Weakness

Nike "Running Sucks" Mens T-Shirt $28

     Sometimes, that's just how it feels.  This week has been like that.  I missed my short run on Tuesday trying to anticipate when Nike's "Last To Run" game of Tag would start (if you log your running with Nike Plus, then you probably know what I'm talking about).  For each of my runs on Wednesday and Thursday, my legs felt weak far too soon after starting.  This morning was suppose to be my 14mi long run, but I didn't wake up early enough.  Okay, so I did wake up early -- multiple times, but didn't get out of bed.  Now, I'm going to have to wait till this evening to run so I don't melt all over the pavement.

     There are going to be days, even weeks like this where things just suck.  It's important to just keep on running.  Splash some water on your face, hype yourself up, get a little crazy, because the finish line is just within reach -- somewhere -- I think :p

Weekend Roundup

    The training program I'm using is the "First-Timer's Marathon Training Plan" which can be found in the Runner's World magazine July 2011 issue.  Over 16 weeks the schedule has the runner training 5 days a week gradually increasing the total mileage every week.  Sure I was able to run 15 miles last year, but that was last year and I would have to work to get back there.  Pacing yourself is important when running any distance.  Not only so you can finish, but also so you don't injure yourself or worse, especially in summer weather.

     The second week long run was a 12 miler on Saturday with the week's total at 28 miles.  Physically, my body seemed capable of getting through the run, but something more important is mental fatigue.  A difficult thing about running any distance you're not accustomed to is keeping focused.  At the start of the run, the mind is psyched and excited to go.  Sometime thereafter, the mind wanders towards other things -- work, laundry, if they'll ever seriously consider making a Gilmore Girls movie.  As time and the miles pass, be it from boredom, monotony, or both, a person's brain starts to wonder,"Where the ---- is the finish line?"  Listening to music helps a lot of people pass the time, but there are races that don't permit it.  Also, distracting your senses from your surroundings isn't always advisable or safe.  For example, running in the city or on neighborhood streets it's important to be aware of car traffic.  I also feel that running without music serves two  important purposes.  First, it strengthens one's focus and determination.  Second, as meditation or a quiet night's sleep does, a good run can ease stress and clear a person's head .

     As I've mentioned before, another good way to pass the miles is by running with other people.  Whether with a friend, a group, or even on your own where there are other people running, the atmosphere changes and eliminates the desolation of a long run.  Saturday, as my mind started to grow tired, just being around the many runners who had also devoted the early morning for a run kept me going.  Thank you to all the running groups who made my run and dozens of other's so enjoyable.  Listed below are just a few groups I remember.

Here is an article from Runner's World magazine about brain fatigue.     

     Join a group, grab a friend, or venture out on your own, but get out there and get active.  Have a great week of running everyone!

Chicago Area Runners Association
Chicago Endurance Sports
Elijah Running Club
Team To End AIDS

CANCELLED

Run Club Chicago is cancelled tonight due to extreme heat.

Update 11:40am

Nike Run Club Chicago is on for tonight at 6:30pm, but capping the distance off at 5 miles because of the weather.  Team Livestrong will be in the building with a guest speaker.  Wear yellow and get ready to run.  Water will be provided before and after the run.

Top 10 Reasons To Run At 5am

      I didn't hate my alarm this morning.  Here are the top 10 reasons why I'm up running so early.

10)  Tonight's Nike Run Club might be cancelled tonight due to the heat.  Since there are no guarantees of a run later, best to seize the opportunity now.


9)  I really had to pee!


8)  Running late in the morning yesterday was horribly hot which made a horrible run

7)  Saw Ryan Reynolds with his shirt off in a movie and thought, "I really need to workout!!"

6)  Saw myself with my shirt off and thought, "I really need to workout!!"

5)  Metabolism is better in the morning, so exercising early burns more calories and jump starts your day.

4)  I thought I smelled bacon

3)  I'm missing Comic-Con because I can't fit into my Captain America tights

2)  Despite how much I'm sweating running this morning, this really is the cooler time of day and it will get hotter!

