Long Run 7-4-09

I went out for my long run on Saturday, an Independence Day long run. The running group was not formally happening due to the store being closed for the holiday so I ran by myself. I still went to Dublin to do the run because I'm just not into long runs in Marysville. I had a great run. I was able enjoy myself and keep myself moving. I found myself thinking in 140 character Twitter bits...that along with well timed songs on my iPod made for a fun run (even though water was scarce).

A few observations:

• I was surprised with how few runners I saw but I guess it was a holiday. Did see several walkers.
• There was a children's fishing tournament going on at the Rec Center. Looked like fun for the kids. My favorite part was the volunteer walking up to the event burning a heater (cigarette). Nice example.
• Passed the Dublin parade set up. A lot of people setting up early to get a good view. Helped me get through that area strong.
  
• Alicia Keys music is perfect to start off a run because I really don't need Metallica when I have 10 miles to go.

I kept remembering how difficult that same route was over the winter. Granted on Saturday I had 3 less layers of clothing and it was wonderful weather but I think in some ways it was a change in attitude. I really feel good about how my running is going now and where I'm going.

First Track Workout

Today was my first track workout of the year. Eight- 400's. I did them all between 1:45 and 1:50. Not the fastest I've ever been but at least I was out. For the next month and a half I am planning on a track workout on Tuesdays and a road speed workout on Thursdays. These runs will be shorter, built for speed. It is hard for me to not try to drive higher mileage after the past couple of years. The mileage will come soon enough I guess.

Are You Addicted?

I'm Ready To Start Now

Well after eight months of half-assed training and a complete disaster of a marathon in Cleveland I'm ready to go after a race goal. Actually I've started picking up the pace over the past month or so. I want to get back to where I was in 2006 where I had a sub-1:44 half marathon. Of course in 2006 I thought every run needed to be all out ~ all the time which lead to a hamstring injury that took a year to heal. In that time all of my speed disappeared.

I'm determined to comeback now. I've decided to run the Rocket City Marathon in Huntsville, Alabama on December 12. There are a couple of reasons I picked this race. First, I went to college at the University of North Alabama which is about an hour from Huntsville. Second, the race isn't until December. This gives me some time to work on speed before really starting to ramp up the mileage. I found a 5K plan in Running Times that I used to build the first 7 weeks of training then I used my 2006 Chicago plan (yeah the one I got hurt using) for the marathon prep. I hope to build my speed and get my weight down by September then build for December 12.

I decided to try to sell out and put the effort into a fall marathon around mile 19 of the Cleveland debacle. I've been getting ready to start by running faster on many of my runs and building my plan. Today I got some additional motivation by reading the latest post by Brianna Glenn, Long Jumper on the US World Championship team that will be heading to Berlin soon. She finished second at the US Championships and made the World Championships team after years of effort, perseverance and commitment. Her post today was an inspiration that made it easy to get out on the road today...Thanks Brianna, Best of luck in Berlin.