Sometimes you go out and your run just isn't what you bargained for. You struggle for reasons you can't seem to poinpoint. I had one of those runs yesterday.
I should preface by saying my run on Tuesday was wonderful. It was a hard pace run 80 to 85 % of my 5K pace for 7 miles. I was able to keep pace and felt good (other than one stop at the bathroom). My knee felt good, the weather was perfect, it was an awesome run.
Wednesday rolls around and before I even get out of bed I hear it...the wind. If you've followed this blog you know by now that I am not a wind person. I drag myself from the comfort of the bed, eat, get dressed, and decide to take a route that I've not taken before thinking that it would preoccupy my thoughts enough that I would not notice the wind. It is 8:00 in the morning and I decide to cross the 51 bridge which is about a mile from our house and wander into a couple of the neighborhoods there and run back. A couple of things I notice as I am running toward Weatherford; first there are a LOT of people driving in to work in Granbury, way too much traffic crossing the bridge, second it's a damn long way across that bridge with this much traffic. But what do I do? I keep going.
I get to the other side and cross the highway into a neighborhood, nice! It's quiet and the wind is blocked by some very nice trees. This part is good and I wander enjoying some new scenery. This days run is to be a moderate paced run 75% effort and I am able to stay with it although I am struggling, my legs are tired from the day before.
With about two miles left it's time to head for home so I run out to the highway and turn toward the bridge...AAAAHHHHH the WIND hits, a head wind all the way up the highway across the bridge (not as much traffic going this direction) I felt as though I would blow right off the bridge and the very large trucks passing me at 60 MPH didn't help! And then the end of the bridge to the street we live on is...well... up hill with a head wind. WHAT WAS I THINKING?????
As I turn on to our street the wind is no longer a head wind although not a tail wind either it is at least easier and our street has a slight downhill slant from this point. As I turn the song "Winds of Change" by the Scorpians comes on the shuffle. How ironic, and as I head for the house I notice how the wind is working it's way through and around the large trees that line the road. The leaves are starting to change and occassionaly a few leaves fall around me. Listening to this song while watching the wind do it's magic with the leaves I feel a sense of accomplishment. Tough run? Yes, but ending it like this...that is priceless!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
Time Slides By
It has been some time since I've blogged. Many things have happened in that time so this blog will be somewhat of a summary of life after October 7th when I last posted.
I officially started training for the Rock and Roll Vegas Half Marathon. Many of my runs Terry joins me even though his training plan is a bit different than mine. My hard days (Tuesday) are killing me. Running at 90% effort is tough when you do it for a longer distance 6-7 miles at this point. Wednesdays are moderate runs (50 - 70% effort). These are easier but coming off of Tuesday they seem tough. My long runs are up to 13 miles now and sometimes she has me do an easy/hard run so that the first half is more like a long warm up and the second half is like a race. I actually enjoy those and seem to do well.
The week after the 7th I found myself flying to Minneapolis, MN for personal reasons. I cannot really go into the reason for my visit there, I left on Thursday very early in the morning and returned home late on the next Monday. While there I did have the opportunity to do some exploring and running around the many lakes and beautiful trails. Wow! It was amazing to run there and I will write more about this specifically when I can. There are so many trails that you can get through the entire city and to St. Paul without ever leaving a path. And they have the paths for bikes separated from the path for walking/running. I met some very nice runners who helped me to get my bearings and that is when I began my organic revival. Yeah you got that right! We are now eating as organically as possible as well as cutting out sugar where we can (especially added sugars), and also working on eating gluten free. The gluten free is not critical for us but it is part of the "eating clean" way of life. Basically lots of organic protien and veggies with fruits on the side. I was feeling very good and having more energy and then...
I came home, ate pretty well, and Terry and I flew out to South Carolina where we spent a few days with our son's future in-laws. They are so much like us it's uncanny. We have a wonderful time together and can't wait to get together again. They too are normally healthy eaters but when company comes we all eat poorly and what do you expect in South Carolina? Especially up in the mountains away from the cities where southern food is really SOUTHERN! We ate and ate and ate, lots of fat, sugar, and yummy things. I had to do an 11 mile run while there and happen to be in Clemson SC that day so I ran there. Clemson is not a big place so it took a few loops around campus and town to get my miles in. Very hilly, but an awesome run in the rain and 48 degree weather. Then we moved to Anderson, SC which is where Gin's parents live. They are runners/swimmers as well so we ran together 6 miles on Monday. They live in a beautiful area and although very hilly the running was amazing. 48 degrees or so and sunny, perfect! Terry and I then ran on Wednesday too before heading out to Greenville for awhile and then to the airport. While there we saw the church for the wedding, the reception venue, and booked the rehearsal dinner at Table Rock Lodge. Things are moving along quickly.
