run on the treadmill...not! [Feb 14 2010]
Dreaded the day I would have had to do a long run on the treadmill. And that day came! Had to do 8M! I knew I couldn't. Question was how much boredom could I withstand. Madhura gave be a brilliant idea...stagger the runs. 3+3+2 taking breaks cross-training. So thought I would do just that. Bummer! All the treadmills were taken. And to top it those two Indian females were blabbering away to glory like there was no tomorrow. Finally one stopped and stood on the treadmill yapping away. I had to excuse myself in. There goes almost 20mins. So I just went ahead and did a 4.4M. 45min. Sweat like a pig.
Meals: Went to see homes early in the morning...skipped breakfast, Sarvana buffet for lunch (yummy! BURP!), spinach-दाल + rice + 2 काला-जामुन for dinner.
Its slated to snow tomorrow. But just an inch or so, I believe. And tomorrow is rest day. So by Tuesday the roads in Dover should be clear enough to run. Yay! Finally! Hopefully!
Meals: Went to see homes early in the morning...skipped breakfast, Sarvana buffet for lunch (yummy! BURP!), spinach-दाल + rice + 2 काला-जामुन for dinner.
Its slated to snow tomorrow. But just an inch or so, I believe. And tomorrow is rest day. So by Tuesday the roads in Dover should be clear enough to run. Yay! Finally! Hopefully!
Saturday, February 13, 2010
A quickie on the treadmill... [Feb 12 2010]
It was a horrid morning after spending 3 hours on I-66 driving Madhura to work. Got back, had a quick lunch and a quick nap. We had plans to go for dinner at Filomena at 6. So I stole 40min to snuck in a 4miler...on the treadmill. I swear today was a strength of will. I had no will to get up and go. But since I committed to the program, I guess I had to do it.
4.2M in 40min. Did a lot of stretching and some core strengthening too.
Meals: Breakfast burrito from McD's + coffee for breakfast, heat-n-eat Hakka noodles for lunch, and sumptuous dinner (Grigliata Alla Costello) at Filomena. Too much meat...too much food. Sinus headache's a bitch.
4.2M in 40min. Did a lot of stretching and some core strengthening too.
Meals: Breakfast burrito from McD's + coffee for breakfast, heat-n-eat Hakka noodles for lunch, and sumptuous dinner (Grigliata Alla Costello) at Filomena. Too much meat...too much food. Sinus headache's a bitch.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
ggrrrr...treadmill day [Feb 11 2010]
The roads are still not clear. Atleast the sidewalks are not yet. And from the looks of it, they are not likely to be soon. Piles and piles of snow stacked up.
So well, another day on the treadmill. Madhura went to her gym to do one of her classes...some Zumba thing. Determined as I was to stick to the schedule (6M today). Just not the best of situations. First dhingana was messing up. So I chucked that. Then the phone starts ringing. The damned microphone's messed up. So I have to go through all these circus acts of pulling the headsets off, and then yelling through the armband. And then attempt to restart the freakin music. I just gave up after 4M! Oh well...
Stats: 4.2M in 40min.
Meals: McD's breakfast burrito from the dollar menu + coffee for breakfast, leftover rice + रसम + (yummy) ठेचा + kala jamun for lunch, Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana + salad for dinner.
So well, another day on the treadmill. Madhura went to her gym to do one of her classes...some Zumba thing. Determined as I was to stick to the schedule (6M today). Just not the best of situations. First dhingana was messing up. So I chucked that. Then the phone starts ringing. The damned microphone's messed up. So I have to go through all these circus acts of pulling the headsets off, and then yelling through the armband. And then attempt to restart the freakin music. I just gave up after 4M! Oh well...
Stats: 4.2M in 40min.
Meals: McD's breakfast burrito from the dollar menu + coffee for breakfast, leftover rice + रसम + (yummy) ठेचा + kala jamun for lunch, Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana + salad for dinner.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Another snow day...hence...the f#@$%& treadmill...again! [Feb 10 2010]
I am so bummed out! Its been snowing the whole day! That's not a problem. The winds are worse. So another day of not being able to run out there. It's been a lethargic day. Good thing Madhura prodded me to go. 5M on the treadmill. 50min. Good thing I took my favorite 'powerdrink'. Took a couple minutes break to take a few swigs.
Played racquetball with Nehal after the run. Just for about half hour. He plays well. Felt great. Good thing is that I am close to the program.
