80 Minutes
Tonight is Halloween, so I ran around town hoping to see the costumes and decorations. I ran out by the high school and in through town on Old Waterford just in time to see everyone leaving the parade downtown. After turning left, then right, then right, then left, I somehow landed myself in the end of the parade. Upon realizing this, I turned off onto the W&OD to return to Catoctin and renew the circuit. The run felt great, partly because of the cool air.
Stats
Place: Leesburg
Time: 1:20:00
Heart Rate: 156
Friday, October 31, 2003
Wednesday, October 29, 2003
70 Minutes
With the Daylight Savings Time change, it is now dark well before I arrive home from work. I struggled tonight to think of what run to do, so I decided to combine elements and run to the gym, get on the treadmill for a whie, and run back home. This lent itself nicely to the 70 minute time goal. I kicked it on the treadmill with an incline of 1.5.
Stats
Place: Leesburg/Ida Lee
Time: 1:10:00
Heart Rate: 159
With the Daylight Savings Time change, it is now dark well before I arrive home from work. I struggled tonight to think of what run to do, so I decided to combine elements and run to the gym, get on the treadmill for a whie, and run back home. This lent itself nicely to the 70 minute time goal. I kicked it on the treadmill with an incline of 1.5.
Stats
Place: Leesburg/Ida Lee
Time: 1:10:00
Heart Rate: 159
Tuesday, October 28, 2003
Laziness
Well, I didn't get out this past weekend. Now I feel a little lazy and out of sorts--as if my body is going through withdraw. I guess I had a good excuse--my wife and I saw a house that may interest us and went to the library to check out every book they had on homebuying and first-time homebuyers. Coupled with having lunch with my folks, then entire day disappears. Now, I'm just trying to find time this week to keep something of a schedule.
I also bailed on the 10K on Sunday morning--no good reason except I was tired kept a very bad diet the couple days leading up to it. I just decided to save the $25 and wait for a 10K where I can post a good time.
Well, I didn't get out this past weekend. Now I feel a little lazy and out of sorts--as if my body is going through withdraw. I guess I had a good excuse--my wife and I saw a house that may interest us and went to the library to check out every book they had on homebuying and first-time homebuyers. Coupled with having lunch with my folks, then entire day disappears. Now, I'm just trying to find time this week to keep something of a schedule.
I also bailed on the 10K on Sunday morning--no good reason except I was tired kept a very bad diet the couple days leading up to it. I just decided to save the $25 and wait for a 10K where I can post a good time.
Friday, October 24, 2003
Wednesday, October 22, 2003
Wings Over Loudoun 10K
I'm thinking about running my first 10K this Sunday. The best part of it is that it is in Leesburg, so all I have to do is roll out of bed and drive 5 minutes to the starting line. Since I can register on race day, I'll hold off on my final decision until Saturday night after I see the weather forecast.
I'm thinking about running my first 10K this Sunday. The best part of it is that it is in Leesburg, so all I have to do is roll out of bed and drive 5 minutes to the starting line. Since I can register on race day, I'll hold off on my final decision until Saturday night after I see the weather forecast.
Tuesday, October 21, 2003
80 Minutes
Being indecisive about which route I should embark on, I opted for a time goal of 80 minutes and simply jogged around Leesburg. I finally hit some streets I'd missed in the past. Unfortunately, it was dark and I was unable to see some of the houses and yards I always pass by too quickly in the car. Carrying a flashlight definitely helped, as occassional oncoming traffic cast a shadow on my path. The remarkable thing, though, was how far 80 minutes took me. I definitely covered at least 8 miles, but found myself struggling to think of additional loops that would extend the run and land me at my house at 1:20. Luckily it all worked out and I walked maybe 5 minutes as a cool down back to my doorstep.