1)  Sunrises are pretty!
             :p

It's Hot Out There!!!

     Some days are better than others.  Take for instance yesterday.  Though weather.com reported the temperature being 85 degrees with a heat index of 91, a weak cool front coming off the lake brought a refreshing breeze and a dense fog bringing the temperature down to the mid 70s!

     What a great reprieve from the summer heat!  I finished 4.31 miles feeling so good that I wanted to run more, but to maintain my training schedule, I refrained from going any further.

     Then, there are other days -- like today.

     Waking up, I just wasn't feeling up to running, but I pushed myself to do it.  With no cool front and no fog, the temp was somewhere in the mid 80s with a heat index in the 90s, and today, you could feel it.  The sun was merciless, but even before the heat could beat me down, my own body betrayed my ambition.  My legs felt stiff and my feet were like slabs of granite, heavy and inflexible.  I may as well have been running through oatmeal.  It didn't take long for the heat to become a factor as the degrees seemed to rise with every arduous step.  I stopped frequently for water not only to drink, but to douse myself with.  This wasn't training.  This was trial by fire!  The smart thing to do would have been to cut my distance short a bit, but I had already made it 4.7 miles and I just needed to finish 5.  On sheer will, I took the last quarter mile with the heat index somewhere in the upper 90s.

     Just because it's summer, doesn't mean you can just stay indoors, and why would you even want to?  Whatever you're doing out there, have fun, but be careful.  Active.com has some great tips for enjoying the summer sun.  Just a few tips for runners:
- Take it easy - You may not be able to run as far or as fast as you usually do.  Get acclimated to the weather, but know when not to push it.
- Hydrate! - Water and/or sports drinks are necessary to survive the heat.
- Listen to your body - Know the signs of dehydration and heat exhaustion.  If you feel  nauseous, heart palpitations, or light headed, STOP!!  And be on the lookout for fellow runners who may be in danger.
- HYDRATE!!!

     So, slap on some sunscreen and enjoy the weather before another winter comes along with its own set of challenges ;)

10 miles. It feels good!

     I really should have woken up earlier, but 9:30 am is still good start for a Saturday 10 miler.  Weather.com tells me it's 78 degrees outside, and glancing out the window I see cloudy skies.  I prepare for a morning in the low 80s by dressing light: Nike running singlet and ASICS seamless compression shorts under 5 inch Nike running shorts.  Footwear is a toss up between Vibram Komodos and Merrell Trail Gloves.  I opt for the Vibrams as I am curious how they will feel on a long run.  Before the Komodos, I tried the KSOs.  I liked them, but they repeatedly gave me blisters even after a break in period, only getting worse.  The Komodo Sports thus far have been great.  The inside boasts a stitch-free, seamless footbed reducing friction and the risk of developing blisters, a HUGE selling point for me.  I love seamless.  On one wrist, my Garmin Forerunner 405, and on the other sits my Road ID bracelet.  I bring along a CamelBak water bottle to maintain adequate hydration, important on long, warm runs.

     My route takes me north along Chicago's lovely Lakefront Trail.  Weekend mornings along the lake are inspiring seeing all the people exercising.  Some run, others cycle and/or swim.  There is even a group intensely involved in a bootcamp workout backdropped by volleyballers on the beach.  An environment like this makes it easy to want to go out and get a good sweat going.  Many days, the call to be out there is maddening, especially when condemned to confinement indoors for hours.

     The miles pass easily at first.  They're actually rather enjoyable.  I try to pace myself to ensure that I have the energy to make it through, but what I've noticed since the first time I ran in a barefoot type shoe, is that foot turnover is quicker.  Something to keep in mind when attempting to maintain a pace that will hold you till the end of the run.  Around mile 7, a few rays of sunlight break through the clouds and I feel the temperature rise and my strength fall.  As I make mile 8, I look over to the people swimming laps along the lakeshore.  I'm wanting desperately to jump into the lake and feel the cooling water surround me.  My longing looks toward the water continue for a mile, and every splash seen is a cruel taunt.  I'm almost at my finish line for today, and I can almost taste the satisfaction of completing this run.  To my frustration, the last mile is made slow and tedious by a narrow path crowded with cyclists, runners, and tourists.  The last quarter mile opens up, and I'm given the chance to finish strong.