We got home late on Wednesday night, cross training on Thursday, 5 easy on Friday, cross on Saturday and yesterday Terry ran 11 and I ran 13 in Weatherford on the Rails to Trails (one of our favorite places) and then had a big breakfast at our favorite diner there. Today I swam and will do yoga, tomorrow is another hard run day...sigh...I dread those days.
My knee is holding up. It swells in the back and that part hurts but not while running so I am hoping it will get used to the hard work and quit swelling at some point.
Now you are up to date. Hopefully my posts will be a little more entertaining now that I'm back.
I officially started training for the Rock and Roll Vegas Half Marathon. Many of my runs Terry joins me even though his training plan is a bit different than mine. My hard days (Tuesday) are killing me. Running at 90% effort is tough when you do it for a longer distance 6-7 miles at this point. Wednesdays are moderate runs (50 - 70% effort). These are easier but coming off of Tuesday they seem tough. My long runs are up to 13 miles now and sometimes she has me do an easy/hard run so that the first half is more like a long warm up and the second half is like a race. I actually enjoy those and seem to do well.
The week after the 7th I found myself flying to Minneapolis, MN for personal reasons. I cannot really go into the reason for my visit there, I left on Thursday very early in the morning and returned home late on the next Monday. While there I did have the opportunity to do some exploring and running around the many lakes and beautiful trails. Wow! It was amazing to run there and I will write more about this specifically when I can. There are so many trails that you can get through the entire city and to St. Paul without ever leaving a path. And they have the paths for bikes separated from the path for walking/running. I met some very nice runners who helped me to get my bearings and that is when I began my organic revival. Yeah you got that right! We are now eating as organically as possible as well as cutting out sugar where we can (especially added sugars), and also working on eating gluten free. The gluten free is not critical for us but it is part of the "eating clean" way of life. Basically lots of organic protien and veggies with fruits on the side. I was feeling very good and having more energy and then...
I came home, ate pretty well, and Terry and I flew out to South Carolina where we spent a few days with our son's future in-laws. They are so much like us it's uncanny. We have a wonderful time together and can't wait to get together again. They too are normally healthy eaters but when company comes we all eat poorly and what do you expect in South Carolina? Especially up in the mountains away from the cities where southern food is really SOUTHERN! We ate and ate and ate, lots of fat, sugar, and yummy things. I had to do an 11 mile run while there and happen to be in Clemson SC that day so I ran there. Clemson is not a big place so it took a few loops around campus and town to get my miles in. Very hilly, but an awesome run in the rain and 48 degree weather. Then we moved to Anderson, SC which is where Gin's parents live. They are runners/swimmers as well so we ran together 6 miles on Monday. They live in a beautiful area and although very hilly the running was amazing. 48 degrees or so and sunny, perfect! Terry and I then ran on Wednesday too before heading out to Greenville for awhile and then to the airport. While there we saw the church for the wedding, the reception venue, and booked the rehearsal dinner at Table Rock Lodge. Things are moving along quickly.
We got home late on Wednesday night, cross training on Thursday, 5 easy on Friday, cross on Saturday and yesterday Terry ran 11 and I ran 13 in Weatherford on the Rails to Trails (one of our favorite places) and then had a big breakfast at our favorite diner there. Today I swam and will do yoga, tomorrow is another hard run day...sigh...I dread those days.
My knee is holding up. It swells in the back and that part hurts but not while running so I am hoping it will get used to the hard work and quit swelling at some point.
Now you are up to date. Hopefully my posts will be a little more entertaining now that I'm back.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Faster Paces
With this recovery effort I've run slow miles with the intent of getting my knee used to running again, used to the miles of pounding. Everything has gone well.
Yesterday was the first day of my new schedule which includes some faster paces and I am feeling it. After complaining for so long about always having to run slow I now wonder why I don't just keep running slow.
Yesterday was a "hard" 6 mile run. A "hard" run according to my coach is 80 to 85% effort or a 5 to 10K pace. Well other than a couple of 5K races I've not run that kind of effort in some time and especially not for 6 miles! I head out the door and notice that it's warm, humid, balmy. Not good fast running weather for me. I struggle some and start out too fast, had to stop twice to go to the bathroom and two more times just to breathe!
I was able to make it through, it's exciting to have some variety of speed, but boy was it tough.