Stats
Place: Leesburg--Around Town
Time: 1:20
Heart Rate: 153
Being indecisive about which route I should embark on, I opted for a time goal of 80 minutes and simply jogged around Leesburg. I finally hit some streets I'd missed in the past. Unfortunately, it was dark and I was unable to see some of the houses and yards I always pass by too quickly in the car. Carrying a flashlight definitely helped, as occassional oncoming traffic cast a shadow on my path. The remarkable thing, though, was how far 80 minutes took me. I definitely covered at least 8 miles, but found myself struggling to think of additional loops that would extend the run and land me at my house at 1:20. Luckily it all worked out and I walked maybe 5 minutes as a cool down back to my doorstep.
Stats
Place: Leesburg--Around Town
Time: 1:20
Heart Rate: 153
Sunday, October 19, 2003
7.4 Miles
I opted for a more challenging run today. Rather than run a flat ten-miler, I ran a very hilly 7.4 miles near Taylorstown. The directions were simple enough--start in a parking area off Taylorstown Rd., right onto Loyalty, left onto Bald Hill, then left onto Taylorstown back to the car. Bald Hill took me up 250 feet over .9 miles (right over the mountain). Then I dropped 260 feet over 1.1 miles on the other side. Before long, though, the real pain started with a 1.9 mile hill that took me up 320 feet back over the mountain before falling 430 feet over the final 1.3 miles. The final downhill could have been a nice break, but since my legs were so brutalized over the earlier hills, it proved to be really bruising. I felt as though I were taking my last steps as I neared the car. What a great run! It was definitely harder than any of the ten-milers I've run.
Stats
Place: Taylorstown--Bald Hill
Time: 1:21:07
Heart Rate: 163
I opted for a more challenging run today. Rather than run a flat ten-miler, I ran a very hilly 7.4 miles near Taylorstown. The directions were simple enough--start in a parking area off Taylorstown Rd., right onto Loyalty, left onto Bald Hill, then left onto Taylorstown back to the car. Bald Hill took me up 250 feet over .9 miles (right over the mountain). Then I dropped 260 feet over 1.1 miles on the other side. Before long, though, the real pain started with a 1.9 mile hill that took me up 320 feet back over the mountain before falling 430 feet over the final 1.3 miles. The final downhill could have been a nice break, but since my legs were so brutalized over the earlier hills, it proved to be really bruising. I felt as though I were taking my last steps as I neared the car. What a great run! It was definitely harder than any of the ten-milers I've run.
Stats
Place: Taylorstown--Bald Hill
Time: 1:21:07
Heart Rate: 163
Thursday, October 16, 2003
7 Miles
I arrived home from work a little late and didn't feel like running in the dark, so I headed to the gym and hopped on the treadmill. Concentration was an issue again, but I still managed to finish the distance. I had a great, long stretch afterwards before going home to watch the Yankees beat the Red Sox (how sad!).
Now I can look forward to my long run this weekend.
Stats
Place: Treadmill (Incline = 1.0)
Time: 1:09:00
Heart Rate: 154
I arrived home from work a little late and didn't feel like running in the dark, so I headed to the gym and hopped on the treadmill. Concentration was an issue again, but I still managed to finish the distance. I had a great, long stretch afterwards before going home to watch the Yankees beat the Red Sox (how sad!).
Now I can look forward to my long run this weekend.
Stats
Place: Treadmill (Incline = 1.0)
Time: 1:09:00
Heart Rate: 154
Wednesday, October 15, 2003
8 Miles
For better and for worse, the backup and restore programs at work took much longer to finish running than expected. Everyone thought noon was a reasonable expectation, but 9pm turned out to be more accurate. This meant that I was able to go home for a while before returing to burn some midnight oil. This also meant that I was able to fit in a run. Today was beautiful, but windy. The temperature hovered between 55 and 60 degrees and the wind whipped at 20-30 mph. I took my run out onto the W&OD, which had a lot of downed tree limbs--indeed, some trees snapped at their center. The park service was already on the trail with a chainsaw cutting the tree limbs down to size before dislodging them from the trail. It made for an interesting run. For the most part, my strategy was to just get some easy miles in--nothing too fast. All in all, I succeeded.