     10 is such a nice number, and to complete 10 miles is even nicer.  Crossing this "finish line," there are no cheering crowds, no smiling pictures taken, and no medals given.  There is only the joy of accomplishment and the promise of a longer run to come.  Truly a fine reward.

Nike Run Club and the LunarGlide+ 3s

     Thursday nights, Niketown Chicago hosts its weekly Run Club at 6:30 pm with pace runners going 3, 5, and 7 miles.  Group runs are great for motivation allowing people who may regularly run alone to share the miles with like minded people.  It's also nice to talk about gear, running, and races with other runners.  Niketown is a great host providing water, food, and sometimes sweet giveaways.  Available every week are trial shoes of Nike's latest releases.  Tonight, I tried the LunarGlide+ 3.

     First, I am a big fan of the LunarGlide series and other lunar cushioned shoes.  I own three pairs of the first LunarGlides, and I have used them in both of my half marathons last year.  I knew I wanted to try the 3s, so I ran to Niketown in my old LunarGlides so I could make a better comparison.  Before putting on the 3s, I immediately notice the absence of Flywire technology in the shoes upper which was utilized in the previous editions for lateral foot stability.  Instead, the Flywire is replaced by a midfoot strap that connects to the laces. Beyond that, the rest of the design stays true to the previous character of the shoe.

     "Wow! These are soft," I exclaim to myself as my feet slip into the 3s, like falling under a warm blanket at the end of a long day.  The feel around the ankle is marshmallowy plush, and the Lunarlon cushioning underfoot is soothing.  The midfoot strap supports the foot well allowing more flexibility around the midfoot upper than the more rigid Flywire.

     I decided to run the 3 mile route as I had already ran 1 mile to get to Niketown and would still run another to make it home.  At a 9:10/mi pace, the LunarGlides were comfortable every step of the way.  Support around the midfoot with the strap was good without being restrictive as Flywire can sometimes feel on other shoes.  It's something I have been aware of with the Flywire on the Lunaracer line before they've been broken in (but I still love them).  The Lunarlon cushion on the Glides felt almost too soft to me.  Likely due to the fact that I've been recently running in barefoot type shoes like Vibram Five Fingers and Merrell Trail Gloves.

     Overall, I like this latest incarnation in the LunarGlide+ series.  The Dynamic Support System utilized by Nike would be good for many types of runners as plenty of our footfalls get sloppy as fatigue sets in during runs.  I do feel the Dynamic Support System has helped me in the past with challenging runs by not allowing my feet to over pronate when I would feel too exhausted to pay any mind to form or good biomechanics and could only focused on moving one foot in front of the other.  The mesh upper is supportive, flexible, and offers adequate breathability.  Color options are always great for the Glides as Nike makes so many of them.  The LunarGlide+ 3 is also available for customization at Nike iD, so you can really have fun making your shoe original.  Also, Nike iD allows you to choose between a sockliner that is firmer and more responsive, or one that is softer for a more cushioned feel.

     Friday is a rest day for me. I may do some cross training.  Saturday is my 10 mile run, so I have that to look forward to.  It's been about a year since I've tackled such a distance.  Even though it's only a training run, I still feel nervous.  I know I've done it many times before, but it has been quite a long time.

     Thanks again to the staff at Niketown Chicago for a great run and for letting me try the LunarGlide+ 3.   Lastly, I saw this hoodie at Niketown.  I just think it's awesome :)

3.99mi 36:30:40 avg pace 9:09/mi

     I wasn't even close to running at 5am today due to a combination of sleeping at 2am again and free wine and food at an event in the city.  Fortunately, my schedule afforded me the luxury of a late start.  The running gods must have read my blog (scary), because I got the breeze I was missing yesterday.  With the sun near its apex in a clear blue sky, the wind kept the temperature in the low 70s.  Perfect!

