Tough One

Today was a rough one for me. From the first water stop, I could tell it was going to be one of those days. I managed to keep things together the whole way, but the last two miles really sucked. I suspect this all came about due to the climate change (increased heat/humidity), relatively poor diet last week, no gels, and a route that was relatively hilly. I expect everything to make its way back to normal in the coming days, so no real need to worry at this point. At least that's what I hope!

12 miles at a 7:31 pace

Back in the Saddle

Easy 10 today (7:50 avg pace). The ankle/leg was at about 80%. The condition didn't worsen. Matter of fact, it only bothered me when we hit a cambered area.

Week 7 Wrap

I ended this week with 40 miles. Definitely a recovery week, though, not exactly how I had planned it. This morning my leg/ankle felt better (not nearly as tight). I had previously planned to take today off and reluctantly stuck to the script. To keep from getting overly antsy, I did hit up some weights and core work. The workout was good one; hopefully I won't be too sore, because it's been awhile since I've hit the weights hard.

Next week, I'm going to try to be somewhere between 70 and 80 miles, all depends if I run 5 or 6 days. I"m strongly leaning towards 70-75 in 5 days because I have some plans for the weekend, but who knows for sure at this point.

DNS #2

Well, I decided not to run our MLR long run today of 16 miles. When I got up, the inside of my left ankle/lower leg was really tight/achy. Being a down week and still June, I justified an unplanned off day today. Full disclosure, the lower leg/ankle has been a bit of an issue for about one month. this week the discomfort ratcheted up just slightly. Admittedly, I've prolly over done it some over the last three weeks. But, I can't change any of that now. I'm hoping a couple off days will allow me to get on the mend and come back strong starting Monday. I know, EASY!

Easy there

Last full day in Chicago (I leave mid-day tomorrow), and I had planned to have a short/easy one. And I did. Total of 7 miles at avg around 7:30, I ran north again and stayed west of Lakeshore Drive. I saw the soccer field again in the distance (to the east), though it was in use today. The run seemed like it was over before it really got started. Good, I guess.

My legs were a little sore (quads) in the first half mile, but I got going good. I guess the shorter run yesterday allowed me to get some bounce back in my step. I imagine I'll feel good tomorrow and will be ready to have a good one on Saturday. Since this week is supposed to be a down week, I was advised that Saturday should be shorter than usual, 16 miles. It will be the shortest Saturday run I've done in awhile. In reality, it's good that I have some more experienced guys advising me to pull back on the reins some. Because left to my own devices, I just might run myself into the ground. Not that I've ever over done anything before. :-)

Field Turf

today, i went north again once i made to lakeshore drive, but veered left of the main road and found a running trail west of the road. it was a nice trail. along the way, there was what i guess was about a 80 yard soccer field with field turf. i saw some guys coming off the field, and having never run on this type of turf (since it came about after my playing days), i was drawn to it. i ran the length of the field both inbound and outbound to get a feel for it. it was extremely soft/springy...maybe softer than grass. but is was slippery, granted i had on flats, but the surface didn't have the texture a good grass field possesses. so, i'd still favor a good grass field, but i can see why field turf is all the rave these days.

the run -- 9 miles at a 7:40 pace -- i went real easy the first 4 and that shit sucked, so i picked it up some after that. running at an easy effort (in the neighborhood 7:00-7:40) feels a hell of a lot better these days than anything 7:40+. i guess that's a good thing, but only time will tell for sure.

La'Beaches

I went north on the Lakeshore trail today. Boy, the youngins of Chicagoland sure do love their lake-beaches (la'beaches). You'd think these people experienced near Arctic weather 7 months of the year. Truth be told, I'd have probably been doing the same thing when I was in my teens and early 20's, so I can't really hate.

The run: it was hot. I took off at about 4:15; the temp was about 90 w/ 55% humidity...so much for the weather making me soft. I got in 10 easy miles at about a 8:15 pace. I grabbed 10 today because running may be a challenge tomorrow. I hope to get in 7, but will be lucky to get 5. Either way, I think I'll be okay.