I'm still trying to figure out what my training schedule should be like. I'm considering 25 miles/week with three runs--7, 8, and 10 miles. The 7 and 8 mile runs will focus on more speed with tempo and hill runs, while the 10 mile run will be my long, slow distance. If I decide to do the 10K later this month, this should keep me in decent shape. I'm still a ways away from fitting proper speed workouts into my schedule--of course, having access to a track would be nice.
Stats
Place: W&OD
Time: 1:17:00
Heart Rate: 153
For better and for worse, the backup and restore programs at work took much longer to finish running than expected. Everyone thought noon was a reasonable expectation, but 9pm turned out to be more accurate. This meant that I was able to go home for a while before returing to burn some midnight oil. This also meant that I was able to fit in a run. Today was beautiful, but windy. The temperature hovered between 55 and 60 degrees and the wind whipped at 20-30 mph. I took my run out onto the W&OD, which had a lot of downed tree limbs--indeed, some trees snapped at their center. The park service was already on the trail with a chainsaw cutting the tree limbs down to size before dislodging them from the trail. It made for an interesting run. For the most part, my strategy was to just get some easy miles in--nothing too fast. All in all, I succeeded.
I'm still trying to figure out what my training schedule should be like. I'm considering 25 miles/week with three runs--7, 8, and 10 miles. The 7 and 8 mile runs will focus on more speed with tempo and hill runs, while the 10 mile run will be my long, slow distance. If I decide to do the 10K later this month, this should keep me in decent shape. I'm still a ways away from fitting proper speed workouts into my schedule--of course, having access to a track would be nice.
Stats
Place: W&OD
Time: 1:17:00
Heart Rate: 153
Missed Day
What a bummer today is! I fully intended to wake up this morning and go for a run--even at the gym, if need be, due to the high winds and rain. Well, it turns out I didn't secure the door enough last night before going to bed and it blew open in the middle of the night. While the door was open, one of the cats (Amy's) slipped outside. For maybe an hour, we looked all over the place, including repeat trips indoors. Finally Amy found the little guy behind a mesh vent in a neighbor's house. It was a one in million shot finding a black cat at night with the wind near 40 mph, but fortunately all worked out for the best. Needless to say, I was a little tired this morning and didn't make it out to the gym. Tonight looks doubtful as I may have to work late. Oh well.
What a bummer today is! I fully intended to wake up this morning and go for a run--even at the gym, if need be, due to the high winds and rain. Well, it turns out I didn't secure the door enough last night before going to bed and it blew open in the middle of the night. While the door was open, one of the cats (Amy's) slipped outside. For maybe an hour, we looked all over the place, including repeat trips indoors. Finally Amy found the little guy behind a mesh vent in a neighbor's house. It was a one in million shot finding a black cat at night with the wind near 40 mph, but fortunately all worked out for the best. Needless to say, I was a little tired this morning and didn't make it out to the gym. Tonight looks doubtful as I may have to work late. Oh well.
Sunday, October 12, 2003
50 Minutes
I've been waiting for a long time to do a trail run an today was the day. I drove out to Red Rock Overlook Park in Leesburg. The park has a series of rather short intertwining trails that run along the perimeter and through the middle of the park. The perimeter trail spends ample time along the Potomac River above the flood plain. The shade makes for a pleasant, cool run while the trails punished me with short, steep hills. The park also seems to be a refuge for the local high school students. Ther was a small group of boys hanging out smoking a joint--probably thinking no one else would notice! When I passed them they looked awfully sheepish. Lucky for them I was just out for a run and could have cared less.
