Can I Cram For A Marathon?

My workout today:

6 mile run
Weights later in the afternoon
HIIT in the evening

My objective: to strengthen my legs and drop a few more pounds.

Tomorrow, more of the same.

11 days till Houston!

Happy New Year

Less than 2 weeks until I run my first marathon, and I know I could be more prepared.  I've tried to maintain a training schedule, but I haven't been faithful to it.  I didn't lose as much weight as I wanted to, because I simply ate too much.  While I was in Houston over the holidays, I ran the marathon course and completed it with only some difficulty.  Still, I know I could have done better than just finishing.  

Perhaps that's something to take into this new year.  To make a schedule and stay true to it.  To take in what I need and not just what I want.  And to not just get by, but to kick ass!  

Cheers to 2012, a new year with new possibilities and new finish lines to cross!  Good running everybody, and I'll see you at the finish line!

The Weekend Rundown

night run along Lake Front Trail, Chicago

Well, training last week didn't quite go according to my schedule.  Here's what happened.

          Schedule           Reality
Mon      rest                rest
Tues      7                     0
Wed      4                     7.12
Thurs     7                    5.92
Fri         rest                rest
Sat        16                   15.85
Sun       5                     9.08
Total     39                  37.97

Sooo ummm yeah.  At least I managed to get close to my total miles for the week.  Only downside is that both of my feet are in some pain from what I hope is just general soreness and not stress injuries due to over training.  The week before, my total mileage was only 18.64, so I increased it by 20 to get back on schedule for January. I know I am risking some injury by doing that, but the distances I ran last week were nothing new leaving me almost certain I can continue on without really hurting myself (fingers crossed).  I guess we'll see if I can make it through this week.  Here's the routine.

Mon       Rest
Tues       5
Wed       3
Thurs    7
Fri          Rest
Sat         18
Sun        5

See you at the finish line!

Gear Geek: Merrell Sonic Glove

The Merrell Sonic Glove is essentially all the great things about the Trail Glove.  You have the Vibram sole and 0mm heel drop.  However, instead of mesh, the upper is composed of a flexible, breathable, water resistant softshell upper.  The shape and fit of the Sonic Glove is exactly the same  as the Trail Glove.  Some might find the stiffness of the softshell material uncomfortable.  My first couple of runs, the upper above my toes felt like the crease created with each toe off was digging into my skin, but that feeling disappeared completely after maybe two more runs.  The women's version called the Lithe Glove is designed like the men's edition.  Unlike the women's Pace Glove, the Lithe lacks the elastic material at the back of the ankle making the Lithe identical to its male counterpart.  This design has some Lithe users complaining of irritation in the area of the ankle.  My experience was similar when I first used my Trail Gloves, but I haven't had any issues since.  I've used the Sonic Glove for casual wear and running.  I haven't put any serious mileage on these yet, but I can testify to their water resistance.  

During Halloween weekend, New York was hit with a freak snow storm.  The following day, I took a short run through Central Park, and the Sonic Gloves kept the slush and mud out leaving my feet nice and dry.  The Sonic Glove looks to be a capable shoe for the fall and winter months when the streets and trails can get soggy.  If I have anything else to add, I'll post more later as I put more miles on these, but for now, the Merrell Sonic Glove gets two thumbs up and a smile!  

The Place: The Class Room

Check out THE CLASS ROOM.  The newest place to shop for menswear in Houston, TX.

http://stayclassyhouston.com/

http://www.facebook.com/theclassroomshop?sk=wall

Back On Track

For a month my training has been sporadic which is evident by my lack of blog posts.  I blame a busy schedule, shorter days, and changing weather for my lethargy and lack of motivation.  My weeks encompassed two training runs, one short and one long run.  With exactly 8 weeks left till my first marathon in Houston, it's probably time to get back to my training plan.  Here's this week's schedule.

Tues  7 mi

Wed  4 mi
Thurs 7 mi
Fri     Rest
Sat    16 mi
Sun   5 mi

If the change in seasons put a drag on your running like me, lace up and run!!  See you at the finish line!

The Windy City

10 Miles

     Yesterday, winds were estimated at up to 60 mph along Lake Michigan in Chicago.  This afternoon, I was able to go out for a run along the lake after the winds calmed down.  Reports of the Lakefront Trail being closed between Ohio St. and North Ave. forced me to head south.  45 degrees, 15-25 mph winds, and slight drizzling kept my run interesting and challenging.  When passing Museum Campus, I saw at least two boats wrecked in the water near the aquarium, part of the aftermath of yesterday's weather.  All I can say is, if it was my boat that sank, I'd cry.

     Good running everyone!