Meals: Omelette + bread + tea for breakfast, leftover पुलाव + eggplant भाजी + frozen रोटी for lunch, rice + rasam + cabbage भाजी + half a cookie + 2 slices of orange + a glass of red wine (is that a lot to eat?)
Played racquetball with Nehal after the run. Just for about half hour. He plays well. Felt great. Good thing is that I am close to the program.
Meals: Omelette + bread + tea for breakfast, leftover पुलाव + eggplant भाजी + frozen रोटी for lunch, rice + rasam + cabbage भाजी + half a cookie + 2 slices of orange + a glass of red wine (is that a lot to eat?)
Feeling lazy [Feb 09 2010]
The snow is really creating havoc on the training schedule. All that planning and chalking out the training program, and I am unable to really follow it. It's just too crazy out there. I am sure even Frank must have hung his training shoes in this weather!
But we got on the treadmill nevertheless. Did ~15min on the elliptical. I don't know if the elliptical was broken or I am just plain dumb, but I really couldn't figure out what I was to do on the 15min 'Fitness Test' mode. So I just kept pedaling till I got bored. Then hopped on the treadmill for about 10mins. Between the darned elliptical and treadmill, I think I must have covered ~2miles (the training program says 5M)
Meals: 2eggs + tea for breakfast + yesterday's leftover पुलाव for lunch + red wine + yummy eggplant भाजी + चपाती + grapes for dinner.
But we got on the treadmill nevertheless. Did ~15min on the elliptical. I don't know if the elliptical was broken or I am just plain dumb, but I really couldn't figure out what I was to do on the 15min 'Fitness Test' mode. So I just kept pedaling till I got bored. Then hopped on the treadmill for about 10mins. Between the darned elliptical and treadmill, I think I must have covered ~2miles (the training program says 5M)
Meals: 2eggs + tea for breakfast + yesterday's leftover पुलाव for lunch + red wine + yummy eggplant भाजी + चपाती + grapes for dinner.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Regular run [Feb 05 2010]
Its started to snow. It has been termed "The Blizzard of 2010". I am determined not to get the snow better of me. So I decide to go to the gym. How I was planning on doing 5 miles on a treadmill, I have no clue. And frankly speaking, I am pretty sure I cannot do it either.
As I thought, I just could not go beyond 3M. And I didn't! :-)
3.3M in 35mins.
Feet were a little sore (don't ask me why? strange!).
Meals: 3 bulls-eyes + tea for breakfast, उसल + रोटी for lunch, one aweful pizza for dinner.
As I thought, I just could not go beyond 3M. And I didn't! :-)
3.3M in 35mins.
Feet were a little sore (don't ask me why? strange!).
Meals: 3 bulls-eyes + tea for breakfast, उसल + रोटी for lunch, one aweful pizza for dinner.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Regular run [Feb 03 2010]
The snow's been melting and the temperatures were in the high 30's.
Showed the training program to Frank and he said it looked good. Just need to incorporate interval training in it. So I decided to do the Saturday 3 miles as interval training. Since Saturday is the one day I can consistently maintain a schedule, might as well use that day for the interval training.
Started off at 7pm. Shin splint on my left leg at about 2mile. Stretched it to no avail. Just went on nevertheless. At about mile 3 it subsided. Then picked up on lost time. 45 minutes! I am happy!
Iced my calves - just for precaution.
Meals: Cereal + milk and honey in warm water for breakfast, heat-n-eat chicken biryani for lunch + Daal makhani, 3 frozen rotis, 3 slices of fruit-n-nut chocolate.
Showed the training program to Frank and he said it looked good. Just need to incorporate interval training in it. So I decided to do the Saturday 3 miles as interval training. Since Saturday is the one day I can consistently maintain a schedule, might as well use that day for the interval training.
Started off at 7pm. Shin splint on my left leg at about 2mile. Stretched it to no avail. Just went on nevertheless. At about mile 3 it subsided. Then picked up on lost time. 45 minutes! I am happy!
Iced my calves - just for precaution.
Meals: Cereal + milk and honey in warm water for breakfast, heat-n-eat chicken biryani for lunch + Daal makhani, 3 frozen rotis, 3 slices of fruit-n-nut chocolate.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Regular run [Feb 01 2010]
It was really chilly. Got back a little early from work (since I will be staying late this Thursday). Was excited to go out today after I chalked out the training plan. 3 miles to do today.