Stats
Place: Red Rock Overlook Park
Time: 50:00
Heart Rate: 163
I've been waiting for a long time to do a trail run an today was the day. I drove out to Red Rock Overlook Park in Leesburg. The park has a series of rather short intertwining trails that run along the perimeter and through the middle of the park. The perimeter trail spends ample time along the Potomac River above the flood plain. The shade makes for a pleasant, cool run while the trails punished me with short, steep hills. The park also seems to be a refuge for the local high school students. Ther was a small group of boys hanging out smoking a joint--probably thinking no one else would notice! When I passed them they looked awfully sheepish. Lucky for them I was just out for a run and could have cared less.
Stats
Place: Red Rock Overlook Park
Time: 50:00
Heart Rate: 163
Saturday, October 11, 2003
New Year's Resolution Accomplished
I started out yesterday to simply get in an easy six miles. After mile 4, I looked at my watch and realized I'd effortlessly maintained a 9:00 pace. After I started running last November, I made a New Year's resolution to run six miles in 54 minutes. So when I saw my watch I figured I had a chance to finally, for the first time in my young life, live up to one of my weighty resolutions. I picked up the pace and kept it up the last two miles. Everything felt great, my breathing settled into a two-pattern and my legs just churned out of habit--no real effort. I was lucky crossing the only road--no cars--and sprinted for the finish. When I looked at my watch... 51:20!
Stats
Place: W&OD
Time: 51:20
Heart Rate: 169
I started out yesterday to simply get in an easy six miles. After mile 4, I looked at my watch and realized I'd effortlessly maintained a 9:00 pace. After I started running last November, I made a New Year's resolution to run six miles in 54 minutes. So when I saw my watch I figured I had a chance to finally, for the first time in my young life, live up to one of my weighty resolutions. I picked up the pace and kept it up the last two miles. Everything felt great, my breathing settled into a two-pattern and my legs just churned out of habit--no real effort. I was lucky crossing the only road--no cars--and sprinted for the finish. When I looked at my watch... 51:20!
Stats
Place: W&OD
Time: 51:20
Heart Rate: 169
Tuesday, October 07, 2003
5 Miles
My first run after the race and it felt great. The weather was beautiful--maybe 70 degrees, the sun was setting into it's golden phase, and my body was ready to go. I felt strong throughout the run, finished fast, and did a thorough stretch afterwards. Right now I'm trying to figure out my training schedule, which is more difficult without a race to focus on. I saw a 10K in Leesburg toward the end of this month, but am not sure yet. I know that for the winter I want to expand the training scope to focus on some core strength training--which will get me out of the cold!
Stats
Place: Woodburn Hill
Time: 44:58
Heart Rate: 169
My first run after the race and it felt great. The weather was beautiful--maybe 70 degrees, the sun was setting into it's golden phase, and my body was ready to go. I felt strong throughout the run, finished fast, and did a thorough stretch afterwards. Right now I'm trying to figure out my training schedule, which is more difficult without a race to focus on. I saw a 10K in Leesburg toward the end of this month, but am not sure yet. I know that for the winter I want to expand the training scope to focus on some core strength training--which will get me out of the cold!
Stats
Place: Woodburn Hill
Time: 44:58
Heart Rate: 169
Sunday, October 05, 2003
Army Ten-Miler
Today was the day, and might I add that it was a mighty fine day. The cloud cover over the past couple days trapped enough heat to raise the morning start temperature to the upper 40s. The skies cleared and the race had sunny blue skies and perfect temperatures. My friend and I were surprised when we realized we were running a lot faster than usual, but still felt great. It was too bad we didn't get in an earlier start group--we had to run around a lot of people. I kept waiting for reality to settle in as my legs crumbled, but my body just felt stronger and stronger. When I started the dash for the end at 9.5 miles, I had a lot of spring left in my legs--leading me to think I could have pushed an even faster pace throughout. I'm still waiting for my "official time," but my watch showed 1:33:24 (9:20 pace)--not to shabby compared to last weekend. My heart rate averaged 170 bpm.
