Things to consider while running

Ok,
here are the things that you should take notice of while you run. Perhaps to pass the time, perhaps to get the mind off uncooperative running legs.

1. How many swimming pools do you see? How many are empty most of the times you see them regardless of time of day?

2. How many people still use bug zappers? How many people are actually out in the yard appreciating all the work that the zapeprs are doing for them?

3. How many parents bicycling with their kids are not wearing bike helmets while the kids are? How many kids do you see with the bike helmet straps unbuckled (really helpful!)

Marathon training continues. Another 30-something mile week with a long run slightly less long than expected but that was the best loop and it was a good run. Legs are starting to think about speed but they're not 100% convinced it's a good idea yet.

stay tuned.

New Shoes, New PR!

Why is it that when you get new shoes you get faster immediately? Happened to me just today. Beautiful run around Lake Wyola, a little over 100 runners and temps in the 70's. dee-lightful. And the new shoes performed wonderfully as well, no hot spots, no loose fit issues. And a nearly 2min PR for the distance (4.8miles)

I love summer running. The woods are absolutely alive and green and the smells of summer are everywhere. Gotta watch out though in the woods, rounding a corner in the woods last week, miles from anywhere what should I run into? A Black Bear!!
Not exactly the ideal sight. Fortunately for me it was walking perpendicular to me on the trail and crossed and went into the woods. I heard it crashing away as I made myself conspicuous. Phew!

1 week into marathon training. The total milage: Around 30, depending on how I count my long run lost in the woods. So I came in a little high from the estimate plan but took a few late week days off and the legs felt good racing today. Temps are expected to rise this week and the 90's will be upon me so we'll see what I can do with that.
Woods runs might have to happen, that or pool/swimming runs and late day evening runs.
It does feel good to be running as much as I am. The endurance is not quite there but it's coming, it's coming.

Old Dog, New Tricks

Ok, folks.
By popular demand, I have started a del.icio.us list.
So here for your enjoyment here it is. If you have a link I should have, Pass it On!
http://del.icio.us/cavetoad

happy surfing!

Not back on it, Still on it

Well the miles are piling on and the weather continues to cooperate.
I feel like my legs are back from their hiatus. They're ready to run fast and furious again. The real test might be that first long-ish run coming later this week, and the killer hilly 4.5 miler on the schedule this weekend. I think it's a byproduct of being on vacation, all those brain cells previously dedicated solely to work have been liberated and can now work on running again.
I took the time to set up and plan a real schedule for the fall marathon. Here goes.
Week 1: 25 miles Long run: 11 miles
Week 2: 30 miles Long run: 15 miles
Week 3: 30 miles Long run: 18 miles
Week 4: 35 miles Long run: 15 miles
Week 5: 40 miles Long run: 16 miles
Week 6: 45 miles Long run: 18 miles
Week 7 : 50 miles Long run: 20 miles
Week 8: 45 miles Long run: 18 miles
Week 9: 50 miles Long run 20+ miles
Week 10: 45 miles Long run 18 miles
Week 11: 50 miles Long run 20 miles
Week 12: 40 miles Long run 16 miles
Week 13: 30 miles Long run 12 miles
Week 14: 10 miles Long run 10 miles

Off we go!

A new PR!

Hooray!
At long last with very little training, a new Personal Record. I believe I may have found a way to set a new PR in every race. The trick? My secret? I should charge money for this. I'd be rich.
Run a different distance race every time. Never go back. Every one is different, every one a PR for that distance! Is that genius or what!

Seriously I traveled to the Worcester Memorial Firefighters 6k. (6 after the 6 Firefighters who lost their lives in the Warehouse Fire 8 years ago).
It was a great, well run and well attended race. About 1000 runners and clear city streets to run on. No hills to speak of made it an easy not-really-racing-race for me. And there was family at the finish for me with snacks.

But I must say that a little racing did whet my appetite for more. I may train for that marathon after all...
stay tuned!