Put on my base layer and stuff. Did some good stretches. Forgot to take the ear muffs, but was too lazy to go back up to get them.
After what I learnt on the treadmill, I decided to take it really slow at the beginning. I don't know as yet how to time intervals, but I am pretty sure I did a negative split. Did the usual 3 mile run in 29 minutes. Felt great. Achilles tendons of both feet a little sore (very little). But that is to be expected with the Fivefingers. I LOVE them. No pain other than that. Iced the tendons while watching TV. Very refreshing run overall.
Meals: A gigantic burrito from McD's + hashbronws + coffee for breakfast (wrong order...but well...), Buffalo chicken salad for lunch and heat-n-eat पाँव-भाजी + rotis + fruit-n-nut Cadbury's (3 pieces) for dinner. (I think I really over ate today.)
Tomorrow's rest day. And it's going to snow. I hope its not too bad for a Wednesday night run.
Put on my base layer and stuff. Did some good stretches. Forgot to take the ear muffs, but was too lazy to go back up to get them.
After what I learnt on the treadmill, I decided to take it really slow at the beginning. I don't know as yet how to time intervals, but I am pretty sure I did a negative split. Did the usual 3 mile run in 29 minutes. Felt great. Achilles tendons of both feet a little sore (very little). But that is to be expected with the Fivefingers. I LOVE them. No pain other than that. Iced the tendons while watching TV. Very refreshing run overall.
Meals: A gigantic burrito from McD's + hashbronws + coffee for breakfast (wrong order...but well...), Buffalo chicken salad for lunch and heat-n-eat पाँव-भाजी + rotis + fruit-n-nut Cadbury's (3 pieces) for dinner. (I think I really over ate today.)
Tomorrow's rest day. And it's going to snow. I hope its not too bad for a Wednesday night run.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Weekend treadmill running & 7 week half marathon program
Its really really cold over the weekend and snowed quite a lot too. Now if this were Michigan, I wouldn't have complained about the snow. They do a good job of cleaning the streets and sidewalks there. Unfortunately thats not the case in Virginia. So I just ran indoors on the treadmill.
Ran 2.5 miles on Friday with pace of 10min/mile and
ran 2.0 miles on Saturday with pace of 10min/mile.
The program says I should have run 5M on Friday, 3M on Saturday and 7M on Sunday. But I wasn't sure I could do it. Hence ramping it up.
Since I didn't run on Sunday, I will run 3M today (Monday) and let Tuesday be the rest day. Got to do 5M Wednesday. Then 3M on Thursday, 5M Friday, 3M SaturdayLets see how that pans out.
Summary for January 2010:
Ran 2.5 miles on Friday with pace of 10min/mile and
ran 2.0 miles on Saturday with pace of 10min/mile.
The program says I should have run 5M on Friday, 3M on Saturday and 7M on Sunday. But I wasn't sure I could do it. Hence ramping it up.
Since I didn't run on Sunday, I will run 3M today (Monday) and let Tuesday be the rest day. Got to do 5M Wednesday. Then 3M on Thursday, 5M Friday, 3M SaturdayLets see how that pans out.
Summary for January 2010:
Got an email from Active.com about the Sun Trust National Marathon in DC on March 10th. Asked Madhura to register us. We have pre-qualified (half marathon in 2:30). So we are good.
Chalked out a 6 week running program on LogYourRun starting next week. Let's see if I can follow it.
| Week | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
| 1 | 3 miles | Rest | 5 miles | 3 miles | 5 miles | 3 miles | 7 miles | 23 mi total |
| 2 | Rest | 5 miles | 3 miles | 6 miles | 6 miles | 3 miles | 8 miles | 31 mi total |
| 3 | Rest | 5 miles | 4 miles | 6 miles | 6 miles | 3 miles | 9 miles | 33 mi total |
| 4 | Rest | 4 miles | 4 miles | 7 miles | 7 miles | 3 miles | 10 miles | 35 mi total |
| 5 | Rest | 4 miles | 4 miles | 7 miles | 7 miles | 4 miles | 11 miles | 37 mi total |
| 6 | Rest | 6 miles | 5 miles | 8 miles | 7 miles | 4 miles | 12 miles | 42 mi total |
| 7 | Rest | 4 miles | 4 miles | 6 miles | 4 miles | 3 miles | 13 miles | 34 mi total |
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