UPDATE: Here are my posted results:
Chip Time: 1:33:26
Place: 7372
After a hot bath, my body feels nice and relaxed--not very sore at all. My achilles is sensitive, though--from something or another I did on Friday night (maybe running up the Dupont Circle metro escalator with hiking boots).
The best part was simply running beside so many people with a similar passion. It was a great first time experience--the first of many, many more to come. Now I just need to decide on the next race so I can reset the RACE COUNTDOWN on the right side!
Today was the day, and might I add that it was a mighty fine day. The cloud cover over the past couple days trapped enough heat to raise the morning start temperature to the upper 40s. The skies cleared and the race had sunny blue skies and perfect temperatures. My friend and I were surprised when we realized we were running a lot faster than usual, but still felt great. It was too bad we didn't get in an earlier start group--we had to run around a lot of people. I kept waiting for reality to settle in as my legs crumbled, but my body just felt stronger and stronger. When I started the dash for the end at 9.5 miles, I had a lot of spring left in my legs--leading me to think I could have pushed an even faster pace throughout. I'm still waiting for my "official time," but my watch showed 1:33:24 (9:20 pace)--not to shabby compared to last weekend. My heart rate averaged 170 bpm.
UPDATE: Here are my posted results:
Chip Time: 1:33:26
Place: 7372
After a hot bath, my body feels nice and relaxed--not very sore at all. My achilles is sensitive, though--from something or another I did on Friday night (maybe running up the Dupont Circle metro escalator with hiking boots).
The best part was simply running beside so many people with a similar passion. It was a great first time experience--the first of many, many more to come. Now I just need to decide on the next race so I can reset the RACE COUNTDOWN on the right side!
Friday, October 03, 2003
30 Long, Cold Minutes
Last night was balmy compared to this morning. I ran out the door thinking the temperature was somewhere in the mid-40s. During the run, my body was cold enough to shrink a little causing the chest strap from the heart rate monitor to slip off my chest. By run's end, the tops of my quads felt slightly frozen. I came back in the door, looked at my wife, and said I needed some running tights (or compression pants, whatever their called). As my body warmed up in the house, my bad knee starting aching. The aching stopped by when I was in the shower. I definitely need to get something for my legs.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Sunday morning is warmer.
Stats
Place: King Street, W&OD
Time: 30 Minutes
Heart Rate: n/a
Last night was balmy compared to this morning. I ran out the door thinking the temperature was somewhere in the mid-40s. During the run, my body was cold enough to shrink a little causing the chest strap from the heart rate monitor to slip off my chest. By run's end, the tops of my quads felt slightly frozen. I came back in the door, looked at my wife, and said I needed some running tights (or compression pants, whatever their called). As my body warmed up in the house, my bad knee starting aching. The aching stopped by when I was in the shower. I definitely need to get something for my legs.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Sunday morning is warmer.
Stats
Place: King Street, W&OD
Time: 30 Minutes
Heart Rate: n/a
Thursday, October 02, 2003
3+ Miles
This is easily the coldest run I've done since early spring. It was a chilly 47 degrees with a palpable breeze. I ran faster to just keep warm. The main reason I don't like running in colder weather is that I can't keep the phlegm out of my throat. And to think it's only going to get colder from here. I feel great now and my legs feel limber and ready to run some more. The faster pace also felt (7:43 pace at least).
Stats
Place: Home to W&OD to Home
Time: 23:10
Heart Rate: n/a
This is easily the coldest run I've done since early spring. It was a chilly 47 degrees with a palpable breeze. I ran faster to just keep warm. The main reason I don't like running in colder weather is that I can't keep the phlegm out of my throat. And to think it's only going to get colder from here. I feel great now and my legs feel limber and ready to run some more. The faster pace also felt (7:43 pace at least).
Stats
Place: Home to W&OD to Home
Time: 23:10
Heart Rate: n/a
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