Ode to Sunrise

5:30 A.M., how I have missed you!
My miserable groans are music sung giving thanks
Rising from bed, dizzy and delirious
What a useless thing is sleep!

My eyes half open but stagger in turn
Enough to witness the burning brilliance of day
Steps are heavy, yet rhythm is found
And I am running again.

Race Envy

     2 weeks of foot pain has caused a set back in training.  Worse, it's given me race envy.  This past weekend was the Chicago Triathlon, and a few weeks ago, the Rock 'n' Roll Chicago Half Marathon.  Seeing all the athletes competing in addition to giving up my long runs to allow my foot time to heal has made me starving to devour those miles again.  Though I know the time to recover was necessary, I couldn't help but feel that nagging itch to get out there to sweat, hurt, and bask in the satisfaction you just can't get from a short, easy paced run.  

     This week, I'm back to training, and I've expanded my race schedule beyond the Houston Marathon.

     September 11th - Chicago Half Marathon
     September 24th - Komen Race For The Cure
     January 15th - Houston Marathon
     April 29th - Big Sur International Marathon

     With so many great runs here in Chicago and around the country I know race envy will possess me again taking control of my senses and my actions forcing me to click SUBMIT on that next race registration form.  It's not my fault, the run made me do it!

Pictures from the Chicago Triathlon August 28, 2011

Gear Geek: Nike Vintage Oregon Waffle

If you missed these the first second time around (confusing isn't it), they're back -- again!  Find them at Nike.com and other online retailers.

L.S.D. in the Rain

     At last, without any hindrance of time or weather, I finished my 14 mile run on Saturday.  It must have been over a year since I've clocked that much distance, and I'm relieved to be getting back to where I was, albeit slowly.  The weather was cool, probably in the mid to low 70s.  It had been raining for much of the afternoon, and continued on for the first 3 miles.  I like running in the rain -- the smell of it on the wind and it's slow, soothing trail down my face keeps my senses active and my focus acute.  For 8 miles, I loved the run and the run loved me.  Somewhere around mile 9, the struggle began, but I pushed through to reach 14.

     The following day, I ran 5 miles.  For all my runs last week, including the consecutive 14 and 5 miler, I used my Sockwa G2s, one of the most minimal barefoot shoes on the market.  I recently gave some advice on how to ease into barefoot shoes and running to a friend, and CNN.com posted an article on how to break in Vibram Five Fingers (link to CNN article).  Perhaps I should have listened to my own advice, because both my feet are now sore and the left foot is in severe pain forcing me to limp around -- only for today I hope.  With all the miles I've been able to put on my Merrell Trail Gloves, I didn't think I would have any issues.  I felt the creeping pain from the punishing pavement 10 miles into the 14 miler, but how could I stop so close to the end?  I'm going to have to really strengthen my feet or consider running long distances in a more substantial shoe reserving my barefoot styles for shorter, quicker runs.  

     Good running this week, everyone.  I hope my feet can hold up and I can join you.  Thank goodness today is a rest day.  

Gear Geek News: New Balance Minimus Zero

Information on the New Balance Minimus Zero for 2012

Free From The Heat

     If you read the previous corresponding entry, you know last weekend I took my training to Texas where afternoon high temperatures averaged in the 100s.  For my Saturday long run, I didn't wake up at 4 A.M. or 5 A.M. -- or 6 A.M.  7 A.M. is when my feet hit the floor and I get ready to run.  Even this early in the morning the temperature is already in the 80s and the sun is high above the trees.  The added heat index and humidity means I'm drenched in sweat before I finish the first mile.  The temperature increased fast and I got slower having to stop multiple times to choose my direction, drink water, and to find shelter in the shade of a tree.  Hydration became critical as my water bottle was emptying quickly, so I did what I had to and filled it with water from the sprinkler of someone's house.  They looked stunned.  My 14 mile goal turned into a desperate mission just to make it home.  Scorched by heat and on exhausted legs, I make it to my front door only finishing 10 miles.  

     I returned to Chicago this week resetting my training for the 3rd time to achieve my 3 week training calendar goals.  Happily, I step outside and the temperature is a blissful 75 degrees with highs in the low 80s.  It feels great.  