Today was a moderate 6 miler, much easier as the weather turned cool and somewhat dryer. My knee is a little stiff, otherwise all is good.
Back on the road and loving it.
Yesterday was the first day of my new schedule which includes some faster paces and I am feeling it. After complaining for so long about always having to run slow I now wonder why I don't just keep running slow.
Yesterday was a "hard" 6 mile run. A "hard" run according to my coach is 80 to 85% effort or a 5 to 10K pace. Well other than a couple of 5K races I've not run that kind of effort in some time and especially not for 6 miles! I head out the door and notice that it's warm, humid, balmy. Not good fast running weather for me. I struggle some and start out too fast, had to stop twice to go to the bathroom and two more times just to breathe!
I was able to make it through, it's exciting to have some variety of speed, but boy was it tough.
Today was a moderate 6 miler, much easier as the weather turned cool and somewhat dryer. My knee is a little stiff, otherwise all is good.
Back on the road and loving it.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Another Wonderful Day
How does a day like this start? What gets the ball rolling so to speak.
Today it started with the alarm going off at 6:00 am and with hearing the rain pattering on the roof, turn the alarm off and cuddle up to snooze further into the morning. Rain does that to you.
A slow rise later in the morning, well ok 7:30 or 8:00, stumble down to make coffee. Will we run? Not now, it's rainy and the coffee smells so good! Cuddle on the couch for a few hours, surfing the net, reading a magazine, watching something on the history channel anout aliens, drinking good fresh ground coffee while listening to the rain on the tin roof of the deck.
Time to fish! Terry catches a nice catfish as we sit in the swing at the dock enjoying a great morning. Oops out of worms, time for our run I guess.
At the beach parking to run. Six mile run goes smoothly in the cool cloudy wet weather. Nice to run without getting up at the crack of dawn.
Then it's off to get a healthy sub before heading to the grocery store and the bait store, we have no food in the fridge and no more worms to fish with! Home now groceries unpacked...it's misty and cool, jazz on the stereo, opened a bottle of merlot. Relaxing afternoon. Time to fish some more, Terry heads down, I stay and enjoy the jazz and wine, he fishes and enjoys his beer.
Perfect harmony.
Today it started with the alarm going off at 6:00 am and with hearing the rain pattering on the roof, turn the alarm off and cuddle up to snooze further into the morning. Rain does that to you.
A slow rise later in the morning, well ok 7:30 or 8:00, stumble down to make coffee. Will we run? Not now, it's rainy and the coffee smells so good! Cuddle on the couch for a few hours, surfing the net, reading a magazine, watching something on the history channel anout aliens, drinking good fresh ground coffee while listening to the rain on the tin roof of the deck.
Time to fish! Terry catches a nice catfish as we sit in the swing at the dock enjoying a great morning. Oops out of worms, time for our run I guess.
At the beach parking to run. Six mile run goes smoothly in the cool cloudy wet weather. Nice to run without getting up at the crack of dawn.
Then it's off to get a healthy sub before heading to the grocery store and the bait store, we have no food in the fridge and no more worms to fish with! Home now groceries unpacked...it's misty and cool, jazz on the stereo, opened a bottle of merlot. Relaxing afternoon. Time to fish some more, Terry heads down, I stay and enjoy the jazz and wine, he fishes and enjoys his beer.
Perfect harmony.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Run, Wine, Jazz, Kimball Museum, Rain
People occassionally ask us what it's like to be "empty nesters". Well today is a good example of our empty nest Saturdays.
We woke up at 5:45 AM, ate breakfast and had a cup of coffee (or two). Then we hopped into the jeep (top on because there were chances of rain) and drove to Grapevine. In Grapevine we drove to Delaney Vineyars where we participated in The Vineyard Run. A nice little 5K race which we ran in decent time although not our fastest, having done no speed work in a very long time we actually ran pretty well. The course was good but did consist of two pretty big hills and then a nice downhill to the finish.
Afterward and along with 1000+ of our friends we listened to a wonderful jazz band and sampled wines from the vineyard, and it was only 10:00 in the morning! We stayed around for the awards, although we did not win anything, too many fast people in the Dallas area! We bought a couple bottles of wine and some dark chocolate and took off for P.F. Chang's.
By the time we arrived at PF's we were starving so we ate well and then headed out for the Museum to see a wonderful exhibition called Butcher's, Dragons, Gods, and Skeletons. A great collection of paintings from antiquity to the 20th century and some pre-columbian art. We spent a couple of hours there and when we went outside it was raining.