     So, sunscreen applied and Vibrams on feet, I set out on the same path as yesterday, and although I had decided upon not stopping to take pictures, I couldn't pass up the opportunity.

     There are many days when the redundancy of a routine can dull the spirit enough to bring to question why one even bothers to do what they do.  Then, there are days when you look out the same window, walk out the same door, or run the same route you have dozens of times and still discover something exhilarating.  And, while it may not answer the question "why," it may just captivate you long enough to make you stop asking.

4.03 mi 38:39:42 avg pace 9:35/mi

     5:15 am, alarm rings. I shut it off. 5:30 am, another alarm ignored. I finally force myself out of bed at 5:40 am. Except for the final act of getting out of bed, this has been my routine for 2 months now. I don't like waking up early, mostly because I stay up late. Last night I didn't sleep till after 2:30 am which only gave me 3 hours of uninterrupted sleep at most. Despite my aversion to waking early, I do prefer to start my days early. The day just becomes more productive.

     I've been running in Vibram Five Fingers Komodo Sports and Merrell Trail Gloves. The barefoot platform has relieved the pain from plantar fasciitis that has kept me from regular training for almost a year. Today, I used the Komodos.  After knee strain followed by plantar fasciitis, it feels good to start a training schedule again.  

     The weather was great. 72 degrees and sunny. A breeze would have made it perfect, but for summertime, I'm not complaining.

     Today's route took me south along Chicago's Lakefront Trail toward the museum district with Lake Michigan on my left and Grant Park on my right.  No matter the conditions, morning workouts are tough, because my mind and body are only half awake, so muscles just don't respond or perform their best. I know this sluggishness will dissipate with more early training, but it's a long road till I don't resent those 5am alarms. The 4.03 mile run was manageable even with 3 hours of sleep. Discomfort set in around 1.5 miles as hunger became noticeable. I had half a trail mix bar before going out, but it failed to satiate me. I have a problem eating excessively.  It's something I'm working on.  Since it's a 4 mile run, I'm able to shake off the hunger, something that would be difficult to do on longer runs. 

     Even at 6am, the sun is prominent in the sky, and its rays are intensified by its brilliant reflection off the lake. The glare off of Lake Michigan makes me aware that I've neglected to put sunscreen on. This will get me in trouble with someone when I get home. I sprint the last quarter mile. The temperature reaches 76 degrees by the end of the run, and I am breathing heavily and convered in a satisfying sweat. 4.03 miles in 38 minutes. This is surprisingly good not only because I felt the early morning drag, but also because I stopped to take the pictures shown here. Not bad.

     Another 4 miles is on the schedule for tomorrow. I'll dress in something cooler and hopefully remember the sunscreen. Just maybe I can coax myself to action a little closer to 5am.

The Starting Line

     Welcome to my blog!  I am a runner, and I have signed up for my first marathon, the Chevron Houston Marathon, to take place January 15, 2012.  Registering for the race and conceiving this blog evoke from me similar emotions of excitement and nervousness.  Initially, my blog will serve to chronicle my marathon training, but overall, I want to share my thoughts and experiences as a runner.

   

     The name of this blog, "Where the ---- is the finish line?" is a thought that has crossed my mind as miles passed during previous races.  While training, I also ask as muscles ache and breath becomes short, "Am I almost there,"  referring to whatever goal my ambitions have decided upon that day.  The finish line is just that, a goal.  Whether in running or anything else in life, we all make for ourselves finish lines.  Some are sprints while others are marathons.  On training runs and races I tell myself, "There is only one finish line," as encouragement to not stop until I reach my goal.  With life in general, including running, I remind myself that there is no finish line, and to keep going and getting better.  There is no line that can stop me from doing more than what I have done and being more than what I am today.

     Tomorrow I run 4 miles.  It's a great start.