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.