We made a quick trip to Academy so that Terry could buy some new running shoes. His cost $40 and he loves them, mine cost over $100...I can't find cheap ones I like...what's up with that?
Then a quick 30 minute drive home in the rain, but first we stopped at Braums for a small cup of ice cream, peppermint for me, mint chocolate chip for Terry.
Now we are home. Watched Tech win a football game and now heading to the dock where Terry is fishing in the rain and just caught a bass. Guess I better get myself down there and join him I don't want him catching them all.
Back to the question, "what's it like being empty nesters?", well for us it's a time to be sad when we wish they were here to share more of our lives, and it's also a time to enjoy each other without the interruption of children's activities. We enjoy each others company and find that being each others best friend is better and better with each passing day.
We woke up at 5:45 AM, ate breakfast and had a cup of coffee (or two). Then we hopped into the jeep (top on because there were chances of rain) and drove to Grapevine. In Grapevine we drove to Delaney Vineyars where we participated in The Vineyard Run. A nice little 5K race which we ran in decent time although not our fastest, having done no speed work in a very long time we actually ran pretty well. The course was good but did consist of two pretty big hills and then a nice downhill to the finish.
Afterward and along with 1000+ of our friends we listened to a wonderful jazz band and sampled wines from the vineyard, and it was only 10:00 in the morning! We stayed around for the awards, although we did not win anything, too many fast people in the Dallas area! We bought a couple bottles of wine and some dark chocolate and took off for P.F. Chang's.
By the time we arrived at PF's we were starving so we ate well and then headed out for the Museum to see a wonderful exhibition called Butcher's, Dragons, Gods, and Skeletons. A great collection of paintings from antiquity to the 20th century and some pre-columbian art. We spent a couple of hours there and when we went outside it was raining.
We made a quick trip to Academy so that Terry could buy some new running shoes. His cost $40 and he loves them, mine cost over $100...I can't find cheap ones I like...what's up with that?
Then a quick 30 minute drive home in the rain, but first we stopped at Braums for a small cup of ice cream, peppermint for me, mint chocolate chip for Terry.
Now we are home. Watched Tech win a football game and now heading to the dock where Terry is fishing in the rain and just caught a bass. Guess I better get myself down there and join him I don't want him catching them all.
Back to the question, "what's it like being empty nesters?", well for us it's a time to be sad when we wish they were here to share more of our lives, and it's also a time to enjoy each other without the interruption of children's activities. We enjoy each others company and find that being each others best friend is better and better with each passing day.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Week after Vacation
Sigh...I can't seem to get into anything the week after vacation. I've run and I've gone to yoga but I cannot seem to get back into swimmming...sigh. And of course there is that slight "depression" that you get when you miss the place you feel you really belong. That's how this week has been.
There is a good reason why spiders are so much a part of Halloween. This time of year they build enormous webs seemingly in the middle of nowhere. Terry and I went out to run early on Tuesday morning and even though it did not appear that we were near any structure that would provide a spider the foundation for building a web, we found ourselves running right into the snare over and over. What is up with that?
Cooler weather is again gathering here, yesterday it rained softly all morning and so I ran in the rain. I love running in the rain, there is something so refreshing about those drops from heaven. And of course the cooler weather is wonderful, the flowers are again in bloom its amazing to run through the neighborhoods and see the beauty of fall unfolding.
Tomorrow Terry and I are off to Grapevine to run The Vineyard Run. It is a 5K through a vineyard and afterward they serve wine and play jazz. It's great being so close to a large running community, so much to be involved in.
I will be running it slow as we are now training for the Vegas Half and so we will run long Sunday. We don't want to mess with the knee you know!
Will let you know how it goes.
There is a good reason why spiders are so much a part of Halloween. This time of year they build enormous webs seemingly in the middle of nowhere. Terry and I went out to run early on Tuesday morning and even though it did not appear that we were near any structure that would provide a spider the foundation for building a web, we found ourselves running right into the snare over and over. What is up with that?
Cooler weather is again gathering here, yesterday it rained softly all morning and so I ran in the rain. I love running in the rain, there is something so refreshing about those drops from heaven. And of course the cooler weather is wonderful, the flowers are again in bloom its amazing to run through the neighborhoods and see the beauty of fall unfolding.
Tomorrow Terry and I are off to Grapevine to run The Vineyard Run. It is a 5K through a vineyard and afterward they serve wine and play jazz. It's great being so close to a large running community, so much to be involved in.
I will be running it slow as we are now training for the Vegas Half and so we will run long Sunday. We don't want to mess with the knee you know!
Will let you know how it goes.
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