     This week I also begin a 2 week evaluation of the Sockwa G2, a barefoot type shoe.  Look for my complete review around the end of August.  Till then, I've done a 3, 4, and 5 mile run in my Sockwa G2s, and so far they feel great!  With a sole 1.7mm thick, you feel everything on the road, but there's one thing I realize.  Just because I can feel what I'm stepping on, doesn't mean it's hurting me.  At first, I mentally winced at every tiny pebble I stepped on.  Then, I discovered that I wasn't actually experiencing pain from it.  I was just aware of what was beneath my feet.  Still, if you're running in barefoot shoes, watch out for what you step on.  Large, jagged surfaces will hurt!  

     Wherever you may be, run long and prosper, but if it's really hot where you are, take measures to ensure a good, safe run.  Don't be afraid to make use of a neighbor's sprinklers either!

Gear Geek: Merrell Trail Glove

     For many people, Vibram Five Fingers either don't fit right or people just can't get over how they look. A great alternative is Merrell's barefoot line. The Vibram sole features a 0 mm foot drop between heel and toe.  The mesh upper of the trail gloves offers plenty of breathability and comfort. A wide toe box allows toes to splay which aids in coordinating muscle contraction in the midfoot upon contact.  And, best of all, they look like shoes!!!!

     Though I have been running in the trail gloves since they were released a few months ago, I did my first long run in them 2 weeks ago. That week's training total was 28 miles with a long run of 12 miles, and I did each run with Merrells. The shoe is designed to be worn sockless, and while I was able to do this on some short runs, I don't recommend it for everyone. On a 4 miler early that week, I went sockless on a very hot day. As sweat started to really develop, I began to feel friction on the top of my foot on the joint before my big toe. The result was a 1 cm blister on each foot at the exact same location. This may not happen to everyone, but I advise wearing socks. With socks on feet for the rest of my runs that week, I completed my goals feeling great!

     I like Merrell shoes, and their barefoot line is no exception. I love the feel of the ground and the flexibility of the shoes. Merrell has quite a few models in the barefoot collection for men, women, and children. In addition to the Trail Gloves, I also have the Tough Gloves with a leather upper. These are good to wear to work especially if you want to run afterwards and don't want to bother with bringing an extra pair or shoes. They are also useful if you need to run to catch the morning train. I have hiked in both the Trail and Tough gloves and they have worked very well. If you are interested in getting a pair (or two), 

     I advise trying them on first. While Merrell makes wonderful shoes, their sizing to me always seems different. If you are a member of REI, you can buy them, run in them, and if you don't like, return them. No worries about getting stuck with a $100+ shoe you really can't use.  The Merrell Trail Glove retails for $110.  Also, Runner's World Magazine reports that Merrell will add what I'm assuming is a road running shoe called the Road Glove to their line up on February 1, 2012.  Can't wait to get those!  A picture of the Road Glove taken at the Outdoor Retailer Trade Show in Salt Lake City, Utah is available on the Runner's World Magazine Facebook page.

Deep In The Heart Of Texas

This weekend I do my long run in Texas where it is at least 10 degrees hotter than Chicago where I live. As I mentally prepare to run 14 miles Saturday, I wonder, how early can I really wake up to run? 5am is still a difficult time for me to drag myself out of bed. I would like to be near the end of my run before the sun is completely over the horizon, so what time am I looking at here -- 4 A.M.?!? Not likely. I'll be looking to run somewhere with lots of shade and in close proximity to a Smoothie Factory for some post-run relief. More to come!

I Want To Run

I want to run.
To feel only the ground underfoot.
And the maelstrom in my chest
Let the miles clear my mind
And leave me with my thoughts on a lonely trail.

I want to run.
From the weight of today to tomorrow
Away from --? And Towards what?
No plan. No destination.
I want to run.

Get Mad!

Nike "All You Got" Men's T-Shirt $25

     When good weather and a fair state of mind aren't enough to get you where you want to be, sometimes, you just need to get mad.  I couldn't be more disappointed in myself for not fulfilling my training goals for last week.  Days to run -- Fail.  Distance to run -- Fail.  It's time to approach the road with a little bit of hostility.  Take every frustration, every disappointment, every weakness and turn it into a raging fire fueling the spirit with greater focus, stronger determination, and unyielding will.  Attack each day with fury.  Get it.